Labor Day is an important date on the calendar, and the perfect time to get away from it all. Here in the US, Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September, making it the best time of year for those that prefer the laid-back personality of fall rather than the stifling heat of the summer. Whether you’re looking for a weekend break that’s close to hand or prefer the idea of a full-on road trip, there’s no limit to the activities and adventures that Labor Day weekend can bring. So, in order to make your decisions a little easier, here’s a list of some of the best Labor Day vacations that you can hope to find. Labor Day may be about celebrating the hard work of generations of American workers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t kick back and relax.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
If you’re looking for some of the most spectacular and breathtaking mountain scenery in America, then you won’t regret giving Grand Teton National Park a visit. Not only is it the home of incredible natural surroundings, but it also hosts an abundance of wildlife to see. From moose to Bison, the wilds of Wyoming are always gorgeous, but there’s something very special about the national park. For hikers, there’s a seemingly endless variety of trails and waterfalls, and for those looking for something a little more sedate over Labor Day, there’s also plenty of option for fishing (and the trout that’s found in Jenny Lake is almost worth the trip alone). If you are heading to Grand Teton, then Jenny Lake makes the perfect base, and you can choose to rough it in the array of campsites, or even go a little more upscale with a stay in the area’s luxury eco-resort.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
For those on the East Coast, Martha’s Vineyard has long been a favorite destination, and Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to explore this unique slice of America. Not only is the area famous for its fresh seafood and laid-back pace of life, but on Labor Day weekend it’s also host to a celebration festival that features artists that live in the region and who display and perform their art for visitors. It’s the perfect place to wind down and soak up the bohemian atmosphere. The ‘Vineyard’ is also home to quite a few celebrity residents, so you might even be able to grab some great pics in between choosing from the renowned seafood restaurants and ice cream emporiums. Perfect for those hoping to combine sightseeing and partying on their Labor Day Vacations, Martha’s Vineyard is the best place to combine the two.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans isn’t all about Halloween and Mardi Gras. If you’re wondering what to do for Labor Day and your tastes run to the wilder side, then you should definitely be looking at the hedonist’s paradise that is New Orleans. The party just never stops, and Labor Day is no different. Obviously, there’s enough live jazz to satisfy even the most dedicated fan, but there’s also the wide variety of New Orleans cuisine that will act as the perfect base for the vast amounts of bourbon that you’re going to wash it all down with. Labor Day weekend is a great time to be in New Orleans, and visitors arrive from all over the world to take part in the annual Southern Decadence party. With events and parties on every corner and in every bar and hotel, even the most jaded partygoer is going to find something to love in New Orleans.
Key West, Florida
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, then you won’t find much better than the Keys. While there’s plenty to see and do on Key West, the gorgeous coastal region will provide plenty of opportunities to just kick back and soak up the sun. Check out Sloppy Joe’s for the ultimate in watering holes and kill time until your boat departs for the Champagne Celebration Sunset Cruise. There’s a reason why Hemingway loved the Keys, and whether you’re after a touch of history or the perfect romantic getaway, there’s something for everyone in the Florida Keys. It’s also home to the most southerly point in the continental United States, so that’s a selfie for the Instagram right there.
Whether you’re mourning the departure of summer already or you can’t wait for the leaves to start falling from the trees, Labor Day vacations are the perfect buffer between seasons. If you haven’t sorted out your travel options yet, now is the time to start looking forward to the last weekend of summer with the perfect getaway.
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