This submit could include affiliate hyperlinks. We could obtain a small fee, for gratis to you, should you make a purchase order. Read Disclosure.
Tired of spending your weekends caught in the identical previous routine? It could be time for a protracted weekend trip!
One of the very best methods to spend a protracted weekend is to gas up the automobile, hit the fuel, and embark on among the best metropolis breaks within the USA.
From the brilliant lights of New York City to the sunny shores of Miami, there’s a treasure trove of city adventures simply ready to be explored.
With so many cities to select from, it may be a headache deciding which metropolis to go to, so we’ve listed our 12 private favorites from throughout the USA, so you can begin planning your metropolis escapes within the USA.
12. New York City, New York
Why did the vacationer carry a ladder to the town? Because they heard the skyline was to die for!
New York City is the plain selection for a metropolis break within the USA as a result of it has actually every part you can need or want.
From watching a Broadway musical to strolling by Central Park, or just feeling the beat of a fast-paced NYC minute whereas window purchasing within the shops – NYC is the last word playground for a protracted weekend!
I like to recommend you kick off your journey with a traditional bagel – come on, you’ve received to! Followed by some skyline views on the high of the long-lasting Empire State Building. Check out Times Square and the long-lasting neon lights and catch the Staten Island Ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty.
On the second day, channel your interior artwork critic on the Museum of Modern Art, the place you possibly can ponder over work that’ll depart you saying, “I could’ve painted that… if I had a degree in abstract nonsense!”
Wrap up your journey with a slice of pizza that’s larger than your face — as a result of in NYC, measurement undoubtedly issues!
P.S. My daughter and I are headed to New York in two weeks for Broadway, Food, Shopping and extra! Follow alongside on our Instagram.
Read extra:
11. Las Vegas, Nevada
Another traditional, Las Vegas is the last word metropolis break for a protracted weekend, the place the one factor extra dazzling than the neon lights is the celebs!
Stay at one of many high-end resorts which can be like a mini metropolis, you by no means have to go away. Though it is best to – simply because there’s an “All-you-can-eat” breakfast buffet doesn’t imply it is best to spend all day consuming!
After you’ve fueled up, hit the well-known Strip and marvel on the Eiffel Tower and the Venetian canals with out ever needing a passport — speak about a world tour in a few blocks! Ride on the Ferris Wheel or soar throughout a shopping center on a zipline.
If you’re feeling fortunate, after all, you possibly can hit the casinos, however there’s extra to Vegas casinos than simply playing. Walk by the on line casino and also you may simply discover Elvis ready to have a photograph with you!
Spend a night watching one of many iconic performances, from Cirque du Soleil to big-name artists who’ve common concert events right here.
On the second day, remember to head out of the town to expertise the gorgeous crimson landscapes of Nevada nature. Head to the Valley of Fire State Park or Red Rock Canyon for unbelievable rock formations! We completely liked each! Lake Mead is an alternative choice for a nature retreat!
And bear in mind, what occurs in Vegas, stays in your Instagram feed!
Read extra:
10. Chicago, Illinois
Life is simply too brief to remain in a single place — except, after all, that place has nice pizza! Fair warning, lots of people go to Chicago for a protracted weekend, and find yourself shifting there!
There’s no different metropolis prefer it; it’s welcoming to all and inclusive of all cultures and methods of life, it has a world-class meals scene, a love of the humanities, and the individuals are typically extremely pleasant and accepting. Chicago, the Windy City, will sweep you off your ft!
Start off with a go to to Millennium Park, the place you possibly can snap a selfie with “The Bean,” a shiny sculpture that’s mainly the world’s most reflective pal! Afterward, take a stroll alongside the Magnificent Mile, the place purchasing is so tempting, that your pockets shall be begging for mercy!
Dive into the artwork scene on the Art Institute of Chicago, or study our pure world on the Field Museum. Don’t miss an opportunity to stroll alongside the Riverwalk and see the gorgeous skyline views!
After darkish, head out to catch a few of Chicago’s improbable nightlife. For leisure, search for a comedy present within the metropolis that birthed improv; who is aware of, you may simply end up laughing all the way in which again residence!
If you desire a distinctive USA expertise, go to Chicago for St Patrick’s Day – recognized to be the largest celebration within the nation!
Read extra:
9. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a metropolis the place historical past and fashionable attraction collide, making it supreme for exploring over a protracted weekend.
Start your journey by strolling the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that’ll take you again to the Civil War period. After absorbing some revolutionary tales, seize a bowl of clam chowder, a staple dish in Boston, adopted by a leisurely stroll across the Boston Public Garden.
Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, the place you possibly can watch reenactments and take part with the age-old custom of throwing some tea overboard — simply bear in mind, nobody likes a soggy biscuit!
One of our favourite issues to do in Boston is to tour Harvard University, the place you possibly can fake to be a genius for an hour or to catch a Red Sox sport at Fenway Park!
Read extra: Legendary Things To Do In Boston MA With Kids
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
For a metropolis that ignites your senses, head to New Orleans, the place the jazz scene is as sizzling because the gumbo and the celebration by no means really stops!
Kick off your journey within the French Quarter, the place the structure is so charming you may simply wish to transfer in! Be positive to dip into the eateries and eating places and pattern Louisiana delicacies. We personally rave about beignets, that are powdered with extra sugar than your common dessert, however who’s going to complain about that?
Take a stroll down Bourbon Street, the place the one factor louder than the music is your laughter as you attempt to maintain your drink from spilling whereas dancing.
Another cool district to take a look at is the Garden District, the place the mansions are so grand they make castles appear like shacks.
If you time your go to proper, remember to head to New Orleans for Mardi Gras in February – it has a spirit extra energetic than a caffeinated squirrel! With parades bursting with shade, music filling the air, and the joyous vitality of revelers celebrating collectively within the coronary heart of the town, you can have the very best weekend of the entire 12 months!
Read extra:
7. Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia
Another traditional metropolis to go to, which everybody ought to do no less than as soon as of their life, is Washington, D.C.
Get up early and go to the iconic National Mall, the place you possibly can snap selfies with monuments which can be taller than your hopes and desires. I extremely advocate hiring a motorbike to cycle from monument to monument, it’s the proper solution to see the town and really feel the cool DC air.
Channel your interior politician on the U.S. Capitol, the place you possibly can fake to debate the deserves of pizza toppings — pineapple on pizza, yay or nay, anybody? Or go to the Library of Congress, and marvel on the gorgeous round studying room, which is arguably essentially the most lovely room within the metropolis.
Another good cause to go to Washington DC, moreover its political historical past, is for the Smithsonian museums, essentially the most well-known museums in Washington DS, the place you possibly can discover every part from dinosaur bones to the unique Star-Spangled Banner—as a result of who doesn’t love a superb flag story?
For a extra “off-the-beaten-path” exercise, stroll by the charming streets of Georgetown, flanked by cobblestone streets and historic structure.
Washington DC is a bucket listing metropolis for a lot of, so remember to add it to your listing!
Read extra:
6. Miami, Florida
Ok, do you want a little bit of sunshine? I hear you! Miami is the last word metropolis break for solar seekers! You might spend the entire weekend basking on the shores of South Beach, the place the sand is as smooth as a cloud and the people-watching is a sport all its personal!
But if you wish to soak in some tradition with these rays, head to the Art Deco District for scenes of fabulous buildings or discover the plush landscapes of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
In the night, head to Little Havana for some genuine Cuban delicacies, adopted by an evening dancing the evening away at a salsa membership!
With its mixture of tradition, delicacies, and coastlines, Miami is a perfect weekend getaway.
Read extra: Exciting Things to Do In Coconut Grove Neighborhood, Miami
5. San Francisco, California
For a metropolis that has tons of issues to do, head to San Francisco! Visit the long-lasting Golden Gate Bridge, or hike up Twin Peaks for iconic views of the town.
Be positive to journey one of many iconic cable vehicles up the steep San Fran slopes (the Powell-Hyde & Powell-Mason Lines are the most well-liked) or hop on a ferry to discover Alcatraz Island, and study the fascinating tales of incarcerations, justice, and humanity.
Wander by the colourful streets of Chinatown for some dim sum so good you’ll really feel such as you’ve walked into Hong Kong, adopted by a sundown cruise within the bay.
There are loads of issues to do in San Fran to maintain you busy!
Read extra:
4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Ok, nature lovers, your time is up! Gatlinburg is for you! As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, that is the place to go to get a whiff of that contemporary alpine mountain air!
The mountain climbing trails are plentiful, however even should you’re not an lively outdoorsman, you possibly can journey the cable automobile up Ober Mountain and relaxation your legs. We do love its shut proximity to the one of many USA’s finest nationwide parks, however we don’t like Gatlinburg city a lot.
Stroll down the Parkway or get pleasure from a distillery tour, the place you possibly can style a number of the area’s well-known moonshine — as a result of what’s a visit to Gatlinburg and not using a little “spirited” enjoyable?
Take a journey on the Gatlinburg SkyLift or if in case you have youngsters, take them to Ripley’s Aquarium, or get them open air within the Anakeesta journey park.
With quirky points of interest and unbeatable nature to get pleasure from, Gatlinburg is the weekend getaway of desires for a lot of. Personally, we predict Bryson City in North Carolina is the higher gateway for the Smoky Mountains, however many will disagree!
Read extra: Biking Cades Cove Loop, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
3. Nashville, Tennessee
Another hotspot in Tennessee is the Music City of Nashville, which is ideal for music lovers wanting to observe reside music and tour the town’s well-known recording studios.
Walk down Broadway in Nashville and slip into some honky-tonk bars – don’t overlook your dancing footwear!
After soaking within the tunes, go to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the place you possibly can brush up in your nation trivia, adopted by a tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium, the place you possibly can virtually hear the echoes of legends who as soon as performed right here – together with Elvis Presley earlier than he was well-known!
As effectively as watching reside music, don’t overlook to catch a present on the Grand Ole Opry, the place the one factor extra magical than the performances is the sensation of being a part of music historical past.
Read extra:
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is our favourite metropolis in South Carolina, and has a attraction that’s as thick because the humidity and a historical past richer than a slice of pecan pie!
Wander by the cobblestone streets of the historic district, admire the antebellum properties, and dip into a neighborhood restaurant to pattern some Lowcountry delicacies, like traditional shrimp and grits!
Take a leisurely stroll alongside the Battery for gorgeous views of the harbor or hop on a ship to Fort Sumter, for some historical past and tradition.
After darkish, head out on a ghost tour and listen to tales of Charleston’s spooky previous! There are loads of issues to do in Charleston for greater than only a weekend.
1. Memphis, Tennessee
Our primary metropolis break is yet one more Tennessee fav, Memphis! As the birthplace of blues and rock n roll, it’s arduous to not get sucked into the rhythm of the town!
Walk alongside Beale Street and dip right into a honky tonk bar, adopted by a visit to the Memphis Rock and Soul Museum, Sun Studios, and Stax Museum of American Soul Music – and so they mentioned Nashville was The Music City?
For a little bit of historical past moreover music, head over to the National Civil Rights Museum, or take a strolling tour adopted by a cruise on a historic sternwheeler boat.
Be positive to pay homage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself at Graceland, the place you possibly can tour Elvis’s iconic residence and see his last resting place in Graceland’s Meditation Garden.
Read extra:
Whether you’re trying to scale the heights of tradition, dive into delectable delicacies, or just stroll by streets which have extra character than your streets again residence – there’s a metropolis break that’s good for you.
We hope this information helped you select a vacation spot on your subsequent lengthy weekend and gave you some inspiration for what to do. If you want extra inspiration, take a look at our information on cool locations to go to within the USA! Did wherever communicate to you from this listing? Let us know within the feedback.