As the unofficial end to summer, Labor Day weekend offers the perfect time for one last summer getaway. From coast to coast, there are plenty budget-friendly places to choose from. We’ve rounded up a list of exciting locations and festivals around the country you don’t want to miss!
East Coast Labor Day Weekend Getaway
The East Coast offers vacationers a diverse selection of things to see and do, from secluded island resorts and sandy beaches to historic towns, family resorts, tourist attractions, and unique places to go.
New York City
Visit New York City for great shopping, world-class museums, a diverse choice of activities and dining. While lodging in the city is predictably expensive, there are many fun activities — a Unicycle festival on Governors Island, a Silly Dance contest on Rockaway Beach, and a Moth StorySLAM in Manhattan — most are free or very cheap.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a charming city known for its Southern hospitality and some of the prettiest beaches on the east coast! Take a sunset cruise around the harbor! Or attend annual Greater Charleston Lowcountry Jazz Festival. There are so many blossoming gardens, so many photo opportunities and so many reasons to come back again and again.
West Coast Weekend Getaway
Oregon, California and Washington State all are known for the maritime culture, fresh seafood, outdoor sports, and gorgeous natural landscapes. We recommend you to visit something different from San Francisco or Las Vegas.
Astoria, Oregon
With Victorian-era homes overlooking the Columbia River, this picturesque settlement is the oldest port city west of the Rockies. Surrounded by forests and very close to the Pacific, Astoria is a vibrant port city with much to offer. Astoria is renowned for its scenic beauty, miles of endless white sandy beaches, and beautiful Pacific Ocean views. Parasail and kayak off the beach, fish for salmon in the Columbia River, or hike and bike along the trails in and around the city. You can also take in the city’s rich history by visiting one of the many museums. Check out Columbia River Maritime Museum, where you can view dugout canoes and walk on the bridge of a World War II warship.
North East Weekend Getaway
The Forks, Maine
Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort in The Forks, Maine, known as a snowmobiling and whitewater rafting destination, is a great place to spend a long weekend. The Forks is located where the Dead River and Kennebec River meet—making it a great starting point for riding these two rivers. You’ll find numerous guiding companies in The Forks. They offer guided ATV tours, mountain biking, rock climbing or snowshoeing trips, as well as whitewater rafting trips. If you are an adventurous spirit – this is a ride for you! If you’d like a more relaxed adventure, you can take an easy walk to 90-foot Moxie Falls. After conquering the river, relax at the resort, soothe sore muscles in the hot tub, or relax by a campfire. Can it be more perfect than that?
Midwest Weekend Getaway
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Enjoy beautiful views, shopping, and carriage rides during the day, and watch the city transform at night. When you step off the Island Ferry Dock, you will be in a living Victorian village. Limited to transportation of horse and buggy, bicycle or foot, and surrounded by water, explore the historic Fort Mackinac, enjoy the downtown, try the homemade fudge and visit the Grand Hotel, known for the movie “Somewhere in Time.” If you leave the downtown area, you’ll find yourself in one of Michigan’s prettiest state parks. Michigan preserves more than 80 percent of the island as parkland; a bike makes exploring the parks easy.
The Mighty Mac (the Mackinac Bridge) connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas—and serves as a gateway to those two beautiful, different worlds. On Labor Day , one side of the suspension bridge closes to vehicle traffic for the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk.
Kansas City, Missouri
You’ll discover quickly that between cocktail bars, shopping, the art scene and more, Kansas City has everything you need for a long weekend getaway. So pack your bags and discover Kansas City through distinct neighborhoods and exciting KC Landmarks. Fill up on juicy BBQ at one of plenty of joints (Arthur Bryants, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbeque, and Q39). Visit outstanding museums in the city, including the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. The Nelson-Atkins Museum, known worldwide and recognized as one of the leading art museums in America. Admission is free, but you’ll pay $8 to park in the garage.
First Friday of each month thousands of visitors come to the Crossroads Art District from 5 to 9 p.m. for this 65-gallery art crawl. The vibrant district has plenty of parking and restaurants and food trucks for dinner.
Labor Day Weekend Beach Getaway
Miami, Florida
Miami is one of the world’s most popular vacation spots and Labor Day weekend is no exception. The Miami area offers something for everyone! The trendy nightlife of South Beach, the Art Deco district, Calle Ocho, and Little Havana. And what’s more, each year Nikki Beach Miami hosts its Labor Day Endless Summer Party, a farm-to-table Sunday brunch featuring made-to-order omelettes, crepes, Belgian waffles, rotisserie free range roasted chicken, slow roasted prime rib, hand-rolled sushi and among other culinary delights, a dessert station loaded with everything from macaroons to French apple tarts. The event takes place Sunday, September 1, from 11AM to 4PM with live music and beach-side entertainment while you eat.
Looking for a calm beach experience? Go to any of Miami Beach’s seven miles of sand beaches. And the best part – it’s free!