The 19 Best Winter Weekend Getaways from NYC
Winter in New York City is just great, and when the snow covers the parks and streets, there is a very special atmosphere that I enjoy every time I am there. Just outside of New York City, there are really nice winter weekend getaways that I strongly recommend experiencing.
If your travel schedule allows it, you should definitely check them out. For each of the getaways, you can see if you should plan 1, 2, or 3 extra days to accommodate them. To me, the most impressive winter trips are seeing the frozen Niagara Falls or going to the ski resorts in White Mountain State Parks. You can find the best winter trips for families on my best list, as well as romantic city breaks tailored for couples. Have fun with my winter trips from New York!
My tip: here you can find all day trips from New York.
19 Amazing Day Trips and Winter Weekend Getaways from NYC
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01
One Of The Best Winter Weekend Getaways from NYC: Niagara Falls
Day Trip in Outside of New York CityOur Highlight
If you are in New York in winter 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. With a little luck, Niagara Falls will be frozen. To see that is amazing! And if you take a weekend trip, you’ll have plenty of time to see the falls from both the US and Canadian sides.
My tip: These are the 5 Best Niagara Falls Day Trips from New York.
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02
Among The Best Winter 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 in the winter 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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03
A Romantic Weekend Getaway from NYC in Winter: 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 Winter in Baltimore on your day trip from New York
- Do a craft-beer brewery tour or whiskey tasting tour (Baltimore is famous for both!)
- Explorer the Inner Harbor and the Patapsco River with this amazing cruise
- Enjoy city views 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. Some of the best romantic hotels in Baltimore include the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, The Ivy Hotel and the Four Seasons Baltimore.
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04
Boston: A Perfect Weekend Getaway from NYC in the Winter
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 Winter
- stroll along Charles River Esplanade
- explore the famed Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- visit the famous Fenway Park (this is the best tour)
- see the snow 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
Some of the best romantic hotels in Boston include The Eliot Suite Hotel, Fairmont Copley Plaza and Encore Boston Harbor. If you looking for more hotels check our this website and if you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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05
American Dream (Shopping + Entertainment): A Fun Winter Weekend Getaway 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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06
The Finger Lakes: One Of The Best Long Weekend Winter Getaways from NYC
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 Winter Day Trip From New York
- Go on a wine tasting tour (the Seneca Lake Wine Tasting & Tour is the best!!!).
- Take in a game at NBT Bank Stadium.
- Enjoy dinner and sunset on a boat cruise.
Places To See on your Winter Day Trip from New York
- Watkins Glen State Park (the trail is amazing and the waterfalls will be frozen!)
- 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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07
A Great Family Winter Weekend Getaways 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
- Experience the walkway over the Hudson River.
- Stroll along Hudson River – it is amazing and one of the best spots is by far the Victor C. Waryas Park!
- 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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08
Central Park: A Perfect Winter Weekend Getaway in New York
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 winter day trip for families! Central Park is also a wonderful place that I mention in my ultimate guide to Staycation Hotels in New York.
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09
Washington D.C.: One Of The Most Interesting Weekend Getaways from NYC in the Winter
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 Winter 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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10
Phoenicia: A Great Winter 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 winter 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.
- 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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11
For Nature-Lovers: Cold Spring in the Hudson Valley
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
Cold Spring is renowned for being one of the best-preserved towns from the 19th Century and is just a 90-minute train ride from New York City. Once here, you’re greeted by a charming country village that was once a picturesque historic center created along the banks of the Hudson River.
Visitors enjoy spending the day in Cold Spring because the small downtown area is lined with antique stores, boutiques, and restaurants. This area is also home to many parks and hiking and biking trails.
Distance: 65 Miles (1,5 hour by car)
Things to do in Cold Spring on your Day Trip from New York
- Visit the Magazzino Italian Art.
- Hike to Little Stony Point and enjoy Hudson River views.
- Tour the Boscobel House and Gardens.
Places To See on your Day Trip from New York
- Hudson Highlands State Park
- Bannerman Castle
- Little Stony Point
Helpful links
If you want to rent a car in New York, I recommend this site.
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12
Martha's Vineyard: My Favorite Winter Weekend Family 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 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
- 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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13
A Fun Winter Day Trip from NYC: Shopping in the Woodbury Common Outlet
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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14
New York Aquarium: A Perfect Winter Day Trip from NYC for Families
Other Attraction in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
The sea creatures in the aquarium offer a nice alternative if the weather is not suitable for a visit to the beach. Here you can learn everything about the underwater world of the oceans.
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15
New Haven: A Secret Winter 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
- Enjoy the sunset at Lighthouse Point Park or at Amarante’s Sea Cliff (62 Cove St, New Haven)
- Tour the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.
- 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
Hamilton Township, NJ: A Winter 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.
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17
Among The Best Winter Weekend Getaways from NYC: Philadelphia
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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18
Spend A Romantic Weekend in 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
- 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
- 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.
Which Road Trip or Day Trip from New York is the Best?
Check out my free road trip advisor that will help you choose from over 30 road trips and day trips to suit your needs!
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