Traveling is one of the best things to do when you have an entire weekend ahead. Particularly if there is an upcoming long weekend, you have a good reason to relax, enjoy historic sites, or even have fun in places like amusement parks. If you’re looking for the best places to go for a weekend trip, this post has got you covered!
From natural wonders to popular places, we compiled a list of the best places for that long-awaited weekend getaway!
By the way, for help planning your next getaway, check out EnjoyingTheNowTravel.com for help from Professional Travel Advisors and Go-To Experts in the travel industry.
United States Weekend Trip Ideas
The U.S. is the perfect place to travel for weekend trips, thanks to the multitude of big cities and quaint towns. Known for the film and music industries, historic monuments, and fantastic attractions, the U.S. is one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
Foreigners and locals alike love the destinations in the U.S., such as walking through Central Park in New York City or the French Quarter in New Orleans just to experience the taste, smell, and feel of these places!
First, let’s leave the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy small-town pleasures.
Here are some of the most popular tourist town destinations:
1. Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is a very well-known historic town because of the witch trials. It’s even alleged to be one of the most haunted small towns in the U.S., making it a popular destination for people who love spooky things. This town even inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, The House of the Seven Gables. There are multiple walking tours to choose from in Salem, from night tours, Witch Trials historical tours, voodoo and vampire tours, and even satanic tours.
2. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is one of the best destinations in the U.S. during the summer months. Travelers usually go to Bar Harbor to jump off to Acadia National Park. Maine’s Frenchman Bay, which offers boat cruises, restaurants, and swimming, is also an ideal place for weekend getaways.
3. Telluride, Colorado
If you love winter sports, you might love Telluride’s mountain slopes in Colorado. Because of its uncrowded slopes, every skier and snowboarder is likely to enjoy this mountain, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Plus, this unpretentious town is a National Historic Landmark because of its role in the American West’s rich history. You can even see clapboard storefronts and Victorian homes around this beautiful, quaint town.
And, let’s not forget the many national parks all over the country!
Any nature lover would enjoy these popular parks for a weekend getaway:
1. Big Bend National Park
Bordering Texas and Mexico, Big Bend National Park offers multiple activities for outdoor lovers. This park is best known for hiking, camping, canoeing, and rock climbing. Plus, you can visit Rio Grande Village to relax in their hot springs that have a constant temperature of 105°F throughout the year. While there, you can even experience a fun day trip canoeing through the Rio Grande, or if you enjoy ghost town trips, go on over to Ghost Town Terlingua for a scenic day. Finally, you can enjoy the sunset at The Window where you can witness spectacular views of the American Southwest.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S.? A big reason for this is the history that lives in this magnificent park. Aside from the history, there’s also diverse plant and animal life here, and you can even hike the Appalachian trails within this park! It would take you weeks to complete the entire trail, but you can get part of the experience over a weekend thanks to this national park. Just fly over to McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee, and expect an hour and a half or two-hour drive to reach the park.
3. Grand Canyon National Park
Everyone loves a great photoshoot, and the Grand Canyon National Park is one of the best locations for that! Even enroute to the Grand Canyon, the West Rim area is a great place to start. If you want even more spectacular views while at this park, you can even try one of several helicopter flights that offer the best views of these majestic canyons. Plus, you can go hiking on the Rim Trail or ride your mountain bike over at the South Rim, or even try out a mule trip at the South Rim, too.
4. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
A smaller version than the Grand Canyon, the Lone Star State of Texas also has Palo Duro Canyon, which is a short drive from Amarillo. Here, you can experience hiking the Lighthouse, which is a popular rock formation within this state park. If you enjoy a bit of live music, check out the Texas Outdoor Musical, which is one of the most unique things to do in this park. Plus, you can even enjoy horseback riding around Palo Duro, too!
Last but not least, these holiday weekend destinations are great for both spring break students and couples on romantic getaways:
1. South Padre Islands
If you’re looking for sandy beaches, fishing trips, and dolphin-watching fun, go to the South Padre Islands or SPI. You can get everywhere on foot in SPI thanks to this destination having everything within walking distance from the hotels, including the beautiful shoreline! Aside from partying, the best things to do here are to enjoy the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, kid-friendly activities in Sea Turtle, Inc., and fishing in Isla Blanca Park.
2. Dripping Springs
Another popular location in Texas is Dripping Springs, located in the scenic Texas Hill Country! This location allows you to get in touch with nature in the Hamilton Pool Reserve, with its rich wildlife and picturesque views. If you enjoy a bit of history, check out Texas Hill Country Olive Company to learn about their world-famous olive oil, extraction, and so much more. Plus, wine, spirits, and craft beer enthusiasts will also love moving around Dripping Springs because of the many selections of artisanal drinks to choose from!
3. Big Sur
California’s Big Sur is a sure-win destination for families and friends! The view in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Bring your scuba gear here and do a little bit of diving and swimming along the gorgeous central coast of California. Plus, there are multiple parks around Big Sur that offer incredibly scenic views, too!
4. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is one of the best destinations for wine tasting. If you’ve got free time to go for a road trip and get a taste of the different grape varieties, Santa Barbara Wine Country is the place to be. Because of the diverse soil structure, this location boasts delicious pinot noirs, chardonnays, cabernet sauvignons, pét-nats, and Grenaches, among others.
While these are some of our favorites, there are far too many places that you can go for weekend trips when in the U.S.
Additionally, if you have more than the weekend to travel, consider booking an international trip or a fun cruise through a trusted travel agency like EnjoyingTheNowTravel.com.
Conclusion
If you’re in the mood for a quick weekend getaway, but don’t know where to start, fear not! This list has some of our favorite spots that are perfect for a short trip in the U.S..
Whether you’re looking for someplace sunny and warm or somewhere with plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy, we’ve got you covered.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure with EnjoyingTheNowTravel.com today! We can help you get away from your busy schedule, even if it’s just for the weekend!
