The Weekend Getaway…it’s what gets us through the work week, through the gray winters, and a way to use those Summer Fridays. We all have our go-to weekend spots, ones we know as our home away from home. If you’re looking for something fresh + exciting for your next weekend getaway - we have you covered! We’re sharing our top weekend getaway spots in the US for every type of weekend warrior.

For the Foodie

New York - Could we really list anywhere else? It would apparently take almost 23 years to eat at every restaurant in New York City, and we’re slowly making our way through that list! New York has 60+ Michelin starred restaurants (more than any other US city) and the Michelin Guide includes favorites of ours such as Pastis, Buvette, and Balthazar. On top of all of the restaurant offerings, New York also has incredible bars, shows, + sites to take in for an action packed, delicious weekend. For more New York tips, check out our IG Highlight, our Travel Itinerary from Lauren’s 30th Birthday or our in-depth guide to planning your first NYC trip.

For the Outdoors(wo)man

Yosemite National Park - The US has over 60 national parks, so chances are there’s a national park close to you for an easy weekend getaway, but of the 10 we’ve been to, Yosemite tops the list. Yosemite is ~3 hour drive from SFO or SMF. We’d recommend staying at Curry Village where you can rent a heated or unheated tent. There are shared bathrooms and there is a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar onsite. Stop by Tunnel View on the drive in, then spend 1 day in the valley exploring Cook’s Meadow, Lower Yosemite Falls, and enjoying a picnic + drinks by Merced River. Once you park for the day you won’t want to move your car (good luck finding a spot) so opt for bikes or the shuttle bus. For day 2 we’d recommend the Vernal and Nevada Falls hike for the most incredible, utterly breathtaking views. For more Yosemite tips, check out our IG Highlight.

For the Pool Lounger

Palm Springs - Often written off as a destination for seniors, Palm Springs is one of our favorite US getaways for sunshine and complete relaxation. Unlike other sunny escapes - like Scottsdale, Cabo or Miami - Palm Springs has a noticeably tranquil vibe. While you’ll still see some people letting loose, it’s not quite as wild of a scene and there is less pressure to hit countless bars, restaurants, etc. You'll spend your time reading by the pool, getting a massage or browsing the cute boutiques and home stores and completely disconnecting from responsibility! Check out our blog post HERE for our hotel recs, favorite restaurants + tips to plan the perfect trip!

For the Weekend Maximalist

Hawaii - Sounds crazy, right? But if you’re traveling from the West Coast + someone who maximizes every second, minute, + hour of the weekend - Hawaii IS doable. I’ve gone to Hawaii for the weekend twice (once to Kauai + once to Maui), leaving Friday after work + taking a redeye on Sunday to be back for work on Monday AM. Is it exhausting when you return to work? Absolutely. Would I do it again? 100%. Who doesn’t want to spend their weekend in Hawaii?

For the Roadtripper

California Coast - Start in SF, rent a car, + head down the California Coast - arguably the most famous roadtrip route. We recommend hitting Carmel-by-the-Sea, driving Big Sur, + if you’re up for it heading all the way down the coast to Santa Barbara. Alternatively, you could spend time in San Francisco before driving north, visiting Sausalito or Mill Valley for an afternoon stop + then continuing on to Napa Valley.

Northeast Coast - Start in Boston, rent a car, + head to the coast to visit Cape Cod. If you have time, extend your trip to include a day in Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard. If you’re basing yourself out of New York, drive out Long Island to the Hamptons to enjoy the beach or pool + fine dining (for a high price). For more NE Roadtrip tips, check out our Newport, Nantucket, Cape Cod, + Hamptons IG Highlights.

For the Pacific Northwester

We’ve spent the majority of our life calling Seattle home, so we’ve found a number of weekend getaway spots in the PNW that we love + adore. If you call the PNW home, here are some spots to try for your next weekend getaway:

Leavenworth, WA - Leavenworth plays host to many of our childhood memories, it was always a getaway spot when we had family visiting from Ireland. A Bavarian town just over 100 miles east of Seattle makes it an easy weekend spot. Whether you’re looking to visit with friends + celebrate Oktoberfest, or you’re looking to unwind + feel luxurious at The Post Hotel, Leavenworth has something for everyone.

Walla Walla, WA - A town so nice they named it twice! Walla Walla is a little further out (~250 miles east of Seattle) but for any wine-o it’s a must visit. They produce more wine than anywhere in the US outside of Napa. Walla Walla also has a plethora of restaurants that will top your favorites list - an essential for any wine town.

San Juan Islands + Whidbey Island, WA - A ferry ride away from the hustle + bustle of Seattle you’ll find an archipelago of islands (San Juan Islands) as well as Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island is arguably the most popular + built up of the islands with a range of restaurants, shops, + places to stay. We’ve also enjoyed spending time on Lopez Island + Orcas Island when we’re looking to feel more off the grid. All have beautiful trails, coastlines, + nature to take in.

Lake Chelan, WA - Lake Chelan is a long + skinny lake home to families vacationing + bachelorette parties alike. It is one of the deepest freshwater lakes in the US which makes the water refreshing on a hot summer day. Vacation homes line the lake, especially on the southern end which is more populated than the rest of the lake, + makes it an easy spot for groups to rent a house to enjoy for the weekend. Between the lake, the town of Chelan, wineries, + surrounding trails there’s a never ending list of activities to fill your weekend.

Winthrop, WA - 250 miles northeast of Seattle you’ll find the small town of Winthrop with a western feel situated on a beautiful river. Rent a house on the river + enjoy rafting on the river or reading to the sound of the trickling water. Sun Mountain Lodge is nearby for those not wanting to rent a house.

Bend, OR - With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Bend is the ultimate solution to the PNW-er feeling plagued by the near constant grey + rain for much of the year. It has a little something for everyone + fun activities regardless of the time of year that you visit! Grab brunch at Jackson’s Corner. Pick up a coffee and peruse the shelves at Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe. Walk along the Deschutes River (or float the river in the summer!). Taste some craft beers at one of the 22 craft breweries that Bend has to offer! Play a round of golf at Pronghorn. The list goes on…!

For more PNW inspo, check out our IG Highlights.