Get Quartz in your inbox

Free daily briefing on global business news.

The top getaways for Labor Day before Summer ends

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.

The top destinations show why there is no single formula for a great Labor Day getaway. You can spend the weekend on a beach, beside a lake, in a national park or in the middle of a major city. If the goal is one last memorable trip before autumn settles in, each offers a distinct way to make the most of the long weekend.

Here are five top destinations for your Labor Day adventure.

1. Gulf Shores, Alabama, offers one more beach weekend with fewer crowds

June Hanabi / Unsplash

Gulf Shores, Alabama, makes a strong choice for travelers who are not ready to give up summer just yet. Labor Day arrives while beach weather still feels like summer, but local children have already been back in school for weeks. That timing can mean a less crowded beach experience than earlier in the........

© Quartz