New York City has a lot to offer, but so do its vicinities. Fall is beautiful in and around NYC, so if you’re looking for a weekend getaway not too far from the Big Apple, below are the best 10 places to visit this fall in New York State and New England. We’ve also included the approximate driving time from the city so you can plan accordingly.
Catskill Mountains, NY – under 3 hours
Also known as the Catskills, this is definitely your place if you are looking for adventure and nature. There are plenty of adventure activities available in this area. But don’t worry, if you are looking for a more chill weekend with stunning views and fall foliage as your backdrop, this is also for you. The best thing about the region is the many accommodation options from luxury to more humble small hotels in beautiful towns like Tannersville or Woodstock.
Cooperstown, NY – under 4 hours
This small town may seem a little far out there for you, but taking a road trip from the city is part of the full experience. This will definitely suit your vibe if you are looking for a cosy little place to escape the Big Apple’s hustle and bustle. And what is Cooperstown best known for? Baseball, a cheese trail and craft beverages. A strange yet exciting combination for those looking to explore outside their comfort zone.
Hudson Valley, NY – under 2 hours
Architecture, culture, the arts and breathtaking scenery are some of the gems that you will encounter in the Hudson Valley. Did you know that one of the first arts movements in America originated here? This will give you a hint of the amount of galleries, theatres and other cultural experiences available here. One of the best things you can also do here is visit a winery and experience a fresh meal cooked with seasonal and local ingredients. We are pretty sure you might want to extend this to a long weekend to fully embrace the Hudson Valley experience.
Warwick, NY – under 2 hours
Warwick is a charming town hosting small and cosy bed and breakfast. This one is perfect for those looking to escape the large hotel chains and experience New York State in the most authentic way. Don’t miss out on their Farmer’s market on Sunday and also look out for one of the many orchards and family farms where you will be able to pick your own produce. We have selected this place because it’s all about the local, fall experience.
New Paltz, NY – under 2 hours
Looking for a throwback to your college years? New Paltz is home to SUNY (State University of New York) so you can expect younger energy around here. Expect a vibrant center of town when you stroll along Main Street and take all of the energy in one of their local cafés or small restaurants. For serious fall foliage vibes, don’t skip the Mohonk Reserve and the Wallkill Valley Trail. Both attractions are great if you want to combine village life with breathtaking nature.
Lake Placid, NY – under 5 hours
If you are looking to switch off and really get away from the city, Lake Placid is definitely calling your name. It’s name definitely lives up to what you can expect from this cozy, lake town. The best places to stay at are lakeside resorts with stunning views or a homey cottage. If you are the active type, there are many hiking trails to choose from to escape the crowds and breathe in 100% pure nature.
Greenwich, CT – under 1 hour
Greenwich is known for being one of the wealthiest cities in America. If you are looking for a more high-end place, with fancier hotels and restaurants, this one’s for you. Being so close to the city, (under an hour away from NYC), Greenwich makes a great day trip destination if you are looking to get out of the city on a Sunday. The perfect place if you want to treat yourself to a classic East coast town vibe.
Ithaca, NY – approx. 4 hours
Ithaca is the homiest town for a fall getaway. Stroll around the main streets and discover antique stores, second-hand bookstores, and clothes thrift shops that will have you wishing you lived there and immerse in this cozy town’s culture and social life. Ithaca also hosts Cornell University, one of the most prestigious colleges in the country. If you are here for nature, don’t miss out on Ithaca Falls and the Cascadilla Gorge trail, both walkable from the town center.
Saratoga Springs, NY – under 4 hours
With the stunning backdrop of Saratoga Lake, this small town is the place for your fall getaway. It has a large program of fall outdoor events and activities such as the Artisan Market and Fall Festivities. Make sure to check out their calendar so you don’t miss out on the best ones! You also have several excellent locations for leaf peeping such as Skidmore’s North Woods, Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail and Congress Park. This place is definitely for you if you are looking for a place with lots of things to squeeze into a fun fall weekend getaway.
Provincetown, MA – under 6 hours
Venture outside the state of New York to discover Provincetown, Massachusetts. A very popular destination in the summer, there is a different kind of peaceful energy you can get from a place like this during fall. Long beach strands where you can take walks with the ocean sounds as your soundtrack. The hiking trails you’ll find here are very different from any of the other places recommended in this guide. We recommend trying out the Beach Forest Trail and the Dune Shacks Trail.