The 25 best weekend getaways across the USA

The USA is a big country and there’s a lot of it to explore. Get to know it on a weekend break at one of these wonderful locations.

Apr 8, 2025 - 22:07

The 25 best weekend getaways across the USA

Planning a trip in a country as vast as the USA can be daunting. Take a breath and consider starting small with a wonderful weekend getaway.

Whether you're looking to save money with a staycation close to home, or just hoping to explore someplace new, the hardest part is deciding where to go. Among the nation's extraordinary array of climates, regions and cultures, there are virtually unlimited options for big city explorations, small-town adventures and epic road trips.

Wherever you are or want to go, there’s an ideal trip for you.

The best weekend getaways in the South

Hocking Hills, Ohio

Best for families

Perched on the edge of Appalachia, Hocking Hills features waterfalls, caves, forests and hemlock-covered gorges that are great for family excursions. Small-town hospitality welcomes you into the warm embrace of cozy inns and old-school diners. Try tube-floating on the Hocking River, zip-lining through the forest or gazing at the night sky at the John Glenn Astronomy Park.

Savannah, Georgia

Best for couples

Cozy up with your significant other for a romantic carriage ride under Savannah’s famous oaks draped with Spanish moss. Make a pit stop at scenic Forsyth Park to snap a few photos by the famous fountain or stroll hand-in-hand as you peruse the vendors and artisans in Savannah City Market. Consider dropping into The Grey for dinner – the restaurant of Chef Mashama Bailey and Johno Morisano – and don’t forget to order the chicken country captain and Dutch Fork pumpkin soup. With plenty of romantic things to do, Savannah is a great weekend getaway for couples.

South End, Charlotte, North Carolina

Best for foodies

South End is easily one of Charlotte’s most bustling neighborhoods, with dozens of locally owned eateries and breweries competing for hungry visitors. For Asian fare, order a feast of crispy pork belly, bao buns, soy-pickled deviled eggs, and sweet and mild wings at Seoul Food Meat Company.

If you prefer Mexican-inspired flavors, visit Tacos Rick-O on the patio of Hoppin’ CLT for some of the area’s best birria preparations. At Resident Culture Brewing, the talented kitchen serves up a small but perfectly formed menu of breakfast dishes and classic American favorites throughout the rest of the day. Just don’t forget to grab a chocolate chai or gingerbread matcha from the coffee counter.

A skateboarder crosses the street in front of the historic SandW Cafeteria building in downtown Asheville.,

Asheville, North Carolina

Best for art and culture lovers

Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming and eclectic Asheville is a great getaway for those who truly appreciate the beauty of street art. Spend some time in the Upper River Arts District, which has now reopened after extensive repairs following Hurricane Helene. Get your fill of ever-changing murals, art galleries and even interactive glassblowing at the North Carolina Glass Center. Asheville is a fantastic choice for a short trip from cities like Charlotte and Knoxville or even a scenic drive from Atlanta.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Best for outdoorsy families

Whether you’re traveling as a family or solo, this mountainous Tennessee town is the perfect nature escape. Take the SkyLift for a 2.1-mile ride offering incredible aerial views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Or, simply spend a day hiking the surrounding trails, leaving time for a serene picnic surrounded by nature (you may even spot wild elk). In the winter, grab your skis or snowboard for a day of thrills at Ober Mountain.

Texas, USA, May 29th 2024, view of a multicolored pedestrian crossing by Neon Grotto, a nightclub at the corner of Colorado Street and W 4th Street,

Austin, Texas

Best for live music

If you love dancing into the wee hours, Downtown Austin is the place to go – Rainey St in particular. This bustling district is the city’s second-largest entertainment hub (6th street takes the party crown but it's close), with plenty of bars, live-music venues and eateries. If you’re longing for a Caribbean getaway without having to leave the country, Idle Hands serves up a range of tropics-inspired cocktails.

Colorful Lifeguard Tower in South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida

Miami, Florida

Best for nightlife

There's nothing shy or retiring about Miami – a weekend here is a blur of bright lights, late nights and recovering on the sand. Rest and relax on the famed South Beach before wandering through the colorful streets of the Art Deco District, then stop for a late lunch packed with Cuban flavors at one of the incredible cafes and restaurants in Little Havana.

Once the sun goes down, the city takes it up a notch as countless clubs, bars and live-music venues spring to life and people dance through the streets. Miami brings the glamor, so pack your finest threads and join the party. If you have the stamina, stop by Wynwood Walls before you leave, an open-air street art installation showcasing beautiful murals and modern art installations.

The best weekend getaways on the West Coast

San Juan Islands, Washington

Best for rustic vibes and romance

For adventurous weekenders, the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State showcase some of the Pacific Northwest’s rarest wildlife. Orcas, the San Juans’ most notable island, is home to three resident pods of killer whales, who are commonly spotted just offshore as they hunt for salmon. The islands also boast the largest concentration of bald eagles in the contiguous United States.

In addition to copious wildlife viewing, hiking and kayaking, the most populous islands offer a variety of engaging historic sites, restaurants and rustic lodges for a weekend’s stay. Just don’t forget to book your ferry boat (or floatplane) ahead of time.

San Francisco, California

Best for urbanites at heart

San Francisco is synonymous with West Coast culture for a reason. Where else can you find stunning ocean views, top-tier eats and a wealth of shopping, arts and nightlife? The city truly has it all – and while a weekend isn’t enough time to see everything, it’s a taster that will make you want to return many times over. Whether you’re romping around the Mission in search of the perfect cocktail, taking in a Giants game at Oracle Park (two words: garlic fries) or going on a spending spree at the shops around Union Square, there is hardly a better place to spend a weekend away than the City by the Bay.

Astoria, Oregon

Best for history buffs

Situated at the mouth of the Columbia River on Oregon’s coast, Astoria is just a 90-minute drive from nearby Portland. Great for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a weekend at the end of the Oregon Trail, Astoria offers the chance to learn about the earliest days of the fur trade in North America and to visit the famous Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis and Clark expedition spent the winter of 1805. (The current fort has been reconstructed to match the original design and is part of the larger Lewis & Clark National Historical Park.) Spend your weekend getting lost in the stories of river fording and salmon fishing – and, if you’re brave enough, cast a line for your own gigantic sturgeon, one of the coastal site’s most famous undersea creatures.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Best for a family camping trip

For casual, outdoorsy types looking for an easy weekend getaway, Joshua Tree National Park offers a wonderful blend of scenery and outdoor activities, with a notably thinner crowd than popular Yosemite to the north. Just two hours from Los Angeles, Joshua Tree offers convenience and a unique desert ecosystem that make it a premium location for a weekend camping trip, and its hiking, world-class rock climbing and stargazing rival anywhere in the US. Bonus points for staying up late enough to snag a picture of the otherworldly Joshua trees underneath a canopy of stars.

Los Angeles, California

Best for beaches and city fun

Los Angeles has a dazzling array of attractions, from the sandy beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu to the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. Spend your days exploring the Getty Center, hiking in Griffith Park or strolling through the trendy shops of Melrose Avenue. At night, indulge in the city’s eclectic dining scene or catch a show at one of its iconic venues. The Griffith Observatory offers breathtaking views of the city and the stars above, along with fascinating exhibits about space and science.

The best weekend getaways in the Northeast

Ogunquit, Maine

Best for New England seaside atmosphere

Sometimes, it’s the classics that awaken a sense of discovery, and Ogunquit is quintessential Maine. To visit is to experience the wonderfully familiar ⁠– like sensory comfort food – since the air here is tinged with the smells of ocean spray and seafood shacks. Drift through Perkins Cove, the weathered downtown fishing village, and stop for salt-water taffy at Perkins Cove Candies. Try a perfect lobster roll at Barnacle Billy’s between April and November and all year long at Nubb’s Lobster Shack.

Ogunquit has a dreamy, white-sand public beach, and beyond it lies the Marginal Way, a dramatic, wind-whipped coastal trail along which you can contemplate the Atlantic Ocean to the sounds of waves smashing the granite cliffs.

Providence, Rhode Island

Best for a foodie and cocktail break

Like a lot of American cities that were once down on their luck, the Rhode Island capital has come roaring back to life. Once the overlooked little brother of mighty Boston, Providence now draws plenty of visitors thanks to its fabulous architectural treasures, plus such intimate, historic neighborhoods as Federal Hill – the city’s vibrant Little Italy. Here, amid the old brick and wooden buildings, you’ll find one of the neighborhood’s (and the city’s) most distinctive dishes: French fries with meatballs at Angelo’s, an institution since 1924.

Urban revivals often center around a food and bar scene – and in this arena, Providence seems to be constantly, brilliantly innovating. For modern takes on classic bars downtown, Eddy is a modern speakeasy, while Clementine, owned by the city’s former mayor, offers small plates and innovative drinks. In the Fox Point neighborhood, Glou has a minimal, almost Scandinavian vibe. Try the fried mussels at Oberlin; its chef and owner, Benjamin Sukle, is one of the most celebrated chefs in America. And don’t miss the ice cream sandwiches at Tricycle.

Washington, Connecticut

Best for art and relaxation

Located in northwest Connecticut, the town of Washington is an ideal base for a spin around the scenic Litchfield Hills. Full of working farms, broad New England vistas and a pervading sense of tranquility, the town has lured artists, writers and all manner of creators (think Alexander Calder, Frank McCourt and Christine Baranski) looking to escape the din of New York City, just two hours away.

It is fitting, then, that you can visit world-class art galleries right in town: photography at KMR Arts and painting, sculpture and ceramics (and an unmatched April-to-October farmers market) at the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens. Browse the shelves at cozy independent bookstore Hickory Stick (and find signed copies from authors who call the area home, including Dani Shapiro, Lisa Taddeo, Courtney Maum and Sarah Albee); bring proper shoes for any of the 18 miles of lush trails at Steep Rock Preserve; and put on something a little fancier – but not too fancy! – for craft cocktails and a sublime, locally sourced dinner at Community Table.

Buildings line a historic rural New York State street at dawn.

Hudson, New York

Best for shopping and charm

Just two hours north of Manhattan, Hudson draws both tastemakers and weekend wanderers. The whaling industry ⁠– which made Hudson a 19th-century boomtown ⁠– eventually faltered, yet the city retains the era’s elegant Queen Anne and Victorian bones, and much of it has been lovingly and stylishly restored. The main thoroughfare, Warren St, is lined with handsome mini-mansions, coffee bars, Scandinavian antique stores and chic clothing boutiques.

On the to-do list: brunch at Tavern in the movie theater-turned-hotel Rivertown Lodge; real French crêpes at Le Gamin; a visit to Olana, painter Frederic Church’s stunning residence above the Hudson River, which also has several miles of trails; and made-in-the-USA basics at Hudson Clothier.

A car drives through fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire, New England, USA

Kancamagus Hwy, New Hampshire

Best for a scenic drive and the great outdoors

To born-and-bred Yankees, Rte 112, the scenic New Hampshire highway known locally as “the Kanc,” is the prettiest drive in the northeast. For raw, sheer, bold beauty, it is textbook New England, blazing red and orange come fall. It is also ideal the rest of the year, with less traffic along the 35-mile mountain gap (and its many connected trails) through New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest ⁠– home to Mt Washington and Franconia Notch State Park, both nearby.

Begin in the ski town of Conway and head west. The route is jam-packed with natural beauty and plenty of hiking trails, so by all means, pull over and veer off to stretch your legs, take in the views and chase the seven waterfalls cascading over granite rock faces along the way. Among the loveliest sights are the picturesque Albany Covered Bridge, built in 1858; the cascade, lake and footbridge at Rocky Gorge; roaring Sabbaday Falls; the Pemigewasset Overlook, with its panoramic vistas of the Osceola Mountains; and Franconia Falls, with naturally carved chutes and slides for a cool dip in summer. At the end of your drive, you’ll find yourself in the fanciful town of Lincoln.

New York City, New York

Best for urban exploration and culture

New York City is an American icon that offers an endless array of activities. Spend a long weekend exploring Central Park, visiting world-class museums like the Met and MoMA, or taking in a Broadway show. At night, indulge in the city’s diverse culinary scene, ranging from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. The High Line, a linear park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side, offers a unique perspective on the city with beautifully landscaped gardens, art installations and stunning views of the Hudson River.

Cobblestone street in Boston. Historic Acorn Street in Beacon Hill, called the most picturesque street in America, with a row of vintage red brick buildings.

Boston, Massachusetts

Best for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts

Boston seamlessly blends the historic architecture of its colonial past with the vibrancy of a modern metropolis. Walk the Freedom Trail to visit iconic sites like the Paul Revere House and Boston Common and explore world-renowned museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Don’t miss a stroll through the picturesque neighborhoods of Beacon Hill and the North End. The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum offers an interactive experience that brings a pivotal moment in American history to life.

The best weekend getaways in the Midwest

Door County, Wisconsin

Best for outdoor escapades

Five state parks, forests, orchards, sand dunes, sea caves and 300 miles of dazzling shoreline make Door County, Wisconsin, the ultimate natural paradise. This all-season outdoor getaway boasts nearly endless recreation options along dozens of scenic trails and charming small towns. After hiking, boating or climbing lighthouses for magnificent views, the signature Door County experience is a fish boil. This centuries-old Scandinavian tradition involves a master boiler who oversees a big cauldron of whitefish as they toss kerosene on an open fire. The flavors are worth the wait.

Afternoon light shines on a produce stand in the Historic City Market, Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri

Best for a (mid-sized) city break

Over 200 fountains cascade water all over Kansas City, giving this Midwest powerhouse the designation of the city with the most working fountains in the world. Work your way through mounds of sweet and spicy barbecue before checking out the city’s notable jazz heritage at one of its many clubs – if the live experience whets your appetite, wander over to the excellent American Jazz Museum. But there are also unexpected gems like the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the 22-acre sculpture park at the world-class Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – not to mention delightful independent shops.

Chicago, Illinois

Best for midwest magic

Chi-town supplies everything from food and art to music and architecture in big, memorable doses. The Midwest’s largest city, Chicago pulses with history and excitement, whether you opt for an architecture tour along the lakefront or a visit to one of its 77 diverse neighborhoods. Arrive hungry and sample signature dishes like deep-dish pizza, Italian beef and jibarito sandwiches before dressing in your finery to visit one of 23 Michelin-starred restaurants boasted by the city.

World-class museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum of Natural History, take you on a cultural journey while glorious live music at dozens of blues, jazz and indie clubs allows you to dance the night away. Chicago's magic sparkles all year round, but the summer brings extra shine, thanks to a packed calendar of dynamic music and art festivals.

Galena, Illinois

Best for historic charm

Cozy up with your partner amid the 19th-century elegance of this former mining town framed by the Galena River, with Victorian architecture lining the streets and rolling hills packed with glorious trails. Savor a vineyard and wine-tasting tour, hop on an electric bike to explore the town on two wheels or opt for a romantic balloon ride. A visit to the Italianate home of 18th US President Ulysses S Grant is also a Galena must-do.

Denver, Colorado

Best for outdoor enthusiasts

Denver offers the perfect blend of urban excitement and outdoor adventure. Wander through culture and community in the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, visit one of the many exhibits at Denver Art Museum (you can even take a creative class while you're there) or sit back with a beer and enjoy a game at Coors Field. Outdoor enthusiasts can head to the nearby Rocky Mountains to find endless opportunities for hiking, skiing and mountain biking, and for natural delights in the city, Denver Botanic Gardens offers a stunning collection of plants from Colorado and around the world, with beautiful themed gardens, water features and a year-round conservatory.

Washington, DC

Best for history and heritage

The nation’s capital is filled with iconic landmarks and cultural institutions. Spend your weekend exploring the National Mall, visiting the Smithsonian museums and snapping pictures of historic monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the US Capitol. Don’t miss a visit to the Library of Congress – the world’s largest – and the National Archives, home to the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. You could also easily spend a day exploring the National Gallery of Art, with its impressive collection of masterpieces spanning centuries and styles.

Tyler Wildeck, DeAnna Taylor, Marcia DeSanctis and Rosalind Cummings-Yeates contributed to this article.