Hudson, NY is an easy drive from Manhattan.
35 Great Road Trips from NYC
One advantage of living in the New York City area is the abundance of options available for weekend getaways. New York is so ideally situated that making an escape from the city (once you’ve survived bridge and tunnel traffic) to greener, quieter, or sometimes, just “different” pastures, is fairly straightforward. I’ve compiled a list of great road trips from NYC, all six hours or less from Manhattan. (Travel time can be a little shorter or longer from the other boroughs.)
This list is only the tip of the iceberg. There are many more terrific destinations within driving distance. All you need is a set of wheels with a full tank of gas. Where are you off to?
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New York State Road Trips
The Hamptons
You’ve seen it on the silver screen, and probably read about this famous, upscale destination offering some of the prettiest beaches in the country along with a happening social scene.
Driving time: 3 hours
The North Fork
The ‘other’ and more laid-back side of the Hamptons is well known for farms, wineries, and country life. And the sunsets over the Long Island sound are spectacular.
Driving time: 2.5 hours
The sunsets over the Long Island Sound are spectacular.
Rhinebeck
Scenic and arty, this village offers the best of beautiful surroundings and history. Rhinebeck, NY has more than 400 historical landmarks, plus fantastic shopping and dining choices.
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Lake Placid
Home of the 1980 Winter Olympics, Lake Placid offers phenomenal ski slopes and hiking treks, plus a lively downtown.
Driving time: 5 hours
Woodstock
Find one-of-a-kind boutiques, galleries, and cafés, as well as plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. And for the record: the legendary 1969 music festival did not happen here, but in Bethel, NY.
Driving time: 2.5 hours
New Paltz
Another bustling main street features an array of spots to eat, drink, and shop in this alluring Hudson Valley town that exudes a hip vibe.
Driving time: 2 hours
Cold Spring
A storybook village set against a gorgeous mountain backdrop with a thriving main street, Cold Spring is the ideal one-day getaway from New York. One of the shortest road trips from NYC, Cold Spring also has a quaint main street. Be sure to eat ice cream at Moo Moo’s Creamery, supposedly the world’s best.
Driving time: 90 minutes
The Hudson River in Cold Spring, NY
Hudson
Brooklyn traveled all the way upstate to Hudson––the second largest city in Columbia County––so there’s no shortage of farm-to-table eats, local art, and too-cool people. Plus, the scenery surrounding the town is breathtakingly beautiful.
Driving time: 2.5 hours
The Finger Lakes
Award-winning wines, high gorges, peaceful lakes, and picture-perfect country towns––welcome to the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.
Driving time: 4.5 to 5 hours
New Jersey Road Trips
Lambertville
Across the bridge from New Hope, PA, this village attracts the design-savvy since it has a variety of home furnishings shops, studios, and galleries. The food in Lambertville is excellent too.
Driving time: 90 minutes
Asbury Park
One of the go-to amusement and beach spots along the North Jersey shoreline, Asbury Park and its long boardwalk are fun for both adults and kids.
Driving time: 1.5 hours
Stone Harbor
On this seven-mile island along the South Jersey shore, you’ll discover some of the prettiest beaches in the state, as well as an adorable and walkable downtown. Stone Harbor is one of the best road trips from NYC.
Driving time: 3 hours
Cape May
The Victorian painted ladies and magnificent beaches are the highlights of this postcard-perfect seaside town at the southern tip of New Jersey.
Driving time: 3 hours
Atlantic City
Head to the Las Vegas of the East Coast for a weekend of shows, slots, and shenanigans. Even if you’re not a gambler, you can hit the beach and cruise the boards.
Driving time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Princeton
More than the locale of an Ivy League university, Princeton features a burgeoning restaurant scene thanks to the diverse collection of people from around the globe.
Driving time: 90 minutes
Pennsylvania Road Trips
Lititz
Venture to this little piece of heaven in Lancaster County’s Pennsylvania Dutch Country and you’ll easily understand why it was voted the best small town in America.
Driving time: 3 hours
Lititz is a charming town in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
New Hope
Antique emporiums, cute retail stores, and charm galore is what you’ll find in this parcel along the banks of the Delaware River. Be sure to venture across the bridge to explore Lambertville, N.J., its sister town (mentioned above).
Driving time: 90 minutes
Doylestown
Recognized as the seat of Bucks County, Doylestown has tons going on for a small town (population less than 9,000). Visit castles, covered bridges, and a bustling main street for a well-rounded weekend away.
Driving time: 2 hours
Jim Thorpe
Named after the Native American sports legend buried there, Jim Thorpe is in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, promising breathtaking mountain scenery, gorgeous Victorian architecture, and all that we love about small towns. It’s only 100 miles from NYC.
Driving time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Philadelphia
Not everyone who lives in New York aims to vacation in another metropolis, but some city slickers (like me) consider other cities a getaway. Enter Philly. The City of Brotherly Love is a hub for culture and amazing food, and it’s an easy trip from Manhattan.
Driving time: 2 hours
Connecticut Road Trips
Essex/Old Lyme/Old Saybrook
This heavenly pocket along the Connecticut River can easily be combined in one long weekend trip. The three historic towns are minutes apart and offer plenty to do such as boating, fishing, kayaking, plus shopping and dining.
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Mystic
If you’ve seen the film, Mystic Pizza, you know this coastal town. I can tell you, the pizza really is delicious! And the waterfront village, nestled on both sides of the Mystic River, is as picturesque as you’d imagine.
Driving time: 3 hours
Norwalk
This town’s offerings go far deeper than Norwalk Furniture. South Norwalk, labeled SoNo, continues to evolve. The district has become one of the go-to destinations in the state for its culinary culture, not to mention indie boutiques and galleries.
Driving time: 1+ hour
South Norwalk or “SoNo” is a hip neighborhood.
Litchfield
Dating back to the 18th century, Litchfield is often considered one of the prettiest small towns in the state. It’s a hotspot for art and antiques, and it is indeed small; the village has only 1,200 full-time residents.
Driving time: 2+ hours
Rhode Island Road Trips
Newport
Fresh seafood, historic mansions, and rocky seaside cliffs are reasons to visit Newport again and again. This town is one of my favorites in the Northeast and if you visit, I think you’ll love it too.
Driving time: 3+ hours
Narragansett
‘Gansett’ has long been a coastal holiday spot for New Englanders as well as travelers from faraway places. It’s one of the best surfing destinations in New England, plus the town has been brewing beer since 1890.
Driving time: 3 hours
Massachusetts Road Trips
Boston
While you may want to avoid it in winter, Boston is an excellent weekend away in spring, summer and fall. Traffic can be a bear, so I recommend driving in between rush hours if at all possible.
Driving time: 3.5 to 4 hours
Cape Cod
I realize that the Cape has more than 15 towns (and even more villages), but I couldn’t decide on one. I say make as many trips as possible and visit each piece of it. I’ve been there in the summer and off-season, so I can say that Cape Cod is fabulous at any time of the year.
Driving time: 4 to 6 hours depending on the town
Nantucket
There’s no island in the world quite like Nantucket. The once whaling hub dates back to the 17th century and is characterized by shingle-style cottages, blissful beaches, and a buzzing downtown. I am dying to go back!
Driving time: 4.5 hours to Hyannis, plus ferry travel time
The Berkshires
Set in the Western chunk of the state, the Berkshire Mountains include a string of Instagram-worthy villages like Great Barrington, Lenox, and Stockbridge. Listen to singer/songwriter James Taylor as you cruise from town to town.
Driving time: 3 hours
Washington D.C. Road Trip
The nation’s capital is an easy jaunt for a weekend trip, giving New Yorkers a good reason to hit the road in time for dinner in one of the city’s hip neighborhoods, followed by a weekend of sightseeing and shopping.
Driving time: 4 hours
When in Washington D.C., Georgetown is a must-visit district.
Maryland Road Trips
Annapolis
Besides being the home of the United States Naval Academy, there’s so very much to see and do in Annapolis. From Beaux Arts architecture to the Chesapeake Bay and Tidewater cuisine, this city harkens back several hundred years and provides a wonderful and often much-needed escape from everyday life.
Driving time: 3.5 hours
Maine Road Trips
Kennebunkport
You’ll feel as if you’re on a film set in this town situated on the coast of southern Maine. Expect white sandy beaches, whale watching tours, a national wildlife refuge, and other typical Maine-centric attractions and activities.
Driving time: 5 hours
Portland
The waterfront’s fishing wharves, old warehouses, and legendary lighthouses lend the city character, painting a photo-ready backdrop. Portland offers so much more than tasty lobster rolls, but while you’re there, I say, indulge.
Driving time: 5.5 hours
Canada Road Trip
Montreal
Maybe I saved the best for last!? Often referred to as the Paris of North America and one of my favorite cities, Montreal is a food-loving town with friendly locals and tons of style. It’s one of the longer road trips from NYC but so worth the extra time. Bon voyage!
Driving time: 6 hours
Montreal is a 6-hour drive from NYC but totally worth the trip.
Have you taken any great road trips from NYC? Please share in the comments!
No matter where you go, even for a quick getaway, you’ll need good luggage. If you’re on a budget try Samsonite. I cannot say enough good things about my 20-inch hardside spinner and it’s gone everywhere with me. And looks are deceiving––I fit so much into this piece.
And if you can splurge, of course, there’s Tumi. You can’t go wrong with this suitcase.
Plus, I never leave home without this fashionable tote bag.
Also, charming towns in the Northeast. And destinations I dream of visiting.
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