Don’t get us wrong, we love New York City any time of year. But sometimes you need to get out of the bubble, especially during the long winter months. Luckily, you don’t have to get on a plane in order to find a great winter getaway from NYC. We’re not talking about being a snowbird and going down to Florida — we’re talking skiing, cozy cabins, and other winter fun.
We’ve rounded up six winter getaways within a few hours’ drive from the city. Many of them are also accessible via train or bus. That time saved traveling means more time for you to enjoy your escape.
1. Cozy up in a cabin or airstream in Saugerties, NY
Saugerties is a town just on the edge of the Catskills, perhaps best known for being the hometown of late night host Jimmy Fallon. But the town has plenty to offer visitors, including an Autocamp location where you can rent a cozy cabin, or even an Airstream trailer! You can’t travel with the Airstream, but it can make a great home base for you while you explore the area. All units include heating, as well as an outdoor firepit to gather around.
Or, stay in a lighthouse heated by coal stoves
Saugerties apparently has its fair share of unique stays, making it one of our favorite winter getaways from NYC. The town’s lighthouse doubles as a bed and breakfast with antique-style interiors and coal stoves to heat the place in the winter. Visiting in the winter also means getting to watch ice floes on the river and look upon the snow covering the valley. Talk about a winter wonderland!
Peruse bookstores or see a movie in an old theater
If you’re not into winter activities and prefer to spend your time inside doing cozy activities, Saugerties has you covered. It’s home to two independent bookstores, Inquiring Minds Bookstore & Cafe and Our Bookshop, the latter of which specializes in used books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs. The Perfect Blend Yarn and Tea Shop offers everything you need for your winter yarn projects, plus tea to sip while you do it. Also downtown is the Orpheum Theatre, an old movie theater that’s been around since 1908. It now shows current movies but occasionally shows older films, and is the perfect place to cozy up with some vintage vibes.
Getting to Saugerties from NYC
- By car: Saugerties is about a 2-hour drive from NYC via I-87.
- By train + bus: Take the Metro-North Hudson line or an Amtrak train to Poughkeepsie, then an Ulster County Transit bus with one transfer. The total trip takes around 4 hours. See the full train + bus directions.
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2. Stay and play at Hunter Mountain Resort
Hunter Mountain Resort in Hunter, NY is a great option for those who want a winter ski getaway from NYC without worrying too much about logistics. The resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, and you can buy lift tickets, reserve lodging, book lessons, or rent equipment all on their website. There are both group lessons and private lessons available, depending on what kind of instruction you want. Three on-site lodging options offer suite-style accommodations.
Dining and shopping at Hunter Mountain
The resort has twelve different places to eat and drink on-site, so you shouldn’t run out of places to try. Whether you want a quick bite to eat, a drink, or a full-service sit-down meal, there are several options. You can also shop for equipment, gear, and clothing at two on-site shops. If you want to get out during the day, you can easily explore nearby Hudson, NY, often called the Brooklyn of the Hudson Valley.
Or, book a room in a hygge-filled lodge in Hunter, NY
If you’re more of an après-ski person than a ski person, you might be interested in other lodges in the Hunter area. Scribner’s Catskill Lodge is ultra-modern and cozy at the same time, and offers delicious options at its on-site restaurant, Prospect. Bluebird Hunter Lodge describes itself as “cozy, modern, and rustic” with rooms outfitted in stone and wood. Its Hunter Tavern serves up yummy plates like goat cheese fondue and maple-glazed salmon fillet.
Getting to Hunter Mountain from NYC
- By car: Hunter Mountain is a little over 2 hours from NYC via I-87.
- By train + car: Take the Metro-North and then an Amtrak train to nearby Hudson, NY (about 3 hours total). From there, it’s about a 40-minute drive to Hunter Mountain; see if you can get a taxi or Uber, or rent a car. See the full train directions.
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3. Experience the stunning Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY
New Paltz is less than two hours away from Manhattan by car, but is also easily accessible via train and bus. The town is one of our favorite winter getaways from NYC due not only to its proximity, but also its array of cute shops, eateries, and the ever-popular Mohonk Mountain House resort.
Enjoy winter bliss at Mohonk Mountain House
Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, often called the Hudson Valley’s most iconic resort, has been around since 1869. The Victorian castle truly looks like something out of a fairytale. It may look cold from the outside, but most of the accommodations have their own fireplace! Mohonk’s award-winning spa offers a slew of treatments and specials, including herbal wraps, massages, facials, and private wellness sessions. There are plenty of winter activities to enjoy, from ice skating and cross-country skiing to snow tubing and show shoeing. Most activities and dining options are included in your stay.
Where to stay and what to do in New Paltz
If you’re not a fan of resorts, there are plenty of other places to stay in New Paltz, such as this adorable tiny home, this farmhouse cabin with a hot tub, or this modern cabin with gorgeous views. Explore the downtown area and step into the Water Street Market to peruse wares from various vendors, including numerous vintage and antique shops. You can also try New Paltz-made liquor at Coppersea Distilling or beer at Clemson Bros. Brewery.
Getting to New Paltz from NYC
- By car: New Paltz is about two hours from NYC via I-87.
- By bus: Several Trailways buses offer direct routes from New York City to New Paltz in about 1.5 hours.
- By train + bus: Take the Amtrak or Metro-North to Poughkeepsie, then take an Ulster County Transit bus. The total trip takes around 3 hours. See the full train + bus directions.
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4. Go skiing or snowboarding in…New Jersey?
Who knew New Jersey would be one of our top winter getaways from NYC? The Garden State probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of skiing and snowboarding, but these winter sport destinations might make you think otherwise.
Hit the slopes at Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon Township, NJ
Mountain Creek Resort is an all-season resort that has plenty to offer year-round, but it truly shines in the winter. You can go skiing or snowboarding, with slopes suitable for beginners and even a terrain park for more of a challenge.
Accommodations at Mountain Creek
The Appalachian are Mountain Creek’s on-site accommodations, offering studio, one- and two-bedroom units, all with their own kitchens and fireplaces — great for group trips. There’s also a hot tub, fitness center, and several dining options. Alternatively, you can stay at the Crystal Springs Resort just 10 minutes away, which has more spa options.
Getting to Mountain Creek from NYC
- By car: Mountain Creek is under two hours from NYC via NJ-23 or I-80.
- By bus: OvRride offers regular bus service from Manhattan or Brooklyn to Mountain Creek (check out their other Northeast ski destinations, too!).
Learn to ski at Campgaw Mountain in Bergen Township, NJ
If you’ve never skied before and don’t want to travel too far for an activity you’re not even sure you like, Campgaw Mountain in Bergen Township, NJ is the perfect choice. It offers ski runs and snow tube courses that are tailormade for beginners, in addition to daily lessons. If you’re traveling with someone a little more experienced, there are a couple of more advanced trails, too.
Getting to Campgaw Mountain from NYC
- By train + car: You can take NJ Transit with one transfer until you reach Ramsey Station. Campgaw Mountain is a 10-minute drive from there, so you’ll likely have to taxi or Uber. See the full train directions.
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5. Treat yourself in Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is a quaint upstate New York destination known for its mineral springs, horse racing, and gorgeous downtown. The mineral water of the town has been said to provide healing powers and treat a variety of ailments. Henceforth, the town has quite the repertoire of spas and wellness centers, making it a great winter getaway from NYC when you want to treat yourself. Try the Roosevelt Baths and Spa for mineral baths, massages, facials, and body treatments. Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness has hydrotherapy tubs that use mineral water from a natural spring directly underneath the spa.
Lodging in Saratoga Springs
For a quaint and vintage feel, stay at The Inn at Sartoga, the city’s oldest continuously operating hotel. The Victorian building is located directly downtown and has a cozy on-site tavern. Another Victorian option is the Batcheller Mansion Inn, which comes complete with a turret and witch’s peak. If you want a place to yourself, try the adorable Garden Cottage on Airbnb within easy distance of downtown, or this this home with a hot tub.
Winter activities in Saratoga Springs
There’s lots to do in Saratoga Springs in the winter, whether you like outdoor sports or staying in. There are several nearby ski resorts, including Willard Mountain in Greenwich, NY and West Mountain in Queensbury, NY. Saratoga Spa State Park has two ice skating rinks and trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You can explore downtown Saratoga Springs on foot, and warm up with a peppermint hot cocoa at Sweet Mimi’s Cafe & Bakery or an organic tea at The Local.
Getting to Saratoga Springs from NYC
- By car: Driving to Saratoga Springs takes about 3 hours via I-87.
- By train: There is an express Amtrak train, the Ethan Allen Express, going from Penn Station to Saratoga Springs in about 3.5 hours.
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6. Take a seal-watching cruise in Freeport, Long Island
Long Island might not seem like a typical choice for winter getaways from NYC, but it has its perks in the colder months. There are fewer tourists, cheaper hotel rates, and…seals? The Captain Lou Fleet in Freeport, NY offers seal-watching cruises on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays throughout the winter. A naturalist joins the cruise to discuss the biology and behavior of the seals and other marine wildlife you may see on the trip. The boat also has a heated cabin, so don’t worry about spending the entire time outside freezing. And because Freeport is less than an hour from the city via Long Island Railroad (LIRR), this one can be a quick day trip!
Getting to Freeport from NYC
- By car: You can drive to Freeport from the city in about an hour, but it will likely take longer with traffic.
- By train: Take the LIRR Babylon Branch to the Freeport stop, about 45 minutes.
Hero image by Jeff DaPuzzo via Flickr