Top 15 Weekend Getaways 2023

Here are 15 weekend getaway ideas for 2023

1. Napa Valley, California, USA – for wine tasting and picturesque countryside

Napa Valley is a great destination for wine tasting and scenic countryside views. The region is home to more than 400 wineries and vineyards, offering a variety of wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot. In addition to wine tasting, visitors can also take hot air balloon rides over the vineyards, visit art galleries and boutiques, and dine in world-renowned restaurants. The rolling hills and picturesque countryside also make for a great setting for hiking, cycling, and outdoor recreation. Napa Valley is located about an hour’s drive north of San Francisco and can make for a great weekend getaway or day trip.

2. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada – for hiking and stunning mountain views

Banff National Park is a wonderful destination for hiking and enjoying stunning mountain views. Located in the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers some of the most picturesque landscapes in North America, with its crystal clear lakes, glacier-fed rivers, and snow-capped peaks. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, as well as a variety of other outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking, skiing, and snowboarding. Some of the park’s most popular attractions include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Banff Gondola, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Banff is located about a 90-minute drive west of Calgary and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer trip.

3. Tulum, Mexico – for beach relaxation and Mayan ruins exploration

Tulum is a wonderful destination for those seeking a mix of beach relaxation and Mayan ruins exploration. Located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum boasts miles of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can soak up the sun, swim, snorkel, and scuba dive in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. The town is also home to the well-preserved Mayan ruins of Tulum, which date back to the 13th century and offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history. Other popular attractions in the area include the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife and habitats, and the Gran Cenote, a crystal clear freshwater sinkhole. Tulum is located about an hour and a half south of Cancun and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer vacation.

4. Charleston, South Carolina, USA – for history, culture, and charming architecture

Charleston is a great destination for history, culture, and charming architecture. Located in the southeastern United States, Charleston is known for its rich history dating back to the colonial era, as well as its picturesque antebellum homes and buildings. Visitors can take walking tours of the city’s historic district, which features well-preserved homes and landmarks such as the Battery, the Old City Market, and the Nathaniel Russell House. The city is also home to a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters showcasing local and national talent. Other popular attractions in the area include the beaches of nearby islands, such as Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island, and the plantations that dot the surrounding countryside. Charleston is located about two hours south of Myrtle Beach and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer vacation.

5. Montreal, Quebec, Canada – for European charm, cuisine, and culture

Montreal is a great destination for those seeking European charm, cuisine, and culture. Located in the province of Quebec, Montreal is a vibrant city with a unique blend of French and English influences, as well as a thriving arts and cultural scene. Visitors can explore the historic neighborhoods of Old Montreal and the Plateau, which feature cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and distinctive architecture. The city is also known for its world-class cuisine, with a variety of restaurants serving French and Quebecois specialties, as well as international fare. Other popular attractions in the area include the Montreal Botanical Garden, the Notre-Dame Basilica, and Mount Royal Park, which offers panoramic views of the city. Montreal is located about an hour and a half north of Burlington, Vermont, and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer vacation.

6. Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA – for desert landscapes and stargazing

Joshua Tree National Park is a great destination for those seeking desert landscapes and stargazing. Located in Southern California, Joshua Tree is known for its unique rock formations, rugged desert terrain, and distinctive plant life, including the park’s namesake Joshua trees. Visitors can explore the park’s hiking trails, which range from easy nature walks to strenuous climbs, or take guided tours to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history. The park is also renowned for its dark skies, making it a popular destination for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts. Other popular activities in the area include rock climbing, bouldering, and camping. Joshua Tree is located about two and a half hours east of Los Angeles and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer trip.

7. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada – for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports

Whistler is a great destination for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports. Located in the province of British Columbia, Whistler is a world-renowned ski resort that attracts visitors from around the globe. The resort boasts two interconnected mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, which offer more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, as well as a variety of other winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and sleigh rides. Visitors can also enjoy the resort’s lively après-ski scene, with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops. In the summer months, Whistler transforms into a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining, among other activities. Other popular attractions in the area include the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, which showcases the region’s indigenous culture and heritage, and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Whistler is located about two hours north of Vancouver and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer vacation.

8. Sedona, Arizona, USA – for spiritual and natural beauty

Sedona is a great destination for those seeking spiritual and natural beauty. Located in northern Arizona, Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations, desert landscape, and unique energy vortexes, which are said to promote healing and well-being. Visitors can explore the area’s hiking trails, which offer views of the surrounding mountains and canyons, or take guided tours to learn more about the area’s geology and indigenous history. The town is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and spiritual centers. Other popular attractions in the area include the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a unique chapel built into the red rocks, and the Verde Valley wine region, which offers tastings and tours of local wineries. Sedona is located about two hours north of Phoenix and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer vacation.

9. Asheville, North Carolina, USA – for craft breweries, art galleries, and outdoor recreation

Asheville is a great destination for those seeking craft breweries, art galleries, and outdoor recreation. Located in western North Carolina, Asheville is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, as well as its beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the city’s numerous art galleries and studios, which showcase the work of local and national artists, or take a brewery tour of the city’s many craft breweries, which offer a variety of beer styles and flavors. The area is also known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with numerous hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and waterfalls located nearby. Other popular attractions in the area include the Biltmore Estate, a grand mansion built by the Vanderbilt family, and the River Arts District, a historic neighborhood that is home to numerous artists’ studios and galleries. Asheville is located about two hours west of Charlotte and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer vacation.

10. Park City, Utah, USA – for skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor activities

Park City is a great destination for skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor activities. Located in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Park City is a world-renowned ski resort that attracts visitors from around the globe. The resort boasts more than 7,300 acres of skiable terrain across two mountains, as well as a variety of other winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. Visitors can also enjoy the resort’s lively après-ski scene, with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops. In the summer months, Park City is a great destination for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities, with numerous trails and parks located nearby. Other popular attractions in the area include the Park City Main Street Historic District, which features unique shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in historic buildings, and the Utah Olympic Park, which hosted events during the 2002 Winter Olympics and offers tours and activities year-round. Park City is located about 30 minutes east of Salt Lake City and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer vacation.

11. Savannah, Georgia, USA – for southern charm, history, and architecture

 

Savannah is a great destination for those seeking southern charm, history, and architecture. Located on the coast of Georgia, Savannah is known for its beautiful historic district, which features numerous homes and buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as its vibrant arts and cultural scene. Visitors can take a walking tour of the city’s historic district to learn more about its architecture and history, or explore the many art galleries and studios located throughout the city. Savannah is also known for its cuisine, with numerous restaurants serving up classic southern dishes such as shrimp and grits and fried chicken. Other popular attractions in the area include the Bonaventure Cemetery, a historic cemetery with beautiful sculptures and monuments, and the Tybee Island Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse located on nearby Tybee Island. Savannah is located about two hours south of Charleston, South Carolina and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer vacation.

12. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, USA – for skiing, snowboarding, and lake activities

Lake Tahoe is a great destination for outdoor recreation and natural beauty. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, Lake Tahoe is a large alpine lake that straddles the border between California and Nevada. The area is known for its stunning natural scenery, with crystal-clear waters, pine forests, and snow-capped mountains surrounding the lake. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in the area, including skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, hiking and mountain biking in the summer, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake. The area is also home to numerous state parks and beaches, as well as several charming mountain towns with unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Other popular attractions in the area include the historic Vikingsholm Castle, which offers guided tours of its unique Scandinavian-style architecture, and the Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows ski resort, which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and offers a variety of winter sports and activities. Lake Tahoe is located about three hours east of San Francisco and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer vacation.

13. Palm Springs, California, USA – for desert landscapes, spa retreats, and golf

Palm Springs is a great destination for those seeking desert landscapes, spa retreats, and golf. Located in the Sonoran Desert of California, Palm Springs is known for its warm, sunny weather, beautiful desert landscapes, and luxurious resorts and spas. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in the area, including hiking, horseback riding, and golfing on one of the many world-class courses in the area. The city is also home to numerous spas and wellness centers, which offer a variety of treatments and services designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Other popular attractions in the area include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which offers stunning views of the surrounding desert and mountains, and the Palm Springs Art Museum, which features a collection of contemporary and modern art. Palm Springs is located about two hours east of Los Angeles and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer vacation.

14. San Diego, California, USA – for beaches, museums, and family attractions

San Diego is a great destination for beaches, museums, and family attractions. Located on the southern coast of California, San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, mild climate, and numerous cultural attractions. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in the area, including surfing, sunbathing, and swimming at one of the many beaches, as well as hiking and exploring the city’s numerous parks and gardens. The city is also home to several world-class museums, including the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Photographic Arts, and the USS Midway Museum, which is housed in a decommissioned aircraft carrier and offers an immersive experience exploring the history of naval aviation. For families, San Diego offers a variety of attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Safari Park, and the LEGOLAND California Resort. Other popular attractions in the area include the historic Gaslamp Quarter, which features numerous shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues, and the scenic Balboa Park, which is home to numerous museums, gardens, and cultural institutions. San Diego is located about two hours south of Los Angeles and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer vacation.

15. Newport Beach, California, USA – for beaches, boating, and coastal activities.

Newport Beach is a great destination for beaches, boating, and coastal activities. Located in Orange County, California, Newport Beach is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque harbor, and wide range of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water-based activities in the area, including boating, sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding in the harbor or on the open ocean. The city is also home to several beautiful beaches, including Newport Beach and Balboa Beach, which offer great opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Other popular attractions in the area include the Balboa Fun Zone, which features a Ferris wheel, arcade games, and other family-friendly attractions, and the Newport Pier, which offers beautiful views of the ocean and the surrounding coastline. Newport Beach is also known for its high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment options, with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops located throughout the city. Newport Beach is located about one hour south of Los Angeles and can make for a great weekend getaway or longer vacation.