If you’re itching to get away from it all, one of the quick weekend winter getaways in NJ and the surrounding areas could be just what you need to get a change of scenery. Luckily, you can find diverse escapes in and around the Garden State in under three hours. Want to get tropical without leaving the state? Plunge in the heated indoor Biosphere and outdoor pools at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg. Want activities to keep the kids active? Let them loose at an indoor playground at Woodloch Pines Family Resort in Hawley, Pennsylvania. Want to feel like you crossed the pond to another country? Enjoy European elegance at the castle-like Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. Scroll down for ideas on winter getaways in NJ and the tri-state area—and if you are looking for more places to stay this winter, check out the best cabin rentals In NJ. (featured photo credit: Crystal Springs Resort)
Here are the Best Winter Getaways In NJ And Beyond
Winter getaways in NJ
Crystal Springs Resort
This may be the closest you get to having a tropical vacay in NJ, with the lush indoor Biosphere pool, where the temps are always balmy, and 100% sunlight peers through, giving you a warm-weather feel. Or take a frosty plunge into the steamy outdoor pool that stays open even when it snows. Kids and their parents will have a ball taking part in the daily roster of resort activities, and oh, did we mention the skiing and tubing at Mountain Creek?
1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ 07419
(855) 977-6473
Renault Winery Resort
Stay overnight and play all day in a Vintner Wonderland in Egg Harbor City. Try the Fire Place Experience with up to 8 guests, glide into some ice skating and pick your playlist while you skate with earphones on, or take in a family-friendly movie on the ice rink. With award-winning wines for mom and dad, hot chocolate for the kids, and gourmet treats, this is one of the unique winter getaways in NJ.
72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
(609) 965-2111
Ocean Place Resort & Spa
Want to take an overnight escape by the sea? Ocean Place Resort & Spa boasts rooms with ocean views, a spa with herbal soaking tubs and tons of pampering services, a relaxed atmosphere, and so much more. Kids will love swimming in the indoor pool and, later, head out on the boardwalk to Pier Village to grab a bite, hop on the carousel or try one of the boardwalk games at the arcade.
1 Ocean Blvd., Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 571-4000
Beach Plum Farm
If your family wants a feel for farm living, book a stay at one of these dreamy cottages and barns. Spend your days sitting by the fire and biking around the 62-acre working farm, where you can stop to feed the chickens, meander down the Woodland Marsh Trail, and pop into the Farm Market and Kitchen for a fresh sandwich and shopping. Or, if you want to be within walking distance to the downtown, head to the Victorian-style Congress Hall (reopening February 9).
140 Stevens Street, West Cape May, NJ 08204
(833) 327-6268
Winter Getaways in Pennsylvania
Camelback Resort
With 13 water slides to choose from, you can’t go wrong with a family vacation at Camelback Resort. The Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark is open year-round and allows you to enjoy 84-degree water in the middle of the winter. You can also spend your day at one of the five indoor activities, such as rock climbing, escape room, or laser tag. Up for skiing? The easy access to Camelback Mountain makes it a cinch to hit the slopes if it snows.
193 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA 18372
(855) 515-1283
Great Wolf Lodge
If you’re thinking of a theme park vacay but don’t want to hop on a plane, take a trip to PA to this animated indoor water park with woodsy themes and thrill areas for all ages. When you’re out of the water, there’s plenty for kids to do with character visits, Magiquest Adventure (an interactive game all over the resort), mini golf, and a bowling alley. Families also like the roomy bunk-style suites with log cabin decor that makes you feel far, far away.
1 Great Wolf Drive, Scotrun, PA 18355
(800) 768-9653
Skytop Lodge
A Poconos tradition, Skytop Lodge has been entertaining families for generations. From snowshoeing to skiing to tubing, ice fishing, and swimming, kids and adults will find plenty of activities at this grand-style resort on 5,500 beautiful acres. At night, dine at one of the gourmet restaurants and roast marshmallows by a roaring fire.
One Skytop Lodge Road, Skytop, PA 18357
(855) 345-7759
Woodloch Pines Family Resort
No matter the season, family-friendly activities are the focus of this picturesque location. In winter, spend time in the always balmy Splash Zone, climb to the top of their Forest Indoor Playground, and then head outdoors to the EZ-Glide Synthetic Skating Rink. Make sure to sign up for the meal plan, which lets you dine at three on-site restaurants.
109 River Birch Lane, Hawley, PA 18428
1-800-WOODLOCH
Winter Getaways In New York
Mohonk Mountain House
If you want to feel like you’ve just landed in England, head to Hudson Valley’s most iconic Victorian castle resort, 90 miles north of New York City. With views of Mohonk Lake and tons of activities to enjoy with the fam, including ice skating, hiking, nature walks, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. There’s also a daily roster of family-friendly games like bingo, activities like indoor archery, and fun shows (think magic) to keep you busy all day and night.
1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY 12561
(855) 883-3798
Rocking Horse Ranch
Looking for classic winter fun? At this resort, ice skating, ski equipment rentals and instruction, snow tubing, and trail rides are all included in your stay. And for a hint of summer, kids will have a ball inside at the Big Splash indoor water park, where temperatures are always set to 85 degrees.
600 State Route 44/55, Highland, NY 12528
(800) 647-2624
Winter Clove Inn & Resort
A heated indoor pool, game room, cross-country skiing, sledding, and Hunter Mountain Ski resort nearby make this an excellent choice for a winter getaway. When you have had your fill of winter fun, get cozy inside by the fire or visit nearby Artist Falls, with a picturesque waterfall and covered bridge.
577 Winter Clove Road, Round Top, NY 12473
(518) 622-3267
Scribner’s Catskill Lodge
With distinctive architecture, an indoor swimming “grotto,” contemporary decor, 38 guest rooms and suites, and over 20 acres of mountainside to explore, a winter getaway to Scribners feels like you’ve taken a cool trip to the West Coast. Kids will love to skate with views of the Catskill Mountains, and after a day of skiing, enjoy a festive outdoor Apres Ski with a DJ and cocoa (spiked if you choose).
13 Scribner Hollow Road, Hunter, NY 12442
(518) 628-5130
Whiteface Lodge
To really get away from it all, head to the Olympic Village of Lake Placid to a lodge nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks—this is a long drive but worth the trip when you approach the majestic rustic timber buildings with luxe chalet decor. In the winter, there’s a full-size rink for ice skating or ice hockey, a steamy outdoor heated pool for swimming during any temp, and nightly bonfires. There is also a game room, bowling alley, movie theater, and more fun for the whole family.
7 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946
(518) 523-0505
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