There's Always Time to Travel: 5 Weekend Getaways in the US
A Weekend Getaway is Still a Getaway
You work hard throughout the week, so make sure you get the most out of your weekends. Weekend getaways can be a great way to see a new city, take in the scenery and reinvigorate yourself.
Although you won’t be immersing yourself in a far-off culture, you’ll be surprised by how new and exciting a place a mere state or two away can feel. Plus, traveling domestically requires so much less planning you’ll be able to focus your time on learning how to take better photos and really soaking up everything your destination has to offer.
But with so many destinations throughout the country where you could escape to for the weekend, how do you choose where to go? Here are some of the best weekend getaways in the US.
The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The oldest mountains in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains will immerse you in their lush, green atmosphere. Hike down the footpaths that wind past waterfalls and creeks and enormous rhododendrons.
You can also take the scenic drive through Cades Cove and along the spectacular Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail out of Gatlinburg. Stay in a cabin surrounded by thick forest and attend one of the old-time dinner theater shows.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is often described as one of the most beautiful places in America and when you feast your eyes on those towering, jagged red-sandstone rock formations you will see why. You will probably recognize them as the backdrop from many classic films, including Midnight Run, Broken Arrow and 3:10 to Yuma.
This destination has also been popular with New Age spiritualists who have come in search of the powerful energy that pervades this place. For the best experience, visit Sedona in the winter to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
If you visit during the summer, schedule your hikes in the Red Rocks for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
Want a quick winter weekend getaway? These snow covered destinations in the US have equal mix of adventure and relaxation!
Seattle, Washington
A trendy city known for hipsters and rain, Seattle is bursting with culture. Check out the Olympic Sculpture Park, an open-air display of large scale artwork in a dramatic seaside setting.
Then, visit the vibrant Pike Place Market and watch the fish sellers sing and joke as they sell their fresh seafood. You can grab a coffee at the very first Starbucks restaurant ever, then head to the Experience Music Project.
Designed by Frank Gehry to resemble a smashed guitar, this strange building of metallic angles contains a museum dedicated to the legends of rock and roll.
Charleston, South Carolina
The ideal city for a romantic getaway, Charleston will enchant you with its cobblestone streets, boulevards lined with trees dripping with Spanish moss and elegant centuries-old mansions. The gas lamps lighting the streets and the horse-drawn carriages will almost make you feel like you have gone back in time.
Not able to go away with a special someone? Charleston also makes for the perfect destination for a girlfriend getaway weekend.
You can even visit Fort Sumter, which is where the first shot of the Civil War was fired. However, there’s more to Charleston than just history — it is a thriving modern city too.
There are many exciting new contemporary art galleries and innovative restaurants to discover.
Visit Wales before other tourists grab hold of this corner of the UK — you'll love exploring castle ruins and taking walks along the rocky coastline.
San Antonio, Texas
The most famous historical attraction to explore in San Antonio is the Alamo, where the legendary Davy Crockett perished in 1836. However, there is a lot more to enjoy in San Antonio.
You can visit several other historic missions within the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park. Also, there is plenty of history to discover at the San Fernando Cathedral.
This city also has a fascinating Mexican influence, which reveals itself in the form of local cuisine, artwork and colorful parades. Stop by the Market Square (El Mercado) to find a range of delicious Mexican foods and homemade goods.
San Antonio is great for weekend visits, as the business travelers cause hotel rates to be more expensive during the week — so you will save by staying on the weekend.
