Brief vacation ideas for August
August 13, 2024 7:20 PM Subscribe
We're two very burned out and exhausted friends looking for a 4-5 day vacation (preferably in the US) in late August/early September. We could leave as soon as next week but are lost on ideas.
We're looking to stay in a nice hotel, relax by some water (ocean/lake), and if possible, stroll around somewhere naturally pretty or culturally interesting. We are not interested in hiking/camping etc. We are both leaving from major US airports.
We want this to be easy. Ideally, we fly somewhere, take a cab to the hotel and stay within walking or short cab distance of the hotel for the entire trip. No driving.
A US location is preferred. We're not doing Central America or Mexico right now. Any destination ideas or online resources for last minute getaways etc. are appreciated. We're just tired and can't seem to think right now. Thank you!
We're looking to stay in a nice hotel, relax by some water (ocean/lake), and if possible, stroll around somewhere naturally pretty or culturally interesting. We are not interested in hiking/camping etc. We are both leaving from major US airports.
We want this to be easy. Ideally, we fly somewhere, take a cab to the hotel and stay within walking or short cab distance of the hotel for the entire trip. No driving.
A US location is preferred. We're not doing Central America or Mexico right now. Any destination ideas or online resources for last minute getaways etc. are appreciated. We're just tired and can't seem to think right now. Thank you!
Budget?
posted by praemunire at 7:51 PM on August 13
posted by praemunire at 7:51 PM on August 13
Maine or Cape Cod
posted by brujita at 8:27 PM on August 13 [1 favorite]
posted by brujita at 8:27 PM on August 13 [1 favorite]
An adventure would be to fly into Duluth, Mn. Drive up the north shore of lake superior and stay at Nanibojou lodge - https://www.naniboujou.com/ another neat one would be to fly into Santa Rosa and then drive up to Sea Ranch Lodge or rent one of the amazing sea ranch houses (there are many for rent) and play the sublime Sea Ranch Golf course. Or just come to San Francisco, stay at this marvelous hotel in Japan Town... walk or cab to all of the amazingness that is San Francisco (its just starting to be summer here and is lovely). Carmel is amazing this time of year as well, now that the kids are all headed back to school.
I have a dozen other suggestions if you like the above - for example Amangiri in Utah... if budget isnt an issue.
posted by specialk420 at 9:11 PM on August 13 [2 favorites]
I have a dozen other suggestions if you like the above - for example Amangiri in Utah... if budget isnt an issue.
posted by specialk420 at 9:11 PM on August 13 [2 favorites]
or just pick an awesome design hotel anywhere that is a good fit... and make the hotel the destination and the city the days advenure. Its too hot right now, but this one in Baja - you'd never forget.
posted by specialk420 at 9:14 PM on August 13 [1 favorite]
posted by specialk420 at 9:14 PM on August 13 [1 favorite]
I haven't been, but have lately been gazing longingly at Castle Hill Inn. You have the coast, the gorgeous old mansions, and of course the property itself. (You'd need to get an Uber from the airport.)
posted by praemunire at 9:38 PM on August 13
posted by praemunire at 9:38 PM on August 13
and now that I think of it, despite being hurricane season - Soho House in Miami beach is just a great getaway and then go the best restaurant in America - Thomas Keller's the Surf Club. You wont be disappointed with either.
posted by specialk420 at 9:41 PM on August 13
posted by specialk420 at 9:41 PM on August 13
A US location is preferred. We're not doing Central America or Mexico right now.
If you're willing to consider outside the US, I'd put Reykjavik on the list.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 4:55 AM on August 14 [1 favorite]
If you're willing to consider outside the US, I'd put Reykjavik on the list.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 4:55 AM on August 14 [1 favorite]
Massachusetts. Either the northwest corner (Williamstown, North Adams) or southwest corner (Stockbridge). Weather-wise, a great time of year anywhere in New England.
posted by SemiSalt at 5:32 AM on August 14 [1 favorite]
posted by SemiSalt at 5:32 AM on August 14 [1 favorite]
Traverse City
posted by goodbyewaffles at 7:52 AM on August 14
posted by goodbyewaffles at 7:52 AM on August 14
Seconding Laguna Beach. Tons of art culture right there (Sawdust Festival and others), as well as a Marine Mammal rehab place you can visit within easy uber distance. Good hotels, good food. Easy enough uber from John Wayne Airport (SNC).
posted by bluesky78987 at 8:25 AM on August 14
posted by bluesky78987 at 8:25 AM on August 14
I think Portland, Maine ticks all your boxes. Portland has a decent sized airport and you can find hotels right downtown. It is a lovely city to walk around, lots of cultural things going on, great food (Duckfat!), etc. The ocean is right there and there are tour and ferry boats if you want to get out onto the water or over to some islands.
If you are willing to relax the no driving rule, I highly recommend the Craignair Inn by the Sea. I stayed there a few years ago on the recommendation of another Metafiltarian and dream of going back. They have ocean-facing rooms, some with balconies, an on-site restaurant (breakfast is included), and you can walk across the causeway to Clark Island which has walking trails and beaches. McLoon's Lobster Shack is very close by and has divine lobster rolls. It is a little under 2 hours from Portland, but once you get there you can just relax and recharge.
posted by Preserver at 11:01 AM on August 14
If you are willing to relax the no driving rule, I highly recommend the Craignair Inn by the Sea. I stayed there a few years ago on the recommendation of another Metafiltarian and dream of going back. They have ocean-facing rooms, some with balconies, an on-site restaurant (breakfast is included), and you can walk across the causeway to Clark Island which has walking trails and beaches. McLoon's Lobster Shack is very close by and has divine lobster rolls. It is a little under 2 hours from Portland, but once you get there you can just relax and recharge.
posted by Preserver at 11:01 AM on August 14
Response by poster: Thanks for all of the comments. If it weren't hurricane season, we'd love to do Miami. So easy and enjoyable. But for now, we are looking into the California suggestions.
posted by fies at 4:26 PM on August 14
posted by fies at 4:26 PM on August 14
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posted by mmascolino at 7:28 PM on August 13 [1 favorite]