Last Minute Weekend Getaways & Cheap Vacations
Top last minute packages & ideas include resorts in Hawaii, Florida, Texas and other great destinations.
Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t overthink. These last-minute weekend getaways (from ocean breezes on the East Coast to pine-scented mountain towns in the West) reminded me that spontaneity has a way of opening doors. I didn’t plan everything. I didn’t book weeks ahead. But I showed up, followed my curiosity, and found something better than expected. It struck me that ease can be its own kind of luxury.
Best Last Minute Weekend Getaways
Waking up with the waves in Jamestown, Rhode Island (East Coast)
We didn’t plan much, just packed a bag and drove. By the time we reached Jamestown, the wind had picked up and the sun was stretching long across the water. It felt like we’d slipped through a side door into calm. “Let’s not do anything for a while,” I said, and my husband smiled. We didn’t need to.
We walked through town with no destination, just following narrow streets and the sound of flags flapping softly on front porches. Later, we stood at Beavertail State Park, waves hitting the rocks below in slow, even breaths. The lighthouse stood behind us, and the horizon in front seemed wider than we remembered. I reached for his hand without thinking.
What I Loved Most: The way Jamestown gave us time, not just to rest, but to feel like ourselves again. Together, with no pressure and no noise.
My highlights? Brunch at Slice of Heaven. I had eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and herbed hollandaise, served on a biscuit so soft it almost fell apart. The salmon was rich and silky, the sauce lemony and warm. It smelled like butter, fresh herbs, and comfort. We ate by the window, sunlight catching the silverware just right.
A downside? The quiet coastal charm was lovely, but the small size meant limited dining and nightlife. After one evening, I found myself heading into Newport for more variety.
Plan your Jamestown trip:
- Drive Time from Providence: ~45 minutes south
- Vibe: Coastal, quiet, gently elegant
- Best For: Couples needing a break without the bustle, ocean views, fresh air, and time to talk
- Lodging: Waterside inns, cozy rentals, quiet B&Bs near town
- Dining: Slice of Heaven, Jamestown Fish, local cafés and bakeries
- Activities: Beavertail State Park, village walks, slow drives along the shore
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall for open skies and easy walking weather
Finding fresh air and flavor in Cambria, California (West Coast)
Cambria wasn’t on my original list, it was a spontaneous detour along Highway 1. But as I pulled into town and saw the mist hugging the pine-lined coast, I knew I needed to stay. I wandered Moonstone Beach that evening, toes in the sand, fog rolling in like a blanket. At that moment, I realized this was the kind of beauty that didn’t need a filter, or a plan.
What I Loved Most: The way the light changes every hour, from blue-gray mornings to golden, glowing sunsets over the cliffs.
My highlights? A cozy dinner at Robin’s Restaurant. I had the Thai green curry with fresh vegetables and jasmine rice, followed by a slice of homemade carrot cake. Comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully unexpected.
The only drawback? I loved the rugged coastlines, but fog often rolled in during summer mornings, hiding the views I came to see. Patience was required for the skies to clear.
Last Minute Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Los Angeles: ~4 hours north
- Vibe: Quiet, coastal, romantic-but-chill
- Highlights: Moonstone Beach, art galleries, garden cafés
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for smaller crowds and foggy mornings
- Cost: Affordable B&Bs, scenic hiking is free
- Hours: Most shops and eateries 10am–8pm
Unplugging in Madison, Wisconsin (Midwest)
I arrived in Madison just before a summer thunderstorm rolled in. The sky turned steel gray over the lake, and it felt electric in the best way. By the time the rain cleared, the town came alive, farmers’ markets, street musicians, and kayakers slipping across the water. It struck me that this city felt both grounded and free, like a college town that grew up but never got too serious.
What I Loved Most: The lakeside trails, the Capitol Square energy, and the scent of lilacs blooming all over town.
My highlights? Lunch at Graze near the Capitol, I had the bibimbap rice bowl with local veggies and a poached egg, paired with a cold brew from the tap. Delicious, casual, and distinctly Madison.
One challenge? The lakefront and downtown energy were great, but summer humidity made long walks sticky and uncomfortable. I had to plan breaks indoors to cool down.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Chicago: ~2.5 hours northwest
- Vibe: Youthful, lakeside, eco-conscious
- Highlights: Kayaking, farmers' markets, lakeside biking
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
- Cost: Budget-friendly eats, affordable boutique hotels
- Hours: Markets open early; trail access all day
Desert calm and starry skies in Sedona, Arizona (Southwest)
Red rock towers stood still against the blue sky in Sedona while I stood below. I was trying to take in every hue, every line, every quiet pulse of the desert. I hiked early, when the light was soft and the air felt charged with possibility. I couldn’t help but feel like this place had its own heartbeat, and I’d finally slowed down enough to hear it.
What I Loved Most: The stillness. Even surrounded by other hikers, it felt like I had the whole canyon to myself.
My highlights? Post-hike brunch at Coffee Pot Restaurant. I had their signature Southwest omelet (green chiles, avocado, jack cheese) with salsa and a fluffy biscuit. It was the kind of meal you remember days later, not just because of the food, but because of how right it felt in that moment.
A downside? The red rock scenery was unforgettable, but the popularity showed. I thought that parking at trailheads was scarce. And prices for lodging were steep even last minute.
Travel Tips for Sedona:
- Drive Time from Phoenix: ~2 hours north
- Vibe: Spiritual, scenic, grounding
- Highlights: Red rock hikes, vortex sites, starry nights
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild temps
- Cost: Free trails, low-cost day passes
- Hours: Parks open sunrise to sunset
Los Angeles: Viewpoints, Surfboards & Secrets After Dark
I stood on our balcony at Hotel Angeleno, the city spread out in every direction, hazy skyline to the east, ocean air drifting in from the west. “This is the kind of city where every direction leads to something unexpected,” I thought, watching the Getty Center glow in the distance.
Our weekend in LA wove together cliffside views, crashing waves and perfectly plated pastag.
What I Loved Most: That mix of grit and polish, surf lessons by sunrise, polished cocktails by night, with a few surprises tucked in between. LA never shows you all of itself at once.
My highlights? We started one morning with Aloha Brothers Surf Lessons in Venice Beach. The wetsuit clung tight, the board slippery with salt and foam. I fell hard, laughed harder, and caught one clean wave that made me feel unstoppable.
Later, we changed and headed to Culina Modern Italian inside the Four Seasons. I ordered the saffron risotto with seared scallops, the scent of the broth was floral and warm, like the kitchen itself had exhaled. The scallops were golden at the edges, soft in the center, and the plate didn’t last long.
That evening, we dressed up and headed to The Murder Mystery Company. We stepped into a dim room of suspects, secrets, and side-eyes. Everyone was in character, including us. The story unraveled between bites of dinner and bursts of laughter, half immersive theater, half dinner party, all fun.
Before heading back to the hotel, we stopped at Frogtown Brewery for a casual nightcap. I skipped the alcohol but loved the mellow energy, twinkling lights, soft music, and couples playing cards at picnic tables by the water. It felt like a secret locals kept to themselves.
The only drawback? There was no shortage of things to do, but traffic ate up far too much of my time. I learned to pad my schedule to account for that.
Plan your Los Angeles getaway:
- Vibe: Urban contrast, coastal mornings, cultured afternoons, and surprise-filled nights
- Highlights: Hotel Angeleno's panoramic views, beginner surf lessons with Aloha Brothers, upscale Italian at Culina, interactive theater at The Murder Mystery Company, and laid-back hangs at Frogtown Brewery
- Best Time to Visit: March–May or September–November for pleasant weather and lighter traffic
- Cost: Surf lessons from ~$125/person, Culina entrees ~$30–$50, Hotel Angeleno rooms from ~$200–$300/night
- Getting Around: A car helps, but Uber or Lyft works well for day-to-night transitions
Ocean breezes and old-town charm in St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine felt like walking through a living storybook, cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and that sweet mix of salt air and history. I wandered without direction, ducking into candlelit wine bars and hidden courtyards. What struck me most was how the city felt old and young at the same time, timeless, but never tired.
What I Loved Most: Watching the sunset from the Castillo de San Marcos lawn, waves crashing below and church bells echoing in the distance.
My highlights? A casual lunch at The Floridian, where I had their famous cornmeal-fried shrimp po’boy with house pickles and fried green tomatoes. Local, flavorful, and full of Florida soul.
A downside? I loved the history and cobblestone streets, but the summer heat and humidity left me drained after just a few hours of walking. I plan to go in the fall next time.
Last Minute Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Jacksonville: ~1 hour south
- Vibe: Coastal, romantic, relaxed
- Highlights: Historic sites, beaches, live music
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or early spring for fewer crowds
- Cost: Budget motels available, free walking tours
- Hours: Downtown and beaches open daily
Yemassee, South Carolina: Oaks, Silence, and the Long Way Home
We hadn’t meant to stop (we were headed somewhere else) but something about the way the trees leaned over the road made me tap the brakes. Yemassee felt like the kind of place you pass through slowly, and this time, we didn’t pass. We stayed. “Let’s give it a day,” I said to my husband. One day turned into two.
We drove with the windows down, the scent of pine and warm pavement drifting in. Old churches, fields gone soft at the edges, train tracks stretching on, we let the quiet wrap around us. Later, we walked beneath mossy oaks near the old Sheldon Church ruins. The stillness there was complete, almost sacred. I stood beneath one crumbling archway and thought, “This is why we don’t rush.”
What I Loved Most: The stillness, not empty but full of presence, land, history, and a rhythm that moved slower than anything we’d left behind.
My highlights? Breakfast at Harold’s Country Club. I had a biscuit sandwich with sausage and egg, served on a paper plate with a smile. The biscuit was soft and buttery, the sausage peppery and hot. It smelled like griddle heat and country mornings, and I ate every bite without saying a word.
One challenge? For vacationers who need a diverse range of things to do to hold their attention, Yemassee would be best as a half day visit.
Plan your Yemassee trip:
- Drive Time from Charleston: ~1.5 hours southwest
- Vibe: Rural, historic, unrushed
- Best For: Couples looking to wander off-course, reflect, and reconnect under quiet skies
- Lodging: Nearby inns, Lowcountry guest houses, Beaufort or Bluffton as overnight hubs
- Dining: Harold’s Country Club, local barbecue joints, gas-station cafés
- Activities: Old Sheldon Church Ruins, scenic drives, antique stops, birdwatching
- Best Time to Visit: March to May or October for mild days and fewer bugs
Broomfield, Colorado: Blue Skies and Breathing Room
We didn’t come for anything big. We just needed space, and Broomfield gave it to us. Wide streets, quiet parks, and that pale Colorado sky stretching out in every direction. I remember looking up and saying, “I didn’t realize how much I missed open air.” My husband just nodded because we both felt it.
We walked on the trails at Carolyn Holmberg Preserve, a hidden gem worth exploring.
The water was still, the grass gold at the edges. There weren’t crowds or noise, just a soft wind and the hum of crickets in the tall grass. Later, we watched the sun set over the Flatirons from a bench near the reservoir. It didn’t need to be dramatic. It was steady.
What I Loved Most: The sense of pause. Not remote, not touristy, just a town with room to slow down and breathe deep.
My highlights? Brunch at The Early Bird. I had a skillet with chorizo, sweet potatoes, and scrambled eggs, topped with cotija and avocado. It smelled like warm spice and citrus. The sweet potatoes were caramelized just right, and I cleaned my plate without a word. We sat in a sunlit booth with nothing on the agenda but coffee refills.
A downside? The location between Denver and Boulder was convenient, but it lacked its own identity. You may end up driving into nearby cities for things to do.
Plan your Broomfield weekend getaway:
- Drive Time from Denver: ~30 minutes northwest
- Vibe: Suburban calm with mountain edges
- Best For: Couples who want light nature, local flavor, and breathing room between Boulder and Denver
- Lodging: Comfortable hotels, short-term rentals, nearby mountain-view stays
- Dining: The Early Bird, Infinitus Pie, Go Fish Sushi
- Activities: Carolyn Holmberg Preserve, Broomfield Commons, scenic drives, easy access to Boulder trails
- Best Time to Visit: September to early November for cool mornings and golden fields
Brooklyn Layers & Light
This last-minute getaway to visit my in-laws who live in Brooklyn started with brunch at Café Mogador Williamsburg, where the air smelled like cinnamon and mint tea. After shakshuka and house-made bread, we wandered without a plan, and that was the point.
At Emma’s Torch, a mission-driven restaurant in Carroll Gardens, we talked with our server about the training program behind the food. The lamb was perfect, but the story stayed with me longer.
In DUMBO, we sat beneath the Manhattan Bridge at Bargemusic, listening to chamber music as the East River lapped against the barge. Then we browsed the FAD Market and Brooklyn Flea. I admired ceramics, textiles, old typewriters, and walked out with nothing but a tote full of tiny, perfect things.
Brooklyn Historical Society offered us air-conditioning and a quiet afternoon of perspective, while BKLYN Larder gave us a small picnic: fig jam, cheddar, and a crusty baguette on a bench.
That evening, we caught a short film at the Brooklyn Film Festival, then stopped by BRIC Arts Media where the crowd spilled out onto the sidewalk, and a DJ kept everyone there a little longer. We ended with a free walk through Fort Greene with Free Tours by Foot, history and rhythm stitched into every block.
Brooklyn didn’t ask us to plan. It asked us to notice.
The only drawback? Brooklyn is full of energy and culture, but last minute stays are not cheap. Whenever I decide to visit my sister-in-law, I need to do a lot of digging to find a great deal on a room.
Plan your Brooklyn trip:
- Café Mogador Williamsburg – Moroccan brunch & laid-back charm
- Emma’s Torch – Nonprofit restaurant training refugees through food
- Bargemusic – Classical music on a floating barge in DUMBO
- FAD Market & Brooklyn Flea – Artisanal finds, handmade goods, and antiques
- Brooklyn Historical Society – Local stories and architectural beauty
- BKLYN Larder – Small-batch groceries and perfect cheese plates
- Brooklyn Film Festival – Independent films from around the world
- BRIC Arts Media – Art, music, and community events
- Free Tours by Foot – Name-your-price walking tours with local flavor
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi: Porch Swings and Tides That Wait
We rolled into town just as the light was starting to stretch, low and warm over the rooftops. Bay St. Louis didn’t feel like a place you visit, it felt like a place you return to, even if you’ve never been. I stepped out of the car and said to my husband, “Let’s just let the day wander.” That’s exactly what we did.
We meandered through Old Town where pastel cottages leaned into each other and porch swings moved with the breeze. Later, we stood barefoot on the beach, the tide coming in slow and steady. The water didn’t rush here, nothing did. It smelled like salt and pine and something sweet rising from someone’s kitchen.
What I Loved Most: The way the town held onto stillness without feeling stuck. It knew how to pause, and it let us do the same.
My highlights? Breakfast at Mockingbird Café. I had a slice of quiche with roasted vegetables and cheddar, plus a cold brew with house-made vanilla syrup. The quiche was warm and earthy, the crust flaky and golden. It smelled like morning sun on hardwood floors, and I didn’t say much between bites.
A downside? I liked the artsy, laid-back vibe, but the small town quieted down early at night. After dinner, there wasn’t much happening beyond the shoreline strolls.
Plan your Bay St. Louis trip:
- Drive Time from New Orleans: ~1.5 hours east
- Vibe: Creative, coastal, quietly Southern
- Best For: Couples wanting beach walks, slow meals, and small-town charm
- Lodging: Historic inns, coastal cottages, art-filled B&Bs
- Dining: Mockingbird Café, Trapani’s Eatery, local seafood spots
- Activities: Beach time, local galleries, antique shops, walking the seawall
- Best Time to Visit: March to May or October for breezy, golden days
Conclusion
Each of these weekend escapes brought something different, salt air, starry skies, friendly faces, or a really good sandwich when I needed it most. They proved that travel doesn’t have to be far, fancy, or flawless to be meaningful. What stayed with me was how every place gave me a little more than I was looking for. Whether you’re chasing quiet or craving connection, there’s likely a last-minute adventure waiting just a few hours from home.
I also recommend: Last Minute Romantic Getaways and Last Minute Family Vacations.
