courtesy of John Piercy
When it comes to vacationing, it’s always great to have a couple weeks to enjoy the destination to the fullest, with plenty of time to check out the city’s dining and entertainment scenes. But when our busy work/family lives prevent us from taking extended time off, long-weekend getaways are a great alternative.
Check out our E-Z top picks for cities that offer everything needed for a great weekend trip:
1. San Diego, California – A big California city with a small-town feeling, San Diego offers an exciting destination with sunny weather, pristine beaches and popular attractions, without being overcrowded with tourists. Visitors can enjoy renowned attractions like LEGOLAND, SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo, as well as lesser-known hidden gems, like shops and restaurants in the Gaslamp district, hiking trails in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Extension, and even an underwater graveyard in La Jolla. For those close enough to enjoy a long weekend in southern California, San Diego is a great spot to enjoy a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation for any type of traveler.
2. Seattle, Washington – Though the Emerald City is often associated with the Space Needle and fleece jackets, there’s a lot of culture, entertainment and outdoor activities to enjoy during a short vacation. Guests can experience a diverse art scene by checking out the Seattle Art Museum, Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Opera, Seattle Symphony Orchestra and more. They can also get a glimpse into the city’s culture with an aerial tour of the city, a trip through Pike Place Market or a ride on the ferry to Bainbridge Island. Or, they can get a taste of the many farm-to-table dining options at eateries and bars in Capitol Hill, downtown Bainbridge, the Ballard neighborhood, and more.
3. Charleston, South Carolina – In addition to countless awards and accolades from travel magazines like Travel + Leisure, Charleston has received a ton of recognition in recent years for being the nation’s friendliest city, making for an excellent place to visit on a long weekend trip. With its delicious cuisine, world-class golf courses, stunning beaches, luxury hotels and pronounced Southern flair, who wouldn’t want to make this their next stop for a long weekend?
4. Denver, Colorado – While there’s certainly plenty of things to do in Denver to provide for a week-long vacation, three days is the perfect amount of time to get in the best that the Mile High City has to offer. Visitors can explore 16th Street Mall and LoDo, grab a bite in Uptown, see a live performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre or Denver Performing Arts Complex, tour Rockmount Ranch Wear, and more.
5. Orlando, Florida – Orlando might be best known for housing the Most Magical Place on Earth and other popular attractions, but it is also home to a variety of low-key things to do that can make for a truly unforgettable weekend trip. From taking a two-hour canoe tour through scenic Shingle Creek, to exploring the boutique shops and restaurants along Park Avenue, there is plenty to do to have an adventure-filled getaway or a relaxing vacation. And with its convenient location in Central Florida, visitors from Tampa, Gainesville and other nearby cities only have to travel a couple of hours to get there.
6. Boston, Massachusetts – Considered one of America’s most European cities, Boston offers an exciting blend of history, culture, fine dining, shopping and more, ideal for any weekend getaway with family or a special someone. Similar to other cities in this list, Boston is a larger city, but doesn’t overwhelm or stress. Visitors can walk almost everywhere, giving them the opportunity to see the city for its unique beauty and timeless charm. Weekend must-do’s within Boston include visiting the Boston Common, Boston Public Gardens and the Esplanade along the Charles River, seeing an outdoor concert at the Hatch Shell, venturing out on a Boston Duck Tour, watching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, and more.
Make the most of your long weekend with a trip to one of these top destinations for shorter vacations. Discover our other helpful travel resources online, such as special discounts, travel-related blog posts, E-Z Rent-A-Car coupons and more.
courtesy of Nicholas Erwin
