Weekend Trips are my favorite because I don’t have to take a lot of time off work (if any). Plus there are so many fun places nearby right now or a quick flight away. There are so many places in the United States that you can explore over a few days to relax or have an adventure.
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Here’s my list of favorite cities for a weekend getaway. They are in no particular order. It’s just how the popped into my head.
Nashville, Tennessee
When I lived in West Virginia, I went to Nashville a few times. I think there is so much to see and do here that this could be multiple weekend trips. Each time I went revolved around sports – SEC Basketball Tournament and Arkansas vs Vanderbilt baseball.
The one thing that I haven’t done but it’s on my list is Grand Ole Opry, Gaylord Opryland Resort. I really want to go to the resort at Christmas time. Andrew Jackson Hermitage. (I don’t know why but I am creepily obsessed with going to presidential libraries.)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
It has been a while since I have been back, but when I lived there it was so much fun. Downtown OKC (Bricktown) is one of my favorite all-time places. Everything is close around downtown as well, you can either walk or rent a bike.
If you are into sports, there is the OKC Thunder (NBA), Oklahoma Sooners (NCAA) in Norman which is about 30 minutes away. If you go in the summer, you’ll have to check out OKC Comets. (https://www.milb.com/oklahoma-city). One of my best friends in the whole world lives there. The softball World Series is hosted in OKC every year.
New Orleans, Louisana
This is one of another all time favorite places to go. I am always trying to figure out a way to get there. When I went there for the first time, I sat next to a girl who goes to New Orleans about once a month. She has been doing it for about a year and rarely sees the same thing twice.
Here’s an itinerary and things I recommend
Las Vegas, Nevada
And I don’t even gamble. There is so much to do here that there is no way to see it all. I was there for a week and felt like I could have stayed another week. The nice thing about Vegas is things are always changing, so it never gets boring. There are a few things that stay the same, but exhibits and performers are always changing.
On my next trip, I’m spending more time at Valley of Fire. (I know it’s about an hour away, but worth it) Diana Las Vegas is on my list especially since I have a book her I need to read.)
Chicago, Illinois
This is another one that would take a few weekend trips to see everything. There really is something for everyone in Chicago. I have only spent one weekend in Chicago, but I have plenty of other trips planned. This is also the start of Route 66. (Or end depending on how you view it)
The obviously things that one should do while in Chicago, I have not done: The Bean, Navy Pier, SkyDeck, Riverwalk, and Magnificent Mile. I have gone to Chicago’s Museum of Ice Cream.
Seattle, WA
This is a weekend trip for sure. Everything is close so you’ll be able to see a lot in a short time. This is another place that has a lot of sports teams to be able to see a game. There are also a lot of breweries around town with some of the best IPA’s. One of my favorites closed due to the pandemic, but it was across from Mariners ballpark.
Pike Place is a must stop along with the first Starbucks. I am not a huge coffee drinker, but it was still cool to see. The Space Needle is awesome – which I didn’t think it would be but I could stay up there all day.
Milwaukee, WI
Louisville, Kentucky
Beside the Derby this is a great place
Sacramento, CA
Another very unrated place to visit.
Kansas City, Missouri
I have always called it KC, Missouri even though it is split on the Kansas side as well. However you want to call, KC is still a great place for a weekend trip. If you like music, the American Jazz Museum is there. Into history and baseball, Negro Baseball Museum. There is a country club plaza for shopping.
Portland, Oregon
It has been a while since I have been to Oregon, but it’s so pretty. I think it’s a pretty underrated spot and gets a lot of bad publicity. Before you could get them everywhere, it was home to VooDoo Donuts. (They only take cash btw) It was recommended to me to go to Blue Star Donuts, and it did not disappoint.
Powell Book’s is one of the largest bookstores. You could easily spend all day looking at books. I was shocked on how organized and labeled everything is. I could purchase so many books.
Another reason I love Portland so much is because they have an amazing mural art and breweries.
Des Moines, Iowa
I would recommend going from Spring to Fall, but especially in the summer. Iowa State Fair is in August. The farmers market always looks fun (from the pictures). If you like to read, there are several book stores.
I know this is going to shock a lot of people because I spent so long avoiding being close to Iowa to actually recommending it.
Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina
PLACES I HAVEN’T GONE BUT ON MY LIST
Sedona, Arizona – this has been on my list for YEARS. It’s one of the few places I didn’t get to when I lived there. I have the trip already planned out. I just need to go.
Detroit, Michigan
I have been here a few times BUT it was only for sporting events. When I was on my Michigan trip I was hoping to get here but it didn’t work out. There is so much to do and see here.
Little Rock, Arkansas – Yes I lived in Arkansas for half my life, but I also haven’t been back for half my life. I still have friends that live in the area. Little Rock has always been a place that I really enjoyed and thought was underrated.
Charleston, SC
Fort Worth, TX
Atlanta, GA – I have passed through on a few of my trips, but it wasn’t in the cards to stay. It’s a running joke with my friends that you would think I am from there because I am HUGE Braves fan. The Atlanta Falcons were my team with Matt Ryan at QB. I don’t mind the Hawks – they did have Kyle Korea who is from Iowa.
Denver, Colorado
Indianapolis, Indiana
This is always a place I say I want to go, but honestly I don’t know why.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Steven’s Point, WI – was there for a few hours, but so much do to
San Diego, CA
Topeka, KS – I use to live here but it was a LONG TIME AGO. I would imagine that it has completely changed. But when I did live here it wasn’t that bad. They have a tulip festival every year.
Omaha, NE
Big City Weekend Trips
I didn’t want to put these on here because I think you need more than a weekend to determine the vibe of the city in the places listed below. Also I think there is just so much to do in these places that would take longer than a weekend, and I don’t know how I would choose things to do.
Los Angeles, CA
I lived in CA and went to LA a few times and my list of things I want to do is still so long. Also traffic there is no joke. Nothing will prepare you for it.
New York City, NY
I know Central Park and the Plaza are hotel are being checked off this list.
Washington DC
Miami, Florda
Dallas, TX