Whether you live in New Jersey or are just visiting the area for vacation, there are lots of great places in the Tri-State Area to go for the weekend. With just a few hours of driving, you can get to the beach, quaint towns, seaside ports, and lots of activities the whole family will enjoy. Here are some fun weekend getaways from New Jersey to get to know the Tri-State Area and take a mini trip to break up your usual routine!
New Paltz, New York
New Paltz is an upstate New York destination that is a wonderful place to go for a weekend getaway from New Jersey. One highly recommended place to stay for your weekend here is the Mohonk Mountain House, which is a mountaintop resort that overlooks a lovely lake and provides year-round recreation, such as hiking, ice skating, swimming, golf, boating, and spa treatments. While spending the weekend in New Paltz, make sure to check out the Mohonk Preserve, historic Huguenot Street, and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail to get outdoors and active. This is also a fun area to drink local wine, such as at Robibero Family Vineyards, and view art at local galleries, including the DM Weil Gallery.
Asbury Park, New Jersey
Asbury Park is also a great weekend getaway from New Jersey, and it’s only about 60 miles from New York City as well. This is a familiar name for Bruce Springsteen fans and has been undergoing substantial revitalization projects to make the city even more attractive to visitors. Come here to watch a show at the Stone Pony and indulge your foodie side with the city’s restaurant offerings, which span from seafood to hearty salads, Korean spare ribs, and more. Other fun things to do in Asbury Park include the Silverball Pinball Museum, taking the kids to the local splash park, and sipping local beers at the Beach Haus Brewery. There is a long list of hotel options nearby.
Greenwich, Connecticut
We also enjoy heading out to Greenwich, Connecticut from New Jersey for the weekend. In Greenwich, you can see all the beautiful sailboats and yachts at the harbor and even take in views of the New York City skyline. This is a fun place to visit if you enjoy beaches and shopping because Greenwich is home to some excellent upscale shopping centers. Check out the Bruce Museum and the Stamford Museum and Nature Center while spending your weekend in Greenwich. If you’re coming from the Newark area of New Jersey, Greenwich is only a little over an hour away.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City has been a top tourist destination for many years, and the city’s fascinating past is highlighted in the television show, Boardwalk Empire. This is a popular spot for casino gambling, but you can also take a weekend trip to Atlantic City to see a performance by the Atlantic City Ballet or visit a local winery tasting room. The Borgata Casino and the Caesars Atlantic City Casino are popular establishments here. Also, there are Tanger Outlet stores for shopping and the Absecon Lighthouse to see.
Nyack, New York
The town of Nyack in New York offers New Jersey residents and travelers a nice break from city life with a quaint and relaxed vibe. This is a Victorian-style town that has restaurants, shops, galleries, a theater, and views of the Hudson River. To experience the outdoors of the region, check out Nyack Beach State Park and Buttermilk Falls Park. The neighboring towns of Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, and West Nyack also have a lot to offer visitors.
Cape May, New Jersey
One of the most popular weekend getaways from New Jersey is the town of Cape May. One of the best beaches on the East Coast, you’ll find landmark historic hotels, a chill beach where you can look for shells, and a relaxed vibe. You can come here to try surfing, just lounge in the sand, or even take a tour of the local vineyards and wineries. Overall, Cape May is a perfect summer getaway with lots of Victorian charm to go with it. Aside from the beach, you can spend your days here at Morey’s Piers Amusement Park nearby or take a trolley tour to get accustomed to the town and what it has to offer. There’s also a local mall with cobblestone streets, delicious salt water taffy to make you nostalgic for old times, and parasailing opportunities if you enjoy water sports. Many people who come to Cape May enjoy visiting the Jersey Shore Alpacas, Willow Creek Winery, the Washington Street Mall, and taking a horse-drawn carriage ride with the Cape May Carriage Company.
Mystic, Connecticut
The town of Mystic, Connecticut is also a great Tri-State destination if you’re looking to get away for the weekend from New Jersey. This is a historic shipbuilding and whaling port town that was actually settled back in the mid-1600s. Top attractions here include the Mystic Marinelife Aquarium, the Mystic Seaport, and the Olde Mistick Village. Other attractions in this area to check out for your weekend getaway are the Mystic River Bascule Bridge, Fort Trumbull State Park, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, and the other nearby lighthouses and vineyards.
Southampton, New York
The Hamptons are usually associated with wealth and luxury, but you don’t need to be rich or famous to take a weekend trip here. Southampton is a Long Island town that many celebrities frequent for vacation. A couple of hot spots not to miss include Cooper’s Beach and Tate’s Bake Shop. It’s also fun to rent a bike here to explore the town and see all of the gorgeous and drool-worthy houses here. Get outside and enjoy the sunshine at Ponquogue Beach, Shinnecock East County Park, Meschutt Beach, and Agawam Park. The Southampton Arts Center is also a must-see spot in town, and the Southampton History Museum will teach you everything you need to know about the area.
