5 long-weekend getaways for summer
Plan the ultimate summer vacation with five long-weekend getaways across the US, featuring vibrant cities, beach escapes, mountain stays, and festive holidays.
By Jessica Poitevien | May 7, 2026
With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start making plans to enjoy the warm weather and holiday weekends. From Memorial Day and Fourth of July to Juneteenth and Labor Day, there are plenty of opportunities to save your PTO and go on a long-weekend trip. With some cities going all out for these celebrations, it’s important to match the destination with the right occasion. Below, we share some of the best long-weekend summer getaways.
In this article: Long-weekend getaways for summer
Memorial Day weekend in San Diego
Juneteenth in Galveston, Texas
Memorial Day weekend in San Diego
Kick off summer with a Memorial Day weekend escape to San Diego. From beach days in Coronado to harbor cruises and outdoor concerts, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the holiday. Staying at Hilton San Diego Bayfront puts you right on the scenic waterfront, just a short stroll from the Gaslamp Quarter’s dining and nightlife. Spend your days lounging by the resort-style pool, biking along San Diego Bay, or exploring nearby attractions like Seaport Village and the USS Midway Museum. For a retreat from the California sun, indulge in a variety of locally inspired treatments at eforea Spa. Come mealtime, you don’t have to go far, with the hotel offering six on-site dining options, including Hudson & Nash, which highlights fresh coastal flavors with international flair.
Juneteenth in Galveston, Texas
As the birthplace of Juneteenth, Galveston, Texas, is the best place to celebrate this historically momentous holiday. Expect parades, cultural events, lively festivals, and historical reenactments. With a stay at the conveniently located Hilton Galveston Island Resort, you won’t miss a beat on any of the festivities. You’re less than half a mile (0.8 kilometers) away from white-sand beaches, a fishing pier, and the Galveston Island Convention Center, while other attractions like Moody Gardens and Pleasure Pier are within a 10-minute drive. Back at the resort, take a dip in the outdoor pool, enjoy a drink at the swim-up bar, or keep up with your workout routine at the 24-hour fitness center. After a long day, refuel at 5400 Bistro, where fresh seafood dishes are the star of the menu.
Fourth of July in Washington, D.C.
It’s no surprise that the nation's capital hosts some of the best Fourth of July celebrations, including a massive annual concert on the National Mall followed by a fireworks show illuminating the sky above the national monuments. With Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill as your home base, you’ll enjoy your long weekend beyond the Independence Day festivities. The hotel places you just steps away from Washington Union Station and the United States Capitol, so you can easily spend your days meandering through monuments, landmarks, and museums or take a quick jaunt outside the city to enjoy hiking at a nearby national parks, such as Great Falls National Park or Shenandoah National Park. No matter which activities you choose, the spacious rooms back at the hotel provide a welcome respite, with a flavorful, locally inspired dinner at Bistro 525 just steps from your room.
Labor Day weekend in Miami
By September, some cities are already entering fall, but you can soak up more summer vibes with a Labor Day weekend getaway to Miami. Splurge on renting a boat with your friends, indulge in a variety of Latin cuisines, enjoy Miami’s epic nightlife, and, of course, plan a beach day. At Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach, all these activities are right at your doorstep. Take dips in the outdoor pool, relax on a sun lounger, or stroll along the sands of South Beach, which sits right in front of the hotel. When you’ve worked up an appetite, take your taste buds on a trip to Greece with a meal at the on-site restaurant, Santorini by Georgios. If relaxation is what you’re looking for, Spa 101 offers massage, body scrubs, cooling treatments, and more.
A relaxing long weekend in Bozeman, Montana
Whether it’s for a holiday or not, you can’t go wrong by spending a long weekend connecting with nature in Bozeman, Montana. Take a day trip to Yellowstone National Park or stay nearby to explore the Lewis and Clark Caverns, Palisade Falls, and the popular M Trail. Check into Home2 Suites by Hilton Bozeman Four Corners, and you’ll be only two minutes away from another top attraction: the Bozeman Hot Springs. The hotel also offers direct access to Big Sky Mountain Resort, where you’ll find horseback riding, fly fishing, and more. With the hotel’s free hot breakfast, you’ll be fueled for a full day of outdoor adventures. When you’re not out exploring, unwind in your spacious room or suite, whip up a snack in your kitchenette, or relax sore muscles in the pool.
Jessica Poitevien
Jessica Poitevien is an international storyteller with more than a decade of experience in writing and editing. Born in New York, she caught the travel bug throughout multiple moves that brought her to California, Spain, Colombia, and her current home base in South Florida. She has visited over 40 countries (and counting!), including several solo trips. When she's not traveling, Jessica enjoys making social media content, trying new food, and acting as a travel agent for friends and family.
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