Originally Posted On: https://www.cromwellmanorinn.com/looking-for-weekend-trips-near-new-york-discover-a-pet-friendly-inn
Surprising fact: more than 70% of easy getaways from New York sit within a two-to-five-hour drive, so you can reclaim a full day away without vacation time.
We’ll help you plan weekend trips near New York that feel genuinely restorative, even if you only have a single weekend to spare.
Leave the city at off-peak times, and you’ll dodge traffic. That means more time to hike, eat well, and relax by a fire.
Cromwell Manor Inn is our pick for a cozy, pet-friendly home base. Find it at 174 Angola Rd, Cornwall, NY 12518, United States. Call (845) 534-7136 to book a stay with fireplaces and easy unwind comforts.
We’ll set expectations fast: where you can go in two to five hours, what “easy” looks like on a Friday, and how to match a trip to your vibe—romantic, active, family, or low-key.
Read on to jump to the kind of getaway you want today. We keep things practical and focused on value: less time in traffic, more time exploring.
Many worthwhile getaways lie within a short drive from the city.
Leaving at off-peak times saves hours and stress.
Cromwell Manor Inn offers pet-friendly rooms, fireplaces, and comfort.
We focus on practical plans for real schedules.
Choose a trip that fits your vibe without overplanning.
Book at (845) 534-7136 for Hudson Valley access and cozy stays.
How to Choose the Right Weekend Getaway From New York City
Start by asking: how long do you want to spend in the car? That simple filter tells you what’s realistic for a true reset. We prefer the two-to-five-hour zone because it leaves most of your time for hiking, dining, or a lazy afternoon by the fire.
Quick-drive sweet spots within two to five hours
Why two to five hours matters: it balances travel and downtime. If you want a full day away, this range keeps the trip restorative, not rushed.
Best times to leave the city to dodge weekend traffic
Avoid departing Friday between 3:00 and 7:00 pm. In summer backups often start near 1:00 pm. Better options: leave early Saturday, or go after the morning or evening rush on Friday. If you’re hunting weekend getaways near NYC that don’t start with hours in gridlock—timing is everything.
What to pack for changing weather in summer, fall, and winter
Pack light but bring layers. Summers bring heat and quick storms. Fall nights can be crisp. In winter expect wind chill near ridgelines and water.
Layers, not lumbering suitcases.
One dressier option for spontaneous dinners.
Sturdy shoes for trails and casual city strolls.
Make Cromwell Manor Inn Your Cozy Home Base in the Hudson Valley
A thoughtfully chosen inn can turn a short break into real rest. Cromwell Manor Inn is the easy yes for people who want Hudson Valley access without sacrificing comfort.
At this place in Cornwall, you’ll find pet-friendly rooms, fireplaces for quiet evenings, and a relaxed pour to help you downshift after the drive. The inn works well whether you want a calm read-and-reset stay or a day full of hikes and nearby towns to wander.
Cromwell Manor Inn (Cornwall, NY): pet-friendly rooms, fireplaces, and a relaxing pour
Address: 174 Angola Rd, Cornwall, NY 12518, United States — Phone: (845) 534-7136
Why choose it: pet policies, warm fireplaces, and easy access to river views and trailheads. If your search history looks like “best bed and breakfast in New York State,” this checks the boxes.
Real-talk anecdote: I’ve done the mad dash out of the city at 9:15 p.m., windows cracked, snacks rolling around the console. Pulled in late, dropped bags, found the fireplace glow… and yeah—slept like I actually took a day off.
Weekend personalities supported: quiet, active, and mixed days of exploring and relaxing. For softer, cozier weekend retreats near NYC, the fit is easy.
Feature
Why it matters
What to confirm
Nearby highlights
Pet-friendly rooms
Bring pets without stress
Confirm pet fees and rules
Scenic drives, river views
Fireplaces
Sets a cozy tone for evenings
Ask about in-room vs. common fireplaces
Trailheads and quiet towns
On-site drinks
Helps you unwind quickly
Check hours and offerings
Local dining and Main Street walks
Before you arrive, call (845) 534-7136 to check fireplace availability, final pet policies, and any dining or drink options on-site. That small step makes the rest of your getaway easier and more enjoyable.
If you’re weighing hotels vs. B&Bs and even browsing bb lodges New York, this is a friendly, human-scale option with the perks you actually use.
Weekend Trips Near New York That Feel Like a True Escape
A handful of nearby towns deliver fresh air, local art, and great food without fuss. Plenty of folks chasing weekend getaways near New York start here and never look back.
New Paltz & the Shawangunks
Best for: hiking and multi-use rail trails. The Shawangunks offer short, rewarding climbs and clear views. Main Street in New Paltz suits easy dining and evening strolls.
Best for: art and Hudson River scenes. Dia: Beacon anchors the town. Pair a gallery visit with riverfront walks for a cultural day that feels like a true reset.
Best for: shops and destination restaurants. Warren Street is ideal for antique hunting and dinner reservations that turn a simple night into a treat.
Best for: arts, small shops, and Catskills scenery. Take slow walks, pop into galleries, and let the hilltop views do the rest.
“Pick one anchor town and add a short side run — you’ll get more out of two days than you think.”
Town
Main draw
Best time
Quick plan
New Paltz
Hiking, rail trails
Spring–Fall
Morning hike, Main Street dinner
Beacon
Modern art, river
Year-round
Dia:Beacon + riverwalk
Hudson
Antiques, restaurants
Fall & weekends
Browse Warren St, book dinner
Woodstock
Art, Catskills views
Summer–Fall
Gallery crawl, short scenic walk
Best State Parks and Trail Adventures Close to the City
Short drives can unlock vast green spaces with trails for every skill level. We point you to two dependable state park options that deliver fresh air fast and clear plans for a day outdoors.
Bear Mountain: easy day with family-friendly features
Bear Mountain State Park suits a full, easy day. There are marked routes for hiking and places to bike. Picnic areas, fishing access, and a small zoo make it great for kids. The seasonal pool is a crowd-pleaser in summer. Plan one main hike, a shorter loop as backup, and a relaxed picnic by the lake.
Harriman: bigger wilderness and endless routes
Harriman State Park offers expansive woods, many lakes, and fishing and boating opportunities. The park’s extensive network of trails—often cited at 200+ miles—lets you tailor a long route or short loops. Pick your route by time and energy. Add a water-side stop to recover after a tougher climb.
Simple plan: one main hike, one backup loop, one water stop.
With kids: choose shorter trails, spread picnics, and keep activities light.
What to bring: water, layers, and sturdy footwear for roots and rocks.
Park
Main draws
Best for
Quick tip
Bear Mountain State Park
Hiking, bike routes, zoo, seasonal pool
Families, easy day hikes
Combine a short summit trail with pool time
Harriman State Park
Lakes, fishing/boating, extensive trails
Longer hikes, wilderness feel
Plan a lakeside recovery after a long loop
Beach Town Weekends When You Want Sand, Water, and Sunset Views
When you crave open water and easy photo-worthy views, these coastal options fit the bill. Pick a plan by energy: classic and quaint, lively and social, or quiet and wine-focused.
Cape May is about miles — roughly 3 hours — from the city. It’s known for Victorian houses, broad beaches, and sunset boat tours that put you on the water.
Choose Asbury Park for a lively shore vibe and standout food. Boardwalk energy, music, and restaurants make it a social pick for a short break.
Iconic beach stretches and lighthouse views make this a photo-first option. Expect strong coastlines and wide vistas worthy of an extra stop for pictures.
For a softer pace, head to the North Fork. Wineries, farm stands, and quiet beaches suit slower afternoons and shoulder-season calm.
“Summer is fun, but shoulder seasons mean fewer crowds and easier parking.”
Spot
Drive time
Vibe
Cape May
~3 hours
Victorian charm, sunset water tours
Asbury Park
1.5–2 hours
Lively boardwalk, great food
Hamptons/Montauk
2–4 hours
Iconic beaches, lighthouse views
North Fork
2–3 hours
Wineries, farm stands, quiet beaches
Packing mini-list: sunscreen, towel, light layers, refillable water bottle, and a small cooler for snacks. These quick steps keep coastal getaways easy and enjoyable.
Small-Town Main Streets Packed With Shops, Food, and Local Culture
We like towns where you can park once and spend hours browsing shops, eating well, and wandering. These places make planning simple and help you recharge without a packed schedule.
Nyack for Hudson River overlooks, cafés, and an easy near-city reset. Nyack feels close to the city and still far enough to slow down. Stroll the main street for cafés and small shops. Grab an afternoon coffee and catch a riverside overlook for a calm reset.
New Hope for boutiques, canal-side bike rides, and cozy inns. New Hope pairs boutiques and laid-back restaurants with the Delaware Canal towpath. Rent a bike, pedal a short loop, then browse the shops before dinner at a cozy inn.
Mystic for seaport charm, seafood, and riverside strolls. Mystic is a classic place for seafood, walkable streets, and family-friendly attractions like the seaport museum. It works in every season and suits browsing, eating, or light sightseeing.
Do we want walkability or a late-night restaurant scene? Pick the style, then pick the town.
Browsing and eating: Nyack.
Light activity and scenery: New Hope (bike-friendly).
Family-friendly charm: Mystic.
Culture-Filled City Breaks That Still Work as a Weekend Trip
A short city break can pack serious culture without eating your whole weekend. We pick two nearby cities that balance museums, food, and easy logistics.
Philadelphia: American history, Reading Terminal Market, and museum time
Why go: Major American history sites and world-class museums fit into one clear plan. Arrive by car or by train; faster rail often takes under 1.5 hours. Spend one day at Independence National Historical Park and another at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Add a meal at Reading Terminal Market for quick, memorable bites.
New Haven: free museums and legendary “apizza.”
Why go: Yale museums offer low-cost or free access and a compact cultural loop. Make dinner the highlight. Try Sally’s or Frank Pepe's for classic apizza and a lively local scene. This is a great place to stretch museum time without a heavy schedule.
One major museum or historic site per day keeps the pace gentle.
Book restaurants for Saturday nights—reservations often save the evening.
Pick Philadelphia for deep history or New Haven for a faster food crawl.
If you came in searching “best bed and breakfast NYC,” you’ll usually mean: close to NYC, but quieter. That’s this corner of the Hudson Valley.
Longer-Haul Upstate Trips Worth the Extra Miles
These longer drives reward you with bigger landscapes and true destination vibes. Expect more miles and more hours on the road. The trade-off: deeper experiences and two- or three-night stays that feel worthwhile.
Why go: Saratoga Spa State Park pools, history, and fall leaf-peeping make the drive feel like part of the trip.
Why go: Lake Otsego, local breweries, and a compact Main Street that’s easy to explore on foot.
Why go: Gorge trails, waterfalls at places like Watkins Glen, and winery tours that fill days without too much moving around.
Why go: Classic summer boating and a different winter personality with ice activities and seasonal events.
Why go: Adirondack hiking, Mirror Lake views, and the unique Olympic-town energy that feels like a true destination.
“If you’re driving more hours, simplify the rest: one hub, fewer stops, and key activities booked ahead.”
More miles often mean more payoff—plan two or three nights.
Choose season by intent: summer for water and boating, fall for leaf-peeping, winter for ice sports.
Focus on one hub to reduce drive time between activities.
Destination
Main draws
Best season
Quick plan
Saratoga Springs
Spa pools, history, fall foliage
Fall
Soak, stroll Main St, leaf-peep
Cooperstown
Lake Otsego, breweries, walkable Main St
Summer–Fall
Lake time, brewery stop, museum or walk
Finger Lakes
Waterfalls, gorge trails, wineries
Spring–Fall
Hike a gorge, wine tour, lakeside dinner
Lake George
Boating, beaches, winter ice activities
Summer & Winter
Boat day in summer, ice event in winter
Lake Placid
Adirondack hikes, Mirror Lake, Olympic sites
Summer–Fall
Hike, paddle Mirror Lake, visit Olympic venues
Build Your Ideal Itinerary: Couples, Families With Kids, and Pet-Friendly Plans
Build a simple plan that fits your pace and the people you travel with. We make plug-and-play itineraries so you stop researching and start going.
Morning hikes or a slow drive for views. Afternoon check-in to a hotel with cozy rooms and a fireplace. Evening is for great dining and quiet time by the fire.
Family weekend: easy activities and pools for kids
Keep the day simple. Morning anchor: a short museum or zoo visit. Afternoon flex: hotel pool time so kids can run and adults can relax. Evening wind-down: family dinner near Main Street and an early night in comfortable rooms.
Active weekend: trails, bike routes, and planned recovery
Choose a trail or a long bike loop as your morning anchor. Afternoon: a lighter activity—lake shore or short scenic ride. Evening: stretching, a warm meal, and rooms that let you rest.
Car-free option: train-accessible plans
Pick destinations reachable by train. Use short local rides or walkable centers once you arrive. This option reduces logistics and keeps the focus on exploring.
“One anchor, one flex, one wind-down — that structure keeps a getaway full but calm.”
Itinerary type
Morning anchor
Afternoon flex
Evening wind-down
Romantic
Scenic hike or lookout
Inn check-in, cozy rooms
Fireplace + upscale dining
Family with kids
Museum or short nature walk
Hotel pool + playground time
Family dinner, early rest
Active
Long hike or bike trail
Light paddle or recovery walk
Simple meal, hearty sleep
Car-free
Train arrival, local walk
Short rental ride or bike
Nearby hotel rooms, neighborhood dining
Pet-friendly logic: Confirm pet rules, fees, and which rooms allow dogs. Pick towns with easy walks and patio dining so pets join the plan. For close-to-home weekend getaways near New York, this formula just works.
We keep lodging simple: clean, comfortable rooms, a central location, and a hotel with the amenities you need—a pool for kids, a fireplace for couples, or bike storage for active travelers. If you care about old-school hospitality with a modern polish, you’re likely picturing a five star bed and breakfast vibe.
A well-timed plan saves hours and makes a single day feel like much more. Choose an anchor place, set two or three priorities, and leave blank time to wander.
Within a few hours of New York, you’ll find plenty of options — mountain trails, beaches, small towns, and culture-filled cities. Pick a nearby area as your base and repeat the rhythm: one anchor, one flex, one easy wind-down.
For a reliable home base that fits many moods, we recommend Cromwell Manor Inn. Book at 174 Angola Rd, Cornwall, NY 12518, United States or call (845) 534-7136. If your search started with weekend getaways near NYC or even “I just need out, now,” you’re in the right orbit.
Bookmark this guide, choose one trip for now and one for later, and give yourself regular days away. You’ll find the reset you need in less time than you expect. And if you want it super close to the city but calmer, you’re basically describing the Hudson Valley’s sweet spot.
How far are these getaways from the city, and how long will driving take?
Most destinations listed are within a two- to five-hour drive from Manhattan. Shorter options like Bear Mountain, Nyack, and Beacon are about 1–1.5 hours. Further upstate spots such as Saratoga Springs or the Finger Lakes take 3.5–5 hours. Plan for extra time on Friday evenings and holiday weekends.
Can we bring our dog to the inns and many attractions?
Yes — several options, including Cromwell Manor Inn in Cornwall, welcome pets. Many Main Street shops and outdoor trails are pet-friendly, but restaurants and museums may vary. Always call ahead to confirm pet policies, any fees, and rules for common areas.
What are the best train-accessible destinations if we want a car-free trip?
Beacon and New Haven are easy by Metro-North or Amtrak. Hudson and New Paltz area can be reached by train plus a short taxi or shuttle. Trains help avoid traffic and parking hassle—check schedules and local transit for first/last-mile connections.
When should we leave NYC to avoid the worst weekend traffic?
Aim to leave before 10 a.m. on Saturdays or after 7 p.m. on Sundays for lighter traffic. For holiday weekends, consider departing Friday morning or midweek to shave hours off your trip.
What should we pack for unpredictable summer to fall weather?
Pack layers: a lightweight rain jacket, a warm sweater, comfortable hiking shoes, and quick-dry clothing. Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a small first-aid kit. If traveling with kids or pets, include familiar bedding or toys for comfort.
Are there kid-friendly activities and hotels with pools on these routes?
Yes. Bear Mountain and Saratoga Spa State Park offer family-focused attractions. Many inns and nearby hotels list pools or seasonal outdoor pools. Check property listings for family rooms, kid menus, and on-site activities before booking.
Where can we find good dining and local food experiences on small-town main streets?
Towns like Hudson, New Paltz, Nyack, and Asbury Park have standout restaurants, cafés, and farm-to-table options. Main Streets often host bakeries, specialty shops, and seasonal farmers' markets for quick bites and local produce.
Which state parks offer the best trails and water activities close to the city?
Bear Mountain offers hiking, biking, and a seasonal pool; Harriman State Park has hundreds of miles of trails and several lakes for fishing and paddling. For longer-haul adventures, the Finger Lakes and Lake George deliver swimming, boating, and gorge hikes.
Are beaches and coastal towns reachable for a quick shore weekend?
Absolutely. Cape May, Asbury Park, Montauk, and Long Island’s North Fork are all viable for a two- to four-hour trip, depending on traffic. Each offers different vibes: classic Victorian charm, lively boardwalks, iconic lighthouses, or quiet winery-studded shores.
What makes Cromwell Manor Inn a good home base in the Hudson Valley?
Cromwell Manor Inn in Cornwall features pet-friendly rooms and fireplaces, plus a relaxed atmosphere for drinks and winding down after hikes or Hudson River outings. Its location puts you close to rail trails, shops, and easy access to nearby state parks.
How do we tailor an itinerary for couples, families, or active weekends?
For couples, prioritize inns with fireplaces, intimate dining, and scenic overlooks. Families should pick destinations with pools, museums, and easy hikes. Active groups should seek trail networks, bike paths, and water sports. Mix one major activity with relaxed dining or Main Street exploring each day.
Which longer-haul upstate destinations are worth the extra drive?
Saratoga Springs for spa parks and history, Cooperstown for museums and breweries, the Finger Lakes for waterfalls and wine, Lake George for boating, and Lake Placid for Adirondack hikes and Olympic history are all worthy of multi-day trips.