18 best weekend getaways in the US

As an outdoors-oriented, music-loving road-tripper with itchy feet, I've taken many a weekend trip over the past few years.

Some of my favorites include days cooing over otters and elephant seals in Morro Bay on California's Central Coast, exploring Yellowstone National Park on horseback in Wyoming and dancing the night away in Nashville.

Whether your preferred escape involves putting your feet up poolside or setting them on a mountain trail, there's a getaway guaranteed to restore your sanity and recharge your batteries in the U.S.

Here are 18 camera-worthy weekend trips, ideal for chilling, adventuring or both across the country.

Best getaways in the West

Cody, Wyoming

Immerse yourself in authentic cowboy culture at the epicenter of America's Wild West. Spend the morning at the Smithsonian-affiliated Buffalo Bill Center of the West and use the afternoon to explore the authentic pioneer-era buildings of Old Trail Town. Finish the day off with the Cody Nite Rodeo.

Just outside of town, the historic Buffalo Bill Dam rises 280 feet above the Shoshone River canyon and features an educational visitors center. A different kind of history awaits in the heartbreaking stories of those at the Heart Mountain Internment Camp, where Japanese citizens — including women and children — were imprisoned for the duration of WWII.

Cody also offers prime access to Yellowstone National Park, with the park's less-crowded eastern entrance just 52 miles from town via the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. For the full experience, stay at one of Cody's numerous dude ranches or take a trail ride at the Bill Cody Ranch.

Related: 3 authentic Wild West mountain towns to visit this summer

Morro Bay, California

The quest for the perfect California beach town can't land you in a better spot than Morro Bay. It's tucked into a sheltered harbor where sea otters provide constant entertainment with their playful antics.

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A working fishing fleet still heads out every morning to bring in crab, salmon and cod, while oyster beds line up just offshore, ensuring that the town's many seafood restaurants are well stocked with fresh catch year-round. Giovanni's Fish Market and Galley, Tognazzini's Dockside and Blue Sky Bistro are all top choices for enjoying chowder, grilled and raw oysters, and the catch of the day. Look for the festive covered deck behind Tognazzini's, where the Dockside Too Fish Market serves a more informal menu in a friendly atmosphere with live music. Speaking of music, check the schedule of the venerable club The Siren, which hosts surprisingly big-name bands en route between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

This unassuming bayside hamlet is also supremely dog-friendly; there is an off-leash town beach, and pups are welcome in many cafes and restaurants. After exploring the town's signature landmark, towering Morro Rock, stroll the long crescent-shaped stretch of sand that extends north and connects with Morro Strand State Beach.

Just up Highway 1, the Piedras Blancas reserve is home to a growing rookery of elephant seals. A boardwalk provides an up-close viewing of the ungainly creatures as they mate, fight, give birth and nurse their young.

Related: TPG's 16 favorite hotels in California for every type of traveler

Bisbee, Arizona

Clinging to the steep slopes of the Mule Mountains at seemingly impossible angles, the mining cabins, narrow alleys and 19th-century storefronts (and former brothels) of Bisbee make a memorable maze to explore.

Take a tour of the Queen Mine to learn about Bisbee's history as a fount of gold and silver ore. Also, check out the numerous galleries and boutiques that have turned the town into a popular haunt for artists and makers.

There's no hike quite like the annual Bisbee 1000 The Great Stair Climb, which scales a 4 1/2-mile maze of stairs and alleys. You can actually pick up a map from the Bisbee Visitor Center for a self-guided hike anytime. Or, you can join the thousands who crowd Bisbee's narrow streets every year in mid-October for the riotous event.

Related: 4 family-friendly road trips you can take through Arizona

Southern Oregon

If Ashland's world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival doesn't lure you to southern Oregon, the Britt Music & Art Festival in nearby Jacksonville might just be the ticket. You'll also want to meander through the Applegate and Rogue River valleys, visiting farm stands and tasting pinots and chardonnays.

Don't overlook unassuming Central Point, a foodie haven where the Rogue Creamery serves up cheeses so good they've won top international awards. Make time to sample artisanal chocolates from Lillie Belle Farms and morning buns from Coquette Bakery next door.

In the former logging town of Grants Pass, Victorian storefronts in the once-neglected historic downtown now house an up-and-coming arts district of cafes, brewpubs and bohemian boutiques. The Rogue River runs right through town; stop by Riverside Park to relax by its tumbling waters or take a speedboat ride with Hellgate Jetboat Excursions to see the river's famous rapids and canyons.

The Lost Sierra, California

This little-known swath of the northern Sierra, bypassed by the hordes swarming Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, is an outdoor recreational paradise. It's particularly beloved by the hikers hitting the trails of the Lakes Basin and mountain bikers challenging themselves on rugged terrain (made famous by the Downieville Classic championship bike race and festival).

Base yourself in the authentic gold rush town of Downieville, where the Yuba and Downie rivers meet just steps from the tiny town's wooden sidewalks. The sidewalks are dotted with Western saloons and a cluster of well-restored hotels. With two rivers to choose from, there's no shortage of swimming spots for a cold plunge. You can also drive the scenic Gold Lake Highway to visit a string of sparkling alpine lakes. If Downieville's legendary mountain biking is your draw, head to Yuba Outfitters for bike rentals and to sign up for the numerous daily shuttles to the trailhead.

Start your day with a high-energy breakfast at Sabrina's at the Forks, or fuel up with coffee or a smoothie at Cold Rush Cafe. Finish the day with a drink at the historic St. Charles or the festive Boomtown Lounge; the latter boasts a lively beer garden, Boomtown Backyard, with weekly trivia and live music.

Downieville also offers a surprising number of dinner options for its size. Try La Cocina De Oro for a veggie-forward take on Mexican food, Two Rivers Cafe for creative pizza and salads, Jaada's Kitchen for hearty American-style fare, and Boomtown Backyard for weekend specials. Empire Provisions is your go-to for picnic and hiking supplies.

There's big news for the future as well: A 600-mile-long trail network of multi-use trails, the Lost Sierra Route, is under development to link the 15 small towns encircling the wilderness (but it will likely be 2030 before many of the trails are completed).

Mendocino County, California

Plunging cliffs, pounding surf, sheltered coves and one of California's most exciting — and undiscovered — wine countries await in this colorful region just north of San Francisco.

The picture-perfect village of artsy Mendocino may be deservingly well-known. However, you'll have discoverer's bragging rights to hidden coves, recently opened hiking trails and up-and-coming wineries of the Anderson Valley.

Go tide pooling at Van Damme State Park, hike the bluffs of Jug Handle State Natural Reserve and drive north to the authentic seaport of Noyo Harbor. There, fresh crab and salmon are offloaded straight onto the docks and then to the plates of a clutch of seafood restaurants right on the water. While Mendocino's galleries, boutiques and cafes are undeniably tempting, leave time to walk the trail that traces the clifftops of the Mendocino Headlands — particularly stunning at sunset.

Lodging choices match the eclectic environment. Options include treehouses and off-the-grid cabins in addition to elegant inns and luxurious boutique hotels.

Moab, Utah

Come to visit the two national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, that bracket this town. Stay for the mountain biking, hiking, and hot food and music scenes that have made Moab a buzzy high-desert hub. Or, to get away from the crowds, head for one of the lesser-known red rock parks surrounding town to see chiseled spires, sky-framing arches, gnarly hoodoos and other formations.

Mountain bikers come to ride the ever-expanding maze of trails known as the Moab Brands. They may also venture out into the BLM lands surrounding town to test their mettle on uber-challenging trails like Slickrock (so famous it has its own gigantic parking lot). The Colorado River appeals to kayakers and boaters who put in at the Big Bend Recreation Area, road-trippers who drive the scenic Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway and campers who pitch their tents in the numerous campgrounds along the river.

Related: 10 reasons to visit Utah this winter

Gunnison, Colorado, and the San Juan Mountains

Gunnison is the gateway to some of the most spectacular landscapes and recreational opportunities in the southern Rockies. There's the vivid slash of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which lies 60 miles to the east. There's Curecanti National Recreation Area stretching for 42,000 acres just outside town. And, there are the ski slopes and mountain biking trails of Crested Butte and Breckenridge rising to the north.

Clinging to the peaks of the soaring San Juan range, the historic mining towns of Ouray and Telluride have transformed into chic outdoorsy getaways complete with hot springs and high-end eateries. Jeep and ATV tours are a huge draw here, with white-knuckle routes traversing the ridiculously rugged mining roads that once linked the high-altitude hamlets.

Beyond its status as an outdoor recreation hub, Gunnison is gaining prominence for its rising food scene. Creative young chefs are transforming the town's colorful 19th-century saloons and steakhouses into trendy cocktail bars, fusion-themed restaurants and farm-to-fork cafes.

Best getaways in the East

Finger Lakes, New York

One glance at a map and you'll understand the apt description of these 11 narrow, glacier-scraped lakes. Together, they form a region so rich in recreation offerings that many visitors return year after year and rarely repeat an experience.

History buffs won't want to miss the Harriet Tubman Home National Historic Park, which narrates the astonishing life of the abolitionist leader and foremost guide on the Underground Railroad. The Women's Rights National Historic Park in Seneca Falls tells the story of women's fight for equality through the eyes of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott and other local women who founded and led the movement.

Each lake has at least one picturesque shore town at its northern end; Skaneateles, Geneva and Canandaigua are among the liveliest. Stroll among galleries, cafes, cleverly themed shops and a host of notable restaurants. Or, kick back on the dock of a shoreside hotel or lake house and enjoy the light playing on the water.

Experience the living cultures of the Seneca people at the Ganondagan Seneca Arts & Cultural Center. Deeply involving exhibits document their culture and history, along with the lamentable story of their treatment by the arriving settlers. The grounds feature a re-created authentic bark longhouse and a network of hiking trails; local Seneca artisans and storytellers are often on-site to interpret their culture. To learn more about the lives of the new arrivals, visit the sprawling Genesee Country Village & Museum to see tinsmiths, potters, bakers, and blacksmiths in action and to experience the nitty-gritty of 18th-century survival.

The Finger Lakes region is also renowned for its wines. There are four different wine trails around Cayuga, Canandaigua, Keuka and Seneca lakes and some spread throughout the countryside. Waterfalls are another of the area's claims to fame. No visit is complete without walking the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail or gazing in awe at 217-foot Taughhannock Falls.

Rhinebeck, New York

History lovers can tour the historic Wilderstein mansion. Hikers can ascend the Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower. Food lovers will want to hit the farmers market or go apple and berry picking in the orchards surrounding this 300-year-old Hudson Valley village.

Don't miss the chance to get a sugar high at Samuel's Sweet Shop — a local institution owned by actors Paul Rudd, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilarie Burton. Also, enjoy a pint at the pre-Revolutionary War Beekman Arms tavern, which once served Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Ready for dinner? The Culinary Institute of America is a short drive from Rhinebeck, and the campus is dotted with top-notch, student-run restaurants.

MidCoast Maine

Stay in Boothbay Harbor and attend one of Maine's numerous nautical events, including Windjammer Days and the Tall Ships Festival. Drive Route 1, stopping at the string of tiny hamlets along the way and eating lobster at every chance. Don't miss Boothbay Harbor's greatest draw: the expansive Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Also, plan a stop at the outstanding Maine Maritime Museum before heading to nearby historic Wiscasset (home to the famous lobster shack Red's Eats).

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is extraordinarily photogenic on its perch at the end of a causeway, but Maine has 64 more lighthouses to satisfy your camera after that.

Related: Lobster rolls and lighthouses: The perfect Maine road trip

Best getaways in the Midwest

Chicago

The Windy City, the City with the Big Shoulders and the Last Great American City — Chicago's universally recognized monikers speak to the city's grit, spirit of invention, cultural elan and magnificent skyline.

Take it all in from the Skydeck on the 103rd floor of the iconic Willis Tower; it rises above what is, unquestionably, one of North America's finest collections of modern architecture. All the big-name architects are here: the skyscraper prototypes of Louis Sullivan, the modernist minimalism of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the Prairie style of Frank Lloyd Wright and the billowing steel of Frank Gehry's show-stopping Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

The city's world-class museums — like the Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum — always take top billing. However, you should also make time to explore the city's neighborhoods. Stroll around the leafy German enclave of Lincoln Square, graze on Scandinavian-inspired baked goods in eclectic Andersonville, or explore galleries and parks in the Mexican-American neighborhood of Pilsen. And, of course, be sure to sample some of Chicago's iconic dishes — Al's Italian beef sandwiches, deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs — and the city's boundary-pushing restaurant scene.

Related: The 17 best Chicago hotels

Mackinac Island

A pure slice of 19th-century Victoriana, Mackinac Island charms with its timeless streetscapes, idyllic shoreline and lushly forested interior. Sitting on Lake Huron between northern Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas, it's well known for its hiking trails, historic forts and pedestrianized streets. Cars are not allowed on Mackinac Island, so you'll have to park yours at the dock before taking the ferry to your resort. Opt for cycling, walking or horse-drawn carriage rides during your visit.

For the quintessential Mackinac Island experience, stay at the iconic Grand Hotel. The charming resort — also known as "America's Summer Place" — is more than a century old and remains a beloved monument for Midwesterners. Just one of many superlatives, it's home to the world's longest porch, which overlooks the waters of Lake Huron. Another option: Savor history and luxury at the Inn at Stonecliffe. It was built in 1904 as the lakeside estate of a wealthy Chicago family but unveiled a $40-million restoration in June 2024.

Best getaways in the South

Nashville

A trip to Nashville feels like a journey through country and bluegrass musical history. Visitors can enjoy concerts at the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry or explore museums such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, the National Museum of African American Music and RCA Studio B.

Active travelers can go paddleboarding and kayaking on the Cumberland River and nearby Old Hickory Lake. Or, they can take advantage of the city's expansive bike-share network to ride through town or on the rail trails (known collectively as the Greenway).

And don't sleep on the legendary food scene where award-winning chefs garner accolades for Nashville's restaurants almost as often as musicians earn Grammys.

Related: The best hotels to book in Nashville for the full Music City experience

Fredericksburg, Texas

Bluebonnets may have put Fredericksburg and the surrounding countryside on the getaway map, but lavender, peaches and, increasingly, wine are the bounty that make this Texas Hill Country village an uber-popular escape.

German immigrants settled in the area in the 19th century. You'll notice their influence in the lacy woodwork that bedecks local houses; the flower boxes lining the streets; and the wursts, aged cheeses and schnitzels on many menus.

Also, with vineyards and grapes terracing the surrounding hillsides, you'll want to follow the Texas Hill Country Wineries tasting map or visit some of the many tasting rooms in town.

The visitor appeal verges on the hokey — the streets are named so that their first letters spell out A-L-L-W-E-L-C-O-M-E upon entering town and C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K upon leaving. However, the welcome is real in the Texas-size hospitality.

New River Gorge, West Virginia

America's newest national park, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, is the biggest draw to this verdant swath of the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains. It has long lured adventurers to scale its sheer sandstone cliffs, cross the 876-foot-tall New River Gorge Bridge, and raft the Class IV and Class V rapids of the New and Gauley rivers.

A hive of outdoor activities, Adventures on the Gorge feels like a summer camp for all ages. There is a wide variety of cabins, lodges and other accommodations as well as a full roster of attractions. Some options include three different aerial adventures (read: zip lines), so there's plenty for all daredevil levels.

Long on vintage country charm and Southern comfort food, the gateway towns of Fayetteville and Hinton have become popular destinations for mountain biking and hiking as well.

Best getaways in Hawaii

North Shore, Kauai

The northern shore of Kauai is known for its lush mountains, gorgeous beaches and emphasis on small local businesses. Join a snorkeling cruise along the Na Pali Coast, take a surfing lesson at Hanalei Surf School or hike the Kalalau Trail from its start in Haena State Park. Then, spot rare and endangered native plants at Limahuli National Tropical Garden and watch the sun drop into the Pacific from the bluffs of Princeville. Those are only a few of the highlights of Kauai's North Shore. You'll also dine on fresh-caught ahi, swordfish and mahi-mahi, thanks to Kauai's thriving local fishing industry.

Beaches are the biggest draw here, of course. Favorites include Hanalei Bay Beach Park, Waioli Beach, Tunnels Beach, and Ke'e Beach at the end of the road. Looking for the perfect place to stay? The newly reimagined 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a TPG favorite.

Best getaways in Alaska

Seward, Alaska

From its perch on the shore of Resurrection Bay, Seward operates as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Visitors head out each morning to take a boat tour along the park's glacier-studded coastline, go whale watching or kayaking on the bay, and witness the audibly cracking Exit Glacier — one of the park's highlights.

The trip to Seward from Anchorage is a highlight in itself as you skirt the edge of the narrow bay known as Turnagain Arm and climb through the Chugach Mountains. Enjoy the scenery even more by taking Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic, considered the prettiest train journey in a state that has many to choose from.

Related: Check out these 12 unique things you can do in Alaska

While there, don't miss the Alaska SeaLife Center, where the antics of the sea otters can occupy an afternoon. Also, take the chance to go dog-sledding at one of several sled dog training centers. Summer and fall are the perfect time to go; you can take advantage of good weather and 20 hours of daylight to pack in endless adventures.

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