beboy/ShutterstockNot Ready for Summer to End? Check Out These Labor Day Weekend Getaways! Katrina Koski August 20, 2024 Top US Destinations, Trending Stories 2 Comments September’s almost here, believe it or not. Soon the leaves will turn, the temps will drop, and the layers will pile on with each and every shiver. Before you know it, winter will be on its merry… Oh, you’re not ready for that yet? Well, don’t pack away your summer duds just yet! We’ve planned out some great trips for you to have the best Labor Day. Flight deals to flip flops, shorts to swimwear, it’s time to gear up for a sunny sojourn because these Labor Day weekend getaways are just what you need to feel like summer never has to end. Take the Kids on One Last Summer Hoorah So your little ones (and not-so-little ones) are headed back to school, which is simultaneously sad and super exciting. On the one hand, you loved having them around for some quality family time and will seriously miss those day trip adventures! On the flip-side, you’ll also breathe a bit easier when they’re not home all day, literally bouncing off the walls and traipsing through with friend after friend after friend. Why not take one last family-bonding hurrah and book Labor Day travel before school starts? San Francisco has all the hills you could possibly need to help burn off all of that energy. Take the family on a boat ride in the Bay Area, then hit up a few museums. Leave a whole day open for Golden Gate Park if you want to see everything it has to offer: lakes, gardens, meadows, playgrounds—the fun just doesn’t stop. If you’re not really feeling the California sun, head to Seattle for culture, ferry rides, glass museums, and even more beautiful nature-loving adventures. Have the kids ever seen snow in the summer? Mt. Rainier will blow their minds. Reconnect with Your Significant Other You two have been working nonstop and could totally use a long weekend to breathe, reconnect, and reinvigorate the romance. Leave the kids, pets, work worries, and chores at home. The world is your oyster, and all you have to do is figure out what you want to do as a couple. If you’re looking for a beach getaway, Florida’s got sun, fun, and some really great beaches. You can also opt for some peace and quiet if that’s what you’re in the mood for. There are tons of resorts where you can lay out and read with a cocktail in hand. When it’s time to cool off, grab a paddleboard or kayak, or even rent a boat so you can watch the dolphins play. If hiking is more your thing, head to Phoenix, Arizona, or Denver, Colorado. Both locations offer up plenty of opportunities to stay active. Hit the trails along the Grand Canyon, just outside of Phoenix, and burn off some of that excess energy in the great outdoors with kayaking, horseback riding, or even a cave hike. Bring some of those layers we mentioned though—those caves can get pretty chilly. Phoenix is the warmer destination of the two, but Denver’s downtown scene can supplement your nature-loving adventures with a little bit of culture (and antiquing!), as well as some super romantic views. Get Your Party On in Vegas! You and your closest friends have been talking for years about taking a vacation together. Isn’t it time to finally treat yourselves, after that big promotion you worked so hard for? Las Vegas and New York City are some of the best places to get your party on because the nightlife is legendary. Check out a few world-renowned shows, hit up a club, or just oooh and gawk at the pretty, blinking lights. Have trouble choosing between those two Labor Day weekend getaways? Pick Las Vegas for heat and non-stop fun. You won’t have to ever leave the casino unless you feel like sleeping or swimming. New York City has all-night food options, glitzy clubs, and the glamour of feeling like a New Yorker for a few days, but with endless transit options and some really famous museums to help you pack in a little more culture. Either way, you can’t go wrong for a fun-filled friend trip. Celebrate engagements, singledom, baller career moves, or just years and years of untouchable friendship. You know you deserve this trip. Catch a Broadway Show in NYC New York is at its best in the late summer. In preparation for fall, many New Yorkers head to the beach one last time on Labor Day weekend, leaving most of the city’s major attractions, including Broadway, less crowded than usual. Broadway and New York City go hand-in-hand, not only serving as an iconic part of the city but also as a cultural touchstone for the entire world. While tourists might be tempted to jump on the next showing of the most recent hit, seeing one of Broadway’s long-running musicals, such as Wicked or Aladdin, can be a much more cost-effective option. Mainstays of the Broadway scene, these shows retain their stellar performances and award-winning songs. Even better, thanks to websites such as TodayTix and BroadwayBox, visitors can often get tickets at deep discounts, allowing you to splurge on some of the city’s other amenities, such as fancy restaurants or shopping opportunities. Or you can stop by the TKTS booth for up to 50% off tickets to shows that are playing that day. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most famous roadways in the United States. Known for its picturesque views of sand, surf, and rugged cliffs, driving the Pacific Coast Highway is an unforgettable way to end your summer. While there are many iconic stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway, the section between Santa Barbara and Big Sur features some of the best views on the roadway. Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara caters to visitors with refined tastes. Articulating Mediterranean vibes, the city sits close to California’s wine country and is a short drive to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Big Sur represents everything for someone who loves the outdoors. Home to white cliffs, tall redwoods, and exquisite fauna, the trails around Big Sur will excite every traveler. Ride the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky Kentucky and bourbon are synonymous, making a tour of some of the Bluegrass State’s two dozen bourbon distilleries a highlight of anyone’s end-of-summer festivities. While each location offers its own unique experience, each nevertheless caters to those with a love of history and an appreciation for fine spirits. Tours of the Jack Daniels’ Distillery in Lynchburg focus on the history of the brand’s famous founder and namesake while also offering a one-of-a-kind tasting experience at the George Green Barrel House, where an estimated 300,000 patrons enjoy great-tasting bourbon each year. Not to be outdone, the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto also offers visitors a chance to sample the brand’s unique spirits but also enlightens patrons about the brand’s efforts at environmentalism and sustainability. Private tour companies, such as Bourbon Hall Tours, further allow those interested in touring distilleries to create their own tour packages of several locations in the state. You may also enjoy: The Lazy Traveler’s Ultimate Guide to Labor Day Weekend Avoid the Crowds by Glamping For many, the true joy of summer is unwinding and relaxation. To that end, many choose to end their summer far from the maddening crowds in the peaceful abode of nature. Among the less-frequented woodlands in the U.S. is Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Northern California. Featuring a wide array of natural wonders, including tall mountains and azure lakes and rivers, Shasta-Trinity National Forest is truly off the beaten path and allows visitors to commune with nature free from the disruption of noisy tourists. While getting back to nature might be the goal of many travelers, others might want to enjoy nature with some of the comforts of the modern world. In this case, some travelers opt to go glamping in secluded cabins throughout the wilderness. These trips combine everything one would find camping, such as spectacular scenery and views of exquisite flora and fauna, with everyday comforts like a warm bed, internet access, and even swimming pools to truly pamper visitors in the lap of luxury. FAQs: Q: What are the best times to book Labor Day weekend flights for the best deals? A: It’s best to book Labor Day weekend flights as early as possible, ideally by mid-August. However, last-minute deals can sometimes be found in the week leading up to the holiday, so keep an eye on flight search engines for price drops. Q: What should I pack for a Labor Day weekend getaway? A: Pack summer essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, and lightweight clothing. If you’re visiting cooler destinations or planning outdoor activities, include layers, hiking shoes, and rain gear. Q: How far in advance should I make hotel or glamping reservations for Labor Day weekend? A: Aim to book accommodations at least a month in advance to secure the best spots. Popular destinations and glamping sites tend to fill up quickly for Labor Day weekend. Q: Are there any special events during Labor Day weekend at these destinations? A: Many cities offer special events, such as parades, festivals, and concerts. Check local event calendars for details specific to your destination. Q: What’s the best way to get discounted Broadway tickets during Labor Day weekend? A: To find discounted Broadway tickets, visit the TKTS booth in Times Square for same-day deals, or use apps like TodayTix or BroadwayBox to score great discounts in advance. Q: Are national parks and beaches crowded during Labor Day weekend? A: National parks and popular beaches can be crowded during Labor Day weekend. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting less frequented parks, or plan activities during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late afternoons. So, which of these Labor Day weekend getaways would you be the most interested in? Tell us what you think below!
