Sometimes, all you need is three days to escape, recharge, and experience something new. Planning a getaway with family and friends (or even a solo trip) can make a difference when it's well-organized. A well-planned weekend adventure is essential for a great experience. From relaxing beaches to energetic cities, the USA is full of perfect spots for a short vacation. To help you decide, we've compiled a list of destinations that offer something for everyone. We've also included whether they are kid-friendly and provided a rough budget estimate to help you plan your trip. Buckle up and get ready to explore places that will give you unique memories packed into just three days.

1. Santa Fe, New Mexico

  • Good for Kids: Yes, but slightly better for older kids who enjoy art and cultural activities.
  • Budget: $$

Santa Fe is a vibrant city filled with art, history, and southwestern charm. Spend your weekend exploring Canyon Road, which features dozens of art galleries and studios. Don't miss the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, which showcases stunning works by the renowned artist. Kids will enjoy the immersive art experience at Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return, an interactive and funky art installation that blends fantasy with fun.

If you’d rather take things outside, take a gentle hike in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains or stroll through Santa Fe Plaza, where you'll find local crafts and delicious green chili dishes. A Santa Fe getaway is affordable when you opt for boutique inns or small Airbnbs. Meals at authentic Southwestern restaurants typically cost around $15-$25 per person, making it accessible for mid-range budgets.

2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

  • Good for Kids: Absolutely! Perfect for families.
  • Budget: $-$$

If you're looking for a seaside escape, Myrtle Beach is a crowd-pleaser, especially for families. The sandy beaches are ideal for swimming, playing, or just relaxing under an umbrella. Beyond the beach, take the kids to Broadway at the Beach, an extensive entertainment and shopping complex with attractions like Ripley's Aquarium.

The boardwalk is packed with rides and games, making it an exciting destination for kids and teens. Seafood lovers will find plenty of all-you-can-eat crab and shrimp spots that won't break the bank, ranging from $12-$25 per meal. For accommodations, Myrtle Beach is full of budget-friendly hotels and motels, some as low as $60 a night.

3. Napa Valley, California

  • Good for Kids: No, more suited for adults.
  • Budget: $$$

Napa Valley is synonymous with wine and luxury, making it an ideal getaway for couples or friends. Spend your days vineyard-hopping, enjoying wine tastings, and savoring gourmet meals. A unique idea you could try is to take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards or explore Napa Valley by bike.

Luxury hotels such as Auberge du Soleil provide world-class amenities, while boutique inns and Airbnb rentals offer mid-range options starting around $200 per night. Gourmet dining can range from $40 to splurging on a Michelin-starred meal at $200+. This vacation leans on the pricier side, but many find that Napa is worth every penny for its serene vibe and incredible wine selection.

4. Washington, D.C.

  • Good for Kids: Yes, very family-friendly.
  • Budget: $$

Looking for a mix of history, culture, and fun? Washington, D.C. checks all the boxes. Spend a day exploring the free, world-class Smithsonian museums like the Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum. Take a walk along the National Mall to see iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol Hill.

Families will love a stroll through the National Zoo, which is free. History buffs can tour the Library of Congress or the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. There are plenty of affordable dining options, from trendy food trucks to family restaurants offering meals for around $12–$18. With budget-friendly hotels close to the city center or suburban Airbnbs for around $100 per night, Washington, D.C. is both educational and cost-effective.

5. Sedona, Arizona

  • Good for Kids: Yes, especially for outdoor-loving families.
  • Budget: $$

Sedona is a dreamscape of red rocks and stunning desert scenery, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone seeking peace in nature. Start your weekend with a hike in areas like Cathedral Rock or Devil's Bridge, where the trails provide breathtaking views. If you're visiting with kids, choose easy trails like Bell Rock Pathway.

Jeep tours are another fun way to explore Sedona's rugged terrain. After a day in the sun, relax at one of Sedona's many spas or quaint cafes. Accommodations range from budget-friendly motels at $80 a night to higher-end resorts like Amara for around $300 per night. Restaurant prices are moderate, with meals costing about $20 per person at casual spots.

6. Portland, Maine

  • Good for Kids: Yes, but better for older kids or quiet weekends with adults.
  • Budget: $$

Portland, Maine, might be small, but it's bursting with charm. Wander through cobblestone streets and enjoy the scenic waterfront area with its fresh sea breeze. Make sure to visit the Portland Head Light, a stunning historic lighthouse with pristine walking paths nearby.

Seafood reigns supreme in Portland, so don't leave without trying a lobster roll at Highroller Lobster Co. (about $25). Families will enjoy cruising to nearby islands for a day trip or visiting the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine. For accommodations, the city offers mid-range boutique hotels, inns, and cozy Airbnbs starting at $140 per night.

7. Las Vegas, Nevada

  • Good for Kids: Surprisingly, yes, with carefully chosen activities.
  • Budget: $$-$$$

Vegas is famous as a party hub for adults, this city has a family-friendly side if you know where to look. The Bellagio Fountains mesmerize visitors of all ages, while attractions like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and the High Roller Observation Wheel provide fun for everyone.

Families particularly enjoy the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay and the indoor Circus Circus Adventuredome. Adults can unwind with shows on The Strip or at the casinos. Vegas hotels range widely in price, with budget options around $50 a night and luxury properties surpassing $350. Food is similarly diverse, offering everything from cheap eats at food courts to five-star dining experiences.

8. Charleston, South Carolina

  • Good for Kids: Yes, excellent for families.
  • Budget: $$

Charleston is a picturesque Southern gem filled with history, beauty, and warm hospitality. Start your weekend by exploring the historic downtown, where cobblestone streets and colorful houses tell stories from the past. Families can spend some time at Waterfront Park, with its famous pineapple fountain and river views.

Take a short ferry ride to Fort Sumter National Monument for a unique history lesson or enjoy a carriage tour of the city. Foodies will be thrilled by Charleston's low country cuisine, with mid-range dining options costing $15–$30 per person. Boutique hotels and charming inns downtown average around $150 a night, making it a mid-range destination that's well worth it.

9. Chicago, Illinois

  • Good for Kids: Yes, endless family-friendly activities.
  • Budget: $$

Chicago is amazing for a quick weekend, offering something for every type of traveler. Families will love Millennium Park for the famous "Bean" sculpture and free summer outdoor concerts. The Shedd Aquarium is another big hit, alongside Navy Pier, where there are rides, food, and live entertainment.

Art lovers can't miss the Art Institute of Chicago, and sports enthusiasts might catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Don't forget to enjoy Chicago's deep-dish pizza at spots like Giordano's or Lou Malnati's (meals start around $12-$20 per person). Thankfully, public transit is widely available, so you can save money staying at hotels or rentals on the outskirts starting at $90 a night.

10. San Antonio, Texas

  • Good for Kids: Yes, highly family-friendly.
  • Budget: $-$$

If you're looking for a blend of history and fun, San Antonio is your go-to. Walk along the River Walk, a beautiful area filled with restaurants, shops, and live music. Families will enjoy exploring the historic Alamo and San Antonio's Missions National Historical Park.

For more action, head to Six Flags Fiesta Texas or SeaWorld San Antonio, perfect for kids of all ages. Budget hotels start at $75 per night, and most meals range from $10-$20 at casual Tex-Mex and BBQ spots. Few places offer as much value and variety packed into one adventure-filled weekend.