Best Weekend Trips in the U.S.
Planning a weekend?
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Travelling is the activity almost everyone is eager to engage in, but let's be honest – not many of us can afford it, if not in terms of money, then in terms of spare time. Whether you work, pursue education, have small children, or are tasked with other commitments, the only option to travel regularly (beyond the annual vacation/break) is to do it during a weekend. A weekend getaway should be easy to access and packed with activities but not overpacked – you should be able to explore the place's highlights in just two days' time. In the article, we will review the best weekend getaways from some of the largest cities in the U.S. – New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. Start planning your next adventure – travelling can be so easy and close!
The Best Weekend Trips from New York City
The Finger Lakes, New York
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These are 11 glacial lakes in central New York, the formation of which is explained by Native American legend as a handprint of the Great Spirit who thus blessed the area. The 9,000-m2 area is a flourishing wine country, which is also rich in other activities, like boating, fishing, and multiple water sports. The state parks situated in the vicinity of the Finger Lakes boast stunning rocky gorges and picturesque waterfalls. Both culture and relaxation lovers will find pastimes for themselves, be it wine tasting, scenic drives, or visiting local museums.
Montauk, New York
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The town of Long Island is an all-in-one destination featuring an array of lodging options and various food scenes, as well as beaches, wineries, and some historic sites. Nearby, Hither Hills State Park is located, offering hiking and biking trails, fishing options, an ocean beach, plenty of campsites and picnic areas. For spectacular scenery, head to Montauk Point State Park, which is perched on a rocky shoreline. Complement your Montauk trip with a visit to the historic lighthouse built in 1796 and a museum attached to it.
The Best Weekend Trips from Los Angeles
Napa Valley, California
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Known primarily as a remarkable wine valley, Napa has more to offer even to oenophiles. The landscape makes you feel like you are in Italy, with views of tiered hillsides, enchanting estates, and ubiquitous vineyards. Nature's magnificence is lined up with luxurious experiences – fine dining, golfing, spa, etc. Spend some hours walking around the admirable town of Yountville or shopping at the Oxbow Market in Napa's downtown. Alternatively, you can still easily fill up your weekend with wine tasting.
San Diego, California
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Named one of the best cities for a weekend trip across the nation by most travel blogs, San Diego is a must for every American traveller. A two-hour drive south from Los Angeles takes you to the amazing playground, which has all the entertainment imaginable: hiking or kayaking at the splendid Torrey Pines State Reserve, prime surfing at Moonlight State Beach (San Diego's coastline is 75 miles long!), golf courses with cliff ocean views, or just city walking, with such adorable options as collecting colourful street murals, of which the town is proud, or admiring majestic colonial architecture.
The Best Weekend Getaways from Chicago
Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
Less than an hour's ride from Chicago, Indiana Dunes is a true natural wonder. Fifteen miles of hiking and horseback riding on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, accompanied by forest and beach views, could make an excellent outdoor recreation for city dwellers tired of every day's hustle and bustle. A relatively small area is packed with different pastimes – get your sun portion at Mount Baldy Beach, go bird-watching on the Great Marsh Trail, or challenge yourself at the Diana of the Dunes Dare challenge, based on the life of an adventurous woman named Alice Mabel Gray who lived in the early 1900s.
Holland, Michigan
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By masterly imitating the Holland of Europe, Michigan's Holland, however, doesn't feel like a mere replica. Just look at the colour-bursting tulip fields covering the distance as far as the eye can see. In May, the town celebrates the annual Tulip Town Festival, making this month the prime time to visit. Another great activity offered in Holland is star-gazing, which has a clear view unobstructed by big city lights. A gracious Victorian house, placing a B&B named Castle in the Country, is a matchless spot to do that.
The Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas
Austin, Texas
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The city is becoming increasingly popular due to its burgeoning food scene, lots of walkable spaces, upscale shopping, energetic nightlife, and an amazing mix of old and new. No matter how many times you return to Austin, you will stumble across a new hotel, restaurant, or trendy public space. It's a great destination for foodies, with dozens of cuisines available throughout the city – traditional Texan BBQ, seafood, sushi, tapas, and many more delectable choices.
Palo Duro, Texas
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Though often shadowed by its larger counterpart, the Grand Canyon, Palo Duro is worth each hour of a six-hour drive from Dallas. The 120-mile gap plunges down the head-spinning distance of about 1,000 feet. The state park comprising Palo Duro offers 90 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, or biking, including those traversing the canyon's floor. After a strenuous day, relax and have a BBQ at one of the canyon-side cabins, continuing to enjoy the picturesque views.
The Best Weekend Trips from Washington, D.C.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
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An eight-hour drive may sound challenging, but the reward will certainly pay off the effort. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park introduces jaw-dropping scenery that won't allow anyone to stay indifferent. The 500,000-acre territory intersected by the Appalachian Mountains and spanning over two states is completely free to enter. Once you're there, you can hike till you drop, for the park offers 800 miles of trails; alternatively, join a horseback guided tour. Every season is enjoyable at the Great Smoky National Park, but the busiest times are spring and early summer, so take care of booking beforehand.
West Virginia
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Located just two hours away from the city of Washington, West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle feels like another world, full of small-town charm. The region features a plethora of exciting things to discover. History enthusiasts can trace the traces of the nation's founders by following the historic hikes, relaxation seekers may want to visit one of the area's resorts with healing thermal water, and nature lovers can explore the fantastic outdoors to their heart's content. Adventurous options include whitewater rafting, ziplining, river floating, kayaking, canoeing, and autocross – disregarding whether you want your recreation to be fast and thrilling or slow and peaceful.
Conclusion
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The list of the best weekend getaways in the U.S. could go on and on, considering the country's immense territory. Whichever state you call home, you can find plenty of weekend destinations worthy of your visit (or maybe multiple visits). Depending on what you seek from your dream getaway, you can choose the place that offers heart-pounding activities, ultimate relaxation, bonding with nature, or a lively city experience. In any case, think of booking beforehand; hotelin.com helps you select the weekend accommodation according to your desires. View hotels and compare prices at one website, and spend time on more pleasant things, like planning your getaway itinerary. Have a fabulous weekend!