We all love a great vacation, but sometimes you need a small break without taking 5+ days off of work. A long weekend can give you a little bit of a refresh when coming back as well as having a little fun in another city. There are plenty of places that are short flights or drives, but it really depends on where you live. I am in the Midwest so I will be adding a few places closer to both coasts as I’m basically in the middle.
How do you decide which location would be good for your long weekend trip? Good food, easy access to activities, and close to the airport (if flying) or less than 6 hours away if driving. Depending on the ages of those coming on the trip, activities may include a zoo, children’s museums, water sports, winter sports, or parks. What kind of weekend are you looking for? Something more relaxing with fun dinners in your hotel room or a little more structured with food on the go? Those are some questions to take into consideration when choosing the best spot for you and your family.
San Diego
Are you wanting sun, sand, and fun? Look no further than San Diego, CA! Here, you have plenty of vacation styles to choose from or have an easy mix-and-match weekend. You have the more well-known options as the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Belmont Park, and the Birch Aquarium. Some other options that may be overlooked are Sea World, Legoland, or watching a Padres game.
While in California, you cannot forget about the beaches! This could be the activity you do the entire time since there are many options depending on what you are looking for. You can watch all the seals and sea lions at Children’s Beach or swim in a typically calmer ocean at La Jolla Shores. Though beaches are some of the best playgrounds, you don’t want to miss out of the actual playgrounds! Many are expansive parks with activities for different age and mobility levels, have amazing structures, different themes, and even ocean views!
San Diego may not be known for their food, but they have an amazing range of cuisines and different backgrounds for you to enjoy their food. You can choose between a food truck on the beach to a brewery with a skyline view. You will never run out of options and they will keep you coming back!
Gatlinburg
Are you looking for a fun winter or summer spot? Do not overlook Gatlinburg, Tennessee! Let’s break down some fun adventures to have in both seasons.
Let’s start with summer. While you cannot miss a chance to visit Dollywood, there is plenty more to do! Head to Anakeesta where you can walk the longest treetop skyway rope bridge, climb to the top of AnaVista Observation Tower for a 360 view, or zipline. While you’re up there, don’t forget to take a ride on the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster! Want more views? Ober Mountain offers gorgeous vies on the Aerial Tramway, summer tubing, a scenic chair lift, and an alpine slide. For a more competitive group, you can see who is the champion of the mountain by playing at the many mini golf courses, all with amazing theming.
Time to get chilly with some winter activities! While many of the same options are available as in summer, you also have the chance for some snow sports such as skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. Don’t miss out on some of the unique experiences at one of Riley’s attractions such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Plus, you can’t forget about Holiday celebrations and the city being decorated in lights, something that never gets old.
Austin
Keep it Weird, Austin, but also kid friendly. You will have no trouble finding some great activities all over the city and surrounding areas. For starters, you will fall in love with the food options! You have so many choices like food truck parks, barbecue joints, and coffeehouses.
In Austin, there are some of the usual attractions like a zoo, mini golf, and playgrounds, but what does Austin have that makes it unique? There are many spring-fed swimming holes in the heart of the city that provide a nice place to cool off but also space to run around. Head to the oldest in the state, Deep Eddy, and catch a movie poolside in the summer. While in Texas, you are almost obligated to ride a horse so make sure to stop by Texas Trail Rides. If you’re visiting March through October, you do not want to miss the Bat Bridge at sunset. Over 1.5 million bats fly in the sky!
Music and performances have a big presence in the Austin. While there, be sure to hit up some live music at either Güero’s Taco Bar or the Austin Scottish Rite Theater. Another unique experience is at The Hideout Theatre. On Sunday afternoons it’s Hideout Kids where the improv troupe takes suggestions from the kids in the audience to perform.
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