50 Best Places to Take a Long Weekend in Every State

A long weekend can be the beginning of your next getaway adventure. We've scoped out all 50 states to find the perfect place to let go and have fun from Friday to Sunday. Keep reading to find out our favorite mini vacation destinations from Alabama to Wyoming and every state in-between.

Gulf Shores

With 32 gorgeous miles of shoreline set against the warm Gulf of Mexico, a long weekend spent at Alabama's Gulf Shores will feel like a tropical getaway. Powdery soft sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters and rental cottages right on the beach make it easy to do a whole lot of nothing all weekend long.

Skagway

Located a stone's throw from northwestern British Columbia is this historic vacation destination in Alaska. A former gold-mining community, Skagway today is a scenic paradise perfect for a long weekend getaway. A popular port of call for cruises, this city boasts epic outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, skiing, swimming, hunting, fishing and so much more.

Sedona

If a desert escape sounds like the perfect place for your next weekend, consider a stop in Sedona. Not only does this geologic wonderland feature some of the most dazzling rock formations, it's also home to a thriving arts and spiritual community, giving visitors a chance to check in with their creative and holistic sides.

Hot Springs National Park

Just because it's small doesn't mean Arkansas' Hot Springs National Park isn't mighty. Visitors can find lodging outside the park, in the town of Hot Springs, then spend their long weekend luxuriating in geothermal waters found inside several European-styled bathhouses or enjoy long walks through the beautiful Garvan Woodland Gardens.

San Diego

There is no shortage of fun to be had in the beloved Southern California city of San Diego. Home to gorgeous beaches, an exciting arts scene, world-class restaurants, museums, parks, an epic zoo and several unique neighborhoods, including Little Italy, Mission Valley and the Gaslamp Quarter, the city has everything a traveler needs for a long weekend escape.

Colorado Springs

The entire state of Colorado offers some of the most brilliant views of nature in the country, but when it comes to a long weekend getaway, no place compares to the lovely Colorado Springs. Bursting with beauty, this west-central city at the foot of the Rockies is home to Pikes National Forest and the historic North Cheyenne Cañon Park, where hikers can explore the trails that lead to pristine waterfalls.

East Haddam

History and nature unite in the charmingly small town of East Haddam. Weekend trips to this riverfront community should include a hike in Devil's Hopyard State Park, where visitors can enjoy the falls and bird-watching opportunities or a trip to one of the town's many historical sites, including Gillette Castle, where 19th- and early-20th-century actor and playwright William Gillette built his medieval fortress.

Bethany Beach

No matter the season, Bethany Beach is a weekend vacation destination in Delaware that shouldn't be missed. Visitors can swim or walk the sandy beaches, take a trek down the famous boardwalk, dine at some of the liveliest restaurants on the East Coast and, our favorite, enjoy tax-free shopping all year long!

Miami Beach

Just eight and a half miles from Miami is the island getaway Miami Beach. With annual average temps between the mid-70s and high 80s, it's always a good time to hit this popular vacation destination in Florida. A prized location for travelers looking to slow things down while enjoying world-class dining, shopping and night life, Miami Beach has a lot of flair without the high speed of its sister city.

Savannah

Located in western Georgia is the historic city of Savannah, the perfect weekend destination for every traveler. Incorporating its bountiful Southern charm with an appreciation for the arts, beautiful parks (like historic Forsyth Park, seen here), landmarks, Civil War-era neighborhoods, beautiful beaches and a thriving culinary scene, this coastal city has become a treasured vacation destination.

Maui

Where do islanders go to have a luxurious long weekend? Maui, of course! The second-largest of the Hawaiian islands, Maui offers 727 square miles of pristine beauty, much of it still undeveloped. With lush rainforests along the Road to Hana, epic mountain peaks and breathtaking, turquoise shorelines, it's easy to understand why Maui holds such a special place in Hawaiian residents' hearts.

Coeur d'Alene

Near the Washington state border, alongside Lake Coeur d'Alene and a national forest by the same name, is this beloved resort city, perfect for a long weekend away. Offering budget accommodations to luxury lodgings and loads of outdoor recreation, a trip to Coeur d'Alene is all about water sports, hiking, golfing, having fun and enjoying a glass of wine by the fire at night.

Chicago

Even people who live in Chicago stay in the Windy City for weekends away. Pulsing in northeastern Illinois, along Lake Michigan, is a city known throughout the world for its skyline, architecture, jazz music, arts, amazing food, diversity and compelling mobster history (including Al Capone), making the city a perfect place to get lost in exploration.

Indianapolis

Indiana's capital lies smack dab in the center of the state and offers visitors some of the most exhilarating fun in the Midwest. Known for having almost as many monuments and memorials as Washington, D.C., Indianapolis is also home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where NASCAR racing fans can cheer from the stands as their favorite drivers take to the track.

Des Moines

Considered Iowa's fastest-growing city, Des Moines is also a fun getaway destination for weekend travelers. With a plethora of annual festivals, beautifully manicured parks and vibrant markets, there's never a question of what to do in this centrally located city. Des Moines is also home to one of the largest state fairs in the country each August and the famed Butter Sculptures that visitors have to see to believe.

Wichita

Foodies will rejoice in Kansas' south-central city of Wichita. As the birthplace for popular fast-food chains Pizza Hut and White Castle, Wichita has grown into a mecca of great restaurants that feature craft beers and artisanal delicacies every serious eater can enjoy. Aside from a good meal, visitors can enjoy the city's live music venues, casinos, museums and outdoor beauty at the Great Plains Nature Center.

Louisville

Located in northwest Kentucky, near Indiana, is the state's largest city of Louisville (pronounced "loo-a-vull"). On the Ohio River, Louisville is a fun getaway destination for any traveler eager to explore the city's rich history, which extends back to 1778, or enjoy its more modern offerings, including the Kentucky Derby, sports arenas, outdoor parks, famous cuisine or a smooth glass of Kentucky bourbon.

New Orleans

There's never a bad time to visit the Big Easy. From late nights on Bourbon Street filled with decadent restaurants and exciting bars, to the surrounding French Quarter, where every street corner offers a new live music performance or delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as endless historic landmarks, museums, entertainment and more, New Orleans is a veritable hot spot all year round.

Kennebunkport

The summer home to former President George W. Bush and family, Kennebunkport occupies Maine's southern tip and is a favorite place to spend the hottest months of the year. In the off season, this coastal city is as lively as ever, offering visitors idyllic walks along the beach, fabulous fine dining (and those famous Maine lobsters), intriguing history and the 9,000-acre Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

Baltimore

The port city of Baltimore was once a shipping center for tobacco and wheat. Today, visitors can tour the historic waterways of this great city while also enjoying its modern offerings, including major sporting events, award-winning restaurants, theaters, museums and landmarks, including the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House where the flag that inspired poet Francis Scott Key to pen the national anthem was sewn.

Martha's Vineyard

A getaway destination for the wealthy, Martha's Vineyard is also a fun weekend escape for regular folks as well. Located south of Cape Cod, this island offers visitors the chance to view the famous Gingerbread Cottages (seen here) on Oak Bluffs, enjoy the beaches, tour historic landmarks, dine at romantic seaside restaurants and, perhaps, see a celebrity or two enjoying their own long weekend!

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Located on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks is truly a picturesque place to spend a long weekend. A camper's paradise, this shoreline offers visitors the chance to explore hiking trails, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, miles of beaches and extremely cool shipwreck remnants, and even a 19th-century lighthouse.

Minneapolis

One half of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis is a hot spot for long weekends in the Midwest. Home of the late music artist Prince, this thriving metropolis has a lot of everything for every visitor. From parks, waterfalls and lakes to a booming night life at places like First Avenue, Minneapolis has every manner of fun for visitors who want to immerse themselves in something exciting and new.

Oxford

Founded in 1837, Oxford is both a college community (thanks to the University of Mississippi) and a cultural mecca. Visitors can spend a weekend exploring the museums and historical landmarks or indulge in the arts at places like Rowan Oak, the former home of literary giant William Faulkner (statue seen here). Oxford is also building a reputation in the foodie world for its award-winning restaurants.

Kansas City

More than a place for great barbecue, Kansas City is a popular spot for sports enthusiasts, music fans, foodies and history buffs. From watching a Kansas City Royals or Kansas City Chiefs game to catching a live jazz performance, dining at Webster House or touring the National World War I Museum and Memorial, a weekend won't be enough to see all KC has to offer!

West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is the entrance to the Montana side of Yellowstone National Park, where long weekends were invented. With numerous lodging accommodations just outside the park and a location that's only a few minutes from Yellowstone's coolest attractions, including Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, visitors can mix a little adventure with a lot of relaxation.

Omaha

Part of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, the city of Omaha has so many cool things to do, it's impossible to list them all. Visitors can spend their long weekend exploring the underground caves at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, tour the Aerospace Museum, gamble at a casino, shop, walk through a brewery, get a massage, visit historic landmarks and so much more!

Las Vegas

There's a reason Sin City is at the top of nearly everyone's travel bucket list: It's a whirlwind of entertainment and fun for visitors of every age. Along with world-class casinos, Las Vegas is known for its live performances, including Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group, gigantic buffets (check out the one at the Wynn), lavish hotels and carnival-like atmosphere, giving visitors plenty to do over a long weekend.

Portsmouth

Located on the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth invites weekend visitors from around the world. Only 60 miles from Boston, travelers come to the city for the epic waterside views and enjoy year-round tax-free shopping. Mix in the beautiful parks (like Prescott Park), the history dating back to the 1600s and the many lodging and dining options, and you'll see why this city is routinely voted America's best small town.

Atlantic City

The Las Vegas of the eastern seaboard, Atlantic City is a place for adult travelers to play the weekend away. Along with top-notch casinos and hotels, this coastal community is also famous for its six-mile boardwalk, where visitors can find a wide variety of boutique shops, confection stands and fun gifts alongside the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.

Albuquerque

New Mexico's largest city is a desert oasis waiting to be discovered on your next weekend getaway. From outdoor excursions like hiking, biking and even hot air ballooning around the city to cultural-immersion opportunities, mouth-watering southwest cuisine, casinos, relaxing spas, jaw-dropping sunsets and more, Albuquerque is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

New York City

The Big Apple is big on fun. A long weekend in New York City means walking through Times Square at night followed by a Broadway show, subway rides through the five boroughs, fresh, chewy bagels, deli sandwiches, iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the Empire State Building followed by tours through memorials like the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Raleigh

North Carolina's capital city is also one of the coolest weekend getaway destinations in the southeast. Along with being a famous research community thanks to its universities, Raleigh is also home to many museums, including the Museum of Natural Sciences, the epic PNC Arena for sporting events and live entertainment, a booming restaurant scene and some of the most beautiful parks in the state.

Fargo

Bordering the state line of Minnesota, Fargo is so quirky it even has a movie and TV show named after it. Weekend travelers should make their first stop the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor's Center, which is actually inside a grain elevator and home to the Celebrity Walk of Fame. Other fun stops: the Rourke Art Gallery and Museum, the Bonanzaville Pioneer Village and, for an extraterrestrial treat, Space Aliens Grill & Bar.

Cleveland

Whoever said Cleveland rocks wasn't lying. Located on the shore of Lake Erie, this Midwest city happens to be home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, where the greatest artists in rock 'n' roll history are memorialized. Other major attractions include sporting events, amusement parks, botanical gardens and a pretty cool zoo, giving weekend vacationers a lot to cross off their bucket list.

Tulsa

The city of Tulsa knows how make a long weekend enjoyable. Located on the Arkansas River, the city is one of those rare gems that has preserved its history while moving in a modern direction. Located in antique brick buildings are artisanal vendors (including chocolatiers Glacier Confections) and unique mom and pop shops. The city has a thriving arts scene and some pretty cool museums to check out, as well.

Portland

Known for being a haven for liberal, creative hipsters, Portland is also a place where visitors can hike, fish and explore nature, as well as find home-brewed beer, freshly laid eggs, locals who ride bikes and probably harvest their own honey, along with some of the greatest farm-to-table restaurants and beautiful scenery in the state.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia (aka "Philly" or "The city of brotherly love") has a major place in America's history since it's where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. It's also where the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (and more) are located. We can't leave out the fact that Philly is also home to the eponymous cheesesteak and where Sly Stallone portrayed fictional boxing legend "Rocky."

Newport

One of Rhode Island's most popular getaways, Newport is a yachting paradise on Aquidneck Island that happens to have some of the most glorious historic mansions in the country. Visitors can get an opulent eyeful touring the Breakers and Marble House—both of which are old Vanderbilt estates. If ogling old wealth gets too hard, there are beautiful beaches and relaxing restaurants to take the ache away.

Charleston

Charleston has grown over the past three and a half centuries to become one of the most popular getaways in the South. Voted "America's Favorite Destination" by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, this historic community, with its cobblestone streets, beachfront walkways and pre-Civil War architecture, has an unsurpassed charm that draws visitors in need of a weekend getaway from around the world.

Rapid City

East of the Black Hills National Forest is Rapid City, a place that's proud of its Native American heritage and our past presidents. Visitors can learn about the city's Oglala Lakota culture by visiting the annual Black Hills Powwow or shopping for handmade crafts at locally owned shops. Downtown, visitors can also discover the City of Presidents, where a series of life-sized bronze statues of past presidents line the street.

Memphis

Located in southwestern Tennessee, Memphis is where musical greats like Johnny Cash and B.B. King recorded some of their best music. It's also the location of the famed Gracelend, where legendary performer Elvis Presley once lived. Add in the excitement of Beale Street (seen here), the city's delicious local restaurants and outdoor recreation and it's no wonder Memphis is a preferred weekend getaway destination.

San Antonio

Tex-Mex cuisine, the River Walk, the Alamo, SeaWorld and Six Flags are all great reasons to visit San Antonio. Located in south-central Texas, this historic city was established in 1718 as a Spanish mission, later becoming the site of a major battle in 1836. Today, San Antonio is a fascinating city for visitors who want to explore its history while indulging in some of the best shopping, dining and entertainment in the state.

Moab

A place for adventure, Moab is famous for Canyonlands National Park, carved from the Colorado River in ancient times, and Arches National Park, where visitors can witness the incredible landscape with more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches and brilliant red rock formations. Located in eastern Utah, Moab is a place to hike, bike and more, or simply feel at peace while surrounded by earthy, desert beauty.

Manchester

Located in southern Vermont, Manchester is a picturesque rural community set against Mount Equinox. Surrounded by verdant hillsides, this small town is a perfect getaway for travelers who enjoy bountiful farmlands, covered bridges, fly-fishing in sparkling ponds and lakes, rooming at charming B&Bs and touring historical landmarks, such as the former summer home of Robert Lincoln, one of Abraham Lincoln's sons.

Alexandria

Just a hop, skip and a drive from Washington, D.C., is the vibrant city of Alexandria. Located on the Potomac River, Alexandria is home to Gadsby's Tavern, which was where our forefathers used to dine and is now a museum in the city's famous Old Town. Brimming with 18th-century architecture, fine dining, the arts, shopping and amazing diversity, a trip to Alexandria feels like visiting a major metropolis.

Seattle

Nothing beats a trip to Seattle. Home to Amazon and Microsoft, this twinkling city in the Pacific Northwest is located on the Puget Sound and surrounded by forests and sweeping mountains, giving visitors the chance to indulge in modern fun like shopping at the famous Pike's Place Market or dining at SkyCity Restaurant in the Space Needle, before hiking, kayaking or camping in the great outdoors.

Babcock State Park

Located in Clifftop is one of West Virginia's most prized locations, Babcock State Park. Enveloping more than 4,000 acres, this forested park is a place to hike, fish, geocache, swim and view the Glade Creek Grist Mill (seen here), which is a replica of the historic Cooper's Mill that was build in 1869. Camping is in abundance at Babcock, giving visitors a chance to be fully immersed in the park's natural beauty.

Washington Island

Located in Door County, this tiny land mass in Lake Michigan is the largest of 30 islands with a year-round population of less than 800 people. What it lacks in size, however, it makes up for in natural beauty, history, cool landmarks (like Stavkirke church, seen here) and small-town charm. With numerous lodging accommodations, Washington Island is a great place to spend a quiet, relaxing weekend away from it all.

Jackson Hole

Near both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park is the perfect place for a long weekend escape: Jackson Hole. A popular skiing destination in winter, Jackson Hole is also a welcoming getaway in the warmer months, with miles of biking and hiking trails, chances to spy animals like elk, bison and moose in the wild and awesome annual festivals that beckon visitors from all around the country.