Want to make the most of that much-needed long weekend? You’d be surprised at the number of fantastic options for a fabulous three or four-day trip close to home, including these wonderful destinations.
Sedona, Arizona
Less than a two-hour drive north of Phoenix, there are few places on Earth where you’ll find a landscape as dramatically colorful as Sedona, with its towering, fiery red rocks and jagged sandstone buttes that are impressively striking against the nearly always bright blue skies. You’ll find plenty of things to do to keep your itinerary full, as it has been attracting artists and other creative types for decades, and it’s also a favorite destination for anyone looking for outdoor adventure, including hiking the more than 100 hiking trails that offer spectacular views, jeep tours, and even healing, with many arriving from all corners of the globe just to experience the swirling centers.
Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes region is easily accessible from many major cities, including New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and Toronto. An ideal destination for a long weekend, it’s renowned for its numerous pristine lakes that are spread like fingers across 9,000 square miles, as well as Thoreau-esque lakeside retreats that offer the chance to be surrounded by stunning scenery, and enjoy lots of outdoor adventure activities. In the summer months, you can get out on the water and play, and in autumn, simply relax and take in the brilliant fall foliage, or go for a hike for a more in-depth look. No matter what the weather, this area draws countless visitors with its many wineries and world-class vineyards that produce especially outstanding Rieslings, and it’s also home to a number of breweries and hard cider producers. In the local restaurants, look forward to dining on the many farm-to-table culinary delights.
New York City, New York
These days, no matter where you are in the country, you can get to New York City fairly quickly via a non-stop flight, though this is arguably the best option for those who can get here within reasonable driving time. Here, a multitude of fascinating attractions awaits, including Central Park, which is ideal for people watching or simply taking a stroll. You can also rent a boat at the Loeb Boathouse, visit the Central Park Zoo or explore the park on two wheels, pedaling to sights like Belvedere Castle and Strawberry Fields. After dark, take in the bright lights of Times Square, the cinematic epicenter of New York City tourism, with all of its twinkling neon lights. Other highlights include visiting the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building, exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the largest museum in the Western Hemisphere, and shopping everything from Fifth Avenue to the Brooklyn Flea, hosted at Fort Greene on Saturdays and Williamsburg on Sundays.
Mendocino, California
Mendocino is located just a few hours north of San Francisco, set atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific. If it looks familiar, that may be because it was the setting for the popular TV series, “Murder, She Wrote,” doubling as Cabot Cove, Maine due to its New England flavor. Here, you’ll find a wild coastline that’s reminiscent of Ireland and a charming town with magnificent architecture and a laid-back vibe. The downtown is lined with Victorian homes, numerous eateries, lovely B&Bs, a museum, book store, toy shop and unique boutiques. Mendocino Headlands State Park sits at the edge of town, where quiet trails lead to secluded coves and beaches that are perfect for watching the whales that pass by and the sea lions that lounge on the shore. One of your top options for romantic accommodations in the area is Alegria Oceanfront Inn & Cottages. This cozy and romantic Inn overlooking the beach offers visitors a prime location close to everything without sacrificing that feeling of intimacy.
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys, which stretch about 126 miles from the mainland to Key West, offer a Caribbean feel with plenty of family-friendly attractions to explore. Taking a drive south from Miami offers an amazing adventure of its own. Begin on the 18-mile stretch of Highway 1 from Homestead and Florida City through the Everglades, before continuing on into Key Largo, Islamorada and many other scenic isles, culminating at the last Key, Key West. At Key Largo, you can snorkel the only living coral reef in the nation at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and Big Pine Key is home to the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge, which houses the last remaining Key deer, tiny, knee-high endangered species that have learned to exist among the shallow bays. At Key West, you’ll find an endless array of shops and historic homes on Duval Street, along with legendary eateries and bars like Sloppy Joe’s and Rick’s Café. It also offers a wide range of activities on the water, including sunset cruises.
The Jersey Shore
No matter what the season, the Jersey Shore makes a great long weekend destination. In the winter, you can still enjoy the fabulous seafood eateries, bars and shopping, as well as playing arcade games. In the warmer months, you can enjoy the boardwalk in the Jersey Town of Wildwood, rated No. 1 for Destinations on the Rise in the U.S. It not only features a boardwalk but classic hotels from the 1950s and ‘60s along with arcades and an expansive, clean beach that’s famous for being one of the liveliest stretches of fun on the sand along the east coast.
Whidbey Island, Washington
Seattleites often head to Whidbey Island to decompress, as it’s located just a little over an hour north of the Emerald City. It’s famous for Deception Pass State Park, the most-visited state park in Washington, with picturesque coves, rugged cliffs, jaw-dropping sunsets and a breathtakingly high bridge. Langley is its most charming town, perched atop a bluff overlooking the dazzling waters of Saratoga Passage and the Cascade Mountains. Frequently named one of the Northwest’s best escapes, the peaceful streets are lined with historic buildings, book stores and antique shops as well as a number of outstanding cafes and eateries, including those whose chefs’ creations are made with island-grown ingredients. The seaside village also provides the opportunity to do everything from embarking on a whale watching trip and blowing glass to chatting with winemakers, artists and coffee roasters.
Estes Park, Colorado
Adjacent Rocky Mountain National Park with a wealth of activities and attractions of its own, Estes Park is an ideal long weekend getaway, just a 90-minute drive from Denver. Whether you venture inside the park or not, you’re sure to get a glimpse of a wide variety of wildlife, including elk and bighorn sheep, and you’ll have access to miles and miles of trails for scenic hikes. In town, there are art galleries to browse, unique items and souvenirs to purchase, and even an amusement park to play in. At the Family Amusement Park, kids and the kid-at-heart can ride a big slide, drive go-karts, play miniature golf or even bungee jump. If you want a very unique and unforgettable stay, book a room at the famous Stanley Hotel, a historic landmark for which author Stephen King based his novel, “The Shining.”
Chicago, Illinois
In the mood for culture? There are practically endless options in Chicago. Jazz fans can take advantage of an incredible music scene, which has thrived ever since Louis Armstrong first arrived back in the 1920s. Be sure to spend an evening at the Jazz Showcase, the second oldest jazz club in the world. There are also countless museums, galleries and theaters to experience. Of course, a visit to the Windy City wouldn’t be complete without exploring one of its most famous attractions, Michigan Avenue, AKA, The Magnificent Mile, which runs from the bridge that spans the Chicago River to its northern point at Oak Street. Be sure to wear your comfortable walking shoes and get ready to enjoy an entire day of shopping, eating, browsing art galleries, exploring the world-class museums and more.
Los Angeles, California
Looking for a girls’ weekend away? How about shopping and spa treatments in L.A.? Window shop Rodeo Drive, with its famous section running between Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, looking just like a film set. You’ll find plenty of tourists browsing among the more serious spenders on the $200-million European cobbled walkway Two Rodeo. While those very upscale shops are far too pricey for the average wallet, The Grove is a great place to actually spend some money and even spot a celebrity or two. The open-air mall features more than 50 stores, including Barney’s New York and Abercrombie & Fitch. But before you blow all of that cash, you might want to head to one of the many spas. After all, here, image is everything. You’ll have a wealth of options to choose from, like Enessa Wellness Spa on Melrose Avenue and Thibiant Beverly Hills Day Spa. At Eden By Eden Sassoon, you find some of the best in the biz for getting your hair, makeup and nails done, including the very highly-rated LA PAR, headed by Lisa Tran.
Baja California
While technically inside the borders of Mexico, Baja offers the chance to be as active, or as relaxed as you’d like. The sapphire-hued Sea of Cortez is ideal for diving, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing. In the winter months, watch out for migrating gray whales along the Pacific Coast. Cabo San Lucas, located at the peninsula’s southern tip, is a popular place for partying as well as activities like windsurfing, parasailing and hang gliding, but if you want a more tranquil experience, head to Todos Santos, about an hour’s drive away. One of the most charming towns in Baja, it offers a quirky mix of New Age spiritualists, surfers, artists and fisherman, as well as a world-class foodie scene, but it’s somehow managed to escape the rampant tourism of other towns in the region.
