Okay,
don't hate us for bringing this up but...summer is almost over. The official
final day of the season isn't till September 22, but most largely associate the
end of summer Fridays, summer beach days, summer lazy days -- you name it --
with that dreaded Tuesday following Labor Day. We’ve compiled the top 10
destinations to get one final vacation thrill out of summer!
La Jolla
If
you want to soak up some final hours on the sand over Labor Day, San
Diego's La Jolla is
a great destination to set your sights on. About a 30-minute drive from the San
Diego airport, this seaside community is set on one of the most affluent
stretches of California's coast. But the atmosphere is nonetheless laid-back; nature
is key here, and it is well-maintained to preserve the area's natural beauty.
There is even a 6,000-acre underwater park, great for snorkeling and scuba
diving, and Mount Soledad, a park with 360-degree views of La Jolla. Partiers
should look elsewhere, but this destination is a solid choice for those seeking
a tranquil long weekend away.
Hotel
Pick: La Valencia
Toronto
Just
because Labor Day is a national holiday doesn't mean you have to spend it
stateside; Toronto
is a wonderful international destination for the weekend, especially this year
when airfare costs to the Canadian metropolis are down. This may come as a
surprise, because many would argue that North America's fourth largest city is
just hitting its prime; the sweeping gentrification of former industrial areas
have made this cultural hub all the more impressive. Toronto is an extremely
walkable city, and Labor Day weekend is a nice time to visit since daytime
temperatures hover in the low 70s. Plus, if you stick around for a few extra
days, the world-renowned Toronto International Film Festival kicks off on
September 10.
Hotel
Pick: The Saint
James Hotel
St. Louis
Despite
the recent Ferguson riots (although the peak period took place after the
holiday), St. Louis
experienced a major uptick in tourism over Labor Day weekend in 2014 compared
to 2013, and this year the hospitality board is expecting a good number of
visitors to fly in for Labor Day 2015 as well. Home to the iconic Arch, this
Midwest metropolis offers visitors some great perks, including free access to
one of the country's top zoos, where a beloved polar bear now resides. Other
fun Labor Day weekend activities include baseball games (the Cardinals will be
taking on the Pirates and the Cubs), the St. Nicholas Festival, and the Midwest
Wingfest, a two-day food fest dedicated to wings.
Hotel
Pick: Hilton St.
Louis at the Ballpark
Virginia
Beach
Thanks
to its miles of beaches, Navy presence, and generally affordable restaurants
and bars, Virginia
Beach finds itself as one of the most visited beach
destinations in the country for Labor Day year after year. The weekend is
packed with patriotic pride in the form of musical events, food and arts
festivals, and fireworks. Though the highly regarded East Coast Surfing
Championships take place two weekends prior, the swell is still great for
surfers over Labor Day, and the waters are packed with swimmer, kayakers, and
surfers.
Hotel
Pick: Hilton
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
New
York City
New
York City
may be one of the top five Labor Day destinations annually (flights over summer
are slightly cheaper than those around the winter holidays and spring break),
but it never feels too crowded over the weekend -- probably because most
Manhattanites escape to the Hamptons.
Aside from less-packed restaurants and a sunny High Line stroll, this year
tourists can take a trip to the recently opened Whitney Museum, which has found
its new home in the Meatpacking District. Entry is expensive, so guests can
also visit classics like the Metropolitan Museum (which only has a high
"suggested" fee) or head to Brooklyn for a cheap, delicious feast at
Smorgasburg.
Hotel
Pick: Lefferts
Manor Bed & Breakfast
Las
Vegas
Las
Vegas
actually often comes in as even more popular than New York over Labor Day
weekend; for those who want to party, there are few places better suited. It's
certainly not cheap to get there, and whatever money you may (but more likely
may not) rake in from the tables, you'll be spending -- and then some -- on
tables at clubs, but the beauty of Vegas is that even the most luxurious
resorts are cheap by hotel rates standards elsewhere. Plus, almost all pool
parties rage on through at least the end of September, so you can drink and
dance in your bikini while you celebrate the holiday.
Hotel
Pick: SLS Las Vegas
Mexico City
Airfare
rates to Mexico City are
a deal these days, and the South-of-the-Border metropolis is bustling with a
thriving arts, culture, and food scene. Packing everything this massive city
has to offer into one weekend may seem difficult, but there are some highlights
you can focus on -- namely taking in downtown's numerous historic buildings and
monuments, exploring the city's countless museums (Mexico City has more museums
than both New York and Paris),
and of course getting your fill of Mexican dishes like tacos al pastor and
quesadillas -- but authentic-style.
Hotel
Pick: Sheraton
Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel
Miami
June
through September are Miami's quietest months, meaning they're also the beach
destination's cheapest -- not only in regards to hotel rates, but also airfare,
which is down about 10 percent compared to last year on top of that. But, let's
be honest, Miami
is never really dead. The party continues all summer long and over the long
weekend this year events range from float festivals to yacht parties, and
baseball games to musical performances by a slew of favorites, including
Pitbull.
Hotel
Pick: Dream South
Beach
Seattle
Early
September is a wonderful time to visit Seattle; the high temperatures hover
around a lovely 70 degrees, and prices begin to drop as the summer tourists
depart. This waterfront city makes for a wonderful Labor Day destination if you
seek a laid-back long weekend. Locals are friendly and it's easy to immerse
yourself in the culture, which is defined by beautiful natural scenery, outdoor
pursuits such as cycling, and, of course, delicious artisanal coffee. Plus,
Seattle is home to a lively farmers market scene -- the best undoubtedly being
the one at Pike Place.
Hotel
Pick: Hotel Deca
Chicago
Just
like Seattle, Chicago
is probably best enjoyed during September -- before the brutal cold and
infamous winds of the winter arrive. The lakeside city is one of the Midwest's
cultural hubs, home to world-class museums, great parks, top-notch dining
and shopping, and cutting-edge architecture. Highlights include the Lincoln
Park Zoo (entry is free) as well as the Navy Pier, where events such as movie
screenings, musical performances and fireworks shows will be taking place this
Labor Day weekend.
Hotel
Pick: Hotel Blake
Chicago
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