15 Best Summer Weekend Getaways in the U.S.

Posted on June 10, 2025 | Julie J. |

Summer is calling—and so is the open road. Whether you’re craving mountain air, coastal breezes, small-town charm, or big flavors, the U.S. has a weekend getaway for every kind of traveler.

From the wine valleys of California to the lighthouses of Maine, I’ve rounded up 15 of the best summer weekend destinations that promise just the right mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable vibes.

Pack your weekender bag, cue up the road trip playlist, and get ready to make your summer weekends count.

Table of Contents show

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe is basically the overachiever of weekend getaways. Want to hike through alpine meadows in the morning, paddleboard on turquoise water by noon, and sip craft cocktails while watching the sunset behind the Sierra Nevadas? Boom—Tahoe’s got you.

It straddles California and Nevada, so you can be all outdoorsy by day and test your poker face in a casino by night. Whether you’re chasing adventure or just pretending you’re outdoorsy for Instagram, this place delivers. Plus, those lake views? Chef’s kiss.

Summer event to catch:
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (July–August) – Because nothing says summer like Shakespeare with a side of mountain air and wine.

Where to stay:
Check into the Coachman Hotel in South Lake Tahoe. It’s modern, stylish, and has fire pits with s’mores kits. So yes, it’s practically summer camp for grown-ups.

Charleston, South Carolina

If charm were a currency, Charleston would be loaded. This historic port city serves up cobblestone streets, pastel mansions, and oak trees dripping in Spanish moss like it’s no big deal.

But don’t let the genteel vibes fool you—Charleston knows how to party, especially when summer rolls in. From rooftop bars and beach day trips to seafood so fresh it practically high-fives you, this is the weekend escape for anyone who wants culture, cuisine, and coastal breezes all in one swoon-worthy package.

Summer event to catch:
Spoleto Festival USA (late May–early June) – A world-class celebration of performing arts in a city that already feels like a stage set.

Where to stay:
Book a room at The Dewberry. It’s vintage glam meets Southern elegance, with a rooftop bar that delivers cocktails and city views with equal flair.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine — *Bar Harbor – Lobsters, lighthouses, and lots of “oohs”*

Bar Harbor is what happens when New England decides to show off. Perched on the edge of Acadia National Park, this salty little seaside town is a jackpot for summer weekenders looking to balance scenic hikes with freshly cracked lobster.

Wake up with the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain (yes, it’s early, but yes, it’s worth it), bike the carriage roads like a Rockefeller, then treat yourself to a whoopie pie the size of your face.

Bar Harbor is quaint, breezy, and just wild enough to remind you that nature does it better.

Summer event to catch:
Acadia Night Sky Festival (September, but plan ahead) – Some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. Stargazing here feels like front-row seats to the universe.

Where to stay:
Try Bar Harbor Inn—ocean views, classic coastal charm, and walking distance to all the fudge shops your inner child could dream of.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is where you go to recharge—your soul, your camera roll, and possibly your chakras. With its towering red rock formations, vortex energy centers (Google it), and fiery sunsets, Sedona feels like another planet—in the best way.

Spend your days hiking through Cathedral Rock or sliding down the natural water chute at Slide Rock State Park. In the evening, reward your efforts with wine from a nearby Verde Valley vineyard or stargazing that’ll have you questioning your place in the cosmos (in a good way).

Summer event to catch:
Sedona Hummingbird Festival (late July) – A whimsical celebration of nature’s tiniest daredevils, with over-the-top desert blooms as their stage.

Where to stay:
Book a casita at L’Auberge de Sedona. Think outdoor showers, creekside dining, and luxury that whispers instead of shouts.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

House in Chatham, Cape Cod, MA — *Cape Cod – Where summer wears flip-flops and a straw hat.*

Cape Cod is the kind of place that makes you want to throw your phone into the sea (gently) and live off lobster rolls and lemonade forever. With shingled cottages, sandy dunes, and hydrangeas basically blooming out of thin air, it’s New England nostalgia turned all the way up.

Whether you’re biking the Cape Cod Rail Trail, ferrying to Martha’s Vineyard, or hunting for the perfect beach read in a Provincetown bookstore, the Cape serves up peak Americana with a salty breeze and zero stress.

Summer event to catch:
Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival (mid-July) – A weeklong excuse to wander dreamy gardens and realize you now care deeply about flowers.

Where to stay:
Try Chatham Bars Inn. It’s classic Cape Cod elegance with oceanfront views, beachside cabanas, and the kind of clam chowder that changes lives.

Asheville, North Carolina

Black Balsam Knob sunrise near Asheville, NC — *Asheville – Beer, Blue Ridge, and bohemian bliss.*

Tucked into the lush folds of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a summer haven for free spirits, craft beer lovers, and hikers with a vinyl collection. Downtown buzzes with street musicians, indie shops, and more breweries per capita than seems legally fair.

Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, explore waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest, then spend the evening noshing on farm-to-table everything while a local band plays three feet away. It’s crunchy, creative, and cool—literally and figuratively.

Summer event to catch:
Shindig on the Green (select Saturdays, July–September) – Bluegrass, clogging, and Southern roots under the stars. It’s pure Appalachian magic.

Where to stay:
Check into the Foundry Hotel. Industrial-chic meets Southern hospitality, just steps from all the downtown action and mountain escape routes.

Napa Valley, California

If your ideal summer weekend involves sunshine, scenic drives, and being handed wine by someone who says “notes of blackberry” with a straight face, Napa Valley is your place. It’s more than just vineyards—though, let’s be honest, it’s mostly about the vineyards.

Rolling hills, Michelin-starred meals, luxury spas, and charming towns like Yountville and St. Helena make this wine country escape feel like Europe without the jet lag. Come for the cabernet, stay for the hot air balloon ride over the vines.

Summer event to catch:
Festival Napa Valley (July) – A luxe blend of music, food, wine, and culture. It’s like Coachella, but everyone’s wearing linen.

Where to stay:
Go with Carneros Resort and Spa. Private cottages, outdoor showers, and vineyard views you’ll still be talking about in December.

Door County, Wisconsin

Sunset in Door County — *Door County – The Cape Cod of the Midwest—minus the crowds, plus the cherry pie.*

Door County is proof that you don’t need an ocean to do summer right. Jutting into Lake Michigan like a mittened thumb, this Wisconsin gem is all about quaint harbor towns, fish boils, and that perfectly slow Midwest pace.

Kayak along limestone cliffs, browse art galleries in Ephraim, or catch a sunset in Fish Creek that’ll make you believe in magic. Oh, and don’t skip the cherry pie—this place treats cherries like a religion.

Summer event to catch:
Door County Plein Air Festival (July) – Watch artists paint outdoors in real time, then pretend you totally know what “brushstroke energy” means.

Where to stay:
Book a stay at White Gull Inn. It’s cozy, historic, and serves a cherry-stuffed French toast that might just change how you do breakfast.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island — *Mackinac Island – Where cars are banned and time politely stands still.*

Mackinac Island is one giant, charming time warp in the middle of Lake Huron. No cars allowed—just bikes, horses, and your inner child screaming with joy. Think Victorian architecture, fudge shops on every corner, and breezy porch swings with a view.

You’ll spend your weekend riding bikes around the island, kayaking its crystal-clear waters, or wandering Fort Mackinac like a history buff in a sunhat. It’s part national treasure, part summer postcard, and 100% peaceful.

Summer event to catch:
Bayview Mackinac Race (mid-July) – One of the longest freshwater sailboat races in the world, with colorful spinnakers filling the harbor and serious summer energy all around.

Where to stay:
Splurge on Grand Hotel for full Gilded Age vibes—massive porch, afternoon tea, and more floral wallpaper than should legally be allowed.

Bend, Oregon

*Misery Ridge Hike near Bend – Craft beer, mountain air, and just the right amount of dirt.*

Bend is what happens when outdoor lovers and chill vibes go on a permanent vacation. Set on the sunny side of the Cascades, this high-desert haven has rivers to float, trails to bike, and mountains to climb—all before happy hour.

Hike to waterfalls in the morning, paddle the Deschutes River by noon, and wrap it all up with a locally brewed IPA at one of Bend’s many (seriously, many) breweries. It’s low-key, high-fun, and basically the Pacific Northwest’s cool cousin.

Summer event to catch:
Bend Summer Festival (July) – Live music, art, food, and enough outdoor energy to keep you buzzing till fall.

Where to stay:
Check out The Oxford Hotel downtown—eco-chic, walking distance to everything, and it even has a “gear room” for your bikes and equipment.

Park City, Utah

Sure, Park City’s known for its powder days—but summer’s when this alpine gem really shines. Trade skis for hiking boots and zip lines, then cruise historic Main Street for art galleries, rooftop bars, and surprisingly good coffee.

The mountain air is fresh, the trails are endless, and the après vibes are very much still a thing (just with less snow and more rosé). Whether you’re biking down Deer Valley or just soaking in those Wasatch views, Park City’s got your summer escape dialed.

Summer event to catch:
Park City Kimball Arts Festival (early August) – One of the top arts festivals in the West, where mountain views meet creative vibes.

Where to stay:
Try the Washington School House Hotel. It’s intimate, upscale, and feels like the kind of place where everyone knows how to ski and sabre Champagne.

San Juan Islands, Washington

Tucked between Seattle and Canada, the San Juan Islands are a slow-living dream wrapped in evergreens and salt air. Hop a ferry to Orcas or San Juan Island, and leave traffic, stress, and cell service behind.

Spend your days kayaking alongside curious seals, spotting orcas from the shore, and eating your weight in fresh seafood. Add charming harbors, farm stands, and woodsy trails, and you’ve got a weekend escape that feels like a deep exhale.

Summer event to catch:
San Juan Summer Arts Festival (Fridays in July–August) – Live music, local crafts, and small-town magic under the stars.

Where to stay:
Book a stay at Outlook Inn on Orcas Island. It’s cozy, coastal, and has water views that might just convince you to move there full-time.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, Best weekend trip in the US — *Santa Fe – Adobe dreams, desert skies, and chile on everything.*

Santa Fe isn’t just a weekend getaway—it’s a full-on vibe. With its earthy adobe architecture, world-class art scene, and sunsets that look like the sky is showing off, this high-desert gem delivers culture and calm in equal measure.

Spend the day gallery-hopping on Canyon Road, hiking among piñon-scented trails, or discovering that yes, you can handle the heat (thanks to the legendary red or green chile). It’s creative, soulful, and just a little bit mystical.

Summer event to catch:
Santa Fe Opera Season (July–August) – Opera under the stars with a view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains? Dramatic in the best way.

Where to stay:
Go with El Rey Court. Mid-century motor lodge turned hip desert retreat, complete with a mezcal bar and retro-cool pool vibes.

Finger Lakes, New York

Taughannock Falls State Park, Finger Lakes — *Finger Lakes – Wineries, waterfalls, and weekend wins.*

Upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region is like summer vacation’s greatest hits: sparkling lakes, charming towns, scenic drives, and enough wine to make Napa blush. Paddle across Seneca Lake in the morning, sip Riesling all afternoon, and chase waterfalls in Ithaca just because you can.

With over 100 wineries, peaceful hiking trails, and cozy B&Bs everywhere you look, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down—and maybe stay forever.

Summer event to catch:
Finger Lakes Wine Festival (July) – A vino-fueled weekend at Watkins Glen that’s equal parts elegant and wildly fun.

Where to stay:
Check into The Lake House on Canandaigua. Sleek, serene, and right on the water—it’s summer perfection, bottled.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is the definition of Southern charm with a twist of mystery. Moss-draped oaks, cobblestone streets, and pastel mansions give it a romantic, old-world feel—but don’t be fooled, this city knows how to have a good time.

Wander through historic squares, hop on a haunted tour, or simply grab a cocktail in a plastic cup (yes, it’s legal) and stroll the riverfront. It’s slow, steamy, and stylish—like summer in a Tennessee Williams play, but with better air conditioning.

Summer event to catch:
Savannah VOICE Festival (August) – Opera, musical theater, and recitals in one of the most dramatic settings in the South.

Where to stay:
Book a room at The Perry Lane Hotel. Rooftop pool, luxe rooms, and a lobby that smells like someone bottled “elegant Southern escape.”

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing mountain breezes, ocean views, or just a break from your inbox, these summer weekend getaways prove that you don’t need a full vacation to make unforgettable memories. With the right destination and a little spontaneity, a two- or three-day escape can feel like a total reset. So pick a spot, pack light, and make the most of your summer—one weekend at a time.

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