7 Perfect Destinations For A Long Weekend In The United States
You deserve a break. A weekend to reset, relax, and refresh. You can do all three in these charming small towns where a couple of days can add up to a lot of new adventures and memories. From the sun-drenched coast of California to the mountains of Colorado and from the lakes of Michigan to the coast of Maine, there is something for everyone in the perfect destinations where you can spend a day climbing the highest peak on the Eastern Seaboard, saying hi to a pod of whales, or taking a trolley tour around the nation’s oldest city. Make room in your schedule for a long weekend away — take the family, plan a solo trip, or surprise a special someone. Just start packing!
Harbor Springs, Michigan
Harbor Springs in northern Michigan sits on the north side of Little Traverse Bay and has the deepest freshwater harbor in the Great Lakes. Stay just steps from the water at the award-winning Colonial Inn. This historic property was created in 1894 and has been a beloved Lake Michigan getaway ever since, offering upscale guest suites renovated in a turn-of-the-century style.
Main Street is just a short walk from the Inn, and there you will find plenty to keep you busy for the day. Start at Hanni Gallery to browse their selection of handmade pottery, jewelry, and other crafts from local artists. Head east on Main to see the Shay House, a unique hexagonal home built in 1892 and recently transformed into the Ephraim Shay Innovation Museum. Nearby is the Andrew J Blackbird Museum. Blackbird was a prominent activist and a leader of the Odawa people in the 1800s. The museum is built on the site of his former home and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
On your second day in Harbor Springs, head outdoors to explore the beautiful natural environment around Lake Michigan. Take the famous Tunnel of Trees drive, a 20-mile scenic route that follows the M119 as it winds along the lakeshore. The drive is especially stunning in fall when the foliage is alive with vibrant autumnal color. Back in town, book a boat tour with Stafford’s Pointer Boat, which offers gentle cruises along the shore and past historic sites and landmarks. If you would rather explore the water on your own, rent a kayak or a paddleboard and splash about in the calm waters of Little Traverse Bay.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Located on beautiful Mount Desert Island off the coast of Maine, Bar Harbor has been a resort town for over a century, and its appeal is obvious. This cozy island community is known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited parks in the country.
Inside Acadia, you will find over 100 miles of hiking trails from which you can explore the rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and towering peaks. The park is home to Cadillac Mountain. If you are an early riser, make sure to get there before dawn — this is the highest peak on the Eastern seaboard and the first place in North America to see the sunrise. To see the best of the park in a few hours, take the 27-mile Park Loop Road, which meanders around the eastern side of the island and showcases its best natural features.
Bar Harbor is known as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. It's a short boat ride from the docks to the whales’ feeding grounds in the Gulf of Maine. There is lots of other marine life to see here, too. Take a seal-watching cruise or go lobster fishing to catch your own dinner.
Given Bar Harbor’s long history as a welcoming resort community, it’s no wonder there are plenty of charming accommodations to choose from. For a historic retreat that takes you back in time, book a room at Holbrook House, a renovated Victorian mansion dating back to 1876 that offers rooms, suites, and a private 2-bedroom cottage.
Breckenridge, Colorado
If you fancy an outdoorsy weekend amid jaw-dropping alpine scenery, head for the Colorado mountain town of Breckenridge. This historic hamlet was founded in 1859 by prospectors and is now a popular ski and hiking destination.
Historic Main Street is packed with reminders of the Gold Rush era. Hop aboard the free downtown trolley to explore and stop by attractions, including the Breckenridge Welcome Center Museum, which tells the story of the town through interactive exhibits, and the Barney Ford Museum, which honors the life of local civil rights activist Barney Ford.
You can’t come to Breckenridge without exploring the mountains. There are hundreds of scenic hiking trails around town featuring alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and cascading waterfalls. The mile-long Sawmill Creek Trail is an accessible hike for all abilities, following the path of the creek as it winds through a picturesque ravine and up to the shores of a shallow lake. In winter, the five peaks surrounding the town provide the perfect powder for skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding. For something a little different, try a dog sledding tour or the Breckenridge Nordic Center scenic cat tour.
The Fireside Inn, a cozy Bed and Breakfast in the heart of town, provides convenient lodging for those who want to stick around town. If you are heading for the hills, you may want to stay at the full-service Beaver Run Mountain Resort, which offers a spa, hot tub, chairlift, and free town shuttle.
St Augustine, Florida
Historic St Augustine isn’t just the oldest city in Florida. It’s the oldest city in the entire nation. Founded in 1565, this is a fascinating town, heavily influenced by early European colonists, with remnants of its heritage in its pretty architecture and attractions.
Take an Old Town Trolley Tour to journey through the heart of the town’s historic district, passing 22 hop-on-hop-off stops, including the old jail, the oldest house in town, and the legendary St Augustine Distillery. The tour also includes admission to the St Augustine History Museum.
St Augustine is rich with military history and home to several key landmarks, including Castillo de San Marcos. Constructed over three centuries ago, this is the oldest masonry fort in the Continental United States and is open for self-guided tours and cannon firing demonstrations. The castle is just a short stroll from Fort Mose, the site of the first legally-sanctioned free African American settlement and a National Historic Landmark.
St Augustine sits on the shores of the Matanzas River, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Its pretty waterfront offers both historical points of interest and beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine. Enjoy stunning views over the water at the Bayfront Westcott House, a luxury bed and breakfast with upscale guest suites, each done in its own eclectic style.
Bisbee, Arizona
A former Arizona mining town, Bisbee can trace its history back to 1877 when army scouts found mineral deposits in the Mule Mountains and set up camp. Today, the town’s well-preserved historic district, beautiful mountain surroundings, and quaint charm have made it a popular destination for weekend getaways and longer breaks.
Walking around Old Bisbee, you will see some unusual features. Look out for the heritage Bisbee Stairs, a set of concrete steps that cling to the canyon, which gives miners access to the hillside homes built around the settlement. There are around 33,000 individual stairs in 350 staircases in the old town. The Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, gives visitors more information on the origins of the town, but you can also experience it firsthand with the Copper Queen Mining Tour, which descends 1,500 feet into the mine on a special train.
Bisbee is also known locally as an important arts hub. There are quite a few galleries around town, where you can shop for souvenirs, including 55 Main Gallery, which specializes in contemporary art, and the Artemizia Foundation, a museum, gallery, and sculpture garden in the historic district. Be sure to check out the outdoor art on display at the Broadway Stairs Art Gallery, a wall of prints beautifying the sides of Old Bisbee buildings.
Get more history by staying at the Inn at Castle Rock, which has been operating since 1895. Located at the foot of Castle Rock, this beautifully restored hotel was built over the Apache Springs Well, and the spring still flows today in the Inn’s gift shop!
Fairhope, Alabama
A pretty coastal town on Alabama’s Mobile Bay, Fairhope is an inviting small town with beautiful scenery and a walkable downtown. Enjoy a relaxing stroll downtown in the French Quarter, where you will find busy boutiques, colorful cafes, and cobblestone streets. Grab a tasty beignet from local favorite Panini Pete’s, or try their legendary Muffuletta panini as you sit and watch the world go by.
To see the beautiful waters of the bay, head to the Fairhope Pier. This area includes a 0.25-mile pier, a rose garden, a picnic area, walking trails, and a marina. The marina is where you can book a fishing charter and try catching some of Mobile Bay’s speckled trout, redfish, flounder, or tarpon. After a busy day sightseeing, take time to pamper yourself at the luxurious Grand Hotel, an expansive golf resort and spa with beautiful grounds and stunning views over the water.
Avalon, California
Avalon is the only city on Catalina Island, off the coast of California. The town is located on the southeast end of the island, overlooking Avalon Bay, and is accessible via high-speed ferry from the mainland. This is where you come when you want to get away from it all. Avalon is a beachy paradise where you can spend a day swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling before wandering into the historic Spanish-style streets for a bite to eat or a sundowner cocktail.
If you are feeling brave, try the Catalina Aerial Adventure at Descanso Canyon, where you can climb and swing among a grove of tall eucalyptus trees, seeing the California scenery from a rope bridge suspended in the canopy. Take a two-hour Bison Expedition to journey into the island’s interior and meet some of its wilder residents while learning about the local ecology of this diverse landscape. Back in town, go sightseeing and explore sites, including the 1864 Civil War Barracks and the beautiful Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens.
For real island luxury, reserve a suite at Catalina Island’s boutique hotel, Mt Ada, the former home of William Wrigley Jr and his wife, Ada. For something a little homier, head to the Banning House Lodge, a historic Bed and Breakfast Inn with sweeping views over the Isthmus and Catalina Harbors.
A Weekend Getaway You Will Never Forget
Whether you are planning a romantic couples weekend away, a much-needed break to recharge, a family trip, or just getting out of town, these perfect destinations have everything you need for an unforgettable weekend getaway. Explore a national park, hit the beach, wander around historic downtowns, take a spa day in the mountains, and head out on the water — who needs the hustle and bustle of a big city when you can make your own adventure in America’s charming small communities?
