{"id":50940,"date":"2019-05-24T17:44:14","date_gmt":"2019-05-24T16:44:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flashpacknew.wpengine.com\/?p=50940"},"modified":"2024-02-14T13:49:14","modified_gmt":"2024-02-14T13:49:14","slug":"us-city-breaks-weekend-travel-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/solo\/travel\/us-city-breaks-weekend-travel-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"15 US city escapes you only need a three-day weekend for"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We pick the best US city breaks to escape to for a long weekend of solo travel <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summer is closer than ever, and with the warmer weather comes the opportunity to spend as much time as possible outdoors \u2014 that is, when you\u2019re not due to be at work, stuck at your desk inside an office building that is somehow always<\/em> too cold. A good compromise to ensure you don\u2019t miss so much work that you lose your job, but also get to enjoy the warm, sunny weather outside? Turn one (or three) of your summer weekends into a three-day weekend, and take a solo getaway out of town to a nearby city you\u2019ve never been.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The US is a giant country with no shortage of destination options. But when it comes to choosing a place to spend a three-day weekend, you\u2019ll want it to be a city small enough that you won\u2019t leave feeling like you only saw a small percentage of it, but large enough that you\u2019ll be able to consistently enjoy yourself and meet others while travelling alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, there are tons of US summer solo travel ideas for weekend trips, no matter where in the country you live. Check out this list of destinations all over the country that are perfect for a quick solo trip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memphis, TN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Beale<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nashville may be the darling of Tennessee, but the lesser-spoken about Memphis rivals it in terms of both scenery and history. With a rich musical history similar to Nashville, Memphis offers a lower-key experience without sacrificing sights and attractions. Stay at the Peabody Hotel<\/a> in central Memphis, which offers a related home base, comfortable beds, and, uniquely, a famous group of ducks<\/a> that march through the lobby twice a day to hang out in the hotel fountain. For food and drinks, nothing beats wandering Beale Street<\/a> \u2014 spend a few minutes there, and you\u2019ll quickly find yourself at one of its many blues clubs, eating the best barbeque wings you\u2019ve ever had. Also be sure to try and catch a gig at the famous Orpheum Theatre<\/a>, which regularly hosts massive musical groups, as well as up-and-coming musicians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nashville, TN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Of course, now that we\u2019ve talked about visiting Memphis, we have to talk about its more bustling cousin: Nashville, TN. Often referred to as the Country Music Capital of the World, Nashville has been home to everyone from Taylor Swift to Dolly Parton to Miley Cyrus. The Grand Ole Opry<\/a> is, of course, the most famous of the music venues in the city, but it\u2019s far from the only one worth visiting \u2014 \u201cHonky Tonk Highway<\/a>\u201d on Broadway is lined up and down with, as the name suggests, honky tonk establishments that offer musical acts, drinks, and a good time. Once you\u2019ve gotten your fill of Nashville\u2019s music scene, visit one of the two Warner Parks<\/a> in the city for a breath of fresh air and some quality time with nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newport, RI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Newport in Rhode Island is famous for its historic 18th-century homes and yacht-filled harbour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just a three-hour drive from NYC is Newport, Rhode Island: A picturesque New England beach town with a lively restaurant scene, the best taffy you\u2019ve ever tasted, and historical sites in pretty much every corner. Stay in the Hotel Viking<\/a> while you visit, a luxury establishment that\u2019s central enough to the city that you can explore on foot without wearing yourself out too much. Check out the Cliff Walk<\/a> for a scenic hike (be sure to bring a good pair of sneakers \u2014 the terrain can get a little rough), then recuperate with a deck chair and glass of wine on The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn<\/a>. In the evening, head over to the Stoneacre Brasserie<\/a> in Washington Square to enjoy locally-sourced, French-inspired cuisine as well as great<\/em> seafood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: Cool and unusual sleepovers to try this year<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scranton, PA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fans of the U.S. version of The Office<\/em> may consider this their version of Mecca, but you can enjoy Scranton without having ever seen an episode of the former NBC series. (Of course, it doesn\u2019t hurt<\/em> to watch the show \u2014 it\u2019s still popular years after it ended its run for a reason). While The Office<\/em> fans won\u2019t find any landmarks<\/a> from the series during their visit \u2014 the series, like many before and after it, was filmed in Los Angeles, CA \u2014 but they will<\/em> find a town rich with nature scenery and solid pizza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out at least one of the few waterfalls near the city: Choke Creek Falls<\/a>, Nay Aug Falls<\/a>, or the Rattlesnake Falls<\/a> are all gorgeous, and all are either within or just a short drive away from the city. For food, head over to the nearby Old Forge, PA<\/a> to fill up on pizza: Interestingly, this city calls itself the \u201cPizza Capital of the World,\u201d<\/a> which is kind of random because it\u2019s a small town in Pennsylvania and not, you know, a city known for its pizza like Chicago or NYC. But Old Forge isn\u2019t playing when it comes to pizza: you can easily pull off a pizza crawl by visiting one of the town\u2019s many pizzerias, and you won\u2019t be disappointed with any of your picks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pittsburgh, PA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While Philadelphia is generally the go-to destination when it comes to big cities in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is quickly becoming a genuine rival to the cheesesteak capital. Stay at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel<\/a> for a luxurious experience (and, if you\u2019re lucky, a view of the nearby Ohio River), and check out the Andy Warhol Museum<\/a> for an in-depth look at the legendary late artist\u2019s life and work. If you\u2019re into the weirder of attractions, Pittsburgh is also home to Trundle Manor<\/a>: a house of oddities that features everything from a strange collection of vintage taxidermy to rusty, medieval-looking weapons. Visits are by appointment only, but it\u2019s worth it if you\u2019re the more morbidly curious of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: The friendliest towns and cities for solo travel and remote working<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Portland, ME<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For a truly picturesque New England getaway, head to the Portland of the east<\/em> \u2014 that is, Portland, Maine. People may think of Oregon\u2019s Portland when they hear the name of this city, but one visit and you\u2019ll quickly find out that isn\u2019t fair at all. Portland, ME is home to some truly beautiful sights that offer slices of history, like the Portland Head Lighthouse<\/a> (which is still an operational lighthouse) and the intricately decorated Victoria Mansion Museum<\/a>. You\u2019ll have no shortage of hotel choices, but the Portland Harbor Hotel<\/a> is a truly great establishment that offers a tranquil rooms and a great restaurant. For dining, check out Central Provisions<\/a>, which offers small plates and a simultaneously laid-back and trendy vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Santa Cruz, CA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Santa<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you saw Jordan Peele\u2019s film Us<\/em>, you\u2019re likely already familiar with Santa Cruz: it was the site of the entire film, and much of the action took place at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park<\/a>. While the environment looked creepy in the film, that\u2019s really just due to Peele\u2019s genius \u2014 if you\u2019re never been, I promise, it\u2019s not at all<\/em> creepy. Not even the amusement park. In fact, it\u2019s pretty much a must-see for anyone who finds themselves in Northern California: Between checking out its lively downtown area filled with artisanal coffee shops (be sure to check out Verve Coffee<\/a> on Pacific Avenue) and seal-spotting on the Santa Cruz Wharf<\/a>, you\u2019ll have no shortage of activities during your visit \u2014 you probably won\u2019t even think about the possibility of seeing your evil twin on the boardwalk like in the movie. Hotel-wise, check out the Babbling Brook Inn<\/a>, a casual bed and breakfast that offers nightly wine socials for guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: How to plan the perfect vacation, according to science<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Berkeley, CA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Berkeley,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Berkeley may be most well-known as the home of UC Berkeley, but it\u2019s a city that\u2019s worth visiting even if you\u2019re not a student at the school. For accommodations far<\/em> better than any dorms in the city, stay at the Claremont Club and Spa<\/a>, which looks more like a castle than any hotel you\u2019ve ever seen. As far as attractions go, the benefit of visiting Berkeley is that it\u2019s a pretty compact town: You can easily explore it on foot without walking a hole through your sneakers. Visit the Berkeley Marina<\/a> for gorgeous views of the Bay Area, then check out the Berkeley Rose Garden<\/a> to see what 1500 rose bushes in one place looks like. Downtown Berkeley is best explored in the evening, when you can check out Amoeba Music<\/a> and Rasputin Music<\/a> for some vintage record shopping, and then stop by Comal<\/a> on Shattuck Avenue for some authentic Mexican food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Orleans, LA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"New<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

New Orleans is likely the most popular destination for three-day weekends, and with good reason: this city will change you. The oft-repeated expression \u201claissez les bons temps rouler\u201d (the Cajun French sentence for \u201clet the good times roll\u201d) is well and alive in every corner of the city, from the French Quarter to Trem\u00e9. Stay at the Four Seasons on Canal Street<\/a>, which is just around the corner from the French Quarter, but still central to other attractions in New Orleans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s probably not enough space on the internet to talk about restaurant recommendations in New Orleans, but the Court of Two Sisters<\/a> is a must-visit for anyone in the city \u2014 followed by a visit to the not-overhyped-at-all Caf\u00e9 du Monde<\/a> for an espresso and freshly made beignet. Also be sure to check out one of the city\u2019s three above-ground Saint Louis Cemeteries<\/a>, which feature row after row of morbidly gorgeous vaults in built in classic gothic architecture style. (Afterwards, stop for a coffee at the zombie-themed coffee shop Sacred Grinds<\/a>, which features a backyard seating area that overlooks the nearby cemeteries).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kansas City, MO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Weird thing about Kansas City: Most of it isn\u2019t actually in Kansas. Though it sits on the border between Missouri and Kansas, a good chunk of Kansas City lays on Missouri\u2019s side of the border \u2014 which means you can constantly make the dad-est of dad jokes while you\u2019re there, about being in Kansas and Missouri all at once. Har-har. Anyway, Kansas City doesn\u2019t have the reputation it deserves as a genuinely great weekend destination \u2014 so, help change that by visiting the city and checking out its bustling art and food scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

River Market<\/a> offers an easily walkable collection of indie designer shops, antique stores<\/a>, good food options (Pigwich<\/a> is a great option for meat-lovers, especially if the cheesesteak is on offer), and a weekend Farmer\u2019s Market<\/a>. For some unique photos, head over to the Kansas City Workhouse<\/a>, an abandoned prison castle that\u2019s now filled with graffiti art on every wall inside \u2014  there\u2019s truly nothing else like it in the city. Stay at the Hotel Phillips<\/a> for a luxurious experience and Art Deco-inspired architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charleston, SC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Buildings<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Charleston is another popular weekend getaway location that is absolutely deserving of the hype: It is truly a gorgeous<\/em> city. Stay at the highly-rated French Quarter Inn<\/a> on Church Street, which offers comfortable rooms and a great base for discovering the historic side of the city. For an authentic Southern cuisine experience, head over to Husk Restaurant<\/a> near the hotel, which is housed in an old mansion that is the epitome of Antebellum architecture. For endless photo opportunities, wander to Rainbow Row<\/a> and check out the 13 Georgian rowhouses that line the street, each painted a different pastel colour that is sure to make any Instagram pop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: How a trip to Tanzania built my confidence and taught me to be more lion<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wilmington, NC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Airlie<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Just up the coast from Charleston, South Carolina is Wilmington, a North Carolina coastal city that is likely most well-known for featuring the massive public garden Airlie Gardens<\/a>. However, that slice of nature isn\u2019t the only thing worth seeing in this Southern town: the Causeway Caf\u00e9<\/a> on Wrightsville Beach often has a line out the door on weekends filled with locals and tourists alike, and the city is home to tons of filming locations of shows and films like One Tree Hill<\/em> and The Conjuring<\/em>. Check out the Graystone Inn<\/a> for a historic bed and breakfast experience, which is in the former \u201cBridgers Mansion\u201d of the early 1900s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boise, ID<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You might not consider Idaho to be a vacation destination, but trust: One of the US\u2019 best-kept secrets is that Boise, Idaho is actually a city worth visiting. Not only does it offer sweeping, breathtaking views of the valleys that played host to parts of the Oregon Trail in the 1800s<\/a>, but it\u2019s also got a fast-growing art scene<\/a> that offers everything from theatre to fine art and even opera. For a unique hotel experience, check out The Anniversary Inn<\/a> bed and breakfast and its themed rooms, each of which is decorated to the tee depending on its name (The Enchanted Forest<\/a> is a standout choice, for what it\u2019s worth).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: Why Norway is a dream destination for solo travellers<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minneapolis, MN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Minneapolis\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s impossible to visit Minneapolis without paying a visit to the Mall of America<\/a>: This four-story mall is the biggest in the country, and it features square footage so vast that there is a literal amusement park<\/em> inside. An amusement park! Inside a mall! That said, the Mall of America isn\u2019t all Minneapolis has to offer: the city is also home to the lush Minnehaha Regional Park<\/a>, which features picturesque waterfalls that will make you forget all about the shopping you wanted to do at the mall that day. Hotel-wise, you have no shortage of options, but The Grand Hotel<\/a> is a great pick in a solid location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monterey, CA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Monterey,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You probably know Monterey from HBO\u2019s Big Little Lies<\/em>, but the area has been a getaway destination for years thanks to its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rolling hills of the California Central Coast. Rent a car and take a drive along the famous Bixby Creek Bridge<\/a> just south of the city near Big Sur, and then head over to the Fisherman\u2019s Wharf<\/a> for some quality, fresh seafood and more views of the ocean. After, Cannery Row<\/a> is just a hop, skip, and jump away, and features tons of shops in old sardine canning factories along the coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Images: Shutterstock, Joe Yates<\/a>, Nicole Harrington<\/a>, Alden Skeie<\/a>, Matt Jones<\/a>, Vidar Nordli-Mathisen<\/a>,  Mercedes Mehling<\/a> on Unsplash<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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