11 Great Weekend Getaways from New York City

Trade the concrete jungle for beaches, mountains, historic towns, and countryside retreats—all within a few hours of New York City.

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For many travelers, the perfect vacation doesn't mean choosing between the excitement of the city and a slower pace—it means experiencing both. New York City is a prime example: one of the pleasures of visiting can be discovering just how much lies beyond it.

After a few days of buzzy restaurants, packed museums, and nonstop urban energy, you can find yourself amid ocean breezes or on quiet country trails. Their proximity makes these weekend getaways an ideal complement to a New York City visit and, for locals, a refreshing reset.

Places like the Jersey Shore, Hamptons, Catskills, and Berkshires each have their own appeal—and tend to inspire repeat visits. And while summer may be the classic escape season, these destinations offer plenty of reasons to return throughout the year, from fall foliage and winter fireside evenings to spring hikes.

If you’re ready for a change of scenery, we’ve rounded up standout Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection properties, from wellness spa stays and waterfront resorts to charming inns and mountain hideaways. Each of these properties provides a suite of benefits when booking through Amex Travel™ on your Platinum Card®.

As a Platinum Card® Member, enjoy a complimentary suite of benefits when you book through American Express Travel®.

Fine Hotels + Resorts*

 

  12pm check-in, when available

  Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1

  Daily breakfast for two

  $100 credit to use toward eligible charges2

  Guaranteed 4pm check-out

The Hotel Collection 3,*

 

  12pm check-in, when available

  Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1

  $100 credit to use toward eligible charges2

  4pm late check-out, when available

Platinum Card Members get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or prepaid The Hotel Collection (minimum 2-night stay required) bookings made through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®*. See hotel credit details.

New Jersey & Pennsylvania

Long Branch offers a more resort-focused beach experience than many traditional Jersey Shore towns. Case in point: Wave Resort on Long Branch Beach, with 67 chic rooms and suites featuring private balconies, and a mix of events like live music and rooftop cocktails. It has a prime location near upscale Pier Village and the boardwalk, with family-friendly attractions and a wide stretch of beach. Make a side trip to retro-cool Asbury Park. six miles away, for another slice of the shore life.

Perfect for: Families, Groups, Beach Lovers

Sprawled across 500 acres in Central New Jersey’s Somerset Hills, Pendry Natirar is a refined countryside retreat focused on culinary experiences, wellness, and the outdoors. Guests can explore scenic trails, visit the on-site farm, take cooking classes, or unwind at the pool or spa.

Perfect for: Couples, Wellness Seekers, Food Lovers

Philly continues to draw acclaim for its outsized dining scene, museums, and passionate sports culture—and The Bellevue Hotel provides a central location for experiencing it all. The Beaux-Arts landmark is right on the Avenue of the Arts, alongside theaters and within walking distance of shop-lined Walnut Street and Rittenhouse Square. Recently renovated rooms feature high ceilings, large windows, and classic architectural details. Plus, you get access to the Sporting Club at The Bellevue, which includes pickleball and basketball courts, an indoor pool, a steam room, and a sauna.

Perfect for: History Buffs, Culture Seekers, Food Lovers

Hamptons & Shelter Island, NY

A landmark in one of the Hamptons’ most beloved beach towns, Montauk Yacht Club is a waterfront resort with a stylish nautical vibe and a full-service marina. Spend the weekend boating, lounging by one of three pools or on the private beach, and exploring local surf spots and the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse. It all amounts to a quintessential Out East experience, enriched by kids’ activities and seasonal events like the Thursday Shuck Club oyster experience, Rum Bar Fridays, and stand-up paddleboard yoga.

Perfect for: Couples, Families, Coastal Explorers

Along a scenic stretch of Long Island’s East End, The Roundtree, Amagansett is a low-key yet polished Hamptons retreat designed for year-round escapes. Spend summer days at lively nearby beaches and vineyards or visit in cooler months for a cozy cottage atmosphere, scenic hikes, and East End leaf peeping. For golfers, a partnership with Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course gives guests access to priority reservations. Afternoon tea and nightly bonfires give the property a welcoming, laid-back feel in any season.

Perfect for: Couples, Relaxation Seekers, Groups

The Hotel Collection
Location Shelter Island, New York

The Pridwin Hotel

Between the North and South Forks of Long Island, Shelter Island is a little world unto itself, accessible only by car ferry. The Pridwin Hotel leans into that slower pace with old-school coastal charm, spectacular waterfront views, and your choice of 33 rooms or 16 private cottages. Summer brings kayaking, beach games, and live music on the terrace, while cooler months are ideal for relaxing spa treatments, peaceful walks along the shoreline, and evenings by the fire pits.

Perfect for: Families, Groups, Beach Lovers

The Catskills and Hudson Valley, NY

Overlooking Hunter Mountain in the northern Catskills, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge opened in 2016 and has helped drive this region’s revival. It puts a contemporary spin on a mountain getaway with design-forward details and rustic interiors, a cedar-barrel sauna, and social activities like yoga classes, a film series, and Meet the Makers tastings. Nearby trails, ski areas, and quaint Catskills towns offer plenty to explore, from winter weekends on the slopes to summer days spent outdoors.

Perfect for: Couples, Outdoor Adventurers, Design Lovers

Spread across a 250-acre Hudson Valley estate dating back to the 18th century, Troutbeck mixes historic character with a more modern countryside feel. The 37 rooms and suites have distinct layouts that may include custom-made furniture, reclaimed antiques, fireplaces, and handmade décor. Weekends can include tailored falconry excursions, fly fishing along the Webutuck River, hitting the tennis courts, or exploring nearby forest trails and ski areas. Wind down with cocktails, wellness treatments, or quiet evenings by the fire.

Perfect for: Couples, Families, Outdoor Adventurers

New England

Right on the Connecticut shoreline, Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton makes it easy to settle into an out-of-office routine of fresh seafood, sunset drinks, and mornings by the water. Summer concerts and beachfront bonfires add liveliness during warmer months, while nearby downtown Madison has restaurants, boutiques, and a classic New England coastal feel year-round.

Perfect for: Families, Coastal Explorers

A stay at the 33-room The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection feels like stepping into the Gilded Age, with ornate interiors, glamourous dining spaces, and a tucked-away parlor bar inspired by Doris Duke. Embrace the lush life with poolside lounging, indulgent spa treatments, and a classic car ride through historic downtown Newport before returning for dinner. Like many coastal getaways, crowds peak here in summer—which also sees the return of famous annual festivals—so early fall can be a sweet spot for visiting.

Perfect for: Couples, Luxury Seekers

Focused on wellness without feeling overly structured, Miraval Berkshires is a year-round haven for quiet weekends in the countryside. Time at this tranquil, all-inclusive resort revolves around spa treatments, yoga and meditation classes, nature trails, and locally sourced dining, while the surrounding Berkshires beckon with its arts scene, walkable towns like Lenox and Great Barrington, acclaimed restaurants, and ski areas.

Perfect for: Couples, Wellness Seekers

Our Contributor

Megan Murphy

Megan Murphy is a travel and food writer and editor covering hotels, restaurants, and destinations around the world. Based in Jersey City, NJ, she’s happiest exploring new places and building itineraries around where and what to eat—whether traveling with friends and family or on a solo adventure.

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