Long weekends are like a breath of fresh air in the middle of life's busy schedule. They provide just enough time to recharge, explore new destinations, and create lasting memories without the commitment of a longer vacation. Long weekend trips have become increasingly popular, especially among busy professionals and families. With just three days, you can escape routine, discover new places, and come back rejuvenated. From vibrant city breaks to serene nature retreats, there's something for everyone. Whether it's a holiday weekend trip or a spontaneous 3-day getaway, these short adventures have an undeniable charm. Top Weekend Getaways Across the U.S. Budget-Friendly Options for Long Weekends Fun-Filled Destinations for Families Romantic Getaways for Couples Tips for Planning a Memorable Long Weekend FAQ Top Weekend Getaways Across the U.S. Best Weekend Getaways in the Northeast New York City, NY Area Highlights The Big Apple is a classic destination for a long weekend. Whether it's catching a Broadway show, strolling through Central Park, or exploring world-class museums like The Met, New York City offers endless excitement. Find a more in depth look at the City That Never Sleeps with our New York City Travel Guide! Where to Stay Club Wyndham Midtown 45: This chic property places you right in the heart of Manhattan, with easy access to iconic landmarks, like the Empire State Building and Times Square. Book Club Wyndham Midtown 45 now. Smuggler's Notch, VT Area Highlights This picturesque Vermont retreat is ideal for nature lovers. In the winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding. In warmer months, hiking and biking trails abound. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Smugglers' Notch Vermont®: A family-friendly resort with stunning mountain views and plenty of activities including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and ziplining. Book Club Wyndham Smugglers' Notch Vermont® now. Atlantic City, NJ Area Highlights Known for its vibrant boardwalk and casinos, Atlantic City also offers beaches and entertainment for all ages. You can explore even more of what Atlantic City has to offer with our Comprehensive Comparison: Atlantic City vs. Las Vegas. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Skyline Tower: A modern 32-story high-rise resort located just steps from the action, overlooking the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Book Club Wyndham Skyline Tower now. Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest Lake of the Ozarks, MO Area Highlights With over 1,100 miles of shoreline, this destination is perfect for boating, fishing, and water sports. Where to Stay WorldMark Lake of the Ozarks: A lakeside retreat offering stunning lake views and well-equipped accommodations, while providing easy access to Ozark attractions and outdoor activities like swimming and hiking. Book WorldMark Lake of the Ozarks now. Wisconsin Dells, WI Area Highlights Known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” Wisconsin Dells is a family favorite with attractions like Noah's Ark Waterpark and scenic boat tours. Check out our Wisconsin Dells Travel Guide! Where to Stay Club Wyndham Glacier Canyon: A resort that combines comfort with non-stop fun and entertainment, featuring the Wilderness Resort indoor and outdoor waterparks. Book Club Wyndham Glacier Canyon now. Branson, MO Area Highlights This entertainment hub offers live shows, the theme park Silver Dollar City, and outdoor adventures like hiking and water sports. Where to Stay Westgate Branson Woods Resort: Set among the natural beauty of the Ozark mountains, this resort offers ample amenities including a heated indoor pool, on-site dining, and numerous hiking trails. Book Westgate Branson Woods Resort now. Best Weekend Getaways in the South North Myrtle Beach, SC Area Highlights Relax on sandy shores, play golf at one of the many championship courses, or explore local shops and restaurants. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Towers on the Grove: In an unbeatable location on Cherry Grove Beach, this resort places you steps from the sand with spacious suites and relaxing amenities like a covered pool and lazy river. Book Club Wyndham Towers on the Grove now. River Ranch, FL Area Highlights Step into the Wild West days of Old Florida with nonstop adventure and entertainment including airboat tours, horseback riding, archery, and rodeo shows. Where to Stay Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo: An authentic ranch experience with modern comforts that allow you to enjoy your Wild West adventure. Book Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo now. Edisto Beach, SC Area Highlights This laid-back beach town is perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Ocean Ridge: A serene escape surrounded by lush greenery with top-notch amenities and easy access to outdoor activities like golfing, bird watching, fishing, and hiking. Book Club Wyndham Ocean Ridge Now. Best Weekend Getaways in the West Moab, UT Area Highlights Famous for its breathtaking red rock landscapes, Moab is an adventurer's paradise. Don't miss Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Check out our top Things to do in Moab and Arches National Park spotlight! Where to Stay WorldMark Moab: A comfortable base for exploring the area's natural wonders located just south of Arches National Park. This resort provides the perfect relaxing retreat after a day exploring Moab's natural wonders. Book WorldMark Moab now. Estes Park, CO Area Highlights Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, this charming town offers countless stunning vistas and exciting outdoor activities. Learn more about Rocky Mountain National Park with our spotlight. Where to Stay WorldMark Estes Park: A cozy retreat with easy access to hiking and wildlife viewing and ample opportunities to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures in the heated pool and hot tubs. Book WorldMark Estes Park now. Klamath Falls, OR Area Highlights Discover the Oregon wilderness and Crater Lake National Park while enjoying outdoor recreation including fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. Where to Stay WorldMark Running Y: Near Upper Klamath Lake, this resort that combines rustic charm with modern amenities, like a golf course and indoor pool, and gives you easy access to the great outdoors with seven nearby national wildlife refuges. Book WorldMark Running Y Now. Budget-Friendly Options for Long Weekends Cities for Budget-Conscious Travelers Myrtle Beach, SC Area Highlights Inexpensive fun awaits with its beaches, golf courses, and seafood restaurants. Get inspired for a Myrtle Beach getaway with our Myrtle Beach Travel Guide! Affordable Accommodations Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort: A family-friendly, beachside resort that provides top-notch amenities like a lazy river and on-site dining, and a convenient location to top Myrtle Beach attractions. Book Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort now. Destin, FL Area Highlights This Gulf Coast gem offers sugar-white sands and emerald waters, and on a budget. Affordable Accommodations Club Wyndham at Majestic Sun: This resort is centrally located near everything Destin has to offer and provides accommodations equipped with full kitchens and washer/dryers as well as amenities including five indoor and outdoor pools. Book Club Wyndham at Majestic Sun now. Tips for Saving Money During Short Trips Travel off-peak to score better deals. Use rewards points or membership discounts for accommodations. You can sign up for Insider Extras for free and receive 20% off most bookings through Extra Holidays! Opt for local eateries instead of pricey restaurants, or stay in suite style accommodations that include kitchens to prep some meals at the resort. For more budget-friendly trip options and tips, check out our Inexpensive Beach Vacations Ultimate Guide! Fun-Filled Destinations for Families Cities with Kid-Friendly Attractions & Activities Anaheim, CA Area Highlights Visit the Happiness Place on Earth and head to Disneyland® Resort featuring two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park. Where to Stay Peacock Suites: Walking distance from Disneyland® Resort, this resort offers an unparalleled location, comfortable suites, and amenities including an activity center, covered pool, and rooftop sun deck. Book Peacock Suites now. Orlando, FL Area Highlights Known as the Theme Park Capital of the World, Orlando boasts Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and Gatorland. For even more to do in Orlando besides theme parks, browse our Orlando Travel Guide. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Cypress Palms: A tropical oasis with spacious suites and superior amenities just minutes from Orlando's top attractions and theme parks. Book Club Wyndham Cypress Palms now. Outdoor Adventures & Nature Trips for the Family Pocono Mountains, PA Area Highlights This scenic location is a year-round family favorite, with skiing and snowboarding in the colder months and hiking and water sports on the Delaware River in the warmer months. Where to Stay Pocono Mountain Villas By Exploria Resorts: This resort provides stunning vistas, comfortable lodging, and amenities ideal for the whole family including on-site dining, an indoor pool, golf course, and playground. Book Pocono Mountain Villas By Exploria Resorts now. Smoky Mountains, TN Area Highlights Hike, bike, or simply soak in the majestic views of America's number one national park destination: Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Check out our guide and travel tips for visiting Smoky Mountain throughout the year. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Smoky Mountains: Surrounded by the picturesque beauty of the Smokies, this resort gives adults a chance to relax in the sauna or one of the indoor and outdoor pools, and little ones tons of opportunity for fun with a playground and two mini golf courses. Book Club Wyndham Smoky Mountains now. Exciting & Educational Destinations Washington, D.C. Area Highlights From Smithsonian museums to the National Mall, there's no shortage of things to learn and explore. Where to Stay Club Wyndham National Harbor: Minutes from Washington DC in National Harbor, Maryland this resort offers easy access to the area's attractions at an amazing waterfront location near the banks of the Potomac River. Book Club Wyndham National Harbor now. Williamsburg, VA Area Highlight Williamsburg is where history comes to life. Colonial Williamsburg transports you back in time with immersive experiences and restored 18th-century buildings. With Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown nearby, it's a perfect destination for a complete journey through America's past. Find out even more things to do with our Williamsburg Travel Guide. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Kingsgate: Combining Colonial style with modern amenities, this resort provides the opportunity for families to unwind in spacious suites with separate bedrooms and enjoy the movie theater, mini golf, and multiple pools. Book Club Wyndham Kingsgate now. Romantic Weekend Escapes for Couples Secluded and Serene Spots St. Thomas, USVI Area Highlights Relax among pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. For a detailed look at what to do in St. Thomas, check out our Ultimate Guide of Things to do in St. Thomas. Where to Stay Margaritaville Vacation Club - St. Thomas: Embrace the laid-back island life sinking your toes in the sand, unwinding by the pool, dining at Margaritaville Restaurant, or enjoying a cocktail from a Frozen Concoction Maker® in your suite. Book Margaritaville Vacation Club - St. Thomas now. Rio Grande, PR Area Highlights Discover El Yunque Rainforest and secluded beaches, just 30 minutes outside of San Juan. Where to Stay Margaritaville Vacation Club - Rio Mar: For the ultimate tranquil getaway, this resort provides everything you need: golf courses, pools with cabanas, restaurants, a casino, luxury spa, and so much more. Book Margaritaville Vacation Club - Rio Mar now. Vibrant and Exciting Cities New Orleans, LA Area Highlights Laissez les bon temps rouler! Enjoy live jazz, delicious Creole cuisine, and charming French Quarter streets in this one-of-a-kind city. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Avenue Plaza: After a day of excitement exploring vibrant New Orleans, return to this peaceful resort and enjoy amenities including a rooftop sundeck, pool, and on-site restaurant. Book Club Wyndham Avenue Plaza now. Las Vegas, NV Area Highlights From high-end dining to vibrant nightlife, Vegas is full of excitement. Learn about travel tips and must-sees with our Las Vegas Travel Guide. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Desert Blue: Just one mile from the Las Vegas Strip, this resort puts you close to the action with enough distance to provide you time for relaxation in one of the pools or hot tubs, a poolside cabana, or at the cozy fire pit. Book Club Wyndham Desert Blue now. Austin, TX Area Highlights Live music, food trucks, and a quirky culture make Austin a standout. See what makes Austin special with our Austin Travel Guide! Where to Stay Club Wyndham Austin: This resort features a central location, spacious and modern suites, and deluxe amenities including an infinity pool, rooftop sun deck, and barbecue areas. Book Club Wyndham Austin now. Tips for Planning a Memorable Long Weekend Getaway Packing Essentials Pack light for easier travel. Bring comfortable walking shoes. Always have a backup, portable charger for your devices. Choosing the Right Destination Consider travel time, budget, and the activities you enjoy most. Look for destinations that align with your interests, whether it's outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or relaxation. Balancing Relaxation and Exploration Plan a mix of activities and downtime to ensure you return feeling refreshed and fulfilled. It's important to keep your itinerary balanced between relaxation and exploration — because let's face it, you don't want to return from your getaway feeling more tired than before you left! Maximizing Leisure in Limited Time When time is short, every moment counts. Planning is key to making the most of your long weekend getaway. Start by choosing a destination within a reasonable distance to minimize travel time. Look for accommodations that provide easy access to attractions, so you can jump straight into enjoying your trip. One trick I've found useful is booking activities in advance to avoid wasting time on decisions during the trip. FAQ Where is the best place for a long weekend? The best place depends on your interests. For beaches, consider Myrtle Beach or Destin. For city vibes, New York City or Austin are great choices. Nature lovers might prefer the Smoky Mountains or Moab. What is a good budget for a 3-day trip? A 3-day trip can range from $300 to $1,000, depending on destination, travel method, and activities. What should I do on my long weekend trip? Plan a mix of activities and relaxation. Explore local attractions, enjoy good food, and take time to unwind.
