6 US Cities Perfect for a Weekend Vacation
When you’re aching for a weekend vacation, you want to travel to a place that has it all. Without breaking the bank, you want a weekend adventure you’ll never forget. We’ve got you. Check out the following six cities for your next spontaneous weekend adventure.
1. Visit Fort Lauderdale, Florida
For a weekend getaway that feels like a mini beach vacation, look no further than Fort Lauderdale, a southeastern coastal city boasting many beaches, boating canals, and a promenade lined with luxury boutiques filled with all of your beach bag essentials, restaurants, and so much more.
You can also visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, see the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and visit the Museum of Discovery and Science. Find flights to Fort Lauderdale and get ahead of the crowds before the summer.
2. Visit Rochester, New York
For a Northeastern destination with an impeccable Fall season, head to Rochester, New York. You’ll enjoy one of the East Coast’s best public markets, be in close proximity to one of the world’s most prestigious music schools, The Eastman School of Music, and have your pick of cozy coffeehouses and restaurants.
If you visit during the summer, head thirty minutes out to Seabreeze, an amusement and waterpark for all ages. Get lunch at Crescent Beach and stop for ice cream back home at Abbott’s Frozen Custard, a local chain with nearly any milkshake and ice cream flavor you can think of.
3. Visit Cayucos, California
Head to this hidden paradise located off the Pacific Coast Highway on California’s central coast. Cayucos offers the perfect beach escape for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and a quiet small-town charm.
In Cayucos, you’ll find sand dollars by the dozen on the shoreline, family-owned coffee shops and juice bars, and, for the clairvoyants and psychics out there, antique shops with tarot cards. For fine dining, head over to Lunada Garden Bistro for seafood pasta dishes and local California wine.
4. Visit Charleston, South Carolina
From cobblestone streets to King Street’s sprawling display of shops, restaurants, and bars, there’s always something to do in this charming southern city. Hospitality is essential to residents, so do strike up a conversation with a local and get to know the city.
Winter looks dreamy with old-fashioned gas lanterns and historic buildings framing the streets. In the summertime, take a sunset water cruise on one of Schooner Pride Sailing’s charter boats.
5. Visit New Orleans, Louisiana
Weekend getaways were made for New Orleans. When you just don’t know what to do with your life, head to the French Quarter, eat some French-Cajun cuisine, grab a cocktail at one of the jazz bars, and revel in the live music that roams the streets on the regular.
For a more detailed look at the city, take a swamp and bayou tour or head to Bywater and take in the eclectic mix of Haitian-influenced art, including murals at practically every corner.
6. Visit Albuquerque, New Mexico
From rainbow-colored fences to artisan Native American shops, Albuquerque is a one-of-a-kind weekend adventure. Tribal history runs deep in this city, with The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center providing history lessons and exhibits to get you up to speed.
You can also admire adobe buildings, attend balloon fiestas, and go fishing at Tingley Beach. Want a fun way to get around? Hop on the Sandia Peak Tramway and get a bird’s-eye-view of the city.
The Big Idea
To catch up on some much-needed rest and relaxation and to explore new territory all in one weekend, consider the above six cities as your go-to weekend getaway destinations. They’re waiting for you.
