There’s a specific kind of restlessness that sets in around mid-January. The holiday glow has faded, spring feels impossibly far away, and suddenly the city feels a little too loud, a little too gray. That’s when you need a weekend away—not a full vacation (who has the time?), but a real escape. The kind where you can bundle up for empty beach walks, spend entire afternoons by a fireplace with a good book, and remember what it feels like to actually relax.

The beauty of living in New York is that some of the country’s most charming towns and coastal retreats are just a few hours away. Whether you’re craving the drama of winter waves crashing on Montauk’s shore or the cozy sophistication of a Hudson Valley inn, these eight winter getaways deliver exactly what you need right now. Better yet, you’ll have these places mostly to yourself—no summer crowds, no scene, just the quiet luxury of being somewhere beautiful in the off-season.

The Hamptons – For When You Want Empty Beaches and Zero Scenes

The vibe: Peaceful, luxurious, and refreshingly low-key

Winter in the Hamptons is a completely different experience from its summer persona, and honestly? We prefer it this way. The beaches stretch out empty and wild, the restaurants you could never get into suddenly have tables available, and the whole energy shifts from “see and be seen” to “curl up and unwind.” This is the Hamptons without the helicopters—just you, the ocean, and miles of windswept coastline.

Where to stay: Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton nails the balance between elevated and unpretentious. The rooms have that effortless farmhouse-chic aesthetic (think crisp linens, neutral tones, cozy throws), and the restaurant is genuinely excellent—the kind of place where you want to linger over breakfast even though you’re already in your coat.

What to do: Bundle up for long beach walks (Main Beach in East Hampton is stunning and deserted), visit Wölffer Estate for wine tasting in their cozy tasting room (they have a fireplace), and browse the boutiques on Main Street that stay open year-round. For dinner, East Hampton Grill serves the kind of food that makes you forget about the cold—Dover sole, crab cakes, and an actual fireplace for ambiance.

Know before you go: Many hotels close for the season, so book early. But here’s the upside—winter rates can be 50-70% lower than summer. Also, plan for weekdays if possible. Weekend traffic on the LIE is still a thing, even in winter.

Hudson Valley – Where Food, Art, and Nature Conspire to Help You Decompress

The vibe: Cultural, cozy, and deliciously pastoral

Two hours north of the city, the Hudson Valley transforms into a winter retreat for people who appreciate good food, beautiful design, and the kind of scenery that makes you want to stare out windows for hours. This is where chefs are doing genuinely exciting things with local ingredients, where antique shops feel more like curated galleries, and where hiking trails through snowy woods lead to views that justify the drive all by themselves.

Where to stay: Troutbeck in Amenia is the kind of place design editors dream about—250 acres, fireplaces in every room, and a restaurant that sources almost everything from nearby farms. If you want something more industrial-chic, The Roundhouse in Beacon overlooks Fishkill Creek and feels like a beautifully renovated factory (because it is).

What to do: Spend a morning at Dia:Beacon—the contemporary art museum is housed in a former factory and it’s genuinely spectacular, especially when it’s quiet in winter. Drive to Hudson and walk down Warren Street, which might be the most charming main street in America (vintage shops, design stores, farm-to-table restaurants). For dinner, Swoon is worth the reservations hassle—the tomato salad alone is reason enough to go.

Insider intel: Olana State Historic Site offers some of the best Hudson River views, and winter is actually the ideal time to visit because the leafless trees don’t block the vistas. The Maker Hotel is one of the only spots with a pool if that matters to you, plus their on-site cafe does excellent breakfast.

Newport – Because Sometimes You Need Gilded Age Glamour

The vibe: Historic, romantic, and unapologetically elegant

Newport in winter is for when you want to feel transported—to another era, another kind of luxury, another pace entirely. The Gilded Age mansions are even more impressive when they’re not packed with summer tourists, and there’s something almost cinematic about walking the Cliff Walk with winter waves crashing below while massive estates loom above. Plus, the restaurants here understand the assignment: fireplaces, fresh seafood, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to dress up a little.

Where to stay: The Chanler at Cliff Walk is oceanfront luxury in a historic mansion—the kind of place where you can watch winter storms roll in from your room. Castle Hill Inn has sweeping Narragansett Bay views and is genuinely one of the most romantic hotels in New England.

What to do: Tour The Breakers (Vanderbilt mansion tours are better in winter—no crowds, lower prices), walk the Cliff Walk bundled up in your warmest coat, and make reservations at White Horse Tavern, America’s oldest tavern. The colonial atmosphere, wooden beams, and roaring fireplaces are exactly what winter dining should be.

What locals know: Midtown Oyster Bar’s clam chowder is legendary for a reason. The Reef does heated igloo dining overlooking the harbor if you want something Instagram-worthy but actually fun. And dress warmly—the wind off the water is aggressive.

Mystic – For Coastal New England Charm Without Crowds

The vibe: Maritime, walkable, and quietly charming

Mystic delivers everything you want from a New England coastal town—historic seaport, fresh seafood, antique shops—without feeling overrun or precious about itself. The downtown is compact and walkable, which means you can pop in and out of shops and cafes to warm up, and the whole vibe is more “authentic fishing village” than “tourist trap.”

Where to stay: The Whaler’s Inn is right in the heart of downtown, so you can walk to everything and actually leave your car parked for the weekend.

What to do: Mystic Seaport Museum is genuinely fascinating if you’re into maritime history, and in winter you’ll have it mostly to yourself. Oyster Club serves some of Connecticut’s best seafood—the lobster rolls and raw bar are excellent. Browse the antique shops and galleries on Main Street, and if it’s particularly cold, the Mystic Aquarium makes for a good indoor activity.

The reality: Many places close mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) in winter, so call ahead if you have specific spots in mind. But that’s also part of the charm—winter Mystic is delightfully low-key.

The Berkshires – When You’re Ready to Fully Lean Into Winter

The vibe: Mountain retreat, cultural haven, wellness-focused

The Berkshires don’t fight winter—they embrace it. This is where you come when you want actual snow, cross-country skiing through frozen forests, and the kind of coziness that only happens in mountain towns. But it’s not just nature—Mass MoCA brings world-class contemporary art, and the restaurant scene is better than it has any right to be for a region this rural.

Where to stay: The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge has been welcoming guests since 1773, and it looks exactly how you imagine a classic New England inn should look—fireplaces, antiques, wraparound porches. For something more wellness-focused, Miraval Berkshires offers spa treatments, meditation, yoga, and the kind of atmosphere that forces you to actually unwind.

What to do: If you ski or snowshoe, this is your moment. Mass MoCA in North Adams is one of the largest contemporary art museums in the country and significantly less crowded in winter. Plan for long dinners by the fire and early bedtimes—that’s the whole point.

Worth knowing: Mohonk Mountain House (technically just south in New Paltz) offers equipment rentals, ice skating on the lake, and some of the most scenic trails in the region. The Berkshires in the snow are postcard-level beautiful.

Cape May – Victorian Romance Minus the Crowds

The vibe: Historic, romantic, and wonderfully peaceful

Cape May might be America’s oldest seaside resort, but in winter it feels like your own private Victorian village. The beaches are empty, the historic architecture is even more photogenic dusted with snow, and the pace slows down so completely that you remember what it’s like to not check your phone every five minutes.

Where to stay: Congress Hall offers oceanfront sophistication—beautiful rooms, excellent restaurant (Blue Pig Tavern), and the kind of coastal style that feels both elevated and comfortable. If you want full Victorian romance, The Southern Mansion is gorgeous.

What to do: Long beach walks at sunset (no beach tags required in winter), browsing Washington Street’s antique shops, and dinner by candlelight at one of the town’s intimate restaurants. The Victorian homes are spectacular for architecture tours, and winter is actually the best time because the leaves are down.

Reality check: Cape May is quiet in winter. Like, really quiet. Many seasonal places are closed. But if you’re looking for a romantic escape where you can actually disconnect, that’s exactly the point. Just confirm restaurant hours before you go.

Montauk – For Dramatic Coastal Beauty Without Pretense

The vibe: Raw, windswept, and deeply restorative

Winter Montauk is for people who want to feel weather. This is dramatic coastal beauty—big waves, wind-sculpted dunes, that sense of being at the edge of something vast. It’s the anti-Hamptons in the best possible way: no scene, no crowds, just you and the Atlantic and miles of empty beach.

Where to stay: Gurney’s Montauk stays open year-round, and honestly, their heated seawater pool overlooking the ocean makes the whole trip worth it. There’s something magical about soaking in warm saltwater while watching winter waves crash below.

What to do: Sunrise at Montauk Point Lighthouse is legitimacy stunning (and in winter you don’t have to wake up quite as early). Walk the empty beaches, spot harbor seals, and embrace the fact that there’s not much else to do—that’s the luxury of it.

Essential information: Many restaurants close completely in winter. Year-round options include Harvest on Fort Pond (excellent Italian, Fort Pond sunset views), Joni’s Kitchen (healthy breakfast fare), and Shagwong Tavern (authentic local bar). Gurney’s has on-site restaurants if you stay there. Left Hand Coffee and Sagtown Coffee both stay open. Plan accordingly.

Cold Spring – For When You Need Quick Escape

The vibe: Charming, walkable, and refreshingly accessible

Cold Spring is the answer when you need to get out of the city immediately but don’t want to commit to a long drive. Just 90 minutes on the Metro-North and you’re in one of the Hudson Valley’s most charming towns—antique shops, independent bookstores, farm-to-table restaurants, all within a few walkable blocks.

Where to stay: Pig Hill Inn is right in the heart of town, so you can walk to everything and actually skip the car rental entirely.

What to do: Spend the afternoon browsing Main Street’s antique shops and galleries, hike up to Bannerman Castle ruins for dramatic Hudson River views, and warm up with Hudson Hills Cafe’s famous apple and fig grilled cheese (trust us on this).

Good to know: Breakneck Ridge is nearby if you’re an experienced hiker, but it’s genuinely challenging and can be icy in winter—the Mount Taurus trail is less crowded and safer. Cold Spring works perfectly as either a quick overnight or even a satisfying day trip.

What to Pack for Your Winter Escape

Layer smarter, not bulkier. Thermal base layers, a good cashmere sweater, and a waterproof outer shell will serve you better than a giant parka. Waterproof boots with actual traction are non-negotiable—coastal destinations are windy and often icy. Bring a real scarf for beach walks (the wind is no joke), and pack warmer than you think you need. Winter in these towns feels colder than the city because you’re actually outside.

The Bottom Line

Winter weekends away don’t require tropical destinations or complicated planning. Some of the most restorative escapes are just a few hours from the city—empty beaches, cozy inns, excellent restaurants, and the kind of peace that’s increasingly hard to find. Book the weekend, pack your warmest coat, and go. You’ll come back feeling like an entirely different person.