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Get out and explore!
Sometimes, a weekend is all it takes to recharge your batteries, especially if you spend it somewhere new and exciting.
If you need to get away, but don’t have time for a long getaway, a mini-vacation is just the ticket. America is full of cities just made for a mini-escape.
If you’ve got wanderlust and a free weekend coming up, visit one of these dreamy destinations just ripe for exploration.
There’s nothing like a ski trip to get your juices flowing.
But even if you don’t ski, or want to get away during the warmer months, Denver is a perfect weekend escape.
Wander through the downtown theater district and explore the beautifully revamped Union Station, new Riverfront Park, and 16th Street pedestrian mall.
Take a tour of the Denver Mint or catch a Nuggets or Rockies game. Rent a bike and hit the 800 miles of urban trails around the city.
San Diego
Surf, sand, sun…a perfect combination for a relaxing weekend.
There’s also a slew of ambient greenspaces, like Balboa Park, Torrey Pines State Reserve, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Don’t forget the charms of Coronado and iconic hotel Del.
Stroll the Gaslamp district and browse the eclectic shops; enjoy tapas and a generous happy hour at Sevilla.
Grab your camera and take a harbor cruise at sunset for views that take your breath away.
Boston
When your weekend requirements include American history, world-class shopping, and oyster rolls, it’s time to head to Boston.
Walk the redbrick Freedom Trail and visit historic Revolutionary War sites. Picnic in Boston Commons, shop the boutiques on Newbury Street and savor a selection of oysters at Union Oyster House, the oldest restaurant in the country.
Don’t miss Faneuil Hall or the ubiquitous Duck Tours.
For a sense of nostalgia, a classic cocktail crawl through Boston is a must, though you also shouldn’t miss hitting up some of Boston’s best coffee shops, either.
Charleston
You’ve never experienced anything like southern hospitality Charleston style.
Stay in one of the beautiful B&Bs that line the city’s charming Battery.
Browse the local shops along King Street and take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the lovely historic downtown.
Enjoy the graceful lawns and stately manors on a tour of the city’s plantations.
If you want to cover a lot of ground without breaking the bank, there are plenty of thrifty car rental options to help you explore the beaches of the Kiawah and Folly’s Island.
Be sure to dine on shrimp and grits, a Low Country staple.
Nashville
If you love country, you’ll love Nashville.
The Grand Ole Opry is an unforgettable experience and the Music City Walk of Fame is worth a visit. The stunning modern architecture of the Country Music Hall of Fame is just as impressive as the tributes to the legends of country music inside.
Take a leisurely cruise on the river on the Music City Queen.
Don’t miss the delicious eats, cheap drinks, and unbelievable live music at the city’s plethora of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.
Stop at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack for an authentic Nashville treat.
What’s your favorite American city for a weekend getaway?
Jessie Festa is a New York-based travel content creator who is passionate about empowering her audience to experience new places and live a life of adventure. She is the founder of the solo female travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and is editor-in-chief of Epicure & Culture, an online conscious tourism magazine. Along with writing, Jessie is a professional photographer and is the owner of NYC Photo Journeys, which offers New York photo tours, photo shoots, and wedding photography. Her work has appeared in publications like USA Today, CNN, Business Insider, Thrillist, and WestJet Magazine.
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