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Top Summer Weekend Getaways in the USA

Top Summer Weekend Getaways in the USA

From California to Maine to Texas to Alaska, there is so much to see in this beautiful, amazing country. It’s my dream to spend a weekend in every major city around the nation, and I’ve been slowly checking them all off my list.

Here are my all-time favorite weekend getaways in the USA!

Blonde in California

California Coast

There’s no place like home. Wherever I go and whatever I see, no place will ever be closer to my heart than California. And, of course, there is no better way to see the Golden State than to take the quintessential west coast road trip!

Read More: 3-Day California Coast Road Trip

blonde in the hamptons

The Hamptons

Is there any chicer destination than The Hamptons? Just 90 minutes outside of NYC, this celeb hot spot is the place to be every summer. Go antiquing, indulge in amazing seafood, and lounge beachside.

Read More: The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to The Hamptons

Portland

Ever since my spontaneous weekend getaway to Portland, Oregon, I have been in love! Home of hipster cool, this happening city is a foodie heaven and home to the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world, Powell’s Books.

There are also a number of fun day trips you can take, including to majestic forests and waterfalls!

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Portland in a Weekend

Guide to Venice Beach

Venice Beach

This hip, cultural mecca has everything you could ever want in a weekend getaway (plus a few surprises). If you are in California, you absolutely must check out the Venice Boardwalk, go vintage shopping, and stroll the Venice Canals.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Venice Beach in a Weekend

Painted Ladies in San Francisco

San Francisco

There’s a reason why generation after generation leaves its heart in San Francisco. With the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the trendy Mission neighborhood, and the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, there is something for everyone in this cultural capital.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to San Francisco in a Weekend

top of the rock in nyc

New York City

Attention, world! If you only visit one city in these United States, make it New York City. This dizzying, stunning, incredible city needs to be on the bucket list for every single traveler. NYC is like a world unto itself. You could explore it for 100 years and never be bored for a second.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to New York City in a Weekend

the source, denver

Denver

Take in the breathtaking Red Rocks, window shop in Larmier Square, or take a brewery tour to see what makes Denver different from any other city in America. A flawless blend of urban cool and natural beauty, the Mile High City, is in a class all its own.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Denver in a Weekend

Best Friends at Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree

See the other side of California at the Joshua Tree National Park. With otherworldly natural beauty, this stunning desert region is dotted with eclectic towns and a dreamy landscape that you could explore for days.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Joshua Tree in a Weekend

Nashville Bachelorette Party

Nashville

The epicenter of all things country music, this is a wonderful destination for all types of music fans. Take in a piece of classic Americana at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum, and the Ryman Auditorium a.k.a. The Grand Ole Opry House.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Nashville in a Weekend

Napa Valley Travel

Napa Valley

As one of California’s most popular destinations, Napa Valley is a paradise for foodies and wine lovers. Home to some of America’s most impressive restaurants and vineyards, this is one of my favorite places to indulge for the weekend.

Read More: A Weekend Getaway Guide to Napa Valley

lake tahoe

Lake Tahoe

Ready to get back to nature? Lake Tahoe is one of the United States’ best outdoorsy getaways. Go hiking, paddle boarding, or skiing, or just lounge by the campfire and take in the amazing scenery.

Read More: The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to North Lake Tahoe

the ultimate guide to south beach miami

South Beach

Ready to glam it up? Head to South Beach in Miami! Home to ultra-posh hotels, world-class restaurants, and some of the hippest nightclubs on the planet, this is the ultimate place to see and be seen.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to South Beach, Miami in a Weekend

San Diego Botanical Gardens

San Diego

As soon as you arrive in San Diego, you’ll see why it is one of America’s most popular tourist destinations. With picture-perfect beaches, an impressive craft beer scene, and countless outdoor attractions, this city will win you over in a heartbeat.

Read More: The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to San Diego

 
What are some of your favorite summer getaways in the USA?

 

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    1. Kassie

      Some amazing US destinations on this list! Sometimes it’s easy to forget all the awesome destinations in your own backyard when planning a getaway. Thanks for sharing 🙂

      July 7, 2016 at 8:06 am · Reply
    2. Samantha Helper

      Can’t wait to travel more of the US with my boyfriend! Thanks for sharing these spots 🙂

      July 8, 2016 at 2:58 pm · Reply

    Instagram

    Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca 🇲🇽💀🪅
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    I’ve wanted to visit Oaxaca for as long as I can remember, and it was so special getting to be there for the days leading up to Dia de Los Muertos (celebrating my boo @kpande)!

    Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated in different parts of Mexico, to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have passed on.

    The festivities are colorful, joyful, and often humorous. Coming from a culture where the deceased are so quickly forgotten, I think this tradition is so beautiful.

    Oaxaca is such a vibrant city with endless street art and incredible food. I can’t wait to return!
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    #oaxaca #mexico #diadelosmuertos #diademuertos

    1678 47
    Open
    Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca 🇲🇽💀🪅 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I’ve wanted to visit Oaxaca for as long as I can remember, and it was so special getting to be there for the days leading up to Dia de Los Muertos (celebrating my boo @kpande)! Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated in different parts of Mexico, to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have passed on. The festivities are colorful, joyful, and often humorous. Coming from a culture where the deceased are so quickly forgotten, I think this tradition is so beautiful. Oaxaca is such a vibrant city with endless street art and incredible food. I can’t wait to return! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #oaxaca #mexico #diadelosmuertos #diademuertos

    If you’re finding yourself here for the first time, welcome! I’m sharing my New England Road Trip (with a Toddler) series, and it’s Day 3 of our adventure! 🍂🍁
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    I’m sharing some insider info on hiking the legendary Flume Gorge in New Hampshire.

    We opted to stay in North Conway, NH and used it as a base to explore the White Mountains. We stayed at Kearsarge Inn and @oldvillagebakerynh was literally next door.

    We grabbed some pastries and bagels for the road and drove about an hour to Flume Gorge– a 2.2-mile self-guided hike with covered bridges, amazing waterfalls, and gorgeous mountain views.

    TIP: You need to book tickets with a dedicated time slot for entry to hike Flume Gorge. I did this about 2 months in advance given how busy the foliage season is here. So BOOK EARLY and ARRIVE EARLY.

    Most people can do the hike in about 1.5 hrs, but I’d add an hour with young kids. We did lots of nature exploring and resting along the way.

TIP FOR YOUNG KIDDOS: Bring a baby carrier or hiking backpack! While this is rated a family-friendly hike, it wasn’t without some challenges with a toddler. I ended up carrying him on my shoulders for over a mile which was an adventure in itself.

    I had bookmarked Artist’s Bluff Lookout and Polly’s Pancake Parlor to do after, but like with all plans with kids, they change as need. We opted to call it a day after the first hike but you can definitely add Artist’s Bluff to your day (it’s just a few minutes up the highway).

We did drive to Polly’s because pancakes sounded amazing, but the wait was 2.5 HOURS at 11am. So we passed.

We had a relaxed afternoon back in North Conway and went to @conwayscenicrailroad to watch the trains come into the depot. You can book a scenic ride too!

    If you’re planning a similar road trip, you’re not gonna wanna miss Day 4 for arguably the MOST famous scenic byway in all of New England during the foliage season!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    @visitnh #fallroadtrip #fallfoliage #portlandmaine #newengland #autumn #visitnh #visitnewhampshire

    757 17
    Open
    If you’re finding yourself here for the first time, welcome! I’m sharing my New England Road Trip (with a Toddler) series, and it’s Day 3 of our adventure! 🍂🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I’m sharing some insider info on hiking the legendary Flume Gorge in New Hampshire. We opted to stay in North Conway, NH and used it as a base to explore the White Mountains. We stayed at Kearsarge Inn and @oldvillagebakerynh was literally next door. We grabbed some pastries and bagels for the road and drove about an hour to Flume Gorge– a 2.2-mile self-guided hike with covered bridges, amazing waterfalls, and gorgeous mountain views. TIP: You need to book tickets with a dedicated time slot for entry to hike Flume Gorge. I did this about 2 months in advance given how busy the foliage season is here. So BOOK EARLY and ARRIVE EARLY. Most people can do the hike in about 1.5 hrs, but I’d add an hour with young kids. We did lots of nature exploring and resting along the way.

TIP FOR YOUNG KIDDOS: Bring a baby carrier or hiking backpack! While this is rated a family-friendly hike, it wasn’t without some challenges with a toddler. I ended up carrying him on my shoulders for over a mile which was an adventure in itself. I had bookmarked Artist’s Bluff Lookout and Polly’s Pancake Parlor to do after, but like with all plans with kids, they change as need. We opted to call it a day after the first hike but you can definitely add Artist’s Bluff to your day (it’s just a few minutes up the highway).

We did drive to Polly’s because pancakes sounded amazing, but the wait was 2.5 HOURS at 11am. So we passed.

We had a relaxed afternoon back in North Conway and went to @conwayscenicrailroad to watch the trains come into the depot. You can book a scenic ride too! If you’re planning a similar road trip, you’re not gonna wanna miss Day 4 for arguably the MOST famous scenic byway in all of New England during the foliage season! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @visitnh #fallroadtrip #fallfoliage #portlandmaine #newengland #autumn #visitnh #visitnewhampshire

    The Ultimate Fall Foliage Itinerary for New England (toddler edition)! 🍁
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    We flew in and out of Boston — and you’ll need to rent a car. This trip involves a lot of driving!

    @Expedia is my go-to resource for travel— you can rent your car, book activities, and find amazing accommodation for your own trip to New England!

    You can start your adventure in North Conway, in the white mountains of New Hampshire. This cute town is home to the Conway Scenic railway and is a great base to explore some of the best leaf peeping in the area.

    You’ll want to book tickets for Flume Gorge months in advance—it’s a kid-friendly hike but still 2.2 miles and I definitely regretted not bringing a hiking carrier for Ollie.

    Head out EARLY to drive the 34-mile Kancamagus Scenic Byway—there are tons of spots to stop along the byway, but we loved Sabbaday Falls for a short hike with big reward.

    Next up, head to Woodstock, Vermont, and check into Woodstock Inn. This hotel sells out almost a full year in advance during foliage season, so plan ahead.

    Don’t miss a maple creamy from Woodstock Scoops or a visit to Billings Farm.

    The entire drive through Vermont is SO beautiful. On your way to the town of Stowe, stop for some apple picking, and don’t miss Hollow Cider for cider donuts.

    Stay at the Trapp family lodge (owned by the REAL family from the Sound of Music). This is such a great spot for kids. They have tons of farm animals like highland cattle and sheep. Stowe is famously known for its crowds this time of year, so if you want to avoid them, base yourself here, take in the incredible views, and go on hikes directly on the property.

    Stay at the Trapp family lodge (owned by the REAL family from the Sound of Music). They have tons of farm animals like highland cattle and sheep. There’s a beer hall, bakery, and even hiking trails on the property—so you can avoid the crowds in town. It’s also located near the Smuggler’s Notch mountain pass.

    End your trip by driving back to Boston and spending a couple of days exploring one of the most historic (and kid-friendly) cities in America!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    #newengland #autumn

    730 26
    Open
    The Ultimate Fall Foliage Itinerary for New England (toddler edition)! 🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• We flew in and out of Boston — and you’ll need to rent a car. This trip involves a lot of driving! @Expedia is my go-to resource for travel— you can rent your car, book activities, and find amazing accommodation for your own trip to New England! You can start your adventure in North Conway, in the white mountains of New Hampshire. This cute town is home to the Conway Scenic railway and is a great base to explore some of the best leaf peeping in the area. You’ll want to book tickets for Flume Gorge months in advance—it’s a kid-friendly hike but still 2.2 miles and I definitely regretted not bringing a hiking carrier for Ollie. Head out EARLY to drive the 34-mile Kancamagus Scenic Byway—there are tons of spots to stop along the byway, but we loved Sabbaday Falls for a short hike with big reward. Next up, head to Woodstock, Vermont, and check into Woodstock Inn. This hotel sells out almost a full year in advance during foliage season, so plan ahead. Don’t miss a maple creamy from Woodstock Scoops or a visit to Billings Farm. The entire drive through Vermont is SO beautiful. On your way to the town of Stowe, stop for some apple picking, and don’t miss Hollow Cider for cider donuts. Stay at the Trapp family lodge (owned by the REAL family from the Sound of Music). This is such a great spot for kids. They have tons of farm animals like highland cattle and sheep. Stowe is famously known for its crowds this time of year, so if you want to avoid them, base yourself here, take in the incredible views, and go on hikes directly on the property. Stay at the Trapp family lodge (owned by the REAL family from the Sound of Music). They have tons of farm animals like highland cattle and sheep. There’s a beer hall, bakery, and even hiking trails on the property—so you can avoid the crowds in town. It’s also located near the Smuggler’s Notch mountain pass. End your trip by driving back to Boston and spending a couple of days exploring one of the most historic (and kid-friendly) cities in America! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #newengland #autumn
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