This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase. Read Disclosure.
Tired of spending your weekends stuck in the same old routine? It might be time for a long weekend vacation!
One of the best ways to spend a long weekend is to fuel up the car, hit the gas, and embark on one of the best city breaks in the USA.
From the bright lights of New York City to the sunny shores of Miami, there’s a treasure trove of urban adventures just waiting to be explored.
With so many cities to choose from, it can be a headache deciding which city to visit, so we’ve listed our 12 personal favorites from across the USA, so you can start planning your city escapes in the USA.
12. New York City, New York
Why did the tourist bring a ladder to the city? Because they heard the skyline was to die for!
New York City is the obvious choice for a city break in the USA because it has literally everything you could want or need.
From watching a Broadway musical to strolling through Central Park, or simply feeling the beat of a fast-paced NYC minute while window shopping in the stores – NYC is the ultimate playground for a long weekend!
I recommend you kick off your adventure with a classic bagel – come on, you’ve got to! Followed by some skyline views at the top of the iconic Empire State Building. Check out Times Square and the iconic neon lights and catch the Staten Island Ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty.
On the second day, channel your inner art critic at the Museum of Modern Art, where you can ponder over paintings that’ll leave you saying, “I could’ve painted that… if I had a degree in abstract nonsense!”
Wrap up your trip with a slice of pizza that’s bigger than your face — because in NYC, size definitely matters!
P.S. My daughter and I are headed to New York in two weeks for Broadway, Food, Shopping and more! Follow along on our Instagram.
Read more:
11. Las Vegas, Nevada
Another classic, Las Vegas is the ultimate city break for a long weekend, where the only thing more dazzling than the neon lights is the stars!
Stay at one of the high-end resorts that are like a mini city, you never have to leave. Though you should – just because there’s an “All-you-can-eat” breakfast buffet doesn’t mean you should spend all day eating!
After you’ve fueled up, hit the famous Strip and marvel at the Eiffel Tower and the Venetian canals without ever needing a passport — talk about a world tour in a couple of blocks! Ride on the Ferris Wheel or soar across a shopping mall on a zipline.
If you’re feeling lucky, of course, you can hit the casinos, but there is more to Vegas casinos than just gambling. Walk through the casino and you might just find Elvis waiting to have a photo with you!
Spend an evening watching one of the iconic performances, from Cirque du Soleil to big-name artists who have regular concerts here.
On the second day, be sure to head out of the city to experience the stunning red landscapes of Nevada nature. Head to the Valley of Fire State Park or Red Rock Canyon for incredible rock formations! We absolutely loved both! Lake Mead is another option for a nature retreat!
And remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in your Instagram feed!
Read more:
10. Chicago, Illinois
Life is too short to stay in one place — unless, of course, that place has great pizza! Fair warning, a lot of people visit Chicago for a long weekend, and end up moving there!
There’s no other city like it; it’s welcoming to all and inclusive of all cultures and ways of life, it has a world-class food scene, a love of the arts, and the people are generally incredibly friendly and accepting. Chicago, the Windy City, will sweep you off your feet!
Start off with a visit to Millennium Park, where you can snap a selfie with “The Bean,” a shiny sculpture that’s basically the world’s most reflective friend! Afterward, take a stroll along the Magnificent Mile, where shopping is so tempting, that your wallet will be begging for mercy!
Dive into the art scene at the Art Institute of Chicago, or learn about our natural world at the Field Museum. Don’t miss a chance to walk along the Riverwalk and see the beautiful skyline views!
After dark, head out to catch some of Chicago’s fantastic nightlife. For entertainment, look for a comedy show in the city that birthed improv; who knows, you might just find yourself laughing all the way back home!
If you want a unique USA experience, visit Chicago for St Patrick’s Day – known to be the biggest celebration in the country!
Read more:
9. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a city where history and modern charm collide, making it ideal for exploring over a long weekend.
Start your adventure by walking the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that’ll take you back to the Civil War era. After soaking up some revolutionary tales, grab a bowl of clam chowder, a staple dish in Boston, followed by a leisurely stroll around the Boston Public Garden.
Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, where you can watch reenactments and join in with the age-old tradition of throwing some tea overboard — just remember, no one likes a soggy biscuit!
One of our favorite things to do in Boston is to tour Harvard University, where you can pretend to be a genius for an hour or to catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park!
Read more: Legendary Things To Do In Boston MA With Kids
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
For a city that ignites your senses, head to New Orleans, where the jazz scene is as hot as the gumbo and the party never truly stops!
Kick off your adventure in the French Quarter, where the architecture is so charming you might just want to move in! Be sure to dip into the eateries and restaurants and sample Louisiana cuisine. We personally rave about beignets, which are powdered with more sugar than your average dessert, but who’s going to complain about that?
Take a stroll down Bourbon Street, where the only thing louder than the music is your laughter as you try to keep your drink from spilling while dancing.
Another cool district to check out is the Garden District, where the mansions are so grand they make castles look like shacks.
If you time your visit right, be sure to head to New Orleans for Mardi Gras in February – it has a spirit more lively than a caffeinated squirrel! With parades bursting with color, music filling the air, and the joyous energy of revelers celebrating together in the heart of the city, you could have the best weekend of the whole year!
Read more:
7. Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia
Another classic city to visit, which everyone should do at least once in their life, is Washington, D.C.
Get up early and visit the iconic National Mall, where you can snap selfies with monuments that are taller than your hopes and dreams. I highly recommend hiring a bike to cycle from monument to monument, it’s the perfect way to see the city and feel the cool DC air.
Channel your inner politician at the U.S. Capitol, where you can pretend to debate the merits of pizza toppings — pineapple on pizza, yay or nay, anyone? Or visit the Library of Congress, and marvel at the stunning circular reading room, which is arguably the most beautiful room in the city.
Another good reason to visit Washington DC, besides its political history, is for the Smithsonian museums, the most famous museums in Washington DS, where you can explore everything from dinosaur bones to the original Star-Spangled Banner—because who doesn’t love a good flag story?
For a more “off-the-beaten-path” activity, stroll through the charming streets of Georgetown, flanked by cobblestone streets and historic architecture.
Washington DC is a bucket list city for many, so be sure to add it to your list!
Read more:
6. Miami, Florida
Ok, do you need a bit of sunshine? I hear you! Miami is the ultimate city break for sun seekers! You could spend the whole weekend basking on the shores of South Beach, where the sand is as soft as a cloud and the people-watching is a sport all its own!
But if you want to soak in some culture with those rays, head to the Art Deco District for scenes of fabulous buildings or explore the lush landscapes of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
In the evening, head to Little Havana for some authentic Cuban cuisine, followed by a night dancing the night away at a salsa club!
With its mix of culture, cuisine, and coastlines, Miami is an ideal weekend getaway.
Read more: Exciting Things to Do In Coconut Grove Neighborhood, Miami
5. San Francisco, California
For a city that has tons of things to do, head to San Francisco! Visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, or hike up Twin Peaks for iconic views of the city.
Be sure to ride one of the iconic cable cars up the steep San Fran slopes (the Powell-Hyde & Powell-Mason Lines are the most popular) or hop on a ferry to explore Alcatraz Island, and learn the fascinating stories of incarcerations, justice, and humanity.
Wander through the colorful streets of Chinatown for some dim sum so good you’ll feel like you’ve walked into Hong Kong, followed by a sunset cruise in the bay.
There are plenty of things to do in San Fran to keep you busy!
Read more:
4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Ok, nature lovers, your time is up! Gatlinburg is for you! As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this is the place to go to get a whiff of that fresh alpine mountain air!
The hiking trails are plentiful, but even if you’re not an active outdoorsman, you can ride the cable car up Ober Mountain and rest your legs. We do love its close proximity to the one of the USA’s best national parks, but we don’t like Gatlinburg town much.
Stroll down the Parkway or enjoy a distillery tour, where you can taste some of the region’s famous moonshine — because what’s a trip to Gatlinburg without a little “spirited” fun?
Take a ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift or if you have kids, take them to Ripley’s Aquarium, or get them outdoors in the Anakeesta adventure park.
With quirky attractions and unbeatable nature to enjoy, Gatlinburg is the weekend getaway of dreams for many. Personally, we think Bryson City in North Carolina is the better gateway for the Smoky Mountains, but many will disagree!
Read more: Biking Cades Cove Loop, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
3. Nashville, Tennessee
Another hotspot in Tennessee is the Music City of Nashville, which is perfect for music lovers wanting to watch live music and tour the city’s famous recording studios.
Walk down Broadway in Nashville and slip into some honky-tonk bars – don’t forget your dancing shoes!
After soaking in the tunes, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, where you can brush up on your country trivia, followed by a tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium, where you can almost hear the echoes of legends who once played here – including Elvis Presley before he was famous!
As well as watching live music, don’t forget to catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry, where the only thing more magical than the performances is the feeling of being part of music history.
Read more:
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is our favorite city in South Carolina, and has a charm that is as thick as the humidity and a history richer than a slice of pecan pie!
Wander through the cobblestone streets of the historic district, admire the antebellum homes, and dip into a local restaurant to sample some Lowcountry cuisine, like classic shrimp and grits!
Take a leisurely stroll along the Battery for stunning views of the harbor or hop on a boat to Fort Sumter, for some history and culture.
After dark, head out on a ghost tour and hear tales of Charleston’s spooky past! There are plenty of things to do in Charleston for more than just a weekend.
1. Memphis, Tennessee
Our number one city break is yet another Tennessee fav, Memphis! As the birthplace of blues and rock n roll, it’s hard not to get sucked into the rhythm of the city!
Walk along Beale Street and dip into a honky tonk bar, followed by a trip to the Memphis Rock and Soul Museum, Sun Studios, and Stax Museum of American Soul Music – and they said Nashville was The Music City?
For a bit of history besides music, head over to the National Civil Rights Museum, or take a walking tour followed by a cruise on a historic sternwheeler boat.
Be sure to pay homage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself at Graceland, where you can tour Elvis’s iconic home and see his final resting place in Graceland’s Meditation Garden.
Read more:
Whether you’re looking to scale the heights of culture, dive into delectable cuisine, or simply stroll through streets that have more character than your streets back home – there’s a city break that’s perfect for you.
We hope this guide helped you pick out a destination for your next long weekend and gave you some inspiration for what to do. If you need more inspiration, check out our guide on cool places to visit in the USA! Did anywhere speak to you from this list? Let us know in the comments.
