22 Fun Winter Getaways In Upstate New York
Upstate New York is a beautiful place to explore in winter, with snow-covered mountains, frozen waterfalls, charming small towns, and some of the best skiing in the Northeast. From the Adirondacks and Catskills to the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley, there’s a huge variety of destinations to explore.
I lived in New York for a year and absolutely loved exploring the state. There’s so much to see and do throughout Upstate New York, and somehow my list of places to visit only grows longer after each trip! You can spend a weekend skiing in the mountains, exploring historic towns, visiting museums and wineries, or relaxing at a lakeside resort.
Below, I’ve rounded up some of the best winter getaways in Upstate New York, whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip from NYC or a longer vacation. I’ve also included everything from popular ski towns and winter resorts to quieter destinations where you can enjoy fewer crowds and lower off season prices.
Best Winter Getaways In Upstate New York
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is one of the most popular winter destinations in the Adirondacks, and for very good reason. The small mountain town hosted the Winter Olympics in both 1932 and 1980, and today you’ll find a huge variety of winter sports, Olympic attractions, and a charming downtown surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
There’s skiing and snowboarding at nearby Whiteface Mountain, cross-country skiing at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, snowshoeing, and even bobsledding. The Olympic venues are definitely worth seeing too, especially the Ski Jumping Complex.
Mirror Lake is another popular spot in winter, with ice skating, dogsled rides, and a toboggan chute. Best of all, it sits right on the edge of downtown so you can easily spend time exploring the restaurants, shops, and bars along Main Street after spending time on the ice. There are also some stunning lakeside hotels and resorts here, making Lake Placid a great option whether you’re planning an active winter trip or something a little more relaxed.
Where to stay: Downtown Lake Placid or along Mirror Lake for easy access to restaurants, shops, and winter activities. For better ski access you could also stay in nearby Wilmington, about 15 minutes away.
Getting here: Lake Placid is approximately 5 hours from NYC by car. The closest airport is Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake, about 30 minutes away, while Albany International Airport is roughly 2.5 hours away.
Rhinebeck
If you’re looking for a winter getaway that isn’t centered around skiing or outdoor activities, Rhinebeck is a great option. This charming Hudson Valley town has a beautiful historic downtown, with local shops, bookstores, cafes, and some excellent restaurants. It’s also just a couple of hours from NYC, making it an easy weekend trip from the city.
One of Rhinebeck’s most famous landmarks is the Beekman Arms, a historic inn that’s been welcoming guests since 1766. You can stay here or stop by its tavern for a meal. Another popular option is Mirbeau Inn & Spa, especially if you’re hoping to spend part of your weekend relaxing. For some time outdoors, head to Ferncliff Forest, where you’ll find wooded trails and a fire tower with views over the Hudson Valley. There’s also the beautiful Wilderstein Historic Site, although mansion tours are limited to the warmer months and holiday season.
Rhinebeck is nice for a slower-paced winter weekend. You can easily spend an afternoon browsing the shops downtown, stop for coffee, enjoy a nice dinner, and still have plenty of time to relax. Best of all, you can often find lower hotel rates this time of year.
Where to stay: Downtown Rhinebeck is ideal for walking to restaurants and shops. The historic Beekman Arms and Mirbeau Inn & Spa are two popular options.
Getting here: Rhinebeck is about 2 hours from NYC by car. You can also take Amtrak to nearby Rhinecliff, about 5 – 10 minutes from downtown Rhinebeck.
Ellicottville
Ellicottville is one of the most popular ski towns in Western New York, with two ski areas and a surprisingly lively downtown for such a small town. Between the winter sports, restaurants, bars, and après ski scene, there’s plenty going on both on and off the slopes, making it a great option for a winter weekend getaway.
Holiday Valley is the biggest draw, with a large variety of ski runs, night skiing, and a snow tubing park. There’s also HoliMont, a private ski club that opens its slopes to the public on weekdays. If you’re visiting primarily to ski, having two mountains so close together is a great bonus.
Downtown Ellicottville is worth spending some time in too. The village is compact and walkable, with locally owned shops, restaurants, breweries, and bars that get especially busy during ski season. It’s a fun place to spend an evening after being on the mountain, and there’s enough going on that you don’t necessarily have to ski to enjoy a weekend here.
Where to stay: Downtown Ellicottville is a great choice if you want to walk to restaurants and bars. You can also stay at Holiday Valley or in one of the many cabins, condos, and vacation rentals around town.
Getting here: Ellicottville is about an hour south of Buffalo and roughly 6 hours from NYC by car. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the closest major airport, an hour away.
Ithaca
Ithaca is a great winter destination if you want to mix beautiful outdoor scenery with a lively college town. Located in the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is famous for its waterfalls and gorges, which are especially beautiful covered in snow and ice. And with Cornell University here, there’s a lot more going on than you might expect from a small Upstate New York city.
Taughannock Falls State Park is one of the best places to visit nearby, with a massive 215-foot waterfall that’s particularly stunning in winter. The overlook is a great place to see the falls, especially since most of the gorge trails around Ithaca close during the colder months. Ithaca Falls is another spot worth checking out, plus you’ll find opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing throughout the surrounding area.
After spending time outdoors, head to the Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian-friendly downtown area full of unique shops, bookstores, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Ithaca has a particularly good food scene for a city its size too, along with museums and cultural attractions around Cornell’s beautiful campus. Plus, you’re right in Finger Lakes wine country, with wineries scattered around Cayuga Lake, many of which stay open through winter.
Where to stay: Downtown Ithaca is the most convenient option for walking to restaurants and shops. You’ll also find hotels near Cornell University, along with inns and vacation rentals around Cayuga Lake.
Getting here: Ithaca is about 4 hours from NYC by car. Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is about 10 minutes from downtown, while Syracuse Hancock International Airport is roughly an hour away.
Hunter / Tannersville
Another popular ski getaway in the Catskills is Hunter, home to Hunter Mountain, one of the largest ski resorts in New York. Just a few hours from NYC, it’s a busy winter weekend destination, with skiers and snowboarders heading up for après ski and a few days on the mountain.
Hunter Mountain has a wide variety of ski runs, plus snow tubing if you’re looking for something a little different. There’s also snowshoeing and winter hiking throughout the surrounding Catskills. Kaaterskill Falls is especially beautiful in winter, although the trails can get quite icy, so proper traction devices are a must.
I’d also recommend spending some time in nearby Tannersville, just a few minutes from Hunter Mountain. The village is known for its colorful Main Street, lined with locally owned restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars. It’s a fun place to hang out after a day on the slopes, and the area gets especially lively on winter weekends. Between the mountain and the nearby towns, there’s plenty going on even after the ski lifts close.
Where to stay: Hunter has a mix of mountain lodges, cabins, vacation rentals, and small inns. Nearby Tannersville is another good option, especially if you want to be close to restaurants and shops.
Getting here: Hunter is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from NYC by car, and about an hour from Albany.
Windham
Windham is another popular ski destination in the Catskills, just 20 minutes from Hunter. The town has a slightly quieter, more resort-oriented atmosphere than its neighbor, with Windham Mountain Club as the main attraction. The mountain offers a wide variety of ski and snowboard terrain, along with on-mountain dining and après ski spots.
Despite the name, you don’t have to be a club member to ski at Windham Mountain. Lift tickets are available to the public, although access is more limited than at some other ski resorts, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Beyond the slopes, there’s cross-country skiing and snowshoeing nearby, plus the Windham Path, a scenic walking trail with beautiful mountain views.
Windham’s small downtown has a nice selection of restaurants, cafes, shops, and accommodations, and it’s easy to visit Hunter during the same trip. If you’re deciding between the two, I’d lean toward Windham for a slightly quieter ski getaway, while Hunter has a livelier atmosphere.
Where to stay: Windham has a mix of mountain inns, boutique hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals. Staying near the village is convenient for restaurants and shops, while accommodations closer to the mountain are ideal for skiing.
Getting here: Windham is 2.5 – 3 hours from NYC by car, and about an hour from Albany.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is famous for its horse racing and natural mineral springs, but there’s a lot to love about this historic resort town outside of racing season. Winter is considerably quieter, but downtown Saratoga still has plenty going on, with beautiful old buildings, historic hotels, excellent restaurants, and a lively bar scene.
The mineral springs have been drawing visitors to Saratoga for centuries, and winter is a particularly nice time to enjoy them. Roosevelt Baths & Spa is one of the town’s most famous attractions, where you can soak in a mineral bath or book a spa treatment. It’s located within Saratoga Spa State Park, which is also worth exploring for its historic architecture, walking trails, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when there’s enough snow. The Saratoga Automobile Museum is a popular spot nearby too.
I’d definitely make time for Broadway, the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs. It’s lined with unique specialty shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, many housed in beautiful historic buildings. And if you’re visiting in February, keep an eye out for Chowderfest, a much-loved annual event where local restaurants compete for the best chowder.
Between the spas, downtown, and historic hotels, Saratoga makes for a really fun winter weekend without needing to hit the slopes.
Where to stay: Downtown Saratoga Springs is the best option for walking to restaurants, shops, and bars, with a mix of historic inns, boutique hotels, and larger properties.
Getting here: Saratoga Springs is roughly 3.5 hours from NYC by car and about 40 minutes from Albany International Airport. Amtrak also serves the city.
Old Forge
If you’re looking to go snowmobiling, Old Forge is a small Adirondack town that’s especially popular for the sport. The area has an extensive network of trails connecting to other communities throughout the Adirondacks, making it one of the best places in New York for a snowmobile trip.
While snowmobiling is the main draw, it isn’t the only reason to visit. McCauley Mountain is a smaller, more laid-back ski area with downhill skiing and snowboarding, and there are plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing nearby. Old Forge also hosts a great winter carnival, with winter activities and events around town.
Old Forge itself is pretty small, with a handful of restaurants, shops, and local businesses. It’s much quieter than some of the larger Adirondack resort towns. I’d especially consider Old Forge if you’re looking for an outdoorsy winter weekend without the crowds and resort atmosphere.
Where to stay: Old Forge has a mix of cabins, vacation rentals, small inns, and lodges. Staying close to town is convenient for restaurants and shops, while properties farther out offer an even quieter setting.
Getting here: Old Forge is approximately 4.5 to 5 hours from NYC by car, and about 2 hours from Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
Hudson
Hudson is another great option for a winter getaway in the Hudson Valley, especially if you enjoy good restaurants, shopping, and exploring historic towns. The small city sits along the Hudson River and has become very well known for its antique shops, art galleries, and food scene.
Most of the action is centered around Warren Street, which is lined with beautifully preserved historic buildings, cute shops, cafes, restaurants, and antique stores. You can easily spend an afternoon exploring downtown, and there are plenty of excellent places to stop for dinner or drinks afterward.
I also recommend visiting Olana State Historic Site, just outside Hudson. The former home of artist Frederic Edwin Church is a beautiful property overlooking the Hudson Valley, with miles of carriage roads that you can explore year-round. The views are especially pretty when the surrounding hills are covered in snow.
Where to stay: Downtown Hudson has a good selection of boutique hotels, historic inns, and vacation rentals. Staying near Warren Street puts you within walking distance of most restaurants and shops.
Getting here: Hudson is 2.5 hours from NYC by car. You can also take Amtrak directly from Penn Station to Hudson, with the train station just a short walk from downtown.
Lake George
Lake George is best known as a summer destination, but don’t overlook it in winter. This beautiful Adirondack town sits along a massive lake surrounded by mountains, and while the summer crowds are long gone, there’s still plenty to enjoy, especially if you time your visit around the annual Lake George Winter Carnival.
Held on weekends throughout February, the Winter Carnival brings all sorts of festivities to the lakefront, including ice and snow activities, fireworks, food, and entertainment. It’s a fun way to experience Lake George in a completely different season. There’s also skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at nearby West Mountain, plus opportunities for snowshoeing and snowmobiling around the area.
Outside of the Winter Carnival, Lake George is considerably quieter, with many businesses closing for the season. However, you’ll still find restaurants and shops open year-round, along with some beautiful lakeside hotels and resorts at much lower rates than in summer. Personally, I’d recommend visiting during the carnival for the festivities, but if you’re after a peaceful winter getaway at a fraction of the summer prices, the quieter weekends have their appeal too.
Where to stay: Lake George Village is the most convenient place to stay, especially during the Winter Carnival. You’ll also find lakeside hotels, cabins, and resorts around the surrounding area.
Getting here: Lake George is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours from NYC by car, and about an hour from Albany International Airport.
North Creek & Gore Mountain
Not far from Lake George, North Creek is another great option for a winter getaway in the Adirondacks, especially if skiing is a priority. The small mountain town is home to Gore Mountain, one of the largest ski resorts in New York, with an impressive variety of terrain for skiing and snowboarding.
Beyond Gore Mountain, you’ll find some excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Garnet Hill Outdoor Center, which has miles of groomed trails winding through the Adirondack forest. There’s also the North Creek Ski Bowl for additional winter recreation.
North Creek itself is a small, historic town with a handful of restaurants, shops, and local inns. It doesn’t have the busy resort atmosphere of somewhere like Lake Placid, which may be exactly what you’re looking for. Plus, with Lake George only about 30 minutes away, it’s easy to explore both during the same trip.
Where to stay: North Creek has a mix of small inns, cabins, lodges, and vacation rentals. Garnet Hill Lodge is another option, especially if you’re interested in cross-country skiing.
Getting here: North Creek is 4 hours from NYC by car, about 30 minutes from Lake George, and roughly 1.5 hours from Albany International Airport.
Woodstock
Woodstock is one of the most well-known towns in the Catskills, famous for its arts and music scene. Unlike some of the smaller mountain towns that quiet down considerably in winter, Woodstock has plenty going on year-round. Tinker Street is lined with art galleries, bookstores, independent shops, restaurants, and cafes, plus there’s a great local music scene.
The surrounding Catskills are beautiful in winter too, and you’ll find some great cabins, boutique hotels, and small inns tucked into the woods. Overlook Mountain is one of the area’s most popular hikes, with the ruins of an old hotel along the trail and spectacular views from the top. It’s especially pretty covered in snow, although the hike is fairly steep and requires proper winter gear and traction devices.
Woodstock is a great choice for a winter weekend that isn’t centered around skiing. You can spend time exploring downtown, enjoy some good food and live music, or just relax at a cabin in the mountains. Plus, with other Catskills towns like Phoenicia and Saugerties nearby, it’s easy to explore more of the area during your visit.
Where to stay: Downtown Woodstock is ideal if you want to walk to restaurants and shops. There are also plenty of cabins, vacation rentals, and small inns in the surrounding area.
Getting here: Woodstock is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from NYC by car, and about an hour from Albany.
Phoenicia
If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter, Phoenicia is another great option, just 20 minutes from Woodstock. This tiny Catskills town is only a few blocks long, with a handful of shops, restaurants, and cafes, including the famous Phoenicia Diner just outside town.
Phoenicia is particularly nice if you want to stay in a cabin and spend most of your time exploring the mountains. Belleayre Mountain is about 20 minutes away for skiing and snowboarding, and there are plenty of opportunities for snowshoeing and winter hiking in the surrounding area.
Another fun stop nearby is the Emerson Resort & Spa in Mount Tremper, home to the world’s largest kaleidoscope, which you can actually walk inside. The resort is also a nice option if you want to add a spa visit to your winter weekend.
Where to stay: Phoenicia has a mix of cabins, vacation rentals, small inns, and lodges. The Emerson Resort & Spa in nearby Mount Tremper is another option.
Getting here: Phoenicia is 2.5 hours from NYC by car, or about 20 minutes from Woodstock
Buffalo & Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is pretty spectacular any time of year, but winter brings an entirely different experience. The waterfalls don’t actually freeze, but the surrounding cliffs, trees, and walkways often become covered in huge ice formations, making for some incredible scenery. Plus, you’ll be dealing with a fraction of the summer crowds.
And with Buffalo only about 30 minutes away, it’s easy to combine the two destinations into one trip.
Buffalo is a fun city to visit in winter, especially if you enjoy sports and good food. Hockey is a big deal here, so catching a Buffalo Sabres game is a great way to spend an evening. There’s also ice skating at Canalside, along with plenty of museums and indoor attractions, including the excellent Buffalo AKG Art Museum.
I’d also make time to explore some of Buffalo’s neighborhoods. Elmwood Village is especially nice, with local shops, cafes, restaurants, and beautiful historic homes. Buffalo has an excellent food and brewery scene too, so between the restaurants, sports, museums, and winter activities, there’s easily enough to fill a weekend beyond visiting Niagara Falls.
Where to stay: Downtown Buffalo is a convenient base for exploring the city and visiting Niagara Falls. You can also stay near the falls if you’d prefer to be within walking distance of the viewpoints.
Getting here: Buffalo is about 6.5 to 7 hours from NYC by car, with Niagara Falls another 30 minutes north. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is about 20 minutes from downtown Buffalo and 30 – 40 minutes from Niagara Falls.
Cortland / Greek Peak
Greek Peak Mountain Resort, just outside Cortland in Central New York, is a particularly fun winter getaway for families. Not only does the resort offer skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, but it’s also home to Hope Lake Lodge, which has an indoor water park and spa. So even if skiing isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to keep you busy.
The mountain has a good variety of ski runs, including options for beginners, while the Cascades Indoor Waterpark is a fun way to spend an afternoon off the slopes. You can easily make a whole weekend out of staying at the resort, especially if you’re traveling with kids or a group with different interests.
And downtown Cortland is only about 15 minutes away, with a selection of restaurants, breweries, and shops if you want to venture beyond Greek Peak.
Where to stay: Hope Lake Lodge is the most convenient option for enjoying the resort’s skiing, water park, and spa. You’ll also find hotels and other accommodations around Cortland.
Getting here: Cortland is roughly 3.5–4 hours from NYC by car, and about 40 minutes from Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Greek Peak is another 15 minutes outside downtown Cortland.
Tarrytown
If you’re looking for a quieter winter getaway that’s easy to reach from NYC, Tarrytown is a great option. This historic Hudson Valley town sits right along the Hudson River, with a charming downtown full of restaurants, cafes, boutique shops, and beautiful old buildings. Winter is the off-season here, so you’ll find fewer crowds and better hotel rates than during the busy warmer months. Best of all, you can get here by train from Grand Central in under an hour.
Tarrytown is especially well known for its historic estates and its connection to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Nearby Sleepy Hollow is worth exploring, with landmarks like the Old Dutch Church and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. I also recommend checking out Lyndhurst Mansion, a gorgeous Gothic Revival estate overlooking the Hudson River.
Back in Tarrytown, Main Street is a nice place to spend an afternoon browsing the shops or stopping for coffee, and the historic Tarrytown Music Hall hosts concerts, comedy shows, and other performances throughout the year. For some time outdoors, Rockefeller State Park Preserve is nearby, with miles of scenic carriage roads that are great for walking and, when there’s enough snow, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
With plenty of restaurants, shops, historic attractions, and entertainment to enjoy indoors, Tarrytown is a nice alternative to the ski towns and more outdoor-focused destinations on this list. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for a relaxed winter weekend without traveling too far or spending peak season prices.
Where to stay: Downtown Tarrytown is convenient for restaurants, shops, and the train station. You’ll also find several historic hotels and inns around Tarrytown and in nearby Sleepy Hollow.
Getting here: Tarrytown is 45 minutes to an hour from NYC by car, or about 40 – 50 minutes on Metro-North’s Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is another beautiful Adirondack town, just 15 minutes from Lake Placid, but with a slightly different feel. It’s smaller and more laid-back, with a historic downtown, locally owned shops, restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the surrounding mountains and lakes.
One of the biggest reasons to visit in winter is the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, a beloved tradition dating back to 1897. The celebration takes place over 10 days in February, with parades, fireworks, winter activities, and the famous Ice Palace, which is built each year using blocks of ice harvested from Lake Flower. It’s a pretty incredible sight and definitely worth planning a visit around.
Outside of the carnival, there’s still plenty to do. Mount Pisgah is a small local ski area, and you’ll find cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking trails throughout the surrounding Adirondacks. Downtown Saranac Lake is also worth exploring, with galleries, cafes, and restaurants, plus the historic Hotel Saranac, which has a spa if you’re looking for a little relaxation.
Where to stay: Downtown Saranac Lake is a convenient choice for restaurants, shops, and the Winter Carnival events. Hotel Saranac is a beautiful historic option, and you’ll also find cabins, inns, and vacation rentals around the surrounding lakes.
Getting here: Saranac Lake is 5 – 5.5 hours from NYC by car. Adirondack Regional Airport is about 15 minutes away, while Albany International Airport is roughly 2.5 hours away.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown is best known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but this charming Central New York village is worth visiting even if you’re not a huge baseball fan. Summer is by far the busiest season here, so visiting in winter means fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, and a much quieter experience around town.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is the biggest attraction, and I definitely recommend visiting. I’ve been myself and loved it! Even if you’re only casually interested in baseball, the museum is incredibly well done and there’s a lot to see. Cooperstown also has a beautiful historic downtown, with local shops, restaurants, and cafes along Main Street.
Brewery Ommegang is another popular stop just outside the village, and nearby Otsego Lake is beautiful in winter. You can also head to Glimmerglass State Park for winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing when conditions allow.
Cooperstown is a nice choice for a quieter winter weekend, especially if you’re looking for something with fewer crowds.
Where to stay: Downtown Cooperstown is ideal for walking to restaurants, shops, and the Baseball Hall of Fame. You’ll also find historic inns and boutique hotels around Otsego Lake.
Getting here: Cooperstown is 3.5 to 4 hours from NYC by car, and about 1.5 hours from Albany International Airport.
Canandaigua
Canandaigua is a beautiful lakeside town in the Finger Lakes region, and a great option if you want to mix winter sports with good restaurants, wineries, and a little relaxation. The town sits at the northern end of Canandaigua Lake, with a charming downtown and plenty to do both on and off the slopes.
Bristol Mountain is one of the biggest draws in winter, located about 20 minutes outside town. It’s one of the larger ski resorts in the Finger Lakes.
But you definitely don’t have to ski to enjoy a weekend in Canandaigua. Downtown Main Street is lined with independent shops, restaurants, and cafes, and you’re right in the heart of Finger Lakes wine country, where many wineries stay open throughout winter. The Lake House on Canandaigua is also worth considering, it’s a beautiful lakeside resort with a spa, heated outdoor pool, and lake views. It’s an especially nice option if you’re planning a more relaxed winter getaway.
Where to stay: Downtown Canandaigua is convenient for restaurants and shops. The Lake House on Canandaigua is a great choice for a lakeside resort getaway, and you’ll also find inns, hotels, and vacation rentals around the lake.
Getting here: Canandaigua is 5 – 5.5 hours from NYC by car, and about 40–45 minutes from Greater Rochester International Airport.
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is one of the most beautiful places in New York, famous for its massive gorge, towering cliffs, and three waterfalls along the Genesee River. It’s often called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” and while fall is probably its most popular season, the park is absolutely worth seeing in winter too.
The waterfalls are especially impressive surrounded by snow and ice, and the views into the gorge are gorgeous this time of year. Middle Falls is one of the park’s most famous sights, and Inspiration Point is another gorgeous spot for its sweeping views of the gorge. There’s also winter hiking and snowshoeing if you’re up for it. Just keep in mind that some park roads, trails, and overlooks close during winter, but this comes with the perk of very few crowds.
Unlike many of the destinations on this list, Letchworth isn’t really a place to visit for a busy downtown area and long list of things to do. I recommend it for a quieter, nature-focused getaway, especially if you’re hoping to spend a couple of days exploring the park and enjoying the winter scenery.
Where to stay: Look for accommodations around Mount Morris or Perry, two small towns near the park. You’ll find inns, cabins, and vacation rentals in the surrounding area.
Getting here: Letchworth State Park is 5 to 5.5 hours from NYC by car, depending on which entrance you’re visiting. Greater Rochester International Airport is about 45 minutes to an hour away.
Albany
New York’s capital city might not be the first place that comes to mind for a winter getaway, but Albany has a surprising amount to offer, especially if you’re looking for a trip that doesn’t revolve around skiing. Between its museums, historic architecture, restaurants, and entertainment, there’s plenty to keep you busy even when it’s freezing outside.
One of the highlights in winter is ice skating at Empire State Plaza, right in the heart of downtown. The outdoor rink sits among some of Albany’s most recognizable buildings, including the New York State Capitol, which is absolutely worth touring while you’re here by the way. The New York State Museum is another excellent stop, with exhibits covering everything from the state’s natural history to its cultural heritage.
Albany also has a great selection of indoor attractions, including the Albany Institute of History & Art and the historic Palace Theatre, which hosts concerts and performances throughout the year. I’d also make time to explore the Center Square neighborhood and Lark Street, where you’ll find beautiful historic brownstones, restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Winter is generally a quieter time in Albany, and you can often find good hotel rates compared to more traditional winter resort destinations. Plus, it’s easy to reach from NYC by train, making it a convenient option for a weekend away without needing to rent a car.
Where to stay: Downtown Albany is convenient for museums, historic attractions, and Empire State Plaza. The Center Square and Lark Street area is another good option if you want to be close to restaurants and bars.
Getting here: Albany is about 2.5 to 3 hours from NYC by car, or roughly 2.5 hours by Amtrak to Albany–Rensselaer Station. Albany International Airport is roughly 15 minutes from downtown.
New Paltz
New Paltz is a charming Hudson Valley town surrounded by the Shawangunk Mountains, just about two hours from NYC. It’s especially popular for hiking and outdoor activities, but there’s quite a bit to enjoy here in winter too, including one of the most beautiful historic resorts in New York.
Mohonk Mountain House is easily one of the biggest draws. This massive Victorian castle-like resort sits above a mountain lake, surrounded by thousands of acres of forests and trails. In winter, guests can enjoy ice skating at the resort’s covered outdoor pavilion, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and a beautiful spa. It’s a pretty incredible setting for a winter getaway.
You don’t have to stay at Mohonk to enjoy New Paltz, though. Nearby Minnewaska State Park Preserve is another beautiful spot for winter hikes and scenic views. And downtown New Paltz has plenty of restaurants, cafes, fun shops, and bars, thanks in part to its lively college town atmosphere.
I’d especially consider New Paltz if you want a mix of outdoor activities and a relaxing weekend away. You can spend the day exploring the mountains, enjoy a nice dinner downtown, or splurge on a stay at Mohonk Mountain House.
Where to stay: Mohonk Mountain House is the standout option for a resort getaway. Downtown New Paltz has smaller inns and hotels, and you’ll find cabins and vacation rentals throughout the surrounding area.
Getting here: New Paltz is about 1.5 to 2 hours from NYC by car. The nearest train station is in Poughkeepsie, about 20 minutes away by car, and Albany International Airport is roughly 1.5 hours away.
Winter in Upstate New York has so much to offer, from skiing in the Adirondacks and Catskills to charming small towns, frozen waterfalls, and relaxing lakeside getaways.
Whether you’re planning a ski weekend or just looking for somewhere cozy to spend a weekend, there are plenty of great destinations to choose from. Enjoy exploring Upstate New York!
Any questions or additional ideas? Please leave a comment below.
Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Upstate and New York guides below.
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I love your articles and have found them really useful. We’re coming to New York in August (from the UK) and part of our road trip is staying 3 nights in the Catskills. We have two boys, 11 & 14. Where would you recommend to stay and what to do? the Zipline & white water rafting option’s look great but also want to see the best of the Catskill. Would you recommend a farm stay? Or a town like Woodstock? Any help would be appreciated 😁 thanks
Hi Katie! I’m glad you’ve found the articles helpful, and thank you for reaching out! The Catskills are beautiful, you guys are going to have a great time. Personally, I love staying in a town like Woodstock, then exploring the surrounding area. However, there are some very highly rated resorts in the Catskills. Resorts are great if you wish to have numerous amenities and activities right at your doorstep.