Looking for Last Minute Getaways From NYC? You’ve come to the right place!
If you’re searching for last-minute weekend getaways from New York City, look no further. New York Rental by Owner is your go-to for planning unforgettable weekend escapes. Whether you prefer a secluded cabin in the forest, a lakeside retreat, or accommodations close to wineries and top-notch dining, we’ve got you covered. Despite New York City’s proximity, your weekend getaway can still offer a tranquil break from its fast pace.
Upstate New York caters to a variety of interests, from outdoor adventures and relaxed porch-side evenings to gourmet dining experiences. What’s more, these destinations are just a short drive from the city, making your getaway planning effortless.
We’re ready to guide you through the best weekend getaways, ideal for those looking to unwind near the city. Whether you’re interested in summer getaways, exploring the Finger Lakes, or visiting Rhode Island, we have the vacation packages to suit your needs. And the best part? Many of these spots are just two hours away, ranking them among the best weekend getaways available.
So, grab your planner and rally your friends—it’s time to escape to the excitement and relaxation of Upstate New York!
Summer Getaways
Leave city life behind and enjoy the salty sea air of Long Island Sound or the peaceful surroundings of Lake Placid. These places are great for both relaxing and outdoor activities, offering everything from shore town visits to hiking trails. Experience the natural beauty and outdoor opportunities in areas like Lake George, ideal for those looking to escape the city.
Vacation Packages
Consider vacation packages that cater to various interests, whether you’re drawn to the fresh air and scenic views of mountain biking trails or prefer the relaxation of deep soaking tubs. These packages often combine accommodations with activities, ensuring a hassle-free planning process for your getaway.
Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. It’s a prime destination for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, offering a mix of natural beauty and adventure. From hiking trails to mountain biking, the Finger Lakes area provides a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle.
With this said, here is the list of last-minute getaways from NYC.
Bear Mountain State Park (1 hour and 15 minutes from NYC)
Bear Mountain State Park resides on the west bank of the Hudson River. There’s a large field, picnic groves shrouded in shade, lake and river access for fishing and a swimming pool!
It’s also filled with fantastic hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails. If you’re looking to head up in the winter there is an ice skating rink open from October to mid-March. You can also explore the Trailside Museums and Zoo, the Perkins Memorial Tower, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. The Perkins Memorial Tower is on top of Bear Mountain and it offers spectacular views of the park from April to late November.
Make sure to check out New York Rental by Owners rentals in Hudson Valley for easy access to Bear Mountain State Park, Storm King Arts Center, Storm King Adventure Tours, and West Point Museum.
New Paltz, NY (1 hour and 45 minutes from NYC)
If you’re looking for a historic New York Getaway then New Paltz is a great place to go! Since the town is home to the University of New York at New Paltz it is a college town that has been around since 1678.
There are three things to do in New Paltz that are not to be missed! The Historic Huguenot Street is 10 acres of 17th century homes, buildings and artifacts. You can take guided tours, watch reenactments and storytelling, and special candlelight ghost tours in October.
The second thing you can’t miss in New Paltz is the Mohonk Preserve. If you choose to go here you’ll enjoy the Shawangunk Mountains which has 8,000 acres of forests, fields and streams. You can hike, bike, ride horses, snowshoe, cross country ski and go rock climbing. It’s a great place to get your outdoor adventure on!
Last but not least we have the Testimonial Gateway. The Gateway is a beautiful, massive stone archway that served as the formal entrance to the Mohonk Mountain house from 1908 to 1935. This outstanding monument is surrounded by 110 acres of large oak trees and is an iconic historical site in the Hudson Valley.
Make sure to head to our vacation rentals in the Hudson Valley or at the farmhouse that was built in the 1800’s that’s for rent right in New Paltz, NY!
Lake Placid, NY (5 hours from NYC)
Lake Placid is a bit further from NYC than some of our other suggestions–but it is beyond worth the drive. The town of Lake Placid is nestled among the gorgeous, green Adirondack Mountains. It hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and in 1980.
Make sure to book a house directly on the water, because Lake Placid is the perfect place for chilling out away from the city. If water isn’t your game there’s fantastic cycling, There’s also great art, shopping, hiking, swimming and of course, skiing.
The Wild Center has fantastic information in experiencing the best of the Adirondacks scenic views. There’s even an elevated trail across the treetops, so, it’s definitely not recommended if you have a fear of heights.
Now, whether you want to experience a small town experience, beautiful scenic views, lake activities or winter activities then Lake Placid is the place to go!
Make sure to check out our Lake Placid Vacation Rentals vacation rentals to find the perfect spot for your weekend getaway!
Montauk, NY (2.5 hours from NYC)
Montauk is a great place to enjoy the beach without having to go too far from the City. You don’t even have to leave Long Island! Just drive yourself all the way to the end of it.
You can enjoy a stroll along the beaches and explore the historic lighthouses. If you’re feeling adventurous then make sure to bring your surf board, swimwear, or kayak for an Atlantic adventure.
You can enjoy the cliff’s, trails, and one of Montauk’s parks which all offer fantastic views. You can even enjoy a horseback ride through the sand. If it’s not the best weather you can enjoy some of Montauk museums.
New York Rental by Owner has a lot of rental options in Montauk. So, make sure you explore them to try and find your perfect Montauk Vacation Rentals.
Catskills, NY (3 hours from NYC)
The Catskills are the best location for an adventurous locations full of scenic views, skiing, and mountain-oriented sports. The Kaaterskill Falls are one of the best hikes in warm weather. It’s home to the highest cascading waterfall in New York! You can’t allow yourself to miss it.
If you don’t want to put in the effort to hike you can check out the Hunter Mountain Scenic Skyride. It’s a 6 person chairlift which gets you to the top of the mountain in 11 minutes. You’ll see the North Catskills, the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts and Vermont’s Green Mountains.
In the summer time the Zoom Flume Water Park is a great place for the whole family. If you’re just looking for a quiet night of stargazing and hanging out by a bonfire you can find the vacation rental for you.
Looking for more adventure in the Catskill Mountains, click here to read.
Fire Island, NY (2 hours from NYC)
If you haven’t gotten the point yet, New York is more than New York City. We have a plethora of gorgeous views, scenic mountains, lakes, the Atlantic and adventure!
Another prime destination for your last minute New York City getaway is Fire Island off of the coast of Long Island. If you’re looking for thrill and adventure, try the Fire Island Parasail (again, not great if you’re afraid of heights). You could also enjoy the beaches, lighthouses and parks on the island.
The Moku Loa Paddle Tribe is a fantastic place to rent a stand-up paddle boat which are the best way to explore the waters off shore.
If all that water and sunshine isn’t for you try the CM Performing Arts Center or the Boulton Center for the Performing Arts.
If you’d rather just lay on the beach and read a book or listen to music and relax with your party then that’s a great option on the island too! We have 35 vacation rentals on Fire Island. The perfect one for you is just waiting for you to find it.
Beacon, NY (1.5 hours from NYC)
Beacon, NY is a haven for culture and outdoor adventure that’s less than a 2 hour drive from New York City. Make sure you explore the Dia Beacon art museum. The museum, one of the biggest contemporary art museums in the country, houses unique, modern art pieces in an old Nabisco box-printing factory. It’s also home to some of Andy Warhol’s work!
You can hiking in Breakneck Ridge, the Hudson Highlands, and on Beacon Mountain. There are also parks, fantastic farmer’s markets and at the end of it all you can just hop on a train to get here!
Last but not least, wander down the river from the train station to witness the beautiful Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island. It was built by the Scottish Bannerman family in the early 20th century styled after Scottish castles. You can kayak or canoe to the island if you want! Plus, they offer outdoor movie nights on the castle grounds. It is absolutely a unique experience.
Whether you’re looking for a rustic farmhouse, or a modern retreat we have plenty of Hudson Valley vacation rentals.
Poughkeepsie, NY (1 hour and 45 minutes from NYC)
Poughkeepsie, NY is a fantastic inland vacation spot for a weekend getaway. It feels like a different part of the country – and it’s less than 2 hours away from the city!
You have presidential history at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt House, which hasn’t changed since 1945, and it’s home to the President and First Lady’s Rose Garden.
If art is more your thing then check out Art Centro. It’s an art studio which is great for doing ceramics, parties, and group classes. If you’re looking for outdoor time, make sure to do the Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park, the Locust Grove Estate, Calvary Chapel of the Hudson Valley, and the farmers market at Adams Fairacre Farms.
They also have the Bardavon Opera House and the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum! If you have little ones in your group make sure to go to Sprout Creek Farm which offers educational programs, local goods, and a creamery (which is delicious)!
Sift through our Hudson Valley Rentals to find the perfect rental for your weekend New York City getaway.
Hamptons, NY (3 hours from NYC)
The Hamptons offer sandy beaches, sand dunes, and beautiful landscapes. Plus, there’s art at the Dan Flavin Art Institute, fantastic restaurants and great beaches.
If you want to enjoy the outdoors then make sure to try the Electric Bike Tours in Montauk, the Hamptons and Long Island Wineries Private Tour, and the HampTiki Boat Tour! If you have some cash to spare (and a group you can split it with) try out the Hamptons Beach Picnic with Private Helicopter from Manhattan.
Suffering from allergies? This may not be your best option but another great place to go is the Lavender by the Bay, Lewin Farms and Tanger Outlets Day Tour.
Of course you can always just sit on the soft, sandy beaches and enjoy the views of the Atlantic from this luxurious island. Check out our Hamptons Vacation Rentals that are right here on Long Island!
Cooperstown, NY (4 hours from NYC)
Another great weekend location in upstate New York is Cooperstown. Cooperstown is famous for its baseball and breweries. They have the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, The Farmers’ Museum and the opera at the Glimmerglass Festival.
If museums and opera aren’t your style then try golfing, sailing on Otsego Lake, and hiking or snowshoeing in the winter in Glimmerglass State Park.
You could also check out one of Cooperstown fantastic breweries. This quaint New York town was once the country’s hops-growing capital. Brewery Ommegang is a fantastic brewery located on a 135-acre hops farm. You could also enjoy Cooperstown Distillery, or the Red Shed Brewery.
Make sure to check out the Estate at Fly Creek by Cooperstown, New York for your vacation rental in this historic town. Click here for Cooperstown Vacation Rentals.
Shelter Island, NY (2.5 hours from NYC)
Last but not least on our list of amazing last minute weekend getaways from New York City spots is Shelter Island, off of Long Island.
You get to take a whole seven-minute ferry ride from Greenport, NY. There are fantastic cafés, kayaking and views that will make for great pictures for your Instagram.
There are more than 2,000 acres of tidal creeks, oak woodlands, fields and freshwater marches to explore in the Nature Conservancy’s Mashomack Preserve. It’s one of the richest habitats in the Northeast. Plus, it’s edged by 12 miles of coastline and is the best place for bird watchers and botanists to explore.
Make sure to visit the Sylvester Manor Educational Farm, the Shelter Island Historical Society, and the Handwerklab Art Gallery. Another option is to just sit on Wade’s beach and enjoy the sounds of the Atlantic lapping up on the sandy shore.
You could also try the Shelter Island Craft Brewery which has a chill vibe and a great selection of beers. Either way Shelter Island is a great place to enjoy Long Island.
Check out our vacation rentals that are right on Shelter Island Vacation Rentals! Or you can stay in a perfect Greenport Vacation Rental to enjoy the mainland along with the island.
Well, Here We Are!
No matter where you choose to have your great getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of NYC make sure to choose one that fits your needs. You have so many great options right here in New York State that will satisfy that last minute getaway feeling for your vacation needs. So we hope you enjoy one of the many wonderful weekend getaways from New York City.
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