Summer weekends are made for getaways. With warm, sunny days and three federal holidays on the horizon — Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and the Fourth of July — it’s time to start planning. While the rest of the country flocks to popular destinations, we’re highlighting a few spots where you can avoid crowds and price hikes for an unforgettable long summer weekend.
Summer weekend getaway ideas: Memorial Day
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Enjoy the best of the Sunshine State in this small, picturesque coastal town. Anna Maria Island has all the makings of a laid-back Memorial Day getaway, with seven miles of white sand beaches, clear blue waters on all sides where you can watch the sun rise and set, and a downtown area lined with shops, art galleries, and fresh seafood restaurants. Stroll along the wooden City Pier that dates back to 1911, or cruise the coast on a paddleboard or kayak. Then walk down Coquina Beach Baywalk, an elevated deck that snakes through lush marshes and mangrove tunnels, where you’re likely to spot an ibis or manatee.
If you’re looking to spend Memorial Day weekend lounging on a private beach or reading under a palm tree in a lush garden, then the beachfront Cedar Cove Resort is your best choice for a mellow Florida retreat.
Things to do on Ann Maria Island:
- Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum
- Leffis Key Preserve
- Bean Point Beach
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
With many surprises in store, Ocean Springs lives up to its nickname, “the City of Discovery.” The walkable downtown area, lined with centuries-old live oak trees, boasts more than 200 independently owned boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. And the long stretches of beach and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico are just minutes away. After spending time downtown, take in a spectacular sunset on the shores of Milo’s Point, Ocean Springs, and East Beaches, never crowded or loud. Check out Gulf Islands National Seashore if you want to relax fishing, hiking, or watching local birds glide on the ocean’s breeze or scurry across the sand. And don’t miss out on a tour of the historic Charnley-Norwood house on East Beach, designed by Louis Sullivan (the Father of Skyscrapers) and his then-young apprentice Frank Lloyd Wright.
There’s a wide array of charming stays in this historic coastal Mississippi town, but choose The Roost, a gorgeous boutique hotel named “the most beautiful hotel in Mississippi” by Architectural Digest. Located within walking distance to downtown and Ocean Springs Beach, it features a pool and a sultry on-site bar, the Wilbur.
Things to do in Ocean Springs:
- Walter Anderson Museum of Art
- Fort Maurepas City Park and Nature Preserve
- Shearwater Pottery
Summer weekend getaways ideas: Juneteenth
Galveston, Texas
Immerse yourself in history on Juneteenth with a visit to Galveston, Texas, where it all began. It was here that on June 19th, 1865, General Gordon Granger delivered General Order No. 3, ending enslavement in Texas. And Galveston has been celebrating the date as Jubilee Day for more than a hundred and fifty years, long before it became a state holiday in 1980 and a federal one in 2021. Celebrations on this barrier island are a big deal. Expect week-long events at multiple venues, including parades, poetry readings, a gala, live music, reenactments, freedom walk tours, the annual reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, and more. Make sure you drop in on Leon’s World Famous BBQ and Allen’s Restaurant for fantastic soul food.
For a bit of history and modern-day luxury, stay at the stunning Tremont House. Recent renovations on this grand 19th-century building have made it one of the city’s most sought-after hotels.
Things to do in Galveston:
- Absolute Equality Mural
- Nia Cultural Center
- Middle Passage Marker at Texas Seaport Museum
Santa Rosa, California
According to WalletHub, Santa Rosa is among the top budget-friendly foodie destinations in the US. In the heart of wine country, with a downtown filled with historic homes, art galleries, and quaint shops, you’ll find plenty of affordable and diverse dining options that won’t break the bank. Start your culinary tour at Acme Burger, where a fresh-ground quarter pounder is just $6.75, then check out the Native American-owned Fry Bread Shop before tracking down two of the city’s best Mexican food trucks, Delicias Elenita and El Roy’s Express Mex. Hop on a bike to explore countless trails that lead to local vineyards and the redwoods, and you’ll be ready to enjoy Santa Rosa’s other claim to fame: craft breweries.
Bed down at the chef-owned Astro Hotel, a lively mid-century remodeled motel that puts you right in the heart of your Santa Rosa culinary adventure.
Things to do in Santa Rosa:
- Historic Railroad Square
- Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
- Charles M. Schulz Museum
Summer weekend getaways ideas: July 4th
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
We all have that friend who sends us a “Happy Birthday!” message at the stroke of midnight. And when it comes to being among the first to wish America a happy birthday, Gatlinburg is that friend. Fourth of July celebrations kick off at 12:01 am with a two-hour Midnight Parade through downtown. And from there, it’s a nonstop party at Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta, where quirky DIY floatables vie for best in the show. (For more quirkiness, check out the town’s eclectic museums). Celebrations continue at the Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival and Fireworks, with live music, food, fun games, and a spectacular fireworks display. Closing out the long summer weekend are more fireworks, this time launched off the Gatlinburg Space Needle. The best views are from the city’s soaring SkyBridge.
Spend the weekend at Bent Creek Golf Village, where you can tee off or take a dip in outdoor and indoor pools.
Things to do in Gatlinburg:
- Hollywood Star Cars Museum
- Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Livingston, Montana
Once known as the “Original Gateway City to Yellowstone National Park,” Livingston is quietly making a name for itself as the next great foodie destination; just ask Food and Wine. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg of why you should visit this quaint rail town of just over 8,000 inhabitants. Surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and the Yellowstone River, countless outdoor adventures await, from hiking and swimming to fishing and camping. Learn about local cowboy culture at a rodeo and the Yellowstone Gateway Museum. Or spend the weekend visiting shops, breweries, art galleries, and restaurants, with Campione, Los Pinos, and The Mint Bar and Grill as the definite standouts.
Yellowstone River Inn & Suites is a solid choice for simple, clean, and affordable accommodations, especially if you plan to dedicate the bulk of your travel budget to trying local restaurants.
Things to do in Livingston:
- Livingston Depot Center
- Sacajawea Park
- Bozeman Hot Springs
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