How to Plan for a Long Weekend

Co-authored by Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: September 6, 2021 References

You're likely super excited about your upcoming long weekend, and planning what you're going to do is part of the fun! A long weekend is the perfect time to make memories, whether you take a trip or stay home. Depending on how safe it is because of COVID-19, you may not be able to try out all these options. However, you deserve time to rest and have fun, so use your time off to safely do something you enjoy.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Going on a Weekend Getaway

1
Compare taking a road trip versus taking a flight. Generally, short road trips are the best way to spend a long weekend because they'll allow you to spend more time enjoying your destination. However, you might choose to book a flight if you want to go further from home. Plan a road trip if your destination is 2-3 hours away, but consider flying if you want to travel further from home.^{[1]
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- Check the cost of plane tickets and the price of gas to figure out how much more expensive it would be to fly. You might be able to find deals for some destinations.
- A long road trip could work for you if you want to stop in other cities along the way.
- Talk to your travel companions about what they want to do if you're traveling with others.
2
Plan a trip to visit friends and family in another city. You might be able to have a fun, low-cost weekend getaway by staying with someone you know. Contact your closest friends and family members and ask if they can accommodate you for the weekend. Offer to bring them a host gift or to pay for a group outing in exchange for staying at their home.^{[2]
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- If you can't stay with family or friends, you can still visit them! Ask if they can meet up for an afternoon or to have dinner, and make sure to get recommendations for things to do while in town.
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3
Book a trip if you can afford a hotel and travel costs. Maximize a long weekend by taking a mini-vacation. You might go somewhere exciting, like Las Vegas or New York City, but you could also stay closer to home. Make travel and hotel arrangements ahead of time so you won't have to worry about everything being booked up. Then, enjoy your whirlwind trip.^{[3]
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- Make the most of a short vacation by leaving as soon as you can on Friday evening and returning as late as possible on Sunday.
4
Travel to a nearby city for a weekend getaway. You don’t need to go far to have fun! Go on a short road trip to a city or town that’s close to home. Both big and small cities will provide a fun change of pace.^{[4]
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- Pick a major city if there’s one close to you. For instance, visit Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Houston, Austin, New Orleans, Atlanta, Boulder, Miami Beach, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, or New York.
- If there aren’t any big cities near you, don’t worry! You can still have fun in another small town. Check out their local eateries, parks, and shops.
5
Look for quirky hotels, restaurants, and activities to enjoy. Many cities and towns boast something unique that will create a memorable experience for you. This might include a funky restaurant, a trendy boutique hotel, or a local landmark, such as a big ball of yarn or a large fire hydrant. Schedule visits to the quirky attractions in the city you choose for your getaway.^{[5]
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- If you’re staying overnight, focus on boutique hotels that have a unique flavor or pick an Airbnb to experience the city like a local.
- When eating out, check online to find the hotspot bars and restaurants where you’re going. You might visit a teahouse, food truck park, or fusion restaurant that combines different cuisines.
- Check the city’s website to find a listing of any special events happening over the weekend. Similarly, learn about the city’s popular attractions, like museums.
- You can find a list of fun attractions near you here: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/
6
Schedule activities in advance to maximize your trip. When traveling over a long weekend, it's easy to feel like all you did was arrive and depart. Doing a variety of activities on your getaway will help you feel like you took a full trip. Plan how you'll spend each day and book reservations for your activities, if necessary. Be sure to leave transition time between activities so you don't get behind schedule.^{[6]
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- For example, your Saturday plans in a beach town might include watching the sunrise over the ocean, eating breakfast at a local cafe, going to a museum, eating lunch at a food truck, swimming in the ocean, eating dinner at a popular seaside restaurant, and watching a movie with your family.
- Some activities may fill up or sell out over the weekend, so it's best to book things before you go.^{[7]
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7
Build anticipation by talking about your trip in the days before it. Discussing what you'll do on your trip before you go can help you feel like your trip was longer than it really was. Talk to your family and friends about your travel plans. Additionally, look at photos of the place where you'll be going and read advice from other travelers about how to get the most out of your experiences.^{[8]
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- Say things like, "I can't wait to hit the slopes this weekend," or "This time tomorrow I'll be relaxing on a beach. I can't wait to feel the sand between my toes."
- When it comes to finding tips, you might read reviews about a famous restaurant you want to visit to find out when you're less likely to have to wait for a table.
8
Check out a state landmark or historical site for an educational activity. Most areas have an important landmark or site nearby that is open for visitors. Travel to a landmark or historical location to walk the grounds, read the posted facts, and take photos. Invite family and friends to join you so you can all talk about what you learned.^{[9]
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- For instance, you might visit the Alamo if you’re in Texas, the Statue of Liberty if you’re in New York, Independence Hall if you live near Philadelphia, Mount Rushmore if you’re near South Dakota, or Alcatraz Island if you’re near California.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Enjoying the Great Outdoors

1
Go on a hiking or camping trip during cool, clear weather conditions. Spending time outdoors relaxes you and stokes your adventurous spirit. Plan a hike at a local park or nature reserve. If you want to camp overnight, reserve a camping spot, pack your camping gear, and invite others to go with you.^{[10]
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- If you’re camping, make sure your tent can hold everyone who is coming.
- If you live in a warm area, spring and fall might be the best time for hiking and camping. In cooler areas, late spring, summer, and early fall might be the best time to go hiking or camping.
Variation: Camp out in your own backyard for a cheap, easy way to enjoy good weather.
2
Hang out at the beach or lake on a warm, sunny weekend. A fun day at the beach can give you instant vacation vibes. If the weather is warm and clear, there’s no better place than the beach or lakeside. Pack up your bathing suit, blankets, towels, and a picnic. Then, enjoy a long day at the beach or lake.^{[11]
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- You can visit the beach or lake for a day trip or a weekend-long getaway.
3
Visit a state or national park during spring, summer, or fall. National parks allow you to see natural wonders and wildlife up close, so they can give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Find the national park that's closest to you. Check the hours for the park and purchase tickets, if necessary. On the day of your visit, wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes to the park and carry drinking water with you.^{[12]
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US National Park Service
Agency responsible for the maintenance and promotion of national parks and monuments
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- For example, you might visit the Rocky Mountain National Park or Yellowstone National Park.
- You can find a park near you by visiting here: https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm
4
Take a ski trip in the mountains during snowy breaks. A visit to the mountains lets you enjoy an exhilarating adventure and cuddle by a fire. During cold weather, a trip to the mountains might be your perfect long weekend holiday getaway. Book a short stay at a mountain lodge or ski resort, then spend your free time on the slopes.^{[13]
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- For instance, you might spend your weekend in Aspen, CO, Bend, OR, or Whistler, British Columbia.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Touring Your Town

1
Plan a special activity for each day and night. Make your long weekend special by pretending you're on vacation. Schedule fun events for each day to help keep your weekend exciting. Look for special events like concerts, parades, and festivals that are happening over the weekend. Additionally, pick activities you might do if you were vacationing in your city.^{[14]
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- For instance, you might see a movie Friday night, visit a museum and a new restaurant on Saturday, play mini-golf and watch live music on Sunday, and join friends or family at a local park on Monday.
2
Spend an afternoon at the park. Parks are fun because they have playground equipment, walking paths, and attractive nature elements. Visit your local park for a picnic, games, or scenic walk. Make it an even more fun afternoon by inviting friends and family! Here are some activities you might try:^{[15]
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- Bring board games and play at a picnic table or on a blanket.
- Kick around a soccer or kickball.
- Play a pickup game of baseball.
- Draw on the sidewalk with chalk if it’s allowed.
- Play badminton.
Variation: You can have a lot of fun in a park by yourself. For instance, enjoy a picnic, read a book, watch the clouds, go for a walk, or play on the equipment.
3
Eat at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try. Sampling some new cuisine is a fun way to mix things up without having to travel outside your hometown. Pick a restaurant that you’ve never tried before or a place that has a lot of different kinds of dishes. Then, order something that you typically wouldn’t get.^{[16]
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- If your city or town has limited restaurants, you might order a different entree at your favorite eatery.
4
Visit a local attraction in your city or town. It’s easy to forget about the fun things your city and town has to offer, and a long weekend is a perfect time to remind yourself that there’s fun all around you. Pretend like you’re on a vacation in your hometown and enjoy the recreational activities available. Here are some great options:^{[17]
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- Play mini-golf.
- Go bowling.
- Tour a local museum.
- Visit a nearby winery or brewery.
- Walk along a local waterfront.
- Go to the zoo.
- Take a painting class.
Tip: If you live in a rural area or small city, it’s easy to get discouraged about what your area has to offer. However, there is something fun that you can try, even if it’s something like walking in the woods or swimming in a local pond. Ask other locals how they have fun and give their ideas a try!
5
Look for local events happening over the weekend. You never know what fun activities are going on until you look! There might be a movie screening, a farmers' market, a festival, or something else going on in your town that you never knew about—and a long weekend is the time to try it out.
- To find fun events going on in your town, look for community boards where people can post flyers about what's happening. These can often be found in cafes, libraries, supermarkets, or public buildings.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Enjoying Your Break at Home

1
Spend your extra time working on a hobby. Your busy work or school week can make it hard to do the things you enjoy. A long weekend is the perfect time to engage in a favorite hobby. Dedicate a few hours over the weekend to your hobbies. For instance, you might do the following:^{[18]
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- Knit a scarf.
- Paint.
- Build a birdhouse or shelf.
- Write a short story.
- Play a game.
- Practice the guitar.
- Make homemade bath products.
2
Read a book that captures your full attention. Reading can be a great escape, so it’s an excellent weekend activity. Pick a book that you find interesting and engaging. Then, snuggle up with a blanket and warm beverage so you can read in comfort.^{[19]
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- As an example, you might pick a fantasy, science fiction, or adventure novel if you want to be transported to another world. On the other hand, you might pick a cozy mystery if you want a quirky puzzle to solve.
3
Binge watch a TV show or movie franchise that’s in your queue. Diving into a TV show or movie is a fun way to rest and relax. Best of all, you can likely do it for free. Pick a show that you’ve been wanting to watch or re-watch your favorites.^{[20]
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- If you like, invite a friend or family member to enjoy a marathon with you.
Tip: Make your TV or movie marathon an experience. Pop some popcorn, get a few of your favorite snacks, and put on your favorite pajamas. Then, dim the lights and enjoy.
4
Make a big meal for your family or friends. Enjoying a meal with people you care about is a great way to make memories, relax, and remind yourself what’s important. Invite friends and family to your home for lunch or dinner. Then, cook up a tasty meal or ask everyone to bring their favorite dish.^{[21]
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- For example, you might host a picnic or barbeque if it’s warm outside.
- On a cool day, make a big pot of chili or gumbo to share with those you love.
5
Complete a major home improvement project. You likely have projects that you want to tackle but just don’t have enough time to do. Luckily, a long weekend can be the perfect time to get these things done. Choose a project that will help you feel happier and more content at home. For instance, you might do 1 of the following:^{[22]
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- Clear out your clutter and organize your home.
- Redecorate a room in your home.
- Paint a room.
- Plant a garden.
- Fix your car.
- Lay stones for a new patio.
- Get deck furniture.
- Build a swing set.
6
Catch up or work ahead on work or school assignments. While it’s important to use your vacation to relax, you might decide to work if it’ll make your life easier in the future. Carve out a few hours in your weekend to take care of assignments or projects that are behind the deadline or to work a day or 2 ahead. However, remember to relax a bit, as well.^{[23]
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- For example, you might catch up on a reading assignment for school or start working on a research paper you know is due soon.
- Similarly, you might finish up a presentation for work that needs to be submitted as soon as possible.