Top weekend getaways from major US cities

Interested in the latest weekend getaway destinations and travelling tips? If you are from a large city in the United States, you are in an advantageous position. Some of the most amazing places are just a few hours’ drive or a flight away. Some of the best places to go for a weekend are highlighted depending on where you are; New York, Los Angeles, Chicago among others are areas of focus here. Whether you prefer mountains, forests, deserts, beaches, or major cities, there are good places for a weekend getaway for everyone.

Weekend getaways from New York City

Those living in New York City have all the luck when it comes to choosing their weekend getaways, it seems. Whether a beach or the mountains or some little colonial town, you’re never far away from one. Here are some top picks:

The Catskills, New York

Located just around two hours drive from the city up north, the Catskill region provide beautiful hiking trails scenery, rustic towns and cabins. It’s one of the best getaway destinations for any lover of outdoor activities that range from hiking, fishing even shopping of beautiful small towns such as Woodstock and Hudson. In winter, it is also one of the key tourists attractions offering the best place to ski and snowboard.

The Hamptons, Long Island

For those who look for changes, the Hamptons can also offer sand destinations and a ‘Main Street’ with shops and exquisite dining. Often visited by New Yorkers to get away from hot and humid summer it is one of the best places to go for a weekend getaway either to relax at the beach or indulge in the arts in East Hampton.

Hudson Valley, New York

Only an hour or two away from NYC, this region is a well-known wine country with numerous restaurants and farms by the Hudson River. It has interesting shops and picturesque inns and bed-and-breakfasts that make this area one of the best places for a weekend trip.

Weekend getaways from Los Angeles

Los Angeles is actually a stepping stone to some of the many wonderful places in California. Whether you want to spend your weekend on a beach or in the desert, there is always a place for you.

Santa Barbara, California

Located on the Central Coast around one hundred and twenty kilometers north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara boasts of Mediterranean architectural designs, beach-front attractions and wine-producing companies. This is one of the favorite weekend getaways destinations among residents of the large neighbor city, Los Angeles. You can go up to the wine trail of Santa Ynez or lie lazily on the sun-kissed beaches making it a good place for a weekend getaway.

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is especially good for those who would like to have some actual luxury and sculpting sandy deserts at the same time. It is just about 2 and half hours drive from LA and is renowned for mid century modern architecture, spas and vibrant downtown. This (Murby) also means there is the fabulous Joshua Tree National Park nearby which makes it one of the best places to go for a weekend break full of excitement.

Big Bear Lake, California

For a mountain retreat, Big Bear Lake is only two hours away. It is a skiing resort in winter whereas in summer there are activities such as boating, hiking and fishing. Since it has the most appealing cabins and an even more beautiful and peaceful lake, it belongs to the category of the best getaway destinations for lovers of nature.

Weekend getaways from Chicago

Currently, Chicagoans can have a number of urban and natural vacations close to them. Here are some top choices for those seeking the best places for a weekend trip:

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

With lake activities in the summer and cozy retreats in winter, it only takes 1.5 hrs drive from Chicago, hence the name of the village, Lake Geneva. It is well reputed for its lake-side views, beautiful antique houses and business district. It’s a good place for a weekend getaway, especially for families or couples.

Galena, Illinois

Galena is a historic town, about three hours away from Chicago, providing antique shops, wineries, and romantic Bed & Breakfasts. Those people who seek tranquility and free from everyday rush would find it one of the good destinations that they can visit during weekends making it among the best places to go for a weekend in the Midwest.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

For those who like the city, Milwaukee is within a 2 hour drive and has abundant breweries, art museums and lakefront activities. Great place for a weekend trip with food and culture.

Weekend getaways from other major US Cities

If you’re in other big cities, here are additional recommendations for some of the best getaway destinations:

Austin to Fredericksburg, Texas

Fredericksburg is a short 1.5 hours from Austin and is located in the middle of Texas Hill Country; the town is famous for the wineries, German prominence and beautiful views. It’s an ideal destination for the lovers of wines and history.

Atlanta to Blue Ridge, Georgia

Located two hour-drive from Atlanta, Blue Ridge Mountains include beautiful views, hiking trails, and cute cabins. That’s why it’s perfect for a two-day getaway if you love nature and silence and is one of the best places for a weekend trip.

San Francisco to Napa Valley, California

Located only sixty miles north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is California’s premier wine region. Take time and visit wine producing areas, experience best meals and invaluable scenery of the countryside during the weekends. Couples and food lovers could use this place as they take a weekend break from work.

Seattle to the San Juan Islands, Washington

For people from the Pacific Northwest then the San Juan Islands are some enjoyable weekend getaway. Located only a short ferry ride from Seattle there are beautiful coastline, whales, and even quaint towns to explore.

Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Depending on traffic, which can take up to two hours from Denver, and what the Rocky Mountain National Park provides you is the best of hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. Every outdoor lover should ensure that they make a stopover there and it ranks among the best getaway destinations.

How to choose the best weekend getaway

When planning your weekend getaway, consider the following factors to pick the destination that suits your interests and needs:

Distance: With regards to how long do you want your trip for, to what extent are you ready to go? Select a place that is reasonably close so as to spend most of the time being relaxed.

Activities: Need some adventure to go outdoors, wants to immerse in some culture, or desire a simple quiet vacation? This means that different places have different things to engage in.

Season: Knowing the climate of the place so that tourists can choose when to travel at a particular place because some places are best visited during certain times of the year such as ski resorts during winter or beach areas in summer.

Budget: Consider what you would like to spend your money on while on the trip – on lodgings, eating out, and transport. Because destinations can be cheap while others are costly, then there is competition between cheap and costly destinations.

Tips for a successful weekend trip

To make the most of your best places for a weekend trip, keep these tips in mind:

Pack light: If you are going on a short trip, you don’t even require a suitcase; a small bag or a rucksack will suffice well. Traveling without much luggage is convenient because a person is not restricted when it comes to moving around.

Plan ahead: Have all bookings including lodging and any other appointments such as eating or touring made ahead of the trip since may be busy.

Be flexible: Despite the fact that it is always important to have a plan, do not be too rigid on it. Sometimes the best moments are those when you stumble across a new café, or a trail you didn’t think to choose and come across the most beautiful view.

Avoid peak times: If possible go during of season, so that there won’t be many people around and also there prices will be cheaper. You can avoid traffic by setting off early in the morning or late in the evening if not during the night.

No matter if you prefer the silence of the countryside or the attractions of a new place for visiting, there is an ideal place for the weekend. Beautiful landscapes such as the mountains and cute towns make these places some of the best places for a weekend getaway. So with a fair bit of forethought and a spirit of wanderlust, there is nearly always the perfect place to kick back, rejuvenate, and create wonderful memories. So grab your bags and plan your trip to any of these perfect best getaway destination!