With limited vacation days, it can be hard to find time to travel. But you don’t always need to sacrifice PTO to get away. There are tons of incredible spring weekend trips right here in the USA that are easily accessible. Proximity to airports cuts down on travel time and maximizes the time you can spend exploring.
Fly in or drive to your destination Friday evening after work, and catch a Sunday evening flight back home. This will allow you a full day Saturday and most of Sunday to enjoy your weekend trip, and ensure you’re back at your desk by 9 am Monday morning.
1. See the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.
A well timed trip to D.C. will have our nation’s capital abloom with pink cherry blossoms. Ditch the crowds and rent a paddle boat to be completely surrounded by thousands of blooming trees along the Tidal Basin.
Timing is hard to predict and largely based on the winter season. Peak bloom typically falls the last week of March or first week of April and only lasts a few days. If planning a weekend trip to Washington D.C. around this time, keep an eye on the Cherry Blossom Watch website for the most up to date predictions.
2. Rent a Cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains
Named for the smoke-like fog that veils the mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for a romantic weekend or girls trip. As the most visited national park in the U.S., there’s no bad time to visit. I’m partial to spring wildflowers and gushing waterfalls as the mountains thaw.
Straddling the North Carolina-Tennessee border, you have two major airport options. Fly into Knoxville (TYS) and drive an hour and fifteen to Gatlinburg. Alternatively, you can fly into Charlotte (CLT) and drive an hour and forty minutes to Asheville.
For a less tourist town experience, opt for Asheville. Ashville is a vibrant mountain city nestled between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Split your weekend between mountain wilderness and urban exploring to take advantage of Asheville’s art scene, craft breweries, and foodie paradise. If mountain life isn’t quite your thing, swap the cabin for a mansion and check out the Biltmore Estate for a glimpse into the Gilded Age.
3. Explore the Tide Pools Under Haystack Rock in Oregon
You could dedicate a full week to a road trip along the Oregon coast. Luckily you only need half a day (and a low tide) to experience a few of the highlights. Cannon Beach is 90 minutes from downtown Portland, which provides easy flight options and a balanced weekend trip of city and outdoor adventure.
As the tide retreats around Haystack Rock, a hidden underwater ecosystem is exposed. Keep an eye out for of starfish, anemone, crabs, and other tide pool dwellers. Timing is a key factor here. Check tide charts before heading to Cannon Beach, and look for tides 0.0 feet and lower. Give yourself enough time to arrive an hour before low tide.
Head to the Wayfarer for brunch with an iconic view of Haystack Rock.
Five miles south of Cannon Beach is Hugs Point. Stop by on your way back to Portland to see one of the few beach waterfalls in the USA.
4. See the Chicago River Dyed Green for St. Patrick’s Day
Summer is peak tourist season in Chicago, but there are plenty of reasons to visit the Windy City year-round. Every March for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the city dyes the famed river a vibrant green that you have to see to believe.
The river dying takes place between Columbus Avenue and State Street. For peak viewing, check out the Michigan Ave bridge or any area of the Riverwalk. Keep in mind peak viewing also means peak crowds. For a birds eye view, grab drinks at London House or one of the many rooftop bars along the river.
5. Walk Through Tulip Fields of Holland, Michigan
Without vacation days to spare, traveling to Europe is out of the question. A weekend trip to Holland, M.I. will feel like you’ve been transported to the city’s European namesake thanks to its rich Dutch heritage.
In the 1800s, a group of Dutch immigrants settled in Michigan and founded Holland. The city is still seeped with Dutch influence, from the downtown architecture, windmills, and eateries, to the annual Tulip Time festival. What started as a beautification program in the 20s now draws thousands of visitors every May to marvel in the millions of tulips across the city.
For endless rows of tulips in the shadows of a 250 year old Dutch windmill, add Windmill Island Gardens to your bucket list.
With so many incredible places in the country, it’s impossible to capture them all. Leave a comment below with your favorite spring weekend trips and USA bucket list destinations!
