8 Lake Getaways That Are The Perfect Weekend Escape from NYC

Now that we’re past Memorial Day weekend, I can officially say that summer is here! While a weekend on the beach is a summer staple, there’s something just so relaxing about a weekend spent at a lake resort. Especially when you’re living in NYC and just want to take a road trip to visit a cute little lake town!

Luckily, there are actually quite a few lake towns with cozy lakefront resorts within a few hours from NYC. I think a weekend getaway at one of these lake resorts is ideal, but you can definitely just take a day trip to some of the closer lake towns.

In this post, I’m sharing 8 beautiful lake towns & lake resorts for your summer vacation planning. Heck, I think you could even visit these resorts in the spring, fall, and winter!

I’ve included my recommendations for where to stay, free things to do, and budget-friendly activities in each location. They’re ordered based on approximate travel time from NYC, although this can easy change based on traffic.

So, get your travel planners ready because you’re gonna wanna add all of these to your summer travel bucket list!

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or booking through these links, at no extra cost to you.

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or booking through these links, at no extra cost to you.

1. Mountain Spring Lake in Poconos, PA (2 hours)

I absolutely love going to the Poconos when I’m craving a mountain getaway but don’t want to drive all the way up to the Adirondacks!

The Mountain Springs Lake Resort is nestled in the Poconos and offers cozy lakeside cabin rentals and resort amenities including a private lake, sandy beaches, play areas, complimentary rowboats, a nature trail and more. The cabins are also beautiful, spacious, and rustic, yet modern!

Please note that the Mountain Springs Lake is a private lake that is accessible only to resort guests! Unless you have a reservation at the hotel, you will not be allowed access to the lake.

💸 Free Things to Do:

• Enjoy catch-and-release fishing in the lake
• Take a dip in the lake or relax on the sandy beaches
• Walk along nature trails or go hiking in the Poconos
• Play games like ping pong, basketball, badminton, and horseshoes

🐟 Paid Excursions:

• Camelback Mountain Adventures – offers zip-lining, mountain coasters, and more
• Visit local wineries along the Poconos Wine Trail for tastings and scenic views
• Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Delaware River with local outfitters

2. Mohonk Lake, NY (2 hours)

The Catskills will always have a special place in my heart. It’s where I got my horrible ankle fracture back in 2020 right in the middle of a hiking trail! Yeah, not my finest moment 🤣

Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful place that’s definitely worth a visit. You’ll also find gorgeous fall colors here if you’re coming here during autumn.

There is so much to do in the Catskills, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. There’s really great hiking trails here and lots of parks for walking, jogging, and biking.

Mohonk Lake is a must-visit if you’re in the area! It is a private access lake that’s owned by the Mohonk Mountain House, but you can purchase a day pass to visit the property and access some of its amenities, even if you’re not staying overnight.

I would highly recommend staying at the Mohonk Mountain House if you’re staying overnight. The resort is designed like a Victorian castle and is just absolutely breathtaking. It can get a little pricey depending on when you go, but it’s an all-inclusive resort so the final price includes accommodations, dining, and recreational activities. You’ll also find a spa, horseback riding, and other wellness activities to choose from.

💸 Free Things to Do:

• Check out the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center (immediate grounds free to visit)
• Hiking in the Catskills
• Unfortunately, there aren’t too many other free activities that I’ve been able to find here! I do suggest purchasing a day pass from the Mohonk Mountain House (if you’re not staying the night) to enjoy some of the activities below!

🐟 Paid Excursions:

• Purchase a Mohonk Preserve day pass to access nature trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding
• You can also purchase a Preserve day pass for rock climbing
• Get a day pass for the Mohonk Mountain House to access rowboat/canoe rentals, entertainment, and other recreational activities

3. Lake Wallenpaupack in Poconos, PA (2.5 hours)

This is a must-visit destination in the Poconos that’s only a few hours from NYC! Lake Wallenpaupack is a 5,700-acre reservoir that’s become a hub for outdoor fun, gorgeous scenery, and summertime events. It’s really the perfect NYC getaway in my opinion!

You’ll also find charming small towns like Hawley nearby which is perfect for window shopping, picking up a souvenir, or grabbing a meal at one of their restaurants or breweries.

💸 Free Things to Do:

• Sunbathe or swim at Palmyra Public Beach
• Visit the Promised Land State Park
• Hike along the Wallenpaupack Lake Trail
• Walk around the Shuman Point Natural Area
• Explore the Lacawac Sanctuary nature preserve
• Attend the Wally Lake Fest that’s held in late August
• Birdwatching, fishing, and other outdoor activities!

🐟 Paid Excursions:

• Rent pontoon poats, jet skis, kayaks, or paddleboards through local shops
• Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours provides guided excursions
• Explore the nearby town of Hawley for shops, restaurants, cafes, and breweries
• Explore boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries

4. Lake George, NY (3.5 hours)

Save

Save

Lake George is the annual summer getaway destination for a lot of New Yorkers – and I totally get why! It’s such a fun, family-friendly lake town with so much to do. It’s nestled in the Adirondack Mountains so you’re surrounded by stunning views. It’s gorgeous in both summer and fall!

While there’s plenty of things to do during both seasons, you’ll find a much more lively atmosphere during the summer. As I mentioned, there’s also a lot of family-friendly things to do here, and activities for all ages. There are also many shops and restaurants along Beach Road and Main Street which are fun to stroll through in the evenings.

The last time I went to Lake George, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort. Before you scroll away after hearing Holiday Inn, just hear me out! It’s actually a really nice property and I was honestly pleasantly surprised! It sits on top of a hill so you’ll get really beautiful views of Lake George throughout the property.

The resort also features an indoor AND outdoor pool, hot tub, bowling, sports area, a play area, and lots of other fun activities for the whole family. We found the resort to be clean, spacious, relaxing, and very affordable compared to other resort hotels in the area.

💸 Free Things to Do:

• Relax or go for a swim at Million Dollar Beach
• Relax or picnic at Shepard Park
• Hike Prospect Mountain for panoramic lake and mountain views
• Hike to Shelving Rock Falls (waterfall)
• Catch a free summer concert at Shepard Park on certain evenings
• Enjoy fireworks over Lake George on Thursdays during the summer
• Free art exhibitions at Lake George Arts Projects Courthouse Gallery

🐟 Paid Excursions:

• Take a scenic cruise via the Lake George Steamboat Company
• Go kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding (rentals available at various shops)
• Play arcade games at Fun World Arcade
• Enjoy waterfront dining at restaurants like The Boathouse
• Visit Fort William Henry Museum – features interactive exhibits, guided tours, and live musket and cannon demonstrations tell the story of the French and Indian War

5. Otsego Lake, NY (4 hours)

Otsego Lake is located in central New York, just outside Cooperstown. It’s a quiet little lake town with beautiful blue waters, tons of outdoor activities, and historic architecture that you won’t want to stop taking photos of.

It’s a really good lakeside destination if you’re looking for peace and quiet. Don’t worry, there’s still lots to do, especially with Main Street of Cooperstown just a few blocks away from the lake.

The Otesego Resort Hotel is a beautiful resort overlooking Otesego Lake. I highly recommend staying here if you can! It’s a century-old resort that’s renovated yet still retains a traditional, elegant charm. I especially love their outdoor veranda that overlooks the lake – a great spot for your morning coffee, reading, or relaxing.

💸 Free Things to Do:

• Stroll through Cooperstown’s Main Street
• Enjoy a picnic, fish, or relax by the water at the lakeside park
• Visit Glimmerglass State Park

🐟 Paid Excursions:

• Visit The Baseball Hall of Fame
• Rent canoes or kayaks to paddle on Otesego Lake
• Explore Fenimore Art Museum for American folk art and Native American artifacts
• Check out the Farmers’ Museum – a living history museum detailing 19th-century rural life

6. Finger Lakes, NY (5 hours)

Save

Save

The Finger Lakes are a series of multiple lakes in central New York that literally look like fingers on the map! I’ve been to the Finger Lakes once (during COVID actually) and I honestly cannot wait to go back.

The two lakes I would recommend visiting are Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake, but definitely check out all of the lakes if you have the time.

There are a ton of things to do around the Finger Lakes. For adults, I highly recommend checking out at least one winery while you’re here. The region is known for its amazing wineries, so don’t miss out!

You will also find a lot of beautiful natural elements here including gorges, waterfalls, hiking trails, state parks, and more.

We stayed at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, which is a few minutes walk to the Seneca Lake pier as well as many shops and restaurants. The hotel features beautiful views of Seneca Lake, is clean, and the staff are outstanding. We had such a relaxing time during our stay, and will definitely stay there again next time!

💸 Free Things to Do:

• Explore Watkins Glen State Park’s gorge trail (it has 19 waterfalls!)
• Visit Taughannock Falls State Park to see one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies
• Walk through lakefront towns like Skaneateles, Geneva, and Canandaigua
• Take a visit to the nearby city of Ithaca and Cornell University

🐟 Paid Excursions:

• Visiting a Finger Lakes winery is a must! Check out the wine trail map for ideas
• Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or pontoon boats
• Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on Skaneateles Lake or Canandaigua Lake
• Visit the Corning Museum of Glass

7. Lake Placid, NY (5 hours)

Save

Save

This is my favorite lake getaway on this list! I took a solo road trip to Lake Placid last fall and I had such a fun time. It’s a little bit of a distance from NYC, but I promise you it’s worth it.

Lake Placid is a quiet little lake town in the Adirondack Mountains. There’s two lakes here – Lake Placid and Mirror Lake. I really liked the area around Mirror Lake – there were lots of shops and restaurants around Main Street as well as a beautiful waterfront area to relax at.

The town is also known for its Olympic history – it was the site of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games. If you’re a sports fan, definitely check out the museum if you have time!

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Lake Placid, a beautiful resort-style hotel that’s right above Main Street. Because it’s on an elevation, you’ll get beautiful views of Mirror Lake from the hotel.

I upgraded to a lake-view room and I’m so glad I did – it was so relaxing to drink my morning coffee on my balcony overlooking the lake. The hotel is also walking distance to Main Street, which is another bonus!

💸 Free Things to Do:

• Walk, bike, or jog along Mirror Lake’s scenic loop
• Explore the Main Street around Mirror Lake
• Relax or swim at the public beach along Mirror Lake’s southern end
• Visit the free exhibits at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum
• Hike Cobble Hill or the High Peaks Wilderness for stunning views of the Adirondacks
• Learn about the famous abolitionist at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site

🐟 Paid Excursions:

• Take a gondola ride to the top of Whiteface Mountain
• Take a scenic drive along Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway
• Rent canoes, paddleboards, or kayaks to explore Lake Placid
• Check out the Lake Placid Olympic Museum

8. Lake Champlain, NY (5 hours)

Lake Champlain holds a special place in my heart. My first time encountering Lake Champlain was when my mom and I were driving from Lake George to Stowe, Vermont in the fall of 2023.

The Crown Point area just before the Lake Champlain Bridge has got to be one of the most serene areas I’ve ever been to. For some reason, it just drew me in and I actually went back on my solo trip to Lake Placid last fall. That’s why I had to include it on this list!

Lake Champlain is a pretty large lake right between NY and VT. It holds a lot of historic significance, so if you’re a history buff I definitely recommend checking out the historic sites along Crown Point.

While there are no fancy resorts near this area that I have found, there are many cute cottage-style bed & breakfasts you can choose from. Check out the Point Au Roche Lodge in particular. It’s a cozy, cabin-style lodge for adults only nestled in the woods that makes the perfect weekend getaway.

💸 Free Things to Do:

• Visit the Crown Point State Historic Site – ruins of two colonial fortresses next to the lake
• Scenic overlook at the Ausable Chasm
• Relax on the beach or go swimming at Plattsburgh City Beach
• Take a scenic drive down Vermont’s Lake Champlain Byway
• Take a day trip to Plattsburgh

🐟 Paid Excursions:

• Buy some chocolates at the Lake Champlain Chocolates Flagship Store
• Take the Lake Champlain Ferry between NY & Vermont
• Rent a boat for fishing and exploration.
• Hike, tube, or raft through Ausable Chasm
• Explore the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

---

I hope you enjoyed this post on the best lake getaways & lake resorts from NYC, and found it useful in planning your next trip. If you know of any other lake destinations that are a day trip or weekend getaway from New York City, let me know in the comments below!