Quick Weekend Trip Ideas for Those Short on Travel Time

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 you have the weekend available. We have some quick trip destinations that are perfect for a weekend getaway!

These quick weekend trip ideas are perfect for fast getaways that refresh your spirit without draining your schedule or your wallet. All of our favorite destinations are also easily walkable so you don’t need to rent a car.

We’ll help you make the most of a short vacation. From vibrant cities to serene natural landscapes, there’s inspiration for an ultimate short getaway. If you combine the trip with a holiday you can turn a quick weekend trip into a 3 or 4 day vacation too!

Ready to plan your next short weekend adventure? Check out these 9 amazing weekend destinations that are perfect for a quick escape!

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🍷🌴We always find the best stylish resort wear outfits (perfect for a Quick Weekend trip) that are still budget-friendly on Amazon!

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Weekend Trip Ideas for a Quick Getaway:

Hopefully, one of these great destinations will resonate for your own trip planning. From walking the historic streets of New Orleans to ziplining over the Las Vegas Strip, these adventures are guaranteed to leave you refreshed and inspired with a short weekend getaway.

1. San Antonio Weekend Trip: Explore the River Walk and Historic Missions

If you’re seeking a laid-back quick escape, San Antonio, Texas, offers a blend of history, culture, and stunning scenery. As they say, “Everything is bigger in Texas” and San Antonio offers big fun in a short time. Known as “The Alamo City” it is rich in arts & culture, natural wonders, and fascinating history. It is also easily walkable so it makes it perfect for a weekend getaway.

• Must-See Attractions:
  • Stroll along the iconic River Walk (Paseo del Rio), filled with charming shops, bars, and riverside dining.
  • Visit The Alamo, one of the historical landmark missions in San Antonio that’s free to explore.
  • Take a Missions guided bike tour to explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and discover the historical sites! You can also take a UNESCO World Heritage Missions Tour!
  • Take a hop on hop off bus in San Antonio to visit the historic Pearl Market and other unique areas on the outskirts.
• Pro Tips:
  • Book a river walk boat tour for a unique perspective of the Riverwalk.
  • Stay in the historic (and reportedly haunted) Hotel Menger near The Alamo!

We also have a Texas Hill Country Vineyard and Winery Road Trip Guide and Austin Best Weekend Trip Guide for even more weekend fun and check out our Best Spring Break Vacation Ideas for a less Crowded Trip including San Antonio!

Essential Items to Pack for San Antonio:

• Sketchers Go Walk Waterproof Sneakers on Amazon are perfect for exploring the Riverwalk and biking to the San Antonio Missions. 
• SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS TRAVEL GUIDE 2025 – A great way to get familiar with the Missions before you visit.

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2. St. Augustine, Florida: A Short Weekend Trip in the Oldest City

St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest city in the United States, offering a perfect blend of history, charm, and coastal beauty. The historic old town area is easy to navigate and it is easy to walk between spots such as St. George Street and Castillo de San Marcos on your weekend trip.

• Must-See Attractions:
  • Explore the historic Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fort with stunning waterfront views.
  • Stroll down St. George Street, a pedestrian-only area filled with unique shops, cafes, and galleries. You can also combine a few spots with a historic St. Augustine city tour!
  • Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum (you can do a ghost tour here too! We loved seeing it at night.) for panoramic views and a glimpse into maritime history.
• Activities to Enjoy:
  • Take a ghost tour of the historic pubs to learn about the city’s haunted history and have great cocktails.
  • We loved doing a food and cocktail tour in the historic center!
• Pro Tip:
  • Visit during the holiday season to see the St. Augustine Nights of Lights, a magical display of over 3 million lights throughout the historic district.
• Our favorite Bed and Breakfast – Cedar House Inn is quaint and beautiful (read our review of Cedar House Inn here). The breakfast here was amazing and it is walking distance to all of the best things to do.

• Check out our perfect weekend in St. Augustine guide and our weekend trip guide on What to do in Daytona Beach – it’s only an hour away!

The golf cart tour is a great way to see St. Augustine quickly without too much walking!

Essentials to Pack for St. Augustine:

• ST. AUGUSTINE TRAVEL GUIDE 2025: A comprehensive guide exploring must-see attractions, things to do, hotels, maps and culture

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3. Quick Weekend in Chicago: Shopping, Food, and Iconic Landmarks

One of the most fun cities in the United States, Chicago, has become a trendy international destination. It’s known for its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, vibrant music scene, and beautiful riverwalk. We have always done Chicago trips on a quick weekend, sometimes just for a day and we always fit all of our favorites in! This amazing city is so easy to get around by walking or public transportation!

• Highlights:
  • Shop and dine along the Magnificent Mile, a 13-block stretch of luxury boutiques and restaurants.
  • Snap a photo at The Bean (Cloud Gate Sculpture by, A. Kapoor) in Millennium Park.
  • Take a scenic boat ride tour to admire the city’s skyline from the river or Lake Michigan.
  • We did this Gangster History and Food tour and loved it! The food was great and deep-dish Chicago pizza won me over!
  • Have a fun day at Navy Pier! There are so many attractions, a theater, and restaurants to keep you busy. A bonus is the skyline view you get from here!
  • Visit the unique Chicago Pedway for shopping and dining without being out in the weather!
• Don’t Miss:
  • Read Our Perfect Weekend in Chicago guide for more ideas to make your weekend trip perfect.

Essentials to Pack for Chicago:

• Packable Down Jacket: Chicago’s “windy city” weather can change quickly, so stay warm with this lightweight, packable jacket.

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4. Fun Las Vegas Getaway: On and Off the Strip in a Weekend

Las Vegas is more than just casinos—it’s an entertainment and gourmet dining hub perfect for a weekend escape. There are so many options it will be hard to fit it all in!

• From exploring nature in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and nearby parks, to experiencing the art installation Seven Magic Mountains, to visiting the water show at the 200-foot fountains at the Bellagio Hotel, there’s something for everyone’s interests in Las Vegas. 

Fun Experiences to try on a weekend in Las Vegas:

• Visit the Free Bellagio Conservatory or get a little adventurous and zipline at the LINQ Promenade.

• Watch the iconic water show at the Bellagio fountains (also free).
• Visit the Flamingo Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel for free.

• Ride the High Roller Observation Wheel for panoramic views of the Strip.
• Explore the natural attractions of nearby Valley of Fire State Park
• We had fun just walking around and seeing the sights on the strip and downtown in the Freemont Street area.
• It’s also great to visit some of the old classic casinos to see a bit of history. There’s even a piece of the Berlin Wall in the men’s bathroom of the Main Street Station Casino!

The best part about Las Vegas is that most things are walkable on the strip and if you take a rideshare downtown to the Freemont area, most of that is walkable too! Each section has a different feel and it’s a great experience to see the contrast of the over-the-top newer experiences on the strip to the classic old Vegas feel of the downtown Freemont Street areas.

Don’t forget to find the most unique Vegas speakeasies and cocktail bars and our guide to the Best Hidden Gems Off the Strip in Las Vegas to visit!

We loved doing a half day trip to Valley of Fire State Park from Las Vegas!

Essential Items to Pack for Las Vegas:

• Collapsible Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while walking The Strip or visiting Red Rock Canyon. Try these collapsible, BPA-free water bottles with a clip on Amazon.
• Travel-Size Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the Nevada sun with this TSA-approved Oars and Alps spray sunscreen.
• 🎹Find the best Las Vegas show tickets and hotels at great prices for your trip! ✨

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5. New Orleans French Quarter: Historic & Haunted Weekend Trip

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 red streetcar from Canal St. that says, “Museums” on the front it will drop you off in our favorite neighborhood, Mid City, right across from the beautiful City Park, art museum, sculpture garden, and botanical garden. There’s even a Cafe Du Monde inside City Park to get your beignet fix!
• You can also take the green St. Charles Ave. streetcar passing by the mansions of the Garden District to Audubon Park which is near the Zoo for another fun activity!

Inside of the French Quarter, there is so much history, architecture, and stories that a French Quarter walking 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).
• Tip: Take a walk through some of the bigger French Quarter hotels like Bourbon Orleans, Hotel Monteleone, and Royal Sonesta to see the luxurious lobby interiors and grab a cocktail!
• Tip 2: For a breathtaking Mississippi River view for free head up to the lobby of the Westin New Orleans in Canal Place. The lobby bar, Observatory Eleven, has delicious cocktails and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city and river. There is also an invite-only secret bar there called “The Vault“, but you have to find Nathaniel to get an invite!

You’ll still have time for some live music because it is everywhere 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! We love our city!

🎶Don’t forget to check out our guide on Fun Things to do at New Orleans Jazz Fest beyond Music

Essential Items to Pack for New Orleans:

• Mosquito Repellent Wipes: Mosquitos are always in season in New Orleans! These DEET-free wipes are easy to pack.

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6. Portland, Oregon Weekend Trip: Japanese Gardens, Coffee & Culture

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. Portland combines urban sophistication with natural beauty, offering a serene escape that’s perfect for a short getaway.

Why It’s Great for a Quick Trip: The city’s top attractions are easy to access, and its laid-back vibe makes it a relaxing destination.

• 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 city as well!

You can still see the amazing Pacific Coast on a weekend trip!

Essential Items to Pack for Portland:

• Rain Jacket: Portland’s weather is often rainy, so a lightweight, waterproof jacket is essential.
• Reusable Coffee Cup: Embrace the city’s coffee culture with this insulated travel mug with a temp display.

New York City in a Weekend: Explore Manhattan by Foot or Helicopter

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 Big Apple helicopter tour. It’s a unique way of skipping the ferry line to see the Statue of Liberty. 

New York City is great for a weekend trip because there is so many things to do and see as well as many free activities! The ease of walking around and transportation options to get from spot to spot also make NYC a perfect quick weekend destination.

• 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. 
• Also, see our guide on iconic NYC spots to visit on your trip!

Discover the diverse charm of NYC’s neighborhoods:

• Wander through the cobblestone streets of SoHo for boutique shopping and trendy cafes.
• Visit Brooklyn’s DUMBO area for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and a stroll along the waterfront.
• Immerse yourself in history and culture in Harlem, with its iconic Apollo Theater and soul food restaurants.

No trip to NYC is complete without experiencing the magic of Broadway and Times Square!

• Catch a world-class show at one of the iconic Broadway theaters.
• We’ve even enjoyed the off off Broadway shows in NYC and they are usually less expensive than the well-known shows.
• Take a walk through Times Square, where the bright lights and buzzing energy epitomize the city that never sleeps.

Don’t forget Manhattan Art and Architecture!

• Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art or MoMA for world-renowned collections.
• Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Vessel at Hudson Yards or the One World Trade Center observation deck.
• Walk along the High Line, an elevated park built on a historic rail line, offering fantastic views of the city. It’s also close to Chelsea Market which has amazing food options!

Essential Items to Pack for New York:

• Crossbody Bag with Anti-Theft Features: Keep your belongings secure while exploring the busy city streets with this RFID-blocking anti-theft Travelon crossbody bag on Amazon.
• A great city guide so you don’t miss anything! Frommer’s New York City 2025

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8. San Francisco Short Getaway: Fisherman’s Wharf, Redwoods & More

San Francisco may be known for its Golden Gate Bridge, but there is much more to the city than meets the eye. The city is easy to get around and there are many things to do! San Francisco is a city of iconic landmarks, scenic vistas to discover, and diverse cultural experiences, making it an excellent choice for a quick weekend getaway or a long weekend trip.

• Must-Do Activities:
  • Tour Alcatraz Island for a deep dive into its fascinating history (it’s also haunted reportedly!).
  • Visit Muir Woods National Monument to see majestic redwoods without going too far. (this awesome combo tour takes you to Muir Woods and Sausalito for a half-day trip)
  • Walk Lombard Street – One of the most crooked streets in the world!
  • Explore Fisherman’s Wharf for delicious food!
  • Climb Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower – Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset for stunning views. At the top of Telegraph Hill, this iconic Art Deco tower offers panoramic views of the city and the bay. Don’t miss the beautiful murals inside, painted during the Great Depression. There are also wild parrots who call this area home!
• Discover Golden Gate Park: Golden Gate Park is a sprawling urban oasis filled with attractions: Rent a bike or pedal boat to explore the park’s lakes and trails.
• Visit the Japanese Tea Garden there for tranquility and scenic beauty.
• Explore the de Young Museum or the California Academy of Sciences for cultural and scientific exhibits.
• Chinatown in San Francisco is also a must-do! It’s the oldest and one of the largest in North America!

Check out our most beautiful Napa wineries article which also has many other destination ideas if wine travel is in your plans or guide on great drive stops on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip!

Essential Items to Pack for San Francisco:

• Travel Windbreaker: San Francisco’s cool breezes, especially near the Golden Gate Bridge, make this lightweight, windbreaker jacket perfect to pack for a weekend trip!
• Travel Binoculars: Perfect for spotting the wild parrots on Telegraph Hill or enjoying the views from Coit Tower. Try these budget-friendly compact binoculars.
• Travel Guide: Discover the best hikes of the city with “Moon 101 Great Hikes San Francisco Bay Area (Moon Outdoors)“. Get it on Amazon!

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9. Orlando Weekend Trip Ideas: Gators, Swans & Hidden Gems Beyond Disney

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 nearby and gardens, but also sightseeing and nightlife. It is a perfect city for sampling Orlando’s best craft cocktails too!

• Other Highlights:
  • Visit Gatorland for an up-close encounter with alligators.
  • Paddle in a swan boat at Lake Eola Park for a peaceful escape. They have free concerts too!
  • Spend a day or night at Icon Park in Orlando – Ride the Orlando Eye wheel, discover their many restaurants and live music venues! They even have an aquarium and Madam Tussauds’s Wax Museum.
  • If you have a car it’s an easy trek to Daytona Beach or Cape Canaveral for more weekend fun!
  • You can take a fun hidden speakeasy cocktail crawl tour of downtown Orlando on your weekend trip too!

You can totally sample Disney World or Universal Studios in a weekend too, but Orlando has so many options!

Essential Items to Pack for Orlando:

• All-Weather Poncho: Be prepared for sudden rain showers in Orlando with this lightweight packable poncho.
• Travel Guide: Plan your weekend with “Frommer’s Disney World, Universal, and Orlando (Complete Guide)”, including more insider tips for other Orlando attractions. Get it on Amazon here.

Tips on How to Plan the Perfect Weekend Trip

• Combine weekends with holidays so that you can get 3-4 days without using vacation days if possible!
• Choose Close Destinations: Opt for places within a 3–4 hour road trip or a short nonstop flight.
• Pack Light: Stick to only essentials for easy travel in a weekend. **Read our Packing Light Tips Guide here.
• Maximize Time: Book activities in advance to make the most of your stay. We love booking tours in advance!
• Consider Your Budget: Look for deals on hotels and attractions to help stay in budget (we have a budget planning article too!).
• Pick non-event weekends: Research ahead of time to choose a week that won’t be overpriced in your chosen destination due to an event.

Quick Weekend Trip Ideas Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you are excited about some new and different ways to explore these wonderful cities on your weekend getaway! We love short trips in all of these amazing destinations!

Whether you prefer adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, these destinations offer something for everyone. Don’t wait; start planning your weekend escape today! Have you visited any of these weekend trip destinations? Let us know in the comments!

Good luck and enjoy happy travels to your next destination! 

Author’s Note: As frequent travelers who often squeeze in quick weekend trips when we can, we’ve personally experienced each of these destinations and think they are a great to maximize your vacation time and minimize travel stress. We hope this guide inspires your next mini adventure and helps you plan a memorable weekend escape. K.J.

Travel Makes Me Happy Blog

Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Weekend Trips

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