Last Minute Weekend Getaways (my favorite cheap vacations!)
Over the years, I’ve realized that some of the best weekend trips and road trip are the ones you don’t over-plan. Here are my favorite easy 48 hour weekend getaways I’ve singled out near places I've lived and I hope you'll love them too.
- Best Last Minute Getaways on the East Coast
- - #1. Jamestown, RI - #2. Brooklyn - #3. St. Augustine, FL - #4. Yemassee, SC
- Best Last Minute in the Mountain West
- - #5. Broomfield, CO
- Gulf Coast
- - #6. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
- Best Last Minute Getaways on the West Coast
- - #7. Cambria, CA - #8. Los Angeles, CA
Best Last Minute Getaways on the East Coast
Need a quick escape but don't have time for planning? The East Coast is packed with easy, last-minute getaway options, including beaches, country escapes and cities with lots of attractions.
Jamestown, Rhode Island - 35 minutes south from Providence
I thought that this coastal town was one of the best weekend getaways to go last minute when I moved to the East Coast. Why? I love that as soon as you cross the bridge into Jamestown, the world seems much more peaceful. Moreover, you'll find unique historic sites to explore. Plus, I think that Jamestown has some of the best ocean views in the state.
Jamestown sits on Conanicut Island (in the middle of Narragansett Bay!). It's actually just 11 minutes from Newport, so you really get two destinations in one.
We've often found an affordable vacation rental here last minute and didn't need much advanced planning to enjoy the sights. In the warmer season, a scenic walks in Beavertail State Park is a must. Visiting Windmill Hill Historic District which dates back to the 18th century is a great way to get in touch with local history.
My other highlights include sipping coffee at Slice of Heaven in town, visiting Fort Wetherill State Park right on the ocean, and watching a sunset from the marina.
I think that visiting Newport while being based in Jamestown is quite enjoyable too. You can travel between Newport and Jamestown either by taking the Jamestown Newport Ferry or by simply driving across the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge. I think that the ferry provides a cool hop-on-hop-off experience (all-day passes are available).
Local tip: I have to warn you that summer weekends always get busy, especially mid-day. I recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon. I definitely recommend avoiding bridge traffic midday if you can.
Last Minute Family Trip to Brooklyn
I absolutely adored exploring Brooklyn and discovering its unique personality.
Although Chris and I lived in New York City for 10 years, returning for a last minute visit to Brooklyn to see family was super fun. You always end up with a surprising new experience because (arguably) Brooklyn is the most creative of NYC’s five boroughs.
You can count on stumbling on amazing food throughout Brooklyn which is prefect for a spontaneous weekend. You can usually find a last minute hotel deal because there are so many hotels and rentals in Brooklyn.
I recommend heading to Brooklyn Bridge Park first and taking photos of the Manhattan skyline from the park (like in my photo). You can walk across the Brooklyn Bridge too if you have lots of energy.
Foodies will find SO much to choose from in Brooklyn. For a romantic date, go for elevated dining at Francie or Oxomoco, both Michelin-starred. Or if you prefer a neighborhood vibe, try Lucali just heads up that their wood-fired pizza can mean a long line. Beer lovers can head to Other Half Brewing in Carroll Gardens.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you can easily book a last minute organized tour once you get there. There are so many cool tours on offer, from food tours to art and photography.
48 Hours in St. Augustine, Florida
For me, visiting America's oldest city was like a dream! If you are a history buff like me, you'll love St. Augustine, founded in 1565.
Besides history, there is a lot to love about St. Augustine, nicknamed the "Ancient City". It's so easy to explore because it's compact. That's why it's one of my favorite family-friendly last minute vacations.
My absolute favorite attractions are Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, Lightner Museum, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and St. Augustine Beach.
What about food? Inventive coastal cuisine at Catch 27 is a standout.
We also had excellent Garlic Shrimp Scampi at Saint Italian Restaurant. Then there is locally inspired dining at Collage Restaurant. For casual eats, grab breakfast at Maple Street Biscuit Company. Want waterfront views? Go for tacos and margaritas at O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits.
Yemassee, South Carolina Activities and Attractions
I absolutely adore this small town of approximately 1,000 people and fell hard for the beautiful nature all around.
We found Yemassee by accident while on a road trip through South Carolina. It instantly became one of my favorite romantic last minute getaways. You'll find Yemassee about one hour southwest from Charleston.
I learned that this region was home to skirmishes in the Revolutionary era. And during the Civil War, Yemassee served as a rail junction for Confederate troops.
I recommend checking out Old Sheldon Church Ruins. When hunger strikes, you can get great Lowcountry comfort food at Harold’s Country Club. Locals pointed us to this quirky local favorite housed in an old gas station. After, stop by Carolina Cider Company for homemade pies and Southern treats.
Best Last Minute Getaways in the Mountain West
When I'm in the mood for a quick escape into wide-open spaces, the Mountain West delivers—no long planning required.
Last Minute Weekend in Broomfield, Colorado
I thought this was one of the most striking places on our vacation in Colorado. On a whim, I caught the Flatiron Flyer bus (FF1 line) from downtown Denver to Broomfield (about 30 minutes, $5–$6 one way) for some solo RR this weekend.
I started at FlatIron Crossing, wandering through shops and cafés. One of my favorite discoveries was the Broomfield Depot Museum, a hidden gem where you can go to learn about the town’s railroad history.
My personal highlight was walking around in Carolyn Holmberg Preserve. You'll find wheelchair-accessible trails, cool spots to fish, and picnic tables for a family picnic.
Best Last Minute Getaways on the Gulf Coast
I'm heavily biased when it comes to the Gulf since some of my favorite beaches are located here, whether you are in Texas (where I live full time!), Florida, Mississippi or Louisiana. Here's where to go last-minute:
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
I absolutely loved it here because Bay St. Louis is still off-the-beaten path on the Gulf Coast. This was one of my favorite coastal towns we visited since moving to the South.
From New Orleans, we drove one hour east on our day trip to "The Garden of the Riviera". This is a small Gulf Coast town of around 10,000 residents.
I recommend visiting historic downtown first. I loved how the waterfront invited us to slow down. Chris and I enjoyed walking along the marina and watched sailboats.
Later, we spent time on the beach even though it was too cold to swim.
You can also explore the charming Old Bay St. Louis Historic District, the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum and the historic 100 Men Hall.
Foodies won't be disappointed either. Enjoy Gulf-to-table dining at The Thorny Oyster, and casual dining at Mockingbird Café.
Best Last Minute Getaways on the West Coast
These West Coast destinations make it easy to pack a bag, hit the road, and enjoy a refreshing escape without weeks of planning.
Madison, Wisconsin
We absolutely love Madison, Wisconsin, and have visited multiple times. If you’re craving a weekend trip that blends college-town energy with lakeside calm, this is one of my top picks.
Set between two lakes and home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the city has a laid-back, intellectual vibe that makes it a joy to explore, even if you’re only there for a day.
From Milwaukee, I drove 1.5 hours west to Madison, the state capital and a city of about 275,000.
Driving to Madison is generally easy, especially compared to bigger cities. Traffic is usually manageable, and parking downtown is straightforward if you use ramps near the Capitol or State Street.
We walked around the Capitol Square first, where the striking dome towers over the city, and I thought it was one of the most spectacular state capitols I’ve ever seen.
From there, we wandered into the farmers’ market, tasting fresh cheese curds and baked goods—it felt joyful just to be part of the crowd, laughing and sampling everything we could.
I loved how the city is tucked between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona; no matter where we went, water seemed to frame the view, and it gave our day such a unique backdrop.
Later, we explored State Street, where students, families, and travelers all blended together among cool cafés, quirky shops, and lively street performers.
One of my favorite parts was ducking into a small brewery, sipping local craft beer, and realizing how much pride Madison takes in its food and drink scene.
Watching the sun set was my favorite highlight - sitting by the Memorial Union Terrace with colorful chairs lined up by the water, listening to music and watching the sailboats drift across the lake—it was an exciting way to end the day.
We checked into The Edgewater Hotel for two days, which won the prestigious AAA Four Diamond so you can trust it's a high quality place.
Sedona, Arizona
Ahh Sedona, Arizona, a red-rock wonderland that feels straight out of a dream! This is one of my favorite places to visit when I need a last-minute escape that feels absolutely extraordinary. I felt completely awed by the towering red rock formations glowing in the sun—it was like entering a spectacular desert painting come to life.
From Phoenix, we drove 2 hours north to Sedona, a desert Arizona town of about 10,000 surrounded by towering red sandstone buttes.
We started with a hike at Cathedral Rock, and I loved how every turn revealed a new view that felt both powerful and peaceful at the same time.
Afterward, we explored Uptown Sedona, wandering through galleries and boutiques filled with local art and crystals, and it gave us a joyful sense of connection to the town’s creative spirit.
I thought it was exciting to take the jeep tour, bouncing over rugged trails while learning the history and geology of this unique landscape.
We found a quiet spot by Oak Creek to sit, dip our feet in the cool water, and watch the sunlight shift across the cliffs—it felt like a hidden gem tucked away from the crowds.
Foodies will find endless choices in Sedona, from refined Southwestern dining at Mariposa Sedona and Cress on Oak Creek, where the menu highlights seasonal ingredients and breathtaking red rock views, to creative comfort fare at The Hudson, known for its lively atmosphere and upscale twists on classics. For casual dining, try The Coffee Pot Restaurant for hearty breakfasts (they also host exciting holiday parties). I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge!
One of my favorite moments was standing at Airport Mesa at sunset, watching the whole valley light up with brilliant oranges and purples.
Feeling the calm energy Sedona is known for was my favorite highlight, especially near the vortex sites, where the desert air seemed to hold an unusual stillness that was unforgettable.
Personally, I recommend staying at least one night because Sedona’s sunsets and star-filled skies are something you won’t want to rush. There are many different options for all budgets (from $53/night).
San Simeon and Cambria
As a beach lover, I absolutely adore this part of California. If you are in the mood for a peaceful West Coast trip, head to San Simeon and Cambria last minute. The towns are about 15 minute from each other, connected by famous Highway 1 views.
In San Simeon, you can enjoy the historic Hearst Castle, the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, and the Piedras Blancas Light Station.
The Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is another local gem, about one mile long. You'll find it in Cambria and I recommend watching the sunset here.
Los Angeles
I fell hard for Los Angeles when we first visited years ago and we've been back many times since.
I recommend landing in LA and taking the scenic 4-hour drive north to San Simeon (and Cambria). But first, spend a couple of days discovering LA. Similar to Brooklyn on the East Coast, I find Los Angeles very easy to visit last minute. There's so much to choose from that you can be as spontaneous as you like.
If you are feeling active, start your morning with Aloha Brothers Surf Lessons in Venice.
Afterwards, I enjoyed visiting Wilding Cran Gallery where we admired paintings, sculpture, and photography.
One night we tried The Murder Mystery Company. I thought it was an exciting way to spend an evening among friends.
We checked into 4-star Hotel Angeleno. The hotel is actually a stylish circular tower with panoramic views of the city. I loved how cool and modern it felt.
Visiting Frogtown Brewery on a date with Chris was another highlight. Sipping craft beer along the L.A. River was a hidden gem away from the usual Hollywood crowds.
