There’s a lot to see in the USA! All 50 states and the US territories too offer travelers something different. Here to help you determine the location of your next weekend trip, we present the 25 best weekend getaways in the USA.
The 25 Best Weekend Getaways In The USA
Best USA Weekend Getaways in the South
1. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the largest city in the state. More importantly, if you love country music there’s no better place for a Tennessee weekend getaway than Nashville, the Music City. Highlights include the Ryman Auditorium, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, The Johnny Cash Museum, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Of course, it’s more than “the birthplace of country music.” It’s also the state capital. Visit Harpeth State Park, the Parthenon, a surprisingly exceptional replica of the famous Greek landmark, and Downtown Nashville complete with art galleries, museums, whisky tastings, and intriguing record stores.
2. Savannah, Georgia
Located on the coast of the well-known Savannah River, this city is fairly famous for the place where you’ll find one of America’s top art colleges, the SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). It’s also the state’s oldest city and therefore home to numerous historical sites to explore. Discover the olden cobblestone streets, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Wormsloe Historic Site, and Forsyth Park. If you enjoy spooky weekend getaways, Savannah includes great gothic cathedrals, spooky Spanish moss-covered trees, candlelit guided ghost tours, haunted pub crawls, and the Bonaventure Cemetery.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
Spend the weekend in “The Big Easy” on the mighty Mississippi River! Yes, many tourists visit during Mardi Gras to enjoy the fun and festivities. Still, no matter when you visit, this place has an energetic nightlife, fine food, and a rich historic mix of cultures.
Visit the famous French Quarter, stroll down Bourbon Street, and the French Market. Enjoy New Orleans City Park and see beautiful New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park as well. Tour the nigh-legendary Lafayette Cemetery No.1 where such movies as Interview with a Vampire and The Vampire Diaries were filmed.
4. Key West, Florida
Key West is part of the famous Florida Keys. If you prefer a warm weekend getaway, this is the place. Spend your weekend kayaking, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.
Go sailing and watch the dolphins play. Take a ghost tour, visit a museum or two, and stop in at Ernest Hemingway’s old residence too. Explore popular Duval Street. Here you can visit assorted bars, boutiques, and restaurants. At the day’s end, stop in Mallory Square for the superb sunset celebration. Take a sunset cruise and snap a selfie at the Southernmost Point Buoy too.
5. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Next on our list of getaway locations is the Great Smoky Mountains. This mountain range spans an area along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Clingmans Dome, a highlight of this “most-visited national park in the nation” towers up 6,643 feet.
It’s a great place to see the sunset and the highest point on the Appalachian Trail–(another trail your rovin’ writer’s hiked). Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it can be a great place for hiking and riding horses. Bike through Cades Cove. Visit in June and see the fireflies.
6. Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach is the best weekend getaway location for beach bums. It is also famous for its watersports (kayaking and paddleboarding), vibrant nightlife, eye-catching art deco architecture on Ocean Drive, and the scantily-clad sun worshippers on the sexy South Beach. Explore the city via jet ski, share the water with mantas and other sea dwellers at Biscayne Bay, and take a trip to stunning Star Island to see the massive mansions of the rich and famous. Other highlights include Lincoln Road, Miami Beach Boardwalk, and the museums, bars, boutiques, cafes, and assorted eateries.
7. San Antonio, Texas
Some may consider Texas to be the Wild West, but that just proves they’ve never been to the city of San Antonio. Indeed, this weekend getaway destination is a rather prominent place. It’s not only the world-famous home of the Alamo and the Alamo Museum, but it is also steeped in both culture and history.
Additionally, the well-known San Antonio Missions is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, you can see Spanish architecture throughout the city. Be sure to visit the River Walk, The Natural Bridge Caverns, and the San Antonio Museum of Art as well.
8. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is next on our weekend getaway roster. It is reported to be a great family-friendly beach getaway too. With or without kids though, there is plenty to do besides swimming and tanning.
It is a top-rated golf destination as it includes 90 well-designed golf courses such as Grande Dunes Resort Golf Course, Myrtlewood Golf Club, and Prestwick. The Beach Boardwalk and Promenade feature gift shops, assorted eateries, and other curiosities worth a look. At sunset be sure to ride the popular Skywheel. It’s one of the nation’s largest Ferris wheels.
9. Asheville, North Carolina
You’ll find Asheville on the very edge of the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains National Park near the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. Here you can browse the farmer’s markets and have lunch at a microbrewery. Fresh food is abundant and Asheville has a thriving farm-to-table culinary scene. It’s a great place for those who want a weekend getaway that includes elements of both city and country. It features impressive architecture, assorted art galleries, museums, the Biltmore Mansion, the North Carolina Arboretum, white water rafting, and high adventure hiking on Blue Ridge Mountain.
10. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Nestled ‘neath the striking Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe is the perfect place for a quirky weekend getaway and to entertain your inner child. New Mexico’s capital is another spot that wonderfully blends cultural attractions, distinctive food, historic sites, and numerous outdoor pursuits in a unique fashion.
Visit in the summer or spring if you enjoy hiking. Visit in the winter if you enjoy skiing. Highlights here include the Sante Fe Indian Market, The Museum of International Folk Art, The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and the interactive art installation named Meow Wolf.
11. Charleston, South Carolina
Next on this list of best weekend getaways in the USA is the charming city of Charleston. This is the state’s largest city and it dates back to 1670. It is famous for its noteworthy architecture, numerous historic landmarks, and laid-back charm.
Highlights of this city include Folly Beach, the Isle of Palms, Waterfront Park near shining Charleston Harbor, colorful Rainbow Row, and famous Fort Sumter where the US Civil War erupted. Book your stay at the worthy Wentworth Mansion near the historic district. Take a tour then dine at the award-winning restaurant, FIG.
The Best USA Weekend Getaways in the Northeast
12. New York City, New York
The great Gotham, New York City, has something for everyone. From its iconic style of pizza and ethnic eateries to Broadway shows and notorious nightclubs, the Big Apple is worthy of any weekend getaway list! Must-visit attractions here include Central Park, the Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Times Square.
The best time to visit the Empire State Building is at sunset. Do you enjoy boat rides? Book a passage on a boat tour of the city. You’ll see Staten Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the entire Manhattan skyline from a unique perspective.
13. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston harkens back to 1630. It’s the state capital and one of the oldest US municipalities. Its old buildings, landmarks, and different museums are proof of this place’s significant part in the famous American Revolution.
Don’t miss hiking the famous Freedom Trail. It’s a self-guided tour where you follow a red line on the sidewalk to a number of historical landmarks. Are you a foodie? Take the city’s exceptional North End Walking Food Tour. Be sure to visit the famous John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum as well.
14. Washington, D.C.
The US capital is also great for a weekend getaway. This city is rife with world-famous historical sites and several different museums to suit almost any audience. It’s also a family-friendly place.
Visit the National Mall. See the iconic Lincoln Memorial and spend a minute or two reading the scripts there on the walls too. You can also check out the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Martin Luther King Memorial. Your rovin’ writer enjoys spending time in the interesting and informative Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. You’ll be impressed by the artifacts, activities, and exhibitions.
15. Atlantic City, New Jersey
How about a classic weekend getaway location? Atlantic City draws millions of visitors every year. Much like the city of Las Vegas, resorts and casinos are omnipresent.
Conveniently situated close to Steel Pier, the must-see amusement park, you should definitely check out the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. It’s an exceptional area for those traveling with kids. If you’re looking for a challenge, consider spending time in Escape Atlantic City’s imaginative escape rooms. Complete the five-mile hike down the Atlantic City Boardwalk to Absecon Lighthouse. It’s one of the nation’s tallest lighthouses.
The Best USA Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
16. Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City is next on our list of best weekend getaways. Chicago is exceptionally great if you enjoy intellectual exploits. It includes numerous exceptional architectural sites, cultural institutions, and a surprising plethora of museums.
Since you only have a weekend, focus on the Museum of Science and Industry and the Art Institute of Chicago. See the work of such famous architects as Mies van der Rohe, Skidmore, and Frank Lloyd Wright. (You really need to see the Rookery Building up close.) Explore the attractions, eateries, and shops at the Navy Pier. Plus, you must see the Bean, a.k.a. Cloud Gate, in Millennial Park too!
17. Indianapolis, Indiana
This weekend getaway spot offers something for everyone, even toddlers. More specifically, the popular Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the world’s largest children’s museum! Here you’ll discover sports areas, dinosaur fossils, and a surprising assortment of interactive activities.
If you are into individualistic, adventurous accommodations, consider booking your rooms at the exceptional Bottleworks Boutique Hotel. Some travel writers say this place “comes highly recommended.” This boutique hotel was actually a real bottle factory back in the early 1930s. In fact, much of the original exterior and actual art deco architecture was specifically restored and preserved.
The Best USA Weekend Getaways in the Pacific and West
18. Seattle, Washington
Seattle has a number of hidden gems if you don’t mind risking a little rain. Take Bill Speidel’s noteworthy 75-minute underground guided tour beneath the city’s original CBD prior to 1889’s Great Seattle Fire. Also check out Pike Place Market, the Museum of Flight, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Are you feeling energetic? Take a great day trip to Mt. Rainier or float around lovely Lake Union in a comfy hot-tub boat. Don’t forget to take in Seattle from the Space Needle either!
19. Portland, Oregon
Portland presents people into laid-back walkable cities with a perfect place for a weekend getaway. Here you can calmly stroll through more than 200 gardens, parks, and nature areas. The best gardens to visit are the country’s oldest rose garden, the International Rose Test Garden, the critically-acclaimed Portland Japanese Garden, and the lovely Lan Su Chinese Garden which not only features breathtaking gardens but also authentic Chinese architecture. Hike through Forest Park to the popular Witch’s Castle or take the more challenging but scenic Wildwood Trail.
20. Las Vegas, Nevada
No, we’ve not forgotten “Sin City” either! Las Vegas is famous for its casinos, but it’s also family-friendly and a great city for a weekend getaway. Visit Area 15 and enjoy the art galleries, alternate-reality arcades, fun rides, and amusement parks.
Check out the Fountains Of Bellagio and the world’s largest video screen at Fremont Street. Check out M&M’S Las Vegas, the Pinball Hall of Fame, and the Neon Museum. Enjoy a meal at Dick’s Last Resort. Take a trip to the impressive desert art installation Seven Magic Mountains too.
21. Zion National Park, Utah
No weekend getaway list would be complete without a noteworthy national park. Zion is one of the state’s “Mighty 5” national parks. This park offers visitors surreal views and features fantastic formations.
You can sign on for a fun-filled four-by-four tour. Other highlights here include hiking the family-friendly Riverside Walk, hiking the Narrows, biking the Par’us Trail, visiting Zion Lodge, and doing the Zion-Carmel scenic drive. If you’re traveling with kids, help your kids complete a Ranger Program. Do some stargazing in the New International Dark Sky too.
22. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park, also known as the Crown of the Continent, follows on our list of best weekend getaways. Here you can go bicycling, boating, camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, and hiking. The best hiking trails here are the great Grinnell Glacier Trail and the well-known Trail of the Cedars.
Cruise Going-to-the-Sun Road and see the lovely flora, great glaciers, and shining lakes. Take a guided tour. The professional guide will help you learn more about the park and all that is within it. You can even go whitewater rafting here!
23. San Diego, California
San Diego is another great place for a weekend getaway. Foodies love its Michelin-starred restaurants like Addison Restaurant, Herb & Wood, and the Crack Sack – Little Italy. You can go diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, and swimming at La Jolla Cove.
Enjoy fish tacos after you have had your share of fun in the sun. Visit the USS Midway Museum. This ex-aircraft carrier is now a fun, family-friendly interactive museum. Take a stroll through Balboa Park and explore the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve too.
24. Gros Ventre Wilderness, Wyoming
Gros Ventre Wilderness is certainly a must for an adventurous weekend getaway in Wyoming. It’s actually part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Arguably the most memorable geological feature here is the great Gros Ventre Slide of Sheep Mountain. If you’re athletic and looking for a challenge, there’s a difficult, seven-hour hike up Sheep Mountain that will reward you with incredible views.
There’s also the stunning Sacred Rim Trail. It’s easier but it’s off the beaten path. Remember the local wildlife here includes bears, moose, and wolves so be prepared.
25. Paso Robles, California
If you are an Oenophile, you will love a weekend getaway that includes exploring the wine region of California. The area’s landscape inspired the start of the numerous wine estates scattered around Paso Robles. You can choose from a number of organized tours to the wineries that offer a number of different types of transportation from buses to electric bikes.
No matter what form of conveyance you select, you simply must stop in at the popular Tobin James Cellars. Spend the day visiting various vineyards and enjoy wine tastings too. Be sure to see the solar-powered lights in Sensorio too!
