New York City's greater metropolitan region is home to a plethora of delightful romantic getaway destinations, many of which are easily accessible via public transit or Amtrak train service. Couples looking for a getaway from the city can travel to some of the Jersey Shore's top nightlife destinations, explore the quaint cities of the beautiful Hudson Valley, or travel to the nearby Finger Lakes, known for their connection to 20th-century historical events like the women's suffrage movement. Lake Placid showcases Olympic history, while Saratoga Springs is home to one of the nation's most renowned thoroughbred horse racing courses. Just a few hours away, Niagara Falls is known as one of the world's top honeymoon destinations, showcasing one of North America's greatest natural wonders.
Governors Island
Governors Island is located within New York Harbor's Buttermilk Channel between the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan, open to the public as a lovely public park during the summer and autumn months. The 172-acre island was long known as an important United States Army and Coast Guard site, only recently opened to the public as a tourist destination.
Today, you can explore the island's lovely Governors Island National Monument, which elaborates on the island's military history through a variety of exhibits and interpretive trails. Couples can embark on guided walking tours overseen by the National Park Service or enjoy opportunities for outdoor recreational activities like rock climbing and ziplining.
Each year, the island hosts the annual Governors Island Art Fair, which showcases some of the New York City area's best arts and crafts vendors.
Asbury Park, New Jersey
Asbury Park is one of New Jersey's top seaside resort destinations, known for its legendary music scene, which has played an influential part in launching the careers of internationally-acclaimed rock music acts like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi.
Couples looking to get away from the city for a weekend can explore the town's charming historic boardwalk , which is lined with unique boutiques and family-friendly arcade attractions. Top international acts are showcased at the gorgeous restored historic Paramount Theatre, while major regional and national rock bands flock to famed 20th-century tavern Stone Pony.
Visitors can also play classic video and pinball games from the 20th century at the Silverball Museum or explore unique oddities at the quirky Paranormal Museum. Each year, the city hosts annual special events like the world-record-breaking New Jersey Zombie Walk.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City, New Jersey is one of the Eastern Seaboard's top tourist destinations, known as the inspiration for the popular American board game Monopoly. The lovely resort town has become known as the Las Vegas of the East Coast today, home to glamorous high-rise resorts, 24/7 casino floors, and eclectic nightlife options. Couples can stroll along the city's picturesque Atlantic Ocean boardwalk, which was the first public boardwalk in the country at its opening in 1882, and explore delightful attractions like the Steel Pier amusement park, home to high and mild thrill rides like a giant observation wheel. Charming restaurants and shops abound in resort districts like the Pier Shops at Caesars, perfect for romantic lunches and dinners. Couples can also view some of the nation's most unique roadside attractions, including Lucy the Elephant, towering six stories over the city's skyline.
Beacon
Beacon is a delightful arts district located approximately 90 minutes from downtown Manhattan, easily accessible via New York City area public transit. The rustic former industrial town has been transformed into one of New York's liveliest cultural districts, showcasing a wide variety of art galleries, studios, boutiques, and charming restaurants along its mile-long Main Streets. Couples can explore delightful attractions like the city's DIA:Beacon gallery, which transforms the city's former Nabisco factory campus into a 30-acre arts paradise. Nearby, Beacon Mountain offers opportunities to ascend the Hudson Highlands' highest mountain peak, while Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve offers chances to boat out to picturesque Bannerman Island. Each month, the city hosts Beacon Arts Second Saturday events, which showcase live music performances, street fair vendors, and open-admission gallery exhibitions.
Cold Spring
Cold Spring is a lovely Hudson Highlands village that is noted for its delightful culinary scene and unique antique stores. The picturesque Putnam County village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its gorgeous downtown district, which is home to 19th-century attractions like the West Point Foundry, transformed into a nature preserve today. Boscobel House and Gardens transform a Gilded Age mansion into a living history museum, while Pollepel Island is home to a unique landmark castle. Downtown, couples can explore unique businesses like home goods store Poor George, organic and natural Cold Spring Apothecary, and popular outfitters Old Souls or dine at some of the New York area's most romantic restaurants, including Brasserie Le Bouchon and Whistling Willies. Nearby, Breakneck Ridge offers some of the Hudson Valley's best chances for nature hikes.
Coney Island
Coney Island is New York's most famous seaside entertainment district, located at the southern tip of borough Brooklyn along a peninsula at the city's Atlantic Ocean coastline. The famed boardwalk district rose to international prominence in the late 19th century, noted for its gorgeous resorts and lively amusement attractions. Today, family-friendly amusement parks like Luna Park and Deno's Wonder Wheel Park preserve historic rides like the 1927 Coney Island Cyclone, one of the world's greatest wooden roller coasters, alongside modern wonders like the brand-new Thunderbolt coaster, which pays homage to the former vintage ride of the same name. The district's boardwalks attract families and couples alike, showcasing arcade games and sideshow attractions. Couples can also stretch out on the sands of the district's beachfront, which hosts annual special events like the Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown is a lovely central New York village located on the southern banks of beautiful Otsego Lake, best known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Couples can explore the museum's exhibits throughout the year, which include a Plaque Gallery dedicated to the sport's greatest legends. The charming Fenimore Art Museum showcases exhibits of fine and folk American art, while the Farmer's Museum presents crafting and farming demonstrations recalling the heritage of 19th-century area farmsteads. Otsego Lake offers year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation, including chances for fishing, boating, and hiking. Hyde Hall converts a 19th-century Gilded Age mansion into a living history campus, open for tours throughout the year.
Cornwall
Cornwall is a lovely historic town located within New York's Hudson Highlands, dating back to the state's colonial era in the mid-17th century. Today, the charming town is a top romantic getaway destination for New York area couples, located just an hour outside Manhattan's downtown district. Couples can peruse the exhibits of the acclaimed Storm King Art Center, which stands in the shadows of imposing Storm King Mountain. Stunning views of the surrounding Hudson River region are offered atop the mountain's summit, including views of nearby Newburgh Bay and Bannerman's Island. Couples traveling with children in tow can explore the lively Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, which is home to family-friendly walking trails and play areas. The city's lively Main Street district is home to a plethora of romantic dining options, as well as charming art galleries and boutiques. Nearby, the former 100-acre farmstead of the Shops at Jones Farm offers rustic shopping experiences and serves up famed apple cider and pies throughout the year.
The Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes are 11 narrow, picturesque lakes located within central New York's geographic region of the same name, created from glacial valleys within the Northern Allegheny Plateau. The region's lakes include beautiful Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, among the United States' deepest lakes, and are prominently connected to the women's suffrage movement of the early 20th century. Lovely cities like Hammondsport and Corning showcase unique tourist attractions like the Corning Museum of Glass, preserving the history of the famed 20th-century glassworks. Couples can explore living history sites like Geneva's Rose Hill or Auburn's Seward House, a National Historic Landmark dating back to the Civil War era. The stunning Hemlock-Canadice State Forest stretches for nearly 7,000 acres throughout the region, home to important bald eagle nesting sites. Couples can also sample wines and beers at acclaimed area microbreweries and wineries, including natural winemakers O-Neh-Da Vineyard.
Hudson
Hudson is a charming city on the western border of New York's Columbia County, located along the eastern banks of the Hudson River approximately two hours north of downtown Manhattan. The lovely city has become a major tourist destination since the late 20th century, home to delightful art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife destinations in its vibrant downtown district. Couples can peruse unique vendors and dealers at the Hudson Antiques Center and the English Antiques Center or explore preserved living history buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places within the city's Hudson Historic District. The district is a top area destination for LGBTQ couples, hosting one of upstate New York's most prominent Pride parades each year. Other annual special events include the Hudson Music Festival, New York state's largest annual free music festival.
Lake George
Lake George is a charming town in New York's beautiful Adirondack Mountains region, located on the shores of the picturesque lake of the same name. The delightful city is known for its romantic ambiance, surrounded by gorgeous mountain vistas and protected old-growth forest areas. Stunning Million Dollar Beach offers opportunities for year-round recreation, including a boat launch and day-use picnic sites, while the scenic Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway offers some of the area's best romantic driving experiences through the Adirondack High Peaks. In town, couples can explore attractions like the Fort William Henry Museum and Restoration, which protects the remains of the 1755 British fort of the same name. Adirondack Winery offers tastings and tours throughout the year, while the Magic Forest and Funa'rama Fun Park offer activities for couples traveling with children in tow.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid, New York is best known around the world as the home of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games, making it a must-visit site for couples in the New York City area with sports interests. The charming village is the home of the seminal 1980 "Miracle on Ice" hockey game, which pitted the United States and Soviet Union Olympic ice hockey teams against one another. Couples can view preserved memorabilia from the match and other Olympics events on display at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, including Olympic medals and team uniforms. Stunning Mirror Lake offers a charming shoreline strolling trail, while the city's former train station is home to the exhibits of the Historical Society Depot Museum. Nearby, the surrounding Adirondack Mountains offer opportunities for year-round recreation, including world-class skiing experiences at Whiteface Mountain.
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is a charming 14,000-acre state park located approximately half an hour outside of the city of Rochester, stretching throughout New York's Livingston and Wyoming Counties. The park, which has been voted as the United States' top state park by USA Today's readers, offers delightful outdoor recreational experiences throughout the year, including chances for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. Lovely Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls are accessible via picturesque hiking trails, showcasing a spectacular 550-foot gorge that has earned the falls system the title of the "Grand Canyon of the East." Throughout the summer months, public swimming pools offer chances to cool off, while whitewater rafting excursions provide thrills for adventurous couples. In the winter, couples can enjoy scenic horse-drawn carriage rides through the park's picturesque landscape or take to the trails for cross-country skiing experiences.
Montauk, New York
Montauk, New York is one of New York City's most popular seaside getaways, located along the eastern tip of the Long Island peninsula. The delightful hamlet is renowned for its gorgeous white sand beaches along the peninsula's Atlantic Ocean coastline, home to popular surfing destinations like Ditch Plains. Couples can explore historic landmarks at Montauk Point State Park, including the preserved 1796 Montauk Point Light, open to the public for living history tours throughout the year. Camp Hero State Park preserves World War II-era landmarks, while Hither Hills State Park provides chances for hiking and overnight camping. The hamlet is also home to some of New York's top seafood restaurants, including acclaimed Scarpetta Beach Restaurant and Inlet Seafood, which offer romantic dining experiences in a beachfront setting.
Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls State Park preserves one of North America's most renowned natural wonders, which rush more than six million cubic feet of water per minute over a cliff on the majestic Niagara River. The park, which is located just north of the city of Buffalo at the Canada-United States border, has long been one of New York's most acclaimed romantic getaways, known throughout the world as a popular honeymoon or second honeymoon destination. Couples can ride the legendary Maid of the Mist tour boat right up to the edge of massive Horseshoe Falls for one-of-a-kind perspectives or look out from the Prospect Point Observation Tower for views of the falls from above.
Visitor attractions line both the Canadian and American sides of the falls, ranging from favorite restaurant chains like Hard Rock Cafe and Rainforest Cafe to family-friendly attractions like the Aquarium of Niagara.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is easily accessible via Amtrak from New York City's Penn Station, located just an hour outside of the New York metropolitan area along Pennsylvania's border with New Jersey. The diverse city is home to a plethora of attractions connected to the East Coast's Revolutionary War history, including Independence Hall, which served as the sight of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution. Couples can view landmarks like the Liberty Bell or the famed front steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, which were immortalized as a filming site for the feature film Rocky. Reading Terminal Market offers a plethora of food and home goods vendors, while the Eastern State Penitentiary offers tours of one of the nation's most renowned preserved prison facilities. Throughout the summer months, lovely Spruce Street Harbor Park transforms into the city's front lawn, offering public-use hammocks, giant party games, and eclectic food vendors.
Princeton
Princeton is the home of the acclaimed Ivy League university of the same name, known as one of the United States' best institutions of higher learning for centuries. The charming New Jersey college town is home to fabled architectural landmarks like the university's renowned University Chapel, preserving exquisite Collegiate Gothic architecture. Couples can peruse the collections of the acclaimed Princeton University Art Museum throughout the year or explore the beautiful Morven Museum and Garden facility, which transforms an 18th-century mansion into a living history museum facility. Cultural attractions abound, including the McCarter Theatre Center, which has won regional Tony Awards for its theatrical productions. Nearby, visitors can learn about the region's Revolutionary War history at Princeton Battlefield State Park.
Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is the largest urban boardwalk and beach in the United States, stretching along the Atlantic Ocean coastline of lovely New York City borough Queens. The 5.5-mile beachfront is one of the top swimming and surfing destinations in the city, offering some of the New York area's only chances for legal surfing. Sandy beachfront stretches are perfect for strolling with loved ones at sunset or enjoying chances for romantic picnics and sunbathing. A plethora of sports courts are offered for public use, including opportunities for baseball, basketball, and beach volleyball. During select times throughout the year, visitors can enjoy opportunities for roller hockey at the beach's public roller hockey rink. Nearby, the beach's landmark Rockaway Doughboy Statue honors the city's World War I soldiers, while the beautiful Sandpiper Playground protects area migratory bird populations.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is a lovely upstate New York city best known throughout the world for its connection to thoroughbred horse racing. Couples can take in major stakes races at the legendary Saratoga Race Course or explore the exhibits of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, which showcases preserved trophies and collections of equestrian artwork. Saratoga Spa State Park showcases lovely mineral baths with purported healing properties, while the Saratoga Performing Arts Center presents acclaimed theatrical and concert performances throughout the year. Other unique attractions include the Saratoga Automobile Museum, which displays preserved vintage race cars. Nearby, Saratoga Lake offers year-round recreational experiences, including opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Skaneateles
kaneateles is a lovely village located in beautiful Onondaga County on the banks of the stunning lake of the same name, located in upstate New York near the city of Syracuse just four hours outside of Manhattan. The village is known for its gorgeous preserved downtown district, which features a plethora of romantic dining destinations and unique shops and boutiques. Couples can choose from a variety of intimate bed and breakfasts and historic inns for accommodations, many of which offer delicious restaurants on site or daily breakfast served for all guests. Wine tastings are offered at area wineries, including acclaimed Anyela's Vineyards. Nearby, Skaneateles Lake offers opportunities for year-round recreation, including chances for boating, fishing, and hiking. Each year, the city hosts the annual Skaneateles Festival music festival and the holiday Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles, which brings period carolers to the city's downtown district.
The Hamptons
The Hamptons are one of the New York City area's most affluent seaside getaways, located along Long Island's South Fork's eastern shores. The beautiful district is known for its stunning stretches of beachfront and quaint 18th-century towns and villages, offering a rustic getaway for couples looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a weekend. Couples can swim, sunbathe, and stroll at beautiful public beachfronts like Cooper's Beach or enjoy excellent boating and fishing opportunities at lovely Peconic Bay. Delicious wineries abound, including acclaimed wineries like Duck Walk Vineyard and Wölffer Estate, which offer tastings and tours throughout the year. Couples traveling with children in tow can explore attractions like the renowned Long Island Aquarium or the Children's Museum of the East End, which features interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. East Hampton is home to some of the New York area's most romantic restaurants and bars, offering waterfront seating.
The Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands straddle the United States-Canadian border along the beautiful St. Lawrence River, protecting over 1,800 barrier islands that have long been known as a popular summer retreat area for American and Canadian travelers. The charming island destination is home to gorgeous Canadian Thousand Islands National Park, home to delightful hiking trails and overnight campgrounds. Over 30 New York state parks stretch throughout the islands' terrain, including picturesque Wellesley Island State Park and Robert Moses State Park. Swimming opportunities are offered at the gorgeous Lake of the Isles, while sunbathing and picnicking are popular at Potter's Beach. Couples can also explore the romantic preserved Boldt Castle, which is open to the public as a unique living history museum.
Warwick
Warwick is a gorgeous Orange County town that is best known as the home of the yearly Applefest, named as one of North America's top 10 annual festivals. The charming New York state village, which is located just two hours outside of Manhattan, attracts over 35,000 visitors each year during its yearly festival, which fills the city's downtown district with live music performances, family-friendly rides, eclectic food vendors, and carnival games. The lovely Warwick Summer Arts Festival attracts regional arts and crafts vendors, while the Village Concert Series draws top area performers to the city's urban green spaces. Couples can also sample delicious wines at Demarest Hill Winery, see concerts at the historic Railroad Green, or enjoy hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities at Wawayanda State Park.
Westport, Connecticut
Westport, Connecticut is a lovely town in Fairfield County, located along the shores of gorgeous Long Island Sound. The town, which dates back to the early 19th century, is considered to be a prime example of old-fashioned New England small-town charm, home to stunning beachfront stretches offering opportunities for romantic strolling throughout the year. Couples can explore the beautiful boardwalk and attractions of 29-acre Compo Beach, which features sand volleyball courts and a full-service marina, or view the state's official 9/11 Living Memorial at Sherwood Island State Park, a top swimming and surf fishing destination. Annual theatrical performances are showcased at the restored 1930 Westport Country Playhouse, one of the nation's top summer seasonal theaters. Contemporary art exhibits are on display at the beautiful Westport Arts Center, while award-winning concerts are presented at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts.
