There’s nothing quite like the buzz of New York City. Here, everything is alive, there’s always something fun to do, and your next favorite meal is just around the corner. But sometimes, that noise, those people, and all those sights and smells can feel a little too overwhelming. And that’s where an easy, nearby escape comes in handy. And thankfully, Travel + Leisure editors, all based in the Big Apple, know exactly where to go.

Beacon, New York

For senior editor Susmita Baral, a quick 90-minute drive north to the town of Beacon does the trick. 
“Beacon makes for an ideal getaway, offering easy access to the Storm King Art Center alongside a charming, walkable downtown,” she shared. “Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or settling in for a weekend,” she added, it’s the quick reset you’ve been waiting for. 

Asbury Park, New Jersey

“Easily reached via NJ Transit, Asbury Park is an ideal beach escape—so much so that we named it one of America’s Best Small Towns for 2025,” Elizabeth Cantrell, senior editor at T+L, said. “There’s Springsteen lore at the Stone Pony, to be sure, and it’s possible (preferable, even) to spend the entire weekend splashed out on the beach or wandering the boardwalk in search of fish tacos.” One not-to-miss event is the Sea.Hear.Now music festival, held in September, that “draws big-name acts like LCD Soundsystem, Alabama Shakes, Hozier, and Lenny Kravitz.”

Rhinebeck, New York

Lisa Greissinger, senior research editor, likes to keep it easy breezy with her nearby getaways, which is why she recommends visiting Rhinebeck. “Just two hours north of New York City, Rhinebeck combines small-town charm, culture, and nature—accessible even without a car.” To get there, Greissinger said it’s best to take the train to Rhinecliff and then hop in a short Uber ride into town. 

“Home to the historic Beekman Arms, America’s oldest continuously operating inn, Rhinebeck’s walkable streets are lined with independent boutiques, antique shops, and excellent restaurants like Terrapin.” Beyond the village, Greissinger added, the Hudson Valley offers rolling hills, river views, and scenic hiking trails. “Seasonal events, including the Rhinebeck Craft Festival and the Dutchess County Fair, make Rhinebeck a year-round weekend escape that’s an easy trip from the city.”

Livingston Manor and Roscoe, New York

“The trout-obsessed towns of Livingston Manor and Roscoe are, for me, the essential gateways to the wilds of the Western Catskills, full of interesting places to stay,” Paul Brady, news director, explained. As Brady shared, The Yarra makes for a fantastic stay, while vibey wine bars like Sunshine Colony offer the perfect spot to sip and savor. And, there are plenty of “low-key restaurants with incredible fried-chicken sandwiches,” like The Junction for an ideal bite. 

“Outfitters abound and can set up snowshoeing treks, fishing trips, or leaf-spotting hikes, depending on the season, and there always seems to be another new brewery to hit for a post-activity pilsner,” Brady added. 

Newport, RI

Newport is Annie Archer, T+L’s associate social editor’s, top pick for a quick getaway from the city. (And, as a born and bred Rhode Islander, this T+L writer agrees.)

“Only a three-hour train ride from New York City, Newport, Rhode Island is a hotspot for out-of-towners seeking gorgeous beaches, delicious seafood, and undeniable New England charm,” Archer said. And, as she noted, no trip to Newport is complete without visiting its Gilded Age mansions, including The Breakers, the Vanderbilt family’s famed summer cottage. “Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile trail along the Atlantic coastlin,e also offers a view into the backyards of the town’s grandest estates.” As for the community’s culinary scene, a must is the White Horse Tavern, “which is considered America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, is worth the visit alone, while fresh local oysters from Clarke Cook House are a must.” 

Stowe, VT

The iconic vermont mountain town offers “Beautiful nature, quaint eateries, and boutique shops make Stowe the dream escape most city dwellers will be looking for at some point in the year,” Maddie Hiatt, T+L’s associate director of social, explained. While it’s perfect for winter escapes thanks to its world-class mountain, it’s really an all-seasons destination, offering gorgeous flower blooms in spring, hiking and fly fishing in the summer, and some of the most breathtaking fall foliage in the world. 

Kingston, NY

Jess Feldman, T+L’s associate director of special projects, adores a trip to Kingston, NY when she needs a little rest and relaxation from the city grind. “Just about two hours from the city, Kingston is my and my fiancé’s go-to for a day of thrifting, peppered with stops into cafes, pubs, and parks,” she said. “The Red Owl Collective is my favorite shop, with more than 50 vendors selling furniture, clothing, and art to peruse.” And when you’re done browsing, Feldman added that you shouldn’t miss Rosie General for a sandwich on homemade bread and Rough Draft Bar & Books for an afternoon coffee. 

Callicoon, NY

Callicoon, a charming, scenic town located in Sullivan County, just an hour and a half drive from the city, is Kate Van Dyke‘s favorite getaway. As the T+L associate social editor explained, you’ll find gems like a “working orchard and eco-conscious cidery, Seminary Hill, with farm-to-table food and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.” Best of all, the town is set along the Delaware River and is fully walkable. “Stop by the Black Walnut for dinner and browse their handcrafted homeware collection, and stay at Seminary Hill’s Boarding House down the road, a cozy and classic Michelin Key boutique hotel in the heart of town.”