5 Cozy Winter Getaways Within 3 Hours of New Jersey

Ryan Jones
5 days ago
4 min read

Winter in the Northeast has its own magic — snow-dusted forests, quiet beaches, and cozy lodges that make you want to curl up by the fire with a glass of wine. The best part? You don’t have to hop on a plane to experience it. These five cozy winter getaways within 3 hours of New Jersey blend charm, comfort, and convenience for every type of traveler. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic winter escape near NYC, a spa-focused retreat, or a family-friendly weekend surrounded by snow, each destination on this list delivers that perfect blend of warmth and wonder.

Why a Local Winter Escape Is the Best Kind of Getaway

There’s something extra comforting about a winter trip that’s just a short drive away. You get all the beauty of a snowy landscape or seaside calm — without the stress of airports or long travel days. Short-distance winter trips save time, reduce costs, and give you flexibility to book spontaneous weekend escapes. From cozy cabins near New Jersey to grand resorts in the Poconos and Hudson Valley, each of these getaways offers a unique way to reset, unwind, and enjoy the quieter side of the season.

Quick Planner — Where to Go Within 3 Hours of NJ

1. Mohonk Mountain House – Hudson Valley, NY

Snow-covered resort by a lake under a clear blue sky. Rustic buildings with colorful roofs. Wooden fence in the foreground. Calm, serene scene.

Nestled above a frozen lake and surrounded by the Shawangunk Mountains, Mohonk Mountain House feels like stepping inside a real-life snow globe. Just under two hours from northern New Jersey, this historic 1869 Victorian castle resort blends old-world elegance with modern comfort. In winter, guests can skate beneath twinkle lights at the open-air pavilion, snowshoe across scenic trails, or relax fireside with sweeping views of the Hudson Valley. All-inclusive packages include three meals daily, guided activities, and nightly entertainment — ideal for couples or families seeking luxury without the flight.

Highlights:

~1 hr 45 min drive from North NJ
Ice-skating, snowshoeing, spa, gourmet dining
From $700+ per night (meals included)
Best value: mid-week stays in Jan–Feb

2. Skytop Lodge – Pocono Mountains, PA

Historic stone hotel with tall windows, set behind a colorful garden filled with pink, white, and purple flowers. Calm, sunny day.

For a more family-friendly and affordable winter escape, Skytop Lodge in the Poconos delivers old-fashioned resort charm with a full lineup of cold-weather fun. Just 2½ hours from most of New Jersey, the 5,500-acre property turns into a winter wonderland complete with snow tubing hills, cross-country skiing, and cozy fireplaces around every corner. Its “Winter Wanderland” packages add breakfast, resort credits, and discounts for longer stays, making it an excellent value compared to pricier ski resorts.

Highlights:

~2–2.5 hrs from NJ
Snow tubing, ice skating, hiking trails
From $250+/night with breakfast included
Best for: Families & active travelers

3. Crystal Springs Resort – Hamburg, NJ

re Pool Complex — a tropical-style, glass-enclosed pool area with waterfalls and lush plants — is reaso

If you’d rather stay in-state, Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg offers a full-service winter resort experience less than an hour from most NJ towns. Its Biosphere Pool Complex — a tropical-style, glass-enclosed pool area with waterfalls and lush plants — is reason enough to book. Guests can enjoy on-site spas, gourmet restaurants, and access to nearby skiing at Mountain Creek. With off-peak rates starting around $200 per night and packages including breakfast credits, this is the perfect choice for a quick winter recharge close to home.

Highlights:

~1 hr from northern NJ
Heated pools, spa treatments, nearby skiing
From $200/night (off-peak specials 20 % off Jan)
Best for: Families & local weekenders

4. Beach Plum Farm Cottages – Cape May, NJ

Cozy wooden room with green sofa, striped cushion, and colorful rug. Sunlit porch with table visible through the doorway. Calm atmosphere.

Down at the southern tip of the state, Beach Plum Farm Cottages provide a completely different kind of winter escape — one that’s coastal, calm, and delightfully cozy. Situated just outside Cape May, these beautifully designed cottages feature fireplaces, farmhouse kitchens, and access to a working farm that supplies produce to nearby restaurants. Off-season stays (December through February) offer serenity that’s hard to find during summer’s crowds. Spend your days walking quiet beaches, exploring Victorian architecture, and enjoying farm-to-table breakfasts delivered right to your door.

Highlights:

~2.5–3 hrs from northern NJ
Seaside cottages, farm fresh meals, fireplaces
From $300–$500+/night (off-season rates)
Best for: Couples & quiet retreats

5. The Lodge at Woodloch – Hawley, PA

Indoor pool with blue water, surrounded by stone walls and wooden beams. A waterfall feature is in the center. Calm, inviting atmosphere.

For an upscale, adults-only winter escape focused on wellness, The Lodge at Woodloch in the Poconos is the perfect fit. About 2½ hours from New Jersey, this all-inclusive spa resort combines rustic elegance with award-winning amenities. Each stay includes gourmet meals, daily fitness classes, nature hikes, and access to the world-class spa featuring hydrotherapy pools, saunas, and an outdoor whirlpool overlooking a snowy forest. Rates start around $560 per person/night mid-week, making it a true luxury experience for couples or friends wanting complete relaxation.

Highlights:

~2.5 hrs from NJ
Luxury spa retreat, forest hikes, wellness programs
From $560+/person/night (all inclusive)
Best for: Couples & solo wellness travelers

Map Your Route — Drive Times at a Glance

Destination	Drive Time from North NJ	Rate Range	Vibe & Focus
Crystal Springs Resort	~1 hour	$200+	Local spa & family fun
Skytop Lodge	~2–2.5 hrs	$250+	Family activities & snow sports
Mohonk Mountain House	~1 hr 45 min	$700+	Luxury Hudson Valley escape
The Lodge at Woodloch	~2.5 hrs	$560 pp+	Adult wellness retreat
Beach Plum Farm Cottages	~2.5–3 hrs	$300–$500+	Coastal cottage getaway

When to Go for the Best Value

The sweet spot for winter travel near New Jersey is mid-January through early March. You’ll avoid holiday crowds, find better rates, and still enjoy crisp winter scenery. Aim for mid-week stays (Sunday–Thursday) for additional savings and more relaxation — many resorts run weekday specials during this window. For mountain destinations like the Poconos and Hudson Valley, snow conditions are typically best in February. Coastal spots such as Cape May remain peaceful year-round, with winter offering the most seclusion and lower prices.

How to Book With Travel-Advisor Perks

Booking with a travel advisor means unlocking VIP benefits — think room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, early check-ins, late check-outs, and exclusive credits that standard booking sites can’t match. As a Fora Travel Advisor, I can secure perks at partner properties like Mohonk Mountain House, The Lodge at Woodloch, and Crystal Springs Resort, plus handle all the details from transport to custom itineraries.

Booking perks may include:

Daily breakfast for two
$100 spa or dining credits
Room upgrade upon availability
Flexible cancellation and priority support

Ready to Plan Your Cozy Winter Escape?

The best winter getaways are closer than you think. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury spa weekend, a romantic castle stay, or a quiet beach cottage, each of these destinations is within easy reach of New Jersey — perfect for a spontaneous weekend or planned retreat.