Here Are 13 Places Across America You Need At Least A Week To Explore
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
There are some destinations in America where a day trip is perfect. A day gives you plenty of time to enjoy many of the sights, attractions, and hidden gems in the area. Other places, like the destinations listed below, need much longer to explore. In fact, a week may be the perfect amount of time to experience and fully appreciate all there is to see and do. While you may consider a week-long road trip for a bit of adventure, the following places in America — ranging from national parks to cities — are some of the best week-long vacations in the U.S.
Best Week-Long Vacations: National Parks
1. Denali National Park
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA
Denali National Park is the type of place where you certainly won’t want to rush your visit. This national park in Alaska is known for its breathtaking views and inspiring landscapes. Hiking is popular in this park with options to last you all week including trail and off-trail options. If you don’t want to venture on foot, consider exploring parts of the park on a bicycle.
If you are up for a true adventure in Denali National Park, consider exploring in a small aircraft. From up above, you can see the unique terrain of this park with its staggering peaks, gentle hills, and fierce glaciers.
If you are up for a true adventure in Denali National Park, consider exploring in a small aircraft. From up above, you can see the unique terrain of this park with its staggering peaks, gentle hills, and fierce glaciers.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Grand Canyon National Park is known as one of the most stunning parks in the world and it’s easy to see why. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is where you can find stunning viewpoints, trails, and visitor centers. In this area, make sure you travel on Hermit Road, a scenic drive that takes you to nine remarkable overlooks.
Just don't spend all of your time on the South Rim — the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a personal favorite. This area is typically less crowded but has plenty to see and do including multiple hiking and mountain biking trails, visitor centers, and campgrounds. Don’t forget to check out the historic Grand Canyon Lodge as well.
Just don't spend all of your time on the South Rim — the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a personal favorite. This area is typically less crowded but has plenty to see and do including multiple hiking and mountain biking trails, visitor centers, and campgrounds. Don’t forget to check out the historic Grand Canyon Lodge as well.
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3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country and believe us, you’ll definitely need multiple days for hiking, photography, camping, and more. Here, you will find more than half a million acres of natural wonders including gorgeous waterfalls. It's incredible.
During your visit, give yourself plenty of time to visit areas such as Cades Coves, a valley full of history. And, of course, you can stay at a vacation rental nearby or in one of the 10 campgrounds within the park.
During your visit, give yourself plenty of time to visit areas such as Cades Coves, a valley full of history. And, of course, you can stay at a vacation rental nearby or in one of the 10 campgrounds within the park.
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4. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, United States
Yellowstone National Park is my favorite national park in the country and after one visit, you’ll see why. This park is primarily located in Wyoming but sections are also located in Montana and Idaho. You can spend a day or two visiting popular attractions like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs. However, I prefer to visit those hidden gems away from the crowds. Plus, these areas are often where you can spot the most wildlife.
Yellowstone National Park is known as one of the best parks in the country for camping but there are also nine lodges within the park, with a combined total of more than 2,000 rooms. If you want to head outside of the park, I recommend taking the west exit and exploring West Yellowstone, Montana.
Yellowstone National Park is known as one of the best parks in the country for camping but there are also nine lodges within the park, with a combined total of more than 2,000 rooms. If you want to head outside of the park, I recommend taking the west exit and exploring West Yellowstone, Montana.
5. Zion National Park
Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Zion National Park continually ranks as one of the busiest national parks in America, as well as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. This park sits in the southern Utah desert and is home to deep canyons, gigantic cliff walls, forests, waterfalls, and more. Your entire family will find plenty to see and do at this national park such as visiting Kolob Canyons, admiring the Emerald Pools, and capturing views along the Canyon Overlook Trail.
If you want a heart-racing adventure during your week-long stay, hike Angels Landing, one of the most dangerous trails in the country. The Narrows is also a strenuous and challenging hike that takes you through an unforgettable slot canyon.
If you want a heart-racing adventure during your week-long stay, hike Angels Landing, one of the most dangerous trails in the country. The Narrows is also a strenuous and challenging hike that takes you through an unforgettable slot canyon.
Best Week-Long Getaways: Islands
6. San Juan Islands, Washington
San Juan Islands, Washington, USA
If you want to feel like you are truly away from the monotony of daily life, the San Juan Islands are the place to go. There are no bridges or overland routes to reach the islands so you must travel by ferry. Once you arrive, you’ll love the slower pace and the beauty around every corner.
Whale watching, kayaking, and boating are some popular activities here, and we always recommend a hike. If you love to lace up your hiking shoes, you’ll find trails that take you along rocky bluffs and to breathtaking overlooks. You can also explore the arts, go shopping, or relax at the spa. Just keep in mind that if visiting during peak season, many attractions, tours, etc., will book quickly so place your reservations early.
Whale watching, kayaking, and boating are some popular activities here, and we always recommend a hike. If you love to lace up your hiking shoes, you’ll find trails that take you along rocky bluffs and to breathtaking overlooks. You can also explore the arts, go shopping, or relax at the spa. Just keep in mind that if visiting during peak season, many attractions, tours, etc., will book quickly so place your reservations early.
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7. Siesta Key, Florida
Siesta Key, FL 34242, USA
A week at Siesta Key may be relaxing and refreshing, but there is so much to do and see that it will be hard to slow down. This 8-mile island is a short drive over a bridge from Sarasota and it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. Here, you can enjoy playing on the beach, parasailing, fishing, snorkeling, and more.
But it’s not just the water that will capture your attention. Take an e-bike tour, head to a spa, and devour delicious seafood at one of the incredible seafood restaurants.
But it’s not just the water that will capture your attention. Take an e-bike tour, head to a spa, and devour delicious seafood at one of the incredible seafood restaurants.
Best Week-Long Vacations In The U.S.: Cities
8. Austin, Texas
Austin, TX, USA
No matter where your interests lie, you’ll find things to do in Austin. This beautiful city is known as the "Live Music Capital of the World" but it offers so much more. If you love the music scene, catch a live show at a concert, club, or one of the many festivals in town. Families will find plenty to do at the numerous STEM museums, parks, and unique attractions.
If you are like me and love the outdoors, you’ll find hiking and biking trails just a short drive away and plenty of boating opportunities if you want to spend some time on the water. Austin averages 300 days of sunshine each year so there’s no need to worry about inclement weather destroying too many of your plans.
If you are like me and love the outdoors, you’ll find hiking and biking trails just a short drive away and plenty of boating opportunities if you want to spend some time on the water. Austin averages 300 days of sunshine each year so there’s no need to worry about inclement weather destroying too many of your plans.
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9. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, ME, USA
Bar Harbor is easily one of the best getaway destinations in the country and you may even find that an entire week is too short to fully enjoy all that this small city has to offer. Spend a day or two exploring downtown by checking out the local shops and admiring the incredible art scene. Don’t forget to grab plenty to eat at some of the delicious restaurants in town. Bar Harbor is also an outdoor lover’s paradise with hiking, biking, boating, lobster fishing, and seal and whale watching opportunities.
Of course, Bar Harbor is also known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. Known as the "Crown Jewel of the Atlantic Coast," this national park has it all from coastlines and lighthouses to caves and peaks.
Of course, Bar Harbor is also known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. Known as the "Crown Jewel of the Atlantic Coast," this national park has it all from coastlines and lighthouses to caves and peaks.
10. Branson, Missouri
Branson, MO 65616, USA
Located in southwest Missouri is the ultimate family getaway — Branson. This city is known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” as there are shows and events for individuals of all ages. In fact, you’ll find dozens of theaters throughout Branson.
When you aren’t enjoying all of the shows and events scattered throughout town, visit one of the local shops or restaurants downtown, learn at the Titanic Museum Attraction, or explore the Hollywood Wax Museum. You can also spend a few days at Table Rock Lake, one of the most scenic lakes in the country.
When you aren’t enjoying all of the shows and events scattered throughout town, visit one of the local shops or restaurants downtown, learn at the Titanic Museum Attraction, or explore the Hollywood Wax Museum. You can also spend a few days at Table Rock Lake, one of the most scenic lakes in the country.
11. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, NV, USA
You’ll have to pick and choose what to do if you only spend one week in Las Vegas. Of course, you can head to the Las Vegas Strip, where you can walk around the casinos, devour incredible food at the buffets, watch the Fountains of Bellagio, and even take a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel.
However, there is so much more to Las Vegas and the surrounding area than just the Strip. Some of our top recommendations include taking a short drive to Hoover Dam, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, or Valley of Fire State Park.
However, there is so much more to Las Vegas and the surrounding area than just the Strip. Some of our top recommendations include taking a short drive to Hoover Dam, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, or Valley of Fire State Park.
12. Savannah Georgia
Savannah, GA, USA
While many individuals head to Atlanta for a week-long adventure, we recommend venturing to Savannah. This Georgia destination is one of the most historic cities in the South and full of fascinating sites such as The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, the Pirates House, and the First African Baptist Church.
Make sure you spend a day at Forsyth Park and explore Savannah’s Waterfront. If you aren’t quite sure where to start when it comes to creating your itinerary, consider a trolley tour. And you’ll never regret a day spent at Tybee Island, the best beach in Savannah.
Make sure you spend a day at Forsyth Park and explore Savannah’s Waterfront. If you aren’t quite sure where to start when it comes to creating your itinerary, consider a trolley tour. And you’ll never regret a day spent at Tybee Island, the best beach in Savannah.
13. Washington, D.C.
District of Columbia, Washington, DC, USA
It doesn’t matter if you are a history buff, love museums, or just want someplace new to explore, Washington, D.C. is an absolute must-visit destination. However, if you only give yourself a few days in this stunning city, there is so much you are going to miss. Visit one of the many historical sites such as the Lincoln Memorial, Library of Congress, or the Washington Monument. We also love visiting one of the free Smithsonian museums. Spend time along the Potomac or Anacostia Rivers or even just take multiple tours to see all you can.
If you want to bring your family along, this city is perfect for some time away. Watch the planes take off and land at Gravelly Point or explore the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Don’t forget to stop by the National Zoo and the Hirshhorn Museum’s Sculpture Garden as well.
If you want to bring your family along, this city is perfect for some time away. Watch the planes take off and land at Gravelly Point or explore the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Don’t forget to stop by the National Zoo and the Hirshhorn Museum’s Sculpture Garden as well.
What other destinations would you consider to be the best week-long vacations in the U.S.? Are there any destinations that you were surprised made our list? Let us know in the comments. And, no matter where you go to visit, make sure to book your hotel or vacation rental early. Securing lodging can be one of the biggest headaches for week-long travel.
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