Where to go for Labor Day weekend: 6 unforgettable getaways
Summer fun isn’t over ‘til it’s over
Top off summer in style with our handpicked Labor Day destinations offering fewer crowds and fantastic weather. Whether you want quaint mountain towns, chic seaside cities, or sun-kissed golden beaches, these six spots deliver summer’s perfect seasonal finale.
Labor Day is one of the most beautiful times to visit North Georgia, where the Blue Ridge Mountains start to show early signs of fall. Book a cozy cabin with a hot tub and spend your days hiking to waterfalls, exploring small towns like Helen and Blue Ridge, or apple picking at a local orchard.
Bonus: Enjoy fewer crowds than the Smokies and an easy drive from Atlanta or Charlotte.
If you want the beach without the boardwalk chaos, Bethany Beach is your spot. This quiet coastal town offers walkable neighborhoods, clean beaches, and plenty of vacation rentals near the water. Rent bikes, catch live music on the boardwalk, or grab steamed crabs and a local IPA.
Bonus: Labor Day is your last chance to enjoy peak beach weather on the East Coast.
With its sugar-white sand and family-friendly vibe, Gulf Shores offers all the fun of Florida beaches—without the crowds or price tag. Rent a beachfront condo, paddle through the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, or ride bikes at Gulf State Park.
Bonus: Many schools in the South start earlier, so Labor Day week can feel surprisingly peaceful.
Tucked in the foothills of the North Cascades, Lake Chelan offers the best of both summer and fall: swim in the lake during the day, then sip wine under a blanket by night. Many rentals offer lake access, kayaks, or proximity to vineyards—making it easy to dive into lakelife.
Bonus: Labor Day weekend often coincides with the start of wine harvest season.
Labor Day weekend in San Diego means reliably gorgeous weather without the peak summer crowds. Spend your long weekend exploring Balboa Park's world-class museums, catching waves at La Jolla Cove, or wandering through the historic Gaslamp Quarter. The famous San Diego Zoo and harbor cruises offer perfect ways to make the most of your three-day escape.
Bonus: September brings San Diego's best weather—warm days, cool evenings, and crystal-clear skies perfect for outdoor adventures.
Labor Day at Acadia means you'll catch the very first hints of New England's famous fall colors while still enjoying warm hiking weather. Watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain (the first place to see dawn in the U.S.), explore tide pools along the rugged coastline, or bike the scenic carriage roads. Bar Harbor offers charming accommodations and fresh lobster rolls to fuel your adventures.
Travel tip: Early September is peak season for both weather and crowds—book accommodations well in advance, but enjoy cooler temperatures perfect for hiking.
