5 Best U.S. Cities for a Weekend Getaway

Charleston SC

Written by Zach Lazzari on

Zach Lazzari is a freelance writer, fly fisherman, and explorer. He lives on the road full-time, chasing fish and wild places with his dog, Shale. Follow his journey at bustedoarlock.com and @zachlazzari on Instagram.


    5 Best U.S. Cities for a Weekend Getaway

    Looking for a quick getaway? These five weekend destinations are perfect for a quick trip.

     

    Whether exploring on a budget or you simply don't have much time off of school or work, planning a weekend getaway is the perfect chance to appease your wanderlust. Planning for these mini-vacations should be a low stress affair with only a bag or two needed, organized with Pack-It™ sets, shoe sacs, and packing cubes. The best weekend getaway destinations are logistically straightforward in terms of travel arrangements and lodging. You really want to maximize the time available by showing up ready to pop in the hotel and hit the town. Here are five of the many cities made for easy weekend trips.

    Austin, Texas

    The quirky city of Austin is a weekender’s paradise with regular festivals and a vibrant music scene that attracts top talent from around the country. Keep an eye on the festival schedule and plan ahead for big events. Austin is a top spot however because it always has live music and you can find a show just about any weekend of the year, making it ideal for last minute trips too. When the music ends, head to Lake Travis for boating, zip lines and adventures on the water. The massive reservoir has an endless supply of activities. The city itself is loaded with fascinating and unusual shops and world class dining experiences. Hit the street carts and try the famous tex-mex fare for a true Texas vacation.

    Charleston, South Carolina

    You won’t find many more charming destinations with oceanfront views and wonderful southern culture. Charleston is ideal for getting outside with a plethora of golf courses, opportunities to kayaks or head out on fishing charters. It has climbing walls, marinas, walking trails, and parks to explore. And, as if that isn’t enough, the museums and historic buildings, shopping, spas, and local fairs and markets offer plenty of options for the weekend. If you want a weekend getaway with easy access to nature and a bustling town filled with great food and shops, Charleston is ideal.

    Bozeman, Montana

    You’ll find a surprising number of direct flights from all over the country to Bozeman. Many are targeted towards Yellowstone National Park visitors and Big Sky skiers, but staying right in the booming city of Bozeman is also a great way to spend the weekend. The charming downtown has shopping, restaurants and bars, plus you’re a short drive from Chico Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, and Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. A wide range of hotels and private rentals make this an easy trip to plan.

    Reno, Nevada

    It’s not all gambling in Reno and the casinos offer great restaurants, spas and entertainment for visitors. Hiking trails and Lake Tahoe are within an hour of driving, making this a very convenient destination with a ton of options for visitors. Take a side trip to Virginia City and tour the old mines and ghost town sites, or stay right in town and do the Riverwalk while bar-hopping and attending concerts in Wingfield Park.

    Salt Lake City, Utah

    This destination is filled with surprises that can quickly consume a weekend, leaving you planning to come back for more. Salt Lake is surrounded by idyllic mountains with small towns, breweries, ski resorts, and hiking trails. You can stay in the city and take advantage of the nightlife or grab a rental car and hit the mountains. The Utah museum of Natural History is a fascinating stop and the Great Salt Lake will blow you away. Anglers can enjoy the Weber and Provo Rivers without straying far as well. Catch a professional soccer game if the timing is right and enjoy this amazing city.