Ah, NYC. Its bustling streets, iconic skyline, and vibrant energy. But for all the city’s glamour and allure, sometimes the heart longs for a change of scenery away from the concrete and neon. Not too far from the cacophony lies a world of scenic wonders. Take the Hudson Valley — a haven with its beautiful wineries. Like an artist’s brush stroke, the Hudson River weaves its path, creating views that seem straight out of a painting. Then there’s the Catskills. Here, roads meander through dense forests, occasionally revealing hidden waterfalls and awe-inspiring views of the landscape below.
With the road unfolding, experience a sense of freedom that is hard to find elsewhere. And isn’t that the beauty of road trips? They provide not just a change of scene but a change of soul. So when the dazzling lights of NYC become a tad blinding, remember that serenity is just a scenic drive away. Ready to hit the road? Here, the best scenic drives to take when you just need to get out of the city.
Montauk, Long Island
Yes, there are horror stories about heading out East for the weekend. But, if you leave at an optimal time or aren’t in a rush to reach the beach, consider taking the more scenic Route 27. It starts in far east Brooklyn and continues to the famous Montauk lighthouse. While the entirety of the route isn’t beautiful, sections of it feature back roads winding through farmland and past huge estates.Stop at charming Hamptons towns like Southampton, Water Mill, Bridgehampton, Amagansett, or Sag Harbor.
To Book: Stay at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa. We love the ocean-front suites with terraces, private beach, and seawater pools.
Berkshires, Massachusetts
This rural region in Massachusetts is filled with mountain villages that seem ripped out of a novel. And getting there can be equally enjoyable. You will spend most of the time on the Taconic State Parkway — which has a calming view — before getting off to a road near Austerlitz that links up with tree-lined Route 22.
To Book: Unwind at Miraval Berkshires — a relaxing and renowned spa retreat.
Catskills, New York
If the beach isn’t your vibe, take a trip north to the Catskills. Heading to New Paltz or Woodstock? Then you’ll likely be on I-87 for a while. But, once you cross from New Jersey to New York state, even the highway is lined with greenery. Head further west to towns like Kerhonkson or Livingston Manor, and part of the trip will be on routes 17, 209, 44, and/or 299. All wind through farmland or mountains; one winds through Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park, where you can take in the incredible views.
To Book: Scribner’s Catskill Lodge offers a perfect mountainside escape, complete with stargazing and luxurious soaking tubs.
Litchfield County, Connecticut
Think green rolling hills, high-end hotels, and hiking trails. Thankfully, the drive there is just as pretty. While you will have to pop on and off a few not-so-beautiful highways, Route 684 takes you through ritzy enclaves like Bedford Hills, while the last stretch of US 202 is the epitome of a charming country road, taking you past country clubs and trailheads.
To Book: Stay at the Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Collection — the quintessential New England excursion.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Two stunning routes — 31 or 202 — will take you through a stretch of New Jersey farmland (you’ll finally understand why it’s called the Garden State) to the Delaware River and into Pennsylvania. Stop along the way in quaint towns like Frenchtown and Lambertville (NJ).
To Book: Stay at The Riverhouse at Odette’s, a romantic hotel on the river, named after former French screen star, singer, and violinist, Odette Myrtil, who operated a lively Moulin Rouge-style cabaret and piano bar here.
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