These weekend getaways are perfect if you want to say goodbye to the city but still be close to it!
If you feel like you just want to leave the city for a while, you are not alone! “Microturism” is a growing trend, and more and more people choose to take a quick and refreshing break from their mundane lives in this way.
According to some surveys led by various tourism companies, right now, over 70% of American travelers are seeking out microvacations within a 2-hour drive of their home city.
This is the perfect time to hop into your car and visit one of these weekend getaways! What makes them so great is that you don’t have to drive for hours until you arrive at the destination, and you are still close to home without being home. Awesome right?
Fill up your gas tank, pack your bags, and get ready to be surprised by what you can find just outside of some of the biggest bustling metropolises.
1. Mystic, Connecticut
New York is a beautiful city, but sometimes it can get tiring living there, which is why you might be looking for some weekend getaways you can easily access. When you need a break, one of the best options is a mere 134 miles away in the state of Connecticut.
We are talking about the beautiful town of Mystic. This place successfully blends history, nature, and family-friendly activities, which makes it one of the most perfect weekend getaways where you can go and unwind.
Here, you can find something for everyone, and if you are a marine enthusiast, you are in the right place. You can visit the iconic whaling vessel Charles W. Morgan and other classic ships at the Mystic Seaport. Learn more about the maritime heritage of New England for just $31 per person.
Mystic Aquarium is another great place that not many weekend getaways have to offer. Beluga whales, sharks, African penguins, seals, and sea lions—you can see them all here, and one ticket costs $34.
If you feel more outdoorsy, you can try and hike on the many trails you can find around Mystic. Breathe in some fresh air and reconnect with nature!
2. Kohler, Wisconsin
If you plan to get away from Chicago, this village is located 146 miles from the city and is home to two of the top 100 public golf courses in the US.
This place was founded by a plumbing company a century ago, and now it is one of the best weekend getaways, especially for golf enthusiasts. Over the years, Kohler has hosted some of the most prestigious golf tournaments, like the PGA Tour and the Ryder Cup.
Elegant resorts, expensive rooms, and impeccable service. This is not a location for everyone, but if you want to escape the city, here you can find top-notch spas and green views.
But Kohler is not just about golf and expensive accommodations. As this place is located on the Sheboygan River, you can take advantage of all the water activities. Kayaking, canoeing, or maybe a fishing session are all welcome.
Even if you love luxury and golf or you just want to have a quiet fishing weekend, Kohler has it all for you!
3. Lake Havasu City, Arizona
If you live in Las Vegas and don’t know where to go, Lake Havasu City is one of the most amazing weekend getaways that are close to this city. Just 153 miles away, this is not a big deal, and we assure you that the trip is worth it.
Located next to the California border, this city is a famous tourist attraction, especially because it is the new home of the London Bridge. This oasis is a rival for many tourist destinations, with an estimated 1.5 million visitors annually.
But even with so many visitors, this is still one of the best weekend getaways and a real oasis in the middle of the desert, especially when you want to escape Las Vegas. Lake Havasu City has 60 miles of uninterrupted navigable waterways, and if you love water sports, this is sure good news.
Besides, this is the place where you can see replicas of numerous famous lighthouses from the US. They surround Lake Havasu’s London Bridge and offer quite an interesting view.
With 300 days of sunshine annually, this is the place to go if you are looking for nice weather. Also, the 300 annual events and festivals will make sure you never get bored here, no matter when you decide to visit.
4. Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City has long been known as the favorite beach destination of the residents of Washington, D.C. People prefer this destination as it’s only 140 miles away and also because this iconic East Coast resort town has some of the cleanest beaches in the US.
Once the summer begins, Ocean City transforms into an incredible beachfront paradise, which makes it the perfect entry on this weekend getaways list.
You can start your vacation with a visit to Trimper’s Rides. This famous amusement park is great for both youngsters and seniors and offers unforgettable memories and a great time.
Then you can spend your evening enjoying some seafood at the many local restaurants and food trucks. Beachside grills are also an option, and we would never say no to one!
5. Marco Island, Florida
Indeed, Miami is a great place—a true sunny paradise—but after a while, it can get overwhelming. And when this happens, what are you going to do? One suggestion would be to get in your car and explore some of the nearest weekend getaways.
107 miles away, you can find Marco Island, an idyllic barrier island located in Southwest Florida, which perfectly contrasts with the busy life you have in your city. The laid-back vibes are what most people are looking for, and guess what? This is the perfect place to go if you want to unwind and relax.
The white sand beaches and the palms are waiting for you, but here you can do more than sunbathing. If you want to do something out of the ordinary, you can explore the underwater world by trying some snorkeling. Casting a line or kayaking are some of the top activities you can do here.
From beautiful landscapes to boat attractions, you can find them all here on Marco Island, so pack your swimsuit and your sunscreen and get ready for one of the most relaxing vacations of your life.
Say goodbye to city life, at least for a couple of days, and embrace a more tranquil way of living. These weekend getaways are incredibly charming, and we considered them some of the best spots to recharge your batteries. Try new foods, go on a hike or a boat ride, and also create some everlasting memories.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, you can be sure that these places are perfect for everyone. So, what are you waiting for?
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