If you’re looking for a little winter getaway from the city filled with scenic escapes, we’ve got you covered with these weekend getaways. Most of these ideas came from Secret NYC readers themselves, responding to a survey on our Instagram story. So, thank YOU.
We don’t know about you, but we’re already planning our next trip!
1. The Catskills
The NY region alongside the stunning Catskills Mountains is quite large, and boasts loads of hiking, farm-fresh goods, and a much slower pace than NYC. Some popular towns include: Phoenicia, Woodstock, and Rhinebeck (see #12!). Find out more at VisitTheCatskills.com.
2. Burlington, VT
Looking for a weekend skiing trip this winter? Head to Burlington, Vermont where you can ski, snowshoe, and skate to your heart’s content! It’s a snowy dreamland that feels like the perfect snow resort town to enjoy for a few days! Plus, while you’re not doing sports, you can eat and drink through Church Street Marketplace, take in views of Lake Champlain, and catch a show at century old theater The Flynn!
3. Boston, MA
Pay our friends over in Boston a visit to have a weekend at one of the East Coast’s best cities. You can spend a day of the weekend at Maratha’s Vineyard, a night at a Boston Bruins game, and even eating your way through the delicious Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
4. Philadelphia, PA
Just a short train or drive away is Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love! During the wintertime, you can check out the Philadelphia Eagles and Flyers play, or you can partake in wintry activities like strolling through Dilworth Park, skating around the rink at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, catching the Philadelphia Auto Show, and so much more! Check out the best things to do in Philadelphia here.
5. Lake Placid, NY
Over 5 hours away from New York City, Lake Placid deserves to be an entire weekend excursion. Of course the wintry destination is prime for skiing and snowboarding, but the former 1980 Olympics location has tons of attractions to see like the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex, Lake Placid Olympic Museum, and more! Not to mention the nearby Whiteface Mountain, picturesque Mirror Lake, and more!
6. Lake George, NY
During the warmer months, this cute beach town near NYC is most known for its beautiful lakes, rivers, and streams. In the winter, it’s even more beautiful when everything freezes over and becomes covered in snow! You can book weekend lodges here, as well as explore immersive experience Lake George Winter’s Dream, the Lake George Winter Carnival, and more! Learn more here.
7. Washington, D.C.
According to our friends over in D.C. there’s tons to do there in the winter! I mean, how does a show at Capital One Arena, a performance by The Washington Ballet, or simply just wandering around to enjoy whatever surprises you stumble upon sound? Pretty good, we know.
8. Cold Spring, NY
Another New York town along the scenic Hudson River, Cold Spring is only 50 miles north of Manhattan and boasts rich history, a thriving Main Street with everything from coffee shops to antique shops, and rolling hills. You can even walk right along the river’s edge! Find out more here.
9. Newport, RI
Just a few states over lies Rhode Island, where one of our favorite weekend destinations Newport resides! There’s tons here to make it a great trip, including journeying down Ocean Drive, checking out the Lefrak Point Lighthouse, pretending you’re in ‘Saltburn’ and touring huge mansions, and so much more! Check out even more things to do in Newport, RI here.
10. Miami, FL
How about a weekend getaway that’s a short flight away? We know how much you’re missing the warm weather and beaches right now, so why not book a trip to Florida?! There’s so much to do, including lounging around at South Beach, admiring art in Wynwood, and try out the hottest restaurants in the country. Check out the best things to do in Miami here.
11. Beacon, NY
Beacon is a quaint little town up in the Hudson Valley area of New York, with an especially artsy influence. It’s known for its whiskey distilleries and glass-blown art, and you can even take a glass blowing class while you’re there! Their Main Street also has lovely little shops. Check out more here.
12. Rhinebeck, NY
Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, this quaint town boasts views of the Catskills as well as lots of local business love. From specialty shops to boutique farms to historic homes, and lots of winter hiking opportunities, it’s the perfect place to swap the big city blues for small town charm. Learn more here.
13. Bear Mountain & Harriman State Parks
Bear Mountain and Harriman State Park are only a little over an hour outside the city, but will definitely feel like you’re in a different world. Hike to the top of Bear Mountain for amazing views, and then reward yourself with dinner and drinks at the historic Bear Mountain Inn. Or, if you want something even simpler, pack your own supplies and camp out at the smaller Harriman State Park down the road. Find out more about Bear Mountain here and Harriman here.
14. Long Island, NY
The “North Fork” of Long Island may not be quite as known as the popular Hamptons, but it’s just as stunning! Wineries are the name of the game here–some of our favorite ones can be found here–plus there are beach-front Airbnbs, and plenty of farm-fresh cuisine. Learn more here.
Check out this all-inclusive day trip for a quick and easy tour of the vineyards this summer!
15. Princeton, NJ
Head across the river to New Jersey for a trip to one of America’s most historic towns. The first sessions of the Continental Congress took place there, plus of course the famous Ivy League university of the same name dates back to the 18th century. There are tons of restaurants, plus theatre and antique shops. Find out more here.