These are the best weekend beach getaways in the U.S., from the California coast to the sunny Florida Keys.
Although we all could use a weekend getaway to the beach every once in a while, it’s not always possible to take a week-long vacation to a remote coastal location. Enter: weekend beach escapes. A short trip is the perfect way to relax, recharge, and get some sand in your step before heading back to work on Monday. From the rugged shores of Washington to the relaxed resorts in the Florida Keys and the iconic Jersey Shore, there’s something for every traveler.
We’ve compiled the most popular weekend beach getaways across the U.S. so you can easily plan your next coastal adventure.
Olympic National Park in Washington
Enjoy the beautiful rocky beaches at Olympic National Park in Washington. Get out and about in nature. Olympic National Park, a perfect destination for weekend trips from Seattle and Portland, is a great place to enjoy the outdoors while on a weekend getaway. Ruby Beach is famous for its amazing rock formations, driftwood piles, and active tidepools. Kalaloch Beach, Rialto Beach, and Rialto Beach are two other popular beaches in the park. Rialto has camping and lodge so you don’t have to leave the area. The nearby Hoh Rain forest is an excellent place to hike if you’re looking for a contrast to the rugged coastlines just a few kilometers away.
Hamptons New York
The Hamptons are a great choice for New Yorkers looking to escape the city on a weekend. Montauk, Southampton, East Hampton, and Montauk are some of the most sought-after destinations. They’re known for their gorgeous hotels, fantastic shopping, and delicious food. Gurney’s Montauk, a luxurious hotel, offers 146 rooms, suites, and beachfront cottages with views of the ocean and a private beach. The Baker House 1650 in East Hampton is a charming option, as well as Baron’s Cove at Sag Harbor.
Monterey County California
Monterey County, which covers some of the most beautiful spots along the California coast is a great place to take a break from San Francisco. Stay in charming coastal towns like Monterey or Carmel to enjoy delicious local food and sandy beaches. The area is a paradise for golfers with many stunning courses on the water. For stunning views of the coast, make sure you take the Pacific Coast Highway south towards Big Sur.
Laguna Beach, California
There are many great beaches in Los Angeles. But sometimes you just want to escape. Laguna Beach is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. It’s only an hour’s drive from downtown L.A. You can relax on the beach and see the marine life in the tide pools. Or you can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding or surfing. For a relaxing weekend, book a stay at The Ranch at Laguna Beach or the Montage Laguna Beach five-star hotel.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck, Michigan is a great place to enjoy a Midwestern beach escape. It’s only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Chicago, and less than three hours away from Detroit. You can relax on the shoreline of Lake Michigan for 10 miles and take a dip (no need to worry about sharks). The area is also known as the “art coast of Michigan”, so make sure you visit the local galleries and the Saugatuck Center for the Arts for some culture while on your beach vacation. There are many outdoor activities, including kayaking, horseback riding, and sailing, that you can enjoy here.
Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland and Virginia
For a weekend, escape Baltimore and take in a natural beauty and fresh air of Assateague Island National Seashore. It is only a three-hour drive away from the city. The island’s 37-mile length is best known for its wild horses. Bring your camera to capture unique wildlife photos while keeping a safe distance. You can also enjoy kayaking, surfing, birding, and swimming in the park. Assateague Island is also home to one of America’s most beautiful campsites. Bring your tent and supplies to enjoy the outdoors for a weekend.
Outer Banks North Carolina
If you are looking for sand and surf in peaceful, tranquil surroundings, the Outer Banks of North Carolina is your best bet. Duck, North Carolina is just five hours away from Washington, D.C., by car, making it an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway from Washington. You can also find some of the most beautiful beaches in North Carolina in the Outer Banks. Ocracoke, Nags Head, and Cape Lookout National Seashore are just a few of the many destinations that you should visit in this picturesque region.
Cape Cod Massachusetts
Cape Cod, a Massachusetts beach getaway that is only an hour and a quarter to two hours away from Boston (depending on which part of the Cape you are going), is a great choice. There are many charming towns, such as Chatham, Provincetown, and Hyannis. The Cape Cod National Seashore has six beaches that are perfect for lounging on the sand. Coast Guard Beach is great for families, while Nauset Light Beach is great for surfing.
Florida Keys, Florida
The three-and-a-half-hour drive from Miami to Key West should be on every traveler’s bucket list. This is the ultimate beach road trip with stunning views of the ocean and islands, as well as plenty of stops for Key lime pie. It can be done in one weekend if you are in Miami. You can visit Key West’s southernmost point, enjoy the beach and the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. You can end the day with a sunset cruise and a seafood dinner.
