8 Labor Day Weekend Getaways
For me, getting away during Labor Day is a sort of ritual to let go of summer and get ready for the colder season. From lakeside getaways to small towns, here are some of my favorite Labor Day road trip stops that have left lasting impressions. I hope that you enjoy them too.
La Quinta, California
When I'm in the mood for a warm weather weekend in SoCal, La Quinta is one of my favorite Labor Day weekend getaways. Early September weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors in the morning and relaxing next to the pool in the afternoons when it heats up.
First thing, stroll through Old Town La Quinta to get the feel for the place. The streets are full of character, with colorful shops, fountains, and mountain views. We grabbed coffee from a small local café and let ourselves slow down. It instantly became one of my favorite experiences of the weekend.
- Average temperature in September: 67°F – 95°F (20°C – 35°C)
What I loved best:
Exploring the Boo Hoff Trail was my favorite highlight, winding through desert trails and up to panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.
We flew into Palm Springs International, just 30 minutes from La Quinta, and spent two days based at La Quinta Resort & Club discovering this unique place.
A downside? Prices at hotel usually spike during Labor Day weekend in La Quinta.
Dover, Vermont
This is one of my favorite places to spend Labor Day because it captures that perfect late summer Vermont feeling. We loved hiking in the morning, warm afternoons, and crisp evenings with the hint that fall is coming!
Basically, when we lived in the area, I quickly learned why so many call early September in Vermont pure magic. You can take photos of rustic covered bridges, and the surrounding Green Mountain views.
If you like sampling new beers, you can catch the Mount Snow Brewers Festival which is a decades-long tradition here. I also loved our stop at the local farmers market with all the fresh early fall produce.
Don't miss the scenic chairlift ride at Mount Snow.
- Average temperature in September: 49°F – 68°F (9°C – 20°C)
We drove less than 3 hours’ drive from Boston and chose the Mountaineer Inn as our base in town for the long Labor Day weekend.
Yakima, Washington
Chris and I both absolutely love Yakima, and have been many times. Set in a broad valley, this town has one of the most unique landscapes I’ve seen in Washington and it quickly became one of my favorite Labor Day road trips!
I spent early September in Yakima, nicknamed the “Palm Springs of Washington.” I could see how the nickname fit right away. Yakima's desert-like climate was quite a contrast to the wet weather of Washington state.
I enjoyed driving through vineyards and apple orchards, and visiting the Yakima River Canyon .
Getting to Yakima is fairly straightforward if you’re traveling within Washington State. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Seattle, making it a popular road trip destination. Another idea is to book one of the tours departing from Seattle that include Yakima which eliminates the stress of driving and having to plan a lot on your Labor Day weekend.
- Average temperature in September: 72°F – 83°F (22°C – 28°C)
What I loved best:
Labor Day in Yakima meant harvest season celebrations and wine tastings at family-run vineyards. If you go in late September, don't miss the Yakima Valley Sunfair Parade , a tradition since 1970.
The Greenbrier Resort, West Virginia
Since moving to the South, I've been enjoying still summer-like weather longer. A great idea for an elegant Labor Day weekend with the family is The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.
Now, first things first, early September felt absolutely perfect. Mornings were cooler so we could spend time outdoors. The Greenbrier looked like something out of a storybook. Afternoons next to the outdoor infinity pool were a must, though it got crowded on Labor Day weekend.
- Average temperature in September: approx. 69 °F – 57 °F (21 °C – 14 °C)
What I loved best:
The resort’s sprawling 11,000 acres are full of natural beauty. We enjoyed the trails, manicured gardens, and peaceful streams.
Wickenburg, Arizona
While mid-summer is too hot for me to explore Arizona, I enjoy higher temperatures in September along with prices still being lower. We ventured into the Sonoran Desert around Wickenburg over Labor Day weekend. The desert trails were blissfully uncrowded which I loved. But I have to warm you that you have to hike with plenty of water.
- Average temperature in September: 89-96 °F (32-36 °C) highs and about 63-73 °F (17-23 °C) lows
We flew into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and drove just over an hour northwest.
Nandaz, Switzerland
If you can score an affordable airline ticket to Europe, Labor Day weekend is a great time to enjoy the trail end of summer across the pond.
Chris, our son and I spent two amazing weeks in a rental in Nandaz. Though the Swiss Alps are famed for their winter slopes, September here was pure magic. I loved that the air was refreshing and the trails were quiet, like you can see in my photos.
Yellowstone during Labor Day
While visiting Yellowstone requires some advanced planning because it's a busy time to visit, it's actually a magical time because of the lower temperatures and sunny days.
Since our first visit 25 years ago, I keep returning to Yellowstone during every season. If you are like me, you'll find the steaming geysers fascinating. Then there are also the bison, petrified trees, and hidden waterfalls, among other natural wonders.
We flew into Jackson Hole Airport, Wyoming and spent a rejuvenating week exploring.
What I loved best:
My trip coincided with the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival and a lively local farmers’ market, adding culture and community flavor to the wilderness experience.
Bohinj, Slovenia in Early Fall
Early fall in this small mountain town was nothing short of enchanting! Summer crowds had gone and days were cooler for hiking around the lake. You'll find Bohinj just about an hour from Ljubljana. It's still off-the-beaten path. In fact, the lake is so pristine that you can see the carp right through the water. And if you stand in the lake, the fish come right up to your feet. During the Labor Day weekend, water is warm enough for a quick swim, though I have to warn you that it's still slightly below 68°F (20°C ).
I was fortunate that my family and I discovered this hidden spot decades ago. And even today, it's little changed. In addition to taking heaps of photos of the lake and the iconic church, I recommend taking the scenic gondola ride to the top of Vogel Mountain for the most incredible views! On the way down, have your camera ready because the ride is quick!
Local tip:
What I loved best: You go through the tourism board directly to find a local rental. It's the most affordable option without booking fees.
For me, Bohinj is one of the best Labor Day vacations because it's scenic and very affordable compared to most European destination!
I loved that I could watch the fog lifting off Lake Bohinj in the morning, take a row a boat across the lake in the afternoon, and go on a scenic waterfall hike to Savica first thing next day.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
