Make the most of a long weekend with a 3 day getaway
A long weekend getaway is the perfect way to break your routine without burning through too many precious vacation days. Whether you’re eager to cram as much sightseeing, culture, food, and nightlife as you can into an action-packed city break, hankering after some fresh mountain air, hitting the ski slopes, or longing to lounge lazily on the beach, there are so many ways to make the most of a few days off. To get you fired up for your next mini vacation, here are 6 of the most popular spots for a 3 day weekend trip. Each of these is easy to reach by plane or car, and awash with appealing vacation home rentals.
Chic cities for a long weekend trip
New York City
A bucket list destination for urban explorers of all stripes, New York truly has it all—an awe-inspiring skyline, mesmerizing museums, mouthwatering cuisine, and iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. Over the course of a frenetic long weekend in NYC you can shop ‘til you drop on stylish Fifth Avenue, savor the lavish spectacle of a Broadway musical, and sip colorful cocktails in the bohemian bars of the East Village. Experience the Big Apple like a local by booking a vacation home in your favorite neighborhood—take your pick from luxurious Midtown penthouses, sleek SoHo studio apartments, or handsome Brooklyn Brownstones.
San Francisco
Dazzlingly diverse and cosmopolitan, but also compact and walkable, it’s no wonder San Francisco is one of California’s most visited urban destinations. The City by the Bay is renowned for its elegant Victorian buildings, quaint cable cars, sloped streets, and laid-back vibe, as well as must-see attractions like the Art Deco-style Golden Gate Bridge. Vacation rentals run the gamut from sleek Downtown apartments to lavish mansions for rent in the Bay Area, so you’re sure to find something that ticks all the right boxes for your weekend getaway.
Long weekend getaway destinations by the beach
Clearwater Beach
Whether you’re planning a last minute 4th of July weekend getaway or longing for a quick fix of winter sun, Clearwater Beach is a compelling choice for a relaxing short break. The main draw is its sublime stretch of soft white sand, which can invariably be found thronging with sun-worshippers of all ages. Its palm-fringed promenade is an idyllic spot for a sunset stroll, and you can marvel at astonishing ocean-dwellers at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Some of the area’s most sought-after villa rentals boast jaw-dropping sea views and direct beach access.
Haleiwa
Just 35 minutes by car from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Haleiwa is one of Hawaii’s best long weekend getaway destinations. Less developed than bustling areas like Waikiki, this chilled-out coastal community is renowned for its golden sands, world-class surfing, and its community of majestic sea turtles. Haleiwa vacation homes range from cozy studio apartments ideal for a spontaneous romantic weekend, to lavish beachfront estates large enough to host a family reunion or wedding reception. The local dining scene is similarly varied—grab a made-to-order poke bowl from a seafront food truck, or feast on Hawaiian-style slow-roasted pork in an upscale restaurant.
Majestic mountain retreats for a 3 day weekend trip
Aspen
For jaw-dropping natural spectacle with a side order of jet set glamour, look no further than Aspen. Set in the rugged Rocky Mountains, at the edge of the lush White River National Forest, this Colorado resort town has long been a favored haunt of the rich and famous, as demonstrated by the gourmet restaurants and opulent vacation rentals you’ll find scattered across town. But you don’t need the bank balance of a Hollywood movie star to enjoy a rejuvenating long weekend here—Aspen’s smart getaway cabins with self-catering facilities offer plenty of bang for your buck.
Whistler
Nestled among the soaring peaks of the southern Pacific Ranges, and around a 2-hour drive from vibrant Vancouver, Whistler is one of the world’s best-loved mountain resorts. It’s known chiefly as a winter sports hotspot, with miles of pristine, powder-covered slopes to ski or snowboard down during the chillier months. But it’s an equally beguiling destination in summer, when the snow melts away to reveal verdant valleys that you can explore by mountain bike or foot. There are plenty of rustic cabin rentals available in and around town, as well as more luxurious vacation homes with private pools and hot tubs.