The Best Long Weekend Summer Getaways

Just on the other side of the Hamptons in Long Island is the North Fork and Greenport. There are countless vineyards, places to pick berries, beaches on the Long Island Sound (67 Steps Beach is a favorite) and great restaurants. In town we love going on the Ferris wheel, eating at American Beech, and having lunch at The Market, a health food store. We stayed at the newly opened Menhaden last time we were in town and it was charming, yet cool. - Kerry Pieri, Fashion/Features Director

If you're in the mood for live music, a bustling food scene, and a hint of nature, Austin is the perfect city to escape to for a long weekend. South Congress and E. 6th St. are full of unique shops, bars, and food trucks that will keep you outside and exploring all day long. I'd also highly recommend making a trip down to Lake Austin for some paddle boarding and other fun water activities. Shack up at the South Congress Hotel, which has become a personal favorite. The art deco decor and rooftop pool provide the perfect setting to unwind after a long day. —Lauren Sheffield, Content Strategy Manager

My family and I have been going to Cape Cod for the past few years and typically stay on the mansion side of Ocean Edge Resort, which puts us right in between Nauset and Skaket Beaches, the two most popular waterfronts in the area. For a more luxurious stay, I highly recommend Wequassett Resort and Golf Club that comes complete with waterfront views, which aren't as easy to find as one would expect on the Cape. The tide at Skaket Beach goes out for miles; I can't resist walking out as far as I can midday, heading back as the tide rolls in, and then sticking around to watch the sunset. When we're not diving into tempura haricot verts and margaritas at The Barley Neck Inn in Orleans, we like to indulge in a perfectly-prepared dinner at ABBA, which puts twists on Mediterranean flavors and offers a more upscale dining experience with an expertly curated wine list. If you're in the mood for something sweet, stop by the Hot Chocolate Sparrow for their unforgettable homemade fudge. If you're overwhelmed by the amount of options, you cannot go wrong with their classic chocolate walnut fudge, paired with a cappuccino. —Carrie Goldberg, Travel & Weddings Director

A brilliant, colorful city inspired by the fusion of the old and the new, the charm of Charleston gets me every time. The latest embodiment of this intangible charm is the recently opened Hotel Bennett, a grand oasis of inspired quiet luxury, and gateway to Camellia’s Champagne Bar. A jewel-box shaped gem adorned with reclaimed pink marble from the library that once stood in its place, Camellia's is a hotspot for cooling off on a warm afternoon saddled up with Veuve Clicquot. If you're looking for a home away from home in this city, look no further than Zero George, with perfectly appointed rooms all nestled off a quaint courtyard. Here, you check in off the breakfast room and inside the kitchen, where chef Vinson Petrillo creates some of the best food you'll eat in this city. The recent culinary renaissance here requires constant innovation and Tradd’s, owned by native Charlestonians, does just that with its seasonal menu of elevated, refined takes on southern classics. A trip to Charleston wouldn’t be complete without an afternoon spent in the Brewery District, a hub of craft breweries all a short bike ride’s distance apart, perfect to grab a pint while feeling the unmatched beat of this captivating city. -Tom Marchant, co-founder, Black Tomato & BAZAAR.com Travel Contributor

Most weekends, long or short, I'll be upstate in the Catskills jumping into secret swimming holes and eating really good food. My favorite restaurants include Brushland Eating House (try the pork schnitzel), Wilde Beest (new on the scene in Kingston) and Prospect (inside the hip Scribner’s Catskill Lodge). Located in Kingston with Parisian vibes, you'll find Brunette, a natural wine bar serving up a curated selection of local drinks, small bites and under-the-radar music; Rough Draft, where you can order books and beer; Hops Petunia, an incredibly chic flower shop-come-home-goods store; Clove and Creek, my favorite spot for gift shopping; and Lovefield Vintage, the best vintage store in New York State—in my humble opinion. As far as places to stay, I like to rotate betweenThe Spruceton Inn, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge, Brushland’s Owls Nest, and good old-fashion camping. —Olivia Fleming, Features Director

I always jet to Miami for a long weekend and spend as much time as I can at the EDITION—you can dance all night there, lounge by the pool, go bowling (yes, bowling) and in some seasons, you can even ice skate there. I spend most of the day on the beach and then head to The Matador Room for dinner. When I am in town, I always have to stop by The Webster—they are the go-to for all things chic in South Beach, and in their other locations. - Chrissy Rutherford, Special Projects Director

I love renting a house and grilling clams in the evening with a glass of wine, or staying at the perfectly-nautical Castle Hill Inn, which is also a prime spot for Champagne and oysters at sunset. Newport is home to some of the country's most historic estates, from The Breakers and The Elms to Marble House, built for the Vanderbilts in the late 1800's. Spend your days visiting one beautiful estate after the next, then stroll along the town's famous Cliff Walk at sunset before heading to dinner. Take a boat out for a sail during the day, looking on to the gorgeous estates from the water is one of the the most relaxing ways to spend an afternoon. - Joyann King, Executive Editorial Director, BAZAAR.com

My favorite go-to spot is usually my hometown, Philadelphia. It's less than a two-hour train or bus ride from New York City, and there is plenty of good food, shopping and sight-seeing to enjoy while there. My favorite spot to stay is The Rittenhouse Hotel, which puts you right in the middle of Philly's Rittenhouse Square, and has the best spa in the city. The hotel offers a girl's weekend getaway package called The Sip, Spa & Stay which includes three 30-minute spa treatments, the hotel's famous afternoon tea and luxury accommodations. Shopping wise, Rittenhouse Square and Old City have the best boutiques, street markets and stores to visit. I also love the Philadelphia Museum of Art and if you can, try to see the ballet at the Academy of Music—it's the most beautiful building. For foodies, you have to visit Reading Terminal Market and of course, you can't leave without trying a cheesesteak from either Pat's or Geno's. - Lauren Fisher, Market Editor

The food scene in Pittsburgh never ceases to impress, and some truly amazing dinners are to be had at spots like Umami, Tako and Meat & Potatoes. Drinks at Butcher & The Rye are a must, and the brunch at The Commoner in the Hotel Monaco is a definite must–they have a Bloody Mary Bar that's an experience in and of itself, with options to infuse, rim and top your cocktail with a menu of different flavors. Andy Warhol is a Pittsburgh native, and much of his work can be seen in the museum dedicated to his works on the North Shore.

For a nice walk, head to the Duquesne Incline for amazing views. Shopping in Pittsburgh is full of hidden gems; I love the vintage shops in Shadyside (shops like Hey Betty! and EONS are my favorites). If you're after something sweet, stop by Milly's for homemade ice cream before heading out to the suburbs for antiquing. If you're up for a treasure hunt, The Wexford General Store is filled with goodies, if you tale the time to look. —Carrie Goldberg, Travel & Weddings Director

Naples is only 45 minutes west of Fort Lauderdale—and it's such a fabulous spot for a (quiet and relaxing) beach vacation. The sand, water, and sunsets are insanely beautiful since it's right on the Gulf of Mexico. You're going to want to spend your entire weekend on the sand or in the water, but if you do sneak away, there are so many fabulous restaurants and shopping centers. If you can afford to rent one of the beach-side homes, go for it, otherwise check out the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club or the Ritz Carlton.—Jenna Rosenstein, Beauty Director

Whenever I am in Portland, I love to stay at the Danforth Inn, a mansion that's been converted to a luxury boutique hotel. There is a gorgeous point of the property where you can see the ships pass by in the bay while you are having your morning coffee.

The restaurant on site is incredible; the homemade breakfast that's served each morning is enough of a reason to make the trip each year. When I am not dining at Danforth, the scallops at J's Oyster are the best I've ever had. It's a small local favorite that gets pretty crowded with tourists in high season, but don't let that detract from its quality. Before you head out, make sure to take a scenic tour on a sailboat at sunset. The historic lighthouse, Portland Head Light, is pretty any time of year. —Jennifer Algoo, Visuals Director

Savannah is a great long-weekend getaway regardless of the season, and it’s not too overwhelming to tackle in a couple of days. Forsyth Park is an no-brainer tourist attraction, but for a more local touch, hit up the farmer’s market if you’re there on a Saturday morning.

The Collins Quarter and Little Duck Diner are essential brunch spots, while Bull Street Taco and Flying Monk Noodle Bar offer great budget-friendly meals. For a cup of coffee, check out the SCAD-favorite Foxy Loxy Cafe, and for a drink with an old-fashioned flair, stop by the speakeasy Congress Street Up. The city is abounding with antique and vintage shops on nearly every corner; Civvies, The Future on Forsyth, and House of Strut were a few of my favorites. If you have a moment, take a stroll through the Spanish moss-lined Jones Street, named one of the most beautiful streets in America. Your Instagram will thank you. — Erica Gonzales, News & Entertainment Editor

Shelter Island is a sleepy one—and that's why I love it so much. It's the perfect escape from the city's summer haze, and a quiet foil for the "see-and-be-seen" atmosphere that the Hamptons is best known for. On a single day, I can sunbathe poolside at Shelter Island House, ride a ferry over to Sag Harbor for froyo and shopping at Urban Zen, then make it back to Sunset Beach for a glass of St. Germain and Champagne. If I'm there the weekend after July Fourth, I'll always take in the island's annual fireworks show. —Angel Lenise, Supervising Video Producer, Elle.com

I've spent a week in Bethany Beach every year since infancy, and it's my ideal spot for unplugging; all you need is some sunscreen, a portable speaker, and a good read. Matt's Fish Camp is my go-to for take-out lobster rolls on the beach, but if you feel like venturing out, Berlin, Maryland is a 40-minute drive away and has great antiquing. Difebo's does an incredible job for both brunch and dinner. — Julie Kosin, Director of Audience Strategy & Entertainment

You probably know Serafina for their chain of Italian restaurants that stretch from New York to Dubai. But last year, the group expanded into hospitality and opened their first-ever hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, just a short walk from their local dining outpost in the city. Tucked on a narrow strip of land between Laguna de Condado and the Atlantic Ocean, the Serafina Beach Hotel has a modern boutique aesthetic, a contrast to the nearby old- school, large-scale resort hotels. The rooms are modern but homey, furnished in shades of blues and greens that make you feel like the waves outside your floor-to-ceiling windows are crashing right on the foot of your bed.

You can walk around the bustling Condado area in the evening or take a 10-minute cab ride to Old San Juan for a night out or an afternoon sightseeing around the city's old forts and citadels. Or, while away the day in Serafina's beachfront infinity pool, stare into the ocean, and fantasize about just how long you can stretch your long weekend for. —Nojan Aminosharei, Entertainment Director

Palm Beach has the wonderful beaches that Florida is known for, but with a relaxed, chic atmosphere that feels more low key than the scene of Miami Beach. There are so many sunny spots along the shore, so it’s easy to spend the day hopping around from beach to beach (of course stopping in between to pick up a frozen lemonade from Checkers, my go-to.)

There are a ton of great food places, but my favorite spot for dinner is Buccan. It has a moody, but tropical vibe—and you must try the squid ink orecchiette. The shopping on Worth Avenue is incredible, and with it’s sky-high palm trees, just walking it is a luxurious experience. If you’re feeling particularly glamorous, you can opt to stay at The Breakers, but you can’t go wrong with Airbnb. Cucina is the place to go at night, with great music, dancing, and neon signs, and it somehow still has a beach-town feel. Before you head out, make sure to hit up Celis Produce for the best smoothies around. —Ingrid Frahm, Digital Designer