While fun trips lasting a few weeks or more get most of the attention in society, sometimes the weekend getaways are the most fun. Cramming as many activities and experiences into a weekend trip as you can can lead to some seriously unforgettable memories.
Where in the U.S. would you travel to if you only had a weekend to do it? Recently, men and women met in an online discussion to reveal their answers to this question.
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1. San Diego, California
What more would anyone like from a place like San Diego? If perfect weather, fabulous beaches, beautiful people, and the best fish tacos you’ll eat outside of Mexico interest you, then look no further than San Diego, California.
The sheer amount of activities and experiences San Diego offers is mind-blowing: Hiking, surfing, sightseeing, clubs, and high-end spas are just a few things to look forward to. I can’t think of a better place to spend a weekend, regardless of the time of year, than America’s Finest City.
2. Chicago, Illinois
By all accounts, visiting Chicago is one of the best ways to spend a weekend. Even if you have no interest in seeing the city’s famous architecture up close, there are plenty of activities in the Windy City that cater to a wide variety of people.
From rooftop bars to museums and everything in between, there’s a reason why people return to Chicago again and again. The only downside is that it’s a costly city to have fun in, so prepare your wallet to get stung.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
Don’t worry; you don’t need to visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras to have a great time! “New Orleans is perfect for a weekend,” one man professes.
“Here’s how to do it: Eat everything, go to some good museums, and have a few drinks. Make sure to also take a walking tour of the garden district.” This person is underselling the glory of New Orleans cuisine: It’s arguably the tastiest food you’ll ever have!
I could visit New Orleans every weekend, eat jambalaya and oysters for every meal, and be happy.
4. New York City, New York
Is there any surprise that New York City makes this list? Not only is it one of the most accessible cities in the country (most major cities fly in and out of New York and the surrounding areas), but it’s also packed to the brim with things to do.
Many men and women believe it would take a lifetime to properly experience everything the city has to offer, and I’m inclined to believe them.
5. Detroit, Michigan
Although the city is still battling a reputation for being seedy and run-down, many people admit that Detroit has undergone a transformation in recent years, making it an ideal weekend getaway destination in 2023.
“Detroit is never at the top of anyone’s list as a destination, and I understand why,” one woman confesses.
“I grew up in metro Detroit and couldn’t wait to get out. After ten years away, I moved back eight years ago, and it’s like a totally new city! There’s actually safe, fun things to do around town now!”
6. Orlando, Florida
Despite its reputation as a city that only houses theme parks and cartoon mice, there is a lot of fun to be had in Orlando. In fact, many people believe a weekend is the perfect amount of time to spend in Florida because you can go to Disney World one day, Universal Studios the next, and be back home before the weekend is over.
Despite the occasional bad press, spending the weekend riding rollercoasters and eating unhealthy food while being around crowds of people isn’t all that bad these days.
7. Savannah, Georgia
Residents hold Savannah in very high regard, but thankfully, they welcome visitors worldwide with open arms. Savanna is a perfect example of a city that exudes “Southern charm” without appearing fake or insincere. “Savannah, GA, is a lovely place to do a long weekend,” explains one traveler.
“Everybody there is friendly, and the culture is laid-back and classy but still full of history. The restaurants there are top-notch as well.” According to many people, Savannah is one of the best-kept secrets in the United States!
8. Washington, D.C.
When was the last time you spent time in our nation’s capital? If you’re anything like me, the answer to this question is “never.” Honestly, I don’t know why I haven’t yet. I’d love to see the Washington Monument, the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, and the other iconic landmarks in the city.
In addition, Washington, D.C., has an extensive nightlife scene, and I wouldn’t mind partaking in some fantastic cuisine there, either. Neighborhoods like Georgetown are known for their vibrant nighttime culture.
9. Seattle, Washington
Known as the gem of the Pacific Northwest, every American owes it to themselves to visit Seattle at least once. A weekend there is the definition of perfection: From the lakes to the trees to the endless outdoor activities, visiting
Seattle is wholly unique to any other place in the country. For many visitors, life doesn’t get any better than taking a boat out on Lake Washington during a perfect summer day.
10. Kansas City, Missouri
Although I wouldn’t think to visit Kansas City for a memorable weekend getaway, it sounds too good to pass up after hearing the following testament! “I’ll vote for Kansas City,” declares one man.
“I went there for Memorial Day weekend this year and had a great time. It’s a smaller city, so traffic isn’t bad (compared to the huge place I live), and the weather was great. It’s very green and has lots of rolling hills; I thought it would be flat since it is on the plains.
There are good food options, there’s a World War I museum, the Nelson Atkins art museum is wonderful, and Country Club Plaza is a nice shopping center. We went to a Royals game, and the local fans were very into it.” Consider me sold on Kansas City.
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This thread inspired this post.
I’m John Schmoll, a former stockbroker, MBA-grad, published finance writer, and founder of Frugal Rules.
As a veteran of the financial services industry, I’ve worked as a mutual fund administrator, banker, and stockbroker and was Series 7 and 63-licensed, but I left all that behind in 2012 to help people learn how to manage their money.
My goal is to help you gain the knowledge you need to become financially independent with personally-tested financial tools and money-saving solutions.
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