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What is the origin of President's Day?
- President's Day was originally created to celebrate George Washington's birthday, but it also makes a great excuse for a long weekend just when the February blues seem to hit most people in the country.
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How do people typically spend President's Day weekend?
- Some people choose to spend the long weekend at home catching up on paperwork, but why not use it as an excuse for a fun mid-winter getaway?
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What are some travel ideas for President's Day?
- Whether you're interested in celebrating the nation's history by visiting historical monuments or treating yourself to a beach vacation, here are the best places in the country to visit on President's Day.
Albuquerque
Explore vibrant culture and admire stunning desert landscapes.
Albuquerque is one of the oldest cities in America, and it offers visitors the chance to enjoy a fascinating multicultural experience without leaving the United States. The culture here has been influenced strongly by the Native American and Hispanic people in the region, but the city is also home to more than 70 other ethnicities that have left their mark on Albuquerque's food, culture, and art. The area also boasts more than 300 days of sunshine every year, so once visitors have had enough of exploring the city, they can head to the nearby mountains to hike, bike, and even ski.
Baton Rouge
Discover rich history and enjoy Louisiana’s unique cuisine.
The capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is much more than a place to base yourself when exploring nearby New Orleans. The city is an excellent destination in its own right; it boasts plenty of interesting museums, art galleries, and historical sites, and it has more than enough restaurants, bars, and shops to keep visitors entertained for weeks. If you'd like to learn some new information about American history during your visit, good places to go include the Old Louisiana State Capitol, the USS Kidd Naval Museum, and the French Creole Magnolia Mound Plantation near the river.
Fort Worth
Visit historic Stockyards and explore lively Western heritage.
Although not as popular with visitors as its neighbor Dallas, Fort Worth is the place to go if you want to celebrate President's Day in true Western style. There are plenty of cultural activities here that people of all ages can enjoy; some of the biggest highlights include the Modern Art Museum, the Texas Civil War Museum, and the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. It's also well worth taking the time to visit Sundance Square, which covers 35 blocks in the city's downtown core and offers an excellent selection of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Joshua Tree National Park
Hike scenic trails and admire unusual desert rock formations.
Named after the unique twisted trees found in the park, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best destinations in Southern California. The relatively cool February weather is perfectly suited to recreational activities like hiking, bike riding, and rock climbing, and visitors will be pleased to find that the park is much less busy during this time than during other parts of the year. Accommodation is available in the nearby Coachella Valley, but there are also nine well-maintained campgrounds throughout the park for visitors who would like to spend the night in the great outdoors. Joshua Tree National Park Map
Key West
Enjoy tropical vibes and explore historic island attractions.
The Florida Keys are a great vacation destination no matter what the time of year, and Key West is arguably one of the most appealing places in the Keys regardless of whether you're looking to relax or to party. When it comes to celebrating President's Day, it doesn't hurt that the city is sometimes referred to as the "Winter White House" because of its popularity as a vacation spot for American presidents. The clock seems to move more slowly in the Keys, but visitors are still advised to make time for snorkeling or diving in the breathtaking coral reefs that surround the island.
Las Vegas
Experience thrilling nightlife and explore world-famous casino resorts.
If you're looking to spend your President's Day drinking, dancing, and gambling, few places in the country are as perfect as Las Vegas. The city's 24-hour casinos and luxurious hotels will ensure that you enjoy your stay as much as possible, and the many excellent restaurants will keep you happy and well-fed all weekend long. Don't make the mistake of thinking that Vegas is only for party animals; the city is always busier than usual on long weekends, but if you don't feel like a rowdy weekend, you can hike Red Rock Canyon or visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.
Miami
Relax on sunny beaches and explore lively neighborhoods.
Miami is one of the trendiest cities in the United States, and it offers an endless array of things to see and do. Aside from the incredible selection of restaurants, bars, and hip cafes, the city is the perfect base for activities like deep-sea fishing and golf. Another popular activity here is simply lounging on the beautiful white sandy, and beach lovers will be spoiled for choice.
Last but not least, architecture enthusiasts are advised to spend some time exploring the Art Deco District, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, and the beautiful pedestrian-only Lincoln Road. Miami Map
Moab
Discover outdoor adventures and explore breathtaking red rock landscapes.
The city of Moab is tucked between two national parks: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Most people come here to enjoy the many outdoor recreation opportunities available; some of the most popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, or simply joining a guided tour of one of the national parks. The busy tourist season doesn't begin until mid-March, so visitors who come during President's Day weekend will be able to enjoy the beauty of the park without having to endure the crowds that flock here during the spring and fall. Moab Map
Naples
Savor upscale dining and admire picturesque Gulf Coast sunsets.
Located right on the Gulf of Mexico, Naples boasts both the atmosphere of a cosmopolitan city and easy access to the natural beauty of the nearby Everglades. The city offers something for everyone; it's filled with high-end shops and wonderful restaurants, and it's surrounded by white sand beaches and excellent golf courses. Popular family-friendly attractions include the zoo, the botanical garden, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, but most visitors also make sure to spend some time at the Naples Pier, a popular fishing and dolphin watching spot that was originally built in the late 1880s. Naples Map
Orlando
Enjoy thrilling theme parks and discover family-friendly attractions.
Home to major attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is an ideal vacation spot for families with children and for the young at heart. There are more than enough attractions in the city to keep visitors entertained for weeks; popular destinations include SeaWorld, Legoland, and the Magic Kingdom. If you're looking for something to do outside of the theme park world, the city also offers a vibrant nightlife scene, restaurants, plenty of excellent bars, a unique interactive ghost walk tour through the downtown core, and more than 50 outlet stores.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Albuquerque
- 2. Baton Rouge
- 3. Fort Worth
- 4. Joshua Tree National Park
- 5. Key West
- 6. Las Vegas
- 7. Miami
- 8. Moab
- 9. Naples
- 10. Orlando