17 American Cities Perfect For Your Next Weekend Getaway
Need a break but short on time? A weekend getaway is the perfect way to reset without using up all your vacation days. Across the U.S., charming cities and scenic escapes are waiting to deliver memorable experiences in just a couple of days.
Whether you’re craving beach vibes, mountain air, or vibrant city streets, these destinations make it easy to escape, explore, and come home refreshed.
1. Savannah, Georgia
Spanish moss drapes over cobblestone streets like nature’s own decoration. Savannah offers a perfect blend of Southern hospitality and fascinating history.
Walk through 22 historic squares, each with its own story. The food scene here will make your taste buds dance – from fresh seafood to classic Southern comfort dishes.
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Mountain views stretch as far as the eye can see from almost anywhere in town. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville combines natural beauty with artistic flair.
The Biltmore Estate showcases America’s largest home while downtown brims with galleries, music venues, and craft breweries. Hiking trails and scenic drives through autumn foliage make fall visits especially magical.
3. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Adobe buildings glow orange-pink in the desert sunlight, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. This high-desert gem blends Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences into a cultural tapestry unlike anywhere else.
Santa Fe’s art scene draws creators and collectors from around the world. Sample green chile dishes, browse historic Plaza shops, and explore ancient pueblo dwellings all in one weekend.
4. Charleston, South Carolina
Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop down streets lined with pastel antebellum homes. This coastal charmer offers perfect proportions for weekend explorers – compact enough to walk but packed with activities.
Charleston’s culinary scene blends traditional Lowcountry cuisine with innovative new restaurants. Stroll the historic Battery promenade, shop King Street boutiques, and tour beautifully preserved plantations just outside town.
5. Sedona, Arizona
Red rock formations tower majestically against brilliant blue skies in every direction. This desert paradise combines natural wonders with a touch of mysticism that draws spiritual seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Sedona’s famous vortexes supposedly radiate energy that facilitates meditation and healing. Hiking trails wind through stunning landscapes, while galleries and restaurants in the artsy uptown area provide civilized comforts after wilderness adventures.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
Jazz notes float through air scented with beignets and spicy jambalaya. The Big Easy moves at its own rhythm – slower, more deliberate, yet somehow more alive than anywhere else. New Orleans blends French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences into something uniquely American.
Explore beyond Bourbon Street to discover authentic music clubs, historic cemeteries, and neighborhood restaurants serving soul-satisfying Creole cooking.
7. Key West, Florida
Turquoise waters lap at shores where palm trees sway in constant sea breezes. This island paradise sits at the southernmost point of the continental United States, creating a tropical escape that feels worlds away.
Key West’s laid-back vibe makes relaxation inevitable. Enjoy water activities from snorkeling to sunset sailing, then join the nightly celebration at Mallory Square. Ernest Hemingway’s former home offers literary history alongside six-toed cats.
8. Austin, Texas
Live music spills from doorways along streets filled with food trucks and quirky shops. The Texas capital proudly maintains its “Keep Austin Weird” motto while offering sophisticated cultural experiences alongside down-home fun.
Austin’s food scene ranges from legendary barbecue joints to innovative farm-to-table restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts can paddle Lady Bird Lake or swim in Barton Springs Pool before catching live music at one of countless venues.
9. San Diego, California
Perfect weather welcomes visitors practically year-round to this coastal playground. Palm-lined beaches stretch for miles alongside vibrant neighborhoods, each with distinct personality and attractions. San
Diego’s world-famous zoo anchors beautiful Balboa Park, home to museums and gardens. La Jolla’s coves offer kayaking with sea lions, while the historic Gaslamp Quarter serves up nightlife and dining options for every taste.
10. Bend, Oregon
Snowy mountain peaks frame this high desert town where outdoor adventures await around every corner. Adventure-seekers flock to Bend for world-class mountain biking, hiking, and water sports on the Deschutes River.
Bend boasts more breweries per capita than nearly anywhere else in America. The charming downtown area offers farm-to-table restaurants and boutique shopping, perfect for relaxing after active days exploring nearby volcanic landscapes.
11. Portland, Maine
Lighthouses stand guard along rocky shores while fishing boats bob gently in the harbor. This charming New England gem packs coastal beauty and urban sophistication into a walkable package.
Portland’s food scene rivals cities triple its size. Sample fresh-off-the-boat lobster rolls and craft beers from local breweries while exploring the cobblestone streets of the Old Port district.
12. Nashville, Tennessee
Guitar riffs and soulful vocals pour from honky-tonks lining Broadway’s neon-lit stretch. Music City lives up to its nickname with live performances happening day and night across venues ranging from historic to hole-in-the-wall.
Nashville’s creative energy extends beyond music to its booming food scene. Southern classics get modern makeovers in trendy neighborhoods like East Nashville and 12 South, where murals provide perfect photo backgrounds for weekend memories.
13. Portland, Oregon
Quirky charm defines this Pacific Northwest hub where keeping things weird is practically civic duty. Rose gardens, food carts, and independent bookstores create a playground for weekend visitors seeking creative inspiration.
Portland’s coffee culture fuels exploration of distinctive neighborhoods like Alberta Arts and Mississippi Avenue. Nature beckons just minutes from downtown – hike Forest Park’s 70+ miles of trails or take a quick drive to witness Columbia River Gorge waterfalls.
14. Chicago, Illinois
Architectural marvels rise majestically along Lake Michigan’s sparkling shoreline. The Windy City delivers big-city excitement with Midwestern friendliness, making weekend visits both exhilarating and manageable.
Chicago’s neighborhoods offer distinct flavors – from deep-dish pizza to world-class fine dining. Explore art at the renowned Art Institute, catch stunning views from Willis Tower, or stroll the lakefront path connecting beaches, parks, and Navy Pier’s entertainment options.
15. Annapolis, Maryland
Sailboats dot the harbor where colonial history meets maritime culture in America’s sailing capital. This charming waterfront city packs impressive historical significance into walkable streets lined with 18th-century buildings.
Annapolis houses the U.S. Naval Academy, open for fascinating tours. Crabs seasoned with Old Bay spice dominate local menus, best enjoyed waterside. Boutique shopping along Main Street and evening ghost tours round out perfect weekend itineraries.
16. Burlington, Vermont
Fall foliage creates a kaleidoscope of colors surrounding this lakeside college town. Nestled between Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, Burlington offers natural beauty alongside progressive urban amenities.
Vermont’s largest city maintains small-town charm with its pedestrian-friendly Church Street Marketplace. Sample farm-fresh cuisine, locally crafted beers, and famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream while enjoying spectacular lake views and mountain panoramas just minutes from downtown.
17. St. Augustine, Florida
Centuries-old coquina stone walls whisper stories from America’s oldest continuously inhabited European settlement. Founded in 1565, this historic treasure combines Spanish colonial architecture with Florida sunshine and beaches.
St. Augustine’s compact historic district makes exploration easy. Visit Castillo de San Marcos fort, stroll pedestrian-only St. George Street, and hunt for ghosts on evening tours. Just minutes away, pristine beaches offer relaxation after history-filled days.