Published on Aug. 19, 2025
This Labor Day weekend, experience Manhattan’s Little Island, an elevated city park — both figuratively and literally – Photo courtesy of Vojta Herout / iStock Via Getty Images
From New York City to Napa Valley and beyond, these 10 last-minute vacation ideas for Labor Day weekend say farewell to summer in style. Whether you crave coastal calm, alpine adventure, small town charm, or big city verve, these Labor Day getaways deliver a fabulous season finale.
King Neptune presides over Labor Day activities in Virginia Beach – Photo courtesy of Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
Ocean waves and an action-packed boardwalk make Virginia Beach a classic Labor Day weekend getaway. Beneath a massive statue of King Neptune, build a sandcastle, rent a surrey bike, and play a round of seaside mini-golf. A robust calendar of Labor Day events, from fireworks to a free oceanfront concert series, will keep you entertained.
Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront is just steps from the boardwalk.
A Labor Day weekend getaway to Saratoga is your last chance for a day at the races – Photo courtesy of Michael Gallitelli / Discover Saratoga
Saratoga Springs is a small town with attractions that rival much bigger cities. It’s famed racing season ends on Labor Day, offering one last chance to watch the horses run at the Saratoga Race Course.
Saratoga Spa State Park’s Victoria Pool, open daily through Labor Day, is an oasis for swimmers. Those with an interest in wellness are drawn to the healing properties of Saratoga’s naturally carbonated mineral water; sip and sample directly from various springs before catching a live performance at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, framed by the park’s shady trees.
The dynamic dining scene leans local. Boca Bistro’s windfall of tasty tapas showcases fresh produce sourced from nearby fields fused with traditional Spanish ingredients, with delectable results.
Saratoga Arms is a boutique hotel within walking distance from top attractions, making it the perfect Labor Day getaway.
Fireworks over Chicago’s Navy Pier are a Labor Day weekend tradition – Photo courtesy of Peter Ranvestel / Ranvestel Photographic
Chicago usually enjoys fresh breezes on Labor Day weekend. It’s a fine time to see hometown architectural gems on an award-winning boat tour along the Chicago River and to explore the deep-dish pizza scene. The Saturday night fireworks over Navy Pier are dazzling. If watching a baseball game is on your Labor Day weekend wish list, catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. (The White Sox will be playing out of town.)
Head indoors and experience the Art Institute of Chicago’s vast collection and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s coal mine.
Book a room at the Palmer House, where ceiling murals and candelabra add Gilded Age glam.
Cape May’s sandy beaches are a late summer delight – Photo courtesy of Cape May County, NJ Department of Tourism
Among Labor Day getaway ideas, Cape May bursts with yesteryear charm. This shore town’s Atlantic beaches, gingerbread-style houses, and candy stores selling saltwater taffy are the essence of late summer by the sea, but this coastal gem also has much to offer in early fall.
Located inside a WWII hangar, the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum explores aviation and military history. The museum’s annual Airfest coincides with Labor Day weekend, offering visitors the chance to get up close with vintage aircraft.
The iconic beachfront Congress Hall, among the 10 best historic hotels of 2025, has been hosting guests since 1816.
The Napa Valley Wine Train offers spectacular vineyard views – Photo courtesy of Napa Valley Wine Train
World-class vineyards make Napa Valley a favorite vacation with oenophiles. Late summer is the start of the grape harvest, with agricultural activities and crush parties, which means Napa Valley couldn’t be more perfect for a Labor Day getaway. For an epicurean treat, catch the Napa Valley Wine Train and wine and dine as vineyards roll by.
Hiking, cycling, and hot air ballooning take visitors beyond the bottle. Napa’s spa scene incorporates local ingredients into treatments, from Calistoga mud wraps to “vinotherapy” facials.
The Meritage Resort & Spa is a wine country escape with its own vineyard.
Picturesque Victoria is surrounded by water – Photo courtesy of Destination British Columbia
On Vancouver Island, Victoria hits the sweet spot between quaint and West Coast cool. If you’re craving metro ambience combined with inspiring natural beauty, bingo — you’ve found your Labor Day weekend getaway.
Tethered to the sea, a treasure trove of marine life circles Victoria. Labor Day falls during whale-watching season, an excellent time to book a wildlife cruise. The Victoria Harbour Ferry Water Ballet runs through September, where the “dancers” are five ferry boats doing intricately choreographed moves to music.
On dryland, Butchart Gardens is saturated with seasonal displays of blossoming begonias, hydrangeas, and climbing roses.
Spend the night at the Magnolia Hotel & Spa, a tranquil downtown retreat.
Boulder’s farmers market is open Labor Day Weekend – Photo courtesy of Visit Boulder
In late summer, Boulder is infused with collegiate energy courtesy of all those university students heading back to class.
Over Labor Day weekend, cottonwood and aspen trees are showing hints of golden foliage, and the high-altitude air is crisp. Hike the iconic Flatirons, Boulder’s slanted sandstone formations, or meander along a Rocky Mountain trail.
The Saturday Boulder Farmers Market is a maze of fresh produce and flowers a few steps from Pearl Street’s independently owned shops, including the highly regarded Boulder Bookstore.
Hotel Boulderado is a downtown favorite, with its Victorian decor and sweeping views of the Flatirons.
Visit Central Park on a Labor Day getaway to NYC – Photo courtesy of Richard Barnes / Central Park Conservancy
As it awakens from a steamy slumber, Labor Day weekend is a spectacular time to visit New York City. Catch a Broadway show, see the sparkling gem collection and dinosaur exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History, and visit the Davis Center in Central Park for one last summer swim at the free Gottesman Pool.
Brooklyn is the Big Apple’s trendiest borough. Ride the subway to Coney Island’s boardwalk and beach, where lifeguards are on duty through early September. The annual West Indian Day Parade draws several million merrymakers to Eastern Parkway each Labor Day, celebrating Caribbean culture with steel drums, calypso bands, and fabulous costumes.
Radio Hotel is located in Upper Manhattan’s non-touristy Washington Heights, where the decor reflects the neighborhood’s Dominican heritage.
Reykjavik’s rainbow street shows support for the LGBTQ community – Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi
Invigorating temperatures make Iceland a top coolcation choice. Reykjavik, Iceland’s compact capital, is only a five-hour nonstop flight from the East Coast. Though you won’t experience midnight sun on Labor Day weekend, the days are still long this time of year.
Highlights of the cityscape include the soaring modernist cathedral Hallgrimskirkja and “Rainbow Street,” which leads up to the church. It’s painted in vibrant rainbow colors in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Plunge into Nordic bathing culture at Sky Lagoon, an outdoor volcanic swimming complex.
Feel like exploring? Book an excursion of Iceland’s Golden Circle and marvel at the wonderland of waterfalls, volcanos, and geysers that dot this gorgeous country.
Where to stay? The collection of vinyl at Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre adds just the right note for an ultra-hip Labor Day getaway.
South of the hurricane belt, Aruba is a fine Labor Day getaway – Photo courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority
Labor Day is peak hurricane season in the Atlantic; luckily, Aruba is south of the Caribbean hurricane belt. Sandy beaches and water as blue as a gemstone paint a pretty picture for your Labor Day weekend getaway.
Wind turbines pepper Aruba’s landscape, single-use plastics are banned, and a car-free path hugs the coast, demonstrating the island’s commitment to sustainability. Aruba’s desert landscape surprises those who think the entire Caribbean is lush. Arikok National Park covers 20% of the island, keeping its striking palette of flora forever wild.
Rest your head on the plump pillows at Joia Aruba by Iberostar, an upscale resort across from Eagle Beach.
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles.
She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education.
She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
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