7 Last-Minute Trip Ideas for Labor Day Weekend, No Passport Required
Pack your weekender bag.
It’s not too late to change your mind and book a trip for Labor Day Weekend (you know, instead of spending it on the couch wishing you’d booked a trip sooner). Whether your style is bumming on the beach or sightseeing in the city, there’s still time to pack your bags for the end-of-summer micro-cation you deserve. Here are a few perfect destinations to consider for the last long weekend of the season—right here in the U.S.
1. New York City
What isn’t there to do over a long weekend in The Big Apple? See a Broadway show (or two), walk the High Line on the West Side or Brooklyn Bridge across the East River, catch a comedy show, lounge in Central Park, and eat as much thin-crust pizza as you can manage. (And that's just Friday.)
Stay: The Roger New York
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2. Miami
Need to flee from the real world and nap under a palm tree for a few days? Miami is the tropical destination you’ve been craving—without the long flights, price tag, or customs line. South Florida’s jewel of a city has everything you’d want in a last-minute vacation: white-sand beaches, buzzing nightlife, luxe hotels, and amazing restaurants. Yes, it’ll be hot—but since it’s not technically peak season, you’ll get great rates on flights and hotels (according to GoBankingRates.com, the Miami-adjacent Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is the most affordable U.S. airport to fly into right now).
Stay: Solé Miami, A Noble House Resort
3. Portland, Oregon
Head to Oregon’s biggest city for three full days of amazing food (hello, food carts!), world-famous coffee, craft beer, happy hipster vibes, and gorgeous natural scenery (the Willamette River winds through town and Mount Hood’s peak sits on the eastern horizon). Portland is the perfect long-weekend getaway for solo travelers, foodies, keen and quirky shoppers, art lovers, and enthusiasts of Mother Nature (pack a pair of good hiking boots).
4. Savannah, Georgia
Cap off your summer with a refreshing dose of relaxed Southern Gothic charm in Savannah, Georgia. Cascading Spanish moss, perfectly manicured squares, unmatched gentility, eclectic architecture, and an impressive repertoire of ghost stories give Savannah its character; while its open-container law (yes, "roadies" are allowed), top-notch eateries, and a laundry list of things to do make it a go-to Southern destination year-round.
Stay: Bohemian Hotel
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5. San Diego
Yep, San Diego is as laid-back and sun-soaked as you’ve always heard. Kick back in the California sunshine, veg on the surfer-studded beach, hit the San Diego Zoo, see the gorgeous architecture, explore the museums at Balboa Park, and nosh on insanely delicious Mexican food all weekend (pair with a margarita for optimal results).
Stay: Kona Kai Resort & Spa
6. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Escape to Mackinac Island, a frozen-in-time oasis nestled on the northern tip of Lake Huron and boasting some of the nicest people, most delicious fudge, and unforgettable waterfront experiences on the Great Lakes. No cars are allowed on this historic island, so you’ll spend the trip riding bikes, hiking, horseback riding, walking, and paddling your way to relaxation.
Stay: Mission Point Resort
7. Cape May, New Jersey
Forget what you think you know about the Jersey Shore—this quintessential beach town is filled with rows of colorful Victorian buildings, charming boutiques, quaint historical museums, and of course, miles of stunning, family-friendly beaches. Even better? It’s just a car ride away from both Philadelphia and New York City.
Stay: Congress Hall
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