The 21 Best Spring Weekend Getaways from NYC
Spring in New York is something special; the trees and shrubs in the parks have their first leaves, there are flowers to be seen everywhere, and the weather is finally starting to warm up. There are many wonderful destinations near New York City that are worth visiting in the spring. On my list of the best spring weekend getaways from NYC, I will show you my personal favorites. The selection ranges from city trips to relaxing days in the mountains of New York State. With so many options, there is definitely something for you!
For all of the spring weekend getaways originating from NYC, I’ll show you the top attractions you won’t want to miss. Have fun!
Want to see more travel inspiration: here you can find all day trips from New York and the best summer getaways from NYC.
21 Amazing Day Trips and Weekend Getaways From NYC in Spring
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01
Brooklyn Botanic Garden: A Perfect Spring Family Day Trip in NYC
Park in Park Slope
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the natural wonder of New York City and is especially popular during the cherry blossom season. Many people come to the botanic garden in Brooklyn just to see this natural spectacle. This place always has a special aura to it, as there is something wonderful blossoming here in any season. It’s located right inside Prospect Park in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
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02
Day Trip to Boston from New York in Spring
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
This day trip to Boston takes you through one of Americas most interesting historical cities. Everything from architecture to monuments and historically significant spots make this tour a great choice for all history lovers. Boston is a beautiful city and a nice contrast to NYC, making it the perfect getaway for a day! The bus will leave from the Gray Line Visitors Center and take approximately 4 hours.
Things to do in Boston on your day trip from New York in Spring
- stroll along Charles River Esplanade
- explore the famed Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- visit the famous Fenway Park (this is the best tour)
- enjoy a coffee in Boston Common (I love this park!)
- enjoy a historical adventure and travel back in time to 1773 to be part of the famous Boston Tea Party
Places To See in Boston
- Museum of African American History
- New England Aquarium (perfect for families!)
- Museum of Fine Art
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Helpful links
If you looking for an accommodation check our this website and if you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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03
Just Amazing: This 2-Days Trip to Niagara Falls
Day Trip in Outside of New York CityOur Highlight
If you are in New York in spring and are thinking about planning a day trip, then I can recommend a trip to Niagara Falls. I myself have been to Niagara Falls several times from New York and was always impressed by this natural spectacle.
My tip: These are the 5 Best Niagara Falls Day Trips from New York.
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04
Insider Weekend Getaway from NYC in Spring: Baltimore!
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
Baltimore is the capital of the US state of Maryland with a long and important history. It is somewhat comparable to Boston and yet it has its own charm.
During my roadtrip along the east coast of the USA, Baltimore landed on my itinerary for the first time. Due to its location by the ocean, it has its very own charm and is especially interesting for those who already know Boston and Washington. From New York you can reach Baltimore in about 3 hours. In terms of time, it makes no difference whether you travel by rental car or train.
Things to do in Spring in Baltimore on your day trip from New York
- Do a craft-beer brewery tour or whiskey tasting tour (Baltimore is famous for both!)
- Enjoy beautiful river views at the Inner Harbor …
- … or from high above when visiting Top of the World Observation Level
- Take photos of Historic Ships in Baltimore
Places To See
- National Aquarium
- Reginald F. Lewis Museum
- Port Discovery Children’s Museum
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Helpful links
If you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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05
Among The Best Spring Weekend Getaways near NYC: the White Mountain National Forest
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
If you’re looking for a day trip that puts you in the middle of nature, then you’ve found it in this region! The White Mountain National Forest spans from western Maine into eastern New Hampshire and is just a short five-hour drive from Manhattan. You can expect to experience breathtaking scenery, wildlife, clear mountain streams, and lakes, as well as take part in outdoor recreational activities all year.
Things to do in the White Mountains on your day trip from New York
- Hike to Arethusa Falls, which is New Hampshire’s tallest waterfall.
- Rent a rustic cabin at one of the many sites throughout the forest.
Places To See
- Conway scenic railway
- Polar Caves Park
- Cranmore Mountain Resort
Helpful links
If you looking for an accommodation check our this website and if you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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06
American Dream with Entertainment Complex: A Shopping Trip from NYC
Outlet in Outside of New York City
Attention shoppers: the Greater New York City area is now home to one of the largest malls in the nation – the American Dream mall. After many years of waiting and constant delays, the massive shopping and entertainment complex are already open.
The American Dream complex is much more than just a mall. Besides hundreds of shops, you will also find an unbelievable number of entertainment facilities here. As a matter of fact, the complex is almost split evenly amongst shopping and entertainment.
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07
Day Trip (2 days) to Washington D.C., Philadelphia & Amish Country
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
This tour is one of my favorite spring family day trips from NYC. It combines several destinations at once: you will visit the most important sights of D.C. and Philadelphia and afterwards the interesting Amish Country. Departure is at the Gray Line Visitors Center.
This is what you can expect on this guided spring day trip from New York
- Philadelphia: Visit Constitution Hall and Independence Square
- Philadelphia: See the world-famous Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia: Run up the “Rocky Steps”
- Washington D.C.: visit National Mall and Lincoln Memorial
- Take an authentic Amish buggy ride and visit a traditional market
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08
Martha's Vineyard: My Favorite Family Spring Weekend Getaway from NYC
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
If you’re looking to venture a bit further from NYC, then you should consider going to Martha’s Vineyard for the day. Martha’s Vineyard is an island that rests seven miles off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts’ southern coast. At a little over five hours, getting there is half the adventure.
The island is just 100 square miles and is a famous summer colony, but it also has a year-round population of around 17,000 residents. The island consists of six towns: Edgartown, Aquinnah, Tisbury, West Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, and Chilmark.
Things to do at Martha’s Vineyard on your day trip from New York in Spring
- Keep an eye out for celebrities – everyone from Meg Ryan and Seth Meyers to the Obamas are known to frequent the area.
- Spend a few hours exploring Oak Bluffs.
- Take a walking tour of Edgartown.
Places To See
- Gingerbread Houses
- The Island’s five lighthouses
- Alley’s General Store
Helpful links
If you looking for an accommodation check our this website, here you can check the schedule of the ferry and if you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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09
Finger Lakes
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
New York’s Finger Lakes region spans an area that encompasses 11 lakes in an area that was once covered by glaciers. In addition to the lakes, this region is also home to many natural pools, gorges, waterfalls, wineries, and state parks. The two most popular lakes are the deepest and largest: Cayuga Lake is 435 feet deep and is in Ithaca, while Seneca Lake is 618 feet deep and is found in the Watkins Glen State Park.
Many consider this the most underrated part of New York and makes for a great day trip away from New York City. It’s perfect for nearly everyone as the region has plenty of things to see and do.
Distance: 260 Miles (5 hours by car)
Things to do in the Finger Lakes Region on your spring day trip from New York
- Go on a wine tasting tour.
- Take in a game at NBT Bank Stadium.
- Enjoy dinner and sunset on a boat cruise.
Places To See on your Day Trip from New York
- Watkins Glen State Park (the trail is amazing!)
- Robert Treman State Park
- Rosamond Gifford Zoo
- Corning Museum of Glass
Helpful links
If you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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10
Woodbury Outlet Shopping Trip
Outlet in Outside of New York City
Less than 1 hour from Manhattan you will find the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. With over 220 designer stores like Dolce & Gabbana, Gap Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Timberland and more, this is definitely the place to go on a shooping spree. You will leave from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd Street at 8th Avenue) and take the bus for a swift ride there and back.
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11
Day Trip To Washington D.C.: One of the most interesting day trips you can take from NYC in Spring
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
The American capital Washington D.C. is a good four hours’ drive from New York City and a wonderful destination when you are looking for Spring Weekend Getaways near NYC. You can do it by your own or check out this guided bus tour. The bus will take you south through the states of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland until you reach Capitol Hill.
Things to do in Washington D.C. on your day trip from New York
- check out the Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour (500+ reviews!)
- Stroll through the neighborhood of Georgetown
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- visit the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial
Places To See in Washington D.C.
- Lincoln Memorial
- The White House
- National Mall
- United States Capitol
- Washington National Cathedral
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Helpful links
If you looking for an accommodation check our this website and if you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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12
Central Park: a perfect Weekend Getaway in New York in Spring
Park in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
Central Park spans from Midtown Manhattan all the way up to Harlem. There are about 340 hectares of land and is a popular meeting place for New Yorkers. With about 35 million visitors per year, the man-made park is an attraction not only for tourists. New Yorkers love Central Park and its tranquility. Many events are held here such as the NYC Marathon. There are also tons of green spaces, walking lanes, and bike lanes. Central Park is home to Sheep’s Meadow, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Zoo, and many other things as well.
And it’s perfect when you are looking for a weekend getaway in spring! Central Park is also a wonderful place that I mention in my ultimate guide to Staycation Hotels in New York.
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13
Phoenicia: A Great Spring Day Trip from NYC for Families in the Catskill Mountains
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
Phoenicia, New York, is a hidden gem located in the beautiful Hudson Valley. This Catskills town is an off-the-beaten-path and home to a collection of natural attractions and acclaimed dining establishments. Located just two and a half hours from New York City, this area has more than enough corners to explore during a day trip.
Between the close proximity to Manhattan and gorgeous scenery, this is a popular area in the spring and summer months. Yet, Phoenicia is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year, as there are always activities such as shopping, dining, and exploring the high peaks of the Catskill Mountains.
Distance: 130 Miles (2 – 2,5 hours by car)
Things to do in Phoenicia on your day trip from New York
- Enjoy a meal at the Phoenicia Diner.
- Tube down the Esopus.
- Take a hike through the Mount Tobias forest.
Places To See in Phoenicia
- World’s largest kaleidoscope
- Catskills scenic drive
- Downtown Phoenicia
Helpful links
If you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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14
A Spring Day Trip from NYC: Poughkeepsie
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
Poughkeepsie is known by many as the “Queen City of the Hudson”, as it is located on the banks of the Hudson River in the scenic Hudson Valley. This area was established during the 17th century by Dutch settlers, but today it’s a bustling college town that’s also popular with tourists.
Located just an hour and forty-five minutes from NYC, Poughkeepsie is the perfect place for anyone looking to enjoy historic architecture, trendy boutiques, and fine dining spots. Additionally, the area is home to 22 parks, so there are lots of green spaces to spend the day.
Things to do in Poughkeepsie on your day trip from New York in the spring-time
- Experience the walkway over the Hudson River.
- Take a tour of Samuel Morse Locust Grove Estate.
- Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants before heading to the Bardavon Opera House to enjoy a show.
Places to see in Poughkeepsie on your day trip from New York
- Historic Huguenot Street
- Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center
- Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum
Helpful links
If you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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15
New Haven: A Hidden Spring Weekend Getaways near NYC
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
New Haven is a quaint community located in Connecticut in the Long Island Sound and is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from NYC for a day. In fact, New Haven is only about two hours from Manhattan, so the trip is relatively easy and painless. And the best part is that this area has a lot to offer! From imaginative art and delicious cuisine to sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone.
Distance: 80 Miles (2 hours by car)
Things to do in New Haven on your day trip from New York
- Tour the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.
- Ride the carousel at Lighthouse Point Park.
- Enjoy a show at Shubert Theater.
Places To See
- Yale University
- East Rock Park
- Five Mile Point Light
Helpful links
If you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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16
Philadelphia Day Trip from New York
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
This day trip will take you from New York to Philadelphia. In the heart of the historic city, the famous Liberty Bell, Constitution Square and Constitution Hall are waiting to be discovered. Of course, the famous steps from the movie “Rocky” and the Parque del Amor and City Hall are not missing. In short, you will definitely see all the highlights that Philadelphia has to offer.
Things to do in Philadelphia on your day trip from New York
- Hop over to Lancaster and take a horse-drawn buggy ride through Amish farm country.
- Visit Independence Hall, where the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.
- Tour the Museum of the American Revolution or the Benjamin Franklin Museum.
- Walk down Elfreth’s Alley. This road is America’s first residential street, dating back to 1702, and is home to many art galleries, shops, and restaurants today.
- View the art collections at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts or the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Places To See in Philadelphia
- The Liberty Bell
- Betsy Ross House
- Franklin Square
- The Rocky Statue and the Rocky steps
- Eastern State Penitentiary
Helpful links
If you looking for an accommodation check our this website and if you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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17
Albany
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
Albany is New York’s capital city and is not just the oldest city in the state, but it’s one of the oldest in the nation. English immigrants took control of Albany, NY, in 1664 and named it after the Duke of Albany. By the early 1800s, the city was the 10th largest in the country, which is a title that San Jose, CA, took. The area’s growth was fueled by the creation of the Erie Canal and the railroad, and it continued to serve as a vital transportation hub until the early 1900s.
Hence, as you can see, this area has an extensive history, and there are many local attractions that help provide excellent learning experiences for newbies. Today, this capital city and college town is home to about 100,000 people and has something for everyone.
Distance: 150 Miles (2,5 hours by car)
Things to do in Albany on your day trip from New York
- Enjoy local flavors such as Chicken Joe’s, Pint-Sized, and Madison Pour House.
- Stroll through the Albany Institute of Art & History.
- Ride a bike at the historic Washington Park.
- See a show at the Capital Repertory Theater.
- Hike Albany Pine Bush Preserve.
Places to see in Albany on your day trip from New York.
- John Boyd Thacher State Park
- The Capitol Building
- Empire State Plaza
- Schuyler Mansion
- Corning Tower Observation Deck
Helpful links
If you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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18
Ocean City: One of the Best Spring Weekend Getaways from NYC with Kids
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
Ocean City is not only affordable, but it’s also more kid-friendly than other comparable destinations and is known for specializing in American family beach vacations. There are so many things to do in this city that you’ll have difficulty narrowing down an itinerary.
From the boardwalk and its amusement rides to the powdery beaches and delicious seafood eateries, there is no shortage of establishments in Ocean City.
Things to do in Ocean City on your day trip from New York in Spring
- Grab a snack and enjoy ocean views at the boardwalk.
- Eat breakfast at Fractured Prune Donuts.
- Spend a day having fun on the water with Paradise Watersports.
Places To See in Ocean City
- Jolly Roger Amusement Park
- Art League of Ocean City
- Northside Park
Helpful links
If you looking for an accommodation check our this website and if you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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19
Ithaca
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
Ithaca is the largest city found in New York’s Finger Lakes region. This is a lovely town and is an excellent place to visit with many things to do. Set along the southern end of Cayuga Lake, this location is famed as the home of Cornell University, countless gorges, and more than 150 waterfalls.
Though Ithaca is home to a sizable portion of college students and the city conveys more of a youthful feel, it’s also steeped in history and full of fascinating historic sites and buildings. This is an excellent destination for outdoor activities as it’s home to a plethora of state parks, but it’s also a great place to relax, shop, and dine.
Things to do in Ithaca on your day trip from New York in Spring
- Explore the city, and don’t be afraid to try local flavors such as Gimme Coffee, One Ring Donuts, and the Ithaca Farmers Market.
- “Ithaca is gorges,” so be sure to take a hike at one of the many state parks.
- Enjoy your evening hours at Firelight Campfire Lounge.
Places To See in Ithaca
- Cornell University Campus
- Taughannock Falls
- West End District
Helpful links
If you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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20
Sleepy Hollow: Weekend Getaway to one of the Most Haunted Towns in America
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
Sleepy Hollow is situated just 30 miles north of New York City and makes for a great day trip away from the stress of the city. This famed town inspired one of America’s most famous books, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, by Washington Irving. Located in the gorgeous Hudson Valley in Westchester County, this is one of the nation’s cutest towns and makes for an unforgettable experience.
This is a great destination for anyone looking to take in some nature, view historical sites, or even go on a ghost tour. After all, Sleepy Hollow is known as one of the most haunted towns in America, with legends dating back to the original Dutch settlement in the 1600s!
Things to do in Sleepy Hollow on your day trip from New York
- Take photos at the Headless Horseman’s Bridge.
- Visit the Dutch Reform Church.
- Experience history at Philipsburg Manor.
Places To See in Sleepy Hollow
- Headless Horseman statue
- Sunnyside Estate
- Kykuit – Former Rockefeller home
Helpful links
If you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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21
Hamilton Township, NJ: A Weekend Getaway for Everyone
Day Trip in Outside of New York CityHamilton Township is the 9th largest town in New Jersey, but the area is comfortably spread out over 40 square miles. This region is home to more than 64 state parks, playgrounds, and acres of preserved land. Within just one hour of NYC, Hamilton is a great place to take a day trip.
Hamilton, New Jersey, is fun for anyone looking to visit historical parks or attend local community events. This town enjoys a bustling and local economy with large retail centers and small retail shops alike; Hamilton is one town that caters to just about everyone’s wallet.
Distance: 60 Miles (1,5 hours by car)
Things to do in Hamilton Township on your day trip from New York
- Explore the Sayan House and Gardens.
- Take a ride on the New Hope Railroad.
- Spend an hour or two meandering around the Art Museum at Princeton University.
Places To See in Hamilton Township
- Grounds for Sculpture
- Shaky Bridge
- Tulpehaking Nature Center
Helpful links
If you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
Which Road Trip or Day Trip from New York is the Best?
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More Travel Inspiration
The 9 Best All-Season Road Trips From New York
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