Best Weekend Trips in the US
Let’s be honest—sometimes you just need to escape. Whether it’s the call of the mountains, the pull of the ocean, or the undeniable lure of bottomless mimosas in a new city, a weekend getaway is the perfect way to hit reset. Luckily, the U.S. is packed with destinations that offer adventure, relaxation, and just the right amount of “Should I move here?” energy.
Craving a little desert magic? Sedona’s red rock landscapes and vortex vibes await. Want to swap your usual coffee shop for Portland’s quirky cafes? Done. Or maybe you’re looking for a mix of history, cheesesteaks, and brotherly love—hello, Philadelphia!
From the dramatic cliffs of Mendocino to the wild beauty of Alaska’s Girdwood, I’ve rounded up the best spots to escape your daily grind (and maybe even your responsibilities, just for a little while).
So, pack light, set your out-of-office, and get ready to fall in love with your next favorite weekend destination.
Page, Arizona
Recommended by Candice of Exploring the West Coast
A weekend trip to Page, Arizona, is the perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. The landscapes in Page are so beautiful! Nestled in the heart of the desert, this small town has so much to do, making it an unforgettable destination.
Start your trip with a sunrise or sunset hike to Horseshoe Bend, a breathtaking overlook of the Colorado River. The short, 1.5-mile round-trip hike is easy to navigate and offers one of the most iconic views in the Southwest. Be sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen.
Next, take a guided tour of Antelope Canyon, one of the most famous slot canyons in the world. Whether you choose the Upper or Lower section, you’ll be amazed by the stunning rock formations and the way sunlight beams through the narrow passageways. Be sure to book your tour ahead of time because spots fill up quickly.
You can also spend time in the water at Lake Powell. You can swim, kayak, or take a boat tour to explore the lake’s hidden coves and stunning red rock landscapes.
For accommodations, Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell offers modern amenities and a great location.
When it’s time to eat, enjoy a delicious meal at Big John’s Texas BBQ, a local favorite known for its smoked brisket and laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant has such a great variety of sauces to choose from.
Girdwood, Alaska
Recommended by Karen of Alaska Trippers
Girdwood, a quaint town 40 miles south of Anchorage, offers the ideal year-round escape for those living in the bustling city. Alyeska Resort Hotel, located at the foot of a mountain, provides luxury accommodations with in-house restaurants.
In winter, the Alyeska Aerial Tram, next to the hotel, provides a swift ride to the mountain peak for winter sports or viewing the aurora borealis. At the summit, the Seven Glaciers Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with stunning vistas of multiple glaciers.
The Alyeska Nordic Spa, at the back of the hotel’s property, is a welcome addition to any weekend getaway. Visitors can choose from therapeutic massages or enjoy the cold, hot, and relaxation zones of the Nordic Spa experience.
Girdwood is renowned for its stunning Chugach Forest scenery and outdoor adventures, making it ideal in warmer weather. Summer activities in Girdwood include hiking, kayaking, biking, and panning for gold.
In peak season, those without a car can ride the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage. However, having a vehicle allows for broader exploration. To the south, Portage Glacier and Phillips Cruises provide boat tours to see glaciers.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is another attraction. It’s open year-round and allows you to see moose, bison, bears, wolves, and other native species in large enclosures.
New River Gorge, West Virginia
Recommended by Rebecca of The Researched Traveler
If you’re a national park fan or enjoy outdoor adventure, New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia is a great destination for a quick getaway. Unlike some national parks where you could spend a week exploring and only touch a portion of the park, you can enjoy most of the highlights of New River Gorge in a two or three day itinerary.
The hiking at New River Gorge includes several short trails that will give you a great introduction to the gorge. Endless Wall Trail and Long Point Trail are two popular favorites.
But hiking is one of the milder adventures in the area. New River Gorge is known for amazing white-water rafting and is the perfect location for activities like rock climbing, ziplining, and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge Walk.
You can still manage to have a relaxing weekend, as the mountains of West Virginia are a refreshing retreat. The small town of Fayetteville is nearby, with spots like the Secret Sandwich Society and the Cathedral Café bringing local flair to your weekend.
Beautiful places are everywhere in New River Gorge, and spending a weekend finding them is time well spent.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Recommended by Elliot and Jennifer of Scho & Jo
Beaufort, South Carolina is steeped in history, full of Southern charm, and surrounded by stunning Lowcountry scenery. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a relaxing weekend escape, this coastal town has something for you.
Start with a visit to the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park to dive into the area’s fascinating past. Then, explore Bay Street, lined with charming shops, art galleries, and waterfront views.
If you’re craving nature, nearby Hunting Island State Park is a must. With 5,000 acres of pristine beaches, marshes, and even a lighthouse from 1875, there’s plenty to do in this state park alone!
For a great meal, head over to Lowcountry Produce Market, a charming market near the waterfront that serves breakfast and lunch daily. You have to try their fresh glazed donuts! If you’re staying overnight, check out The Beaufort Inn—it’s beautiful, historic, and right in the heart of downtown.
You can reach Beaufort by car, as it’s just off U.S. Highway 21, or by flying into nearby airports in Savannah (about an hour away) or Charleston (about 1.5 hours away) and renting a car from there.
Portland, Oregon
Recommended by Clarice from The Clever West Wind
Portland, Oregon, is one of the best destinations in the US for a weekend trip. The city offers a great food scene, some quirky things to do, and has excellent access to the outdoors.
Portland’s food scene ranges from delicious restaurants, a robust brunch scene, food trucks, and independent coffee shops, to an amazing array of craft breweries. One of my personal favorite restaurants is Irving Street Tapas. And I highly recommend PDX Donerland at the Killingsworth food truck pod for authentic Turkish German street food!
If you’re looking for something unique to do, Portland’s got you covered there too. With a motto of “Keep Portland Weird,” there’s no shortage of quirky experiences! Try the unique flavor combinations at the infamous and original Voodoo Doughnuts, visit the world’s smallest park at Mill’s End, or check out the Portland Troll Bridge just off Highway 30.
For those who love the outdoors, this city is perfectly positioned. The Oregon Coast lies just over an hour west, with opportunities for surfing in Cannon Beach, whale watching in Depot Bay, or chartered fishing all along the coastline.
Mt. Hood stands tall, just over an hour east of Portland, offering hikes along alpine lakes in the spring through fall, and skiing all winter long. Or venture an hour east of Portland through the Columbia River Gorge, where there’s no shortage of breathtaking waterfalls and wildflower hikes. Of particular note is Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon.
But whether you’re there for the food, the vibe, or the outdoors, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Portland, Oregon.
Yosemite National Park, California
Recommended by Katie and Tom from Trekking The Dream!
Yosemite National Park is situated in the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features. With dramatic granite cliffs, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and ancient forests, it’s a photographer’s paradise and the perfect destination for a weekend trip.
Adventure seekers will be spoilt for choice with rock climbing, river rafting, and mountain biking all on offer. Children can enroll in the free Junior Ranger program and learn about the park’s unique geology and wildlife, earning a badge for their efforts.
There is a huge selection of hikes and whether you are looking for a gentle stroll to a peaceful lake or a lengthy trek up one of the mighty peaks, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Spend an afternoon exploring Mariposa Grove, its Giant Sequoias towering hundreds of feet into the air. If their size wasn’t impressive enough, how about their age… some of the trees are over 3000 years old!
Depending on how you are traveling you can choose to stay at one of the park’s many campsites or in one of their cabins. To make the most of your time, plan your Yosemite Itinerary in advance and book ahead, especially in the summer months when places can fill up fast.
Asheville, North Carolina
Recommended by Jan of Leisurely Drives
Base yourself in the vibrant city of Asheville, known for arts and architecture, and explore the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina over a weekend.
The 469-mile parkway is a unique road without any commercial traffic, gas stations, or traffic lights. This road is exclusively built for exploring the scenic Blue Ridge mountains. The Parkway route starts from North Carolina all the way to Virginia.
The Parkway runs along the spine of the Blue Ridge which is part of the Appalachian Mountain Chain. The bluish haze that covers the summits of this mountain chain is caused by trees that release a gas called isoprene to protect themselves from the summer heat – thus naming it ‘blue’.
Among the interesting places to stop on this route are:
- Looking Glass Falls – Easily accessible falls thunder down a 60-foot cliff in Pisgah National Forest. During Winter, the falls freeze giving it a mirror-like effect.
- Mount Mitchell – This must-view place has amazing 360-degree views, a museum, camping facilities, and a restaurant. There are a number of trails in Mount Mitchell National Park.
- Craggy Gardens – Apart from views of rhododendron blanket on the mountains, there are the popular Craggy Pinnacle Trail and other walks.
Throughout this drive, there are large vistas of mountains in several layers of blue. It is perfect for those who love photography and scenery.
Springdale, Utah
Recommended by Natalie of Camping Kiddos
One of the best weekend trip destinations in the US is Springdale, Utah. Located just 2.5 hours from Henry Reid Airport in Las Vegas, Springdale is an adorable town in southwest Utah. It’s perfect for those wanting a variety of shopping, historical attractions, and outdoor activities within easy reach.
Come hungry as this small town has several great restaurants: Oscar’s Cafe serves up huge burritos while MeMe’s Cafe offers made-to-order crepes and sandwiches.
When you’re ready to explore, you can head over to Zion National Park, which has an entrance to the Zion Canyon section of the park at one end of Springdale. Here, you can hike several of the park’s most popular trails, including Angel’s Landing and the Narrows.
You can also visit the fascinating Grafton Ghost Town about 15 minutes from Springdale to learn more about the Mormon pioneers who were an integral part of this area’s history.
The town has bike paths throughout it, so rent a pedal or e-bike to make getting around a breeze. If you’re visiting Zion National Park with kids, there are even rental e-bikes with baby seats and kid carriers. Use the bike and pedestrian entrance to the park in Zion Canyon Village to quickly get into the park and bypass the often hectic parking situation.
Stay at one of the cute, fully furnished cabins at Zion Canyon Campground, and end your day stargazing and roasting marshmallows.
Jackson, Wyoming
Recommended by Ashlyn of Elevated Travel
Jackson, Wyoming is an incredible US weekend destination. Jackson is known as the gateway to the world-famous Grand Teton National Park. In addition to the National Park and the mountains, there are so many fun things to do within the town itself.
A unique thing about Jackson is that it is a year-round destination. Visitors can spend an incredible weekend here during the summer, and visit again 6 months later and have a completely different (but equally awesome) experience.
During the winter Jackson offers world-class skiing. There are a few fantastic resorts right on the slopes that give visitors the ultimate winter experience. Grand Teton National Park is certainly considered more of a summer destination, but it is also magical in the winter. Adventurous visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, peaceful walks around alpine lakes, and catch a bucket list sunrise in the Tetons.
During the summer, the town of Jackson comes alive. The town square is packed with shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions, such as the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar or the chance to design a custom cowboy hat at Jackson Hole Hat Company.
There is a huge variety of accommodation options, but regardless of which you choose they all have one thing in common- you need to book far in advance! Hotels sell out early and fast in Jackson.
One of Jackson’s best hotel options is The Lodge at Jackson Hole. This 4-star hotel offers beautiful accommodations and amenities, and its location away from the premier downtown area lowers the price tag. However, it is only a 5-minute drive from downtown, and the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Recommended by Allison of Short Girl Travels
Philadelphia, aka the City of Brotherly Love, is the birthplace of the United States and the perfect weekend destination.
History buffs can spend an entire day exploring the Historic District, which includes sites like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, and the National Constitution Center.
On Day 2, there are options for everyone! From touring the quirky Magic Gardens, wandering the halls of Eastern State Penitentiary, hiking through Wissahickon Valley Park, or running up the Rocky Steps at the Art Museum.
Philly’s food scene is often overlooked and severely underrated. Like variety? Then take a food tour through Chinatown or Reading Terminal Market.
For dinner, grab small bites and gin-focused cocktails at Philly Distilling in Fishtown, or the chef’s tasting menu at the Japanese izakaya Double Knot in Midtown Village. Lastly, I can’t stress this enough: ignore everything you’ve heard about cheesesteaks. Skip Pats and Genos and head to Angelo’s Pizzeria or John’s Roast Pork instead!
If you’re looking to be in the middle of the action, I’d recommend staying at the Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square. Want something a little quieter, but still downtown? Then the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, located on the waterfront, is a great option.
Mendocino, California
Recommended by Vanessa Shields of Traveling Ness
Mendocino has everything you could want for a weekend escape as it is home to the most scenic coastline in California, a tranquil setting, and outstanding cuisine. About 3.5 hours north of San Francisco, it’s also the gateway to Northern California’s giant redwood trees, an under-the-radar wine country, and an endless number of trails.
Whether you are looking to unplug for a few days or looking for an active weekend, begin your stay with a walk along the dramatic coastal bluffs of Mendocino Headlands State Park. This protected coastal area is steps from downtown Mendocino making it hard to pass up, especially for the breathtaking views at sunset.
Learn all about the town’s history and see the best Victorian-era buildings reminiscent of the past by joining a Mendocino Historic Walking Tour. Tours start out at the Kelley House Museum, one of the oldest homes in Mendocino.
Just a few miles up the coast is Point Cabrillo Light Station, an active working lighthouse since 1909 and worth visiting for the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and its distinctive red roof.
If you only have time for one meal, don’t miss dinner at Trillium Café as it will exceed expectations. Then end each day cozied up with a bottle of Mendocino wine at the historic MacCallum House or Andiron Seaside Inn & Cabins.
St Pete Clearwater, Florida
Recommended by Alex of A Life Well Travelled
St Pete Clearwater offers quite a different side to Florida, with a great art scene, some 40+ craft breweries, and some fantastic outdoor recreation.
Located on the Gulf Coast, it’s a great destination for a girls’ weekend or for couples looking for something a bit different.
Make sure to visit the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club. It’s the oldest and largest shuffleboard club in the world. If you haven’t tried it before, don’t worry as people are generally on hand to help with your technique – it’s a fun activity to try with friends.
Visit the Dali Museum – an interactive gallery and museum with changing exhibits dedicated to surrealism. Architecturally it’s impressive and many of the exhibits are interactive, meaning that it keeps younger visitors interested too.
Make sure to take a street art tour where you can see dozens of brightly colored murals in downtown St. Pete’s Central Arts District.
Don’t miss sunset at Pier 60. It’s a 1080-foot pier popular for fishing, bird watching, and watersports during the day. Then at dusk, it’s a popular spot to watch the sun go down as boats sail past.
The unique and stand-out Don CeSar Hotel is worth a visit even if you’re not staying. It’s a flamingo pink hotel and was a hotspot for the beautiful and trendy during the Golden Age of Jazz.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
Las Vegas is the perfect weekend getaway, regardless of what kind of traveler you are—a couple of days is the perfect amount of time to hit the highlights of this over-the-top city, without being overwhelmed.
While most people associate Sin City with gambling and nightclubs, there’s so much more to it than that, from world-class entertainment and outdoor adventure to family-friendly museums and adrenaline-pumping activities.
Most people generally associate the city with nighttime activities, but there’s actually a ton of awesome things to do in Las Vegas during the daytime.
If you’re visiting during the cooler months, rent a car and head to one of the nearby parks, like Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire, to explore Nevada’s sprawling desert scenery and impressive sandstone formations.
Alternatively, if you’re visiting during the sweltering summertime, be sure to book a hotel with a pool—The Cosmopolitan has the best rooftop pool in Las Vegas, overlooking the heart of the Strip or Mandalay Bay has an incredible kid-friendly waterpark.
At nighttime, take advantage of the city’s myriad of entertainment options. For example, some of the biggest names in music, from Adele to Usher, have lengthy residencies on the Strip.
Alternatively, there are plenty of more offbeat options, like magic, burlesque, or comedy shows. Or, if you’re looking to dance the night away, there are plenty of options for that too—nightclubs, like Omnia and Marquee, regularly host beloved EDM stars, like Zedd or David Guetta.
Sedona, Arizona
Recommended by Jessica of 90 Summers
If you’re an outdoor adventure lover, there are endless ways to spend a weekend in the beautiful and quirky town of Sedona, Arizona.
The city is known for its dramatic red rock mesas, canyons, and spires—so it’s no surprise that the best way to experience it is by getting outside and exploring it on foot.
There are tons of hiking trails that will let you get up close and personal with some of the coolest rock formations—for examples, if you want to see some of the most beautiful caves in Sedona, consider hiking to the Birthing Cave, an easy trail to a towering cavern that overlooks the nearby mesas, or to the Subway Cave, a more moderate hike to an Instagram-famous opening, with uniquely curved walls.
If you’re not much of a hiker, there’s still plenty of options to get outside. Many visitors opt for tours that will take you off-roading in either an ATV or a Jeep, so that you can take in the scenery while whizzing down a remote desert road.
While you could spend months exploring Sedona’s incredible outdoor scene, be sure to carve out some time to explore the unique town itself. Sedona has become something of a New Age-y mecca, with aura readings, reiki healings, and crystal shops galore.
While you’re exploring its downtown area, be sure to pop into the Sedona Beer Co. and snag a spot on the patio—they have inventive beer offerings and creative bar food, all with an incredible view of those famed red rocks.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Recommended by Christa of the Spirited Explorer
Imagine vast mountains and natural trails, country roads with boutique shops, and a lively downtown full of entertainment—that’s what you’ll get during a weekend in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Tucked away in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is easily accessible—you can drive in or fly into Knoxville to start your adventure. For the full experience, I highly recommend staying in a cabin—whether downtown or immersed in the countryside.
Then, spend one day hiking to see wonderful viewpoints, wildlife, and mountainscapes. I suggest Rainbow Falls for a waterfall trek with forestlands and the Kuwohi Trail to reach the highest point in Tennessee.
Spend your second day exploring Glades Road—known for its local eateries and mom-and-pop shops—before driving into the lively energy of downtown Gatlinburg, with its cable car rides, putt-putt, bars, breweries, and more. I’m a big fan of the Smoky Mountain Brewery, located along the main strip.
Gatlinburg is a perfect destination for those wanting a nature-focused trip and want to experience one of the most iconic destinations in Tennessee. Besides, this is where Dolly Parton grew up!
With more time, take a short drive to Sevierville to visit Dollywood—Dolly Parton’s very own theme park. It’s packed with country charm, unique rides like the wooden coaster Thunderhead, and seasonal events, plus the chance to see Dolly herself at special appearances.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Recommended by Denise from Chef Denise
Santa Fe, New Mexico is one of the best cities in the U.S. for a weekend getaway. You can’t have a great vacation without great food, and Santa Fe is a top-notch foodie destination.
Focus on the specialties of New Mexican cuisine like sopapillas, chile rellenos, and pozole. You really can’t go wrong with anything from Tia Sophia, The Shed, or Palacio, a few of the best restaurants on Santa Fe Plaza. Foodies should also go to the tourist office for a map of the Santa Fe chocolate trail.
With the imposing Saint Francis Cathedral on one end and a large green space in the center, the plaza is the center of Santa Fe. In addition to restaurants, you’ll find art galleries, boutiques, wine tasting, a brewery and many historical buildings.
As the oldest American capital city, Santa Fe is steeped in history. It’s home to San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the country, as well as the Palace of the Governors, the oldest US building in continual use.
Many museums are also accessible from the plaza. The Museum of Contemporary Native Arts and the Georgia O’Keefe Museum are two of the highlights. You can walk to both of them, and all of the other plaza attractions from the only hotel on the Santa Fe Plaza, La Fonda on the Plaza.
Key West, Florida
Recommended by Eleanor of Elevate Your Escapes
Key West is the ideal weekend getaway! It has warm weather year-round, beautiful scenes of blue waters, well-preserved Victorian architecture, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Embrace island life when you get to Key West. It is generally a quiet place, filled with colorful Victorian homes worth taking a walk to look at. You’ll enjoy the quaint charm.
Duval Street comes alive both day and night with casual partygoers. This mile-long stretch is filled with bar after bar, plus some restaurants, cafes, and shops. Favorite bars, like Sloppy Joe’s and Irish Kevin’s, often host live music.
The Butterfly Conservatory is one of the best places to visit in Key West! It’s filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies, tropical birds, two stunning flamingos, and a turtle, living in a gorgeous floral oasis. I was so impressed by how many gorgeous butterflies were all around me.
I recommend staying at Simonton Court Historic Inn and Cottages, an adorable campus filled with small condos and cottages for rent. There are several pools throughout the property, as well as cozy places to relax.
Though Key West is only 4.2 square miles, it has an international airport with a number of daily flights, so it’s easy to get to. Additionally, many travelers enjoy the 3.5 hour drive to and from Miami along the Overseas Highway, rated one of the best scenic drives in the US. Some travelers will spend one day in Key West but others spend several days, enjoying the Florida Key with the most action!
New York City, New York
Recommended by Rehana of Rehana Mahomed
New York City is an unbeatable weekend destination, offering an array of iconic sites, culture, cuisine, and shopping. New York always leaves me inspired as the energy in New York is unmatched by any place I have visited before.
It is a very walkable city and that’s one of the things I love most about it. There are great attractions where you can have mesmerizing views of the skyline. If you are looking for a great view, I would recommend Top of The Rock or the Highline to view the city from a different perspective.
The West Village is great for its charming streets and hidden cafés. If you love art, you can visit The Met or the Museum of Modern Art.
There is also great shopping in SoHo and 5th Avenue.
Central Park is great to visit all year around as each season, brings it own beauty.
Food is a huge part of the NYC experience. There are hundreds of food carts along the streets and it is easy to grab a quick bite while exploring the streets.
I would recommend staying at Le Meridien, New York Central Park. It is well located with views of Central Park and within walking distance of a lot of major attractions.
NYC guarantees an unforgettable weekend getaway.
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