Life in Cresskill provides a fantastic balance—proximity to the city with quiet suburban living. But when the weekend rolls around, sometimes you want to get away—explore, unwind, or reconnect with nature. The good news is: you don’t have to drive endlessly to find a refreshing escape. Here are some of the best weekend trips you can make from Cresskill, whether you want mountain air, coastal calm, historic towns, or city culture.
Hudson Valley & the Catskills, New York
Drive time: about 1.5 to 2 hours
Just across the Hudson, the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains offer a perfect blend of scenery, art, food, and small-town charm. Towns like Beacon, Hudson, Woodstock, and Rhinebeck are filled with art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, antique shops, hiking trails, and river views. You can hike at Minnewaska State Park or Mohonk Preserve, cruise local wineries, visit Storm King Art Center’s massive sculpture fields, or enjoy cozy lodges with fireplaces. In the fall, the foliage is a major draw—driving the backroads through the Catskills is an experience in itself.
Just across the Hudson, the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains offer a perfect blend of scenery, art, food, and small-town charm. Towns like Beacon, Hudson, Woodstock, and Rhinebeck are filled with art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, antique shops, hiking trails, and river views. You can hike at Minnewaska State Park or Mohonk Preserve, cruise local wineries, visit Storm King Art Center’s massive sculpture fields, or enjoy cozy lodges with fireplaces. In the fall, the foliage is a major draw—driving the backroads through the Catskills is an experience in itself.
The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Drive time: about 2 to 2.5 hours
If your idea of a weekend includes waterfalls, forests, and cabins, head a little west to the Poconos. There’s something restorative about being in the woods, breathing fresh air, and staying in a secluded retreat. Depending on the season, you’ll find waterfalls and rivers for kayaking or trout fishing, hiking and scenic views, winter skiing or snowshoeing if it’s cold, and resorts with spa amenities, indoor pools, and cozy lounges. It’s a place where you can disconnect and embrace nature for a few days.
If your idea of a weekend includes waterfalls, forests, and cabins, head a little west to the Poconos. There’s something restorative about being in the woods, breathing fresh air, and staying in a secluded retreat. Depending on the season, you’ll find waterfalls and rivers for kayaking or trout fishing, hiking and scenic views, winter skiing or snowshoeing if it’s cold, and resorts with spa amenities, indoor pools, and cozy lounges. It’s a place where you can disconnect and embrace nature for a few days.
Cape May & the Jersey Shore
Drive time: approximately 3 hours
If your soul craves ocean waves, beach walks, and salt air, Cape May remains a perennial favorite. Its Victorian architecture and quiet beaches make it feel like stepping back in time. Relax on the shore, visit the lighthouse, stroll the shopping streets, or enjoy a sunset from the promenade. Other New Jersey shore towns may be closer, but Cape May stands out for its charm and consistent appeal year-round—even in shoulder seasons when it’s less crowded.
If your soul craves ocean waves, beach walks, and salt air, Cape May remains a perennial favorite. Its Victorian architecture and quiet beaches make it feel like stepping back in time. Relax on the shore, visit the lighthouse, stroll the shopping streets, or enjoy a sunset from the promenade. Other New Jersey shore towns may be closer, but Cape May stands out for its charm and consistent appeal year-round—even in shoulder seasons when it’s less crowded.
Princeton & Central New Jersey
Drive time: 1 to 1.5 hours
For a shorter drive, Princeton is a fantastic weekend choice. It blends intellectual charm, history, and a walkable downtown. On a Princeton weekend, you can tour Princeton University’s campus, visit the University Art Museum, stroll along the Delaware & Raritan Canal trails, dine in local restaurants or cafes, and walk historic neighborhoods and shops. It’s smart, relaxed, and ideal for a culturally rich but low-stress weekend.
For a shorter drive, Princeton is a fantastic weekend choice. It blends intellectual charm, history, and a walkable downtown. On a Princeton weekend, you can tour Princeton University’s campus, visit the University Art Museum, stroll along the Delaware & Raritan Canal trails, dine in local restaurants or cafes, and walk historic neighborhoods and shops. It’s smart, relaxed, and ideal for a culturally rich but low-stress weekend.
Morristown & the Highlands Region
Drive time: under 1 hour
If you want to stay closer to home but still feel like you’ve gone somewhere different, head into the Highlands region or historic Morristown. You’ll find Revolutionary War sites like Washington’s Headquarters, scenic walking trails in the surrounding hills, quaint dining districts and boutique shopping, and small inns or bed-and-breakfast stays. This makes for a manageable escape that still feels like a break.
If you want to stay closer to home but still feel like you’ve gone somewhere different, head into the Highlands region or historic Morristown. You’ll find Revolutionary War sites like Washington’s Headquarters, scenic walking trails in the surrounding hills, quaint dining districts and boutique shopping, and small inns or bed-and-breakfast stays. This makes for a manageable escape that still feels like a break.
Lambertville & New Hope (NJ / PA border)
Drive time: about 1.5 hours
Lambertville, NJ, and New Hope, PA—just across the Delaware River—are a pair of charming towns that make for a delightful weekend. Think art galleries, antique shops, river views, and cozy inns. You can walk across the bridge, browse local artisan boutiques, dine by the water, and relax without the bustle of big cities.
Lambertville, NJ, and New Hope, PA—just across the Delaware River—are a pair of charming towns that make for a delightful weekend. Think art galleries, antique shops, river views, and cozy inns. You can walk across the bridge, browse local artisan boutiques, dine by the water, and relax without the bustle of big cities.
Waterloo Village (Historic Canal Town, NJ)
Drive time: about 2 hours
Waterloo Village is a restored 19th-century canal town within Allamuchy Mountain State Park. It’s an open-air museum where you can walk old paths, experience living history demonstrations, and enjoy forested surroundings. It’s ideal for a quiet weekend of reflection, photography, and learning local history.
Waterloo Village is a restored 19th-century canal town within Allamuchy Mountain State Park. It’s an open-air museum where you can walk old paths, experience living history demonstrations, and enjoy forested surroundings. It’s ideal for a quiet weekend of reflection, photography, and learning local history.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Weekend Escape
Pick one or two anchor experiences (a hike, a winery, a museum) so your itinerary doesn’t feel rushed. Book lodging in advance, especially in peak seasons—small towns and cozy inns can fill up fast. Travel off-peak if possible—Friday late afternoon traffic can eat into your time. Pack layers and expect weather shifts—mountains and coastal areas can vary widely within a day. Leave room to explore. Some of your best memories may come from a spontaneous detour or side road.
If you dream of a home that gives you an even better foundation for these escapes—closer access to highways, train stations, or scenic routes—The Kolsky Team can help you find a property that supports your lifestyle.
Visit thekolskyteam.com to browse homes in Cresskill and surrounding Bergen County towns and let us help you find your perfect getaway-friendly base.
If you dream of a home that gives you an even better foundation for these escapes—closer access to highways, train stations, or scenic routes—The Kolsky Team can help you find a property that supports your lifestyle.
Visit thekolskyteam.com to browse homes in Cresskill and surrounding Bergen County towns and let us help you find your perfect getaway-friendly base.
