The best weekend getaways in the US are as rejuvenating as the most languid vacations spent abroad. You really don’t have to go far or dedicate overly long stretches of time on your calendar to tick those boxes off your bucket list. The nation has handsome mountain ranges and beautiful beaches, historic landmarks and vibrantly diverse cities, Michelin-starred restaurants and secret holes-in-the-wall you’ll want to keep all to yourself, all just steps away from any given corner. You just have to know where to look.
We’re here to help. We took five of the country’s major hubs and found four weekend getaway ideas for each that range from hours-long road trips to hops and skips just 30 minutes away. Below, we share our picks for the best weekend getaways around the country, plus tips on where to stay and the best things to do while you’re there. Get ready to travel more like never before.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
From Los Angeles
Catalina Island, California
Take the one-hour journey to this island 22 miles or so off the coast via the Catalina Express ferry, which departs from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point daily; once you’re here, biking and walking are the main transport modes (or you can rent a golf cart for longer drives). Catalina Island is a startling contrast to the mainland, with more than a whiff of East Coast hideouts like Nantucket: Start at the quaint main town, Avalon, and gorge on seafood that’s barely minutes from the water—try Bluewater Grill, right on the dock.
Then head inland to El Rancho Escondido, which earned acclaim for its Arabian horse-breeding program. The ponies are gone now, though, and much of the land has been deeded over to vines, where Rusack Vineyards focuses on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. Outdoorsy types can hike the entire length of the 38.5-mile Trans Catalina Trail in about four days, too, with campgrounds for overnighting along the route. The Bellanca Hotel in Avalon is the plushest perch if you’d rather have someone else make your bed—or sleep in a bed, period.