Quick weekend trip destinations are great for when you are short on travel time, but still need a break! Many times, taking a week or more off for a vacation may not be possible, but some destinations are perfect for weekend trips!
Week-long getaways can also break the bank and set you back a week from work or school. Sometimes, you still need a vacation to help you recharge your batteries and feel renewed. Instead of planning a trip that disrupts your work week and takes up personal days, we have some ideas for quick trips that can be done in a weekend [or long weekend].
We all know the feeling of returning after a long trip. You feel behind, tired, and disorganized trying to settle back into your routine. That’s why weekend trips are a great way for you to travel! You can see cool new places while still getting back to your job by Monday(fun). If you combine the trip with a holiday you can turn a quick weekend trip into a 3 or 4 day vacation too!
Continue reading below to discover our Travel Makes me Happy Team’s recommendations for 9 quick weekend trip ideas if you are short on travel time!
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Table of contents
- Weekend Trip Ideas for a Quick Getaway:
- 1. Relax on the River in San Antonio
- 2. Go on A Safari in Jackson Hole
- 3. Shop at One of the Great Avenues of the World in Chicago
- 4. Walk the Strip in Downtown Las Vegas
- 5. Soak up some Historical Architecture in New Orleans French Quarter
- 6. Take Photos at a Japanese Garden in Portland
- 7. Take a Helicopter Ride in New York City
- 8. Visit Alcatraz Island in San Francisco
- 9. Check Out Gators and Swans in Orlando
- Quick Weekend Trip Ideas Final Thoughts
- Related Travel Articles
Weekend Trip Ideas for a Quick Getaway:
1. Relax on the River in San Antonio
As they say, “Everything is bigger in Texas” and San Antonio does not underserve. Known as “The Alamo City” it is rich in arts & culture, natural wonders, and fascinating history.
There’s no visiting San Antonio without visiting the number 1 attraction in all of Texas: The Riverwalk. This gorgeous walkable river is full of shops and dining along the river. While free to the public, you can ride a boat along the river for a fee here too.
As we wrote about in our summer vacations article, San Antonio is perfect for using the Hop on Hop Off Bus to get around to all of the different areas outside of the Riverwalk area.
If you are a history buff, you can’t pass up visiting the infamous Alamo, a Spanish mission and fortress and home to the historical Battle of the Alamo. It is free to visit, however, there are tours available to learn more about the battle and the fortress’s captivating history. You can also rent electric-assist bikes and ride to 4 missions along the river bike path route (one takes you slightly off of the path, but not far). The best way to do it is to visit the Visitors Center for the Missions and rent the bikes there.
We also have a Texas Hill Country Vineyard and Winery Road Trip Guide too!
Getaway to Texas with these flexible cancellation vacation rentals from Vrbo!2. Go on A Safari in Jackson Hole
While best known for winter skiing trips in its stunning mountains, Jackson Hole, Wyoming has endless amounts of activities and sites to see all year round. Here you can experience the beauty of Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton National Park as well.
Did you know there are safaris in Jackson Hole? Book a half or full-day safari with an experienced local guide and see incredible wildlife such as bison, moose, elk, black bears, and more.
If you are visiting during wintertime, Jackson Hole even has sleigh rides to fully encompass the holiday spirit. These rides are drawn by horses through the snow in the Teton’s gorgeous mountain views.
3. Shop at One of the Great Avenues of the World in Chicago
One of the most populous cities in the United States, Chicago has become an international destination. It’s known for its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, vibrant music scene, and beautiful riverwalk. [See our A Perfect Weekend in Chicago: What to See and Do article]
One of the most unique experiences you can have when visiting Chicago is the Magnificent Mile. 13 blocks long and brimming with hundreds of shops and restaurants, this avenue has it all. Ride the Ferris wheel 150 feet up in the air or take a scenic boat ride to relax and enjoy the Chicago skyline.
Don’t forget to take a picture in front of the infamous “The Bean” at Millennium Park! The most popular piece of public art in Chicago, this free activity is a fun photo-op to knock off your bucket list.
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4. Walk the Strip in Downtown Las Vegas
While Vegas is best known for its extravagant casinos, that is not the only thing this unique city has to offer for your weekend trip. From wildlife watching in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to visiting the water show at the 200-foot fountains at the Bellagio Hotel, there’s something for everyone’s interests in Vegas.
The Strip is the most popular spot in Las Vegas. It has incredible dining experiences, shops, music and comedy shows, and of course, numerous casinos and hotel resorts. If you are into heights, grab a ticket to the High Roller at the Linq, the largest observation wheel in North America. You’ll soar 550 feet about the center of the Las Vegas Strip in this unforgettable experience. You can also zipline there and fly above it all!
The best part about Las Vegas is that most things are walkable on the strip and if you take a rideshare downtown most of that is walkable too! There is also a Big Bus Tour to help you get around without a car.
5. Soak up some Historical Architecture in New Orleans French Quarter
New Orleans (our home) may be known for Bourbon Street, Mardi Gras, and Jazz, but there’s so much more to see and experience here! This makes it perfect for a quick weekend trip destination! There is so much to experience and you can use the streetcar service to get around to some sights outside of the French Quarter like the New Orleans Museum of Art and City Park.
In fact, if you take the streetcar from Canal St. that says, “Museums” on the front it will drop you off right across from the beautiful park, museum, sculpture garden, and botanical garden. There’s even a Cafe Du Monde inside City Park to get your beignet fix!
Inside of the French Quarter, there is so much history and historical architecture that a tour is a great way to get a quick introduction. Just strolling the streets and looking at all of the great buildings and courtyards can fill a whole day. Don’t miss Faulkner House, Herman-Grima House, and the Historic New Orleans Collection Museum (there’s also a great cafe in the courtyard there).
You’ll still have time for some live music and our delicious cuisine before your weekend trip is over. You might even be able to visit some reportedly haunted French Quarter spots before your go! Don’t forget our DIY New Orleans cocktail crawl too!
6. Take Photos at a Japanese Garden in Portland
The largest city in Oregon full of beauty, nature, and lush greenery. Portland is a wonderful weekend getaway to relax and recharge. If you like coffee and mountains, Portland is your new best friend. Find peace and tranquility during your trip by exploring the loveliness of the Portland Japanese Gardens. One of the most authentic gardens outside of Asia, it is a must-see.
For a stunning view of Portland and a bite of history, head over to the Pittock Mansion. It’s a 16,000 sq. ft home designed to offer a perfect view of the city of Portland and the Cascade Mountains.
If you are visiting Portland on your weekend getaway, then Seattle is not too far away and we have an article on Seattle trip activities and Seattle restaurants to try . We also visited Victoria, British Columbia from Seattle and it’s a great weekend trip as well!
7. Take a Helicopter Ride in New York City
You’ll never have a dull moment when visiting “the city that never sleeps”. The options of things to do in this bustling and exciting city are endless! Visit infamous parks, stunning art museums, and incredible skyscrapers, and enjoy the nightlife, or just pretend you are a protagonist in a romantic comedy to make the most of your weekend trip in New York City. We also have some iconic landmarks in New York City to put on your list!
Walking around and exploring New York is an amazing experience. You can make it more adventurous by trying a one-of-a-kind experience like a helicopter tour. It’s a unique way of skipping the ferry line to see the Statue of Liberty.
On a tight budget? New York City has so many free sights to see. Visit iconic Central Park and make a day finding all of the great sights like Strawberry Fields within the park or experience the 143-year-old St. Patrick’s Cathedral to see some spectacular architecture.
8. Visit Alcatraz Island in San Francisco
San Francisco may be known for its Golden Gate Bridge, but there is more to the city than meets the eye. You can also have an amazing quick weekend getaway!
If True Crime podcasts are your thing, you will most certainly enjoy a tour of the Island of Alcatraz! It was once a fort, military prison, and maximum-security federal penitentiary. This island was used to lock up some of the most notorious criminals in the United States. It is also said to be haunted to this day.
Looking for something a bit more peaceful? The Muir Woods National Monument might be up your alley, filled with gorgeous Redwood trees and vast biodiversity.
If you have any interest in visiting one of the most crooked streets in the world, Lombard Street is your next destination. This street has become well-known all over the world due to its funny twists and turns. It’s even being featured in a news article in the 1950s (and many others since then)!
Our most beautiful Napa wineries article also has many other destination ideas if wine travel is in your plans or great drive stops on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip!
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9. Check Out Gators and Swans in Orlando
Disney World and Universal Studios are great for weekend trips too, but there’s so much more to Orlando. This diverse city not only has extraordinary flora and fauna, beaches and gardens, but also sightseeing and nightlife. It is a perfect city for sampling Orlando’s best craft cocktails too!
If alligators are your thing, Orlando is the place for you. Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park that features all kinds of crocodiles and alligators. They have babies up to 14-foot grown adults. If you prefer a more intimate experience, there are airboat rides that take you through the natural and native fauna of Orlando.
Not into gators or fauna? Take a trip to the gorgeous Lake Eola Park. If you thought romantic swan boats were just in the movies, think again. Not only can you rent swan-shaped paddle boats, but you can also see live swans on the lake too! Lake Eola park is a great weekend trip destination and it is full of other activities too! Some great ones are watching concerts or movies at the Walt Disney Amphitheater or simply enjoying the incredible skyline of downtown Orlando. We even included them in our Free Things to do in Orlando Guide!
Don’t forget a stop at Icon Park in Orlando for a ride on their giant wheel and a bite at any of the great restaurants such as Sugar Factory, Gordon Ramsay’s Fish and Chips, or Sloppy Joe’s with their live Key West Mallory Square feed on the T.V. We also loved the coffee shop there!
You can totally sample Disney World or Universal in a weekend, but there are so many other options in Orlando too!
Quick Weekend Trip Ideas Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you are excited about some new and different ways to explore cities during your weekend getaways! Even picking just one of these activities is a wonderful way to take a break from the office if you are short on time. There’s no reason not to travel even if you only have a couple of days off! So many destinations are perfect for weekend trips!
Good luck and enjoy happy travels to your next destination!