Sometimes a little reset is much needed, and while taking a week vacation is definitely ideal, a weekend getaway can be just as refreshing. These six travel destinations are perfect spots for a quick trip, whether you’re going with the family, with your significant other, with the girls, or solo. Find which one speaks to your soul and get planning…your destination awaits.
Lake Champlain, Vermont
Lake Champlain is the 6th largest freshwater lake in the United States and is nestled between the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondack Mountains of New York. With plenty of outdoor recreational activities available like hiking, golfing, and boating, this gem of a lake is a great spot for a relaxing family weekend getaway. Stay near (or in) the city of Burlington and also take the time to explore the arts and culture of this quaint college town with its cobblestone streets and historic landmarks.
Where to Stay
What to Do
- Hike and chase waterfalls at Ausable Chasm. This sandstone gorge is located in Keesville, NY, a little over an hour drive from Burlington, but the scenery is worth the trip.
- For the arts and antiques fanatics, visit Shelburne Museum. This popular tourist attraction is the largest art and history museum in northern New England, with 45-acres of beautifully landscaped grounds comprised of 39 buildings and 22 gardens, among other attractions.
- Shop and dine at the Church Street Marketplace in downtown Burlington. This outdoor shopping and dining mall is a National Register Historic District and has been named one of the Great Public Spaces in America.
Need more ideas? Plan your trip here.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a vacation resort on the Atlantic coast known for its golf courses, beautiful beaches, and Southern hospitality. Spend a long weekend soaking up some sun, shopping and dining at the beachfront boardwalk, and exploring the city’s natural wonders. Home to various waterparks, amusement attractions, and one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels, Myrtle Beach is the perfect destination for family fun.
Where to Stay
What to Do
- Make memories at Broadway at the Beach. With everything from shopping and dining to attractions like zip lining, an aquarium, and various games and mazes, this outdoor amusement area is full of adventures waiting to happen.
- Fly high on the SkyWheel. This 187-foot tall observation wheel towers above the oceanfront boardwalk, giving you a rare and absolutely unforgettable view of the breathtaking high-rise hotel skyline and bright blue Atlantic water.
- Explore nature at Myrtle Beach State Park. This 312-acre nature wonderland is a quiet escape from the busyness of the beaches. The park provides educational opportunities, a nature trail, and some of the best fishing in the area, along with gorgeous ocean views.
Need more ideas? Plan your trip here.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is the best choice for girls’ getaway, as it has no shortage of parties and events! The distinctive nightlife, music scene, and cuisine are just a small part of this city’s rich history. Explore world-class museums, take a tour of the extraordinary homes, and browse antique shops. Grab your girlfriends and get ready for a weekend of bar-hopping on Bourbon Street and making memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Where to Stay
What to Do
- Drink, dance, eat, and shop on Bourbon and Canal Streets. The party never stops on these famous streets located in the French Quarter, and if you want a little side of history with your main course of fun, check out this guided New Orleans Cocktail History Tour.
- Tour a plantation. Learn about plantation life, see antique farm equipment, and marvel at the grandiose architecture. Bonus – some of the plantation tours available also include a ride on a swamp boat! See NOLA tours here.
- Get jazzy at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. This music museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of jazz music, starting in the city where it was born.
Need more ideas? Plan your trip here.
Sedona, Arizona
Head to Sedona, Arizona to find yourself in an oasis in the middle of the Arizona desert. This little piece of paradise is filled with mystery, history, and breathtaking scenery. Adventurers will feel called to these red sandstone formations which are ideal for hiking, biking, and spiritual exploration. If you’re itching for a solo trip, Sedona is the place to be.
Where to Stay
What to Do
- Have a photoshoot at Cathedral Rock. This natural sandstone butte on the Sedona skyline, with a summit elevation of 4,967 feet, is one of the most-photographed sights in Arizona. While this hike is on the difficult side in some places, and more of a rock climb, adventurers who are feeling up to the challenge will be handsomely rewarded with spectacular views.
- Browse art and grab a bite to eat at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. This internationally renowned village boasts an outstanding collection of galleries, shops, and dining establishments, and has been a Sedona landmark since the 1970’s. Tlaquepaque means the “best of everything,” and this village certainly does not disappoint with its vine-covered stucco walls, cobble-stoned walkways, and magnificent arched entryways.
- Stargaze and be on the lookout for UFOs. Sedona’s low light pollution and high altitude make it a premier spot for experiencing the magic of the night sky. While you’re guaranteed to spot constellations and maybe even a couple planets, you never know what else you might encounter surrounded by the gorgeous and mysterious red rock formations.
Need more ideas? Plan your trip here.
Yellowstone National Park, Montana
Yellowstone is regarded as America’s first (and probably most famous) national park, and for good reason. Known for its stunning wildlife and unique hydrothermal wonders, particularly Old Faithful, one of its most popular geysers, Yellowstone makes for a camping experience like no other. Comprised of lakes, rivers, canyons, and mountain ranges in an area of more than 3400 square miles, the exploration possibilities are endless. Lodges, campgrounds, and campsites are scattered around the park so you can stay in accommodations that fit your precise travel needs.
Where to Stay
What to Do
- Visit the Upper Geyser Basin (home to Old Faithful). About an hour drive from Gardiner, MT, this two square mile area contains the largest concentration and nearly a quarter of all the world’s geysers.
- Explore the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces. Walk on boardwalks above the steaming hydrothermal features or take a drive around the vibrant travertine terraces, which are constantly changing.
- Go hiking! Explore one or more of the many trails of the park and look for wildlife, check out a few waterfalls, and maybe find some evidence of glaciers.
Need more ideas? Plan your trip here.
Napa Valley, California
World-famous Napa Valley is loved for its pristine vineyards, elite wineries, and luxurious hotels and is considered one of the premier wine regions of the world. Great for a couples weekend, Napa Valley boasts plenty of things to do like winery tours, hot air balloon rides, and relaxing spa days. Surround yourself with the lush greenery and fresh air and feel all your worries drift away. The top-quality wine may have a little something to do with that too, though.
Where to Stay
What to Do
- Sip wine at a winery. You can’t visit one of the most famous wine regions in the world and not tour a winery (or three). Take in panoramic views while sampling delicious wines and learning about the wine-making process. If you want to get a little exercise during your stay, opt for a biking winery tour.
- Have a spa day. Book a massage, a facial, or a body treatment and relax in the hot springs as you feel at ease surrounded by the beauty of Napa Valley. Check out spas in Calistoga here.
- Take a hot air balloon ride. Experience the stunning views of the valley from high in the sky and appreciate the scenic vistas of wineries, geothermal hot springs, and mountain ranges.
Need more ideas? Plan your trip here.
Flights/Car Rentals
If you’re booking a flight to your destination, check out these sites to find the best flight prices:
And if you need to rent a car when you arrive, these are a few great car rental companies:
If you need travel essentials for packing, or a cute travel outfit, we’ve got you covered!
Thanks for reading! What long weekend getaway are you planning?
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