- Sometimes you just want to take a trip last minute.
- Many destinations are perfect for this type of trip.
- We rounded up cities, parks, and more for you to visit.
It can be easy for a long weekend to sneak up on you. Even if one is looming a little sooner than you thought, there are plenty of destinations perfect for a short trip on even shorter notice.
We rounded up some perfect weekend getaways in every state in the US that you can plan last minute.
Alabama: Red Mountain Park
Just south of Birmingham, Red Mountain Park is a perfect getaway for outdoor lovers. The 1,500-acre park offers trails for hiking and biking, treehouses, a dog park and, for the especially adventurous, zip-lining and a treetop challenge course.
Admission to the park is free, but the price tag for extra activities ranges from $29 to $54.
Alaska: Fairbanks
The best chances to gaze upon one of Alaska's best natural attractions - the aurora borealis, aka the northern lights - can be found in Fairbanks and above the Arctic Circle, according to Alaska Tours. Book a guided one-day tour (rates starting at $279/person) or choose an overnight stay for a potentially once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Arizona: Grand Canyon
No day trip in Arizona is complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon, of course. From ranger-guided activities and unguided bike tours to endless photo opportunities and wildlife, there's something for everyone here.
Arkansas: Crater of Diamonds State Park
People from all over the world flock to Murfreesboro, Arkansas, to hunt for diamonds and other precious gems at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Visitors get to keep what they find (with some exceptions) and are aided in their search by park staff.
According to the Arkansas State Parks website, more than 33,100 diamonds have been found in the park since 1972.
California: Redwood National and State Parks
Home to the tallest trees on Earth, Redwood National and State Parks are a collection of protected forests, beaches, and grasslands along Northern California's coast. Be sure to pack a picnic and wear comfortable shoes for your hike underneath the redwoods, some of which can reach heights of 300 feet or more.
Colorado: Red Rocks Park
Grab a blanket and catch a movie at Film on the Rocks, an outdoor viewing experience at Red Rocks Park in Denver, along the Eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. The sandstone rock formations provide a unique backdrop for watching flicks, each of which is preceded by both a live concert and local comedian.
If you want to stay for a weekend there are endless hiking and camping opportunities in the area.
Connecticut: Gillette Castle
One of Connecticut's most famed tourist attractions, the iconic manor known as Gillette Castle sports intricate designs and incredible views of the Connecticut River.
Tours are self-guided, but staff members are on hand to talk about the history within each of the castle's 24 rooms. Adult admission is $6 for adults; kids age 6-12 get in for $2.
If you're looking to turn this day trip into a weekend affair, visitors recommend checking out the park around the castle as well.
Delaware: Rehoboth Beach
There are few weekend destinations more quintessential than Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. Take a stroll along the boardwalk full of restaurants, shops, hotels, and amusement rides; cap off the day by checking out some live music among the city's nightlife scene. Coastal Living magazine heralds Rehoboth Beach as one of the "10 greatest coastal boardwalks."
Florida: Everglades National Park
A visit to Florida isn't complete without an airboat tour among the pine savannas, cypress swamps, mangrove forests, and sawgrass prairies that mak eup Everglades National Park. Keep an eye out for manatees, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, and hundreds of more animal species across 1.5 million acres. It's just a one-hour drive from Miami, so it's easy to make that city part of your weekend, too.
Georgia: Savannah
Said to be the "most beautiful street in North America," Jones Street in Savannah, Georgia, sports mid-19th-century architecture and an impressive canopy of trees that provide a perfect backdrop for a quiet walk along the brick-paved roads.
Once you're done, take a trip to the historic Bonaventure Cemetery and check out the Oatland Island Wildlife Center to round out your trip.
Hawaii: Pearl Harbor Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, is the resting place for 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines who died in the attack in 1941. A boat ride out to the memorial is a must, as is an audio tour along the harbor itself, all set against some spectacular island views.
Idaho: Bruneau Dunes State Park
According to VisitIdaho.com, Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to the tallest freestanding sand dunes in North America. Ample camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities abound, all of which can be perfectly capped off with a sandboard rental and stargazing at the observatory, located right in the park.
Illinois: Chicago
A 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan, Chicago's Navy Pier is a must-visit, as is a ride on the city's iconic Centennial Wheel and a sightseeing boat tour down the Chicago River. The views are unbeatable and a slice of Chicago-style pizza is required eating.
If you're looking to make it a weekend trip, the city has countless things to do and see, including visiting Millennium Park, the aquarium and catching a game, depending on the season.
Indiana: Studebaker National Museum
Appreciate the history of the transportation industry with a trip to Studebaker National Museum, which features an impressively curated collection of cars, wagons, carriages, and military vehicles. This family-friendly attraction boasts the Barouche that President Abraham Lincoln rode to Ford's Theatre on the night of his assassination April 14, 1865.
Of course, no visit to South Bend would be complete without stopping by the University of Notre Dame.
Iowa: West Bend
The largest man-made Grotto in the world, the Grotto of the Redemption is a must-see. It's comprised of nine separate grottos, you can set up a tour of the spot or simply marvel on your own.
You can round out your trip by visiting one of the dozens of lakes, parks, and trails in the area.
Kansas: Strataca
Go 650 feet beneath the Earth's surface at Strataca, an underground salt mine museum in Hutchinson, Kansas, just a three-and-a-half hour drive from Kansas City. Take a train ride through the mines and experience a day in the life of a miner in the 1950s.
Kentucky: Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Known as the birthplace of bourbon, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is home to quick tastings as well as half- and full-day distillery tours. For a more family-friendly feel, spend the night in a historic tavern or visit one of the nearby horse farms.
Louisiana: New Orleans
It doesn't have to be Mardi Gras for you to visit New Orleans. The French Quarter, home to beautiful buildings with cast-iron balconies and fabulous nightlife, features an impressive array of French, Spanish, Creole, and American architecture.
If that's not your scene, you can check out the historic cemeteries or simply eat your way around the city's famous restaurants.
Maine: Bay Harbor
Home to Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain, Maine's Bay Harbor offers nature tours, hiking, kayaking, and whale watching tours, just to name a few - which means there's something for everyone. Special events include live music, festivals, art classes and more.
Maryland: Baltimore
The George Peabody Library, known as Baltimore's "Cathedral of Books," is the perfect destination for readers of all ages. Often referred to as one of the world's most-beautiful libraries, the space sports a collection of over 300,000 volumes, with strengths in religion, British art, American history, and more. If you're not a bibliophile, you'll want to visit for the architecture alone.
If you want to turn the trip into a weekend, take a trip to the aquarium or visit Walters Art Museum.
Massachusetts: Martha's Vineyard
Accessible only by boat or air, Martha's Vineyard is home to beautiful lighthouses, sandy beaches, and ample sailing and fishing opportunities. Don't forget to check out Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest operating platform carousel in America that originally hails from Coney Island in New York; top off the day with some fresh lobster right on the beach in nearby Menemsha.
Michigan: Leelanau Peninsula
Unique shopping, natural beauty, and small-town pleasures can all be found in Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, where artists and foodies alike will feel right at home. The area's 25+ wineries make a perfect destination for bachelorette parties or even just a simple, fun day.
Minnesota: Mall of America
Just 15 minutes from Minneapolis, the Mall of America offers much more than shopping. From a full-on amusement park to Sea Life Aquarium to gaming centers and mini-golf, you'll likely need more than one full day to experience everything hidden inside.
Mississippi: The Gulf Coast
If you're looking for a long-weekend trip with lots of options for the whole family, The Gulf Coast in Mississippi can be a great option.
From historic attractions like the Mardis Gras museum and the G.I. museum to various breweries, golf courses, and restaurants, you can find a trip that works best for you and your group along the coast.
Missouri: St Louis
St. Louis is one of America's most bustling mid-size cities, but even if you're from Missouri, you may not have ever spent any real time exploring the sites.
A long weekend can be a great way to make the most of the city, and many exhibits don't require any reservations beforehand, including visiting Forest Park, the zoo, and the Gateway Arch.
Montana: Glacier National Park
It doesn't take much prep to have a great weekend at Glacier National Park, especially for experienced campers. Try your hand at hiking or biking on the 700 miles of trails that are aimed at all skill levels, go fishing, or simply just enjoy the sights.
Nebraska: Lincoln
Though some may flock to Omaha, Lincoln, Nebraska is the state's hidden gem that can easily be tackled in a weekend.
Get a bit of history at the Nebraska State Capitol building that boasts free guided tours or check out the breathtaking floral displays at the Sunken Gardens.
Nevada: Valley of Fire State Park
Get in touch with nature in a unique way at Valley of Fire State Park. The park features 40,000 acres of red Aztec sandstone that are just waiting to be photographed. Take a hike, have a picnic, and camp out for a perfect, adventurous outdoor weekend.
New Hampshire: Mount Washington
What better way to spend a weekend than at the highest peak in the northeastern US? Grab your bikes or hiking shoes if you're feeling adventurous. But if you prefer a bit of a less-intense journey, you can make it all the way to the top on The Mount Washington Cog Railway, a train that takes you to see some stunning views.
New Jersey: Jersey Shore
You may only know what you have seen of the Jersey Shore on TV but once you travel there, you'll know it has tons more to offer.
You can pick the beach that works best for you and your family. For instance, Seaside Heights offers a boardwalk with great food and rides, whereas Sandy Hook is a bit more serene and best fit for those who want to lounge on the beach or hit the waves.
New Mexico: Jemez Springs
Jemez Springs combines the beauty of nature, simple relaxation, and rich history. Structures are still up that were built more than 100 years ago, when the town first became a tourist destination, but its history is believed to be dated back to 2,500 BC.
On top of its history, you can explore marvels such as the Soda Dam and the park's glorious waterfalls. For those looking to relax, as the name implies, the area features many hot springs and spas.
New York: Niagara Falls
Niagara Fallsis the perfect quick trip, especially for those who haven't experienced it before. Not only is there obviously, the beautiful falls to marvel at from far away, but you can get up close and personal during tours that go directly behind the falls.
Once you're done sightseeing, you can take advantage of the casinos, bars, and restaurants the area has to offer.
North Carolina: Asheville
It's not hard to see why Asheville, North Carolina was voted the best place to travel in the US in 2017. It's a metropolis tucked inside the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, so you can easily hike, bike, and explore one day and have another day in the city, all without going too far.
North Dakota: Bismarck
Take a trip to the capital city of Bismarck, North Dakota. You can take a gander at the Capitol building before boarding the Lewis and Clark Riverboat for a lunch or dinner cruise and finishing things up with a trip to the North Dakota Heritage Center.
Ohio: Cleveland
Ohio is such a large and varied state that it can be difficult to pick just one destination, but Cleveland has it all.
Most will recommend the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and for good reason, but depending on the season, be sure to take a trip to Quicken Loans Arena for a basketball game and end the night down at the Flats, experiencing all the new restaurants and bars popping up.
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City
You can see so much of the sights in Oklahoma City in a weekend. Take a trip to the popular zoo or spend some time in Bricktown eating at some great restaurants or riding the streetcar.
For those looking for something truly unique, take a trip to the American Banjo Museum.
Oregon: Crater Lake
You can see the deepest lake in the United States at Crater Lake. There is plenty to do around the gorgeous blue waters, including camping and hiking. And for the thrill seekers: the lake rests in the belly of a dormant volcano and is surrounded by forests, so there is definitely something for everyone.
Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh
Though you may think of sports when you think of Pittsburgh, that is only the tip of the iceberg. Take a cruise on the three rivers, visit the Andy Warhol Museum, and be sure to ride the incline to the top of Mt. Washington so you can get the best view of the city.
Rhode Island: Newport
Newport is rich in history and beauty. Take a trip to The Breakers, one of the most iconic Vanderbilt homes, visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and grab a drink at White Horse Tavern, America's oldest tavern.
South Carolina: Charleston
Charleston is a town rich in history and you can access much of it without a lot of planning beforehand. The Fort Sumter National Monument is truly a sight to behold and once you're done, you can unwind at the city market or by taking photos at Rainbow Row.
South Dakota: Mount Rushmore
If you're from the state or nearby, you've probably seen the famous faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, but you may not have explored other areas of the park.
You can walk the presidential trail, hike the black hills of South Dakota, and even check out the National Presidential Wax Museum.
Tennessee: Nashville
Nashville has endless things to do, see, and eat. Stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame, go down Broadway and see the honky tonks, catch a show at the Ryman Auditorium, and end the night with some delicious barbecue.
Texas: San Antonio
San Antonio is one of the best places to visit in Texas to get the most out of a long weekend. Experience history as you visit The Alamo, do some shopping and get some dinner the Historic Market Square, and get a drink as you stroll along the River Walk.
Utah: Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park boasts some seriously impressive views. You can travel along its 18-mile main road, explore Bryce Amphitheater, or even take a horseback ride, which can give you a whole new way to experience the canyon.
Vermont: Ben & Jerry's Factory
What better way to spend a weekend or a day trip than at the spot where one of the most iconic American treats is made? The Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury, Vermont is ideal for travelers of all ages. You can take a tour and even visit their "flavor graveyard" where old flavors are laid to rest.
Once you're done with ice cream, there are a variety of parks and hiking trails near there to explore.
Virginia: Colonial Williamsburg
Even if you've lived in Virginia your whole life, you may not have taken the time to visit Colonial Williamsburg. It's a perfect weekend trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Go on a guided tour, visit the folk art museum, and simply admire nature for the weekend.
Washington: Seattle
Washington state has tons of glorious nature to behold, but for a weekend trip, you can't get better than being a city dweller in Seattle.
Visit the famed Pike Place Market for some treats, take a picture by the gum wall, visit the Museum of Pop Culture, and don't forget to pop by the Space Needle. None of these take too much planning to have a great trip.
West Virginia: Fayetteville
A visit to Fayetteville is a relaxing option for the whole family. Marvel at the New River Gorge and its famous bridge, visit nearby Hawks Nest State Park, and stop by the Canyon Ridge Visitor Center to learn all about the nature of the area.
Wisconsin: Madison
Madison, Wisconsin has all of the sights and sounds of a big city with all of the charms of a small town.
Among a ton of killer restaurants and breweries, the city also offers a free zoo, a children's museum, lakefront activities, like canoeing, and some gorgeous parks and gardens.
Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a natural choice for a weekend getaway. Spend a day on the water whitewater rafting or simply floating along. Then, you can camp and take hike with some gorgeous views.
If you're there for the furry creatures, there are even some day tours you can book to see the wonder of the local wildlife safely and respectfully.
