The Best Labor Day Getaways in Every State
Updated: Dec. 16, 2022Looking for one last summer hurrah? Here's what to do and where to go in each state for an unforgettable Labor Day getaway.
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Ready for a Labor Day weekend getaway?
Labor Day weekend is almost here! The three-day weekend is considered by many to be the unofficial end of summer (and a time to score big on some holiday sales), but that doesn’t mean you have to pack up the swimsuits just yet. In fact, you can toss your suit in a bag and hit the road for one of these fabulous (and relaxing) Labor Day getaways.
While many may opt for mini-vacations close to home, others would choose beach house rentals or cabin rentals further afield for their weekend getaways. Check out these 50 amazing Labor Day weekend getaways in every state, ranging from wellness retreats to road trips, to end the season on just the right note. If you are looking for an ideal roadtrips, experts estimate weekend getaways within 3 hours of your home is a good place to start.
Alabama: Gulf Shores
It still feels like summertime at the beach in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, on Labor Day, but the kids in the state have been back in school for weeks, so the beaches are less crowded. It’s also a fun time to see volunteers protecting sea turtle nests—and possibly even get the opportunity to see them hatch! Opened in 2018, the current Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel, is right on the beach and eco-friendly. Want to do some shopping while you’re there? Check out these stores open on Labor Day.
Alaska: Denali National Park
While you may think of Alaska as a winter wonderland, Denali National Park in September offers fantastic mountain views and opportunities to see wildlife while there are still long hours of daylight. In early September, you may discover fall colors and even have a chance to see the northern lights. While in the park, enjoy a hike along the Savage River, or let kids earn their Junior Ranger badge. Check out the Denali Backcountry Lodge or the Skyline Lodge for rustic accommodations. Of course, this area is also amazing in the colder months.
Arizona: Lake Powell-Glen Canyon Recreation Area
Rent a houseboat and hang out on Lake Powell over this holiday weekend. It’s one of the top houseboating locations in the United States, and prices drop significantly in late summer and early fall. Check out Lake Powell Resort, or consider a Signature Airstream rental from Lake Powell’s RV and Campground for a quiet but luxurious camping experience. These are more of our favorite RV parks around the country.
Arkansas: Hot Springs
For a festive Labor Day celebration, book a stay on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs. While there, visit Hot Springs National Park, which features naturally heated water for thermal baths and offers free admission—no wonder it’s considered one of the best hot springs in the United States. The town, where former President Bill Clinton grew up, also has Magic Springs theme and water parks, the Gangster Museum of America, and thoroughbred racing. Check out the Wharf Resort on Lake Hamilton for an overnight stay.
California: Los Angeles
Labor Day is the unofficial start to fall but it’s still warm and sunny in Los Angeles, a mecca of arts, culture, dining, shopping and celebrity sightings. Book your stay at the modern Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, in the heart of Old Hollywood near the neighborhood’s hottest bars, restaurants, music venues, and other attractions. You’ll want to hit the Godfrey’s rooftop bar and restaurant for sweeping views of the Hollywood sign and other iconic landmarks, not to mention a full sushi menu and weekend pool parties with a live DJ.
Local must-see attractions include the Frida Kahlo Immersive Exhibit, an Old Hollywood walking tour with April Clemmer, a delicious meal at Grandmaster Recorders, the former recording studio of David Bowie and Stevie Wonder, and one of the most beautiful colored sand beaches in the world.
Colorado: Denver
Checking out Colorado’s gorgeous outdoor mountain scenery is one of many great Labor Day getaways. In Denver, you get the best of both worlds: Enjoy some time in the city, then trek into the nearby Rocky Mountain foothills for hiking, mountain biking, or whitewater rafting.
Book a stay at The Curtis, a Doubletree by Hilton located two blocks from the 16th Street mall, where the playful artwork will add a touch of fun to your last days of summer. Stay in one of its rooms with fun themes like “Lucy & Desi,” “Barbie,” and “Video Games.” Colorado is also home to several mountain towns that look like they’re straight out of a storybook.
Connecticut: Mystic
Enjoy a romantic getaway to Mystic, Connecticut, over the long holiday weekend. Wander through the Mystic Seaport Museum or the Mystic Aquarium, or simply take a stroll through its historic downtown and along the Mystic River. Enjoy a hard cider at B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill, and bring home some maple syrup, local honey, and fudge. Book a stay at the quaint Whaler’s Inn for a classic New England experience. Find out which Connecticut area also landed on our list of the best road trips in America.
Delaware: Bethany Beach
Visit Delaware’s beaches for a final summer celebration by the sea. Bethany Beach is a small, quiet beach resort with quaint shops, a boardwalk, and yummy restaurants like DiFebo’s, Mango’s, and Bluecoast Seafood Grille. Stay at the Addy Sea, a quintessential New England bed-and-breakfast with beach views, a large lawn, and a comfy front porch.
Florida: Sanibel Island
For a quiet getaway, consider sleepy Sanibel Island on the Gulf of Mexico. Largely untouched by development, it doesn’t have any stoplights or buildings taller than a palm tree. While it’s known as one of the beaches with the best seashells in the world (though please leave those shells on the beach), it also boasts plenty of other outdoor activities, such as kayaking, exploring the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, and biking around the island and to its lighthouse.
The oceanfront Sundial Beach Resort makes a great home base on the island, or visit South Seas Island Resort on nearby Captiva Island.
Georgia: Blue Ridge Mountains
Get away to the mountains of North Georgia at Barnsley Resort, a rustic hotel offering many outdoor activities including fly-fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and golf across its 3,000 acres. The property has an outdoor beer garden with a fire pit, the gourmet Woodlands Grill, and a spa. Looking to travel after Labor Day? Check out these best fall weekend getaways.
Hawaii: Maui
You’ll find temperatures in the mid-80s in early September on Maui, arguably the best Hawaiian island. Over Labor Day, the water is also at its warmest, making it the perfect time to snorkel. Book a snorkeling trip to Molokini Crater with Kai Kanani tours, or hop in the sea right off the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa on Kaanapali Beach, where you’re likely to spot sea turtles swimming in the wild. Indulge in Italian dining one evening at the Taverna Maui restaurant in Kapalua Resort.
Idaho: Wallace
Love silver? Head to Wallace, the world’s largest silver producer and a town that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There, you can bike, rollerblade, or walk along the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes cycle path, explore the historic downtown, and pick up some unique silver souvenirs. Be sure to get a Huckleberry Shake at the Red Light Garage, and book a stay at the Wallace Inn. If you enjoy small towns, don’t miss this list with the most charming small town in every state, including Idaho.
Illinois: Arthur
Get your fall fix with a trip just south of Arthur, Illinois, to the 200 Acres Farm. This farm hosts its very own Great Pumpkin Patch throughout September and October, with more than 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from countries all over the world. In addition to picking out the perfect pumpkin at this renowned pumpkin patch, you can enjoy fall favorites like wagon rides, a corn maze, and animal visits, and make it a weekend with a stay at Arthur’s Country Inn.
Indiana: Indianapolis
You can check out the Indianapolis Speedway Museum at the world-famous track over Labor Day weekend. Fall is a great time to visit the area because hotel prices are lower than normal. You can’t go wrong with options like the JW Marriott, right at the White River State Park; the Crowne Plaza Historic Union Station, where you can sleep in an original Pullman train car (though the restaurant and pool are currently closed); or the hip Le Meridien, where you may be able to get a complimentary upgrade. Each hotel is within walking distance of downtown.
Iowa: Madison County
An option for a romantic Labor Day getaway is discovering the romantic covered bridges of Madison County featured in the novel and film The Bridges of Madison County, the most iconic novel set in Iowa. The five bridges were each constructed in the late 1800s, and one is even said to be haunted. Wander through charming Winterset, and make sure to have lunch at the Northside Cafe and stop at the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum. For a great place to stay, try the Covered Bridge Inn just off of Highway 92.
Kansas: Kansas City
In Kansas City, you can eat your fill of Kansas City barbecue at many restaurants now offering outdoor dining, visit the National World War I Museum and Memorial, or enjoy some family fun at Great Wolf Lodge. Kids can have a ball at the indoor water park, play mini-golf, and go on a MagiQuest adventure. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive experience, check out the best all-inclusive resorts for families.
Kentucky: Lexington
Head to the Bluegrass of Lexington for a weekend filled with all things horses and bourbon. Visit the Kentucky Horse Park to see horse shows and demonstrations, or take a tour of the area’s famous horse farms with their rolling green hills and white picket fences. Then, check out local bourbon distilleries like Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey. You can also pop by Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., which has great craft beer.
As for where to stay, try the Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington Green. It’s close to Lexington Green, Fayette Mall, and the Summit at Fritz Farm, and an easy drive to downtown.
Louisiana: Thibodaux
If you’re looking for some seafood before summer comes to a close, head to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, about 45 minutes from New Orleans. A wonderful way to eat your way through the region is to explore the Cajun Bayou Food Trail, a network of restaurants and food-centric events. Lay your head overnight at the Carmel Inn in downtown Thibodaux, which is owned by local Cajuns who treat you like you’re part of the family. Not surprisingly, Thibodaux is one of the most charming small towns in the United States.
Maine: Cape Neddick
Get active before summer ends at the Cliff House Hotel in Cape Neddick on the southern coast of Maine, near Ogunquit. Take your pick of hiking and biking, surfing and sailing, kayaking on the York Harbor and Ogunquit River, or fishing and lobstering trips around Bald Head Cliff. There’s also a spa and a golf driving range for even more end-of-summer fun. On your trip, be sure to see “The Nubble” lighthouse, built in 1879, from Sohier Park. Here are more of the most beautiful seaside towns in America.
Maryland: Havre de Grace
For a relaxing end-of-summer escape with ideal temperatures, consider the quaint Vandiver Inn in Havre de Grace, Maryland. Stroll the Havre de Grace Farmers Market on Saturday, discover the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, and enjoy a Labor Day meal at the Vineyard Bar. A short drive away, you can take a guided canoe tour at the Eden Mill Nature Center, though you’ll need to schedule it in advance.
Massachusetts: Boston
Since many people head to the state’s beaches, an escape to the city may be a less crowded and more affordable choice over Labor Day. Boston is also a must-stop on any Atlantic Coast road trip.
Hotel Commonwealth, located in the heart of Kenmore Square overlooking historic Fenway Park, makes it easy to access Lucky Strike Bowl and the iconic Irish Lansdowne Pub. You can even book a stay in the Rathskeller Suite, designed in tribute to the famous underground music venue “The Rat.”
Michigan: Ann Arbor
This utterly charming university town, home to the University of Michigan, will put you in the fall spirit. Stroll through the downtown into the State Street district to explore historic architecture, shopping, art, and fine dining, or make your way to Kerrytown and grab a sandwich at the famous Zingerman’s Deli (you may need to order in advance).
The boutique Graduate Ann Arbor hotel is across the street from the university and offers free bike rentals for exploring the town, as well as a cocktail lounge. While in Michigan, you may also want to visit the Ford House, one of the most beautiful mansions in the country.
Minnesota: Voyageurs National Park
For true outdoor lovers, consider a weekend getaway to Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota. Made up of four major lakes and 26 minor lakes, it offers abundant opportunities to enjoy the water either by renting a boat or taking a boat tour with a park ranger. There are also 27 miles of hiking trails, as well as waterfalls and ancient petroglyphs. Explore it all from your home base of the Cantilever Hotel, part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham, in the town of Ranier.
If you want to get even closer to nature, you can actually camp at Voyageurs—and these other national parks around the country.
Mississippi: Ocean Springs
The coast of Mississippi on the Gulf of Mexico makes for an ideal ocean escape. Historic and quaint Ocean Springs is a small town with plentiful southern live oak trees that’s known for its arts and festivals. You’ll find more than 200 shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars to raise a glass to toast the end of summer.
The Gulf Hills Hotel & Conference Center, built in 1927, once served as Elvis’s home and makes an interesting and fun spot to stay a night or two. If you want to stay longer and wonder if you should pack your favorite white shirt, here’s what to know about wearing white after Labor Day.
Missouri: Lake of the Ozarks
Celebrating Labor Day weekend at Lake of the Ozarks is a tradition for many families, and it offers lots of great outdoor activities across its 1,100 miles of shoreline. Hang out at the beach, go fishing, cruise the lake, enjoy a round of golf, or even go horseback riding. The Margaritaville Lake Resort makes a fun spot to lay your head.
Montana: Big Sky
For the perfect mountain getaway, book a room at the Lone Mountain Ranch in Montana’s Big Sky. Established in 1915 and situated at the base of the northern Rocky Mountains, the resort offers 27 historic log cabins for a rustic escape. Opt for the Summer Discovery package and you’ll enjoy three daily meals, a ranch-style barbecue, live Western music, and a tour of Yellowstone National Park, as well as horseback riding, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
Check out these amazing wildlife photos in Yellowstone National Park to further inspire your Montana escape.
Nebraska: Omaha
Want to enjoy a Midwest vacation spot? Head to Omaha for a Nebraska-style Labor Day getaway. The city offers a children’s museum, a zoo, and an aquarium, and you shouldn’t miss the chance to explore its Old Market neighborhood, filled with shops, dining, and art galleries. The EVEN Hotel Omaha Downtown is a wellness-themed property where you can enjoy in-room fitness equipment, healthy eats, and a state-of-the-art gym for staying fit on the go.
Nevada: Lake Tahoe
Get your fill of both the mountains and a beautiful lake in gorgeous Lake Tahoe. Zephyr Cove Resort offers a lodge, cabins, and an RV campground with Airstreams. There are so many activities to enjoy in the area, including lake cruises, horseback riding, parasailing, fishing, and simply hanging out on the beach one last time before the close of summer. Check out even more of the most beautiful lakes in America for swimming.
New Hampshire: White Mountains
For a picture-perfect mountain getaway this Labor Day, consider a White Mountains road trip in New Hampshire. Hike more than 160 miles of trails, and head up Mount Washington if you dare. The White Mountain Cog Railway is also a fun activity that takes visitors on a guided three-hour, round-trip ride through the mountains. The grand Omni Mount Washington Resort in nearby Bretton Woods is an elegant property set at the base of the mountains, offering jaw-dropping vistas.
New Jersey: Cape May
Congress Hall, America’s oldest seaside resort, located in Cape May, New Jersey, makes the list of top Labor Day getaways. This historic property is the former vacation spot of several U.S. presidents. The resort regularly hosts activities like birding, archery, yoga on the beach, and more. Known for its Victorian architecture, Cape May has miles of coastline, quaint shopping, and a picturesque lighthouse.
New Mexico: Taos Ski Valley
To escape the heat of summer, Taos Ski Valley offers visitors cool and crisp temperatures typically in the mid-60s, ideal for outdoor activities. Discover the scenery on mountain biking trails, as well as hiking trails and chairlift rides. Other options include rock climbing, electric bikes, fishing, and hot air balloon rides. The Hotel St. Bernard makes a lovely spot to spend the weekend.
New York: Cooperstown
While summer is the busiest season for Cooperstown, Labor Day is a great time to visit, with fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, and milder weather. Top attractions in the area include its historic village, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, area apple orchards, and Otsego Lake. Book a stay at the Otesaga Resort Hotel along Otsego Lake, within walking distance of the village, and enjoy boating and golfing.
North Carolina: Outer Banks
The Outer Banks of North Carolina have some of the largest stretches of undeveloped beaches on the East Coast, for a quiet beach retreat. Take a drive along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, which boasts miles of natural coastline.
Comprised of four islands, the Outer Banks are home to several national and state parks with a history that dates back to the first English colony at Roanoke Island, the Wright Brothers’ first flight near Kitty Hawk, and the tallest lighthouse, at Cape Hatteras. The oceanside Sanderling Resort in Duck offers a beach, pools, and a spa.
North Dakota: Medora
Plan a visit to lovely Medora, North Dakota, an Old West town in the area’s Badlands. Discover its charming downtown, where you can take a stagecoach ride and watch the famous Medora Musical. It’s also a great home base to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
The AmericInn by Wyndham offers Jacuzzi suites, a free daily breakfast, and an indoor pool, and it’s within walking distance of Medora’s downtown. Love Old West towns? Don’t miss these small towns that look like they’re frozen in time.
Ohio: Cincinnati
Enjoy the beauty of this city, set along the Ohio River and filled with activities from a zoo to museums to the Great American Ballpark, home of the Cincinnati Reds. Explore the city’s trendy Over-the-Rhine District, making sure to stop for a meal at the Sacred Beast diner and take a free tour of the historic Findlay Market. The AC Hotel Cincinnati at the Banks is a convenient place to stay close to many downtown attractions, including Ohio River cruises on BB Riverboats.
Oklahoma: Tulsa
Indulge in a few days of fun at Safari Joe’s H2O Water & Adventure Park in Tulsa. Families will find 10 different water attractions, including a wave pool, waterslides, and a lazy river. Safari Joe’s also has a reptile exhibit with exotic animals like snakes, lemur monkeys, parrots, and more, as well as entertainment, including magic shows, karaoke, and concerts. The Tulsa Club Hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, offers upscale accommodations in the Deco District of downtown.
Oregon: Bend
How does floating down a river in an inner tube as a way to soak in the last days of summer sound? You can do that and more in Bend, where the Deschutes River flows right through town. The city also offers world-class rock climbing, hiking, fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and 18 breweries along the Bend Ale Trail. Consider staying at the Pronghorn Resort, which puts you in the center of the action.
Pennsylvania: Lackawanna County
Lackawanna County is an affordable getaway just west of the Poconos in northeast Pennsylvania. Fun options in the area include the chance to tour an 1860 coal mine and take a trolley ride through the mountains. Stay at the Hilton Scranton in the heart of downtown, then hop over to the Montage Mountain Resort, where you can zipline, play mini-golf, splash around an outdoor water park, and more.
Rhode Island: Providence
Providence offers a range of activities for all ages, from the Providence Children’s Museum for kids to its large collection of colonial buildings on Benefit Street that will appeal to architecture buffs. Labor Day is also a great time to visit one of the city’s many farmers markets that run through October. You can also take a boat ride on the city’s rivers with the Providence River Boat Company. The Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel is convenient to many area attractions and offers an artistic ambiance.
South Carolina: Hilton Head Island
In South Carolina, book a weekend on the beaches of Hilton Head Island to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort offers something for everyone, with three championship golf courses, an inland lagoon, the beachfront Dunes House restaurant, and bike, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. Head across the street to Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina for shopping, more dining, and lots of water activities, including fishing charters.
South Dakota: Black Hills
Take one last outdoor adventure before the cooler weather descends on the Black Hills of South Dakota, which is home to famous American landmarks like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Enjoy a hike around the famous carvings of U.S. presidents, or hop on a bike to discover the region in the open air. The K Bar S Lodge offers scenic mountain views near Mount Rushmore.
Tennessee: Pigeon Forge
Not feeling Nashville for a Labor Day getaway? Head to Pigeon Forge in Tennessee instead. This mountain city lies along the Great Smoky Mountains and has plenty of family-friendly activities to take advantage of. Check out the Hollywood Wax Museum to see your favorite stars immortalized in wax, then head to Dollywood for a day of fun and thrills—courtesy of the music legend herself, Dolly Parton. Consider booking a stay at the Margaritaville Island Hotel and getting a taste of island living in the mountains.
Texas: Dallas
With more domestic nonstop flights than any other U.S. city, Dallas is easy to reach from around the country. Outdoor lovers can walk through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, while architecture fans can take an architectural walking tour through Dallas’s architecture districts. The Hilton Anatole, located in the city’s design district, features a spa, a pool with a lazy river, and an extensive art collection. Want more Texas? Check out these Texas road trips you should try to take at least once.
Utah: Park City
Expect mild temperatures in the low 70s in late August in Park City, the perfect weather to explore the city’s gorgeous scenery. Get outside in its many parks and on hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Other fun options include hot air ballooning, fishing, horseback riding, and more. The Waldorf Astoria Park City makes for an elegant spot to lay your head when you’re exhausted from all the day’s activity, or opt for the more affordable Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Park City – The Yarrow. In the winter, Park City is one of the best places to ski in the United States.
Vermont: Jeffersonville
Get active in Vermont’s Green Mountains over Labor Day weekend at the family-friendly Smugglers’ Notch Resort, known as “Smuggs,” in Jeffersonville. While it’s still warm, indulge in the resort’s four water playgrounds, make your way through a treetop obstacle course, hike the mountains, or play a round of disc golf. Choose from a mix of condos to host groups of various sizes.
Virginia: McGaheysville
Experience the scenic landscapes of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley over Labor Day at Massanutten Resort in McGaheysville. Enjoy one last hurrah at the outdoor portion of the resort’s award-winning WaterPark, as well as go zip-lining, mountain biking, and more. Check out more mini family vacations that won’t break the bank.
Washington: Cle Elum
While the summer crowds are gone from Cle Elum’s Suncadia Resort, the property is still buzzing with activity. With an average temperature in the mid-70s, the weather is just right for outdoor fun like beer and bike tours, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, and fly-fishing. You can also get in one last splash at the Nelson Farm Pool, which has a lazy river, splash pad, and whirlpool.
West Virginia: White Sulphur Springs
Take a trip back in time at the historic Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, a National Historic Landmark built in 1778. The resort, which has played host to many a president and celebrity, offers a wide variety of amenities and activities to entertain all interests. Choose from golf courses, a spa, gaming, and lots of upscale restaurants.
Wisconsin: Natural Bridge State Park
Get out into Wisconsin’s great outdoors at Natural Bridge State Park. Here, you’ll find a natural sandstone arch and an 11,000-year-old rock shelter. There are about four miles of hiking trails, including a self-guided nature trail. Keep an eye out for a variety of birds, including bald eagles. The Great Wolf Lodge in nearby Wisconsin Dells is a fun place to stay, and it’s a particularly great choice if you have kids, since it has an indoor water park.
Wyoming: Jackson Hole
Labor Day is the perfect time to visit Jackson Hole, as the weather is still dry, the fall colors are changing, there’s active wildlife, and nearby national parks are still open. The Lodge at Jackson Hole offers a luxurious but western setting right in the heart of downtown Jackson. Enjoy a breakfast buffet included with your stay before heading out for a day of hiking, followed by a relaxing massage at the spa.