It is easy to think that vacations are just about relaxation and fun, but they also play a crucial role in mental health and well-being. Research shows that taking time off benefits us since we can rest and sleep better. Going on vacation and leaving our busy lives behind helps us reduce our stress hormone levels.
We have all felt the benefits of a well-deserved vacation. That is why we always long to enjoy as many breaks as possible. A weekend trip is an excellent option for short escapes since many of us need the opportunity to take long vacations frequently.
The U.S. has a great diversity of destinations that are perfect for a weekend trip. You can find beautiful urban beaches, drink craft beer, attend an extraordinary festival, go hiking, hit a casino, or experience some of the most iconic tourist sites in the world. In addition, the rise of low-cost airlines growing their routes throughout the U.S. has led to a renewed interest in short domestic getaways.
If you’re looking for an incredible weekend getaway, whether to a charming mountain town or a scenic coastal area, hurry up and use an online service like iVisa to get your travel documents in order and then check out this list of 10 of the best weekend vacation spots in the United States. These destinations are perfect for easy weekend trips for all types of travelers.
Paso Robles, California
Paso Robles is a perfect stop for a romantic weekend; couples can enjoy its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and charming wineries with beautiful views. Cuddled halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this vast rolling countryside is dotted with vineyards, olive groves, farms, and ranches. Wine is the main attraction in this place. You can taste Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, and more in over 200 wineries. Most tastings are in sun-drenched outdoor spaces with stunning views, creating a next-level experience. Visitors will love Paso’s relaxed ambiance; accommodations are often more affordable than in other California wine regions.
Rockland, Maine
Rockland is a small and charming seaside community that exemplifies the essence of Maine. Tourists visiting Rockland are delighted with the rocky coastline that offers stunning views, plus this city offers cultural attractions and top-notch restaurants. Those who enjoy art can visit the Farnsworth Art Museum or the Maine Center for Contemporary Art. Those in search of local wealth can see the weekly farmers market. In addition to your itinerary, you can enjoy many beachfront restaurants here, but if you want an unforgettable culinary experience, visit Primo, a nationally praised restaurant. If your trip is scheduled for August, Rockland celebrates the Maine Lobster Fest this month; as one of the largest lobster shipping centers in the world, this event is top-rated in the area. Finally, you can book an adventure to explore Penobscot Bay to live an authentic Maine experience.
Greenville, South Carolina
Located just an hour from bustling Asheville, Greenville is a charming city that often goes unnoticed. Its downtown area is easily walkable and packed with quaint shops such as Mast General Store, diverse dining options ranging from delectable Mexican street food to contemporary Italian, and plenty of local artwork. Include a visit to Falls Park on the Reedy for excellent views of the surrounding falls. After a fun day, you can refuel with an ice-cold beer at Southernside Brewing Co. as you walk along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Park City, Utah
Park City is a picturesque winter destination with a small-town feel, conveniently located near Salt Lake City International Airport. It boasts two top-notch ski resorts, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley, providing some of the finest skiing conditions in the world. Apart from skiing, Park City, Utah, an old mining town, is an ideal place for activities such as sleigh rides, ice skating, hot-air balloon rides, dog sledding, and shopping along the historic Main Street, where the buildings of many famous restaurants and saloons from the 1880s are preserved. You can also relax and try out a whiskey flight at Park City’s very own High West Distillery. For a delightful evening with live music, head to Riverhorse on Main for a terrific dinner, then stop by the well-known No Name Saloon Bar & Grill for a nightcap.
Seattle, Washington
The iconic Space Needle defines the Seattle skyline, so begin your weekend trip with a visit to this beautiful attraction. Also, take some time to stroll through Pike Place Market, the go-to spot for fresh fish, produce, flowers, and artisan goods. Mount Rainier National Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With numerous trails for hiking, biking, and climbing and abundant wildlife, this ancient forest is a nature lover’s paradise.
Many people know that Starbucks was founded in Seattle, but true coffee lovers should visit the flagship Starbucks Reserve Roastery to learn about coffee growing and roasting and taste some of the world’s most unique coffees. Another obligatory stop in this city is the Museum of Pop Culture, designed by Frank O. Gehry; visitors will find exhibits dedicated to local musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a destination known for its cobblestone streets, thriving food scene, and Southern charm. Foodies will fully enjoy this culinary capital of the south, which has a wide variety of outstanding places and immersive experiences. Oysters at King Street’s seafood stunner and Texas-style brisket at Lewis Barbecue are some of the must-try dishes in this city. Also, visit The Bar & Patio at Husk for a classic after-dinner cocktail. Finally, champagne lovers should go to the Camellias champagne bar at the Bennett Hotel.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs offers travelers stylish resorts, world-class restaurants, and majestic desert views. It’s a haven for hikers, adventure seekers, and golfers.
When visiting this desert oasis, experience the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for spectacular views and over 50 miles of accessible hiking trails on your weekend trip. Add an excursion to Joshua Tree National Park for an outdoor adventure, about an hour’s drive. You can relax soaking in the natural healing waters at Desert Hot Springs or book a hot-stone massage in one of the area’s many-day spas.
This destination is famous for its vintage stores, so when you are ready to shop, visit The Frippery for bohemian fashion or Boulevard for midcentury furniture and home furnishings. Finally, consider one of Palm Springs’s excellent restaurant options; many of the city’s finest establishments offer patio dining under the stars.
Galveston, Texas
Galveston is the ideal Gulf Coast destination for a family-friendly beach vacation for the weekend. Just an hour from Houston, this place has attractions like Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Pleasure Pier, and the Galveston Naval Museum that the whole family will love. There are lovely beaches, like the famous East Beach or the Galveston Island State Park. In addition to all these things, you can take a ghost tour to learn about the area’s history.
Charlottesville, Virginia
The Charlottesville area is an excellent destination for a weekend getaway to enjoy wine, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery. This region has gained a reputation as a renowned viticultural area. Chiswell Farm & Winery, Veritas, Afton Mountain Vineyards, and Septenary are all fantastic wineries to visit, located within driving distance of downtown Charlottesville. Although Charlottesville is a year-round destination, it is lovely during autumn with its stunning foliage, proximity to Shenandoah National Park, and Virginia’s brewery and winery trail, making it the perfect fall weekend getaway.
Charlottesville is easily accessible from major U.S. cities such as Washington, D.C., or New York City. You can take the Amtrak and arrive downtown, which is highly convenient for a weekend trip.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a beautiful desert town in Arizona, surrounded by a breathtaking landscape of red-rock buttes and canyons that glow with a rosy hue. If you plan to visit for a weekend, it is recommended that you book a guided vortex tour to experience Sedona’s renowned healing energy. You can also drive leisurely through Oak Creek Canyon, which offers stunning views perfect for postcard snapshots. While you’re here, explore the town’s many crystal shops and art galleries, and get a tarot reading. Additionally, you can pamper yourself with a chakra-balancing or aura-cleansing spa session. Sedona offers an unforgettable spectacle at night: stargazing under a stunning, star-filled sky.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Are you looking for a weekend trip that offers fun activities focusing on respecting the natural environment? Head to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama, an underappreciated southern beach destination along the Florida-Alabama state line. These two cities boast white sugar-sand beaches and spectacular outdoor spaces with significantly fewer crowds.
When you’re there, you can take classes at Sandcastle University to become an expert sand sculptor or explore the 28 miles of nearby hiking and biking trails. Another great option is to visit the Nature Center to learn about the natural environment and how to protect it. The center sits on the RV Campground of the Gulf State Park, operating as a living museum of plants and animals native to the region.
So what are you waiting for? The sooner you get your passport in order and make sure you have a tourist visa if you need it (for example, is there a US visa for UK citizens?), the sooner you can plan one of these delightful weekend trips!
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Header Image: Photo by Tyler Edic on Unsplash
