Labor Day getaways to close out summer in style
Labor Day weekend serves as summer’s last
hurrah for many of us. And while we love having that extended weekend, we
sometimes don’t do as much with as we should. We’re here to tell you it’s
possible to escape from home for that first weekend in September, and to some
places you may not have thought possible.
A little background on how we got our information. The flights
are based on two people flying from September 4 to September 7, 2015. And the
average hotel cost comes from three- or four-star accommodations near major
attractions (no airport hotels here) during the same time frame, using our
“most popular” search feature. All airfares and hotel costs are correct at time
of publication, so click on the buttons to find up-to-date pricing.
1. New York City
Who could pass up a chance to enjoy Labor Day weekend in the Big
Apple? New York City has plenty of museums, Broadway shows and attractions to
keep anyone busy for days. A fine meal for two shouldn’t cost more than $75,
and you can check out touristy staples like the Empire State Building ($64) and
Statue of Liberty (36) won’t bleed you dry.
Los Angeles to New York City: $885
San Francisco to New York City: $934
Seattle to New York City: $837
New York City hotels: $786 (Avg. cost)
2. Miami, Florida
Making a break for it to South Beach to celebrate Labor Day
weekend is more of a reality than the dream you thought it’d be. Lounging
around while you people watch on South Beach – an activity that won’t cost you
a dime – you can also check out the Art Deco buildings on Ocean Drive. Once
you’re done working on your tan, stop and smell the roses at the beautiful
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens ($30). And that’s all before you head out to party
until the early morning hours at iconic Miami hot spots like the Clevelander.
Los Angeles to Miami: $643
San Francisco to Miami: $946
Seattle to Miami: $822
Miami hotels: $540 (Avg. cost)
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans isn’t just good for Mardi Gras, you know? The Big
Easy lives up to its nickname every way possible on a daily basis. Start your
days off with a beignet and café au lait at Café du Monde ($6), then maybe go
for a tour of St. Louis Cathedral (free) after getting draped in the party
atmosphere of the French Quarter (free, if you’re not stopping for drinks at
the bars). The only thing you really need to worry about while hanging out in
NOLA for Labor Day weekend is how well you can dance to zydeco.
Los Angeles to New Orleans: $1,051
San Francisco to New Orleans: $1,233
Seattle to New Orleans: $1,127
New Orleans hotels: $609 (Avg. cost)
4. Honolulu, Hawaii
Folks on the west coast have the benefit of having a tropical
paradise like Honolulu less than six hours away. And we feel it’s time you use
it to your advantage. Waikiki Beach is like one giant free playground for you
to take it easy. You’ll get plenty of culture from the Honolulu Museum of Art
($10). And it’s well worth the time to pay your respects to our fallen heroes
at the Pearl Harbor Memorial (free). Quite the escape from daily life.
Los Angeles to Honolulu: $1,103
San Francisco to Honolulu: $1,122
Seattle to Honolulu: $970
Honolulu hotels: $721 (Avg. cost)
