Awesome End of Summer Vacation Spots for a Quick Get Away

When you find yourself bitten by the travel bug.

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Take a Couple of Days Off

With summer drawing to a close, it’s time to squeeze in those last-minute vacations before school starts or work schedules get hectic. If you’re looking for a wild adventure or want a relaxing get away, but you only have a few days for a trip, here are a few cool destinations that have interesting histories, are breathtakingly beautiful, or have mind-blowing attractions.

Florida Keys, Florida

Visit this tropical paradise made up of a few islands that is a great destination for aquatic adventures. You can spend the day out on the water, fishing and boating — or underneath it, snorkeling! Here, you’ll also find Ernest Hemingway’s home, which has been turned into a museum and is home to six-toed cats.

Litchfield, Connecticut

Step back in time to this example of a typical late-18th century New England town, which is also regarded as one of the United States’ most beautiful residential communities. During your stay, you can enjoy vineyards, stables, museums, a waterfowl conservatory, and a state park. There is even a replica of France’s Lourdes Grotto that you can visit for your own bit of peace.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This mountain town is jam-packed with attractions, starting with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can visit the Space Needle observation tower or the Sky Lift aerial cable car. Ober Gatlinburg, an amusement park and ski resort, offers more fun activities to do.

Charlevoix, Michigan

If an artsy, laid-back retreat is more your style, then this is the destination for you. Here, you’ll find lots of galleries located alongside lakes, natural parks, and lighthouses. It’s been said that this city is a great place to mix the outdoors with the comforts of a busy city. And before you leave, you have to check out Earl Young’s out-of-the-ordinary mushroom houses.

Natchez, Mississippi

Get a feel for life during the early 1800s in this beautiful riverside town that was once a commerce hotspot along the Mississippi River. You can visit many places that speak to its layered history, such as antebellum mansions, the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, and Natchez Trace Parkway, which was once a trade route.

Manitou Springs, Colorado

Make your escape to this wellness retreat that’s known for natural, healing springs. Round out your stay with hiking and skiing trails, fishing, horseback riding, and cave exploration. Complete it with historic sites and art galleries, and stay at a cozy inn.

Galveston, Texas

This island city has plenty of attractions with something for everyone. History buffs can visit sites related to Juneteenth while science geeks visit the Moody Gardens pyramids. Thrill-seekers will love the pier and amusement park, while the outdoorsy types will enjoy Galveston Island State Park. And of course, there are beaches!

Moab, Utah

There are two huge reasons you should visit this desert destination. One, the nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park have amazing geological formations millions of years in the making, some of which feature Native American art. Two, you’ll be able to see well-preserved dinosaur bones, tracks, and archaeological artifacts, as well as visit themed attractions.

Virginia City, Nevada

Travel to this preserved gold-mining town, founded in 1859. Nevada had ample amounts of silver and gold, and here you can get a feel for what it was like to live like a prospector. Experience saloons, cemeteries, mines, and trains, in addition to museums and locally-owned shops. They even host annual camel and ostrich races!

Depoe Bay, Oregon

This is the smallest natural navigable harbor in the world and serves as a temporary home to marine life. A sea wall goes the length of downtown, and only a few feet separate you from the ocean and views of whales during their migration season. If you want a closer view you can book boat tours, or simply enjoy scenic views and peaceful strolls through the town.

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