Long-distance vacations may be or may not be off your table right now, but there are so many great options for those who want to enjoy a little R&R within a few hour drive outside of the city.
Whether you’re looking to get away for a long weekend, a much-needed change of scenery, or just a day or two to relax, we’ve compiled a full list of places within a 4-5 hour radius that will give you a stress-free weekend. From Airbnbs to rented cabins and cottages to parks and campgrounds, there are so many great options that will let you experience nature and maintain social distance at the same time.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
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Shorter trips:
1. Becker Farms Social Distance Retreat
This retreat is the perfect close-to-home getaway for a day, weekend, or even a few nights! They have cabins as well as a large farmhouse to accommodate small or large numbers of guests. The entire deal includes farm to table meals and snacks. From wine tasting to hiking trails it’s a perfect destination.
If You Go:
- Hours of Operation: Depends on area of service
- Fun Things To Do: Farm to Table Meals, Snacks, Hiking Trails, Wine Tasting, and more
- More Information: beckerfarms.com
2. Ellicottville
Our usual winter cabin spot also does us well in the warm weather. Among the hills, you can easily social distance with great views and hiking trails. Heading into town, you can check out the small shops and restaurants that are beginning to open or, pick-up a bottle or two (or three) from the Ellicottville Winery.
If You Go:
- Hours of Operation: Check with local shops, restaurant and wineries
- Fun Things To Do: Hiking, wine tasting, shopping, and more
- More Information: ellicottvilleny.com
3. Allegany State Park
This long-loved park of ours has all the things you need: campgrounds, cabins, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, and more! Only an hour-ish away, it is a beautiful spot to camp out for a quick escape.
If You Go:
- Hours of Operation: The park is open daily year-round from dawn to dusk
- Amenities: Camping (cabins & tent/RV campsites), grills, hiking trails, pavilions, picnic areas, swimming beach, fishing spots, and more.
- More Information: parks.ny.gov
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Allegany State Park >
4. Sunset Bay Beach
OPEN SEASONALLY
This is the go-to beach for many WNY-ers. Sunset Bay Beach Bar & Grill and Cabana Sam’s are open for takeout and patio dining. While the public beach is great for your day in the sun, you can also rent cottages for longer stays. This popular spot is only an hour away from Buffalo.
If You Go:
- Hours of Operation: Beach is open 10 AM-6 PM weather permitting, open seasonally
- Amenities: Restaurants with patio dining, corner store, restrooms in the restaurant for public uses, ice cream stand
- More Information: sunsetbayusa.com
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5. Evangola State Park (and Beach)
This state park is around an hour-ish from the city and is a great spot for a beach day trip and trail exploring. Their natural sand beach is one of their highlights in addition to their nature trails. This park offers biking, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, and camping. Their popular campgrounds are a great option for planning your stay.
If You Go:
- Hours of Operation: Beach is open 9 AM – 7 PM weather permitting, open seasonally
- Fun Things To Do: Biking, food, swimming at the beach, hiking, nature center, campgrounds
- More Information: parks.ny.gov
6. Letchworth State Park
This park has gorgeous views and is the perfect spot for a day of exploring. From waterfalls to hiking trails, this park will fill your nature fix. From hikes to the iconic waterfall, there’s a ton to explore.
If You Go:
- Hours of Operation: The park is open daily year-round from 6am-11pm.
- Amenities: Camping (cabins & tent/RV campsites), visitor’s center, hiking trails, picnic areas, pavilions, public playgrounds, waterfalls, grills, hiking trails, fishing spots, and more.
- More Information: parks.ny.gov
Longer trips:
7. The Adirondacks
The Adirondack mountains are a famous sight to see for New York State, and they also make a great vacation spot. There are several different locations to stay within the area, including on both Lake Placid or Lake George. Activities range from swimming in the lake to hiking the mountain trails. We recommend a quick Airbnb search to get the best stays, there are plenty of options and great prices.
If You Go:
- Hours of Operation: Depend upon the area/location
- Places to stay:
- Fun Things To Do: Hiking, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, and more
- For More Information: visitadirondacks.com
8. Lake George
Lake George is a popular vacation spot with its beach-town vibe and beautiful Million-Dollar Beach. You can get out on the water, head to the beach, and even horseback ride. There are a variety of ways to plan your stay from camping to hotel options. You can also do an Airbnb search for this spot.
If You Go:
- Hours of Operation: Dependent upon area/location; beaches typically close at dusk
- Places to stay:
- Fun Things To Do: Check out the beaches, hiking trails, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and more
- For More Information: lakegeorge.com
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9. Chautauqua Lake
The Chautauqua Lake Erie region is another popular lake spot for the summer. In this area, you can explore beaches, fish, boat, camp, hike, and more. You can choose from camping to cabins, to an Airbnb for this stay. (Pro-tip, you can also take a day trip out to Arkwright Falls for a gorgeous waterfall)
If You Go:
- Hours of Operation: Dependent upon area/location; beaches typically close at dusk
- Places to stay:
- Fun Things To Do: Explore beaches, fish, boat, camp, hike, and more
- For More Information: tourchautauqua.com
Camping, Glamping, and more:
10. Best Parks for Camping
- Evangola State Park
- Four Mile Creek State Park
- Golden Hill State Park
- Letchworth
- Hamlin Beach State Park
11. Best Parks for Cabins
- Lake Erie State Park
- Allegany State Park
- Stony Brook State Park
- Watkins Glenn State Park
- Cayuga Lake State Park
12. Glamping
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
This article was originally published in July 2020 and has been updated.
