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Writer's pictureYu "Fish" Cui

From NYC: 5 Weekend Trip Towns by Train

If you live in NYC and don't have a car, traveling for a weekend trip might be challenging since many places can only be reached by car. Here is my list of 5 weekend trip destinations that can be reached by train from NYC.

 

Cold Spring

Cold Spring is a colorful little town located in the Hudson Valley. It's a perfect blend of historical architecture, hiking trails, and lovely shops. Here, you can find both the small-town charm and nature.

How to Get there:

Take the Poughkeepsie Line from Grand Central. Direct Train.

Train Time: 1h 32min

What to Do:

  • Main Street: The Main Street is packed with restaurants, coffee shops, and stores. There are several antique stores on this street, each offering unique finds. The General Store is also very cute. You can find quality home goods and gifts here.

  • West Point Foundry Preserve: A beautiful nature park with a rich history. This area used to be an industrial area for the army, and now it is a scenic park with trails and waterfalls. It's perfect for both nature and history lovers.

  • Dockside Park: A free park with a stunning view of the Hudson River and the mountains. It's a beautiful spot to sit and relax after a hike.


Beacon

Beacon is a small town one stop away from Cold Spring. It's known for its artistic scene, from contemporary arts to historic architectural beauty.

How to Get there:

Take the Poughkeepsie Line from Grand Central. Direct Train.

Train Time: 1h 41min

What to Do:

  • Dia Beacon: Dia Beacon is a contemporary art museum in Beacon by the Hudson River. It is part of the Dia Art Foundation and is located in a historical factory. The museum features the foundation's collection of art from the 1960s to the present.

  • Hudson Beach Glass: Established in 1987, Hudson Beach Glass features hand blown and cast glass products. Here you can take a glass blowing workshop and make a beautiful glass piece yourself.

  • Main Street: The Main Street of Beacon is lined with lovely shops and cafes. You can find some very uniquely curated stores here, from home decorations, to art pieces, to plants.


Hudson

Hudson is a beautiful town that blends classic historic architecture, colorful shops, and amazing restaurants. The town is full of hidden gems and unique finds.

How to Get there:

Take the Amtrak from Penn Station. Direct Train.

Train Time: 2h

What to Do:

  • Antiques and Vintage Shopping: Hudson is famous for its antique shops and vintage stores, and you can find so many of them on Warren Street. Some of my favorites are Furlong, Regan& Smith Antiques, Second Show, and FINCH.

  • The Maker Hotel: This boutique hotel is like a landmark in Hudson. It combines the elegance of historical architecture with vibrant, whimsical decorations. It's a beautiful place to stay or dine.

  • Warren Street: When in Hudson, strolling along Warren Street is a must. This street is Hudson's main thoroughfare and is lined with colorful buildings and storefronts. Here, you can enjoy the laid-back vibes and quaint ambiance of a small town.


East Hampton

East Hampton is known for the up-scale ambiance of the Hamptons and luxury stores. The Main Beach is a public beach with stunning views.

How to Get there:

Take the LIRR from Penn Station. There are both direct trains to Montauk and trains that transfer at Jamaica Station.

Train Time: 2h 18min

What to Do:

  • Main Beach: Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the US. You can take an easy walk or bike from Downtown East Hampton to this beach.

  • Main Street: The Main Street in East Hampton is where all the luxury stores located. Here you can also find boutique shops, bookstores, ice cream shops and cafes.

  • Brunch at Tutto Caffe: This is a super cute Italian Cafe located in Downtown East Hampton, a great place for breakfast or brunch and soaking in that Hamptons vibe.


Montauk

Montauk offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The Kirk Park Beach here is one of my favorite beaches on Long Island. There are also State Parks and trails for nature lovers to explore.

How to Get there:

Take the LIRR from Penn Station. There are both direct trains to Montauk and trains that transfer at Jamaica Station.

Train Time: around 3h 17min

What to Do:

  • Kirk Beach Park: This is a beautiful soft sand beach that's just a walk from the town Montauk. The beach is clean and the tides here are beautiful. There are also many coffee shops and quick bites around.

  • Montauk Lighthouse: This is one of my favorite places to go in Montauk; the coastal views here are absolutely stunning. Here to can also reach the eastmost point of New York and see the vast Atlantic Ocean. It's a 10min Uber Ride. In summer, there are also buses picking people up at the Montauk Train Station to go to the Lighthouse.

  • Dine at Duryea's Montauk: A trip to the Hamptons isn't truly fulfilling without a delightful seaside dining experience. Duryea's Montauk is one of the most beautiful restaurants on Long Island. The view here is absolutely stunning.

  • Explore Montauk Downtown Circle: The downtown circle area is about a 20min walk from the train station, near Kirk Beach Park. Many cute stores and coffee shops are nearby, making it a perfect spot to grab a bite after some beach time.


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