For better or for worse, most American workers simply don’t get a lot of vacation time in a year—that’s the bad news. The good news is that so many incredible domestic destinations are within weekend-trip distance for most of us that this shouldn’t impede you from getting your travel fix from time to time.
No matter where in the country you live, or which type of experience you’re seeking, all these experiences allow you to leave work at your normal time on Friday evening and be back in time to start again on Monday morning.
Charleston, SC
One reason Charleston tops this list of weekend getaways is that readers of Travel + Leisure named it the best U.S. city of 2017. Of course, there’s a reason they did that—many, in fact—and that’s really why you should head southeastward on your next short trip away from home. Whether you come to traipse through the historical Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, to tour picturesque historical homes, to enjoy the pleasant weather this coastal paradise sees almost every day of the year, plan a weekend trip to Charleston today.
California’s Pacific Coast Highway
Whether you have a long weekend at your disposal, or simply 5 pm on Sunday to 8 am Monday like the rest of us, driving California’s Pacific Coast highway (aka Route 1) is a great use of a few free days. Fly to San Francisco and sleep, then spend Saturday driving southward past Santa Cruz and Monterey to Big Sur, where you’ll camp (or glamp) for the night before driving back Sunday morning to catch your return flight.
Alternatively, start in Los Angeles after you land at one of its five airports, then head north, enjoying an al-fresco lunch in Santa Barbara and a swim or surf at Pismo Beach, before continuing on to central-coast destinations such as seaside Morro Bay and the wineries of San Luis Obispo country for the rest of the weekend.
New Orleans, LA
In addition to being one of the top cheap weekend getaways in America, New Orleans is a fulfilling place to spend a few days, whether you prioritize partying on Bourbon Street or trace history by touring the city’s many cemeteries. New Orleans makes a great jumping-off point in addition to be an amazing destination, whether you go on an airboat excursion through nearby swamps or spend a day eating your way through Louisiana’s up-and-coming capital Baton Rouge. Do you really need another reason to spend a weekend New Orleans?
Maine Coast
It might surprise you to see the Maine Coast on a list of weekend getaways for couples, until you start to think about everything the seashore of America’s most northeasterly state has to offer love birds. Even if you discount the rocky coast, picturesque lighthouses, plentiful and delicious lobster and the famous hospitality of Mainers, this list of inns and bed & breakfasts courtesy of Visit Maine will make you want to schedule a trip to Maine as soon as you finish reading this article. Maine is good anytime of the year, but visit between mid-September and mid-October to see the coast illuminated in blazing fall colors.
Search flights to Portland, ME
Salt Lake City, UT
When it comes to winter weekend getaways, Salt Lake City should be at the top of the list. While not as glamorous or highly-cited as popular Colorado, Utah ski resorts like Deer Valley and Snowbird were amazing enough to get Utah mentioned on Skyscanner’s own ski list, the fact that they’re a short drive from the city center notwithstanding. Don’t be fooled, however: Utah is a hot summer destination as well, whether you spend a night in Salt Lake City before driving to adventure capital St. George, or hike in national park like Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Book a rental car in Salt Lake City
Florida Keys
Many of the places on this list of amazing American weekend trips are enthralling, but only one of them can truly climate to be paradise: The Florida Keys. Whether you consult Skyscanner’s things to do in the Florida Keys or fly to Miami, and drive across the Overseas Highway to Key Largo, Key West or any point between, a Florida Keys road trip is one of the best ways in the country to spend a weekend away from work, not to mention one of the most beautiful.
TIP: If you can make a long weekend of it, spend a night or two on South Beach in Miami before embarking on your island adventure. That way, you get to enjoy the city and the sea in one trip!
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About the Author | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Robert Schrader Leave Your Daily Hell Robert is a writer, photographer and a huge fan of weekend trips. Although he loves seeing America from coast to coast, he’s currently living in Bangkok and studying Thai, so he hopes you enjoy the Florida Keys on his behalf. | |
