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Make the most of the long weekend with these Labor Day getaways, from sunny beaches and scenic national parks, to lakeside escapes and vibrant cities
Anastasiia Nelen / Unsplash
Labor Day weekend arrives with a useful bit of timing: summer is not quite over, but fall is close enough to start making itself known. That makes the three-day weekend an ideal excuse to leave home for a few days without committing to a full vacation. The best destination depends on what kind of final summer escape you want. A beach trip can still deliver plenty of sunshine, while a national park can offer cooler air, wildlife and early signs of fall. Cities bring another option, with food, culture and entertainment packed into a short stay.
Reader’s Digest searched destinations across all 50 states to identify places that stand out for a Labor Day weekend getaway. The results cover a broad range of travel styles, from coastal Alabama to Alaska’s rugged wilderness. Some destinations offer classic holiday-weekend pleasures, while others provide a chance to do something a little different before the season changes.













