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The Best Hidden Gems for Long Weekend Getaways in the US
- karabrooks8
- Aug 4
- 6 min read
Not every summer escape requires a passport. From sleepy harbor towns to forest hideaways, these under-the-radar US destinations deliver a quieter pace and just the right amount of luxury. Here are some destinations that prove sometimes the best adventures happen closer to home.
Barnard, Vermont
Set deep in the hills of central Vermont, Barnard feels like a secret you’re lucky to know. No downtown scene, no traffic, no Starbucks—just a tiny village with a general store and a small beach. Summer here brings wildflowers, forest hikes, and the kind of silence that makes city dwellers slightly uncomfortable (in the best way). It’s New England in slow motion—greener, quieter, and beautifully unplugged.
Where to stay in Barnard
Twin Farms. An intimate storybook retreat where every detail feels personal—think chef-curated picnics, crackling fireplaces, and design-forward cottages scattered across serene Vermont hills.
Perks include a Twin Farms Farm-to-Table Gift Set (value of $140 USD), daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Camden, Maine
Camden is everything you imagine a quintessential New England town to be—sailboats bobbing in the harbor, clapboard storefronts lining Main Street, and seaside shacks serving up lobster rolls (cold, the way they should be). It’s part mountain town, part seaside village. Get your fill of adventure with a hike up Mount Battie, then breathe in the salt air with a kayak past lighthouses. Evenings are made for front-porch cocktails and neighborly hellos that will make you feel like a local by day two.
Where to stay in Camden
Camden Harbour Inn. A stylish waterfront hideaway with crisp nautical design, award-winning dining, and spacious rooms that look straight over the harbor
Perks include daily breakfast and a VIP welcome.
Hudson Valley, New York
Hudson Valley: where DC residents go to remember what trees look like. Picture winding roads, wildflower fields, and old barns reimagined as bakeries. It’s country with a side of culture, where summer days are made for forest hikes, cold lake dips, and laid-back farm lunches, and starry nights are filled with wine tastings, gallery shows, and live music in local taverns.
Where to stay in Hudson Valley
Troutbeck. A historic manor turned stylish retreat, with bright interiors, farm-driven dining, and quiet gardens for wandering.
Perks include $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Pro tip: Connecticut's Litchfield County offers similar vibes with Troutbeck's new sister property, Belden House & Mews.
Bay Harbor, Michigan
Bay Harbor feels like northern Michigan’s best-kept summer secret, and frankly, I'm torn about sharing it. Set on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, this polished marina village is all sailboats, stone-lined beaches, and blazing Lake Michigan sunsets. Golfers love the dramatic, lakeside fairways at Bay Harbor Golf Club, while cyclists cruise the 26-mile trail that winds past Petoskey and Charlevoix. Boutique shops, locally owned restaurants, and a performing arts center keep rainy days interesting, while those golden sunny days call for leisurely swims, boat picnics, and lots of lounging.
Where to stay in Bay Harbor
Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection. A breezy lakeside retreat with cozy, light-filled rooms, sunset lake views, and easy access to the golf course, marina, and trails.
St. Michaels, Maryland
Historic shipbuilding town turned quietly upscale escape, St. Michaels is a longtime favorite for weekenders from D.C., Baltimore, and Philly. Masts sway gently in the marina, brick sidewalks lead to seafood shacks, and bike paths trace the shoreline. Life here slows down here, to the point where three-hour lunches are the norm and checking your phone is an afterthought. Days might include kayaking through marshy coves, browsing the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, or taking the ferry to Oxford for an afternoon stroll.
Where to stay in St. Michaels
Inn at Perry Cabin. A refined Chesapeake stay with airy, nautical-inspired suites, firelit lounges, and waterfront lawns that invite long, lazy afternoons.
Perks include $100 hotel credit, $45 daily breakfast credit per person, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Healdsburg, California
Healdsburg is Sonoma’s cool younger sibling, less polished than Napa but packed with personality. Think vineyard picnics, art galleries, and boutique shops lining the sunny town square. Bike through rolling vineyards, then choose between Michelin-Star dinners or farm-to-table feasts—both are unforgettable. The vibe is friendly and unpretentious, perfect for those who want world-class wine without the crowds. Summer brings the Healdsburg Jazz Festival and golden hour evenings made for lingering.
Where to stay in Healdsburg
Montage Healdsburg. A modern Sonoma sanctuary set among vineyards, with spacious suites, a standout spa, and farm-driven dining.
Perks include $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Healdsburg. A sleek downtown bolthole with minimalist design, a leafy courtyard pool, and a celebrated restaurant serving up some of the region’s best flavors.
Perks include a bottle of Sonoma County wine, $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, and an upgrade whenever possible.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island is raw South Carolina coast where beaches are more sand than people (a rare find). Kiawah is marked by shifting dunes, wild marshes, and 10 miles of coastline where your biggest decision is bike path or paddle board. Golfers come for the legendary Ocean Course, and for a taste of urban energy, Charleston is a quick drive away. Spend your days spotting herons in the backwaters or pedaling beneath a canopy of live oaks. Here, the days slow right down.
Where to stay on Kiawah Island
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. A classic coastal resort with five-star spa services, standout restaurants, and access to Kiawah’s championship golf courses, including the legendary Ocean Course
Perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte is what ski towns become when the snow melts and the crowds disappear. Jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflowers in full bloom set the stage for hiking, biking, or just breathing in the high-altitude stillness. Real mountain vibes with a touch of Victorian charm and local bars with a refreshingly un-curated feel—it’s the best of rugged Colorado with just enough luxury to keep it comfortable, not flashy.
Where to stay in Crested Butte
Eleven Scarp Ridge Lodge. Once a Wild West saloon, this cozy lodge now blends Rocky Mountain style with modern comforts, featuring cozy lounges, a rooftop hot tub, and an indoor saltwater pool.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
St. Simons Island flies under the radar compared to Savannah or Charleston. Wide beaches, maritime forests, and salt marshes are the perfect playground for kayaking, biking, and fishing without fighting the crowds. History buffs can check out forts and lighthouses, while the town’s low-key shops and seafood spots deliver genuine local flavor—no tourist traps here. It’s the smart pick for those after authentic Southern coastal life with zero fuss.
Where to stay on St. Simons Island
The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club. A club-style retreat with polished, old-world charm—think wood-burning fireplaces, oceanfront fairways, and classic Southern hospitality
Perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, $45 daily breakfast credit per person, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Newport, Rhode Island
Often overshadowed by its island neighbors, Newport quietly holds its own with stunning cliff walks, top-notch seafood, and historic streets full of Gilded Age mansions. Classic sailboats fill the harbor where America’s Cup races made history, and immaculately preserved cobblestone streets lead to hidden seafood shacks and polished waterfront restaurants. Beaches like Easton’s and Gooseberry offer quiet spots away from the summer rush. With jazz festivals, yacht regattas, and a social scene that never feels overwhelming, Newport keeps things lively but still leaves space to breathe.
Where to stay in Newport
The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection. A meticulously restored Gilded Age mansion filled with period details—from an extensive art collection and wood-paneled walls to a sprawling library and cozy cocktail nooks.
Perks include $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
