Vacation days running low? No matter: these epic long weekend destinations will give you that full-vacation-feeling in just four days. Whether you’re in the mood for a culture-packed city break or a coastal escape, these 15 locations deliver on culture, scenery, activities and unique experiences – no passport required.

Click through this gallery to discover the best long weekend destinations in America... 

One hundred miles (161km) north of Los Angeles, the small city of Santa Barbara is also known as ‘the American Riviera’ – thanks to its pristine beaches, endless palm trees and its unique Spanish architecture.

Unlike California’s bigger cities, Santa Barbara is incredibly walkable and the weather mild year-round, making it perfect for a weekend escape with almost guaranteed sunshine.

The city’s Spanish influence is still evident today – most famously in the Old Mission Santa Barbara, built in 1786. After you’ve had your fill of history, head to Stearns Wharf – the oldest working pier in California – or cycle to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

Feeling adventurous? Go whale-watching, surfing, hiking in the nearby Santa Ynez mountains, or try a spot of wine-tasting (the region is a world-class wine destination).

Gatlinburg offers both family-friendly fun and staggeringly scenic views. In the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s no surprise that mountains are the star of the show here, with an incredible 525,000 acres of hills, hiking trails, ziplines and, in winter, superior ski and snowboarding resorts.

Perfect for outdoorsy and adventurous types, it’s the ideal choice if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle and head into nature for a few days.

Depending on when you visit, you’ll be treated to stunning fall foliage, snow-capped mountain vistas or brilliant sunshine – but outdoor activities are always an option, from whitewater rafting to strolling the pretty streets, dotted with boutique shops and charming cafés.

Gatlinburg’s must-see attraction? The swooping SkyLift, a chairlift that takes you high into the Smoky Mountains, where you’re greeted by SkyBridge – North America’s longest suspension bridge. 

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Brimming with historical charm, Savannah is one of the South’s most picturesque destinations. Ideal for a culture-packed city break, Georgia’s oldest city (founded in 1733) is filled with scenic squares, long avenues lined with Spanish moss and antebellum architecture.

Unlike many other US cities, Savannah is walkable, has plenty of green, open spaces and with its mild winters, it’s a popular choice for weekend trips year-round.

Three days is plenty to explore the ‘Hostess City’. Stay near River Street or in the Historic District for easy access to landmarks like Forsyth Park and Chippewa Square, where Forrest Gump's famous bench scene was filmed.

Don’t miss Savannah’s arts scene – from the SCAD Museum to the Jepson Center and the country’s only Prohibition Museum. For the best views, hop on a riverboat cruise down the Savannah River.

Cape May is technically part of the Jersey Shore, but it’s about as far from ritzy boardwalks and rowdy casinos as you can imagine. Perched on its southernmost point, it’s often called America’s first seaside resort, having welcomed tourists since the mid-19th century.

In fact, the entire town is a National Historic Landmark, with the largest concentration of Victorian architecture in the USA – you can explore over 600 lovingly restored structures as you wander the promenades.

By day, take the Cape May trolley for a unique tour of the town; visit waterfront eatery The Lobster House for sea-to-table delicacies; or go whale-watching aboard The Cape May Whale Watcher.

Cape May is irresistible for history buffs, with several former presidents spending their summers here – visit the Congress Hall Hotel to walk in their footsteps. As night falls, climb the 199 steps up to the Cape May Point Lighthouse for incredible views of the town. 

Only accessible by ferry or floatplane, Washington State’s San Juan Islands are where to go to truly get away from it all. Remote and rustic, there are 172 islands in the San Juan archipelago, but only three are accessible to tourists – Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Island.

From wildlife watching and hiking, to kayaking and wandering the islands’ charming villages, they’re the ideal destination for anyone who wants to escape into nature. 

Located off the Pacific Northwest coast, the islands’ biggest draw is rare wildlife. The horseshoe-shaped Orcas Island is named for its biggest attraction: the three pods of killer whales that roam the surrounding Salish Sea, which you can observe in their natural habitat from April to October.

The San Juan Islands are also home to the largest population of bald eagles in the US, and all three boast beautiful hiking routes and scenic byways to explore, as well as farms where you can sample fresh pears, kiwi fruit and wine grapes. 

Just a 45-minute drive from San Francisco and the Bay Area, the Napa Valley feels like another world. One of America's most celebrated wine regions, it’s the ultimate destination for weekend R&R, with more than 400 wineries, 150 luxurious restaurants and five towns dotted in this 35 mile (56km) region.

With the stunning Sonoma Mountains as your backdrop, the Napa Valley has near-perfect weather year round, making it the ideal spot if you’re craving sunshine.

The best way to explore the Napa Valley in a weekend? With a road trip. Starting in the small but lively city of Napa, wind your way north to the towns of Rutherford, St Helena and Calistoga, stopping at wineries along the way for tastings, spa treatments or outdoor swimming with spectacular views.

It’s recommended to do no more than three winery tours per day, to soak up the unique vineyards and atmosphere of each.

The Outer Banks are a string of barrier islands, stretching 130 miles (209km) along the North Carolina coast. Wild, windswept and stunningly picturesque, it’s no surprise more than five million tourists flock here every year.

Quaint and sleepy, they feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, and offer travellers a huge selection of vacation activities, from sea swimming and water sports to shipwreck-exploring.

The Outer Banks has six main islands, but for a weekend break, follow Highway 12 through Bodie, Hatteras and Ocracoke to hit the highlights.

Along the way, visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Wright Brothers Memorial (the site of their historic first flight in 1903), Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and resort towns like Nags Head and Kitty Hawk. You might spot wild horses, kayak through marshes or even charter a fishing boat.

The largest subtropical wilderness in the US, Everglades National Park spans 1.5 million acres and ranks among the most biodiverse places on Earth – just an hour from bustling Miami.

From giant cypress trees to iconic alligators, it’s a perfect weekend escape for intrepid explorers. With winter temps rarely below 63°F (17°C), it’s also a year-round destination – just don’t forget the bug spray.

For a weekend break, stay in Flamingo – it’s the park’s only actual settlement, and offers a variety of lodging including a hotel, houseboats and even glamping.

From there, you can join daily boat tours, rent a canoe or kayak and explore The Everglades’ many trails, marvelling at the incredible wildlife along the way, including manatees, dolphins and a staggering array of birds.

Sailing, seafood and stunning scenery: Newport, Rhode Island is one of New England’s classiest weekend getaways. Compact yet full of charm, it was one of America’s first seaside resorts – you can still tour the summer mansions of families like the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers.

Beyond sandy beaches, cliff walks and hidden coves, Newport boasts a thriving restaurant scene along with local wineries and breweries.

If you’ve got a weekend to spare in Newport, there’s plenty to do outdoors. Start with the Cliff Walk, a scenic 3.5-mile (5.6km) trail that winds between dramatic shoreline and grand Gilded Age mansions.

Hop on the ferry to Block Island – one of the Nature Conservancy’s ‘Last Great Places on Earth’ – for a day of beaches and bike rides. And don’t miss a stroll around iconic Newport Harbour. When it’s time to eat, go for the classics: lobster rolls and steaming bowls of clam chowder.

Yosemite needs no introduction: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a haven for climbers and stunning in all four seasons (though busiest in midsummer), its position in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountains means staggering views from every angle.

It’s easily accessible from Northern California’s key airports, and travellers come from around the globe to hike, climb, ski and spot more than 400 species of wildlife, from black bears to mountain lions.

Despite Yosemite’s size, it’s perfectly possible to explore in 48 hours. Come in on the Wawona Road for the best, most breathtaking view, before heading to Yosemite Valley and Tunnel View, where you can watch adrenaline junkies scale the iconic El Capitan mountain.

Depending on your activity level, you can explore Yosemite by bike, car, or on foot, ending up at the beautiful Glacier Point. For some culture, the Yosemite Museum and Ansel Adams Gallery are well worth a visit.

America's most beautiful mountains

The home of Mardi Gras, jazz and soul food, you’re always guaranteed a good time in New Orleans. With a vibe unlike any other US city, it has a strong European influence that can still be felt today, with its unique architecture and mouth-watering cuisine. New Orleans is also surprisingly walkable, making it ideal for a weekend trip.

New Orleans’ unofficial motto? 'Laissez les bon temps roulez' – let the good times roll. To make this happen, head to the iconic Bourbon Street – the main hub of New Orleans, where you can watch live jazz, admire the city from wrought iron balconies and tuck into gumbo, beignets (fried doughnuts) and po-boys.

The Big Easy is also a historic destination – a trip to the enormous National World War II Museum is a must, as is strolling the Garden District, with its rows of charming 19th century mansions.

Best known as the setting of the 1988 Julia Roberts movie, Mystic Pizza, there’s much more to Mystic than its history as a filming location. In fact, this quaint New England town has been named the prettiest in Connecticut – and with its waterfront downtown, marina and streets of colourful clapboard houses, it’s easy to see why. 

If you’re spending a weekend in Mystic, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. If the weather’s fair, take a self-guided boat tour, visit the Coogan Farm Nature and Heritage Center, or slurp oysters alfresco at the S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar.

Raining on your parade? Stroll the town’s array of boutique shops, visit the Mystic Seaport Museum or the Mystic Aquarium for an afternoon of family fun.

Twenty two miles (35km) off the coast lies California’s best kept secret: Catalina, America’s answer to the Greek islands. Reachable only by ferries, which depart daily from San Pedro, Long Beach or Dana Point, it has long been the upscale bolthole of choice for tourists in search of luxury.

With a stunning marina reminiscent of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the island boasts warm temperatures year-round, and is made up of two key towns: Avalon and Two Harbors.

Catalina offers city-weary travellers a break from their cars too, as most choose to get around the island on foot, by bike or even golf cart. You can choose to while away the hours at a beach club, try your hand at parasailing and paddleboarding, or even visit the island’s resident herd of bison.

Aspiring sommeliers should head to the Rusack Vineyards for a glass of Zinfandel or Pinot Noir, while adventurous travellers can hike the 38.5 mile (61.9km) Trans Catalina Trail, doable in four days.

Split between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a year-round favourite, especially for adventurous travellers drawn to its skiing, hiking and boating.

Perfect for a quick weekend escape, it’s just 45 minutes from Reno-Tahoe Airport, and you can drive the lake’s scenic perimeter in about three hours, with plenty of stops along the way.

What you choose to do in Lake Tahoe will depend heavily on the time of year you visit. In autumn and winter, travellers marvel at the snowy mountain vistas and ski down the pistes of Heavenly Mountain.

In spring and summer, Lake Tahoe’s turquoise waters are the star of the show – boating and kayaking are a must, as are the area’s plentiful hikes, including the Eagle Rock Trail, which offers panoramic views of the lake and the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Rounding off the list is the ultimate weekend getaway: Miami, Florida. Bringing the heat 365 days a year, it’s the perfect destination for those who like their beach with a side of culture.

And Miami brings it in spades: from live music to art to food and architecture, there’s far more to the Magic City than the white sands of South Beach. Heavily influenced by Latin American culture, Miami is a melting pot of ethnicities and nationalities, making its food scene especially exciting to explore.

One of Miami’s most famous exports is its Art Deco architecture, so be sure to build in time to explore it – you’ll find these beautiful buildings in South Beach’s Art Deco Historic District.

Wind your way over to Wynwood, a rapidly gentrifying neighbourhood filled with incredible street art installations, before settling in for a cafecito – a Cuban coffee. Other Miami must-sees include the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens and catching the Miami Heat basketball team in action.

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