9 Best The United States Towns For A Weekend Trip
Are you looking for an escape from the big city this weekend? With its massive size and highly diverse landscapes and cultures, the United States is a country where fun and unique small towns can be found at every corner. Whether you are on the East Coast or situated in the deserts of the Southwest, there are places to see and things to do, regardless of where you are. From highly rated accommodations to gorgeous nearby parks and attractions, these nine communities are great stops along a trip or the main destination themselves. Read on and see what adventure may lie ahead of you this weekend.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg is a standout weekend destination in the Texas Hill Country between San Antonio and Austin. Renowned for its unique blend of German heritage, wineries, and natural beauty, it is an excellent place to escape big city life for a day or two. This town’s historic Main Street is home to a collection of maintained 19th-century buildings, many of which house locally-owned shops and authentic German eateries, including bakeries, breweries, and restaurants. Head to the Fredericksburg Brewing Company for a cold one and some traditional German eats. In town, hotels like the Peach Tree Inn & Suites offer cozy and affordable accommodations just steps from Main Street.
Wine lovers may be surprised to find Fredericksburg’s surrounding area a top-tier growing region, with dozens of award-winning wineries and tasting rooms along Highway 290, also known as the Wine Road. Visitors can explore the Pioneer Museum to learn about Fredericksburg’s founding or tour the National Museum of the Pacific War, a comprehensive World War II history center. For outdoor adventure, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is just a short drive away. This park’s massive pink granite dome features hiking trails that conclude at the top with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is a quintessential southern coastal town with a long-standing history and natural beauty, making it an excellent choice for a weekend escape from nearby Charleston. Its downtown area has been designated a National Historic Landmark District and features a huge collection of well-preserved homes from the antebellum era. One of which is the storied John Mark Verdier House Museum. Another historic landmark worth checking out is the Parish Church of St. Helena, established in 1712.
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park provides a serene space to enjoy views of the Beaufort River, often dotted with sailboats and other boaters drifting by. For a more immersive outdoor experience, Hunting Island State Park is a short drive away and offers clean beaches, maritime forests, and a historic lighthouse that you can climb for a top-notch coastline view. Beaufort’s dining scene highlights Lowcountry flavors, with local seafood and Southern-inspired dishes served at beloved establishments like Saltus River Grill and Old Bull Tavern. To stay the night, the Cuthbert House is a beautiful historic hotel near the waterfront downtown.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, often called the nation’s oldest city, is ideal for a weekend steeped in history, architecture, and coastal charm. Founded in 1565, it is the oldest European settlement in the United States. It features centuries-old landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, a formidable Spanish stone fort overlooking Matanzas Bay. Strolling down St. George Street, you will undoubtedly encounter a lively mix of more historic sites, mom-and-pop shops, and other amenities housed in colonial-era buildings.
For a more unique experience, the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum allows visitors to ascend its spiral staircase for panoramic views of the town and coastline. The town’s coastal setting appeals to all, not just history fans. The serene waters of Anastasia State Park, for example, are just minutes away, offering pristine beaches, nature trails, and opportunities for kayaking or paddleboarding. St. Augustine is home to numerous hotels, inns, and resorts, with reliable chains like Best Western, Holiday Inn, and Hilton, all conveniently located downtown.
Healdsburg, California
Healdsburg, located in the heart of California's Sonoma County wine country, about an equal distance from both San Francisco and Sacramento, offers an exceptional weekend getaway with its world-class vineyards, renowned dining scene, and a small-town atmosphere. Wine enthusiasts can explore nearby wineries like Dry Creek Vineyard or Rodney Strong, which are known for their Zinfandels and Pinot Noirs. Healdsburg’s culinary reputation is equally impressive. Restaurants such as SingleThread, a three-Michelin-starred destination, and local favorite Valette showcase the region’s commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
For a more active outdoor outing, cycling tours through the scenic Russian River Valley and kayaking along the Russian River are popular. Nature lovers will also appreciate the rolling landscapes of the nearby Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, perfect for a morning hike. If you're looking to stay for more than a day, Hotel Healdsburg is wonderful accommodation right in the heart of town.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is a vibrant high-desert town and is also one of the oldest towns in America, having been inhabited by natives for hundreds of years prior to European settlement. This unique and fascinating history has led to it being one of the most popular towns in the country to visit for history lovers. Also known for its gorgeous scenery, Taos is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande Gorge, offering ample opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities, including hot air ballooning.
One of Taos’ most iconic landmarks is Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of North America's oldest continuously inhabited communities. You can take guided tours to learn about its deep cultural and historical significance. For those seeking relaxation, Taos’ hot springs provide a tranquil retreat. Meanwhile, the town’s food scene highlights regional New Mexican flavors, with dishes like green chile stew and tamales available at local favorites like Lambert’s or Ranchos Plaza Grill. One can also spend the night at a Pueblo-style hotel, such as the Hotel La Fonda de Taos.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is the ultimate destination in New England for an escape to the coast, exemplified by its proximity to the iconic Acadia National Park. Located on Mount Desert Island, the town is the main gateway to some of Maine’s most breathtaking scenery. Be sure to hike one of Acadia’s trails, drive the iconic Park Loop Road, or catch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain—the first place in the United States to see daylight during certain times of the year.
The downtown area of this small town features a bustling collection of shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants, where you can enjoy some of the best freshly caught lobster or traditional clam chowder in the world. The Shore Path, a scenic walk along Frenchman Bay, provides picturesque views of rocky coastlines, bobbing sailboats, and the Porcupine Islands, a perfect place to catch a sunset after a meal in town. Whale-watching tours and kayaking excursions are other popular activities in Bar Harbor and depart regularly from the harbor, offering a closer look at the region’s marine life. Bar Harbor has much in the way of accommodations, with a huge selection of quaint inns and hotels located downtown, like the Acadia Hotel and The Inn on Mount Desert.
Hood River, Oregon
Hood River is an outdoor adventurer's dream and an idyllic destination for a weekend trip in the Pacific Northwest. Nestled along the Columbia River Gorge, a short drive east of Portland, this town is renowned for its jaw-dropping natural beauty and access to year-round recreation. Here, you can hike to breathtaking waterfalls, such as Multnomah Falls or Wahclella Falls, or explore the scenic Fruit Loop, a 35-mile driving or cycling route dotted with orchards, vineyards, breweries, and farm stands.
Hood River’s location at the banks of the Columbia River also makes it one of the best places in the world for windsurfing and kiteboarding, with equipment rentals and lessons readily available. If hiking or landscape photography is more your jam, then Mount Hood, the tallest (and arguably the most beautiful) peak in Oregon, is a quick trip south of Hood River.
While in town, don’t miss a visit to Full Sail Brewing or Ferment Brewing Company to enjoy a pint made with local ingredients while soaking in views of the nearby river. It is easy to extend your stay in Hood River, too, with accommodations like the Hood River Hotel, which is conveniently located near the center of downtown.
Harbor Springs, Michigan
Located along the shores of Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs is among the best places to go for a weekend escape into the wilds of northern Michigan. On the way here, try to travel along the Tunnel of Trees, a scenic drive along M-119 lined with dense forests and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Once you arrive, you can enjoy water activities like boating, paddling in the bay, or swimming at nearby beaches.
In the heart of Harbor Springs, the downtown area has all that you need for a weekend trip, including outdoor outfitters, restaurants, and hotels like the Colonial Inn. The area is also home to a nice selection of lakeside resorts and other kinds of accommodations, like Otis Harbor Springs just north of town or The Highlands at Harbor Springs, a little more inland. Harbor Springs is also rich in history. For history enthusiasts, The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum, housed in a historic building, provides insight into the region’s Native American heritage. Across the street, the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society is also worth a visit for history buffs.
Saratoga Springs, New York
Sitting in upstate New York, about a 3.5-hour drive directly north of New York City, Saratoga Springs draws many with its healing mineral springs, horse racing venues, and other intriguing attractions. Perhaps most famous for the Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest thoroughbred racetracks in the United States, this town is a hotspot for equestrian culture. Visitors here should take in a race during the summer months or explore the track’s history at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Nearby, The Brunswick at Saratoga is a great three-star accommodation in which to spend the night.
Beyond horse racing, Saratoga Springs is renowned for its natural springs, which have drawn visitors seeking their therapeutic waters for centuries. Saratoga Spa State Park is home to several of these mineral springs, where you can indulge in spa treatments or simply relax in the park’s lush woodlands. The scenery is breathtaking in New York's famous fall season as the leaves turn into a rainbow of brilliant colors. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) hosts various cultural events that are worth experiencing, including performances by the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Experience the Ultimate Weekend Trip in America
Whether you're drawn to the coastal sights of Bar Harbor, the scenic landscapes of Hood River, or a unique cultural experience in the heart of America at Fredericksburg, these destinations promise a fulfilling weekend escape from city life. Are any of these towns near you? Although this list is limited, every state has its own gems, from Rocky Mountain towns in Colorado to friendly communities on the Great Plains. Wherever you are, you can explore the best America has to offer this weekend in all corners of the nation.
