Let’s be honest – we all need those long weekends to recharge. As someone who’s been working on the road for the past few years, I’ve learned that three days is just enough time to explore somewhere new without feeling rushed. Sure, two-week vacations are great, but there’s something special about making the most of a quick escape.
Whether you’re looking to squeeze in a nearby city break or hop on a short flight to somewhere different, the right destination can make even 72 hours feel like a proper vacation. I’ve spent countless three-day weekends testing out different spots across the country (and sometimes beyond), and I’ve found that picking the right place is key. Here’s my carefully chosen list of weekend getaways that are perfect for when you need a break but can’t take a whole week off.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
You can’t go wrong with a weekend trip to Las Vegas. Rising from the Mojave Desert, this glittering oasis packs more entertainment into a few blocks than most cities offer in their entirety. The famous Strip features replicas of global landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Egyptian pyramids, while inside the mega-resorts you’ll find world-class restaurants, showstopping performances, and of course, endless opportunities to test your luck at the slots and tables.
Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Ever wondered what it’s like to party until sunrise and then relax on powder-white sand? That’s just an average day in Miami Beach, where Art Deco buildings paint South Beach in pastels and the Atlantic Ocean beckons year-round. This slice of tropical paradise, just 15 minutes from downtown Miami, lets you hop between Cuban coffee shops and designer boutiques by day, then dive into world-famous nightlife when the sun sets. Walk along Ocean Drive where palm trees sway beside historic hotels, or join the locals for a game of volleyball on the beach. The nearby Wynwood Arts District, with its eye-catching murals and food halls, makes for an easy cultural side trip.
Did you know?
Miami Beach wasn’t always the lively coastal hotspot we know today – in fact, before 1915 it was just a mess of mangrove swamps that nobody wanted anything to do with. It took an ambitious developer named Carl Fisher to drain those swamps and create the first buildings, turning what was once unwanted marshland into one of America’s most famous beach destinations.
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
When I first visited Nashville back in 2018, I discovered why they call it Music City. Located in the heart of Tennessee, Nashville hums with the sounds of country, blues, and rock flowing from every corner of Lower Broadway. The city’s soul revolves around the historic Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry House, where countless country music legends got their start. Beyond the neon lights and guitar riffs, you’ll find a food scene that goes way deeper than hot chicken, with slow-smoked barbecue joints and modern Southern restaurants filling restored industrial buildings. The 12South neighborhood offers a quieter side of Nashville, where locals browse boutiques and sip coffee at vintage-style cafes. When evening falls, the city truly comes alive as aspiring musicians take to small stages in dimly lit bars, each hoping to become Nashville’s next big star.
Quebec City, Canada
I first visited Quebec City on a chilly weekend in October 2019. The capital of Canada’s French-speaking province sits proudly along the St. Lawrence River, offering a slice of Europe right here in North America. Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, wraps around the city’s upper and lower towns, where cobblestone streets and historic buildings transport visitors to a different era. The iconic Château Frontenac hotel commands attention from its perch above the river, while the surrounding neighborhood brims with cafes serving fresh croissants and steaming bowls of poutine. In winter, the city transforms into a wonderland with its winter carnival, ice skating rinks, and nearby Montmorency Falls freezing into dramatic ice formations. The European charm, combined with genuine Canadian hospitality, makes Quebec City perfect for those seeking a taste of France without crossing the Atlantic.
Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Tucked away in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville stands out as the South’s funkiest mountain town. Much like other artsy cities, Asheville has plenty of galleries, craft breweries, and food spots. But unlike its counterparts, it mixes mountain charm with an offbeat personality that’s hard to find elsewhere. Just walk down to the River Arts District, where old warehouses now house working artists’ studios, and you’ll get what makes this place special. Because of its location between the mountains and urban life, Asheville draws both outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers – you’ll find hikers fresh off the trails grabbing beers next to locals checking out live music at the Orange Peel. The city’s collection of Art Deco buildings and the massive Biltmore Estate add an unexpected layer of historical richness to this laid-back mountain hub.
Sedona, Arizona, USA
There’s something truly special about Sedona that sets it apart from other desert destinations in the American Southwest. This small Arizona town, surrounded by towering red rock formations and endless hiking trails, feels like stepping into a living painting where nature and spirituality intertwine. The landscape draws both outdoor enthusiasts who come to tackle the 200+ miles of trails and spiritual seekers searching for the area’s famous energy vortexes. It’s not just another hiking destination – the combination of rust-colored cliffs, clear blue skies, and new-age charm creates an atmosphere that’s impossible to find anywhere else in the country.
Portland, Maine, USA
Ever had a lobster roll while watching sailboats glide across a harbor? That’s just another day in Portland, Maine, where fishing boats and cobblestone streets tell stories of New England’s maritime past. A quick flight from most East Coast cities, this waterfront gem serves up some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere, especially at the Old Port’s bustling fish markets. Take a ferry to nearby islands, explore historic lighthouses along the rocky coast, or wander through the Arts District, where indie shops and craft breweries have taken over old brick warehouses. The Portland Head Light, dating back to 1791, offers postcard-perfect ocean views that have inspired painters and photographers for generations.
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Few cities capture the soul of the American South quite like Charleston. From the moment you set foot on its centuries-old cobblestone streets, you’re transported to a world where historic homes painted in soft pastels stand alongside swaying palm trees and wrought-iron gates. The city’s food scene has exploded in recent years, with chefs putting modern spins on Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits or she-crab soup. Locals will tell you three days is perfect for wandering the French Quarter, hopping between rooftop bars, and taking a short drive to nearby Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, and even the most rushed visitors find themselves adopting the city’s easy-going pace.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
I first visited Santa Fe on a whim during a cross-country road trip in 2018. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills at 7,000 feet, this adobe-filled city feels like stepping into a different world entirely. The downtown Plaza serves as the heart of New Mexico’s capital, where Native American artisans sell their turquoise jewelry right outside the 400-year-old Palace of the Governors. The city’s renowned art scene spreads through winding streets lined with galleries, while the scent of roasted green chilies drifts from local restaurants. Georgia O’Keeffe’s artistic legacy lives on at her namesake museum, and the nearby Ghost Ranch offers the same desert landscapes that inspired her most famous works.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Ever caught yourself dancing to jazz music in the middle of the street? That’s just another Tuesday in New Orleans, where the sound of trumpets drifts through the French Quarter’s narrow streets. A short flight from most major U.S. cities, this Louisiana gem serves up a gumbo of experiences – from the round-the-clock party scene on Bourbon Street to peaceful strolls past rainbow-colored houses in the Garden District. Beignets at Café du Monde, ghost tours through centuries-old cemeteries, and steamboat cruises down the Mississippi River make this city feel like nowhere else in America. And if you time your visit right, you might catch one of the city’s famous festivals, where locals and tourists alike come together to celebrate everything from jazz to crawfish.
Interesting Fact:
New Orleans holds the title of birthplace of jazz music, with legends like Louis Armstrong getting their start in the city’s lively French Quarter nightclubs back in the early 1900s. The city’s unique position as the only major American city below sea level has led to its famous above-ground cemeteries, known as “Cities of the Dead,” where elaborate stone tombs line the walkways like miniature houses.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is where nature meets city life in the best possible way. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, this Canadian gem lets you go from hiking through old-growth forests in Stanley Park to shopping on Granville Island all in one morning. The city’s food scene blends Asian influences with fresh Pacific seafood, and you’ll find some of the best sushi outside of Japan here. When locals want to show off their city, they take visitors up to Grouse Mountain for views of the entire region, or to Gastown to wander its historic streets lined with cool shops and restaurants.
Monterey, California, USA
Escape to the California coast and discover the charm of Monterey, where ocean meets adventure at every turn. Drive along the famous 17-Mile Drive to spot sea lions lounging on the rocks and watch waves crash against the rugged shoreline. Spend your afternoon exploring the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, where you can observe playful sea otters and walk through a mesmerizing kelp forest. For dinner, head to Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy fresh seafood while watching boats bob in the harbor – try the local specialty, clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.
Austin, Texas, USA
I always tell first-time visitors to Austin to dive right into South Congress Avenue. Running through the heart of the city, this lively street captures everything that makes Austin unique – from food trucks serving mouthwatering tacos to local musicians playing on street corners. You can spend hours browsing quirky boutiques, catching live shows at the Continental Club, or just people-watching while enjoying some of the best BBQ in Texas. And don’t forget the famous Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset, when thousands of bats emerge to create an unforgettable natural show.
Savannah, Georgia, USA
Ever wandered down a street where Spanish moss drapes from centuries-old oak trees like natural chandeliers? That’s just another Tuesday in Savannah, a charming Southern city where history peeks around every corner. This Georgia gem lets you step back in time through its 22 historic squares, each one telling its own story of the American South. Take a horse-drawn carriage through the cobblestone streets, sample traditional Southern cooking at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, or join a ghost tour through America’s most haunted city. And when the sun sets, you can stroll along River Street with an adult beverage in hand (yes, it’s legal here), watching massive cargo ships glide by on the Savannah River.
Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
Bar Harbor sits at the doorstep of Acadia National Park, making it one of New England’s most cherished coastal escapes. This small town on Mount Desert Island serves up classic Maine experiences – from morning walks along Shore Path with views of the Porcupine Islands to afternoons spent kayaking in Frenchman Bay. When you’re not exploring the park’s granite peaks and carriage roads, you can wander the downtown streets lined with local seafood spots and ice cream parlors.
Niagara Falls, Canada
When it comes to iconic North American destinations, Niagara Falls hits different. This natural wonder draws millions each year to witness the raw power of water cascading over massive cliffs, creating that familiar misty roar you can hear from blocks away. The Canadian side offers the best views of all three falls, plus it’s packed with activities that go beyond just waterfall-watching. You can take a boat ride right up to the falls on the Hornblower, explore underground tunnels behind the cascades, or enjoy dinner with a view from the rotating Skylon Tower. It’s touristy, sure, but there’s something magical about standing next to such an impressive display of nature’s force, especially when the falls light up in different colors after dark.
San Antonio, Texas, USA
Many travelers head to San Antonio for the famous River Walk, but this Texas city offers much more than just waterfront dining and shopping. The historic Alamo stands as the city’s most recognized landmark, while the nearby Pearl District has transformed old industrial buildings into a food lover’s paradise. During spring and fall, the city comes alive with festivals celebrating everything from music to tamales, but you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in San Antonio year-round – from exploring the Spanish colonial missions to enjoying the family-friendly attractions at SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, USA
Lake Tahoe sits right on the California-Nevada border, offering visitors the best of both states in one beautiful destination. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains, this crystal-clear lake draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round with its mix of beaches, ski resorts, and hiking trails. In winter, hit the slopes at Heavenly or Northstar, while summer days are perfect for kayaking along the shoreline or relaxing at Kings Beach. The area’s cozy lodges and waterfront restaurants make it an ideal escape any time of year.
Montreal, Canada
Montreal draws visitors with its perfect blend of European charm and North American energy, but this French-Canadian city offers much more than just beautiful architecture. The cobblestone streets of Old Montreal lead to both historic cathedrals and modern art galleries, while the neighborhood of Mile End serves up the city’s famous bagels and a thriving music scene. In summer, the city comes alive with festivals like Jazz Fest and Just for Laughs, but winter transforms Montreal into a wonderland of ice skating, skiing, and underground shopping in the city’s vast network of heated tunnels. Whether you’re climbing Mount Royal for city views or sampling poutine at a local café, Montreal packs enough variety for any long weekend adventure.
Key West, Florida, USA
I first visited Key West back in 2015, driving down the iconic Overseas Highway that strings together Florida’s southernmost islands. This laid-back paradise sits at the very end of the Florida Keys, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean. Colorful conch houses and swaying palm trees line the narrow streets, while Ernest Hemingway’s former home stands as a reminder of the island’s literary past. The nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square brings everyone together, as street performers entertain crowds and sailboats drift across the orange-tinted horizon. Whether you’re snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters around Fort Jefferson or sampling key lime pie at local cafes, Key West’s easygoing charm makes it hard to leave this slice of tropical America.
