Unique Weekend Getaways in the USA

Location:

Miami Beach, FL

Highlights:

Looking for sun, style, and nightlife that doesn’t quit? Miami Beach delivers all that and more, wrapped in pastel Art Deco charm and oceanfront energy that makes every weekend feel like a celebration.

We Recommend This For:

Art and design enthusiasts, beachgoers, luxury shoppers, foodies, nightlife lovers, and anyone planning a glamorous Atlantic Coast escape.

What We Love:

The iconic Art Deco Historic District, South Beach’s electric vibe, Lincoln Road’s open-air shopping, and world-class cultural events like Art Basel.

• Explore the stunning Art Deco Historic District along Ocean Drive, featuring 20th-century architectural gems and vintage glamour.
• Soak up the sun and scene on South Beach, a celebrity-favorite destination for beach lounging, people-watching, and luxury living.
• Shop and stroll down the Lincoln Road Mall, an open-air promenade packed with upscale boutiques and global brands.
• Discover fascinating design history at the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum, where art meets industry from the Industrial Revolution onward.
• Experience Art Basel Miami Beach, one of the most prestigious art shows in the country, hosted each year in December.

Address:

Miami Beach, FL
Visitor Info: MiamiAndBeaches.com

Location:

Boulder, CO

Highlights:

Looking for fresh air, mountain views, and some of the best food in the Rockies? Boulder is your go-to for a joy-filled escape packed with nature, culture, and a side of seriously good dining.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, foodies, hikers, stargazers, festivalgoers, and anyone seeking a healthy, happy Colorado getaway.

What We Love:

The iconic Flatirons, world-class science museums, vibrant shopping districts, and unforgettable meals high above the city at the Flagstaff House.

• Marvel at Flatirons—Boulder’s dramatic rock formations—perfect for hiking, climbing, and scenic photo ops.
• Visit the Fiske Planetarium and University of Colorado Museum of Natural History for science, stars, and hands-on exhibits.
• Take in breathtaking views at Flagstaff Mountain, an ideal overlook spot for sunrise or sunset.
• Dine at acclaimed restaurants like the Flagstaff House, offering elevated cuisine with panoramic mountain views.
• Explore the Twenty-Ninth Street retail district for boutique shopping, entertainment, and open-air vibes.
• Celebrate local life at annual events like the Colorado Music Festival and the wintertime Polar Bear Plunge.

Address:

Boulder, CO
Visitor Info: BoulderColoradoUSA.com

Location:

San Diego, CA

Highlights:

Need a beach escape that blends laid-back vibes with family fun and big-city culture? San Diego’s got you covered—think 70 miles of coastline, top-tier attractions, and year-round sunshine to match.

We Recommend This For:

Beach lovers, families, history buffs, foodies, and anyone craving a SoCal getaway with equal parts relaxation and adventure.

What We Love:

The iconic Pacific shoreline, sprawling Balboa Park, the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, and must-see attractions like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.

• Relax on 70+ miles of pristine beaches—perfect for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the Pacific breeze.
• Explore Balboa Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., home to gardens, museums, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
• Stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s historic heart, packed with nightlife, restaurants, and Victorian architecture.
• Bring the family to SeaWorld San Diego for thrilling rides, marine life exhibits, and aquatic shows.
• Dive into the city’s rich cultural past—San Diego is the “Birthplace of California,” with Spanish roots and Baja California influence throughout.

Address:

San Diego, CA
Visitor Info: SanDiego.org

Fun Weekend Getaways:

Location:

Savannah, GA

Highlights:

Craving cobblestone streets, historic charm, and photo-perfect town squares? Savannah is like stepping into a Southern storybook—graceful, grand, and filled with culture at every turn.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, architecture lovers, romantic weekenders, cultural explorers, and anyone who appreciates timeless beauty with a coastal breeze.

What We Love:

Gorgeous oak-lined streets, historic carriage rides, preserved colonial town squares, and rich cultural experiences from museums to ballet performances.

• Wander through one of the largest urban historic districts in the U.S., originally designed by James Oglethorpe.
• Visit iconic sites like the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Juliette Gordon Low Historic District, birthplace of the Girl Scouts’ founder.
• Enjoy live cultural performances at the Savannah Theatre, Savannah Ballet Theatre, and Savannah Orchestra.
• Shop and dine at the historic Savannah City Market, with eateries and boutiques in 18th-century warehouse buildings.
• Stroll or ride along cobblestone streets shaded by Spanish moss-draped oaks—carriage rides highly recommended!

Address:

Savannah, GA
Visitor Info: VisitSavannah.com

Location:

Galena, IL

Highlights:

Looking for a storybook town with charm, history, and art around every corner? Galena is one of Illinois’ most beloved getaways—where 19th-century streets, presidential legacy, and stunning hillside views come together in perfect small-town style.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, art enthusiasts, couples, weekend road-trippers, and anyone craving vintage charm and cultural depth.

What We Love:

The beautifully preserved Galena Historic District, Ulysses S. Grant’s home, the town’s rich arts scene, and sweeping views from Horseshoe Mound.

• Tour the Ulysses S. Grant Home, where the former U.S. President once lived—now a year-round living history museum.
• Wander through the Galena Historic District, filled with ornate Victorian-era buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Admire creative works at the Chicago Athenaeum, which features modern design exhibits, and stroll the West Street Sculpture Park with its whimsical outdoor art.
• Hike to Horseshoe Mound for panoramic views and insight into indigenous history—it once served as a ceremonial mound site.
• Stroll Main Street, honored nationally as one of America’s top All-American Main Streets, filled with boutiques, cafés, and galleries.

Address:

Galena, IL
Visitor Info: VisitGalena.org

Location:

Sequim, WA

Highlights:

If you're dreaming of a peaceful Pacific Northwest escape with mountain views, ocean breezes, and fields of blooming lavender—Sequim should be on your radar. This sunny town is a haven for nature lovers, festivalgoers, and anyone who appreciates small-town charm with serious scenic beauty.

We Recommend This For:

Nature enthusiasts, lavender lovers, wildlife watchers, photographers, and travelers looking for a tranquil coastal getaway.

What We Love:

The sun-kissed lavender farms, Dungeness Wildlife Refuge, historic lighthouse, and the warm, welcoming vibes of an Olympic Peninsula gem.

• Visit the stunning Purple Haze Organic Lavender Farm, one of Sequim’s most iconic attractions and a must in bloom season.
• Explore the Dungeness Wildlife Refuge, where hiking trails, native wildlife, and the New Dungeness Lighthouse offer unbeatable views and photo ops.
• Discover mastodon fossils and fascinating local history at the Museum and Arts Center.
• Celebrate peak bloom during the Sequim Lavender Weekend each July—a fragrant, fun-filled event for all ages.
• Don’t miss the springtime Irrigation Festival in May, America’s longest-running community festival, honoring local agricultural heritage.

Address:

Sequim, WA
Visitor Info: VisitSunnySequim.com

City Weekend Getaways:

Location:

Memphis, TN

Highlights:

If music is your love language, Memphis is the city for you. Set along the Mississippi River, it hits every note with rock 'n' roll roots, blues legends, and cultural landmarks that celebrate the soul of American music.

We Recommend This For:

Music lovers, history buffs, families, and anyone who wants to walk in the footsteps of Elvis, B.B. King, and more.

What We Love:

Graceland’s iconic vibe, the beat of Beale Street, fascinating music museums, and unique attractions like the Mud Island Riverwalk and Memphis Zoo.

• Tour Graceland, the beloved estate of Elvis Presley, complete with vintage decor, private jets, and personal memorabilia.
• Experience music history at Sun Studio, where artists like Johnny Cash and B.B. King cut their first hits.
• Explore the Blues Hall of Fame, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
• Enjoy family time at Mud Island River Park and the Memphis Zoo, which features one of North America’s few panda exhibits.
• Soak in the sounds, sights, and stories of Beale Street—one of America’s most legendary musical boulevards.

Bonus:

Want a taste of the city before you go? Watch this quick video of Memphis highlights.

Address:

Memphis, TN
Visitor Info: MemphisTravel.com

Location:

Santa Fe, NM

Highlights:

Looking for a place where art, history, and desert beauty meet under endless blue skies? Santa Fe is a soulful escape packed with adobe charm, mountain backdrops, and cultural gems at every turn.

We Recommend This For:

Art lovers, architecture buffs, hikers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a rich cultural experience in the American Southwest.

What We Love:

The blend of Pueblo and Spanish colonial heritage, world-class art museums, open-air markets, and the natural beauty just minutes from the city center.

• Admire architectural treasures like the 17th-century San Miguel Chapel and the ancient Acoma Pueblo, one of the oldest continually inhabited sites in the U.S.
• Shop for handcrafted treasures at the lively Santa Fe Plaza market, surrounded by historic adobe buildings.
• Explore art and culture at the Museum of International Folk Art and New Mexico Museum of Art.
• Experience world-class performances at the stunning Santa Fe Opera House, set on a hilltop with breathtaking views.
• Escape into nature at Hyde Memorial State Park and the serene Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctuary, perfect for hiking and birdwatching.

Address:

Santa Fe, NM
Visitor Info: SantaFe.org

Location:

Seattle, WA

Highlights:

If you’re into skyline views, legendary music scenes, and unbeatable seafood—all with a misty coastal vibe—Seattle is your perfect urban escape. From the Space Needle to waterfront markets, the Emerald City blends nature, tech, and culture like nowhere else.

We Recommend This For:

Urban adventurers, music fans, foodies, tech enthusiasts, and families looking for big-city fun with natural beauty all around.

What We Love:

The Space Needle’s view, Pike Place’s energy, iconic music venues, and the seamless mix of city life and Puget Sound serenity.

• Ride the towering Seattle Great Wheel for sweeping views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.
• Snap photos from the top of the Space Needle, a futuristic icon from the 1962 World’s Fair.
• Groove through Seattle’s legendary music history—this is the birthplace of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and the heart of the grunge era.
• Explore Pike Place Market, packed with artisan vendors, flying fish, and the original Starbucks storefront.
• Entertain the whole family at the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, or Seattle’s scenic parks with Puget Sound beach access.

Address:

Seattle, WA
Visitor Info: VisitSeattle.org