Best Tri-State Area’s Weekend Getaway Ideas
Planning a weekend getaway in New Jersey is easy since you have so many choices. It is all the more convenient to travel to getaways in New York and Connecticut if you live in Jersey City. New Jersey offers opportunities for pretty much any kind of holiday. From farmland and mountains to oceanside towns and busy urban centers, you can spread your visits out over a few months and experience various short vacations without ever leaving the tri-state area. To help you decide, here is our pick of the tri-state area’s best weekend getaway ideas.
Lake George, NY
Lake George, located in NY, stretches for 32 miles in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Georgia O’Keefe made its breathtaking vistas famous, but there is nothing like seeing them for yourself. Besides incredible natural beauty stretching as far as the eye can see, Lake George has much to offer including Mini-golf courses, classic rollercoasters, craft beer breweries, and lake cruises. There is absolutely something for everyone.
Other site-seeing you can do here include the Fort William Henry Museum & Restoration, which is a restored British fort, built in 1755, the Million Dollar Beach which has picnic areas and a boat launch, and the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway from where you can take in the splendid views of the lake and the Adirondack Peaks.
Lake George is a year-round tourist destination, so there is plenty to do even when visiting on a rainy fall weekend. Once you figure out your lodging, check out the attractions and make an itinerary.
Fall weekend getaway near New Jersey, New York
Burlington, NJ
Many people equate New Jersey with its long beaches, boardwalks, and water sports. However, historic towns like Burlington prove that New Jersey can also be fun during other seasons of the year. Though a suburb of Philadelphia, Burlington is situated in New Jersey. Over 300 years old, it is a perfect tri-state area weekend getaway for a history buff. In addition, the historical society organizes walking tours, which you don’t want to miss. Other places you can visit here include Old St. Mary’s Church, General Grant House, Broad Street United Methodist Church, and James Fenimore Cooper House.
If antiquing is more your speed, you will not be disappointed. Burlington is a favorite spot for antiquing enthusiasts. Charming inns, bed and breakfasts, delicious restaurants, and beautiful nature make Burlington a perfect weekend getaway year-round.
A weekend getaway for Fall in New Jersey
Chester, CT
Fall is just around the corner, which can only mean one thing for Connecticut. It will be teeming with hikers and other outdoorsy types in the upcoming months. Chester is the perfect weekend getaway for anyone looking for a quaint small town to provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of a big city. There are a few places you can visit, like River Museum, Goodspeed Opera House, Gillette’s Castle, and Ivoryton Playhouse. Or you can enjoy walking down its charming main street filled with cafes, shops, restaurants, and galleries. Spas are also available if you want to hammer the relaxation point home. Finally, for everyone wishing for a more active holiday – you can easily rent bikes and ride around exploring the area.
Chester, CT. Weekend getaway near New Jersey
Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga Springs usually draws a huge horse racing crowd but it is a fun place to visit whether or not you’re interested in thoroughbreds. The Saratoga Spa State Park is famous for numerous mineral springs sprouting throughout the place. You can go on a self-guided tour of the springs and quickly learn about their healing properties. There are also plenty of museums if you are seeking a change of pace and a little history and culture during your relaxing weekend getaway. Some of the places you can visit include the Children’s Museum at Saratoga, Saratoga National Cemetery, Saratoga National Historical Park, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Yaddo (an artists’ community) and Saratoga Springs Visitor’s Center
Cape May, NJ
Cape May is one of New Jersey’s finest beach towns. It found its way onto our list of the best tri-state area weekend getaways because visiting it can be an excellent opportunity to catch the last few remaining rays of summer sunshine. Even if you choose a sunny weekend in autumn, you can still have a lot of fun there, even without swimming or other water-related activities. The ocean air alone is worth visiting. It will refresh you and provide a welcome respite from the stuffiness of city life. In addition, the nearby town of Green Creek is home to the Jersey Shore Alpacas – an alpaca farm that allows its visitors to meet and feed these charming creatures during what they call Open Farm Saturdays.
Weekend Getaway near New Jersey. Cape May is a beautiful destination
Mystic, CT
Mystic has a long history as a bustling seaport, so most of its tourist attractions reflect this. The Mystic Seaport Museum allows you to explore its maritime exhibits, climb onto antique vessels, and even visit the shipyard. The Mystic Aquarium is particularly fun for children since it is home to unique marine life including penguins and beluga whales. This little town has numerous attractions like the Bascule Bridge, Mystic Museum of Art, B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill and many more that can keep the family engaged.
If Mystic sounds vaguely familiar and glamorous, you might recall Mystic Pizza, the late 80’s film starring Julia Roberts. If this is the case, we have great news for you – you can grab a slice from this famous pizzeria and see what all the fuss is about.
Plan your visit in try-state-area NY, CT, and NJ
Author Bio: Angie Sims
Angie Sims used to work in the traveling industry for 6 years, and now she works in the relocation industry. For the last 3 years, she has been specializing in helping people with their domestic and international relocation. She is also a full-time mom and a part-time blog writer. From her own experiences, she writes about traveling and moving with children on her blog.
Updated August 13, 2024
