Meta Description: Find out the best weekend getaways from nyc Discover budget-friendly choices, culture, foods you don’t want to miss and more with this list of musts for an epic getaway.
Best Weekend Getaways from NYC:
New York City is never lacking exciting things to do, and that becomes truer with every passing year. And yet, sometimes you want (or need) a quick break from the hustle and bustle. Whether you prefer a quiet escape from the city, an outdoor adventure or a local cultural trip, there are plenty of affordable and beautiful weekend getaways within three hours of NYC. Let this guide show you how to plan your weekend getaway budget flights with tips on where to stay, how to get around, local culture and more.
Average Cost of a Trip to France from NYC
Weekend getaways are as low as $25 roundtrip! A weekend trip from NYC doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s an approximation of what you might spend each day on the ground for a budget-friendly weekend away:
Accommodation:
Cheap hotels and hostels in nearby towns or cities will usually cost between $60-$150 per night depending on the time of year and location. During off-peak hours, cheaper variations are available.
Or if you want to splurge for a true down-home experience, rent one of the cabins available or find a place on Airbnb, with prices from $80 to 130 per night.
Food:
Eating out at modest restaurants or street-side cafes for a meal varies from $10-$20. Street food/nomads/food buses are often available for $5 to $10 per meal.
For a group or family, doing your own cooking might save even more. A typical grocery shopping cart experience may run from $25 to $40.
Transportation:
Exploring south America is cheap, taking a bus is one of the most affordable. Bus tickets to popular weekend getaway destinations from NYC (The Hamptons, Catskills, Hudson Valley) tend to be between $15 and $30 one way.
If trains are more your speed, the cost of travel on lines like the Metro-North Railroad or Amtrak can range from $20 to $50, depending on where you are headed.
It’s a good option in a road trip, particularly not alone. Prices for rentals run from $30 to $60 per day, plus gas and parking costs.
Activities:
A lot of outdoor pursuits — like hiking, visiting parks and exploring nature reserves — are free.
Tickets for cultural experiences, such as museums, also cost between $10 and $30 a person.
All in all, for a weekend away from NYC it would probably cost you between $150-$300 for the whole trip (in terms of accommodations, meals, and activities)
15 Best Weekend Getaways from New York City
There are countless weekend getaways from NYC if you need to get away and not have downtime cost a fortune. Best Places to Travel Here are some of the best places to visit:
The Catskills, New York
An idyllic weekend retreat for those who are inclined toward nature and outdoor enthusiasts, the Catskills is only a 2-3 hour drive up from NYC, making the commute easily manageable! Whether you like to hike, fish or kick back in a comfy cabin, the Catskills have it all!
Things to Do:
- Take a hike: Kaaterskill Falls for awe-inspiring views.
- Discover Woodstock, a charming little town with an artsy vibe.
- Take in the stunning Ashokan Reservoir, or stop by Hunter Mountain for outdoor pursuits, including zip-lining.
- Accommodation: Budget Hotels or Catskills cabins go from $80 to $120 a night.
Hudson Valley, New York
Sitting one to two hours north of NYC, Hudson Valley is a perfect cocktail of nature, history, and culture. Whether you’re interested in history or food, there’s a lot to discover here.
Things to Do:
Experience the historic Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library.
Walk through Beacon, an adorable town with art galleries and small shops.
Savour wine tasting in the multitude of wineries in the area.
Accommodation: Budget bed and breakfasts or guesthouses are available for between $90 and $150 per night.
The Hamptons, New York
Renowned for its upscale allure, the Hamptons are just 2-3 hours outside of NYC. Its reputation is upscale, but budget-friendly options still abound, particularly in the offseason.
Things to Do:
Head to Montauk Point State Park for dramatic ocean vistas.
Unwind on the lesser crowded beaches on Southampton and East Hampton.
Head to the local markets and historic sites, like Sag Harbor.
Places to Stay: Seek out cheap motels and inns in the off-season from $70 to $120 a night.
New Paltz, New York
About 1.5 -2 hours from NYC, it’s a college town with lots of charm and an combination of hiking, history and local color. It is an ideal spot for a weekend getaway where money doesn’t need to get involved.
Things to Do:
#center# Hike-a-roof: Explore the Shawangunk Ridge and the legendary Mohonk Preserve.
For a peek into the colonial heritage of the area, pay a visit to the Historic Huguenot Street.
Support local volumes and soak in the vibrant downtown environment.
Accommodations: Low-cost accommodations such as guesthouses and motels cost between $60 and $100 per night.
Princeton, New Jersey
This is a lovely town, and it is an hour and a half from NYC. It’s famous for its prestigious university and historical charm, and good for a laid-back and affordable weekend escape.
Things to Do:
Stop in at the Princeton University Art Museum or go on a campus tour.
Relax on sedate Nassau Street, with its cafes, bookstores and boutique shops.
Learn about the pretty Morven Museum & Garden.
Lodging: Budget accommodation in hotels and inns in Princeton starts at around $80 a night to $130.
Getting to Weekend Getaways from NYC
Traveling to these affordable weekend getaways from NYC is convenient and doesn’t break the bank. If you’re a neutral and want to make the voyage, these are the best ways to go:
By Bus:
Bus services are inexpensive to most of these places on companies such as Greyhound, Megabus and Coach USA. Ticket prices range from $15 to $30, and buses usually take 2 to 3 hours.
By Train:
Metro-North Railroad and Amtrak stop at popular weekend getaways including The Hamptons, Hudson Valley and Catskills. Train tickets cost between $20 and $50, depending on the distance.
By Car:
A car rental can offer more flexibility. Car rentals are available for as low as $30 a day, and with a group, renting a car may end up being cheaper.
When to Visit Nearby Vacation Spots from New York City
The best time to visit these places really depends on your personal taste and the kind of trip you are looking to take:
- Spring (March to May): Best time to visit to explore natural attractions such as the Catskills and Hudson Valley, with mild weather and flowers in bloom.
- Summer (June to August): Perfect for beach weekends to the Hamptons or outdoor trips to New Paltz.
- Fall (September to November): One of most popular times to visit, for good reason — the fall foliage is breathtaking, especially in areas like the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
- Winter (December through February): This is a great time to experience the peaceful side of towns such as Princeton or New Paltz.
Local Culture and Specialties You Should Try
From the sounds of it, these do too, because, well, BURGERS! –But each of these has a very special cultural beautifulness that can’t be rivaled.
- Hudson Valley: Feast upon farm-to-table dining featuring local cheeses, apples and wines. Don’t miss the cider donuts.
- The Hamptons: Seafood (specifically clam chowder and lobster rolls) and organic fare.
- Princeton: The town’s tasty, tasty offering includes New Jersey-style pizza, loaded sandwiches and fresh farm fare.
- New Paltz: Sample famous New York apple pie, and local craft beers from breweries just down the road.
Safety and travel tips for those visiting Egypt for the first time
- Plan Ahead: Some of these weekend trips from NYC can be busy during high season, so book your transportation and accommodation in advance.
- Pack Clothing Appropriate to the Weather: Check the forecast for the place you are going and pack appropriate clothing.
- Know the Local Rules: Different areas might have particular rules (especially for booze or outdoor stuff).
- Travel Off-Peak: To lower costs and escape the crowds, aim to schedule your escape during the off-season (fall or winter).
Useful Travel Apps or Websites
- Google Maps: Help to locate your destination.
- Airbnb: Look for budget-friendly lodgings for your weekend escape.
- Rome2Rio: Perfect for comparing transport options and prices.
- TripAdvisor: Read reviews and find great things to do.
- Kayak: Good for booking flights, buses or rental cars.
FAQ Section
What are some affordable NYC weekend getaways?
Some of the best weekend getaways on a budget are The Catskills, Hudson Valley and New Paltz with affordable lodging, nature and local culture.
How expensive is a weekend trip from NYC?
A budget weekend away costs $150 to $300, depending on where you stay, what you eat, and what you do.
How do I travel to the Catskills from NYC?
The Catskills are accessible by bus, train or car. Buses take 2.5 to 3 hours, and car rentals are reasonable for groups.
When is the best time to visit Princeton, New Jersey?
The best time to visit Princeton is during the spring and the fall, when the weather is comfortable and the historic university is nice to look at.
Are there affordable hotels in the vicinity of Hudson Valley?
There are some great inns and bed-and-breakfasts in Hudson Valley that are kind to the budget, from around $80 per night.