One of the best things about the start of the New Year is the fresh set of vacation leaves we get from work so to help you plan ahead here are the 11 best places to visit in the USA for 3 days. Whether it’s a long weekend or just a quick getaway from a busy work week, it’s important to make time for some R&R.
According to a study done by Canadian researchers Wallace and Joudrey, taking vacations and active leisure pursuits help relieve job-related stress. There are many places to visit in the US that you probably never knew existed or never considered as a place for recreation! You may not believe it you have a lot of choices at your disposal. In fact, we even had a list of 11 best places in the USA for singles.
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For this roster, we curated it from the weekend getaway recommendations of the New York Times, Travel Channel, Southern Living, Forbes, US News, and ABC News. We looked at the destinations that repeatedly appeared in those lists and ranked them accordingly. We had to use more references than usual as rosters like these feature a variety of unique options and only a handful of places repeat in other lists. So this means that if a certain place is common to two or three of these lists, it really is worth checking out. The more frequent the place appears on any of these sites, the higher rank it’s given.
Are you ready to start plotting your vacation this year? Here are some of the best destinations you can visit in the country!
11. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
If you’re looking for a coastal getaway with a golf resort, then Kiawah Island in South Carolina is your weekend destination. It will give you summer in a nutshell—sea, sun, and sand. There are bike trails, tennis courts, canoeing, and long stretches of beaches for all your outdoor activities. The 5-star Kiawah Island Golf Beach Resort is the highlight of the place but if it’s not within your budget there’s 11 miles of beach scenery at Beachwalker Park that is open to the public.
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10. San Diego, California
San Diego is a family-friendly destination with sights such as the Legoland, Sea World, Balboa Park, and San Diego Zoo. It’s rich in lush public parks, waterfronts, and beaches. California’s second largest city boasts of an eclectic mix of hotels, restaurants, and spas perfect for leisure travelers. San Diego also has a famous historic part of the city called the Gaslamp Quarter where you can find art galleries, pubs, and quaint shops. It may be a big city but it has the small town vibe to it.
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9. Tucson, Arizona
The desert has never looked so beautiful when you’re in Tucson. The cactus-sewn landscape of Saguaro National Park and the breathtaking Sonoran Desert are just some of the stops you need to see in this destination. Famous for their prime golf courses, Tucson can be really warm so make sure you can handle the heat. You can also go mountain biking at the Arizona trail and hiking at the Sabino Canyon. With very strong Hispanic roots, it has a lot of cultural and historic attractions such as the Barrio Histórico and El Presidio Historic District. These locales will make you feel like you’re in an old Mexican village with their colorful adobe structures.
8. Finger Lakes, New York
With eleven lakes spread out like fingers, this destination is so tranquil you wouldn’t want to go back to your daily city grind. Finger Lakes is the New England of New York known for its scenic waterfalls and almost 100 wineries. It has stunning hills, beautiful small towns, Amish farmlands, and tranquil lakes. With an array of gourmet restaurants and vineyards at your disposal, Finger Lakes is one of the few destinations that can beckon travelers to come back over and over again.
7. Miami, Florida
When you think of Miami sprawling beaches and lively bars come to mind. In one of his rap songs Will Smith called the city “Ain’t no city in the world like this.” Aside from lounging on the beach, take a stroll at Haulover Beach Park, visit the famous Bass Museum of Art or go on a South Beach and Art Deco Tour. Then when nighttime hits, go bar hopping and dance the night away with the beautiful people of Miami. Sports fans can check out the famous American Airlines Arena while families can take a tour at the Miami Seaquarium, Jungle Island or Coral Castle.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
One of the best scenic spots in the country, the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is every bit picturesque. You need to stay at Estes Park and ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to appreciate better the views of the destination. It’s best for family getaways with kid-friendly hikes along the Alberta Falls area. Take a drive on the Old Fall River Road, which will take you past Chasm Falls, Chapin-Chaquita-Ypsilon mountains, and other incredible sights. This 11-mile stretch is only open for a few weeks during the summer so you should take advantage of it in that season. You can also stay in the Lawn Lake for some trout fishing if you’re not into hiking or long drives.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is the United States’s version of Europe. With the classic French Quarter and opulent Garden District, there are many things you can do in New Orleans. The most famous of which is the live jazz performances in the Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse or the Preservation Hall. You can also take your time roaming around the museums and art galleries in the Warehouse District and Jackson Square. Make sure you stop by the Mardi Gras World to get a glimpse of the floats and parades. There’s something for the kids, too! Check out the famous Audubon Nature Institute and Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. With all its myriad offerings, New Orleans is truly one of the 11 best places to visit in the USA for 3 days or probably more!
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4. Nashville, Tennessee
Known as the roots of country music, Nashville has the best places for music lovers. Your long weekend will easily be packed with visits to the Grand Ole Opry, the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. It’s no surprise that Nashville is dubbed as “Music City.” But there’s more to this destination than music-related sights. You can visit the Nashville Farmer’s Market, Bluebird Café, The Parthenon, and Loveless Motel and Café (for the crispiest and most scrumptious fried chicken you’ll ever taste).
3. Charleston, South Carolina
Where else can you find a city with gas-lamp lit cobbled streets and carriages? Only in Charleston, South Carolina! Known as the “friendliest city” in America, this destination will take you back in time with its historic spots like the Drayton Hall, Nathaniel Russell Home, Boone Hall, Johns Island, and Fort Moultrie. The Old City Market and Magnolia Plantations & Gardens are must-see places, too. And if you still happen to fancy a beach destination, Charleston has the Isle of Palms Country Park, Folly Beach, and Sullivan’s Island to offer.
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2. Austin, Texas
Austin is another haven for music lovers with a sundry live music venues all over the city. If you just want to have a good time and not think about anything, go to this city. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” get ready to discover fresh music and new talent at the Sixth Street. There’s something for everyone in Austin. If you’re not into music you can go biking at the lush Zilker Park, take a dip in Barton Springs Pool and Hamilton Pool Preserve, go bat-watching at Austin Bats, spend time at the Blanton Museum of Art or go bargain-hunting at the Renaissance Market. And don’t forget to eat Austin’s famous slow smoked barbecues at Franklin’s, Stubb’s or Rudy’s!
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1. San Antonio, Texas
Recommended by 4 out of our 6 sources, San Antonio tops our list. It’s very rare to find a destination that is commonly reviewed by travel sites or articles. There are many reasons why San Antonio, Texas is a favorite for weekend getaways. Aside from warm Texan hospitality, the city is rich in history as it is the home of the Battle of the Alamo. There’s the must-see downtown River Walk with beautiful landscapes, relaxing patios, quaint structures, and impressive outdoor art. Not to mention the tranquil pools and waterfalls. There’s also the famous Alamo, Spanish Governor’s Palace, San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, and Brackenridge Park. For families, check out the SeaWorld (a largest marine-themed amusement park in the world) and the San Antonio Zoo and Museum.
New experiences await you at the 11 best places to visit in the USA for 3 days. Put these destinations on your bucket list or plot them in your long weekend getaways for the year. Plan ahead so that you don’t get overwhelmed with the things you want to do. Some cities are worth going back repeatedly and if you plan to do that try returning in a different season. Start with the cities closest to you so you won’t have to travel far. Here’s to an adventure-filled year!
