If you live in or near New York City and need a full reset, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to weekend-friendly destinations.
Within a couple of hours, you could escape to idyllic upstate New York, a beach town on the Jersey Shore, out to the countryside, and beyond. But so many choices can make figuring out where to go overwhelming.
Whether it’s an artsy destination, a picture-book village, or a small town with an emerging restaurant scene, this list has your next trip covered, complete with recommendations for what to see, do, eat, and where to stay. All that’s left is to pack your bags.
In this article
1. New Hope, Pennsylvania
Just a 90-minute drive from NYC, New Hope is the quintessential small-town escape. Even celebrities like Bradley Cooper and the Hadid sisters have been drawn to this Bucks County destination, though New Hope hardly needs star power to impress.
Stay at the boutique Ghost Light Inn, the design-forward Logan Inn, or the sleek River House at Odette’s, all of which provide riverfront views and easy access to the heart of town.
Once you’re settled, New Hope is an excellent place to shop for one-of-a-kind wares. Peruse home decor at The Meanings of Things, find your next read at the indie bookstore Farley’s Bookshop, and pick up a thrifted designer piece at Ditto Vintage.
Then, get outside. Hike along the Delaware Canal Trail, or cross the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge into New Jersey to explore the neighboring, antique shop-filled town. And if you brought the kids, ride New Hope’s vintage railroad for a fun peek into the past.
New Hope’s food scene is also a draw. Enjoy elevated pub food at The Salt House, and dine at the waterfront, farm-to-table restaurant Stella, before seeing a play at the legendary Bucks County Playhouse. Don’t leave without a box of treats from Pierre’s Chocolates for the road.
2. Asbury Park, New Jersey
Asbury Park may be known for its music scene—largely, thanks to hometown hero Bruce Springsteen—but the Jersey Shore city, a 90-minute drive from NYC, is also a lively beach destination. And though its high season is summer, there’s still plenty to do year-round.
Drop your bags at the upscale Asbury Ocean Club Hotel for a luxury-minded stay, or the trendy, adults-only St. Laurent Social Club, which is housed in a revived 19th-century hotel.
Of course, spending time on the mile-long Asbury Park Beach is a given. En route to the sand, admire murals adorning the boardwalk from local gallerist Jenn Hampton’s Wooden Walls Project. If you’re looking for more, gallery-hop on Cookman Avenue where collections of contemporary art are plentiful.
Then, for some entertainment, step back in time at the pinball museum, Silverball Retro Arcade, or, in the warmer months, catch a beachfront Summer Stage show at iconic music venue, The Stone Pony.
For a taste of Asbury Park’s budding food scene, try the Italian-ish cuisine at David Viana’s Judy & Harry’s; get tacos at Barrio Costero; tuck into French fare at the romantic Pascal & Sabine; sit down to brunch at Cardinal; and grab pizza at Talula’s.
3. Rhinebeck, New York
Rhinebeck is a 2-hour drive from NYC, but the charming Hudson Valley village couldn’t feel further away with its picture-book 19th-century architecture, slew of indie shops, galleries, restaurants, and access to nature.
Stay at the luxury, Paris-inspired Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck, or the Beekman Arms, which is the country’s oldest continuously-operating inn, established in 1766.
Rhinebeck is a delightful place to stroll and shop, and while you’re out exploring, pick up cute stationery at Paper Trail, or families with kids can let them pick out a new toy at Land of Oz. Rhinebeck is also home to plentiful vintage home goods and fine art, and the Beekman Arms Antique Market is a fine place to start.
To take advantage of the area's ample nature offerings year-round, get outside by hitting the trail at Poets’ Walk Park or climb the fire tower at Ferncliff Forest for the best river views.
Worked up an appetite? Grab lunch at Aba’s Falafel; enjoy Mediterranean-leaning cuisine at the all-day spot, Little Goat; and stop into the tasting room at C. Cassis to try their house-made blackcurrant liqueur. If you’re in town from May through December, you should also make sure to stock up on provisions like a local at Rhinebeck Farmers Market, which carries fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers.
The Shortcut
For weary New Yorkers, there are plenty of places to take a break from city life without traveling too far.
To narrow down options, we found three destinations that are ideal for a weekend, all within a 2-hour drive of New York City.
Whether you’re seeking a fun weekend of music and art by the beach, or a rural, small-town getaway by the river, there’s a destination to suit your interests.
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