Planning a weekend getaway from the city just got easier.
USA TODAY 10BEST recently released its rankings for the best family resorts in the United States, and a stunning historic getaway right in our backyard took top honors for New York State.
Mohonk Mountain House landed at No. 3 in the nation, making it the highest-ranked New York destination on the list. Located in New Paltz, this legendary mountain retreat is just 90 miles north of NYC, offering an ideal escape without the hassle of a flight.
A Victorian castle hidden in the Hudson Valley
Founded in 1869, Mohonk Mountain House looks like something straight out of a fairytale. The National Historic Landmark has been owned and operated by the Smiley family for over 150 years.
The sprawling Victorian castle features 262 guestrooms, 138 wood-burning fireplaces, and hall after hall lined with over 2,000 original pieces of art. Over its celebrated history, the resort has hosted distinguished artists, musicians, and even five former US Presidents.
An all-inclusive mountain playground
One of the biggest perks of staying at Mohonk is that it operates as an all-inclusive resort. Most of the property’s endless outdoor activities are already built into the nightly rate.
Guests have access to over 85 miles of hiking trails, rock scrambling through the famous Lemon Squeeze, and water activities on glacial-formed Lake Mohonk. You can spend your days paddleboarding, kayaking, playing tennis, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the woods. In the winter, the open-air pavilion transforms into an ice-skating rink complete with a 39-foot stone fireplace.
For parents looking to unwind, the resort offers a complimentary year-round Kids’ Club with daily activities for children and teens.
Gourmet dining and world-class spa relaxation
Your stay includes three meals per day, plus afternoon tea and non-alcoholic beverages.
You can dine on farm-to-table cuisine in the grand Main Dining Room, taste global flavors at Founders, or grab summer barbecue favorites at The Granary, an outdoor dining spot overlooking the lake and cliffs.
If relaxation is your top priority, the resort’s 30,000-square-foot spa features an outdoor heated mineral pool, steam rooms, and saunas. You can even book a massage in the Lakeview Summerhouse, an outdoor treatment room set right among the trees.
Plan your visit
- 📍 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY
- Distance from NYC: ~90 miles (roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive)
- 💸 Nightly rates start at $1,245 for two adults (includes meals and most activities)