20 Perfect Labor Day Vacations

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If you live in Northern California, you will find a host of adventures and beautiful places to visit right at your doorstep. If you live in San Francisco, plan a weekend to the Mendocino Coast, explore the attractions in Monterey or enjoy a wine tasting vacation in Napa. For a complete selection of trips from San Francisco, read 25 Best Day Trips from San Francisco and 45 Best Weekend Getaways from San Francisco

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If you are traveling with kids, head to Orlando where you can see unique animals at SeaWorld and Discovery Cove. Couples can sample a variety of flavors at Miami's excellent restaurants, relax on the beaches and admire art at the Perez Art Museum. Tampa is a fun place to visit if you are looking for a diverse selection of activities and restaurants, home to the Tampa Museum of Art, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and MOSI.

Other great Florida destinations include Tallahassee, Lakeland, Fort Walton Beach, Cape Canaveral, Cape Coral, Panama City Beach and Naples.

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Not only for honeymoons, Hawaii is a dream vacation destination year-round. Spend a few days in Honolulu relaxing on Waikiki beach, shopping and taking in famous sights such as Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Manoa Falls and Diamond Head. Fly to romantic Maui where you can watch the sunrise from the top of Haleakala National Park, sunbathe on a black-sand beach in Hana and play scenic championship golf in Kapalua. More quiet and secluded, the Big Island of Hawaii is a favorite with families who are looking to spend their Labor Day on a sandy beach with a view.

© Parrot Key Hotel and Villas

Parrot Key Hotel and Villas is a vibrant Key West resort located along the city's beautiful Gulf of Mexico waterfront, just minutes from the city's Historic Old Town district. The laid-back resort offers tropical-styled accommodations, including luxurious guest rooms, spacious suites, and garden view villas for extended stay. All rooms offer private patios and balconies, with amenities like flat screen televisions, mini fridges, and complimentary wireless internet. Suites and villas add private living areas, kitchenettes, and soaking tubs. Guests can dine at the Grove Kitchen and Bar, which serves up inventive cuisine offerings and island-inspired cocktails in a poolside atmosphere. Four pools are offered onsite, along with a state-of-the-art fitness center and opportunities for onsite watersports.

2801 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, Phone: 888-665-6368

© The Equinox

Plan a trip to the Equinox in Manchester Village, Vermont, where you can enjoy great food, historic ambiance and a choice of activities.

Whether you want to spend your weekend shopping, relaxing at the spa, playing golf or fly fishing, this resort has something for everyone.

The main building has several historic guest rooms and suites. You can also stay in the adjacent Charles Orvis Inn which offers suites with a Jacuzzi bath and fireplace.

Best time to visit: Austin, Charleston, Albuquerque, Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston

© Esperanza Resort

Esperanza Resort offers couples and families several luxury options. Choose from spacious suites, Casitas and Cabo Villas, decorated in an elegant style and offering beautiful ocean views. Honeymoon suites feature sophisticated decor and rich custom textiles, along with spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez. Many of the Esperanza Resort Casitas offer 180-degree ocean views, infinity edge hot tubs on the terrace and interiors that transform into dramatic indoor/outdoor living spaces.

Luxury villas are located in the exclusive Punta Ballena community, offering hand-crafted furnishing, original art, lush garden courtyards and sweeping ocean vistas. While on your honeymoon at Esperanza Resort in Mexico, be sure to treat yourself to a couples massage at the resort spa, and yoga. There is a beautiful yoga studio where you can enjoy complimentary daily classes. Additionally, all guest rooms feature complimentary in-room Yoga mats and fitness DVDs. If you want personal attention, book a private class with on of the resort's fitness instructors. Esperanza Resort also offers a fitness center and a relaxing spa with 14 treatment rooms, a large soaking pool and a private sunbathing area.

© The St. Regis Washington, D.C.

If you are planning a romantic getaway to the nation's capital, take a look at the selection of suites at The St. Regis Washington, D.C. The hotel has 23 luxury suites featuring the signature St. Regis Butler Service, letting you enjoy five star service. The hotel offers the romantic Alain Ducasse's Adour restaurant where you can celebrate your new union in style. Honeymoon suites feature antiques and custom-designed furnishings. Take advantage of complimentary shoeshine, morning coffee or tea, and other amenities at The St. Regis Washington, D.C.

Find great trip ideas from New York City, Washington D.C., Minneapolis - St. Paul, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas and many other cities.

© Devereaux Shields House

Southern comfort meets Victorian charm at the Devereaux Shields House to Natchez, Mississippi. The bed and breakfast is made up of two properties. The Main House is a Victorian mansion listed on the National Register of Historic places, while Aunt Clara’s Cottage is a charming home with four spacious guest rooms and a breakfast/meeting room.

Both homes are pet friendly and feature lovely landscaped gardens and covered porches. Amenities include a full Southern breakfast each morning and wine and cheese receptions in the afternoon. The Deveraux Shields House also offers special getaway packages to ensure guests get the most out of their trip to Natchez.

Vacation Destinations: Romantic Hawaii, Romantic Idaho, Bangkok, Dubai, Havana

© Simpson House Inn

Whether staying in a room in the 19th century house, in the restored barn or enjoying the unique accommodations in one of the Inn’s cottages, a visit to Simpson House Inn provides a world-class experience. Located in a mature English Garden in Santa Barbara, this 15 room boutique hotel is known for luxury, comfort and excellent service.

Included with the rooms is an individually prepared, hot gourmet breakfast, wine tasting and an evening hors d’oeuvres buffet. Within walking distance to the famed State Street, Simpson house is a combination of luxury and privacy in a stellar location. Read more

121 East Arrellaga Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 805-963-7067

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© Wild Dunes

Wild Dunes Resort is an getaway in South Carolina offering a range of activities, accommodations and restaurants. Guests enjoy 2.5 miles of white-sand beach, two championship golf courses, tennis and oceanfront pools. The resort is one of the best family weekend getaways in the area. Located on the northern end of the Isle of Palms, the property is 20 minutes from historic Charleston. Hotel guests receive priority tee times at the Links Course and the Harbor Course, complimentary access to the Family Recreation Program, complimentary access to the Fitness Center, transportation within the resort, and one hour of tennis court time per day.

The tennis center offer 17 Har-Tru courts, including a stadium court and five courts lit for night play. If you enjoy walking, jogging and rollerblading, there are miles of trails available to do just that. Both golf courses were designed by Tom Fazio and offer scenic views of the water. The Island Day Spa & Salon is a great place to relax your sore muscles after an active day. Travelers can stay at the 93-room Boardwalk Inn or in one of the 365 villas and homes. Guest rooms at the inn are luxurious and AAA Four Diamond-rated. Enjoy high speed internet access, in-room dining and a tropical pool complex.

Homes and Villas offer the flexibility of preparing your own meals and the washer/dryer convenience. Villas have 1-4 bedrooms, while the privately-owned homes offer 3-6 bedrooms. The Sea Island Grill and Bar serves Lowcountry seafood, steaks and souffles. Edgar's Italian Restaurant serves pasta, Italian-inspired seafood dishes, veal marsala, chicken parmesan, as well as sandwiches. Edgar's is popular with families because of its relaxed atmosphere. Other dining options include Dunes Deli & Pizzeria, Duney's, and in-room dining.

The resort offers two Tom Fazio-designed championship golf courses. Play over large sand dunes and near the Atlantic Ocean on the links course, or test your skills on the Intracoastal Waterway layout of the Harbor Course. There is a driving range at the Clubhouse and putting greens adjacent to both the Links and Harbor Course pro shops. Club storage, cleaning and transfer of bags are available upon request. Choose from clinics, private instruction and a two-day school. There is also a three-hour school for juniors ages 8 to 14. The property is located 35 minutes from the Charleston Airport. Rates start from $135 per night in the winter and from $225 in the summer; Villa rates from $165 in the winter and from $260 in the summer. Read more

More ideas: 20 Best Things To Do in Charleston and 15 Best Family Resorts in South Carolina.

© Boca Raton Resort

Situated in the heart of Florida's Gold Coast, Boca Raton Resort & Club offers a great selection of things to do. There is a private beach, two championship golf courses, a large health spa, six pools, 30 tennis courts and a 32-slip marina. The property is set on over 350 acres in south Palm Beach County, enjoying year-round tropical climate. The original structure was built in 1926. There are a total of 1,041 guest rooms, suites and villas. The Cloistes houses 359 guest rooms as well as elegant public areas with antiques and fountains. Other accommodation options include waterfront rooms at the Yacht Club and its exclusive Commodore Club; guest rooms and suites in the contemporary 27-story high-rise tower; rooms and suites in the Boca Beach Club; and Golf Villas, some with kitchens, ideal for families who want to prepare some of their own meals on their trip.

Golfers can play on two championship 18-hole golf courses and sign up for clinics and lessons at the Dave Pelz Short Game School and the Golf Academy. The clubhouse offers equipment rental and casual dining. The resort has 30 tennis courts, 12 lighted for night play. You can choose from a selection of clinics and lessons, or ask the tennis concierge to arrange a match. When you find some time to relax, visit Spa Palazzo, lounge by the pool or sunbathe on the beach. Browse more spas. If you are looking for Labor Day weekend getaways in Florida, this is a great place to visit.

Guests have a choice of watersports, including boating, snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving lessons. Take a cruise aboard the catamaran or go windsurfing. The Camp Boca program is available year round for three age. Kids can participate in a variety of fun activities, from castle building to snorkeling and swimming. There is a great variety of dining options, ranging from old-world elegance to poolside dining. Lucca serves Tuscan-inspired dishes, while 27 Ocean Blue offers coastal cuisine and panoramic views of the coastal waterways from the 27th floor of the Tower. The beachside Cabana serves the signature Friday night seafood buffet and features live music; Nick's Fishmarket features seafood dishes in an elegant setting. At night, visit Malone's Magic Bar nightclub and Mizner’s Monkey Bar for themed cocktails and live entertainment. The hotel is located 28 miles south of Palm Beach Airport, 24 miles north of Fort Lauderdale International Airport and 45 miles north of Miami International Airport. At these airports, you can rent a car of hire a taxi. Find more ideas and packages in Florida. Doubles start at $250 per night. Read more

You may also like: 25 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida.

© The Oberoi Mauritius

The Oberoi, Mauritius is an oceanfront hotel situated along Turtle Bay on the northwest coast of the island. The hotel has tennis courts, a gymnasium, as well as a library of DVDs and books. After a hard day by the pool try one of the relaxing body treatments at the full service wellness center. Watersports include water-skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. The hotel staff can also arrange deep-sea diving expeditions, parasailing, and catamaran excursions. Every room on the property features a four-poster bed and a sunken bath, perfect for a relaxing soak on vacation.

The Villas each have private lush gardens and a dining gazebo overlooking a private swimming pool with views of the sea. If you are looking for an island honeymoon destination, this could be the place for you. The restaurant serves European, Oriental, and Creole dishes. Guests can choose to dine outside under the stars or inside under the palm-thatched roof. The Bar, located on the beach-front, was built in an historic ruin which has been carefully restored and now offers guests a diverse selection of wines and cigars. For light snacks, the Lagoon Pool restaurant serves salads, pastas, and pizzas during the day.

The hotel is a 55 minute drive from the Sir Sewoosagar Ramgoolam International Airport on Mauritius. The airport is serviced by daily flights operated by Air Mauritius and other leading airlines including Air France, British Airways and Emirates Airlines. >Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean about 500 miles east of Madagascar and 1,250 miles off the nearest point of the African mainland. Rates range from €700 for a Luxury Pavilion to €2,800 for a Royal Villa (+230 204 3600). Read more

More ideas: 22 Best California Weekend Getaways.

© The Vines Resort

The Vines Resort and Spa is located in Vista Flores, Mendoza City in Argentina. This is the wine country vacation destination of the Andes. Vast and pristine, it is much like what Napa Valley in California was 30-40 years back. The hotel offers 180 degree views of the Andes mountain range and the vineyards all around. This is the perfect retreat for wine lovers and those who want to spend time in wide open spaces in a stunning natural setting. The resort offers beautiful sunsets and many outdoor activities. There are 22 elegant villas with one and two bedrooms, personal wine storage, fireplaces, and spacious private decks that overlook the Andes and the lagoon. Luxury villas have spa-like bathrooms, fine art, flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi and iPod docking stations.

Siete Fuegos Restaurant serves regional flavors, using fresh local ingredients. Guests have access to hundreds of world-class wines and handcrafted cocktails. The resort offers educational classes on wine making and blending. Guests will get the opportunity to label their own creation. From an outdoor Jacuzzi with 180 degree view of the Andes to spacious yoga and fitness rooms, this wine country spa is one of the best in the region. Arrive early to take advantage of all the relaxation facilities (Phone: +54 261 461-3900). Read more

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© Harrington House

Located on Anna Maria Island in Florida, the Harrington House Bed & Breakfast has three different locations available to guests on their property. Seven rooms and a cottage are located in the 3-level main house. These rooms face either the Gulf of Mexico or the prolific gardens surrounding the inn.

The Carriage House offers five suites, all on the second floor with private bathrooms, patio area or deck, Wi-Fi and common living and dining area with a full refrigerator, sink, and microwave. The third property is the Huth Beachouse with four suites that come with king beds, a fireplace, a private bathroom, and direct Gulf views. A gourmet breakfast is included with each stay. Read more

5626 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, 888-828-5566

© Maple Hill Manor

Built in 1851, Maple Hill Manor is a preserved antebellum mansion that sits on 15 acres of beautiful Kentucky countryside that includes wildlife and woodland preserves and a working alpaca and llama farm.

Rooms at the the 7000 square-foot mansion are decorated with period details and antique furnishings and come with amenities such as luxury linens and spa products, plush robes, and satellite television. Guests can enjoy a full country breakfast before heading out to see the nearby sights, including thoroughbred horse farms, Civil War museums and battlefields, state parks, and the Kentucky Wine and Bourbon Trails.

2941 Perryville Road, US 150 East, Springfield, KY 40069

© Grady House Bed & Breakfast

Grady House Bed and Breakfast in Florida gives guests the choice of five rooms or one cottage for their stay in High Springs. Located just a short distance from the springs that give the town its name, the inn is perfectly situated for visitors looking to enjoy the myriad water sports in the area.

Guest rooms come equipped with king or queen size beds and private bathrooms. A central event at the Grady House is breakfast. Guests enjoy coffee, seasonal fresh fruit, and warm baked breads, followed by a gourmet breakfast that may include special dishes such as banana pecan stuffed French toast, pasta frittata with basil and tomatoes, or blueberry buttermilk pancakes. Read more

420 NW 1st. Ave, High Springs, FL 32643, 386-454-2206

© Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul

Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul is a brand new luxury getaway set on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait between the Dolmabahce Palace and Naval Museum. The property offers spectacular views of Istanbul's domes and minarets. The design is inspired by the glamorous Dolmabahce Palace with glittering chandeliers, cool marble and a blend of European, Asian and Turkish furnishings. The three-story atrium has a grand staircase which connects the lobby and the elegant ballrooms and other venues. The atrium is decorated with a huge Bohemian chandelier and a stunning silk painting called The Garden of Peach Blossoms. You will find more than 1,000 pieces of European and Asian art throughout the property.

Ask for one of the rooms or suites that face Bosphorus. There are 186 guest rooms with modern amenities. In the bathrooms, you will find Turkish marble complete with heated floors and Bvlgari bath amenities. Ask for one of the 17 suites if you need more space during your stay. Most of the suites have a private terrace with spectacular views. The Shangri-La Suite is the most luxurious with three terraces overlooking the Old City, Asian shores and the Bosphorus Bridge. CHI Spa offers 8 luxury spa suites, hammam facilities, health club with sauna, Jacuzzi and steam rooms, and a heated indoor pool. IST TOO serves Japanese, Southeast Asian, Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine with spectacular views of Bosphorus. Shang Palace restaurant is the signature restaurant serving delectable Chinese cuisine. Room rates start at 550 Euro (90 212 275 8888). Read more

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