Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer and I want you to go out in style. If you haven’t already made your holiday plans, I’ve got a list of ten Labor Day destinations for you to choose from. No matter where you are at, chances are one of these spots are within a three-hour trip from your local airport or even by car but the countdown is on so make your plans today and get to packing.
1. New York
Fashion, entertainment, food, shopping – New York City has it all and Labor Day is a great time to visit. Be a typical tourist for at least one day and visit the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, and the Empire States Building. And make sure you ride the subway and a taxi to get the full experience.
Save your pennies to get tickets to a Broadway show but don’t get your heart set on Hamilton, they are sold out for the next year. Spend another day people-watching on 5th Avenue and shopping at the iconic stores that line the street.
Feeling hungry? You are in luck. NYC is home to a smorgasbord of delectable cuisine. Grab a slice of pizza on any corner or make reservations at one of the hundreds of fine restaurants. Just make sure you bring your appetite. New York City truly does have it all so you can’t go wrong with this choice.
2. Seattle
For an outdoorsy holiday, spend the weekend in the Emerald City and take in the Cascades and the thousands of acres of parks found right in the city. Make sure you get a cup of their world-famous coffee while you explore this eclectic city.
3. Las Vegas
Feeling lucky? Make your way to Las Vegas and spend the Labor Day weekend gambling, eating, and being entertained Vegas-style. Although Vegas is Expedia’s top booked destination for Labor Day, you are sure to find a room considering 19 of the world’s 25 largest hotels are found here.
Choose from over-the-top luxury or down-to-earth family-friendly options. You will not go hungry here either. All-you-can-eat buffets are open at all hours of the day since this is a city that never sleeps. After you engorge yourself on food, head over to catch a show or go all-in at the tables. And remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
4. Orlando
Head down south to Orlando for a fun and energetic family-friendly Labor Day weekend. Make sure you pack your inner-child so you can enjoy the magic of Walt Disney World despite the crowds and heat.
Choose from five theme parks, two water parks, downtown Disney and even the Kennedy Space Center. There is something for everyone here plus your children are sure to sleep well after running around the parks all day.
5. Miami
Now is a great time to visit Miami due to the hit that their economy hit after a Zika virus scare. No reports have been verified, but if you are planning on getting pregnant soon or are currently pregnant, this may not be the place for you. If that’s not you, though, read on because you can find a great deal at this popular spot.
Flights to Miami are down 10% in cost right now, so book a plan and head for the bright, multicultural beaches on the tip of Florida. You will get a mixture of Caribbean and Latin cultures culminating in cuisine that’s to die for. Hit the clubs at night and then recover by the beach all day.
More: 10 Incredible Reasons to Visit Miami
6. Chicago
You will not run out of things to do in the Windy City. Take a stroll down The Magnificent Mile, explore Millennium Park, or catch a game at Wrigley Field. Need a break from all of your sight-seeing? Chow down on deep-dish pizza or the famous Chicago-style dogs.
7. Portland
Get a break from the heat by going to Portland where Labor Day temps should be in the mid-seventies! Dine on farm-to-table meals and shop at local vintage shops where you’re sure to find a treasure to take home. Make sure you catch a live band while you’re there, Portland is known for their diverse music scene.
8. New Orleans
While some of Louisiana is suffering from extreme flooding, New Orleans has managed to stay dry and is ready for visitors. There is no other place like this city, with a mix of French and creole culture, you are in for mouthwatering food and an eclectic blend of accents and style – the perfect recipe for prime people-watching.
Take a stroll through the French Market where you will find unique gifts to take home and you can even sample alligator tail. Do not leave the city without trying the famous Café Du Monde beignets.
9. Charleston, South Carolina
Spend the holiday in the city that was recently named #1 City in the World. You will be welcomed with southern charm in Charleston where I suggest you stay at the historic and beautiful Boone Hall Plantation. Take in the downtown historic district from a horse-drawn carriage and tour the Fort Sumter National Park on the water.
10. Los Angeles
Always a popular destination, L.A. is full of things to do over the long Labor Day weekend. Visit Hollywood where you are sure to spot a celebrity or two, play for the day at Disneyland, or visit the original Universal Studios. Needing a break from the heat? Attend a live taping at one of the many TV shows filmed locally such as Ellen.
More: What You Really Need to See and Do in Los Angeles
So, where are you going to spend Labor Day? You can’t go wrong with any of these ten Labor Day destinations. Just remember, we are only a few days out so book your flights or plan your road trip today! Be safe out there, ladies.
