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16 Best Weekend Beach Getaways in the USA.
It’s not always possible to take a week-long trip to a beach destination. But we can all use a beach vacation now and then to make the most of our weekends.
When you want to see sand and check out sand surfing but have a short weekend, a rejuvenating weekend trip is the perfect way to get your fix before you head back to work on Monday.
From the rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest to the boardwalks of the Jersey Shore and the relaxing beach resorts of the Florida Keys, there’s a perfect beach getaway for every type of traveler.
We’ve sorted almost 15 of the best weekend beach getaways from major cities of the USA so you can think and plan your next trip.
01 Outer Banks, North Carolina.
When you need a significant amount of sand and surf in an idyllic, peaceful setting, the Outer Banks in North Carolina are the ideal choice.
Due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. by car, Duck, North Carolina, is a wonderful weekend getaway from the nation’s capital.
Nags Head, Cape Lookout National Seashore, and Ocracoke are just a few of the places worth visiting in this charming area, home to some of the best beaches in North Carolina.
An excellent way to enjoy the beach is from the region’s simple camping site, but there are also rental choices and accommodations like the Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks.
A fantastic way to enjoy the beach is from the local primitive camping site, although there are also rental choices and accommodations such as the Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks.
02 The Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston, Texas.
When you need a beach vacation close by, head to this Gulf Coast destination, just an hour’s drive from Houston.
Galveston offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including the Galveston Naval Museum, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and Pleasure Pier.
Additionally, there are several beaches to choose from, including Galveston Island State Park and the well-known East Beach.
Finally, you can take a ghost tour to discover the region’s history or take in the panoramic views from your room at the Grand Galvez.
03 Amelia Island, Florida.
Amelia Island is a charming barrier island on Florida’s Atlantic coast near the Georgia border. And it is just north of Jacksonville. It is ideal for cheap beach vacations.
With 13 miles of coastline, there is plenty of room to spread out on the beach, and it is home to golf courses and a charming downtown area.
For luxurious oceanfront accommodations, stay at the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island.
04 Nashville, Tennessee.
It is one of the best weekend getaways in the USA. Also, if you like country music, Music City is a great place to visit. You don’t need to like country music to enjoy these places.
The birthplace of country music is Nashville. Downtown Nashville has art galleries and record stores. The Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-visit place.
The Johnny Cash Museum is worth a visit. On the outskirts of the city, there is fresh air. After a day of museums, it was perfect. Additionally, Harpeth State Park has many scenic routes. Secretive and beautiful is the Hidden Lake Double Loop Trail.
05 The “Florida Keys” are located in Florida.
If you live in or close to Miami, you can finish this best beach road trip in a weekend with breathtaking views of the islands, the ocean, and numerous Key lime pie restaurants.
Once you arrive, you can make the most of the shorelines, explore the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, which hosts some of Florida’s most breathtaking coastlines, or journey to the southernmost point of the United States.
For a light, sunny getaway featuring a rum bar, reserve a stay at The Gates Hotel Key West. A dinner of seafood and a sunset boat ride to conclude the day creates the perfect weekend.
06 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Among the many stunning beaches in South Carolina, Hilton Head Island is one of the best weekend getaway destinations in the Palmetto State.
You’ll see why Hilton Head is hailed as one of the top islands in the nation after experiencing its pristine white sand beaches.
Hilton Head is perfect for families since it is located just a short drive from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charleston.
You will have access to one of the area’s leading courses and a view of the beach directly from your window at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort.
There are more than 33 championship golf courses, making it the ideal location for a golf vacation.
07 “Kiawah Island” is located in South Carolina.
Kiawah is a quiet ocean island in South Carolina and less than an hour from Charleston.
The island is a perfect weekend getaway thanks to world-class golf, soft beaches, warm hospitality, and five-star accommodations at The Sanctuary.
08 Jersey Shore, New Jersey.
Many New Jersey beaches are ideal for a weekend trip from New York City or Philadelphia, from the stunning Cape May in the south to the bustling Atlantic City and Ocean City.
Consider Point Pleasant or Asbury Park, which has enjoyable boardwalks and lovely beaches, if you’re looking for a peaceful, family-friendly location.
It will undoubtedly be a welcome break from the hectic city life wherever you go.
A chic, recent addition to the neighborhood, James Bradley is ideal for a weekend getaway.
09 Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland, and Virginia.
Take a trip for a weekend away from Baltimore and enjoy Assateague Island National Seashore.
It’s only three hours from the city, offering fresh air and picturesque scenery.
The 37-mile-long island is famous for the wild horses that roam its sandy beaches, so keep your camera ready for rare wildlife photography opportunities (keeping a safe distance from the animals, of course).
Many other activities available to tourists in this park include hiking, swimming, surfing, bird watching, and kayaking.
Bring a tent and your camping gear to spend a weekend immersed in the great outdoors on Assateague Island, one of the most beautiful camping spots in the United States, thanks to its oceanfront campsites.
10 Laguna Beach, California.
Los Angeles, an hour’s drive from downtown, Laguna Beach feels like a getaway from the city without going too far.
Relax on the beach, enjoy the marine life of the tide pools, or participate in Laguna’s original water sports of kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, and skimboarding. For a luxurious weekend getaway, make a reservation at The Ranch or the five-star Montage Laguna Beach.
11 The Hamptons, New York.
For New Yorkers seeking a beach getaway, the Hamptons is an excellent option.
Popular spots include East Hampton, Southampton, and Montauk, featuring lovely hotels, fantastic shopping, mouthwatering cuisine, and pristine beaches.
Gurney’s Montauk is a luxury hotel with 158 rooms, suites, and cottages with beach views and a private beach.
Charming options include Baker House 1650 in East Hampton and Barron’s Cove in Sag Harbor.
12. Olympic National Park in Washington.
Stroll along the rocky shores of Olympic National Park in Washington.
Olympic National Park is an ideal destination for those looking to get outdoors during their beach weekend.
Ruby Beach features incredible rock formations, driftwood piles, and active tide pools.
Calaloche Beach and Rialto Beach (known for its hole-in-the-wall) are among the park’s most popular beaches.
You never have to leave the area when you stay in one of the campsites, cabins, or lodges.
If you’re looking to take a break from the beach, the Hoh Rain Forest is a great place to hike.
Its lush, green vegetation will contrast sharply with the rocky shores a few miles away.
13 Cape Cod, Massachusetts Adrian Burke.
Cape Cod is a popular tourist destination in Massachusetts, located about 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Boston.
Depending on your chosen location on the Cape, Cape Cod represents the ideal Massachusetts beach weekend getaway.
There are several charming towns to choose from, including Chatham, Provincetown, and Haines.
Of course, Cape Cod National Seashore, with its six swimming beaches, is the perfect place to relax on the sand.
Family-friendly options include great surfing at Coast Guard Beach and the mile-long Nosset Light Beach.
For a luxurious stay, check out the Chatham Bars Inn, located right on the beach.
14 Monterey County, California.
The best beach getaway from San Francisco is Monterey County, which includes some of the most beautiful spots along the California coast.
You can stay in charming waterfront towns like Carmel or Monterey and enjoy considerable local cuisine and sandy beaches.
Try the L’Auberge Carmel, a historic Relais and Chateaux property close to the beach.
This area is heaven for golfers, too. There are several stunning courses located on the water in this area.
15 Saugatuck, Michigan.
Saugatuck, Michigan, situated under three hours from Detroit and around two and a half hours from Chicago, is an ideal location for a quick beach getaway in the Midwest.
You can relax on the beach and enjoy the sun’s rays or go for a cool swim along this stretch of Lake Michigan shore (sharks aren’t a problem here).
To enjoy the taste of culture while you are on beach vacations, make sure to visit the local galleries.
To get a taste of culture while you’re on a beach vacation, be sure to visit local galleries.
Additionally, the area’s Saugatuck Center for the Arts has been dubbed “Michigans Art Coast.”
There’s something for everyone here, with outdoor activities like kayaking, horseback riding, sailing, and hiking.
The Historic District contains the Hotel Saugatuck.
16 Georgia’s Tybee Island.
Since Tybee Island is the closest beach to Atlanta, it’s the ideal weekend getaway for traffic-heavy travelers.
Despite Georgia’s many beautiful beaches, Tybee is fantastic because it has something for everyone.
North Beach is well-known for its sand and surf, so if you want to avoid the crowds, go to Back River Beach.
Additionally, Tybee Island is only a short drive from downtown Savannah. So you can easily access many fantastic restaurants, museums, shops, bars, and historic lodgings like the Mansion on Forsyth Park.
