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Looking for a quick getaway? The kind of place you can hit on a Friday, leave on a Sunday, and feel like you’ve had a true vacation?
We’re happy to say that many of the country’s most rewarding cities are compact enough that you can experience all the highlights in a two-day weekend. In these manageable-sized destinations, you can explore cultural sights and historic neighborhoods, eat your way through delicious food scenes, immerse into nature and not feel like you’ve been running nonstop or have FOMO that you’ve missed the best parts.
Ready for a great escape? Here are 10 perfect U.S. cities for a quick weekend getaway.
Related: The most romantic hotels near major US cities for a weekend getaway
Key West
The southernmost city in the continental U.S. delivers Caribbean vibes, with no passport required. In fact, the colorful conch houses, turquoise water and the lively scene on Duval Street all make Key West feel worlds away from mainland Florida, even though you can drive here in just a few hours from Miami.
Hop on the tram to see the historic district and stop in at the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum (keep an eye out for the six-toed cats, all descendents from Hemingway’s original pets). Then rent a bike to explore the island stopping at the Southernmost Point buoy for a photo op. You’ll want to start the evening at Mallory Square where the nightly sunset celebration has become a local tradition. For dinner, pick an only-in-Key-West dining spot such as Sloppy Joe’s Bar or Blue Heaven for dinner and drinks.
The next day, laze by the hotel pool, or, for if you prefer a more active itinerary, snorkeling, kayaking and reef excursions are all great additions to a weekend trip. Just be sure to leave time to sample the key lime pie and have a frozen drink or two at an open air bar to truly get into the Key West spirit.
Where to stay: Located in the center of Duval Street, La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection, puts you right in the heart of the island’s dining, nightlife and cultural scene (and fun fact, both Tennessee Williams and Hemingway spent time at this circa 1926 property).
Related: How I took a 2-day, all-inclusive weekend escape to the Florida Keys — and how you can, too
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Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale has long been synonymous with luxury resorts and golf, but there’s plenty to experience beyond the pool deck and fairways. With sunny skies nearly year-round, a thriving arts scene and easy access to the Sonoran Desert, it’s truly an ideal destination for a quick warm weather getaway.
Start your weekend wandering walkable Old Town Scottsdale, where you’ll find galleries, Southwestern boutiques and lively restaurants (Daily Dose is a popular option) alongside public art and historic buildings. If you’re a hiker, set an early alarm to hike Camelback Mountain or Pinnacle Peak before the desert heat sets in. Or, if you’re like me and don’t want to work up a sweat, I can also highly recommend a sunrise hot air balloon ride to see the mountain scenery.
In the afternoon, visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West for UNESCO listed architecture and stellar views. Or be wowed by the billboard-tall saguaros at the Desert Botanical Garden, which is truly a local highlight. If you’re visiting between January and March, you can also add spring training baseball to your weekend visit.
Where to stay: Arizona’s first Grand Hyatt opened in Scottsdale this past winter, and we’re big fans, especially of the 10 pools spread across the property with everything from a sandy kids beach, a 30-foot waterslide and a volleyball pool to a peaceful adults-only retreat.
Related: The 10 best hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a dreamy desert getaway
Fort Wayne, Indiana
I can’t lie, Fort Wayne popped up on my radar due to its home-town design icon: Vera Bradley, of quilted tote bag fame (and yes, there’s a massive warehouse sale here in the spring). But Fort Wayne is also one of the Midwest’s most pleasantly surprising weekend destinations. The city pairs a revitalized downtown with riverfront trails, public art and a growing food and brewery scene. And it’s manageable size means you can cover a lot of ground in just two days without ever feeling rushed.
Start at Promenade Park, where the St. Marys, St. Joseph and Maumee rivers converge, then rent a bike to explore miles of scenic trails. Families will want to visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, while art lovers can browse the Fort Wayne Museum of Art or catch a performance at the historic Embassy Theatre.
Wrap up the weekend with dinner in the lively Electric Works district, a former General Electric campus that’s been transformed into one of the city’s newest dining and entertainment hubs. A few great dining options: Mercado on the Landing, for modern Mexican and Tolon for farm to table.
Where to stay: The Bradley (yes, like Vera), part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Design Hotels portfolio, is a top hotel option. It’s walkable downtown location make it the perfect base for a weekend visit, plus if you can’t get enough of those patterned fabrics, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll spot them throughout the property.
Related: First look: InterContinental Indianapolis, a modern grande dame for the Midwest
Santa Barbara, California
Thanks to its golden beaches, Med-inspired architecture and chic wineries and restaurants, Santa Barbara is often called the “American Riviera.” It’s the perfect spot for a weekend that feels life you’ve jetted off to a European retreat, but without leaving SoCal.
Get your weekend started at Stearns Wharf for a loop through the aquarium and a drink or ice cream stop (you can also fish from the pier here without a license), before wandering State Street’s boutiques and cafés. Spend an afternoon tasting wines in the Funk Zone, where dozens of urban tasting rooms showcase bottles from the nearby Santa Ynez Valley.
If you’re looking to slow down the pace even further, rent bikes to pedal along the waterfront or head to one of the city’s wide, sandy beaches to watch the sunset. Al fresco dining with ocean breezes is the perfect cap to the day.
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is a destination in its own right, with blufftop ocean views, multiple pools and direct beach access.
Related: The best hotels in Santa Barbara
Portland, Oregon
Portland has long been known for its coffee, craft beer and fiercely independent (some say weird, I say “eclectic”) spirit, but what makes it especially appealing for a weekend is how easy it is to experience several sides of the city in just two days.
Spend one day exploring urban neighborhoods like the Pearl District, Nob Hill and Alberta Arts District. Stop for coffee, food carts and Powell’s City of Books (you can’t miss it, it’s an entire city block and the biggest indie bookstore in the world) along the way. And be sure to check out the Portland Museum of Art which recently wrapped up a massive renovation and now includes a Mark Rothko Pavilion entrance.
On your second day, escape into nature at Washington Park, visit the International Rose Test Garden and neighboring Japanese Gardens. Or take a short drive to the Columbia River Gorge for waterfalls and scenic hikes that feel like you’ve traveled deep into the forest, even though you’re only an hour from the city.
Where to stay: Love a room with a view? Then you’re going to want to check out The Nines, a Luxury Collection property, which sits atop the landmark Meier & Frank Building. There’s live entertainment almost every evening, and the two restaurants here, Urban Farmer, a modern farm-to-table steakhouse, and Departure, Pan-Asian cuisine, both have outdoor decks and sweeping views of Portland.
Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville has quietly become one of the South’s best weekend destinations thanks to not only to its revitalized downtown, but also its fabulous food scene which was the setting for this past season’s Top Chef. There’s also easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as a river and extensive trail system that run right through downtown.
Everything revolves around Main Street, where public art, outdoor dining and locally owned shops create an atmosphere that encourages you to fully embrace the Southern charm. Some of my absolutely favorite restaurants are here, including Sobys (don’t miss the fried green tomatoes), The Jones Oyster Co. and modern tapas at Camp.
Work up the appetite you’ll surely need with the city’s signature attraction, Falls Park on the Reedy, where a dramatic waterfall flows through the middle of downtown beneath the striking Liberty Bridge. Walk, jog or rent a bike to explore part of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 28-mile multi-use greenway that follows the river, or take off for the Blue Ridge Mountains for a hike, before heading back to town for rooftop drinks.
Where to stay: The Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, overlooks Falls Park and feels like a boutique mountain retreat in the middle of the city. Even if you’re not staying, get a drink on the patio or brunch at Between the Trees restaurant to soak up the atmosphere.
Palm Springs, California
A mid-century modern oasis in the California desert, Palm Springs has been one of my favorite escapes for decades, and I’m not the only one. The city and surrounding valley attract everyone from Hollywood icons to architecture enthusiasts.
Spend a morning touring the city’s iconic midcentury-modern neighborhoods on a tour on the aptly named Modern Tour. Then stop in at the bright and airy Palm Spring Museum, or browse the boutiques and galleries downtown.
You have to take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the longest rotating cable car in North America, which delivers you nearly 6,000 feet up into the San Jacinto Mountains (bring a jacket or sweater, the temps are delightfully chilly up this high) for epic desert views.
For more outdoor pursuits, consider a short hike in Indian Canyons, or sign up for a tour of the San Andreas Fault with Red Jeep, one of my favorite ways to see the undeveloped desert. Then dedicate the rest of the afternoon to what Palm Springs does best: relaxing by the pool.
Looking for a little more adventure? Joshua Tree National Park is less than an hour away.
Where to stay: The Thompson Palm Springs, which opened in 2024 as part of World of Hyatt, has quickly established itself as one of the city’s most popular luxury hotels. Its central location makes it easy to walk to restaurants, shops and nightlife, while its multiple pools are reason enough to linger a little longer.
Related: Best hotels in Palm Springs that are an oasis in the desert
Providence, Rhode Island
Often overshadowed by nearby Boston, Providence rewards curious travelers willing to drive an hour further with one of New England’s best restaurant scenes, beautiful historic neighborhoods and enough arts and culture to easily fill the weekend.
Begin on College Hill, where cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings surround Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Art lovers should leave time to dive into the RISD Museum. Hungry? Why just focus on one meal when you can spend the entire afternoon exploring Federal Hill, the city’s Italian neighborhood filled with bakeries, cafés and family-run restaurants.
Try to time your visit for a WaterFire weekend, when dozens of bonfires illuminate the rivers flowing through downtown.
Where to stay: The Beatrice brings stylish boutique accommodations to the heart of downtown. It’s within walking distance of many of Providence’s best restaurants, making it easy to maximize a short visit.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston has mastered the art of the weekend getaway. Historic homes, waterfront parks, acclaimed restaurants and nearby beaches all combine to create a destination that’s as relaxing as it is photogenic.
A morning stroll through the French Quarter is the perfect way to start the day before making your way to Rainbow Row and the Battery. Grab lunch at one of the city’s celebrated Lowcountry restaurants (I’m especially fond of Magnolias, whose pimento cheese would be my desert island pick) then spend the afternoon shopping along King Street or taking a harbor cruise.
The International African American Museum opened two years ago to critical acclaim and is well worth planning an afternoon around. There are also two art museums and an aquarium to add to pop into your schedule.
Or devote part of your second day to Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach for a few hours on the sand before heading back downtown for cocktails and another memorable meal at SNOB (Slightly North of Broad) or High Cotton (I mean, you are on vacation, right?).
Where to stay: At The Cooper, Charleston’s new waterfront property, you’ll find a 7,000-square-foot spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an infinity pool and an on-site marina where guests can hop on a number of boats, including a Hinckley yacht, for paid excursions.
Related: Port of Charleston: A guide to cruising from the Holy City
Portland, Maine
It’s hard to choose just one coastal Portland city to include for a weekend, so we’re including both to give you more choices (and make it easier to reach depending on where you’re based).
Portland, Maine, offers a quintessential coastal New England getaway, but without the tricky logistics of destinations like Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. With direct flights from many US cities, you can easily enjoy historic charm, fresh seafood, boutique shopping, scenic harbor views, lighthouse tours and a vibrant waterfront culture in your 48 hour getaway.
Spend the weekend exploring the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, sailing through Casco Bay, visiting the Portland Head Light (the most photographed lighthouse in the world) or relaxing on nearby beaches. But don’t leave before getting your fill of lobster and seafood, especially the lobster rolls drenched in butter at Bite Into Maine food truck and the Eventide Oyster Co. for freshly shucked bivalves.
Where to stay: The Longfellow Hotel, which was on our list of the best new hotels of 2024, has an incredibly chic lobby bar, TPG hotel managing editor Ellie Nan Storck’s favorite spa in town (Astraea) and happens to be an SLH hotel, so it’s fully bookable using Hilton points. Pop into Tandem, next door, for coffee and pastries on your way out of town.
