MLK and Presidents Day weekend getaways
Celebrate the long weekends with memorable escapes
Winter has a sneaky way of dragging on—but MLK Day and President’s Day weekends are perfectly timed invitations to break it up. With two long weekends on the calendar, it’s the ideal moment to plan a quick winter escape, whether that means chasing snow, sunshine, or a little bit of both.
Below are a few trip ideas that make the most of these long weekends—no PTO gymnastics required.
Most MLK Day weekends, travelers seek respite from cold weather with sand and sunshine. Hilton Head Island is a perfect solution to easing those winter blues, with January average temperatures at a comfortable 60℉. HHI is about as accessible as you could hope for too, located just a quick drive from Savannah and Charleston, as well as two airports that service flights to the island.
Hilton Head Island is consistently ranked as a top family beach, as well as one of the most beautiful islands within the continental U.S. Feel your stress slip away with a walk along the beach, spot migratory birds at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, or practice your swing along the area’s renowned golf courses. Book a condo rental or vacation home with ocean views so you never miss a moment of relaxation.
On the other side of the U.S., the weather’s looking just as sunny in California. The Golden State is an easy trip by way of San Diego International Airport, where you'll be welcomed by the breathtaking views of swaying palm trees and the glistening ocean. Catch up on a great read by the waves at La Jolla Beach or shake off winter hibernation with a hike through the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
San Diego is famously kid-friendly, with the world-renowned San Diego Zoo and endlessly entertaining tide pools along Point Loma. While you’re in town, be sure to see the city’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, one of the largest celebrations in the country.
Don’t put your skis in storage yet—there are still a few places with fresh powder waiting. Dillon is a mountain town just outside of Breckenridge and is home to the Arapahoe Ski Basin, which boasts the longest ski season in Colorado. Enjoy a quick trip to the Rocky Mountains, either flying in from Denver International Airport or Eagle-Vail Airport.
Located about a twenty-minute drive from Keystone and an hour and fifteen minutes outside of Denver, you’ll delight in Dillon’s water and mountain views as you kick back with family. The nearby Arapahoe Basin is known for its extended ski season, which typically lasts until early June, compared to other resorts that close around April. In between ski runs, warm up with dinner at a brewery, treat your sweet tooth to downtown’s candy shop, or snow tube to your heart’s content at Frisco Adventure Park.
Park City’s ski season is just about at its peak in February, which is great news for those looking to sneak in a ski trip for MLK Day or Presidents Day weekend. Park City Mountain carries the title of largest ski resort in the U.S. With it, you’ll find plenty of options for cross-country ski trails, bunny hills, ski school programs, and expert black diamond runs—so rest assured no matter your skill level, everyone can have fun on the slopes.
This sparkling snow-capped city lies just an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport. As an added bonus, you can also use your long weekend to sample surrounding ski resorts like Alta, Snowbird, and Brighton. Find plenty of après-ski options downtown, including the kid-friendly Park City Museum, high-end boutiques, delicious eateries, and stylish cocktail bars.
Enjoy a living history lesson by spending your three-day weekend exploring the incredible life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Not only will you feel more comfortable with Georgia’s mild climate, but in between museum tours and sightseeing, you’ll have no shortage of things to do.
During your stay, be sure to check out the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, including the International World Peace Rose Garden and Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home. Other must-visit stops if you’re traveling with kids are the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Georgia Aquarium, and the High Museum of Art.
Though we recommend bundling up for your Mt. Rushmore photo op, there’s plenty of history and outdoor adventure for the family to explore with a three-day-weekend vacation. The region is known for its beautiful Badlands National Park, abundant buffalo herds, Old West history, and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Between Wild West reenactments in Deadwood and the Cosmos Mystery Area, South Dakota is a perfect kid-friendly destination (with plenty of opportunities to sneak in a history lesson). Grab a bottle of sarsparilla, pan for gold, read up on old legends like Calamity Jane, and roam alongside herds of buffalo for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
MLK Day and President’s Day weekends are some of the most popular winter travel dates, and availability goes fast. Planning early gives you better choices, better locations, and more flexibility—so when the weekend arrives, all that’s left to do is enjoy it.
Whether you’re chasing snow, sunshine, or a simple change of scenery, these long weekends are your built-in excuse to travel a little sooner than spring break.
