Labor Day weekend marks an important transition time of the year: the sunny summer is coming to an end and the warmer fall months will soon follow. The long weekend is the perfect opportunity to enjoy summer one last time, until next year. And if you haven’t booked a trip for the holidays yet, don’t worry: It’s not too late to start planning if you’re looking to take a vacation.
An extra day or two off is the perfect excuse to go on an epic trip, visit a giant water park, explore a national park, or visit a quirky tourist destination for a laugh. If these ideas aren’t enough, we’ve compiled a list of the best getaways that are especially perfect for Labor Day. Whether it’s celebrating riverside in Olympia, Washington, seeing the Kansas gold fields bloom under a sea of ​​bright sunflowers, or feeling the warm electric energy from New York City, these destinations promises to make your vacation the perfect summer farewell.
Incredible Labor Day weekend getaways in the United States
1. Yosemite National Park, California
In the fall, the busy town of Yosemite sees attendance decline and water levels drop, affecting the waterfall. But the best part is that the temperature drops, making hiking more pleasant. In September, the average temperature is 83 degrees, the last vestiges of summer, although some areas of the park like Tuolumne Meadows can be significantly colder, even up to 20 degrees!
2. Olympia, Washington
The Pacific Northwest is beautiful in late summer, and Olympia, the capital of Washington state, is no exception. Famous for its diverse arts and music scene, thriving creative community, and bustling waterfront, the city celebrates Labor Day weekend. The 50th annual Harbor Days Festival takes place September 1-3 and features more than 300 things to see and do. These include a maritime light show with 75 drones, vintage tugboats, live music and plenty of food and drink.
3. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Things are slowly settling down on the coast after a busy summer, and you’re more likely to find cheap accommodations in places like Cannon Beach (and wait until October for even better deals). In Oregon, fall is the rainy season, meaning you can see powerful waves and Instagram Mable mist, feel exhilarating winds, and enjoy searching for treasure brought in by high tides. edge.
4. Lawrence, Kansas
From mid-August to early September, you have the opportunity to see sunflower fields in full bloom. At Granter Farm, just east of Lawrence, blooms are expected around Labor Day. Check Facebook for updates on the ideal time for your free tour. Or attend the Sunflower Festival from August 19 to September 9 in Buhler, KS, with admission.
5. Old Orchard Beach, Maine
The Atlantic Ocean may be too cold in September for all but the most enthusiastic swimmers, but Maine’s gorgeous beaches are still worth strolling around in a sweater for! At Old Orchard Beach, dine on the expansive pier or visit Palace Playland, New England’s only oceanfront amusement park: rides close just after Labor Day. Watch the waves from the Ferris wheel!
6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Although quiet season doesn’t officially begin until November, September is the ideal time to visit the Grand Canyon because crowds have thinned and the North Rim remains open (facilities and lodging close on October). This year, why not stay at the first hotel to open in the park in 50 years? This is Maswick South Lodge.
7. Saugatuck, Michigan.
As the warmest of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is likely to retain some late-season warmth for swimmers in September. Beaches have been largely deserted since lifeguards left, and despite Even though the air is cool, the water is still warm. The artsy town of Saugatuck, Michigan, has a distinct charm, and you can see the lake from above aboard the Star of Saugatuck paddle steamer, which cruises the Kalamazoo River.
8. Dallas, TX
Besides cooler temperatures, you can attend the sixth annual Riverfront Jazz Festival, September 1-3, which attracts musical artists from around the world to play jazz , blues, R&B, soul, pop and neo-soul. Then hop on the free McKinney Avenue Trolley as it winds through the Arts District in search of earworm-friendly art.
9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This Labor Day weekend, why not visit the birthplace of the labor movement where shoemakers first organized in 1794? A statue in Elmwood Park called the Labor Monument commemorates the town’s connection to labor. Additionally, September marks festival season in the city, with the nearly 40-year-old Mushroom Festival on September 9-10 and the Made in America Music Festival on September 2-3.
10. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
In September, the days in this seaside resort remain warm, but the nights become cool: the perfect way to say goodbye to summer and transition into autumn. Snow here can sometimes appear in mid-October! So take advantage of these final weeks to raft down the Snake River with a rafting guide, horseback ride the trails or try your hand at fly fishing.
11. Amador County, California
Escape the crowds of Napa and explore his 50+ wineries in the rustic gold rush town of Amador County. In recent years, wines from the region have won Best in Class, Double Gold and Gold categories at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. These wines generate $60 million in annual sales, $10 million of which comes from tasting rooms. Shouldn’t you join in the tasting too?
12. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
According to locals, the best time to ride this beautiful parkway is from mid-May to mid-September. And you will be forced to take it easy. The speed limit is only 45 to 45 miles per hour. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery including mountains and Civil War battlefields. It starts in Washington, D.C., then travels through Tennessee and Virginia, ending in Cherokee, North Carolina.
13. New York, NY
The air is at a comfortable temperature, many tourists have returned home, and New York is open for adventure. Catch a show on Broadway, stroll through Central Park, then let off steam at Electric Zoo, a three-day electronic music festival held every Labor Day weekend at Randall’s Island Park. While you’re here, be sure to check out Hell Gate Wildflower Meadow.
14. Burlington, Vermont
Although the city is still wearing its summer green hue, the leaves are beginning to turn impressive reds, oranges, and yellows. Vermont’s famous fall foliage season begins in early to mid-September and lasts until late October. Stroll through the brick-paved Church Street Marketplace, an award-winning outdoor pedestrian mall, and look for pumpkin whoopie pies. Temperatures are in the 50s to 60s, perfect for hiking.
15. Orlando, Florida
Although the summer crowds are over, temperatures at the beach are still mild (mid-80s). Depending on when the kids go back to school, you can take your family on one last Dumbo ride or take a fun trip to Disney World without the kids. On the other hand, September is the month with the highest probability of hurricanes occurring.
