There are so many fantastic places to see right here in North America. The United States is a massively diverse country offering everything from big cities to desert destinations and small towns to mountainside escapes. I’ve had some fantastic weekend getaways in the U.S.A. and it’s country that I would love to see more of. The next time you need a change of scenery, choose from one of these fantastic places!

United States Weekend Getaways

Philadelphia PA

History and food are the front-runners of Philadelphia. It’s the birthplace of USA independence and there are no bad restaurants in Philly. On your visit make sure to visit the Historic District where you can step inside Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell for yourself, and visit North America’s oldest inhabited street. Next up, make sure to visit Eastern State Penitentiary and explore using the audio guide. This former prison is full of stories! 

Philadelphia is known for great food. Grab a hot pretzel to munch on as you explore and stop in to Reading Terminal Market for all guides of yummy options. Check out my 2 days in Philadelphia itinerary for the perfect weekend plan!

Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City, Utah, is the perfect getaway weekend destination for outdoor-lovers. Sitting at the base of the mighty Wasatch mountain range, Salt Lake City is the perfect jumping-off point for a weekend in nature. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or simply looking to spend some quality time in the mountains, there are gobs of trails for you to explore. 

New York NY

It’s always a good time of year for a weekend escape to New York City. Whether you love history and museums, live entertainment, shopping, or great food you will find it all in New York City. It can be a really overwhelming place but not to worry – I’ve got the only NYC guide you will ever need including the perfect weekend itinerary.

My favourite things to do in New York City are to explore Central Park, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, and catch a Broadway show. If you’re visiting for the weekend you won’t be able to see absolutely everything the city has to offer so a pick a few highlights and go have a blast! Rent bikes in Central Park so that you can maximize your time there. Lock them up outside the MET and then ride back downtown after your visit. Have pizza in Times Square and make your way to Broadway for a great show. It really doesn’t matter what you see – everything is good on Broadway. 

San Juan PR

One of the very cool things about the United States is that it’s not only the mainland. Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island that USA citizens can visit without a passport. Just hop a plane and touch down a few hours later is a tropical paradise. Spend the weekend exploring the colourful streets of Old San Juan and relaxing on the beach. One of my favourite places in Old San Juan is Castillo de San Cristobal.  This incredible historic site is a great place to spend a few hours exploring if you’re curious about Puerto Rico’s history.

Feeling more adventurous? Rent a car and make your way to El Yunque rainforest to spend the day hiking.  El Yunque is home to all kinds of birds and animals (that you will see if you’re quiet). I recommend visiting on your own as tour groups are loud and make it hard to see any wildlife. Hike up to one of the waterfalls and enjoy the soothing sound. Check out my Puerto Rico guide for everything you need to know before you go and tips for visiting the rainforest.

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont is a lesser-known spot for a weekend getaway, but it is an absolutely amazing one. With the BTV airport right nearby, it’s an easy place to escape to for a New England weekend. Burlington is ideal for couples or friends traveling together. There’s so much to do, whether you enjoy outdoor activities, food & drink, or art & culture. The biggest city in Vermont, Burlington is still relatively small. The city is set on a hill overlooking beautiful Lake Champlain. The lake itself provides an endless array of opportunities for fun. Visitors shouldn’t miss paddling, sailing, or simply riding on one of the scenic ferry cruises. 

Austin, TX

One of the best cities in the USA for a weekend getaway has got to be Austin, Texas. It’s perfect for a girls’ weekend or a getaway with your significant other. You could go there to relax, but with all the activities and sight-seeing to do, you’ll probably want to venture out on the town.

Downtown Austin has live music around every corner and some of the best food you’ll ever taste in your life! And while you might think that Austin, Texas is all about country music, there’s actually live music of every genre playing in the downtown area.

Grab food at one of the many food truck parks and most definitely eat some good barbeque while you’re in Austin. – Nikki of She Saves She Travels

Hudson Valley, NY

The Hudson Valley lies just north of New York City, spreading either side of the Hudson River north to Albany. It makes the perfect weekend getaway. Stop off at the Rail Trail Cafe as you cycle through the area for free live music. Take a cruise on the river from Kingston and visit lighthouses – and even stay in the one at Saugerties. The Lighthouse B and B is small and popular, so book well ahead.

There are plenty of cute towns with restaurant and antique shops, including Rhinebeck, Kingston and Hudson. Seasonal highlights include spectacular fall color of Hudson Valley, the Sinterclaas Festival in Rhinebeck in December, and county fairs in the summer. No matter when you go or what your interests are, there is something in the Hudson Valley to make it your perfect weekend getaway. – James Ian at Travel Collecting

Atlanta GA

Atlanta may not be a top destination when you think of a weekend getaway, but it should be. Not only is it easy to get to, via Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, but it’s an affordable city with tons of southern charm and great things to do. From surprisingly great hiking trails to delicious southern food to the must-see World of Coke and Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta has something for everyone.

History lovers will especially enjoy the city since it is full of Civil War and Antebellum history, as well as roots in the Civil Rights movement and more recent events like the 1996 Olympics. If you’re looking for a historical weekend, the Atlanta History Center and Historic Oakland Cemetery are two essential stops. The Atlanta History Center has varying exhibits about, what else, the history of the city, including a cyclorama depictingThe Battle of Atlanta and the Swan House, a Jazz Era mansion that is featured in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. – Jordan of The Solo Life

Sedona, Arizona

This quaint town is in the heart of red rock country and the views of huge red mesas, buttes and cliffs are mesmerising. It’s a place that has been attracting outdoor lovers and new-age believers who come for the unique landscape and the area’s vortexes for years. You can see elements of this spirituality in the cafes, shops and restaurants in town, but it doesn’t dominate Sedona, it’s just one of the town’s many fascinating aspects.

The most popular trails are the Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock – two places that have become incredibly famous on Instagram for their epic photo opportunities but there are also many other hikes which are quiet and just as beautiful. Go for a more relaxing break at the one of the spa hotels and there are few things more special than relaxing in an open-air hot tub over-looking the stunning red cliffs.

Whatever you’re in to, you’ll find something for an amazing weekend away and probably leave wishing you had a little longer! – Cat of Walk My World

Cape Cod, MA

If you are on the east coast of the United States, one of the most popular weekend getaways is Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Located right next to the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod is an excellent destination for people that want to relax at the beach or have some amazing seafood. However, if you do want to come for the beach, just know that Cape Cod is freezing in all the seasons except summer. Even during autumn or spring, the weather can be quick chilly.

If you do decide to come in the cold seasons, make sure you check out Chatham Lighthouse, one of the iconic landmarks of Cape Cod. Take a drive to the tip of Cape Cod and you will arrive at a very open-minded city called Provincetown, or P-town for short. There you will find amazing food, great friendly people, amazing nightlife, and some of the best beaches on the east coast. No wonder why Cape Cod is such a popular weekend vacation in the United States. – Sean of Living Out Lau

 

Charleston SC

Beaches, beautiful scenery, amazing architecture, and some of the best food in the world…what more can you want from a weekend getaway? Charleston, South Carolina is a great place to relax, eat, drink, and revel in the southern charm of this quaint, yet modern city. 

Shop your way through the Charleston City Market where you will find handcrafted local items. Take a walk along the waterfront. Admire the antebellum homes and the colors of rainbow row. Ride in a horse drawn carriage. Try shrimp and grits at Poogan’s porch or a bit of nouveau southern cooking at SNOB – make reservations!  – Postcards from Nana

The centre of San Antonio is the location for the River Walk. This man-made “canal” is located below the streets above, leaving you isolated from the traffic and able to wander in peace. 

Just a short stroll from the River Walk is the famous Alamo, sitting incongruously just metres from ‘Ripley’s Believe it or Not!’ museum. The Alamo is famous for being the final stand of the Texan volunteer soldiers against the Mexicans and is where Davy Crockett lost his life. Four other missions are accessible along a mission trail if you have a car and these are well worth a visit.

The Tower of the Americas provides panoramic views from the viewing platform atop the 750-foot high tower as well as the opportunity to learn about the six flags that have flown over Texas in its history. – Lee and Stacey from One Trip at a Time

Nashville, TN

One of our favorite weekend getaways is Nashville, Tennessee.  This southern capital is a great romantic getaway, or fun party destination with a group of friends.  And there’s good reason for it!

The flavors and sounds of the south come alive in Nashville.  This is Music City USA after all. Nashville is more than the country music, and there’s so much more to the city than the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame.  The clubs in Nashville feature a wide range of musical styles including rock, blues, folk, and even punk.  No matter what your interests, age, or musical style, you’ll feel right at home here.  Nashville welcomes one and all.

The city’s culinary scene is legendary.  Yes, you’ll find southern BBQ, but you’ll also find so much more, including the local delicacy: hot chicken.  Nashville’s food scene will impress even the most finicky gourmand.  There are also a ton of breweries and whiskey distilleries in the area to explore. – Lance and Laura Longwell of Travel Addicts

Moab UT

If you are looking for a great USA weekend getaway then a great choice is the town of Moab in Utah! 

The town is within driving distance of Salt Lake City and Denver, both of which have major airports and some even drive from Vegas to visit this delightful town. Moab is great because it is situated near not one but two national parks – arches and canyonlands national park and is close to an amazing state park – dead horse point state park. 

If you like the outdoors then you won’t be short of things to do in Moab with all parks offering great hikes for all levels, climbing and other outdoor pursuits. And once you have finished in the parks you will find a great food and craft beverage scene in the town of Moab itself. It really is the ultimate weekend away destination! – Leona of Wandermust Family 

 

Nantuket

Nantucket island is the perfect place for a weekend getaway in the summer months. There is so much to do and see and the cottages are so cozy. The island is known for being pricy, though you can do as I did and stay at the backpackers on Surfside and see Nantucket by bike. Downtown with its many museums, shops, and restaurants, is the most vibrant part of the island. Make sure you don’t miss the Whaling museum, Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum, and the Museum of African American History. They are all great for understanding more of the history of Nantucket island.

Lake Placid NY

A getaway in Lake Placid is ideal if you’re looking for a weekend to be spent exploring nature. Whether you come in the warm or cool seasons, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to be had in the heart of the Adirondack mountains.

Nestled in the mountains and surrounded by lakes, once of which is it’s namesake, is this small but quaint town. The city hosted the Olympics not once but twice and still has the structures standing to prove it! A big attraction are the Olympic sites themselves that have been turned into museums; from bobsledding to the ski jump that overlooks the entire mountain range. 

Lake Placid is a destination that genuinely surprised me and it was the perfect place to spend 2 or 3 days reconnecting with nature. – Ahlan Monica https://ahlanmonica.com/

The Oregon Coast

You could spend weeks exploring the Oregon Coast and never get bored! Those incredible sea stacks sprinkled in the ocean, the hazy morning fog weaving through the tree tops, and surf crashing on the sandy shores—It just doesn’t get old. The Oregon Coast doesn’t make for your typical beach vacation in any way whatsoever. You will rarely be able to bust out that bikini but that’s OK because the coast here has plenty else to offer.

Start at Cannon Beach and the Ecola State Park for some quick trails and great views. Eat all the cheese things in Tillamook and then climb sand dunes in Pacific City or kayak the Nestucca River. Spend a whole day exploring the Samuel H Boardman Corridor which has quick forest hikes that take you around the coastline with some of the most beautiful vistas in the state.