It’s OK to admit that sometimes you need a break from the rise and grind of New York City. While winter brings with it a plethora of snow-covered destinations, summertime in the city brings with it hot, sticky, humid and hazy weather that even die-hard New Yorkers need to escape from. (Hello, summering in the Hamptons.) So, just when you find yourself in need of such a break, I’ve found 12 summer weekend getaways—all within driving distance of the Big Apple—where you can get a much-needed change of scenery while soaking in the sun. To compile these recommendations, I tapped fellow PureWow editors who spilled their favorite destinations—including Asbury Park on the Jersey Shore, the bucolic Hudson Valley and rugged Catskills—plus where to eat, shop and stay. From Memorial Day onward, get the R&R you deserve and spend a few days unwinding at one of these local getaways.
12 Summer Weekend Getaways from NYC to Book ASAP
from Phoenicia to Shelter Island
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
1. Stamford, CT
- Where to Stay: The Stamford Hotel (from $110/night), Courtyard Stamford Downtown (from $306/night), Harbor Point Loft (from $195/night, sleeps 4)
PureWow Associate Sales and Deals Editor Destinee Scott is a regular visitor to Stamford, Connecticut, as it’s less than an hour away from her home in Harlem. “I always stay at The Stamford Hotel,” she says. “It’s not far from the beach, and there are so many cute restaurants within a ten-block radius. The Hudson Social is one of my go-to spots. The food is top tier and the portions are great—I love the breakfast pizza and bottomless mimosas on the weekend. Blackstones Steakhouse is also good. I’m a huge fan of their loaded baked potato. There are also several movie theaters (one even has a bar) and a mall so you won’t get bored. This is a great affordable, low effort option for a summer weekend getaway.”
The bar in question is AMC Majestic 6. Though, you’d be remiss to not swing by the Stamford Cellar Bar in the Stamford Arts Center. You can catch everything from new releases to re-runs of beloved classics (Pride & Prejudice, anyone?), in addition to live jazz and other musical acts. As Scott notes, the Stamford Town Center features an open-air shopping center with classic mall brands and boutique offerings.
2. Saugerties, NY
- Where to Stay: Hotel Lilien (from $313/night), Autocamp Catskills (from $153/night), Catskills A-Frame (from $450/night, sleeps 4)
When it comes to the best small towns in the Catskills, PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint heads to Saugerties every summer. “I take my kids to the charming village beach and to see the Saugerties Stallions baseball team,” she says. “I spend my days perusing vintage shops and the used book store on Main Street. And, the 4th of July parade and fireworks just might be the most wholesome in America.”
There are two bookshops in Saugerties. Quint’s beloved mainstay is Our Bookshop, with a staggering collection of over 25,000 old, rare and used books. (They also stock vinyl.) Just around the corner is Inquiring Minds Bookstore & Cafe. As for the vintage and antique shops, your best bet is to start at the Saugerties Antiques Center and use that as a jumping point to the D&H Canal Sunday Market, Antiques at Water Street Market and other treasure troves.
3. Asbury Park, NJ
- Where to Stay: Asbury Ocean Club Hotel (from $664/night), The Asbury Hotel (from $323/night), Surfers Beach Carriage House (from $549/night, sleeps 5)
If you want to get out of New York proper for a summer weekend getaway, PureWow Executive Editor Alexia Dellner heads to Asbury Park in New Jersey. “The Jersey Shore town has long been a favorite for rock 'n roll fans (Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi both got their start here), as well as the LGBTQ+ community and architecture buffs, but it somehow still feels like a bit of an underrated destination for most travelers,” she says.
Dellner tells me that the town’s main event is by far The Stone Pony, a venue that’s launched the careers of many local artists. Music buffs will also want to check out Wonder Bar (with a Yappy Hour for your pet) and The Saint (who’s seen the likes of Creed, Jewel, Joey Ramone, Cake and more). If you have kids in tow, Dellner highly recommends the boardwalk, along with Silverball Retro Arcade and its 175 pin ball machines. “My 4-year-old son was thrilled to explore this space (they have stools you can take with you from game to game so littles can reach up to play), while I hung out with his 2-year-old sister outside testing out some of the kiddie rides and walking on the beach.”
4. Greenport, NY
- Where to Stay: Sound View Greenport (from $431/night), The Stirling House Waterfront Inn (from $582/night), The Greenport Bungalow (from $339/night)
Drive out on Long Island, and eventually you’ll hit the region of North Fork. According to PureWow Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater, the town of Greenport is one of the best summer weekend getaways from NYC. First, she beelines to The Halyard for sunset views, a cocktail and snack at The Piano Bar. For brunch, Stiefvater enjoys dropping by First and South, known for serving locally-sourced ingredients, including seafood. There’s also live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. When shopping, she recommends The Times, a secondhand shop with vintage gems in a former newspaper office.
5. New Paltz, NY
- Where to Stay: Mohonk Mountain House (from $1,079/night), Moondance Ridge Bed & Breakfast (from $218/night), Stone House 1807 (from $331/night, sleeps 4)
New Paltz’s most dazzling attraction is, by far, the Mohonk Mountain House. Of course, there are local gems like Historic Huguenot Street, Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mohonk Preserve, but if you really want some R&R on a summer weekend getaway from NYC, you’ll check yourself into the all-inclusive resort ASAP. The destination is loved by several PureWow staffers, including Gallery Media Group’s Chief Brand Officer, Mary Kate McGrath.
“Have you seen Dirty Dancing? I have—a few hundred times. Going to Mohonk for a few days feels like the closest you could get to that experience of a grand resort tucked away in the trees but now with WiFi and a spa. It’s a 262-room manse high above a little lake, surrounded by forest and gorges that scream 'hike me after breakfast and before a massage,” she explains.
“There’s plenty of programming including wellness, archery and arts and crafts, but you’d be silly to not spend an afternoon rocking in one of the dozens of rocking chairs on the expansive porch overlooking the property. I’m a fan of ‘dressing for dinner,’ so walking down the long halls at Mohonk in La Double J to the big dining room for dinner is an end in itself. Try to snag a seat overlooking the mountains; I did, and this could have been my second glass from the impressive wine list, but I swear I saw two hawks soar like Jennifer Grey.”
The all-inclusive rates mean three meals, afternoon tea, yoga, meditation, fitness classes and more to help you maximize your weekend.
6. Shelter Island, NY
- Where to Stay: West Neck Guest House (from $348/night), The Pridwin Hotel and Cottages (from $1,038/night), Shelter Island Cottage (from $473/night, sleeps 6)
Another one of McGrath’s favorite summer weekend getaways from NYC is Shelter Island. “Grab a sandwich at Marie Eiffel and bike to the beach,” she recommends. “Also, trivia night at The Rams Head Inn is so fun and local-y.” You’ll also want to make sure to explore the Shelter Island Historical Society and pick up provisions at Sylvester Manor. The latter also plays host to various concerts and cultural events throughout the year. Those who love exploring the outdoors will want to meander through the 11 miles of coastline, creeks, woodland and fields of Mashomack Preserve. But, if all you want is to sunbathe on Wades Beach, no one’s telling.
7. Nantucket, MA
- Where to Stay: Jared Coffin House (from $345/night), The Wauwinet (from $1,095/night), Nantucket Cottage (from $349/night, sleeps 2)
Newport, Rhode Island, is just a three-hour drive from Manhattan. But, if you have a longer weekend and an extra three hours to spare, you can be on Nantucket—the epitome of a summer destination. McGrath’s little secret is the small enclave of Wauwinet on the east side of the island. It’s home to a luxe eponymous resort overlooking the northern shore. “It’s a little quieter than its storied neighbors in Newport,” she says. “It has an incredible back lawn that overlooks an inlet from the nearby ocean…everything just beckons you for sunset cocktails. You can spend days at the beach just on the other side of the inlet and they even have a sweet little boat that can take you for tours.”
While the resort is fairly isolated (and therefore peaceful), driving into town only takes 20 minutes, giving you full access to the bustle of Nantucket. That includes Brant Point Lighthouse, The Whaling Museum and Main Town, which is overflowing with boutiques.
8. Beacon, NY
- Where to Stay: Victorian Apartment (from $177/night, sleeps 5), Rustic Spa Retreat (from $167/night, sleeps 2), 1870 Brick Home (from $163/night, sleeps 4)
PureWow Associate Editor of News and Entertainment, Nakeisha Campbell, tells me Beacon makes you feel like you’re on the set of a Hallmark movie. The best part is that it’s just over an hour’s drive from Manhattan. “There's a charming little town with a strip of small shops, museums and restaurants along Main Street, and I just couldn’t get over how peaceful and picturesque it all looked,” she says. “There are quite a few things to do, too, like hiking or doing a tour of Bannerman Castle on the Hudson River. It’s a fantastic place to unwind and clear your head.” This Hudson Valley town is also known for its contemporary art gallery, Dia Beacon, housed in a former Nabisco box-printing factory, and charming little waterfall. (The best views of it come from The Roundhouse.)
9. The Hamptons, NY
- Where to Stay: Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa (from $785/night), Marram (from $749/night), Sea Crest Resort (from $412/night)
If you ask PureWow Associate Editor Sydney Meister about the best summer weekend getaways from NYC, she’ll hands down say the Hamptons. “I’ve been going to the Hamptons since I was a kid. I’d say if you’re planning to splurge, Topping Rose House, Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, Marram and The Roundtree are worth every penny. You get what you pay for when it comes to service and amenities (not to mention the food), and the location can’t be beat,” she says.
“As for more affordable stays: Sea Crest is my family’s go-to if you want something casual, beachy and close to Lobster Roll. My top places: Dopo La Spiaggia in Sag Harbor is my all-time favorite for Italian. Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill is great for a rainy day. Stephen’s Talkhouse is a must if you’re looking for live music (though be prepared to wait in a crazy line). As for shopping—most of the boutiques I grew up with in East and South Hampton have been replaced by Prada and Chanel. But you can still find some cute, one-of-a-kind shops in West Hampton. And of course, my all-time favorite beach is Cooper’s in South Hampton, though I’ve recently migrated to Ditch Plains in Montauk, which is great for bonfires/ bigger crowds who want to drink and hang on the beach at night.”
10. Phoenicia, NY
- Where to Stay: The Graham & Co. (from $155/night), Phoenicia Lodge (from $194/night), Cozy Catskills Cottage (from $194/night, sleeps 4)
As someone who lives for antiques (particularly vintage kitchen wares and home goods), Phoenicia is constantly on my mind. Why? All my most stylish friends come here to thrift. This hamlet is a couple hours north of Manhattan, east of Woodstock in the Catskills. While it does have your typical small-town trappings, this one is for the antique lovers who want to make a weekend of it. Phoenicia Arts & Antiques, Mystery Spot Antiques, Antiques at Rick’s Barn and Reservoir Antique Mall are all great starting points. Drop into an old-fashioned country store, The Nest Egg, and pick up handmade soap at Phoenicia Soap Co. if you have room in your trunk when the weekend’s over.
11. Hudson, NY
- Where to Stay: The Nest (from $176/night), Hudson Whaler Hotel (from $233/night), Historic Hudson Apartment (from $277/night, sleeps 4)
When it comes to small towns in the Hudson Valley, don’t overlook its namesake. “Hudson is such a cute town with a surprisingly lovely downtown and tons of antique shops, art galleries and restaurants that run the gamut from high end to fast-casual,” says PureWow Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay. “Hit up the Hudson Roastery for your morning coffee before strolling along the waterfront of the Hudson River. Then, stop by Le Perche for some French Pastries.”
Once you’ve been fed and watered, it’s time to see the sites—and this town has plenty of them. Art history buffs must stop at Olana State Historical Site (former home of Hudson River School landscape painter Frederic Edwin Church) and Thomas Cole National Historic Site (eponymous former home and studio of the Hudson River School painter). Another popular attraction is the Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre open-air sculpture park, which is open seasonally starting May 7.
12. Windham, NY
- Where to Stay: Eastwind Hotel & Bar (from $279/night), Hotel Vienna (from $159/night), Alpine Chalet (from $163/night, sleeps 4)
A little east of the town of Catskill and a couple hours from Manhattan, Windham makes for an idyllic summer weekend getaway from NYC. “After an afternoon hike through the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness Area, a visit to West Kill Brewing down the road is a must for local libations, live music and good vibes,” Yohay says. “If you’re a beer fan, you won’t be disappointed with any option on tap, but to this day, the Kaaterskill IPA is still my husband's favorite.”
Casual outdoor appreciators will want to visit the Hudson River Skywalk, The Vineyard at Windham and stroll The Windham Path. This is an easy 1.5-mile loop with views of the Northern Catskills. The vineyard and tasting room offer a selection of local wines, including from the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley and North/South Forks in Long Island.
The more adventurous will want to scurry up to Kaaterskill Falls and explore nearby Windham Mountain. There, you can horseback ride, mountain bike, fly fish, hike and more across 700,000 acres of wilderness.
