Many vacationers decide to plan their trip last minute and there is a great selection of destinations and cheap weekend getaways and vacation ideas to choose from. Look for deals nearby to save time and money - last minute travel is one of the best ways to get a great deal. Although last minute booking can mean less choice in the type of accommodations and activities, it can be a great way to book cheap vacations.
Weekend Getaways - East Coast
East Coast travelers have many exciting choices when planning a last minute weekend getaway.
- If you live in the NYC area, quick day trips include romantic NY inns, beaches, fun activities, affordable long weekends with kids, and historical attractions. Visit the Catskills or Hudson Valley. Discover Montauk and Newport, RI attractions.
- If you live in the Washington, D.C. area and are looking for cheap last minute weekend getaways for couples, head to Charlottesville, Chesapeake Bay, Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, and more.
- Other fun last minute travel weekend destinations on the East Coast include Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont.
- For a three-day weekend, fly to Florida, famous for its sandy beaches and warm weather. Or visit the parks in North Carolina and enjoy the beaches of South Carolina.
Last Minute Vacations - West Coast
Whether you are looking for last minute romantic West Coast getaways or family road trip ideas, there is an abundance of options.
- Top California where you will find last minute travel deals and cheap trips include Monterey, Cambria, Carmel and Napa Valley.
- The state of Oregon, offering many cheap vacations, is home to beautiful beaches and unique places to visit, including Eugene, Seaside, Astoria, and other romantic spots.
- For more last minute travel deals and getaways near me, look at Washington State which is well known for its beautiful WA islands, wineries and pristine nature.
Last Minute Trips & Weekend Getaways for Couples - Midwest
Midwest offers a selection of destinations and cheap vacation spots for families and couples looking for last minute getaways, including large cities, secluded island spots and quiet places for outdoor lovers.
- Visit Milwaukee, Cleveland, Madison, or Wichita if you are interested in art museums, historical sites and cultural tours.
- Head to a hotel in Michigan or a romantic bed and breakfast in Indiana if you are interested in relaxing surrounded by nature and friendly service on your weekend getaways.
- Families with kids will find waterparks, affordable fun adventures and other things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
- Couples can look for romantic castles in Ohio and scenic waterfalls in Ohio.
- Last minute travel deals usually include room specials, unique amenities like free massages, or free dining credit.
More Cheap Vacations & Weekend Getaway Ideas
Experience warm hospitality, history, great food and an array of things to do in the South, USA.
- Learn about history hands-on by exploring the attractions in Mississippi, South Carolina, West Virginia and Tennessee. See beautiful lakes, best USA castles, unique wildlife and national parks.
- Visit water parks in Alabama, listen to incredible music in Nashville and New Orleans, and learn about horse racing in Kentucky on your last minute vacation.
- Plan a romantic trip in the Southwest, whether you enjoy golf, shopping or art on your weekend trips.
- Sometimes you can find great last minute deals on flights to Hawaii, letting you experience magical Oahu, Kauai or the Big Island at a fraction of the coast.
Fun Family Weekend Getaways
Getting away to a small town or a major city like New York, LA, Indianapolis, Dallas, Las Vegas or Boston can mean plenty of last minute vacation fun for the whole family.
- Kids can have fun at a natural history museum exploring dinosaur exhibits and watching a planetarium show.
- There is also plenty of great food, historical and cultural attractions, music and outdoor playtime in the city parks.
- On a sunny day, take the whole family to scenic spot and take that perfect Christmas card photo, followed by a lunch at one of the local eateries tasting new cuisine.
- In the evening, see a famous musical, opera, concert or a theatre performance after a fun family dinner.
- U.S. cities have no shortage of incredible weekend getaways and last minute vacation packages for families.
Quick Getaway in Jacksonville
Couples booking a last minute trip to the Jacksonville will find it was a wise and affordable choice. There is plenty to do on a budget, including biking 14 miles of the relaxing, tree canopied Baldwin Trail, taking a complimentary Budwieser Brewery tour and tasting, and catching a free outdoor summer movie at Sea Walk Pavilion.
Lovers can amp up the romance with a beachside stroll anywhere along the 22 miles of white-sand beaches.
Historic San Marco Square offers couples trendy art galleries and chic clothing boutiques, the oldest community theater in the U.S. at Theatre Jacksonville, and Riverfront Park for romantic sunsets.
Fun Weekend Getaway in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is the perfect destination for couples whose idea of relaxation and romance is doing fun things together. It’s the ultimate desert getaway with a Hollywood legacy. Tours include everything from Palm Springs architecture to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, Social Cycles’s 16-passenger touring bike, and a self-guided scooter exploration of Palm Springs and Coachella Valley. Adventurous types can explore the surrounding mountains and desert with eco-friendly highlights like Idyllwild and Joshua Tree. Palm Springs has an upscale culinary scene where dining alfresco is the norm, and an uptown Design District that begs exploration.
Lucky last minute getaways could coincide with Palm Springs International Film Festival or Coachella Valley Music Festival. Keep reading for more inexpensive vacations and cheap weekend getaways for couples.
Columbia, MO Getaway
Columbia, Missouri, is a vibrant college town with an energetic vibe. Couples on a last minute getaway can quickly familiarize themselves with the foodie scene on a food tour. The Ninth Street Historic District provides young, or young-at-heart couples plenty of entertainment, including trendy clothing stores, restaurants, and local live music at The Blue Note.
Outdoorsy couples can do some impromptu exploration at popular Rock Bridge Memorial State Park where there are opportunities to scramble, hike, and bike.
Shelter Gardens provides a more formal outdoor experience where couples can stroll the gardens, or if they’re lucky, catch an outdoor summer concert.
Keep reading for more cheap vacations, last minute vacation packages and weekend getaways for couples near me.
Inexpensive Vacation in Greenville, SC
Couples will never run out of memory-making activities in Greenville, South Carolina. The city’s signature tours include culinary tours featuring breakfast, barbecue, and chef’s table experiences.
History tours cover the best of the city on a downtown history tour that explores the textile industry, a West End walking tour that examines the city’s roots, and a historic neighborhood and architecture tour. Nature tours explore the wilderness of Jocassee Gorge, Lake, and waterfalls, a Saturday sunset cruise on Jocassee Lake, and an adventure tour of Lake Jocassee’s wild rivers, swimming holes, and waterfalls. Other impromptu must-do activities include exploring nights out suggestions like dueling pianos at Jack n’ Diane’s, or comedy dinner theater at Café and Then Some.
Last Minute Vacation Deals in Cincinnati
Cincinnati resides on the banks of the Ohio River, a vibrant region that stretches over areas in three states, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. It features rolling hills, magnificent cityscapes, and picturesque river views. It offers couples an extensive list of attractions. The Cincinnati Observatory – a hilltop observatory in a historic park-style setting, and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden are some of the most impressive attractions in the city.
Quirky attractions such as the Mushroom House and American Sign Museum, exhibiting unique American signage are rare gems couples won’t find anywhere else. Top natural attractions include the California Woods Nature Preserve and Caldwell Nature Center. You can find last minute deals by Apple Vacations, Hotwire and other booking sites.
Fort Lauderdale Getaway Deals
Fort Lauderdale is well known for its beaches, culture, arts, and diverse collection of attractions and events. It’s historic riverfront, romantic gondola rides along the canals, and exquisite shopping opportunities along Las Olas Boulevard are among the best activities. An exceptionally landscaped beachfront promenade featuring paved brick paths, and the legendary white wave wall are the top attractions.
The historic districts, famed Millionaires Rowwhere yachts and mansions are aplenty, and the Stranahan House are other must-sees.
Couples can also choose to stroll through the Arts and Entertainment District featuring galleries, museums, and restaurants, or take one of several tours in the Everglades. Keep reading for more short vacation ideas and last minute vacation packages.
Nashville
Nashville is the country and western music capital of the world, and home to the Grand Ole Opry. The city blends the warmth and grace of the Old South with the vibrant energy of a cosmopolitan city.
Nashville features an eclectic and diverse restaurant scene, amazing boutique shops, and numerous galleries and museums, as well as an array of attractions and events.
Couples should be sure to check out the Parthenon, a replica of the Greek landmark. The Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park are also must-sees on a last minute getaway.
Phoenix Last Minute Getaways
Phoenix, the 5th largest city in the nation, is nestled in the stunning Sonoran Desert. It’s a place that is both vibrantly cosmopolitan and beautifully low-key. It is rich with culture, art, and history offering couples a wealth of shopping opportunities, an energetic nightlife scene, attractions, and events. Camelback Mountain, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, and South Mountain Park are among the city’s main draws. Castle N’ Coasters, an entertainment center; Pueblo Grand Ruin, a Pre-Columbian site and home to the Hohokam people; the Heard Museum, devoted to Native American civilizations, and the Mesa Arts Center give couples on a last minute getaway plenty of things to do and see. Keep reading for more cheap vacations, last minute vacation packages and great weekend getaways.
Great Pittsburgh Last Minute Vacations
Couples who consider themselves culinary and craft beer aficionados will want to consider Pittsburgh for a last minute getaway. They can dive right into the foodie scene on a ‘Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tour, and get not only a sampling of many local eateries, but also a historic narrative of the neighborhood on this walking tour. Architecture buffs will be impressed by both Frank Lloyd Wright’s indescribable Fallingwater, and his home on Kentuck Knob, both are open for tours. There are countless ways to see Pittsburgh together by bike, riverboat, Segway, or trolley, to name a few. For spectacular panoramic views, couples will want to ride the Duquesne Incline to the observation deck atop Mt. Washington. Keep reading for more long weekend getaways.
Fun Weekend Getaway on Fire Island
Fire Island is the prime choice for those couples longing for the nostalgic past and a seemingly simpler time. Accessible by ferry from New York’s Long Island, Fire Island is part pristine wilderness, part quaint villages, and part dazzling white sand beaches. Couples can indulge all three on this barrier island. The tiny, walkable island has no roads, and therefore no cars. Couples should also not expect fancy condos or high rise buildings. This is where folks go to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Charming communities range from vibrant Ocean Beach and Ocean Bay Park to lively villages of Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove to serene Lonelyville. Keep reading for more getaway deals.
Asheville
Asheville offers a trendy mountain vibe for couples who are looking to immerse themselves in the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While anytime is the right time for couples to visit Asheville, there is something special about fall. The brilliant yellow, orange, and red autumn leaves last from about mid-September to mid-November, making it easy to squeeze in a quick trip. For the best view, including year-round sunset views, couples should may their ways to Sunset Terrace at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Other ideas for couples include exploring the farm-to-table and craft brew scene, checking out the live music calendar for what’s on deck, and spending a day in the River Arts District or the Biltmore Estate.
Fredericksburg
When people think of Texas Hill Country, caves, an enclave of notable wineries, and German heritage may not be the first things that spring to mind, but that’s what couples will find in Fredericksburg. Any one of those three surprises could keep a couple enthralled for a quick getaway, but there’s more.
Taos, NM
Couples choosing this art colony for a last minute getaway will find a mix of fine art, culture, history, and natural beauty. Taos hits the spot for artists and other creatives. There are numerous galleries and themed museums to explore, quite a feat for a town of under 6,000 people. Architecture buffs will appreciate Taos Pueblo, a multi-story adobe structure that has been continuously inhabited for over a thousand years. Touring the Earthship community, or even trying to spend a night there is another unique experience. Other activities for couples could include a romantic dinner at Lambert’s, a hike or bodywork session at Ghost Ranch – former home of Georgia O’Keefe, and driving the scenic High Road.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod is a top New England destination for couples booking a last minute getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts can jump right in biking, hiking, or riding horseback along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. The 22-mile paved trail connects to many of the island’s natural highlights, including Cape Cod National Seashore at trail’s end. The Marconi portion of the 40-mile coast has spectacular sand cliffs and epic views. Much of the coastline is pristine beaches. History buffs should make their way to Provincetown where they’ll find the Pilgrim Monument commemorating the site of the Mayflower landing.Cape Playhouse in Dennis is the country’s oldest summer theater, perfect for a night out.
Sacramento
Couples looking for a last minute getaway in Sacramento could spend their entire time on the Delta King Riverboat, moored on Sacramento’s Riverfront, or use it as their base of exploration.
Last Minute Weekend in Panama City Beach
Twenty-seven miles of gorgeous, white sand beaches with the Gulf of Mexico stretching out as far as the eye can see make Panama City Beach the ideal destination for a last minute getaway.
Beaches and water sports take center stage here.
Couples can rent paddle boards from the Boardroom for a day on the water together, hop on a Boggy Bayou airboat tour, or swim with the dolphins on a Blue Dolphin Tour.
There’s snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and countless other watersports for couples to do together.
Eco-conscious couples will appreciate St. Andrews State Park, and Panama City Beach Conservation Park. Dining and shopping enthusiasts will love the oceanfront Pier Park.
Albuquerque Last Minute Travel
Albuquerque is the hot air ballooning capital of the world, so couples opting for this last minute getaway will want to take advantage of that fun fact. You can find last minute deals from major travel agencies like Kayak. Located in New Mexico’s high desert, there are a host of other outdoor activities too. Couples can hike the Sandia Mountains, bike the popular Paseo del Bosque Trail, or grab a seat on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. Historic Old Town and Historic Nob Hill are must-see neighborhoods for couples wanting to explore the history and culture of Albuquerque. A visit to Acoma Pueblo and Sky City Cultural Center will offer traveling couples insights into pueblo culture. Couples who are kids at heart will have a blast with the Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Keep reading for more cheap vacations.
Portland Last Minute Vacations
Couples looking for a little romance on a last minute getaway to Portland, Maine may want to explore Casco Bay, which offers an array of fun things to do like exploring the art scene, kayaking, biking, or taking the ferry to Peaks Island, known as the Coney Island of Maine. Other outdoor experiences include touring the city’s six lighthouses, taking a tour devoted to Portland’s maritime history, orlobstering with Lucky Catch Cruises.Old Port provides couples with a quaint, yet upscale shopping and dining experience. For a quirky way to spend some time, couples can make the 12 minute ride to Scarborough to visit Lenny, the 1,700 pound chocolate moose at Len Libby Chocolatier.
Lenox Last Minute Travel
Lenox, Massachusetts, is a thriving New England town that serves as the gateway to the Berkshires. It’s the perfect last minute getaway for couples who appreciate nature and history. Couples can commune with nature and each other walking or biking the trails of Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. During summer, the Boston Symphony Orchestra makes its home in Tanglewood, which includes Lenox. Historic downtown Lenox is a quaint, walkable village with a few architectural landmarks like the Lenox Library. The village food scene thrives on locally grown farm-to-table fare. Fall provides an explosion of color during peak fall foliage in October, and winter skiing abounds on local downhill resorts. Keep reading for more last minute travel deals and weekend breaks.
Last Minute Romantic Weekend in Harrisonburg, VA
Harrisonburg affectionately referred to as both “The Friendly City” and “Rocktown,” is a vibrant, diverse, and contemporary city featuring a passion for libations and delicious local food. It is also a cutting-edge culture and arts town with historic roots. The stunning Shenandoah landscape, remarkable mountain ranges, and wide array of outdoor recreational spaces are some of the biggest draws for couples and nature enthusiasts. It is also home to Virginia’s first recognized Arts and Cultural, and Culinary Districts, a 40-block area filled with architecture, views, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. Top attractions include the Valley Turnpike Museum, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, and the Hillandale Park.
