*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if a purchase is made*
Mother's Day is under a month away, and by now, you're probably deciding how to best celebrate the maternal figure in your life. Here at Tipsy Atlas, we believe there is no other gift than the gift of traveling, even if only for a weekend. Depending on where you live, some of these destinations won't be viable, but we tried listing places all throughout the continental United States to serve your needs. Here are the best Mother's Day weekend getaways in the USA.
Napa Valley, California
Known for: Prestigious wine & stunning scenery
Best airports: Sonoma County, San Francisco International, Oakland International
The name Napa Valley immediately invokes imagery of wine, as its home state is where the majority of wine is produced in the USA. North of San Francisco, Napa Valley and neighboring Sonoma are best for wine country tours, complete with tastings and transport from San Fran. It's especially popular for its Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays. Aside from wine, Napa Valley has amazing scenery and Michelin star restaurants.
Accommodation Recommendations
Archer Hotel Napa is positioned 50 miles from Oakland International Airport and features an on-site restaurant, rooftop bar, and fitness center. The Westin Verasa Napa is located near several wineries as well as the South Napa Marketplace.
Savannah, Georgia
Known for: Beauty & history
Best airport: Savannah Airport
Even if you're only spending one day in Savannah, Georgia, there are plenty of things to do. Savannah is home to beautiful Forsyth Park, a 30-acre greenspace with a picturesque fountain and Southern live oak trees. It also has a marvelous historic district situated on the riverside with various shops and eateries.
Accommodation Recommendations
If you're looking for an extra thrill. you could stay at the supposedly haunted Kehoe House. If that's not for you, Hampton Inn & Suites offers a clean room in a great location.
Key West, Florida
Known for: Beaches & nightlife
Best airport: Key West International Airport
Tropical Key West makes our list of Mother's Day weekend getaways for obvious reasons. The southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West boasts beaches, nightlife, and museums. You can visit one of the many bars and restaurants on Duval Street, or take in the sights at the The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. It's also known for the Hemingway Home and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.
Accommodation Recommendations
Many visitors to Key West stay in a resort. One option is Opal Key Resort & Marina, which has an outdoor heated pool and is a 6-minute walk from Duval Street. Another is Ocean Key Resort & Spa, offering a sunset pier, oceanfront pool, and several spa treatment options.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Known for: Gambling & entertainment
Best airport: McCarran International Airport
Las Vegas, Nevada is a great way for adult children to unleash their mother's party animal. The gambling capital of the USA, Las Vegas contains 60 major casinos including depictions of New York City, Venice, Cairo, Paris, and Marrakesh. While in the area, you can also hop over to Red Rock Canyon and the Grand Canyon.
Accommodation Recommendations
Las Vegas's hotels are a part of what makes it fun. Positioned on the Las Vegas strip, the Bellagio Hotel is home to several great pools and the world famous Fountains of Bellagio. Also highly renowned, the Venetian Resort has its own version of Venice's Grand Canal. A more affordable choice is the Luxor - a hotel symbolizing Egypt's pyramids.
Charleston, South Carolina
Known for: History & Art Deco construction
Best airport: Charleston International Airport
From historic sites to gorgeous beaches, Charleston has a lot to offer. It's also full of picturesque architecture, such as the colorful houses lining Rainbow Row. Its aquarium and museums make the city great for families, while landmarks like the Fort Sumter National Monument take you on a journey into the past.
Accommodation Recommendations
Right in the middle of the action, Hyatt Place Charleston is an affordable hotel located in the middle of the historic district. If you're looking for something that captures the city's charm, The Vendue offers a colorful facade and brightly decorated rooms.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Known for: Architecture & nature
Best airports: Pellston Regional Airport & Chippewa County International
Mackinac Island is entirely car free, with horses and carriages being a primary means for transportation, Though it's small, its national parks and views of the Great Lakes make it plenty desirable. Like Charleston, it offers a lot for history lovers. It was home to the War of 1812's Battle of Mackinac, with monuments such as Fort Mackinac to prove it. Its horse and carriage rides and amazing beaches make it a great Mother's Day weekend getaway destination.
Accommodation Recommendations
Island House Hotel is in a walkable area, only an 8-minute trek from Fort Mackinac. Another choice is the interesting Murray Hotel, which has a stylish (albeit a bit outdated) interior design with a beautiful exterior.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Known for: Nature & culture
Best airport: Salt Lake City International Airport
Salt Lake City is a mere 30 minutes away from Big Cottonwood Canyon - a scenic canyon that offers hiking, biking, rock-climbing, and even skiing when the weather is right. It's also home of the largest saltwater lake, appropriately named Great Salt Lake. With a location right below the Rocky Mountains, the city is a beautiful place for nature lovers of all ages.
Accommodation Recommendations
If you're looking for something affordable with top-notch amenities, Grand America Hotel is a good option. It provides a spa, cafe, and a great location. You could also choose the downtown-based Le Méridien, located less than 3 miles from the Utah Museum of Natural History.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Known for: National parks
Best airport: Colorado Springs Airport
Another spot for the nature obsessed, Salt Lake City is easily a top Mother's Day weekend getaway. Visitors can take in the 1,341-acre Garden of the Gods, the colorful Red Rock Canyon, and the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. If your family likes to submerse themselves in history, check out the National Museum of World War II Aviation or the Penrose Heritage Museum.
Accommodation Recommendations
When taking into account all it has to offer, the Cheyenne Mountain Resort has a pretty reasonably price point. It includes five swimming pools, a tennis court, and tremendous views of the mountains. For a slightly cheaper price, the Colorado Springs Marriott is a tad less luxurious but still boasts incredible views.
Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Known for: Scenery & attractions
Best airport: McGhee Tyson
Speaking of mountains, it's hard to find any more picturesque than the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Nestled at the foot of the park are Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge - two very different, yet equally charming cities. Gatlinburg gives you a fun, albeit stereotypical look at hillbilly culture, while Pigeon Forge is teeming with attractions like go-kart tracks, putt-putt golf courses, and of course, Dollywood. Check out our article of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge to learn more.
Accommodation Recommendations
One hotel I always recommend is Timbers Lodge. This cabin-like property is positioned across from The Track, a miniature theme park with go-karts and rides. Surrounded by beauty, The Inn on the River is another choice situated on Pigeon Forge's Little Pigeon River.
New York City, New York
Known for: Museums, Culture, Restaurants
Best airport: LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International
I couldn't close our list of the top Mother's Day weekend getaways without taking you to one of America's greatest cities. New York City has no shortage of things to do, from visiting historic monuments to perusing world-famous museums, such as The Met. There's also a tremendous food culture in the city. You'll enjoy anything from hot dogs and pizza to high-end restaurants. Here's some tips to help you on your first visit to New York City.
Accommodation Recommendations
New York City has numerous Hilton properties, and which you choose depends on where you want to stay. There's the Hilton New York Times Square, New York Hilton Midtown, or the Hilton New York Manhattan/Chelsea. Of course, there's no rule that you have to stay in a Hilton. If you want something more upscale, check out The Langham, which is complete with an on-site Michelin star restaurant.
There's no better way to celebrate mom than a Mother's Day weekend getaway. No matter where you go, you're sure to make amazing memories. Remember, it's not always about the location - it's also about the people you surround yourself with.
תגובות