13 Ideal United States Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025
With only so many three-day weekends per year, many like to make the most of their time with a girls' trip, family retreat, or romantic getaway. Although the instinct may be to drive to the nearest city, small towns are also among the most underrated destinations in the United States. From New England to the South, these 13 US towns have something for everyone in 2025, offering breathtaking state parks, exciting festivals, Hallmark main streets, and so much more. Whether you want a weekend of bliss or an itinerary filled with fun, these towns will help make your three-day weekend the best it can be.
Silverton, Colorado
Sitting 9,318 feet high in the remote San Juan Mountains, Silverton is the perfect place to unplug and immerse yourself in Colorado’s great outdoors. The Rocky Mountain town is a nature lover’s dream and the ultimate gateway to alpine adventures, including historic attractions like its Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour. Whether driving the Million Dollar Highway for its million-dollar views or visiting in winter for the Silverton Mountain Ski Area, Silverton’s sights and experiences will take your breath away. Book a cozy stay at The Silverton Lodge, turn your phone on airplane mode, and embrace everything this serene mountain town has to offer.
Columbia Falls, Montana
Serene alpine scenes can also be relished in Columbia Falls, a Montana gateway to Glacier National Park. By staying at accommodations like the Glacier Inn Motel, the park’s west entrance is just a short drive away. From here, visitors can drive epic mountain routes like Going-to-the-Sun Road or explore the beauty of glacier-carved Lake McDonald, the largest lake in the park at 10 miles long. Explorers can kayak, hike its mountain-bordered shores, and keep an eye out for wildlife along its banks, including mountain goats and black bears. The Glacier Park Boat Company also offers a 1-hour tour of Lake McDonald, allowing guests to sit back and breathe in the views.
Geneva, New York
In New York State, Geneva is ideal for lake lovers seeking a more laid-back and luxurious weekend getaway. In place of wilderness hikes and wildlife watching, the Finger Lakes town is all about self-care and pampering. Seneca Lake State Park is a sweet place for a stroll along the Geneva Lakefront Trail, while Belhurst Castle and Winery offers a relaxing stay with its waterfront hotel, spa, restaurant, and winery. Further inland, downtown Geneva is also worth exploring for its culture and culinary scene. Whether catching a show at the historic Smith Opera House or sampling upscale fares at F.L.X. Table, Geneva pairs big-city flair with the comforts of a small-town feel.
St. Augustine, Florida
Along Florida’s northeast coast, St. Augustine is brimming with history, beaches, and cool attractions for the whole family. As America’s "Nation’s Oldest City," history buffs are drawn here for landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century stone fortress. However, St. Augustine also has fun with its past, offering more lighthearted, family-friendly attractions like the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. On the other hand, if history is not your thing, the town’s coastal setting beckons like a siren, offering postcard shores like St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia State Park. Whether setting up camp at the sandy state park or booking a Victorian-era stay like the Carriage Way Inn Bed and Breakfast, your weekend in St. Augustine will be unforgettable.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth is another unforgettable place for a three-day weekend, transporting its visitors to Old Europe without any need for a passport. Settled in 1845 by 15 Germans, the Michigan town honors its roots with Bavarian architecture and German-themed attractions. Main Street, a vibrant strip along the Cass River, is straight from the pages of a German fairytale. Here, guests can dine on authentic German cuisine at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, overlooking the iconic Glockenspiel tower next door. Just across the river, over the Brücke Covered Bridge, the Bavarian Inn Lodge keeps you close to Frankenmuth's other fairytale sites, like the Fantasy Carriage Company and Rapunzel's Boutique.
Jerome, Arizona
For the cowboys and outlaws at heart, Jerome transports its guests back in time to Arizona’s Wild West. The former boom town, once the “Wickedest Town in the West,” has retained much of the mischief and charm from that era. At Jerome State Historic Park, guests can learn more about the town's days of mining, saloons, and brothels. Afterward, Main Street gems like Paul & Jerrys Saloon add to its authentic Wild West feel. Better yet, Jerome’s historic Sliding Jail is a must-see landmark, whether visiting it on a self-guided tour or booking a Wild Wild West Tour with Jerome Ghost Tours. For history lovers and spook enthusiasts, guests can also book an overnight stay at The Connor Hotel, a 1898 Main Street lodge that supposedly lingers with spirits.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend, a maritime town on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, boasts its own unique frozen-in-time feel. Founded in 1851 as the “City of Dreams,” the historic seaport is a treasure trove of Victorian architecture, including accommodations like The Monarch Hotel. From there, the waterfront is just steps away at scenic spots like Pope Marine Park. The Monarch is also right in the heart of downtown, near cute coffee shops and museums like The Courtyard Cafe and JCHS Museum of Art and History. After exploring on foot, a short drive across town will bring you to Fort Worden Historical State Park. Blending history and nature, the park features historic military structures, coastal bluffs, and beaches.
Newport, Rhode Island
Coastal charms extend to Newport, a Rhode Island beauty anchored by its waterfront. While the New England town was once mainly a vacation destination for the wealthy, today, Newport welcomes all. Most of your budget will likely go toward the hotel, but you can save by booking further inland, at spots like The Carriage House Inn. There are also plenty of ways to enjoy Newport on a budget, like Fort Adams State Park and the 3.5-mile oceanfront Cliff Walk. As for dining out, Bowen’s Wharf features restaurants with a range of price points, from casual digs like Diego's to more upscale spots like 22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille. On October 18th and 19th, 2025, seafood lovers and foodies can also visit during the 34th annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival.
Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Over in coastal Connecticut, Old Saybrook is another New England darling perfect for a relaxing weekend away. Bordering the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound, the seaside town offers simple pleasures with a slow pace. Whether shell collecting on Harveys Beach, antique hunting at The Trove, or strolling Main Street for adorable spots like the Paperback Cafe, quiet delights are an Old Saybrook signature. For the ultimate rejuvenating weekend, Saybrook Point Resort and Marina also prioritizes wellness and self-care, offering serene waterfront scenes and a full-service spa with your overnight stays.
Incline Village, Nevada
For a more nature-focused three-day weekend, Nevada’s Incline Village is a portal to mountain scenes and lake life. Skirting Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada range, the mountain town grants passage to the wonders of Sand Harbor State Park. Here, the Sand Point Nature Trail is a gorgeous route for views of the iconic blue lake, while the Tahoe East Shore Trail leads to lakefront beaches and coves. In winter, Incline Village is also a popular gateway to the Diamond Peak Ski Resort, a short drive from accommodations like the Tahoe Chaparral hotel. Alternatively, ritzier spots like the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort offer closer access to the waterfront.
Brevard, North Carolina
Nestled in North Carolina’s breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Brevard is another paradise for nature lovers. The Transylvania County town is in the "Land of Waterfalls," a region boasting over 250 cascades. Hotels like Comfort Inn & Suites Brevard North are a short drive from waterfall hiking areas like the Moore Cove Falls Trail, as well as easy-to-reach cascades like Looking Glass Falls. Alternatively, Ash Grove Mountain Cabins and Camping offers a more rustic and secluded outdoor escape, allowing visitors to completely unplug out in nature. The campground is also just a short drive from Atagahi Park, a hiker’s dream anchored by Lake Atagahi.
Wimberley, Texas
Wimberley, a quaint escape from nearby Austin and San Antonio, is known for its natural beauty and southern charms. While the Texas town is small, it has a huge heart and an even bigger backyard. At Blue Hole Regional Park, visitors can swim in the spring-fed Blue Hole on weekends in September, while paths like the Blue Hole Park Trail Loop can be strolled year-round. Alternatively, Wimberley Zipline Adventures offers an exciting bird’s-eye view of the Wimberley Valley’s canyons and creeks. Back in town, the Wimberley Cafe serves up delicious country classics with a smile, and just down the road, Cabins on the Square is the perfect place to rest your head for the weekend.
Crescent City, California
For a Golden State getaway without the San Francisco prices, Crescent City is a cool little coastal town close to the state’s iconic redwood forests. While affordability is subjective, local accommodations like The Lighthouse Inn are a steal compared to California’s many other coastal hotels. The inn is also a short walk from shores like South Beach and esteemed waterfront restaurants like Schmidt's House of Jambalaya. Beyond the coast, Crescent City is also a gateway to the Redwood National and State Parks, including Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Here, hikers can explore 20 miles of spectacular hiking trails, winding past the Smith River and old-growth redwoods. The tallest, nicknamed New Hope, towers nearly 360 feet high.
When planning a three-day weekend away, it can feel like a lot of pressure to choose the best destination possible. Cities often feel like the obvious choice, but these 13 US towns prove that bigger does not always mean better. Whether choosing Columbia Falls for its access to Glacier National Park, Jerome for its Wild West atmosphere, or Geneva for its self-care amenities, each town offers its own distinct charms, and each will make your weekend impossible to forget.
