Sometimes, you just need to get out of the big city for a bit of a breather…luckily, there are plenty of awesome New England weekend getaways from NYC to choose from!
Whether you’re looking for a spot that’s just a couple of hours away by car or you’d rather spend those couple of hours in a plane, there are options here for 18 New England weekend getaways from NYC! Ready to get away? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Weekend Getaways from NYC Less Than 4-hours Drive
Litchfield Hills CT
Just an easy 2-hour drive from The Big Apple, Litchfield Hills CT is the perfect weekend getaway destination for anyone looking for a great weekend spent doing all of the quintessential small-town New England things! One of the must-visit spots in this CT Bucket List, Litchfield Hills has so many great things to do, especially outdoors.
Plan your visit so you can enjoy some of the fantastic fall foliage this area is known for at some of the best state parks in CT. Big on small-town charm, Litchfield Hills is the place to go for quaint activities like fly-fishing on the Housatonic, kayaking on Lake Waraumag, and some of the best apple-picking, pumpkin-patching, and corn-mazing in the state! There are also some of the coolest cabin rentals and dreamiest B&Bs in the Nutmeg State that are found right in Litchfield Hills, too! Don’t forget to try some of the local Litchfield restaurants.
Manchester VT
Are you looking for a Vermont adventure? Then consider making the 3-hour, 45-minute drive up to lovely Manchester VT! One of the most charming New England towns to visit during the spectacular fall foliage season, many love to make the trek up during autumn, but Manchester has a lot to offer all year round! In addition to having some of the best leaf-peeping spots, you’ll also find some of the best hiking and most gorgeous waterfalls in Vermont in this cute little town!
If you’re looking for cool local history, visit Hildene, the gorgeous estate of one of Abraham Lincoln’s sons. If it’s good eats you’re after, you’re definitely in the right spot in Manchester, because this little town has amazing places to eat! As for where to stay, Manchester’s lovely Wilburton Inn is considered one of the best places to stay in all of Vermont, and one of the many reasons Manchester remains one of the best Vermont weekend getaways a person can take!
Providence RI
Looking for a weekend getaway that’s a little bit historic, a little bit creative, and a whole lot of cool? Then check out Rhode Island’s capital city, Providence! Just a 3-hour drive from NYC, there are so many fantastic things to do, including exploring the arts and culture scene at hot spots like RISD Museum and the Providence Performing Arts Center, take in a little history with a historic walking tour or a visit to the Providence Athenaeum, and eat your way down Thayer Street at the best restaurants in Providence before checking out some of the coolest breweries in town! PVD serves up a pretty great breakfast scene, too!
As for where to stay, consider Graduate Providence. Not only is it a great choice for anyone looking for a gorgeous place to stay (Graduate Providence was formerly the Providence Biltmore) but it is also easy walking distance to cool downtown events like Waterfire and so many great places to eat, shop, and hang. Providence is even home to one of the spookiest ghost tours in New England if you’re in the mood for a little scare!
Greenwich CT
Would you like to get out of the city for your New England getaway in the easiest way possible? Then you might want to consider Greenwich CT! It’s a quick and easy drive or less than an hour by train and voila! You’re in one of the most charming small towns in all of New England! There’s plenty to do in this coastal Connecticut town whatever time of year you visit!
Looking for a shop-til-you-drop experience? Greenwich Avenue is where it’s at! Would you rather soak up some of the gorgeous natural scenery of Greenwich? You’re in one of the most beautiful spots in Connecticut, you can totally do that! Maybe you’ll spend some time perusing the art galleries in town before settling in for the night at one of New England’s most luxurious boutique hotels, the Delamar at Greenwich Harbor. With a Greenwich getaway, just about anything is possible!
Newport RI
Looking for a coastal gem that has great places to eat, fantastic places to stay, historic gems to explore, and just so many fun things to do? Then consider making the easy 3-hour drive to Newport RI! Tour the Gilded Age mansions, stroll along the dramatic Cliff Walk, enjoy some time at the beach, and lean in to the experience of this gorgeous Rhode Island beach town!
There are some excellent hotels to choose from in Newport, but if you’re looking to up the ante on romance and luxury, check out the always popular Castle Hill Inn. This gorgeous hotel has spectacular ocean views, private beach access, an onsite Forbes Four-Star rated restaurant that is sure to please even the pickiest of palates, and onsite spa services. It’s almost like getting a little taste of what the Gilded Age lifestyle of luxury was really like!
Berkshires MA
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that is full of fun outdoor activity and gorgeous scenery, then take the 3-hour drive to the Berkshires in Massachusetts! One of the most popular vacation destinations in the Bay State, the Berkshires has so much to offer: spectacular hikes, cool vacation rentals, and some of the most charming small towns in MA!
Explore quintessentially New England small towns like Stockbridge, Pittsfield, Great Barrington, Lenox, and more that offer all kinds of fun things to do, like canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, skiing, snow shoeing, ice skating, and just so much more! The possibilities are endless in the Berkshires. Want to be pampered? Check into the Miraval Wellness Resort in Lenox. If it’s more B&B vibe you’re wanting, check out the lovely Rookwood Inn. Tanglewood is just up the road from either one. The Berkshires is an ideal weekend getaway from NYC!
Westerly RI
For a delightful Rhode Island weekend getaway that is ever so easy on the eyes, look into Westerly! This absolutely stunning coastal community takes a little over 3 hours to get there by car and is a sight to see anytime of year, but a summer getaway means in addition to enjoying the great shopping, great places to eat, and great sights to see, you also get to fully indulge in the beautiful beaches of Westerly!
There are a ton of great things to do in Westerly, but if you’d like to pamper yourself a little, check out a stay at Ocean House. This seaside resort is one of the best spa getaways in New England, and with fantastic fine dining options, amazing views, and fabulous guest services, it is the place to go if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line, extra luxurious stay for your New England getaway from NYC!
Be sure to also check out some of the top Westerly restaurants during your trip; they’re pretty incredible.
Old Saybrook CT
Are you interested in spending a little time on one of the best beaches in Connecticut? Then look no further than Old Saybrook! This quiet coastal community is a prime vacation destination for anyone looking for a little restorative tranquility in their New England weekend getaway from NYC, and is less than 2 hours by car. Not only is there beautiful Harvey’s Beach to soak up the sun and get a little Vitamin Sea, but Old Saybrook also happens to be one of the cutest small towns in CT in part for all the quaint small town type things to do there!
Take in a show at The Kate, the performing arts center named after Katherine Hepburn that features live performances of all types throughout the year, “Putt a Round by the Sound” at Saybrook Point Mini-Golf, go antiquing, sample some local craft brews, and check in at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina for some exceptional pampering with the onsite spa, delectable onsite restaurant, and wonderfully appointed rooms with luxurious amenities like fireplaces and seaside balconies. How’s that sound for a delightful getaway from the Big Apple?
Narragansett RI
For a sweet romantic New England getaway from NYC, consider taking the almost 3 hour drive to Narragansett because this lovely coastal community is the perfect spot to spend a romantic weekend with your special someone! One of the most charming small towns in Rhode Island, Narragansett is one of the best beach towns in New England and is a great place to kick back, relax, and enjoy a little time on one of its many beautiful beaches.
There are several beaches to choose from, but Narragansett Beach is popular in part for its fantastic views of the iconic Towers and Point Judith Lighthouse, one of the loveliest lighthouses in RI. Enjoy exploring this sweet little town before checking in at The Break Hotel, one of the best romantic getaway spots in The Ocean State! With features like the year-round outdoor sauna, heated saltwater pool, onsite spa, a rooftop bar with ocean views, and more, is it any wonder this boutique hotel is so popular?
Woodstock CT
Are you looking for a nice, quiet, Connecticut getaway? Then head to Connecticut’s Quiet Corner, specifically, Woodstock CT. One of the best places to visit in the Nutmeg State, Woodstock is a great New England getaway destination from NYC any time of year, and less than 3 hours by car. In the summer and fall, you’ll find great PYO fruits at lovely Woodstock Orchards, and all kinds of fun outdoor events at Taylor Brooke Winery and Taylor Brooke Brewery, conveniently located right across the road from each other!
Woodstock is considered both a great summer spot and a restful winter retreat, with fantastic options for places to stay and things to do! In fact, one of the best places to stay in New England is the beautiful Inn at Woodstock Hill. Explore beautiful Roseland Cottage, one of the neatest historic sites in the state before heading back to cozy up in your comfy room at the lovely Inn at Woodstock Hill. Some places are just idea for a restful retreat… Woodstock CT is one of them!
Brattleboro VT
If you’re looking to slow down a bit during your New England weekend getaway, consider heading to adorable Brattleboro, just a 3 ½ hour drive from NYC! This sweet little Vermont town is one of the best places to visit in the Green Mountain State, and with all the quaint small town type things to do there and amazing restaurants to eat at, it’s no wonder so many people head to breathtaking Brattleboro to unwind and relax!
Visit the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center and the Vermont Jazz Center to see why Brattleboro is considered such a gem for the arts, and partake in some of the quirkier local events like the annual Strolling of the Heifers, where residents walk along friendly calves adorned with flower garlands, and visit the Robb Family Farm and Sugarhouse for some of their locally famous maple goodies! As for where to stay, one of the coolest vacation rentals in all of New England is in Brattleboro; where else can you stay in a converted historic church? Click here for listing details.
Weekend Getaways from NYC Over 4-hours Drive
If you’ve got a long weekend and are willing to put in a little more time behind the wheel (or take a quick plane ride!), then consider some of these excellent destinations for your next New England getaway from NYC!
Salem MA
Does Salem even need an introduction? This historic city is a 4-hour drive, but well worth the time spent behind the wheel if you’re into ghost tours, haunted places, great restaurants, cool places to stay, and a ton of neat things to do–even for free!
Salem also has some really cool vacation rentals to check out, and don’t forget to swing by the locations where Hocus Pocus filmed while you’re there, either! Salem’s city motto is “Still Making History,” and it really is!
Rockport MA
Just a 4-hour, 15-minute drive from NYC is the lovely Cape Ann historic village of Rockport. Known for being the home of Motif #1, often called the most-painted building in the world, Rockport is an artist’s dream! Not only is the beautiful red fishing shack of Motif #1 a great subject, but Bearskin Neck is full of gorgeous art galleries and unique shops so you can bring home some interesting local art.
There are lots of great things to do in lovely Rockport, delicious restaurants to try, and cool places to stay, but if you are a literary lover, consider staying at Emerson Inn, the gorgeous seaside inn that once hosted literary giants such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau! Rockport is a fantastic Cape Ann village for any weekend getaway.
Portsmouth NH
The lovely seaside city of Portsmouth NH is considered one of the top vacation spots in New England and is just under a 4 ½ hour drive from NYC. In addition to its beautiful cobblestone streets and excellent boutique shopping, Portsmouth is also known for its incredible living history museum, Strawbery Banke Museum. This living history museum hosts a fantastic Christmas program as well, and is one of the many reasons why Portsmouth is one of the most charming Christmas towns in New England!
There are a lot of fun things to do in pretty Portsmouth, including fantastic restaurants and great places to stay. Portsmouth is one of the best places to visit in New Hampshire, and is absolutely well worth the drive from NYC for a great weekend getaway!
Woodstock VT
If you’re looking for a laid-back weekend getaway filled with lots of small town fun, consider Woodstock VT! The drive from NYC is about 4 ½ hours long, but as you’re driving into this little slice of heaven, you’ll recognize the time behind the wheel was worth it! There are lots of great things to do in Woodstock, like strolling the adorable downtown area and shopping at unique spots like F.H. Gillingham and Sons, the general store that has been in continual operation since 1886!
Be sure to get out and drive around the area a bit, you’ll find quaint Vermont covered bridges, cute little farms like Sugarbush Farm, famous for their cheese and maple syrup goodies, and fantastic places to eat and stay, whether you’re looking to stay on a working farm or in a quintessentially New England inn like the always popular Woodstock Inn & Resort, “Vermont’s Most Beautiful Address.“
White Mountains NH
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are an amazing weekend getaway spot, but the drive from NYC is almost 6 hours long, so best reserved for a long weekend (or a short flight followed by a short drive from Burlington VT or Portland ME), but well worth it for anyone looking for great fun! Go ziplining at Alpine Adventures, skiing, fat biking, or hiking at Loon Mountain Resort, depending on the season, and so much more. Go sightseeing in the best of ways on the Conway Scenic Railroad; a fall trip is absolutely magical!
There are so many cute little towns to explore in the White Mountains, like Lincoln, North Conway, Jackson, Franconia, Littleton, and more, and some fantastic options for cute cabin rentals, too! Whether you’re out chasing waterfalls, looking for moose, or cozying up in a resort, a weekend getaway in New Hampshire’s White Mountains is always a great time!
Cape Cod MA
When it comes to sheer scenic prowess, Cape Cod kinda has it made! Yes, it will take you almost 5 hours to get there by car (or a quick flight!) but with so many fantastic things to do on Cape Cod, it’s hard to pass it up for a weekend getaway option! The beaches are amazing if you’re planning a summer weekend getaway, but there’s fun to be found on Cape Cod during the fall and winter months, too! Plus, a visit to a prime summer vacation destination in the “off-season” months often means incredible deals on activities, places to stay, and even at restaurants!
Cape Cod is versatile too, and can be the perfect family vacation or an ideal romantic getaway spot, and so many spectacular hiking options, too! There are all also lots of incredible vacation rentals around the cape, too, so whether you’re looking in Provincetown, Wellfleet, Sandwich, Chatham you can find it all on Cape Cod, home to some of the best beach towns in the Bay State!
Block Island RI
With only a 4 ½ hour trek to get there, including the ferry ride, no list of weekend getaways in New England could be complete without beautiful Block Island! For an ideal summer weekend getaway, consider Block Island RI. Some of the most gorgeous beaches in Rhode Island are located on Block Island, and in addition to lovely lighthouses, there is also stunning scenery to be found at Mohegan Bluffs, a must-see on this Ultimate New England Bucket List!
In addition to the beautiful beaches of Block Island, you’ll also find great boutique shopping opportunities and art galleries on the island to pick out the perfect souvenir from your Block Island weekend getaway!
Of course, there are even more fantastic options for New England weekend getaways from NYC that require a little extra travel time to get there, including popular vacation destinations in Maine like Acadia National Park, Kennebunkport, Moosehead Lake, Portland, and more! Sometimes you just need a great weekend getaway to reset and recharge… New England is the perfect spot to find it!
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Amy Hartle is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of New England With Love, a comprehensive resource for travel in the New England region. Amy has been exploring New England since 2001. She lived in Vermont for many years and is a graduate of Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. Amy has been writing about travel for over a decade. On this site, Amy aims to share her love of New England and help you to have the best possible adventures!
Amy has been a full time blogger since 2012, and is also the publisher of Two Drifters, where she writes about couples travel and relationships, as well as Let’s Adventure Baby, a family travel site. When not traveling the world or creating epic blog content, Amy can be found cuddling with her husband, son, and cats, & drinking a maple latte.