With the weather warming up it’s a great time to get away from it all for a few days. Even if you have to work you might be tempted to call in sick to take off to one of these tempting destinations across North America.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Montreal is a city that has it all: culture, great food, exciting nightlife, history and shopping all rolled into one multifaceted destination. If you’re a foodie, Montreal is known for its culinary scene and has the largest number of restaurants per capita in North America. Shoppers will want to check out Sainte Catherine Street, a nine mile stretch of stores and boutiques both big name and one-of-a-kind. There are also numerous museums and galleries to browse, parks to explore and festivals and events happening all the time, especially in the warmer months.
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Las Vegas is the kind of destination that works for long weekend getaways because many of the hotels offer three and four-day packages, and flights are always easy to come by. Not to mention, it’s just about impossible to be bored in Las Vegas – even if you don’t like to gamble. Whether you come to test your luck at the roulette table, the myriad shows or come for the food, shopping and nightlife, you’re bound to find a few ways to have fun during your stay.
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Music lovers will want to think about spending their long weekend in Nashville. You can spend the entire time going from club to club listening to live music, much of it for free. Honky Tonk Highway, 2nd Avenue and Lower Broadway are all packed with bars and clubs where you can listen to live music without opening your wallet. Nashville is also getting known for its food scene, so much so that you could book a trip for the sole purpose of eating your way through the city.
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
If you’re looking for an affordable getaway that offers a lot in the way of attractions, Niagara Falls is a good bet. First off, you’ll want to see the Falls themselves, which you can do in a variety of ways, from boat cruises to observation decks. In addition, the area offers a lot of other things to keep you busy including theme parks, two casinos, wineries, spas, nightlife and golf.
Montauk, New York, United States
Known as the Hamptons without the crowds, Montauk is perfect for anyone who loves spending time in the great outdoors. If you need a place to stretch your legs and enjoy some time in the sun, Montauk should be on your travel wish list. Montauk’s many parks offer miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and being surrounded on three sides by water mean there many opportunities for surfing, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. There are also beautiful uncrowded beaches to be found here as well as Montauk Lighthouse. Built in 1792, it’s the oldest operating lighthouse in the state.
San Antonio, Texas, United States
Charming San Antonio makes for a versatile long weekend getaway and has something for everyone, from families to couples to a girls’ getaways. Start with the River Walk, one of San Antonio’s most popular attractions. The 15-mile path along the San Antonio River is lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, museums and historic sites. You can also explore Historic San Antonio to get a feel for early Spanish colonial life in the Southwest, check out various museums and galleries, eat some great food and if you’ve got kids, there are many family-friendly attractions.
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
Tofino’s beautiful scenery and breathtaking natural landscape make it a must-visit destination in Canada. Active travelers will love Tofino and can do everything here from hiking through the rainforest to kayaking and learning how to surf. Tofino also offers a wide variety of accommodations such as campgrounds, cabins and stylish boutique hotels. The restaurants here are known for their fresh, seasonal and local ingredients, and there are many unique local shops and boutiques to explore.
San Diego, California, United States
San Diego is California’s second largest city and well worth a visit for a long weekend getaway. One of the things this city is best known for are its beaches. With more than 70 miles of coastline you can be sure you’ll find a stretch of sand worth exploring. San Diego is also home to many diverse neighborhoods that each offer their own unique vibe and attractions, and choosing a few to immerse yourself in can be a great way to get to know the city. The Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla, Hillcrest and the island town of Coronado are just a few to add to your list.
Featured image: Serge Melki, ZE STRIP via Flickr CC BY 2.0
