Best Weekend Getaways

Old-world charm is front and center in this Canadian city, which sits approximately 40 miles north of the U.S.-Canada border. In the Old Montréal area, travelers can stroll up and down cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and eateries or learn about the city's past at sites like Marguerite Bourgeoys Historic Site. When the weather is nice, the sprawling Mount Royal Park is perfect for a picnic, hike or leisurely bike ride. The park also offers snowshoeing, ice skating, toboggan rides and more every winter.

You could spend the whole weekend relaxing on Coronado Beach, Mission Beach or one of San Diego's other world-renowned shorelines. But if you can pull yourself away from the inviting California sand, be sure to get in touch with your wild side at the San Diego Zoo, learn about historical ships at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, stroll through the gardens at Balboa Park or hike the trails of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. When you're ready to dine, head to Little Italy – a focal point of San Diego's dynamic food scene – for the trendiest hot spots.

Arches National Park is an ideal weekend getaway destination for travelers eager to spend some one-on-one time with nature. Located in eastern Utah just outside of Moab, this awe-inspiring national park boasts a whopping 2,000-plus natural stone arches, the result of more than 65 million years of erosion. You'll likely spend the majority of your time hiking to iconic landmarks like Landscape Arch and Delicate Arch, but the park offers a wealth of other activities as well, including rock climbing, biking and horseback riding. In the evening, travelers will have ample opportunities for stargazing at this International Dark Sky Park.

Few destinations can rival this Canadian city's idyllic natural landscape: Hiking, skiing, mountain biking, whale watching and boating are just a handful of the activities travelers can enjoy on a weekend getaway. Get a dose of the great outdoors in Stanley Park or on the sands of Kitsilano Beach before grabbing a bite to eat at the Granville Island Public Market. For trendy shopping and nightlife, swing by the Yaletown neighborhood, which boasts a variety of watering holes, including casual pubs and sophisticated cocktail bars.

This South Carolina city boasts Spanish moss-laden bed-and-breakfast accommodations and gas lamp-lit cobblestone streets that transport visitors to a simpler time. Spend the day strolling along the water at The Battery, snapping photos of Rainbow Row's pastel-colored historic homes, indulging in decadent Lowcountry cuisine or checking out the vibrant Charleston City Market. If you'd like to venture offshore, sign up for a boat tour or wade in the ocean on Sullivan's Island. As the sun starts to set, get another view of the city's charm from one of the many rooftop bars.

Visitors can reach New York City by train, plane or automobile, so weekend getaways are a cinch. Plus, ample attractions both indoors (like iconic museums and Broadway shows) and outdoors (like Central Park and the High Line) make unpredictable weather a nonissue. For a dose of history, take the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Or, simply find your way to one of the vibrant neighborhoods, such as the trendy Tribeca or charming West Village, and take in the energy of the city.

A weekend vacation to Miami is all about soaking up some sun – and culture. Spend your days dining on mouthwatering Cuban sandwiches and croquetas in Little Havana or taking in Miami's street art scene at the Instagram-famous Wynwood Walls. Then, make your way to one of the easily accessible white sand beaches to bask in the warm weather. Once the sun goes down, head to South Beach in nearby Miami Beach for its unbeatable nightlife.

There's no better way to de-stress from a hectic work week than with your toes in the sand (and possibly a cocktail in hand). Famous for its beautiful cove beaches, thriving art scene and plethora of breathtaking hiking trails, Southern California's dreamy Laguna Beach is a worthwhile getaway destination year-round. Start your day admiring the exhibits at the Laguna Art Museum, then treat yourself to an afternoon lounging on Victoria Beach before wrapping up your evening with a spectacular sunset at Heisler Park. Save time for a visit to Crystal Cove State Park, home to 3-plus miles of shoreline and 18 miles of hiking trails.

You can't tackle all of the Big Easy's top sights in one weekend, but its diverse offerings make it easy to choose activities based on your interests. History buffs can visit The National WWII Museum, architecture enthusiasts can stroll by stately mansions on a walking tour of the Garden District and outdoorsy types can visit New Orleans City Park. No trip would be complete without eating beignets at Café Du Monde or Cafe Beignet and enjoying a night out in Louisiana's lively French Quarter, where you can wander down Bourbon Street or opt for iconic jazz music at Preservation Hall.

America's capital is chock-full of free attractions, and many of them are concentrated on the National Mall. The city's layout makes it easy to see the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, numerous Smithsonian Institution museums and other highlights in just a matter of days (or even a few hours). Getting around Washington is also a breeze thanks to a relatively robust public transportation system. While visiting the District, grab drinks at one of the rooftop bars, enjoy a night out on H Street and don't miss out on the popular weekend brunch scene – just remember to make reservations in advance.

Chicago's iconic eats, diverse neighborhoods and must-see attractions make it a great weekend vacation spot. On warmer days, lounge at one of Lake Michigan's beaches, snap a selfie in front of "The Bean" (a public sculpture also known as Cloud Gate) in Millennium Park and embark on an architecture river cruise. In winter, museums like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum are ideal places to escape the Windy City's brutal temps. When you've had your fill of hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, head to the Fulton Market District for cutting-edge cuisine in trendy venues.

Part-mountain town, part-hipster sanctuary, this North Carolina locale is a haven for adventurers and beer lovers alike. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest boast jaw-dropping vistas, and the North Carolina section of the Appalachian Trail is a must for die-hard hikers. After an active day, travelers can return to central Asheville to sip their choice of roughly 200 local brews. For an overview of the city's best breweries, explore the Asheville Ale Trail or sign up for a brewery tour. If you'd rather splurge on a cocktail, catch the sunset from the terrace of The Omni Grove Park Inn.

Hop across Lake Ontario to our northern neighbor for an urban weekend escape. It's tough to see all of sprawling Toronto in just a few days, but first-timers can hit high points like the CN Tower, the St. Lawrence Market, the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Toronto Zoo. Vacationers can also explore the art galleries of Canada's cultural hub or venture out on a day trip to Niagara Falls. Later, stroll around the Distillery District to check out its shops, restaurants and breweries, or head to King West for its nightclubs and rooftop bars.

Situated about 70 miles outside of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is one of Virginia's crowning achievements. One of the best ways to experience the park's 200,000-plus acres is by taking a self-guided auto-tour of Skyline Drive, which offers unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. When you're ready to explore on foot, check out one of the park's numerous hiking trails, which range from easy to strenuous and take travelers to top sights such as Dark Hollow Falls and Old Rag Mountain. Other activities include biking, fishing and horseback riding.

Thanks to Québec City's compact, walkable landscape, you can take in a lot of this Canadian city's best sights in just a few days. The streets of Old Québec, one of the city's most distinguishing neighborhoods, are enchanting at any time of the year. Shopaholics should visit the Petit-Champlain district, while history buffs will enjoy exploring the jail, college and library that comprise the Morrin Centre. For the perfect photo-op, head to the Dufferin Terrace to take in exceptional views of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, said to be the most photographed hotel in the world.

Located in Southern California's Colorado Desert roughly 100 miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is known for its year-round sunshine, lively pool parties and natural hot springs. Jump on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for incredible views of the San Jacinto Mountains or browse one of the town's one-of-a-kind museums and art galleries. Palm Springs also makes a great home base for day trips to Joshua Tree National Park, which boasts two distinct desert ecosystems. Meanwhile, music lovers should visit in April to experience the town's iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

This jewel of the Pacific Northwest offers iconic sights (think: Pike Place Market and the Space Needle), all of which you can see in a matter of days. You can even squeeze in a hike in Discovery Park or on nearby Mount Si. Once you've explored on land, visit the Waterfront neighborhood and take a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island. Coffee culture is undoubtedly popular in the Emerald City – home of the original Starbucks – but the area's flourishing wine scene means you'll also have access to dozens of urban wineries where you can unwind.

With no passport requirements for U.S. citizens and more than 100 nonstop flights departing daily from major hubs like Miami and New York, Puerto Rico is an easy weekend getaway destination for many United States travelers. Once here, visitors can lounge on more than 300 beautiful beaches, hike to majestic waterfalls or soar above the El Yunque National Forest on a zip line. Other top experiences include kayaking Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, and wandering through the walled city of Old San Juan, where you'll find everything from colorful colonial-style architecture to a thriving nightlife scene.

Sin City's reputation speaks for itself: Swanky casinos, gourmet restaurants and incredible nightlife make this Nevada hot spot worthy of a place on every traveler's bucket list. From spectacular acrobatic shows to larger-than-life attractions (including the High Roller observation wheel and the STRAT Tower), Las Vegas has everything you need for a successful weekend getaway. Don't miss a visit to the Mob Museum, where you'll learn about the history of organized crime in America before settling in for a drink at the on-site speakeasy. Save time for strolling the Las Vegas Strip, where you'll find must-see sights like the Fountains of Bellagio and The Venetian Resort's Grand Canal.