New York City is one of the greatest places in the world to live. But even the most loyal New Yorkers need a break sometimes. The good news is that some of the best road trips from New York City are just a couple of hours away. All you need is a full tank of gas and somewhere to be.
Here are six of our favorite weekend road trips you can take straight from Brooklyn or anywhere in the five boroughs.
The Hudson Valley (1 to 2 hours from NYC)
The Hudson Valley is one of those places that feels worlds away from the city even though it is practically next door. Stretching north along the Hudson River from Westchester County up toward Albany, this region has something for just about everyone.
Hikers will find plenty of trails at Bear Mountain State Park, which sits on the west bank of the Hudson River and offers hiking, boating, swimming, and some of the best views of the surrounding highlands. History lovers can spend an afternoon in Cold Spring, a small riverside town packed with antique shops and 19th century architecture. If you are into food and farms, the area has a growing culinary scene with farm to table restaurants and local wineries worth the drive alone.
Best time to go: spring through fall, though the fall foliage in October is hard to beat.
The Catskills (about 2 hours from NYC)
The Catskills have been a New York escape for generations and for good reason. About 100 miles north of the city, this mountain region covers a quarter million acres of forests, streams, and small towns that move at a completely different pace than New York.
Kaaterskill Falls is the tallest two-tiered waterfall in New York State and one of the most visited natural attractions in the region. It is especially impressive in spring when the snowmelt kicks in. The town of Woodstock is a great base if you want somewhere with restaurants, galleries, and a laid back vibe. Roscoe is another favorite stop, known for its classic American diner and trout fishing on the Beaverkill River.
Best time to go: spring for the waterfalls, fall for the foliage.
The Jersey Shore (1.5 to 2 hours from NYC)
People outside of New York and New Jersey might have a skewed idea of what the Jersey Shore is actually like. The reality is that much of it is clean, beautiful, and genuinely relaxing. Long Beach Island is a favorite among New Yorkers looking for a beach weekend without the Hamptons price tag. Stone Harbor and Cape May at the southern tip of the state are two of the prettiest seaside towns on the entire East Coast.
If you want something a little livelier, Asbury Park has reinvented itself over the past decade into a destination with great food, live music, and a beach boardwalk worth an afternoon.
Best time to go: late May through early September.
Montauk, Long Island (about 2.5 hours from NYC)
Montauk sits at the very eastern tip of Long Island and has a vibe that is more surf town than Hamptons glamour. The Montauk Point Lighthouse, commissioned by President George Washington in 1792, is the oldest lighthouse in New York State and the views from the bluffs there are genuinely stunning. The town itself has a good mix of casual seafood spots, beach bars, and outdoor activities including kayaking and deep sea fishing charters.
It is a longer drive than some of the other destinations on this list, especially on a Friday afternoon, so plan your departure time wisely.
Best time to go: late spring and early fall when the crowds thin out but the weather is still warm.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania (about 1.5 to 2 hours from NYC)
The Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania are one of the most underrated weekend destinations for New Yorkers. The region is known for outdoor activities year round. In warmer months that means kayaking the Delaware River, hiking to Bushkill Falls (known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania), and exploring the lakes. In winter it becomes a solid ski destination.
If you are traveling with a group or a family, the Poconos offer a lot of space and value compared to other nearby options. Cabins and lake houses are widely available and tend to be reasonably priced for the amount of space you get.
Best time to go: year round depending on what you are looking for.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (about 2 hours from NYC)
Philadelphia does not always get the credit it deserves as a weekend destination from New York. The city has world class museums, a genuinely exciting food scene, and enough history to fill several days. A cheesesteak from Pat’s or Geno’s is basically a requirement, but the dining options go well beyond that staple.
Old City is worth a full afternoon for the history alone. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and the Italian Market are all worth building a day around. And compared to New York, everything in Philly just feels a little more manageable.
Best time to go: spring and fall when the weather makes walking the city feel easy.
Make the most of your trip
The best part about all of these destinations is that they are all reachable in a few hours without needing to fly anywhere or plan weeks in advance. Road trips from New York City are some of the easiest and most rewarding escapes you can plan. A rental car gives you the freedom to leave when you want, stop where you feel like it, and come back on your own schedule.
At The Executive Rental we offer affordable economy vehicles starting at $55 a day, perfect for a weekend escape from the city. Whether you are heading to the mountains, the shore, or somewhere in between, we will make sure you hit the road ready to go.