The best weekend getaway destinations offer a variety of activities, so you can relax in spas, enjoy hiking in nature, find the best restaurants or learn about a new place. Whatever you are looking for — whether making the most of a Monday holiday, long weekends or taking vacation time — a weekend trip is one way to fit more travel into your year.
A weekend getaway is a fun option for a friends' trip, including celebrating an upcoming wedding or annual gatherings with buddies; a family trip to make special memories with kids; or a romantic getaway to have solo time with your partner. No matter if you are off to the beach, the mountains or the desert, check out these 15 cities and start planning your next weekend trip.
1. Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Be it the hot air balloons, Route 66, the history, or outdoor adventure that attracts you to Albuquerque, it's not only one of the best weekend getaway destinations but also a budget-friendly destination. It's within driving distance of areas managed by the National Park Service, including Petroglyphs National Monument, a great place for hiking. The Old Town has lots of shopping in quaint, Pueblo-style buildings where you can even find a “Breaking Bad” themed gift shop. Fans of the AMC TV show will enjoy seeing filming sites used in the popular series, which ran from 2008 to 2013.
Those interested in hot air balloons can head to Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum to learn more about the unusual form of travel. You can even book a hot air balloon tour and take a trip up into the sky.
2. Branson, Missouri
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The city of Branson is a fun weekend destination because of the many live shows that appeal to both young and old, Silver Dollar City amusement park, shopping and more. You can spend your days relaxing at a spa or shopping either perusing the stores in Branson Landing, seeking out deals at the outlet malls or hunting for a unique item at the Branson Craft Mall.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, add Silver Dollar City and a cave tour to your itinerary. The amusement park Silver Dollar City has roller coasters and other thrill rides, tasty restaurants and artisan demonstrations. You can also book a cave tour at one of several caverns like Fantastic Caverns or Talking Rock Caverns.
No matter how you spend your day, spend at least one night watching a live show. With variety shows, musical acts and comedy sets, you're sure to find something to match your interest and enjoy what Branson is most known for.
3. Fire Island, New York
Fire Island is a small narrow island near Long Island and accessible by ferry. Except for emergency vehicles, cars are not permitted on the island. You can get around by foot, bike and water taxi.
There are two distinct sides of Fire Island. The west side of the island attracts families and those seeking time in nature. The Sunken Forest is so named because the variety of hardwood trees that make up the forest are shorter than the dunes that surround them. There's also an opportunity for fishing, though you do need to enroll in the New York's Recreational Marine Fishing Registry to do so legally. Birdwatching, swimming and hiking are other popular activities. The rangers at the Fire Island National Seashore host ranger-led programs throughout the year. Many are free, but advance reservations are required. You can camp or book a room at one of the island's accommodations.
The east side of the island has two well-known LGBTQ+-friendly areas. The Pines has a party atmosphere in summer with lively nightclubs and frequent events. Cherry Grove tends to be a bit more relaxed. To get to the east side of the island, take the Sayville Ferry, and if you plan to visit the west side of the island, consider the Bay Shore Ferry instead.
4. Helen, Georgia
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Helen has seen its share of changes with gold mining and lumber milling. By the late 1960s, the town's industry had stalled, so the town leadership decided to reinvent Helen as a Bavarian Village. To this day, the storefronts have Alpine-themed facades giving this little village along the Chattahoochee River in the Blue Ridge Mountains a distinct and somewhat out-of-place European vibe. It's undeniably touristy, but it's also fun and charming. Among the shops on the main street are a country store, a candy store named Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, a shop selling handmade wooden toys and souvenir shops selling goods you're more likely to find in Munich than in Georgia.
Helen also offers lots of outdoor activities with nearby waterfalls just a hike away, like Anna Ruby Falls that can be reached via a paved path that's less than a mile roundtrip. There's also Unicoi State Park, which in addition to hiking and mountain biking trails, offers many other season-dependent activities like fishing, kayaking and ziplining. If you prefer to float down a river instead of paddling, you also can find outfitters in Helen offering tubing trips down the Chattahoochee.
5. Louisville, Kentucky
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There are plenty of things to do in Louisville for a fun-filled weekend getaway. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center. And don't forget to stop at distilleries on the Bourbon Trail if you are a fan of the spirit for which Kentucky is well known.
You don't have to visit in May for the Kentucky Derby to see Churchill Downs, so whether or not you plan your trip around the famous race, you can check the track's calendar for races, and visit the Kentucky Derby Museum next door. For a bit of outdoor recreation, check out Waterfront Park or the Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. At both, you can find public art and playgrounds. You also can do activities out on the river like canoeing or kayaking; meanwhile, the arboretum has an enticing canopy tree walk.
6. Marco Island, Florida
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Marco Island is the ultimate Florida beach weekend getaway destination. If you are looking for maximum relaxation, you can stay at a resort like the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, one of the best oceanfront hotels in Florida. There you can relax in luxury with beach butler service, dine in the restaurants and get drinks at the hotel bar. Plus, guests can book tee times at The Rookery and Hammock Bay Golf courses.
If you are looking for activities during your stay on Marco Island, consider a kayak or boat tour for the chance to see dolphins and to search for sea shells. If you prefer more romance, sunset cruises are perfect for date nights. Marco Island also is near the Everglades, so you can take boat tours and venture into the Everglades National Park on a day trip. Whether looking for adventure and seeking relaxation, Marco Island is a great choice for a beach weekend trip.
7. Nashville, Tennessee
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Whether visiting Nashville because you want to catch a show at the Ryman Auditorium or the Grand Ole Opry, to check off the Country Music Hall of Fame on your bucket list, or to visit on a friends' trip, Nashville is an exciting weekend destination. In addition to concerts at the classic venues, you can book tours of the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. For a night on the town, head to Broadway, a street lined with honky-tonks and bars, where the live music seems to never stop.
Don't miss out on the other things that Nashville has to offer either! Visit the National Museum of African American Music, which explores the history of blues, hip hop and religious music of the U.S. It's only one of many stops in Nashville where you can experience music history. For some fresh air, take a walk in Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Peruse the art exhibits in The Parthenon, a replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece.
8. Palm Springs, California
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Palm Springs is a desert location that is LGBTQ+-friendly, has mid-century modern architecture, is near lots of outdoor activities and features plenty of spas to relax and rejuvenate. You can take a Jeep tour to see more of the natural area or take one of many hikes in places like Indian Canyons or for a challenging hike head up Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a trail on San Jacinto Peak. You'll be rewarded with a vista of the valley and surrounding mountains. For those who prefer to travel by bike, there are plenty of trails to tour on your own and you can also book guided tours and Palm Springs.
For those who like architecture, Palm Springs features a host of mid-century modern buildings. The visitor center offers information on self-guided tours or you can book a guided tour. Nearby in Joshua Tree National Park, city dwellers can head out of the light pollution for an evening of looking up at a sky full of stars. There's never a dull moment in Palm Springs whether you are looking for a celebration, exercise or relaxation.
9. Provincetown, Massachusetts
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Provincetown is a weekend destination on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. In addition to being on of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the U.S., the quaint town is enjoyable to explore and browse through the many shops as well as the to partake in many outdoor activities. Head to the beaches on the Cape Cod National Seashore for activities along the coastline. Kayak tours, whale watching tours and dune tours are all popular activities.
For indoor things to do, visit the Provincetown Museum that covers topics from the Pilgrims to the LGBTQ+ community in Provincetown. In the evening, check out the live shows, often by drag performers.
10. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
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Rehoboth Beach, as its name suggests, is a great beach town in the U.S. that sports a gorgeous shoreline, nearby state parks, an outlet mall and a mile-long boardwalk. There's plenty to choose including Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach. Or visit one of the state parks, such as Cape Henlopen State Park, where you can hike and bike in addition to enjoying the coastline.
The boardwalk is a must-visit while in Rehoboth Beach. Grab an ice cream and stroll along the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk enjoying the shops and views of the coast. If visiting in summer, be sure to stop at Funland for arcade games and rides like a carousel and bumper cars.
11. San Antonio, Texas
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Escape to San Antonio for one of the best weekend trips to view some early American colonial history, eat your way through the Tex-Mex cuisine the city is known for, and stroll down the River Walk. To delve into the history of the city, tour The Alamo and other missions in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, one of the best things to do in San Antonio. Though it might be touristy, the River Walk is a fun area to stroll along the river with lots of restaurants and shops that you can pop in and out of, and if you like short river cruises, Go Rio offers cruises on small, single-level, electric boats. The narrated tours are just over 30 minutes in length. For another shopping destination, The Pearl is a lovely area with a variety of stores, including locally-owned and vintage finds.
For a bit more excitement, head to Six Flags Fiesta Texas to spend a day on the park's roller coasters, waterslides and other rides. To spend time in nature, consider a visit to the Japanese Tea Garden or the San Antonio Botanic Gardens, or head underground at Natural Bridge Caverns to tour the limestone cave system. No matter how you choose to spend your time, you're sure to have a fun weekend vacation.
12. San Diego, California
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San Diego is a Southern California city with beautiful beaches that you can spend you entire weekend getaway lounging on the shores or playing in the ocean waves. But for those who don't wish to be a beach bum for three solid days, San Diego has a lot more to offer. The whole family can enjoy a trip to the San Diego Zoo and search for whales and dolphins on a whale-watching cruise.
San Diego also has several districts that are fun to visit, namely Little Italy with restaurants and markets and the Gaslamp Quarter — a downtown area that has a vibrant nightlife perfect for a date or a night out with friends.
13. Savannah, Georgia
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Savannah attracts visitors as one of the cities in the South with pre-Civil War architecture. As one of a few cities in the South that weren't burned during the war, the city attracts visitors with the kind of charm that only comes with age. You can spend time in the city walking under the shade of the massive oak trees covered in Spanish moss. A must-do for first-time visitors is to take a trolley tour. The trolleys have stops so you can easily visit many of the best attractions in Savannah. If you like a spookier take on history, also book one of the many ghost tours offered in the evenings.
Head to the riverfront for a pleasant stroll along River Street and access to a variety of shops, and if you like to see the coast, head to nearby Tybee Island for a fun day of playing in the ocean and walking in the sand.
14. Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida
Walt Disney World Resort is an exciting family memory-making weekend. As a AAA member, you can purchase discount tickets to Disney World and Disney's special ticketed events like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, or the festive Jollywood at Hollywood Studios during the November and December holiday season.
There's tons of things to do at Disney World and Disney Springs. So search for a nearby hotel whether you never leave the magic behind by staying in a Disney hotel which often comes with extra perks like early park entry or stay off property in Orlando or Kissimmee for more budget-friendly accommodations.
You can enjoy the thrill of the rides, meet and get pictures with your favorite characters, enjoy shows and more. At Disney Springs, which is free to enter, you can shop, dine and more.
15. Williamsburg, Virginia
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One of the biggest draws to Williamsburg is the abundance of Colonial American history. Head to Colonial Williamsburg to experience a large living history museum. Here you can interact with re-enactors who will tell you about the period and answer questions, enter the many buildings to view the architecture and exhibits and watch demonstrations of trades of the day, such as blacksmithing, wig making and shoemaking. If that doesn't fill your need for historical content, head to Historic Jamestowne, the site of the original settlement, or visit Jamestown Settlement, another living history museum about the first permanent English colony in the Americas.
Thrill seekers should add Busch Gardens Williamsburg to their itineraries. The park features rollercoasters and waterslides among the many rides. If you prefer to explore nature, take a short river cruise on the York River aboard one of Yorktown Sailing Charters's schooners. Lastly, head to the Williamsburg Winery for a fun activity with your partner or friends. The winery offers tours and tastings and has an on-site restaurant, the Gabriel Archer Tavern.