15 Romantic Getaways in Upstate New York + Long Island
If you’re dreaming about romantic getaways in upstate New York, there are endless possibilities.
Looking for a nature escape in the Adirondacks? Perhaps a stroll through the quaint towns of Hudson Valley or wine tasting in the Finger Lakes region?
It’s hard to choose. So, I asked experienced travelers to share their recommendations for the best couples getaways in upstate New York. Whether you’re looking for a romantic NY weekend getaway or a couple’s vacation in upstate New York, this list has got you covered.
Most of the options are within a 1.5 to 4-hour drive from New York City. And, if you’re short on time, we’ve added a couple of escapes to nearby Long Island.
To help plan your romantic NY getaway, see the handy map showing the most romantic places in upstate New York.
You may also like: The Best Things to do in the Hudson Valley, New York – Tips from a Local and
15 Romantic Getaways in Upstate New York
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Lake George
- Lake Placid
- Watkins Glen
- Geneva
- Ithaca
- Owego
- Skaneatles
- Niagara Falls
- Beacon
- New Paltz
- Saratoga Springs
- The Catskill Mountains
- Thousand Islands Village
- Montauk (Long Island)
- North Fork (Long Island)
Romantic getaways in the Adirondacks
Lake George, a small-town romantic getaway in upstate NY
Lake George – Image by Amy Askin
By Amy Askin from Amy Guides™
In the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, you’ll find an abundance of lakes. Lake George stands out among the others for its small town feel and romantic atmosphere. This vast lake is tucked neatly between the mountain peaks, offering serene views and a lovely backdrop for strolls along the water or sipping and tasting in one of the many lovely restaurants in the area. In a word, Lake George is relaxing.
If you enjoy pairing tasty craft brews and savory bites in a cozy atmosphere, head to Adirondack Pub & Brewery on Canada St. Excellent service, delectable tastes and outdoor seating make this a top choice for your getaway. Another excellent choice combining stunning lake views with American cuisine is The Rooftop Cabana Bar at 400 Canada St. Relax, eat and bask in the relaxation!
Tip: Take a ferry ride around the lake and snap photos you’ll treasure. Spending time on Lake George in autumn to see the fall colours is unforgettable.
Where to stay:
Hotel: The Inn at Erlowest for a romantic and luxurious castle stay.
Lake Placid, a serene NY getaway for couples
Lake Placid – Image by Jenny Kotlyar
By Jenny Kotlyar from Campsite Vibes
Lake Placid is ideal for couples getaways in New York, especially in the fall months. Early through mid-October, all of the leaves change colors and the entire area turns into a fall wonderland!
Lake Placid is in a great location because it’s a ski resort with a lot of lodging and dining options. In summer or fall, there are hiking trails nearby, and you can choose to go kayaking or canyoning in the area.
Tip: The hike to Indian Head is especially beautiful. It’s 10.5 miles round trip, but it’s worth it. The trail opens up to a beautiful overlook over Lower Ausable Lake. The best time to see it is right before and during sunset.
Where to stay:
Hotel: The Lake Placid Inn – Residences, a cute hotel, with a fire pit where you can spend the evening by the lake, watching the stars.
Romantic getaways in the Finger Lakes
Watkins Glen, an idyllic NY natural wonder
Watkins Glen – Image by Mark and Kristen Morgan
By Mark and Kristen from Where Are Those Morgans?
Nestled at the base of Seneca Lake, the charming village of Watkins Glen is proof that contrary to popular belief: romance isn’t dead.
Let’s start with wine and end with waterfalls.
Seneca Lake is at the heart of New York’s award-winning Finger Lakes wine tasting country. A brilliantly boozy loop trail from Watkins Glen comprises 31 wineries, all competing for bragging rights of tastiest grape.
But sampling the Finger Lakes’ finest and unwinding in tranquil settings with lake views is just one half of the prize.
The other half? An idyllic natural wonder – hidden in plain sight – is quite literally overflowing with extraordinary waterfalls and intricate gorges.
Jaw dropping Rainbow Falls is the spectacular climax along Watkins Glen State Park’s Lord of the Rings-esque gorge trail. It’s like watching poetry in motion.
Tip: Arrive to Watkins Glen State Park at sunrise to beat the crowds and experience a mystical aura emanating around the gorge in blissful solitude.
Where to stay:
Hotel: The Idlwilde B&B (1 Lakeview Ave, Watkins Glen, NY 14891), a romantic Victorian mansion built in 1892.
Geneva – A romantic NY hotel stay
Geneva On The Lake Boutique Resort Hotel – Image by Sarah Camp
By Sarah from In Search of Sarah
Geneva sits on the northern shores of Seneca Lake, between Rochester and Syracuse and two hours from Buffalo. This historic town is part of the Finger Lakes is brimming with stunning architecture, idyllic views with scenic trails, fishing, and boating options nearby.
This charming town is well-known for its wineries and culinary creations, offering numerous farm-to-table restaurants, craft microbreweries, and specialty food stores.
Enjoy fine dining at the Lancellotti Dining Room at Geneva on the Lake for surf and turf by candlelight and live piano music. Numerous special getaway packages are offered to include chauffeured wine tours, massages, private dinners, champagne, and more!
Whether you visit during the warmer summer months to enjoy a stroll along winding trails or to enjoy wine tasting, during the stunning change of season in the fall, or during snowfall curled up by a fireplace, Geneva can be enjoyed as a romantic getaway at any time of the year.
Tip: With over 35 gorgeous wineries dotted around the lake, Geneva is an ideal wine touring location. There is also the Smith Opera House For the Performing Arts to enjoy a night out at the opera or a play.
Where to stay:
Hotel: Geneva on the Lake, an historic hotel built to resemble an Italian villa, with romantic fireplaces and lake views.
Ithaca, for an outdoorsy NY vacation
Ithaca
By Allison Green from Eternal Arrival
As the tourism board’s slogan goes, Ithaca is a “gorges” place to get away for the weekend in Upstate New York! This lovely city makes for a wonderful romantic getaway with your significant other due to its beautiful landscapes full of waterfalls and changing foliage, proximity to incredible Finger Lakes Vineyards, and its charming downtown. Romance-seeking travelers should absolutely make time for one of the many waterfall hikes Ithaca has to offer, such as Taughannock Falls, Cascadilla Gorge, and Ithaca Falls.
Situated on Cayuga Lake, one of the most scenic stops on any Finger Lakes itinerary, Ithaca beautifully combines nature and culture. Ithaca’s student scene creates a youthful vibe in the city, and cultural offerings include its Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art as well as several cool galleries downtown. For art lovers, a side trip to the Corning Museum of Glass an hour away will be well worth the drive.
Tip: Time your romantic getaway for late September through the middle of October to make the most of the beautiful fall foliage!
Book your ticket to the Corning Museum of Glass.
Where to stay:
Hotel:La Tourelle Hotel & Spa
Owego, an historic New York village
Owego – Image by Bobo & Chichi
By Bobo & Chichi
One of the most charming towns in New York for a romantic getaway in the Finger Lakes region Upstate is the town of Owego nestled on the Susquehanna River.
Owego is full of historic store fronts full of cute eateries, cafes, independent shops, and even a huge antique store to explore.
Don’t miss some of the incredible eateries downtown and give yourself enough time to meander through all the interesting shops including their incredible bookstore that you can’t miss thanks to its colorful mural.
Nearby you can enjoy hiking and waterfalls at places like Two Rivers State Park and explore more of the beauty and wine this region has to offer.
Tip: On a beautiful day, be sure to enjoy the Riverfront walk between the waterfront of the Susquehanna River and pretty the buildings perched overlooking it.
Where to stay:
Inn: The Belva Lockwood Inn, featured on House Hunters and pays homage to one of the most important women in US history.
Skaneatles, a relaxing lakeside NY experience
Skaneatles
By Rai from A Rai of Light
Skaneateles, located in Onondaga County, is a beautiful town in the Finger Lakes region. This scenic and quaint village exudes romance at every turn with its cute, antique shops, tree-lined streets, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants.
The region is well-known as a year round destination with an abundance of activities and things to do. Top sights include the Baltimore Woods Nature centre, Sycamore Hill Gardens, Cliff Park, and the ever popular Skaneateles Lake. The lake is often bustling with visitors enjoying water activities like sailing, waterskiing, and trout fishing.
Couples, in particular, should not miss the dinner boat cruises across the lake. What makes this town feel like a true escape, despite being fairly accessible, is the pristine natural surroundings and a cheerful atmosphere, matched with smiles from welcoming locals and all those who visit.
Tip: The best time to visit is during the months of May to September when the weather is perfect to take advantage of all the outdoor activities.
Where to stay:
Hotel: The Mirbeau Inn & Spa, a 4-star French wine country estate getaway, one of the most romantic hotels in upstate New York.
Romantic getaways in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls – one of the most romantic getaways in upstate New York
The Hornblower Cruise at Niagara Falls – Image by Anisa Alhilali
By Anisa Alhilali from Two Traveling Texans
Niagara Falls has been known as the honeymoon capital of the world. It all started back in 1801 when Theodosia Burr, the daughter of U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr, visited with her husband,. Since then the area has become more popular with families, but there are still plenty of romantic things to do in Niagara Falls.
If it’s a special occasion, you will want to splurge on a helicopter ride over the Falls or maybe a romantic dinner at the revolving restaurant in Skylon Tower. It’s also fun to get close to the waterfalls by taking a boat tour. At night, you can enjoy the illuminations of the Falls. It’s also worthwhile to take a day trip to go wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Canadian side or the Fingers Lakes.
Tip: Several of the attractions will get you wet, so make sure to have a change of clothes and waterproof camera equipment.
Skip the line for a ride on the Maid of the Mist and to ride the elevator into Niagara Gorge at the Cave of the Winds on this half-day small group tour.
Where to stay:
Hotel: The Giacomo Hotel is a boutique hotel in a historic building a short walk from Niagara Falls.
Hudson Valley romantic getaways
Romantic Beacon
Beacon – Image by Stella Jane
By Stella Jane from Around the World in 24 Hours
Beacon is one of the best romantic getaways in New York, especially for couples that love both nature and culture. Like many towns in the Hudson Valley, Beacon is famous for its adorable vintage and gift shops. Stop in at Beacon Bath & Bubble for some romantic fragrances and bubble baths.
Enjoy the beautiful walk around Beacon Falls or a blissful stroll through the sculpture garden at Beacon’s famous art museum, Dia Beacon. And in the evening, snuggle up with a cozy and romantic Italian dinner at Brother’s Trattoria. It’s the perfect romantic ending to a day in Beacon.
Tip: Dia Beacon isn’t just for art lovers! The grounds outside the museum often host special events that are fun for couples, such as tastings of local beer and wine. Check their website to see what’s on when you’re in Beacon.
Where to stay:
Hotel: The Dutchess Inn and Spa at Beacon at 151 Main St is the most romantic place in the area.
B&B: Beacon Hermitage
New Paltz for adventurous romantics
New Paltz waterfall
By Eileen Gunn from FamiliesGo!
New Paltz is a great town for a romantic getaway in New York’s Hudson Valley, especially for outdoorsy couples.
Just outside of town, Minnewaska State Park backs up to the Mohonk Mountain Preserve providing more than 100 miles of trails. Truly adventurous couples will find challenging hikes with a few scrambles, rock climbing spots and mountain bike trails. There are plenty of trails for couples who just want an easy scenic ramble.
Road cyclists can park their cars by the mile-long Walkway of the Hudson, which links rail trails on both sides of the river. The Empire State Rail Trail crosses the walkway, snakes through New Paltz and up to Kingston, where it cross the river again.
The SUNY New Paltz campus is right in town, which means Main Street offers a nice college-town mix of bars, brewpubs, cheap ethnic restaurants and a few stylish places like Jarr’d Wine Pub.
The 1772 Lefevre House Suite – Image via Airbnb
Tip: For a fun meal, drive a few minutes east of town to Twin Star Orchards, which grows apples for Brooklyn Cider House. Enjoy the view while you munch on wood-oven pizza and burgers, and cider doughnuts. You can also sample Brooklyn’s very good cider. It’s open on weekends from early spring to late fall.
Where to stay:
B&B: Mountain Meadows B&B, about five minutes west of town. Comfy rooms, homemade breakfast and great views.
AirBnb: The 1772 Lefevre House Suite, an enchanting farm stay in a stone home near New Paltz
Romantic getaways in the NY Capital Region
Saratoga Springs, for a NY spa weekend
Saratoga Springs – Image by Melissa Luther
By Melissa Luther from Navigation Junkie
Known largely as a spa town, Saratoga Springs is the perfect romantic getaway in upstate New York because of its plentiful selection of spas, resorts, twenty-one mineral springs, and the well known Saratoga Race Track. All that in combination with the many quaint shops and classy restaurants make for the perfect weekend or week-long romantic escape.
Spend the morning spring hunting through the city while enjoying a romantic walk through the woods in the Saratoga Spa State Park, an afternoon getting a couples massage at one of the many spas, and the evening enjoying a romantic meal.
If you and your other half enjoy horse racing, be sure to check out the Saratoga Race Course for a race or place some bets for your chance to not only enjoy a romantic getaway but take home some cash! And finally, don’t miss a trip to the Saratoga Winery to enjoy wine tastings, cheese platters, wood fired pizza, and local beer.
Tip: When visiting Saratoga Springs, make sure to do a little research on the various springs located throughout the city. Each spring has its own history, believed benefit, and unique taste.
Where to stay:
Hotel: The Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa, located inside the Saratoga Spa State Park, is one of the best New York resorts for couples.
Airbnb: Beautifully renovated carriage house in Saratoga Springs
A couples escape to the Catskill Mountains
Phoenicia – a romantic hideaway in the Catskills
Cozy Catskills cabin – Image via Airbnb
Phoenicia is a tiny town nestled in the gateway of the beautiful Catskill Forest Preserve. In this romantic getaway near NYC (just a two-hour drive), you’ll feel miles away from the city.
Relax by the fire in this cozy cabin on the Esopus Creek near town. During the day, grab an inner tube at the Town Tinker Tube Rental and enjoy a scenic, and sometimes exciting, ride upriver. There are numerous hiking trails near the cabin and breathtaking Katterskill Falls is a short drive away. In winter, there is access to cross-country ski trails and downhill skiing spots nearby.
Cap off a your romantic weekend getaway in upstate NY with a couples massage at the Emerson Resort & Spa, and in the evening, catch a show at the Phoenicia Playhouse.
Tip: The Phoenicia Diner is one of the classic restaurants in upstate New York. It serves traditional diner fare with local ingredients and a modern twist.
Where to stay:
Hotel: The Roxbury Hotel is another classic Catskills experience, with entertaining themed rooms for the fun-loving couple.
Airbnb: This cozy Catskills cabin (photo above). You’ll be surrounded by nature but with modern amenities.
Romantic getaways in the Thousand Islands
Thousand Islands Village, an upstate NY summer getaway
Thousand Islands Village – Image by Natasha White
By Natasha from The Great Ocean Road Collective
For a romantic getaway in upstate New York, head to Thousand Islands Park. Nestled into the southwestern tip of Wellesley Island, this romantic village will take you back in time to a by-gone Victorian era. Stroll along and admire the charming Victorian cottages that line the streets, characterized by their fine wooden railings, and gingerbread cut-outs.
The village is bordered by Thousand Islands National Park, where you can go for a long stroll in the woods or a swim in the St. Lawrence River. The lazy summer ambiance is perfect for spending time with your loved one.
Tip: Summer is the perfect time to visit.
Book a St. Lawrence River Cruise of the Thousand Islands and Boldt Castle (departs from Clayton NY)
Where to stay: For a romantic stay or just a great meal, check out the Wellesley Hotel (42809 St Lawrence Ave), a local favorite for grabbing dinner or sipping a drink on their wrap-around veranda.
Weekend getaways on Long Island
Montauk for a romantic NY beach weekend
Montauk – Image by Trijit Mallick
By Trijit Mallick from BudgetTravelBuff
Located at the easternmost part of Long Island, Montauk is one of the most romantic places in the United States. Whether you a party-loving couple or just want to spend a romantic weekend swimming, sunbathing, or sipping drinks at a romantic beach bar, Montauk won’t disappoint you.
Summer is the right time to visit this place for a romantic vacation. You won’t see heavy crowds at the beaches that make them ideal for a romantic stroll. The 200-year-old Montauk Point Lighthouse is a popular landmark of Montauk. This historical sight offers a jaw-dropping view of the sea, enjoys the shimmering sunset together.
Couples can also go for horseback riding and enjoy the picturesque countryside. Explore the Montauk Point State Park and wake up early if you love bird watching. Other outdoor activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing.
Looking for something more fun? Then rent a boat and go fishing – – you can catch tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi and much more. Don’t miss live music every weekend night in summer.
Tip: Seafood is a must while visiting Montauk and for the best and fresh seafood, visit Inlet Seafood Restaurant located near Lake Montauk. Try their stuffed lobster, sushi, and clam chowder.
Where to stay:
Hotel: Hartman’s Briney Breezes Beach Resort offers an amazing sea view, a heated pool and a private beach.
North Fork, a couple’s escape from NYC
North Fork – Image by Victoria Curran
By Victoria Curran from Tori-Leigh.com
About two hours outside of bustling Manhattan, sits the North Fork of Long Island. You’ll feel as if you’re in another country, surrounded by beaches, farmland, wineries, and quaint towns.
One of the most romantic getaways in New York, the North Fork is quiet and serene. Couples or families will enjoy renting a B&B near the beach, waking up for the sunrise, and dining on fresh seafood. Greenport, for example, is lined with fine dining options, like Noah’s. Mattituck is known for its shopping – don’t miss the French inspired Mattituck Cheese Shop.
Visitors will especially love the award winning Long Island wineries. Taste a few unique wines and wander the vineyards with a glass of your favorite. Paumanok and Croteaux have gorgeous settings, while Ospreys Dominion hosts tasting and is kid friendly if you have littles in tow.
Tip: Don’t skip a drive to Orient Point. A quiet spot at the tip of the North Fork, the rocky beach is a great spot for a sunset picnic.
Explore the Mattituck countryside on this guided farm and vineyard bike tour.
Where to stay:
Jedidiah Hawkins Inn – a luxury boutique hotel featuring a top notch restaurant and speak-easy, located among the North Fork’s farms and vineyards
Map of romantic places in upstate NY
More Information:
Tourism Information: Discover Upstate New York
Suggested Reading: Lonely Planet New York & the Mid-Atlantic (Regional Guide), Upstate New York Off the Beaten Path®: A Guide To Unique Places , Moon New York State (Travel Guide)
Car Rental: Compare prices at Auto Europe (not just for Europe!)
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