Autumn Escapes: 10 Best Fall Weekend Getaways From New York City

Looking for fall weekend getaways from NYC? Check out these neighboring destinations that offer vibrant fall colors and interesting experiences.

Fall enchants everyone in New York looking for a change from the summer's sweltering temperatures and crowded streets with visitors all around. Not only does the city get adorned with a gorgeous display of orange, red, and yellow foliage, but it also offers a range of exciting activities to do in the fall to enjoy its splendor to the fullest.

But, yes, for those craving wide open spaces away from New York City, the countryside boasts lots of places decked out in colorful fall foliage. And yes, there are numerous great weekend getaway destinations in New York State that offer nature, entertainment, culture, and charm. Here are some of the best fall weekend getaways from New York City, where visitors can immerse themselves in nature while also enjoying some memorable experiences.

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1. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island, is certainly one of the best weekend getaway destinations from New York City to enjoy fall glory and amazing experiences. Here, visitors get a taste of the traditional New England culture, complete with old buildings like White Horse Tavern that look beautiful in the fall foliage. The best way to experience it all is through the 3.5-mile cliff walk, which offers spectacular views while taking visitors back in time. Additionally, the Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival and the Newport Mansion Food & Wine Festival events fill a fall trip to Newport with delightful treats. And, not to forget, this beautiful Rhode Island town is also one of the top East Coast Halloween destinations.

• Driving distance and time: Approx. 180 miles and around 3 hours and 15 minutes
• What to do: Cliff Walk, Visit Newport Mansions, Explore Vineyards, Visit Norman Bird Sanctuary, Attend Newport Mansion Food & Wine Festival, Be a part of Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival
• Where to stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites

2. Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid is regarded as "America's Most Interesting Town" for good reason. It is a haven for adventurous souls looking for adrenaline-pumping activities and fun. The town boasts a thriving art and shopping scene, while its regionally inspired cuisine and cocktails reflect the local culture. Beyond all these interesting experiences, its beauty is something that can captivate anyone, and it enhances multifolds in the fall when everything is coated in bright colors. So, from pristine lakes to unique history, there are plenty of things to appreciate in Lake Placid to fill one's fall itinerary.

• Driving distance and time: Approx. 290 miles and around 5 hours 30 minutes
• What to do: Adirondack Scenic Railroad, Fall Foliage Hiking, Whiteface Mountain Gondola Ride, Mirror Lake Scenic Drive, Lake Placid Film Festival
• Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Lake Placid

3. Stone Ridge, New York

Stone Ridge is a popular weekend getaway from New York City because of its location in the Catskills and Shawangunk Mountains. It serves as a starting point for exploring the Catskills and is an excellent base for trips to Kingston, Rosendale, or Phoenicia. The Main Street Historic District features renowned stone houses that honor the area's long history. Whereas farms, orchards, antique stores, and dining places to falls, watering holes, and hiking trails offer much to experience in and around the town, making a fall trip full of remarkable experiences.

• Driving distance and time: Approx. 95 miles and around 2 hours
• What to do: Apple picking at local orchards, Hiking in the Minnewaska State Park, visiting Mohonk Preserve for foliage scenery, Exploring historic Huguenot Street, Attending fall festivals and Farmers Markets
• Where to stay: Sturgeon Pool Lake House

4. New Paltz, New York

Another wonderful destination to visit on a weekend getaway from New York City is New Paltz. The town is one of the most beautiful in the Hudson Valley of New York State, and its surrounding Shawangunk Mountains transform into awe-inspiring displays of fall color. Visitors enjoy outdoor activities like rock climbing, motorcycling, and hiking, as these offer an adrenaline rush amid beautiful landscapes. In addition to these thrilling activities, visitors may learn about the region's rich history at a number of art galleries, colonial residences, the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, and the Huguenot church. With all these delightful experiences, a trip to New Paltz is worthwhile!

• Driving distance and time: Approx. 85 miles and around 1 hour and 45 minutes
• What to do: Visit Mohonk Preserve, Explore Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Apple picking at local orchards, Walk across Walkway Over the Hudson, Attend the New Paltz Apple Festival
• Where to stay: Hampton Inn by Hilton New Paltz

5. Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires in Western Massachusetts is a popular weekend destination, and its stunning natural scenery and bright autumnal colors ensure a memorable fall trip. And a road trip or a hike along the winding roads is the best way to appreciate the fall splendor. Also, there is Ramblewild, an adventure park with exciting rope courses, obstacle courses, zip lines, and many more, allowing visitors to have outdoor fun while enjoying fall beauty. On the other side, the region's old homes, museums, and art galleries serve as examples of its rich history and culture. Visitors can also go shopping and sample local cuisine to fill their trip with wonderful memories.

• Driving distance and time: Approx. 130 miles and around 2 hours and 30 minutes
• What to do: Tanglewood Fall Foliage Concerts, Hiking in Mount Greylock State Reservation, Apple Picking at local orchards, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Norman Rockwell Museum
• Where to stay: The Constance

6. Saratoga Springs, New York

Saratoga Springs offers a nature retreat with its natural mineral springs, which attract visitors for their medical and therapeutic properties. The town is a year-round tourist destination, but the splendor of the surroundings is a sight to behold in the fall. Additionally, outdoor activities like apple picking, corn mazes, picturesque treks, and visiting fall farmer's markets are a blast. While the Saratoga Fall Festival allows tourists to experience the full charm of the fall season with a variety of things to eat, drink, shop for, and experience, Saratoga National Historical Park adds a historical element to the trip. All in all, Saratoga Springs combines history and culture amid stunning, vibrant landscapes, making for a perfect fall trip.

• Driving distance and time: Approx. 180 miles and around 3 hours and 15 minutes
• What to do: Saratoga Spa State Park, Fall Foliage Tour, Saratoga Farmers' Market, Downtown shopping, Saratoga Fall Festival, Battlefield of Saratoga
• Where to stay: Homewood Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs

7. Warwick, New York

Nothing beats the excitement of hanging out in orchards during the autumn, and Warwick, New York, is one such location where one can experience the true fun. Plus, the town is less than an hour and a half drive from NYC. Sounds exciting! Masker Fruit Farms is Warwick's top tourist destination, allowing visitors to enjoy apple picking. Whereas a family-friendly haunted house, pony rides, wagon rides, and the newborn animals in the barnyard are all favorites among children. After hours of exploration and fun, visitors can purchase farm-fresh cider, freshly baked apple pie, or delicious apple cider doughnuts from the snack barn to satisfy their hunger pangs.

• Driving distance and time: Approx. 60 miles and around 1 hour and 15 minutes
• What to do: Applefest, Warwick Valley vineyards, Apple and pumpkin picking at local farms, Warwick Drive-In Movie Theater, Fall foliage hikes
• Where to stay: The Inn at Stony Creek

8. Stonington, Connecticut

Stonington, Connecticut, is a picturesque seaside town with lots of interesting activities to enjoy in the fall, such as visits to the Saltwater Farm Vineyard and picnics on Dubois Beach. It's worth strolling around the town's historic marine towns, which have pleasant tree-shaded lanes studded with exquisite residences. Plus, chic cafes, shops, galleries, and museums are other highlights. A number of family-friendly festivals are also held in the fall in Stonington, including the Fall Festival and Artisan Market, Stonington Halloween Trick and Treat, and Craft/Vendor Fair, which offers a range of exciting experiences, making the town one of the best weekend getaway destinations from New York City.

• Driving distance and time: Approx. 130 miles and around 2 hours and 30 minutes
• What to do: Stonington Vineyards, Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Olde Mistick Village, Dodge Paddock and Beal Preserve, Mystic Seaport Museum
• Where to stay: The Inn at Stonington

9. North Fork, Long Island

When the temperature starts to drop, and the leaves begin to change color, the North Fork is at its best. Known for its thriving wine scene and expansive farms, this Long Island's crown jewel offers a refreshing fall trip with serene surroundings, exquisite farm-to-table dining, and the ultimate family fun. Winery tours abound here, leaving visitors spoiled for choice! Try the sauvignon blanc at Coffee Pot Cellars, drink some bubbly at Sparkling Pointe, or taste One Woman Wines and Vineyards's Merlot. Wine lovers will surely try them all! Visit Sang Lee Farms to see Asian and heirloom produce, or attend fall festivals for lasting memories.

• Driving distance and time: Approx. 100 miles and around 2 hours and 15 minutes
• What to do: Wine tasting in vineyards, Pumpkin and apple picking, Farm visits, Scenic foliage drives, Maritime Museum Exploration, Greenport Maritime Festival
• Where to stay: Sound View Greenport

10. Cooperstown, New York

A must-visit location for all baseball lovers as well as for everyone who enjoys trying craft brews or ciders. Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the Farmers’ Museum, and many other museums and galleries that are worth exploring for their interesting exhibits. Sample Belgian-style beers while admiring the breathtaking vistas of the autumn leaves at Brewery Ommegang. The ideal destination for apple harvesting and cider tasting is Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard. Another excellent option to experience the region's fall beauty in all its splendor is to take a boat on Otsego Lake.

• Driving distance and time: Approx. 190 miles and around 3 hours and 30 minutes
• What to do: Visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Explore the Farmers' Museum, Take a scenic cruise on Otsego Lake, Enjoy fall foliage in Glimmerglass State Park, Discover local art at Fenimore Art Museum
• Where to stay: Cooperstown Bed and Breakfast