Last-Minute Labor Day Getaways To Make The Most Of The Last Days Of Summer

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Did you forget that we get an extra day off this weekend for Labor Day? It might be too late to book a flight somewhere fabulous for the holiday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a mini-break from your city. Whether you want to go by train, bus or car, there’s somewhere nearby that’s perfect for a last-minute Labor Day getaway.

From New York City

We know you New Yorkers likely don’t have cars, but there are plenty of places you can hit up via public transit. For a beachy retreat that isn’t as overcrowded and expensive as the Hamptons, take a New Jersey Transit train to the Jersey Shore. You can find spots less like the infamous TV show and more like a hippie haven, such as Asbury Park for culture and Avalon for swimming.

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From Los Angeles

Angelenos, it’s time to brave the traffic and get out of the smog. And don’t worry, we’re not sending you to Santa Monica. Instead, try San Clemente for a last summer beach day (farther away from L.A. than Huntington, Newport and Laguna beaches). Although, you lucky Californians don’t really need a final beach bash because you can hit the sand all year ’round. But for Labor Day, explore the Clemente Pier and nearby Spanish-style gardens.

From Austin

Pack some road trip snacks — you’re going to San Antonio! The restaurant-lined River Walk will take you from hipster Austin to Spanish colonial missions. Speaking of, there are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites here, from the Alamo to other colonial missions. And don’t even get us started on your Tex-Mex food options.

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From Chicago

It’s beach time for you landlocked Midwesterners, so let’s swarm your version of the sea: Lake Michigan. Three hours from Chicago is Grand Haven, Michigan on the southwestern shore. It boasts lighthouses, boardwalks and fresh green parks with sand dunes and wooded trails.

From Atlanta

You’re going camping, Southern friends. It’s your time to explore the Appalachian Trail. The iconic hiking trail begins in Georgia, and you can explore a bit of the epic path without committing to the entire venture. Thru-hikers of the AT start in the spring, so in September, you should be able to hit the trail in relative peace. You can find campsites along the trail, too, or plan your hike to end for the night in a mountain hut.

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