1. Weekend Getaways - East Coast
East Coast travelers have many exciting choices when planning a last minute weekend getaway.
- From NYC: Take a quick trip to the Catskills or Hudson Valley for nature, hiking, and charming inns. Or explore beachy escapes like Montauk and the historic charm of Newport, RI.
- From Washington, D.C.: Enjoy affordable weekend getaways to Charlottesville, the Chesapeake Bay, Shenandoah National Park, or scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- All Along the East Coast: Discover relaxing retreats in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont. I like cozy inns, fall foliage and more.
- For a Three-Day Weekend: Book a quick flight to Florida’s beaches, or visit scenic North Carolina state parks and the beautiful South Carolina coastline.
2. Last Minute Vacations - West Coast
Whether you are looking for last minute romantic getaways or family road trip ideas, there is an abundance of options on the West Coast of the United States.
- Romantic or Family Getaways: The West Coast is rich with quick, scenic escapes ideal for couples or families. Think coastal road trips, mountain retreats, or relaxing wine country stays.
- California Deals: Find last-minute deals in coastal favorites like Monterey, artsy Cambria, upscale Carmel, and the Napa Valley.
- Oregon Escapes: Oregon offers cheap and scenic options like Eugene, Seaside, and Astoria.
- Washington Adventures: Discover Washington State islands, wine regions, and national parks.
3. Last Minute Trips & Weekend Getaways for Couples - Midwest
Midwest offers a selection of destinations and cheap vacation spots for families and couples looking for last minute getaways, including large cities, secluded island spots and quiet places for outdoor lovers.
- Explore Culture: Check out Milwaukee, Cleveland, Madison, or Wichita for art museums, historic sites, and cultural tours.
- Retreat to Nature: Book a Midwest offers a selection of destinations and cheap vacation spots for families and couples looking for last minute getaways, including large cities, secluded island spots and quiet places for outdoor lovers.
4. More Cheap Vacations & Weekend Getaway Ideas
Experience warm hospitality, history, great food and an array of things to do in the South, USA. Learn about history hands-on by exploring the attractions in Mississippi, South Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Virginia and Texas. See beautiful lakes, fascinating castles, unique wildlife and national parks.
Visit water parks in Alabama, listen to incredible music in Nashville and New Orleans, and learn about horse racing in Kentucky on your last minute vacation.
Plan a romantic trip to the Southwest, whether you enjoy golf, shopping or art on your weekend trips. Sometimes you can find great last minute deals on flights to Hawaii, letting you experience magical Oahu, Kauai or the Big Island at a fraction of the coast.
Last Minute Family-friendly Getaways:
5. Fun Family Weekend Getaways
Getting away to a small town or a major city like New York, LA, Indianapolis, Dallas, Las Vegas or Boston can mean plenty of fun for the whole family. If my family can't decide what to do, I pick a larger city because it offers something for everyone.
Kids can have fun at a natural history museum exploring dinosaur exhibits and watching a planetarium show.
There is also plenty of great food, historical and cultural attractions, music and outdoor playtime in the city parks.
On a sunny day, take the whole family to scenic spot and take that perfect Christmas card photo, followed by a lunch at one of the local eateries tasting new cuisine.
In the evening, see a famous musical, opera, concert or a theatre performance after a fun family dinner.
6. Quick Getaway in Jacksonville
Couples booking a last minute trip to the Boldest City in the South, will find it was a wise and affordable choice. There is plenty to do on a budget, including biking 14 miles of the relaxing, tree canopied Baldwin Trail, taking a complimentary Budwieser Brewery tour and tasting, and catching a free outdoor summer movie at Sea Walk Pavilion.
Lovers can amp up the romance with a beachside stroll anywhere along the 22 miles of white-sand beaches.
Historic San Marco Square offers couples trendy art galleries and chic clothing boutiques, the oldest community theater in the U.S. at Theatre Jacksonville, and Riverfront Park for romantic sunsets.
This is also the place for an incredible urban dining experience.
Recommended Tours in Jacksonville, Florida:
- The Avondale Tour (Jacksonville) – Discover area history and great food. Price: From $135 per person.
- Jacksonville: 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour – Enjoy a sweet, affordable adventure. Price: From $9 per person.
7. Fun Weekend Getaway in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is the perfect destination for couples whose idea of relaxation and romance is doing fun things together. It’s the ultimate desert getaway with a Hollywood legacy.
Tours include everything from Palm Springs architecture to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, Social Cycles’s 16-passenger touring bike, and aself-guided scooter exploration of Palm Springs and Coachella Valley.
Adventurous types can explore the surrounding mountains and desert with eco-friendly highlights like Idyllwild and Joshua Tree. Palm Springs has an upscale culinary scene where dining alfresco is the norm, and an uptown Design District that begs exploration.
Lucky last minute getaways could coincide with Palm Springs International Film Festival or Coachella Valley Music Festival.
Last Minute Romantic Getaways:
8. Columbia, MO Getaway
Columbia, Missouri, is a vibrant college town with an energetic vibe. You can quickly familiarize themselves with the foodie scene on a Columbia Culinary Tour.
The Ninth Street Historic District provides young, or young-at-heart couples plenty of entertainment, including trendy clothing stores, restaurants, and local live music at The Blue Note.
Outdoorsy couples can do some impromptu exploration at popular Rock Bridge Memorial State Park where there are opportunities to scramble, hike, and bike.
Shelter Gardens provides a more formal outdoor experience where couples can stroll the gardens, or if you’re lucky, catch an outdoor summer concert.
9. Inexpensive Vacation in Greenville, SC
I'm pretty sure that couples will never run out of memory-making activities in Greenville, South Carolina. The city’s signature tours include culinary tours featuring breakfast, barbecue, and chef’s table experiences.
History tours cover the best of the city on a downtown history tour that explores the textile industry, a West End walking tour that examines the city’s roots, and a historic neighborhood and architecture tour.
Nature tours explore the wilderness of Jocassee Gorge, Lake, and waterfalls, a Saturday sunset cruise on Jocassee Lake, and an adventure tour of Lake Jocassee’s wild rivers, swimming holes, and waterfalls.
Other impromptu must-do activities include exploring nights out suggestions like dueling pianos at Jack n’ Diane’s, or comedy dinner theater at Café and Then Some.
10. Last Minute Vacation Deals in Cincinnati
Cincinnati resides on the banks of the Ohio River, a vibrant region that stretches over areas in three states, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
It features rolling hills, magnificent cityscapes, and picturesque river views. It offers couples an extensive list of attractions.
My favorite is the Cincinnati Observatory – a hilltop observatory in a historic park-style setting, and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden are some of the most impressive attractions in the city.
Quirky attractions such as the Mushroom House and American Sign Museum, exhibiting unique American signage are rare gems you won’t find anywhere else.
Top natural attractions include the California Woods Nature Preserve and Caldwell Nature Center.
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