Often referred to as the unofficial end of summer, Labor Day weekend provides an excellent excuse to plan a long weekend getaway with family or friends. From hanging out on sandy beaches to exploring hiking trails in state parks to shopping in small town locally-owned boutiques, we have plenty of ideas for summer’s last hurrah.
Spend a Labor Day Weekend in New York
When summer’s last hurrah hits New York City, tourists flock to iconic attractions including cruises on the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and also Governor’s Island. But New York expands far beyond the Big Apple and some of the best long weekend itineraries take place in New York’s Finger Lakes Region.
Spend your holiday weekend or even just a day trip sipping vino at the area’s numerous wineries. Explore the hiking trails of Watkins Glen State Park where 19 waterfalls make every step worth the effort.
More Things to Do in New York City and Beyond
- Attend the U.S. Tennis Open – the most popular sporting event in the city
- Bike along the Hudson River Greenway
- Cuddle with cows at the Sunset Creamery in New York’s Finger Lakes
Escape to the Farm on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
There’s really no more relaxing way to spend Labor Day weekend than with a farm stay. On the verdant farmlands of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the Sugar Water Manor offers farmhouse accommodations along with plenty of opportunities to interact with friendly goats, chickens, dogs and cats through AirBnb. Add water adventure to your long weekend by kayaking the Manokin River and take advantage of the delicious Maryland crabs at local eateries. Pack your travel tote and go!
Things to Do on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
- Discover history at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
- Take a ferry to Smith Island to learn about and sample Maryland’s favorite dessert, the Smith Cake
- Explore the quaint boutiques and art galleries of Easton’s historic district
Relax on the East Coast Beaches of Massachusetts
Massachusetts boasts some of the best sandy beaches in the USA. From the famed Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket to Provincetown and the delightful Cape Cod beaches, you’re certain to find a Massachusetts beach to love for your Labor Day weekend. Celebrate the end of summer by taking advantage of the wealth of outdoor activities available in Massachusetts this time of year. Stroll down boardwalks, swim, paddleboard, sunbathe or take advantage of hiking trails through coastal dunes.
More Labor Day Weekend Fun in Massachusetts
- Pop into Boston for a Boston Harbor cruise
- Take in a Red Sox baseball game
- Walk through living history in the small town of Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Spend Your Labor Day Weekend in Florida
From the panhandle to the Florida Keys, sandy beaches, hiking trails, biking paths, state parks and national parks provide an abundance of long weekend options for Labor Day. Since the end of summer doesn’t really ever fully occur in the Sunshine State, you can extend that long weekend a few extra days. Catch a morning sunrise on the east coast then drive across the state in time to catch a sunset. Take advantage of all-inclusive resorts, award-winning golf courses and all types of water suitable for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and more.
Fun Beyond the Beaches in Florida
- Stay cool in the Florida heat at one of Central Florida’s many waterparks
- Explore the historic district of the nation’s oldest city in St. Augustine
- Get up close to the reptiles that live in the Everglades National Park
Celebrate Summer’s Last Hurrah in the Midwest
Unlike Florida, the end of summer is a real thing in Michigan and Labor Day Weekend is the perfect occasion to soak up the warm weather while it lasts. Outdoor festivals with live music, delicious food and cultural arts add to the holiday weekend fun. Check out Soaring Eagle Arts, Beat and Eats – a four-day end-of-summer event in Royal Oak, Michigan packed with top-name performers, fine art and incredible food.
More Midwest Labor Day Festivities in Chicago, Illinois
- Take an architectural river cruise on the Chicago River
- Go kayaking in the Chicago River
- Marvel at the Navy Pier fireworks show that continues through Labor Day weekend
Tackle Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks for Your Labor Day Weekend Getaway
While Utah’s national parks are swamped with tourists during the summer season, as the end of summer approaches the crowds die down giving you a bit more space to explore the hiking trails within the five national parks and numerous state parks that give Utah its celebrity status as a nature lover’s dream destination.
Whether you prefer to spend your days exploring hiking trails or stargazing at night from one of Utah’s many campgrounds, a long weekend spent in Utah’s national parks is the ultimate last hurrah of summer.
Ideas for Your Epic Utah Labor Day Weekend
- Take a hiking trail through Arches National Park to discover jaw-dropping vistas
- Capture a sunset over the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park
- Find a campground near Utah’s national parks to stargaze all night long
Take Your Labor Day Weekend Celebration to New Heights in Colorado
Home to the Rocky Mountains National Park, stunning landscapes and the good-time city of Denver, spending Labor Day weekend in Colorado is always a good idea. Whether you choose to visit iconic tourist sites like a jaunt up Pike’s Peak or just want to hang out and sample beer at Colorado’s many craft breweries, there’s something for everyone in this incredible state.
Ideas for your Labor Day Weekend in Colorado
- Tackle a few of the hiking trails in Rocky Mountains National Park
- Head to Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park in Denver for splashing fun and fireworks
- Experience a taste of Colorado at Denver’s traditional Labor Day Weekend party in Civic Center Park with live music, food, art and games.
Enjoy a West Coast Labor Day Weekend in Los Angeles, California
California is another state that doesn’t really adhere to the end-of-summer theory about Labor Day. But it’s certainly a fun place to spend a long weekend. In Los Angeles, the holiday weekend brings an abundance of good times. If you want to spend the last hurrah of summer at the ocean, head to one of the sandy beaches of Los Angeles or cool off in one of the city’s many water parks. Of course, a California road trip of any length is always a fun idea.
Things to do on a California Labor Day Weekend
- Experience the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival in Los Angeles
- Road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco taking in the epic views along the Pacific Coast Highway
- Veer off the road trip regimen to explore hiking trails in Muir Woods above San Francisco
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