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The end of summer is just on the horizon, but the upcoming holiday weekend is just begging for one last summer getaway. If you’re planning on joining the 34.1 million Americans that AAA expects will hit the road this Labor Day weekend, here are a few of the top spots around the country for a last-minute summer getaway.

Las Vegas

As the party capital of the world, Las Vegas is the perfect destination for your end-of-summer celebration. Spend Labor Day weekend by the expansive pool at Mandalay Bay, party the nights away with DJs like Steve Aoki and Calvin Harris at the MGM Grand, and don’t miss the Labor Day Drinking Challenge at PBR Rock Bar and Grill at Planet Hollywood, where you’ll drink for free if you can down a 64-ounce beer in 64 seconds.

Orlando

Round up the kids for one last weekend escape before school starts. Downtown Disney hotels like Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel and the Buena Vista Palace are offering special end-of-summer discounts, starting at $75 per night. The little ones can hang out with their favorite Disney characters at Disney World, feed the dolphins at SeaWorld or check out the new Transformers 3D experience at Universal Orlando.

Los Angeles

Soak up the last sunny days of the season in the quintessential summer city of Los Angeles. Your weekend escape might include strolling the boardwalk and sandy shores of Santa Monica, taking in a day of art and culture at the famed Getty Center or exploring the iconic streets of Hollywood.

Myrtle Beach

This popular summer destination is celebrating Labor Day weekend with its annual Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival. More than 75 vendors will descend on Myrtle Beach with tempting barbecue dishes like pulled pork sandwiches and juicy slabs of ribs as they compete in the official South Carolina Barbecue Championship. Between tastings, you can enjoy live entertainment and catch flyboard demonstrations on the water.

(Main image: Grand Velas Riviera Maya used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)

About the author

Marissa WillmanMarissa Willman earned a bachelor's degree in journalism before downsizing her life into two suitcases for a teaching gig in South Korea. Seoul was her home base for two years of wanderlusting throughout six countries in Asia. In 2011, Marissa swapped teaching for travel writing and now calls Southern California home.

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