Weekend Getaways: You Don't Have To Go Too Far

There are instances when a long weekend getaway is exactly what you need to chill out and unwind. But finding the right place for such a short trip is not always simple. There are, fortunately, lots of places that are great for an idyllic weekend away.

New York City

Visitors can get to New York City by train, plane or auto, so weekend getaways are a breeze. In addition, enough attractions indoors ( such as museums and Broadway shows) and outdoors (like Central Park and the High Line) make unpredictable weather a non-issue. Both the inspiring iconic landmark known as the Statue of Liberty and famous Ellis Island can be reached by ferry.

San Francisco

There is much to appreciate about San Francisco: the iconic cable cars you can ride through city streets, the colorful hilly neighborhoods, the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, and of course the lovely weather. AT&T Park is a fabulous place to view the scenery while taking in a baseball game, as the stadium overlooks the beautiful San Francisco Bay.

Washington, D.C.

Both history aficionados and future politicians will love Washington, D.C., with its many things to see on the National Mall such as the inspiring Lincoln Memorial, the striking Washington Monument, and many others; and most are free of charge. While visiting, don't miss out on the trendy weekend brunch scene – just don't forget to make reservations in advance.

New Orleans

New Orleans has so many activities to do it’s difficult to fit it all into a single weekend, so choose carefully. The picturesque City Park has a lot of fun things to do if you want to be outside in the open air, or if you prefer museums, check out the popular and fascinating National WWII Museum. Foodies (or even non-foodies) will want to breakfast or snack on the typical beignets, then spend some time walking around the famous and charming French Quarter.

Nashville, NC

This small town is liked by easy-going hipsters, beer enthusiasts, as well as anyone who loves gorgeous mountain scenery. The famous Appalachian Trail passes through the area if you want to hike a section, and nearby Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway also offer wonderful day hikes. After an active day, visitors can head back to town to drink one of 100-plus local brews.

Chicago

Chicago is known for its great food, iconic architecture, and fun things to do, making it an excellent weekend getaway. When the temperatures are mild, check out the legendary sculpture nicknamed “The Bean” or take a cruise down the Chicago River to see the beautiful architecture. Museum aficionados for more tourism might choose to visit Chicago in the cold winter months to explore the wonderful museums including the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Seattle

Seattle is a colorful hipster city famous for its coffee culture (Starbucks started here) as well as the iconic Space Needle and vibrant Pike Place Market with its great bars and restaurants. You could even squeeze in a hike in Discovery Park or on nearby Mount St. Helens. Just remember to pack an umbrella and a raincoat – weather in the Emerald City can be cloudy.