Popular US destinations for Presidents' Day
The third Monday of every February marks Presidents' Day in the United States. Though various states and even the federal government might call it different things—from Washington's Birthday to even shouting out Abe Lincoln—we can all agree that a long weekend is perfect for spending some time away from home. So set off on a road trip to explore a new city, visit somewhere steeped in history, relax in some much-needed winter sun to beat the February Blues, or find your own adventure—here are our picks for the top destinations in the US to visit for the Presidents' Day weekend.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What better place to spend Presidents' Day than in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the US where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed! Philadelphia offers history buffs a wealth of iconic historical landmarks to discover, such as the Liberty Bell, said to have been rung when the Declaration of Independence was read back in 1776. While history is Philadelphia’s forte, the city also offers a lively art scene in its abundant public art murals decorating the streets at every turn, and its art galleries showcasing works by legendary artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh. Foodies will be amazed by Philly’s cosmopolitan food scene, where you can find local classics such as its namesake cheesesteaks alongside mouth-watering global cuisines found in a range of settings from sweet sandwich spots to luxurious fine-dining restaurants. With so much to experience, it's no wonder that Lonely Planet named Philadelphia one of the best travel destinations for 2024, making it a must-visit city this holiday weekend or any time of the year.
Washington, D.C.
While the nation’s capital is best known as a political nerve center, Washington, D.C., offers more than just politics in its streets lined with iconic historical landmarks, a vibrant waterfront, and world-class museums to explore. Stroll through the famed National Mall where you’ll find the city’s main attractions, including the majestic Lincoln Memorial and the towering Washington Monument. Alongside these national icons you can find a wealth of fascinating museums to explore, the most renowned being the Smithsonian Institution which is the largest museum complex in the world: 21 unique museums and galleries, gardens, and a zoo! For those looking to escape the city, take a stroll along the picturesque Georgetown Waterfront for live music, delicious cuisine, and beautiful views along the Potomac River, best visited at sunset. Nature lovers can even rent a kayak to enjoy the views of the city from the river (though you should probably skip the old presidential practice of swimming in the Potomac).
Boston, Massachusetts
A visit to one of the US’s oldest cities would not be out of place on Presidents' Day! Boston offers a ton of history to uncover along its red-brick-lined streets, which you can see for yourself along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile (4 km) trail that leads you to 16 historic sites including Boston Common, the oldest public park in the US. An alternative route, the Path of Presidents, takes you to 19 sites in Boston associated with US Presidents such as the impressive John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, where you can learn about the former president’s time in office. Boston is also a foodie’s paradise, no more so than at the bustling Boston Harbor, where the city makes the most of its advantageous position around Massachusetts Bay to serve some of the most delicious seafood in the US. At the Harbor, you can also visit the site of the historic Boston Tea Party, the famous protest where American colonists dumped imported tea into the harbor, and even throw some tea overboard yourself!
Key West, Florida
For a more relaxed and tropical vibe away from the bustling cities, take a trip to sunny Key West, known for its crystal-clear blue waters, laid-back atmosphere, and conch-style houses in pretty pastel shades. While small, the island certainly packs a punch! History buffs can check out the fascinating Harry S. Truman Little White House, where Truman spent some of his time vacationing during his presidency, or locations like Sloppy Joe’s Bar, a watering hole indelibly tied to famous former Key West resident Ernest Hemingway. Key West is also a nature lover's paradise, with beautiful sandy beaches to stroll and relax upon, and turquoise waters that you can dive into and snorkel amongst the tropical marine life in the only living barrier reef in the US. No trip to Key West is complete without snacking on famous Key Lime Pie—from classic to indulgent chocolate-dipped—or the sleeper hit conch fritters at one of the countless open-air cafes dotting the island. The unique road trip to Key West itself should itself be on your bucket list: the legendary Overseas Highway offers panoramic views of the blue sea from the tip of the Florida peninsula all the way to the island and is rightly regarded as being one of the most beautiful drives in the US. But why not let Daytrip do the driving so you can sit back, relax, and get into the island mindset that much quicker!
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Take a step back in time on Presidents' Day to 18th-century Virginia with a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, the oldest and largest living history museum in the US. Here you can interact with costumed actors who play townspeople amongst the historical setting of 88 original 18th-century buildings and hundreds of reconstructed shops, houses, and gardens to explore. Take a unique ride on a horse-drawn carriage along the cobbles of the famous Duke of Gloucester Street and stop off at some of the museums and historical buildings such as the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum where you can find a collection of colorful American folk art to admire, or a tavern for some traditional food such as hearty meat pies and bread pudding. At the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, you will find Merchants Square, where you can watch tradespeople at work including blacksmiths and goldsmiths, and purchase some special handcrafted souvenirs to remember your time here.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Like Presidents’ Day itself, Las Vegas goes by many nicknames: Sin City, Adult Disneyland, and perhaps nothing more apt than the Entertainment Capital of the World. The neon-lit city that never sleeps is famously home to endless entertainment possibilities. While we did a deep-dive on what to do in and around Las Vegas around Super Bowl LVIII, there’s an endless supply of other attractions too. Stroll down the renowned Las Vegas Strip to find glittering casinos, fine dining experiences at celebrity chef restaurants, thrill-seeking attractions, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious hotels that are each a destination of their own. Duck into the luxurious Caesars Palace to find yourself surrounded by Roman-style columns and fountains before taking in one of its famous shows, or take a faux-European getaway to The Venetian for a relaxing Gondola Ride around a replica of St Mark's Square. But there’s more than just The Strip nowadays: downtown Las Vegas, known as Glitter Gulch for its dazzling neon lights, offers still more hotels, casinos, and restaurants alongside unique attractions like the SlotZilla Zipline and the brand-new Sphere. Top off your time in Las Vegas with a thrilling ride on the High Roller, the largest operational Ferris wheel in the world, for spectacular views of the glamorous city and surrounding desert.
While these are our top picks for the upcoming Presidents' Day weekend, there are so many fascinating places in the US for a long weekend getaway! Make it an unforgettable—and stress-free—experience when you book a private car trip with Daytrip. Discover all of our US routes here.
Where are you planning on traveling to for Presidents' Day? Let us know in the comments below!
