19 Best Weekend Getaways in the USA

Things to Do:

• Start at Pike Place Market, one of Seattle’s most iconic spots! Arrive early (8-9 AM) to skip the crowds and check out highlights like watching fish fly at the Pike Place Fish Market, and wandering down to the slightly gross, but weirdly fascinating Gum Wall. 
• Take the monorail to Seattle Center, home to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and MoPop. (Opt for a combo ticket if you plan to visit multiple spots!)
• Stroll through Discovery Park and head to the West Point Lighthouse for incredible views.
• Have a picnic at the quirky Gas Works Park, with amazing views of the city.
• Take a day trip to Bainbridge Island. Riding the ferry is half the fun!
• Head to Anacortes and go on a super fun whale and wildlife tour with Blue Kingdom! We have done this tour three times!
• For an epic day trip, we highly recommend heading to either Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park. Both are incredible!
• Another fun day trip idea is Leavenworth. This Bavarian-style village is super charming, with great shops, eats, and mountain views. Leavenworth is a year round destination, with many awesome things to do in the summer and winter. 

Places to Eat:

• The Pink Door for their amazing Italian dishes. If you can, snag a seat on their patio for views of the water. Reservations are a must!
• Piroshky Piroshky is a must for their piroshkies (we’re especially obsessed with their beef and cheese!)
• Tacos Chukis for the best tacos in town (and in our opinion, in the US!). Their signature house taco with grilled pineapple is a must-try!
• Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for their mac and cheese (it’s ridiculously creamy and cheesy).
• Frankie & Jo’s for vegan ice cream that’s SO creamy you won’t even miss the dairy. (We love their Salty Caramel Ash flavor!)

Looking for more things to do in Seattle? Check out our 3 days in Seattle itinerary and our top 30 free and cheap things to do in Seattle.  

Things to Do:

• Marvel at Spokane Falls, the largest urban waterfall in the US, right in downtown. It’s even more impressive after the snowmelt in spring!
• Explore Riverfront Park, home to attractions like the Garbage Goat Sculpture (yes, it eats trash!), the Childhood Express Red Wagon, the historic Clocktower, and the Looff Carousel.
• Take a 15-minute ride on the Numerica SkyRide, 200 feet above the Spokane River for stunning views of Spokane Falls and the Monroe Street Bridge.
• Visit Manito Park, where you can wander through the Japanese, rose, and perennial gardens.
• Watch the sunset from Mount Spokane.
• Hike or bike the Centennial Trail, a 40-mile trail which offers great views of downtown Spokane and the Spokane River.
• Spend time at Riverside State Park, especially the Bowl and Pitcher Area, for scenic riverside trails, and a cool suspension bridge.

Places to Eat:

• Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle to dine inside a giant milk bottle! And their burgers and fries totally hit the spot.
• Rockwood Bakery for a cozy bakery. We devoured the warm ham and cheese croissant and the lemon white chocolate scone. 
• Cochinito for some seriously delicious tacos! We consider ourselves taco connoisseurs and the unique combinations here were 10/10!
• The Scoop because ice cream is life, and this spot blew us away. Their flavors rotate, but we couldn’t get enough of the pumpkin, salted caramel, and banana pudding!

Looking for more things to do in Spokane? We have a guide to 13+ fun things to do in Spokane (+ a 3 day itinerary)!

Things to Do:

• Bike or walk the Boise River Greenbelt, a scenic 25-mile pathway. If it’s summer, you can float the river or check out surfers at Boise Whitewater Park.
• Walk through Freak Alley, an outdoor gallery filled with murals and incredible street art.
• Wander downtown Boise to check out cute shops like City Peanut Shop, admire the Idaho State Capitol, or pop into the Basque Museum & Cultural Center to learn about Boise’s Basque heritage.
• Visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary, a historic (and slightly spooky) landmark with fascinating tours.
• Hike to Table Rock for killer city and foothill views. (Head up close to sunset for cooler temps and jaw-dropping skies).

Places to Eat:

• Grab a coffee at The District Coffee House or Necktar Coffee and enjoy the downtown vibes.
• Basque Market for pintxos or catch paella on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon.
• Boise Fry Company, where the potato is the star, with plenty of varieties and dipping sauces.
• The STIL (The Sweetest Things In Life) for unique and seasonal flavors, vegan options, and even beer or wine pairings.

Need help planning your time in Boise? See our 2 days in Boise, Idaho itinerary to help you plan the perfect weekend getaway.

Things to Do:

• Visit the International Rose Test Garden from May to October to admire thousands of stunning roses. It’s free to visit, and the views of Mount Hood on a clear day are a bonus!
• Explore the aisles at Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore. A book lover’s dream!
• Spend an afternoon exploring the Columbia River Gorge, just 30 minutes from downtown. This spot is packed with waterfalls and stunning views. Make sure to see Multnomah Falls and take the short hike to the Benson Bridge. 
• Snap photos at the Keep Portland Weird Wall and White Stag Sign along the waterfront.
• If you’ve got extra time, take a day trip to Mount Hood for stunning mountain scenery or Cannon Beach to see Haystack Rock and stroll along the iconic Oregon coast.

Places to Eat:

• Have you ever had coffee in a double-decker bus? At Tōv you can! This Egyptian coffee spot is as unique as it gets. We loved their cardamom-spiced lattes!
• Nong’s Khao Man Gai for their chicken and rice dish, served with the most flavorful ginger-garlic sauce you’ll ever taste.
• Por Que No? for some of the best Mexican food in town. We’re talking juicy carnitas, fresh guac, and the perfect salsa.
• Salt & Straw for the most unique flavored ice cream, like Honey Lavender and Pear & Blue Cheese. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!

To get more ideas and plan the ultimate getaway, check out our weekend in Portland, Oregon itinerary, plus fun things to do in Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast. 

Things to Do:

• Watch the sunrise at Emerald Bay State Park. Climb up to a rocky overlook and watch the sky explode with colors over the lake.
• Explore Vikingsholm, a gorgeous Scandinavian-inspired mansion tucked along Emerald Bay. The mile-long walk down is easy, and the architecture inside and out is so unique.
• Stop by Fannette Island, the only island on Lake Tahoe. You can kayak out to it from Emerald Bay for a fun adventure. 
• Spend some time on the East Shore Trail, a 5.2-mile round-trip hike with incredible views, coves, and easy access to the water. Don’t miss the beautiful Sand Harbor area for swimming or kayaking.
• Hike one of the best trails in Lake Tahoe. We love Monkey Rock!
• Explore Donner Pass and the Donner Tunnels, a historic area filled with mountain views and fascinating stories of the Donner Party and the transcontinental railroad.

Places to Eat:

• Sprouts Natural Cafe for their Real Tahoe Turkey sandwich and smoothies.
• Base Camp Pizza Co. is a Tahoe staple. Their pizzas are loaded with such unique toppings. 
• La Mexicana Meat Market & Taqueria their carne asada tacos are bursting with flavor, and the burritos are massive!
• California Burger Company serves up mouthwatering, juicy burgers with creative toppings, like their Whiskey Burger. 
• Little Truckee Ice Creamery makes their ice cream from scratch, and the flavors are out of this world!  

Check out our ultimate 3 days in Lake Tahoe Itinerary to help you plan your time. And if you’re looking to do some hiking, here we share the 11 best Lake Tahoe hikes. You can also watch what we got up to during our most recent visit to Lake Tahoe in the summer of 2024. 

Things to Do:

• Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best aquariums in the US, with over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals. Afterward, wander Old Fisherman’s Wharf for some history, shops, and gorgeous ocean views.
• Take the scenic 17 Mile Drive, passing by Pebble Beach and its iconic landmarks, then stop at Carmel-by-the-Sea to wander its fairytale-like downtown.
• Hike through Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, often called the “crown jewel” of California’s state parks, and nearby Garrapata State Park for stunning trails and beautiful beaches.
• Stop at Bixby Creek Bridge for one of the most photogenic views in Big Sur (sunrise is especially magical!)
• Visit Pfeiffer Beach to see its unique purple sand and keyhole arch. 
• Admire McWay Falls, an iconic 80-foot waterfall that cascades onto the beach, (one of Big Sur’s most iconic sights!) 

A+K Tip: Make sure to always check for closures when visiting Big Sur. Due to past landslides and wildfires, there are often areas that are closed.

Places to Eat:

• Captain + Stoker in Monterey for great coffee, a fun vibe, and loaded avocado toast.
• Big Sur Bakery, where we loved their freshly baked pastries.
• Treehouse Cafe in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a cozy dinner (they even have a menu for your pup!)
• Nepenthe in Big Sur for a sunset dinner with spectacular views.

Looking to go on a Big Sur road trip? We have a detailed guide with all the top tips, best spots to visit, and itinerary options for an epic time on California Highway 1!

Things to Do:

• Spend a few hours at Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre park home to gardens, museums, and the zoo. Don’t miss the free Spanish Village Art Center, Botanical Building, and Palm Canyon Trail.
• Head to Liberty Station to explore the public market, shops, and restaurants in this repurposed naval training center.
• Visit Cabrillo National Monument for coastal views, tide pools, and a bit of history! 
• Spend the day exploring La Jolla, where you can see seals and sea lions at Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove, relax on the beach, or go kayaking with Everyday California.
• Visit Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a 2,000-acre reserve, and hike among Torrey Pine trees (one of the rarest native pines in the US), bright blue water, golden sand, and badlands.
• Walk along Ocean Beach Pier, relax on the beach, or explore the Ocean Beach neighborhood.

Places to Eat:

• Communal Coffee, a coffee shop, flower shop, and gift shop rolled into one. (Don’t miss their latte flight or floral-inspired drinks!)
• City Tacos for creative tacos with unique salsas.
• Ed Fernandez Restaurant Birrieria for phenomenal quesatacos de birria with consome. 
• Kiko’s Place Seafood for Baja-style fish tacos and ceviche.
• Bobboi Natural Gelato for authentic, creamy Italian gelato (don’t miss the pistachio flavor!).

To help you plan your time we have a ready to go 3 Day San Diego Itinerary. It’s loaded with even more things to do and places to eat!

Things to Do:

• Hike to Devil’s Bridge, which is one of the best trails in Sedona. This trail is super popular, so going at sunrise means fewer crowds and possibly having the bridge all to yourself. (We had the bridge to ourselves for 30 whole minutes at sunrise!).
• Hike Soldier Pass Trail to see Devil’s Kitchen (a sinkhole), the Seven Sacred Pools, and even a hidden cave. Parking can be tricky, so plan ahead.
• Visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village for unique shopping and a cozy chai from The Chai Spot (try their butter chai!)
• Watch the sunset from Cathedral Rock. This hike is magical at golden hour and offers unbeatable views. Bring a headlamp for the descent.
• Drive up to Airport Mesa, another vortex site, and watch the sunrise over Sedona. It’s a short hike with great views for just $3 parking.

Places to Eat:

• Indian Gardens Cafe & Market for breakfast and picnic supplies.
• Elote Cafe for upscale Mexican cuisine with a view.
• Red Rock Cafe for hearty breakfasts (don’t miss the cinnamon roll!).
• Tamaliza for authentic tamales and Mexican dishes.

Our 2 Day Sedona Itinerary will help you plan your time in this desert paradise. And you’re undoubtedly looking to do some hiking, so check out some of the best hikes in Sedona. 

Things to Do:

• Visit Seven Magic Mountains, a colorful art installation just 30 minutes from the Strip. This free attraction is perfect for photos, especially at sunrise when it’s less crowded.
• Spend some time exploring The Strip, where you can see landmarks like the Bellagio Fountains, the Eiffel Tower, and gondolas at The Venetian. Don’t miss the Bellagio Fountains’ show, which is worth seeing during the day and at night.
• Visit Red Rock Canyon, just 17 miles away. Drive the scenic 13-mile loop, stop at lookouts, or hike the trails to experience this gorgeous natural area.
• If you’re looking for a bit of history, head to the Neon Museum, a unique “boneyard” of vintage Las Vegas signs. Visiting at night is SO fun since many of the signs are lit up!
• Take a day trip to Valley of Fire State Park, just an hour from Vegas. The park’s got fiery red sandstone, unique hikes, and some seriously epic views.

Places to Eat:

• PublicUs on Fremont Street for incredible coffee (try the Macadamia Nut Latte or The Cannon!) and a delicious food menu that’s perfect for brunch or lunch.
• Tacos El Gordo for their mouthwatering adobada (pork) tacos carved fresh off the spit.
• Las Vegas Buffets like the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesar’s Palace, The Buffet at Wynn, or Studio B Buffet off the Strip for an all-you-can-eat experience.  

Everyone knows about the Vegas Strip and what it offers, but we have a guide packed with other things to do in Las Vegas besides partying to help you plan the perfect weekend getaway!

Things to Do:

• Hike to Observation Point via East Mesa Trail, a less crowded alternative to Angel’s Landing that offers equally stunning (if not better!) views of Zion Canyon. This 6.7-mile trail doesn’t require a shuttle.
• Explore The Narrows, one of Zion’s most iconic hikes, where you’ll be walking through the Virgin River surrounded by towering canyon walls. Head out early to avoid crowds and hike up to the Wall Street section for incredible scenery.
• Check out the Watchman Trail, another one of the best trails in Zion. This 3.1-mile hike starts near the visitor center and is less crowded, doesn’t require a shuttle, and offers gorgeous views of the park.
• Check out less-visited areas of the park like Kolob Canyons or Kolob Terrace. Trails like the Timber Creek Overlook or Northgate Peaks Trail offer stunning, unique views and a nice break from the crowds.

Places to Eat:

• Deep Creek Coffee Co. for their BRO-rito and quinoa breakfast bowls (delicious and packed with local ingredients).
• Oscar’s Cafe for amazing Mexican food. It’s one of our favorite spots in the area! 
• Red Fort Cuisine of India for a flavorful dinner with generous portions.

We have several guides to Zion National Park to help plan your trip: 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary, 12 best hikes in Zion, hiking the Narrows, and how to hike Observation Point.

Things to Do:

• For views of the city, head up the Ensign Peak Trail.
• Visit Antelope Island State Park, the largest island on the Great Salt Lake, with over 45 miles of trails. Hike Frary Peak Trail for epic views (keep an eye out for bison roaming the area).
• Float in the Great Salt Lake at Bridger Bay Beach, where you can experience the surreal feeling of floating effortlessly in the salty water!
• Hike to Stewart Falls, for epic mountain views and a tall, beautiful waterfall at the end!
• Take a day trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats, just 1.5 hours from Salt Lake City. Perfect for unique photos or even a drive (if conditions allow).
• Soak at Fifth Water Hot Springs (Diamond Fork Hot Springs), tucked into a canyon with gorgeous blue thermal pools and a cascading waterfall! 

Places to Eat:

• Thirst for their dirty sodas, a Utah favorite! Try unique flavors like “Yer Killin’ Me Smalls” or “Dr. McCreamy.” (Even as non-soda drinkers, we found them irresistible!)
• The Red Iguana for authentic Mexican food with award-winning family recipes. (We loved the Tacos Don Ramon and the Enchiladas Suizas).

We’ve visited Salt Lake City a handful of times and it’s one of our favorites. See what we got up to in these videos: One day in Salt Lake City, Stewart Falls & Dirty Sodas and A Salt Filled Day in Utah: Antelope Island State Park.  

Things to Do:

• Explore Bear Lake Road Corridor. You’ll need a reservation for this area, but many trails are close, making it easy to combine multiple hikes into one day! On our first visit, we hiked Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, Alberta Falls, and Mills Lake.  
• Drive Trail Ridge Road, also known as the “Highway to the Sky,” is a  48-mile scenic drive that reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet, making it the highest continuously paved road in the US! 
• Take a flat, 1.2-mile walk to explore Holzwarth Historic Site from the Holzwarth family’s homestead and lodge.
• Located near the park’s western entrance, Grand Lake offers kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and a cute downtown with shops and restaurants.

Places to Eat:

• Antonio’s Real New York Pizza for their pizza and desserts, they were incredible!
• Nepal’s Cafe. We absolutely loved their momos (dumplings).  
• Inkwell & Brew is our go-to for coffee in Estes Park. It’s tucked inside a bookstore and right by the river, making it a dreamy spot for a caffeine break.
• Miyauchi’s Snack Bar is located by the water in Grand Lake, their ice cream is a must-try! They also serve burgers, grilled cheese, and sandwiches.

Check out our ULTIMATE guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park to help plan your time. We also have hiking guides to some of the most popular trails in the park like Sky Pond and Emerald Lake. 

Have more time in Colorado? See our 4 days in Colorado Itinerary for more things to do!

Things to Do:

• Visit the Texas State Capitol, snap a photo at the Historic 6th Street Mural, stroll along Congress Avenue, and check out the haunted Driskill Hotel.
• Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake for awesome views of the Austin skyline. It’s such a cool way to see the city!
• Wander South Congress Avenue (SoCo) to shop at unique stores like Uncommon Objects, Allens Boots, and South Congress Books. Don’t miss Amy’s Ice Cream (they even do tricks while serving it!)
• Cool off at Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed pool with freezing water that’s perfect for hot Texas days.
• Explore the Cathedral of Junk, a backyard art installation made from over 60 tons of “junk.” Call ahead for reservations and bring $5 cash for entry.

Places to Eat:

• It’s not a trip to Austin without BBQ! There are countless spots to try, but Terry Black’s is a classic.
• Kerbey Lane Café is an Austin classic! We love their pancakes and Kerbey queso.
• Flat Track Coffee, which combines two of our loves: coffee and cycling!
• Suerte for their sharable (and extremely flavorful) plates. Their suadero tacos were melt-in-your-mouth good.
• Fresa’s for their chimichurri skirt steak (it’s amazing), and the decor here is SO cute!
• Home Slice Pizza, we are OBSESSED with their pizza. (Be prepared to wait, it’s that popular!)

Our local’s guide to the best food, drinks, and things to do in Austin is ready to go! 

Things to Do:

• Wander Automobile Alley, a revitalized area with old brick buildings, retro neon signs, and fun local stores like Shop Good, Common Dear, and Plenty Mercantile. Don’t skip Factory Obscura for wild, interactive art (and slides!).
• For epic street art, check out Plaza Walls which features over 30 murals from local artists, and if you’re there in September, you can watch them create new ones during the Plaza Walls Expo.
• Explore Scissortail Park, a 70-acre park where you can wander along scenic trails by the lake and through wetlands, relax in the gardens, play on the sports courts, or rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats. There’s even an epic playground for kids (that we totally wish we could’ve tried!).
• Head to the Bricktown District, a historic warehouse area turned entertainment hub. Take a Bricktown Water Taxi for a narrated canal tour with stories about the Trail of Tears, Land Rush, and more! 
• Get active at Riversport Adventures, where you can try indoor skiing, whitewater rafting, tubing, kayaking, climbing, ziplining, and more. (The ski slope and climbing walls were a blast!)

Places to Eat:

• Cafe Kacao is one of the best breakfasts we’ve ever had! We recommend the tostados, motuleño, and desayuno chapin. 
• The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen for their pizzas, they are out of this world! We loved the Saturday Night and Sunday Lunch pizzas, and their gluten-free crust is the BEST! 
• Boom Town Creamery is a must for ice cream lovers! Their homemade flavors are so creative, and the ice cream flight lets you try six at once. (We loved them all!)
• Tucker’s Onion Burgers is a classic Oklahoma specialty done right. (Their onion burgers are so tasty!)
• Katiebug’s Sweets & Treats, this adorable walk-up shop serves everything from cookies to incredible hot chocolate. 

All the planning is done for you in our guide to how to spend a weekend in Oklahoma City! And if you just want more ideas of things to do in OKC or want to get your kicks on Route 66 between OKC and Tulsa, we’ve gotcha covered!

Things to Do:

• Start your day with a stroll to Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) for the obligatory photo op. From there, wander through Millennium Park and make your way to Buckingham Fountain for beautiful city views.
• Take a walk down The Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue), stopping for some fun window shopping.
• Head to Navy Pier to ride the Ferris wheel, catch a show, or just grab a drink and take in stunning views of the city from the water. (It’s a bit touristy, but we loved it!) 
• Visit the Willis Tower Skydeck and stand on the glass floor 1,353 feet above the city for epic views of the city and beyond.
• Check out the Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory (both are free!)

Places to Eat:

• Sawada Coffee for their Military Latte (matcha, espresso, vanilla, and cocoa powder) is a must-try, and they also offer Doughnut Vault treats.
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream for their unique flavors. We’re obsessed with Brambleberry Crisp and Salty Caramel. 
• Lou Malnati’s is THE place for deep-dish pizza. (Pre-order while you wait to save time).
• Green Street Smoked Meats for Texas-style BBQ in the heart of Chicago. The brisket? Chef’s kiss.

Want even more ideas? We’ve got the ULTIMATE 3 day Chicago itinerary to help you plan the perfect long weekend.

Things to Do:

• Disney World or Universal Studios are a must for theme park lovers. But there is so much more to the city if you want to save your pennies!
• Kayak the Emerald Cut at Kings Landing and paddle through the crystal-clear Rock Springs Run. 
• Visit Blue Springs State Park in the winter to see hundreds of manatees gather in the warm 72-degree springs. You can walk along the boardwalk for an up-close view of these gentle giants. 
• Explore Gatorland to zipline over alligators, see Florida panthers and crocs, and even touch a gator!
• Visit Kraft Azalea Gardens. This hidden gem is packed with Spanish moss-draped trees, water views, and a beautiful column statue (plus it’s free!).
• Stroll around Lake Eola, located in downtown Orlando. This “lake” (actually a sinkhole!) offers swan boats, a scenic walking path, and gorgeous city views.
• Visit Disney Springs, an outdoor complex with shopping, live music, unique restaurants, and even a helium balloon ride with epic views of Orlando. (Even though it’s Disney-owned, it’s not a theme park!) 

Places to Eat:

• Sticky Rice for their affordable Laotian food that absolutely blew us away. Every dish we tried was packed with flavor! 
• Hot Krust Panini Kitchen for their paninis are delicious and perfect for a quick bite.
• Santiago’s Bodega if you want tapas done right! We loved sharing a variety of flavorful small plates. 
• Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa, this BBQ spot is packed with creative dishes and awesome flavors.
• The Greenery Creamery for their ice cream options (half vegan, half regular) are fantastic. We loved their charcoal cones and creative toppings!

The Disney theme parks aren’t the only thing to do in Orlando, we have a guide to the best things to do in Orlando besides them. But if you’re there for the theme parks, we have guides to Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. 

Things to Do:

• Stroll down Calle Ocho to soak in the vibrant culture, salsa music, and delicious smells. Stop by Domino Park to watch locals play dominoes and check out the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, a small but cool tribute to famous Cubans. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the colorful Little Havana Mural!
• Explore the Everglades, which is one of the best National Parks on the East Coast! Walk the Anhinga Trail to spot gators, bike (or hop on a tram) to the Shark Valley Observation Tower for killer views, and grab a key lime shake from Robert Is Here (it was so freaking good!)
• Spend your afternoon at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, where you can climb the historic lighthouse and enjoy this less crowded beach. 
• Walk through Wynwood Walls, a vibrant area filled with colorful murals and stunning street art.  
• Wander through the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a gorgeous Italian-style villa and sprawling gardens for a taste of European elegance in Miami.

Places to Eat:

• Sanguich de Miami is our favorite spot in Little Havana! Their Cuban sandwich is incredible, and the Batido de Timba (guava and cream cheese milkshake) is hands-down the best milkshake we’ve ever had.
• Azucar Ice Cream Company for some unique, Cuban-inspired ice cream flavors here.
• Zak the Baker makes the most amazing cinnamon rolls and chocolate walnut babka. Adam is still raving about it!
• Tacomiendo or Caja Caliente. Both are solid choices for tacos with a unique Miami twist.

Our 2 Days in Miami guide includes a detailed Miami itinerary plus everything you need to know before you visit Miami!

Things to Do:

• Wander along the iconic stretch around the National Mall. Visit must-sees like the Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  
• Walk around the historic neighborhood of Georgetown and check out the cute shops, admire the row houses, and walk along the waterfront for beautiful views of the Potomac River.
• Rent a paddleboat or simply walk along the Tidal basin to admire the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and cherry blossoms (if you’re visiting in spring).
• Day trip to Shenandoah National Park. Just a couple of hours from D.C., this stunning park offers scenic drives and hiking trails with epic views. Old Rag Mountain is a great pick for a day hike!

Places to Eat:

• Baked & Wired, a historic rowhouse near the canal that offers fantastic treats (especially their pumpkin and dirty chai cupcakes!) and coffee! 
• Yellow is a fast casual spot with flavorful Middle Eastern cuisine. We love their stuffed pitas, batata tots, and unique coffee drinks.
• Ben’s Chili Bowl for their famous half-smokes smothered in chili. Don’t skip the chili cheese fries for a truly indulgent meal.
• Founding Farmers for a farm-to-table spot with incredible breakfast options like stuffed French toast and chicken and waffles.
• Old Ebbitt Grill is a classic D.C. institution just steps from the White House. Their oysters and crab cakes are fantastic!

In our Washington DC video we had a fun day exploring DC including grabbing coffee in Georgetown (the oldest neighborhood in DC), walking 9 miles around the National Mall with Kona, trying half-smokes at a historical institution, and more!

Things to Do:

• Walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route to learn about Boston’s role in American history. There are 16 historic sites to check out including Boston Common, Paul Revere’s House, and Bunker Hill Monument.
• Head to the North End and check out Boston’s Little Italy and one of its oldest neighborhoods! Walk the cobblestone streets, grab some Italian eats, and don’t forget to save room for a cannoli (or two).
• Take a tour of Fenway Park, one of the oldest MLB ballpark stadiums in the country. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, it’s worth a visit. 
• Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This interactive experience lets you throw tea into the harbor and learn all about the Boston Tea Party.
• Visit the USS Constitution and step aboard the historic warship known as “Old Ironsides,” the oldest commissioned warship still afloat. The nearby museum provides even more context for this iconic vessel.

Places to Eat:

• Galleria Umberto for the BEST Sicilian-style pizza. The dough is thick and airy, with crispy edges, and their arancini? Chef’s kiss.
• Mike’s Pastry vs. Modern Pastry to settle the great cannoli debate! From Mike’s, the Florentine, with its nutty, honeyed shell, absolutely lived up to the hype. At Modern, we went for a plain shell with ricotta filling and pistachios, and the freshness was next level.
• James Hook & Co. cause lobster rolls and creamy clam chowder are a must in Boston, and this family-owned spot nails both.
• Omni Parker House for Boston Cream Pie. It’s Massachusetts’ official dessert! The layers of sponge cake, cream filling, and chocolate ganache are heaven.

In our Boston guide we share how to spend 2 days in Boston, including an itinerary, tips for visiting, where to stay, and more! Plus we have a guide to the best food in Boston which includes the top places to eat! You can also watch our experience here. 

Fly in and out late

Make the most of your time by booking flights that get you in late Thursday night or take you home early Monday morning. It gives you more time to explore without burning extra PTO!

Plan layovers wisely 

Don’t let a missed connection ruin your trip. Give yourself enough time between flights, especially if you’re flying through a busy airport or traveling during peak seasons. 

Don’t overpack your itinerary 

It’s easy to want to do it all, but trust us, less is more. Stick to a few must-see spots and leave space for flexibility, whether it’s to handle unexpected weather or simply enjoy some downtime. Quality over quantity, always.

Stay close to the action 

Save time by booking accommodations near the main attractions. Staying close means less time driving and more time actually enjoying your trip.

Check closures 

Avoid disappointment by checking ahead to see if certain attractions, restaurants, or shops are closed on specific days. A quick look at their hours could save you from a wasted trip.

Get up early 

The early bird catches the best views, less crowded trails, and shorter lines. Plus it gives you more time to explore! So plan to start your adventures while everyone else is still sleeping.