From Seattle to Charlotte, dodge the crowds this Labor Day with these slept-on destinations.
Many people forgo Labor Day plans due to the downsides of traveling on a busy holiday weekend—hours in traffic, jam-packed beaches, and pricey hotel stays. If you’ve ever tried to plan a trip for Labor Day weekend, then you absolutely know the drill. Data from 2024 shows international travel for labor day dropped by 4%, and we don’t expect it to jump back up this year, either.
That means domestic hot spots like popular cities, beaches, and national parks will likely fill up with tourists again. But less popular spots may allow you to actually relax and opt out of the crowded chaos and sky-high prices. For travelers seeking some zen, we’ve gathered up these underrated Labor Day road trip ideas offering quiet drives and small towns that aren’t swarming with tourists. From low-key mountain towns in Colorado to foodie destinations in California, these spots are our little secret (shh, don’t tell too many people).
This article was reviewed for accuracy by Amanda Capritto, TravlSync editor and full-time vanlifer.
North Cascades National Park, WA (from Seattle, WA)
Photo by Amanda Capritto
Want to hit Mount Rainier but you fear the holiday crowds? North Cascades is your answer. This Washington gem is one of the least-visited national parks in the country as only 16,000 people came in 2024. That makes it a great find for Labor Day weekend, boasting big national park hits, like gorgeous peaks and some of the clearest lakes in the country, all while offering actual peace and quiet (which may be hard to find at other national parks this time of year).
Total miles driven: ~250 mi round-trip
Estimated hours driven: ~5.5 hrs round-trip
Top sights and activities: Hikes on Blue Lake Trail, Diablo Lake Overlook for views, wildlife to keep an eye out for include marmots, eagles, and black bears
Fill your tank with gas prior to entering the park—there are no stations inside the park. Also be sure to download everything you need on your phone before hitting the road as cell service is hard to come by in North Cascades. TravlFi Tip: Schedule time for a picnic at one of the pullouts along Highway 20 for a meal with a postcard-worthy backdrop.
Strawberry, AZ (from Phoenix, AZ)
Spending time in Phoenix during the summer means by Labor Day you’ll likely be desperate to find some reprieve from the heat. Strawberry offers high elevations, cooler air, and pine-lined roads, a stark difference from the desert of nearby Arizona towns.
Total miles driven: ~200 mi round-trip
Estimated hours driven: ~4 hrs round-trip
Top sights and activities: Fossil Creek swimming hole, diners and antique stores, trails in Tonto National Forest, Strawberry Schoolhouse Museum for a quick local history hit
For Fossil Creek, grab your permit ahead of time. Pine and Strawberry are neighboring towns—you can hit them both in one afternoon. There’s also a local farmers market in Strawberry on Saturdays (don’t skip the fresh-baked pies). TravlFi Tip: Check out Fancy Finds Vintage & Antiques if you’re looking to drop some $$$.
Taylor, TX (from Austin, TX)
While everyone heads to Fredericksburg or Galveston, you head to Taylor. A short hop from Austin but much, much quieter, Taylor blends small-town Texas charm with top-tier barbecue. It’s the kind of place where you show up with no plan, but end up booking a trip back ASAP.
Total miles driven: ~60 mi round-trip
Estimated hours driven: ~1.5 hrs round-trip
Top sights and activities: Louie Mueller Barbecue, antique shops and murals, chill patios and live music, Murphy Park for a shaded picnic or walk
Taylor’s great for eating, walking, and honestly, just doing nothing. Parking is easy downtown, and the sidewalks are shaded by oak trees. The murals tell the story of the town, no guide necessary. TravlFi Tip: Ripple & Rose Café is a great coffee shop with some quirky energy.
Homestead, FL (from Miami, FL)
Photo by Amanda Capritto
Just south of the city, Homestead is surprisingly low-key. This quiet inland town sits between vast farmland and the edge of the Everglades, with tropical fruit stands, wineries, and airboat tours galore.
Total miles driven: ~80 mi round-trip
Estimated hours driven: ~2 hrs round-trip
Top sights and activities: Robert Is Here fruit stand (try guanabana, mamey, or jackfruit fresh-cut on-site), Schnebly Redland’s Winery (tastings of passionfruit and guava wine), Everglades National Park airboat tours
Hit up the Everglades for an airboat ride or a ranger-led walk in the afternoon—wildlife shows up when it’s quiet. Keep bug spray in your bag at all times, trust us. Wear breathable clothes and closed-toe shoes. And check the radar: storms can roll in fast this time of year. TravlFi Tip: Head to Fruit & Spice Park nearby to see some unusual plants you won’t see anywhere else in Florida.
Gilroy, CA (from San Francisco, CA)
Notorious for its garlic (yes, Gilroy hosts a garlic festival every year) but filled with small town history, Gilroy makes for a relaxing escape from the traffic-packed Bay Area. It’s ideal for food lovers who’d rather skip the Napa crowds but still sip good wine.
Total miles driven: ~140 mi round-trip
Estimated hours driven: ~3 hrs round-trip
Top sights and activities: Garlic-forward restaurants, local wineries, trails at Uvas Canyon County Park, small-town shopping and cafes, Gilroy Gardens for families with kids
Gilroy stays quiet in early fall with easy-to-snag wine tastings (even last-minute). Avoid the 101 if you can—back roads boast much better views anyway. Some vineyards host live music in the evenings. TravlFi Tip: Hit up BBQ 152; it’s a local favorite.
Beacon, NY (from New York City, NY)
Offering Hudson Valley energy with a creative pulse, Beacon is an easy train ride from Manhattan, but not a complete shift in energy. Expect great views, solid hiking, and a town center with great food and drink—ideal for the city dweller that loves access to great restaurants but wants a taste of nature.
Total miles driven: ~130 mi round-trip
Estimated hours driven: ~3 hrs round-trip
Top sights and activities: Dia Beacon and riverside walks, Mount Beacon trail, bookshops and brunch, Hudson Valley Brewery for a local brew after your hike
Train in, you can walk everywhere. The town is friendly to pedestrians and cyclists, and locals are chatty. If you’re staying overnight, try a riverside Airbnb. Beacon is a great escape for New Yorkers that still love the city-walking lifestyle. TravlFi Tip: Grab a cocktail at Lyonshare.
Westcliffe, CO (from Denver, CO)
Photo by Amanda Capritto
This Colorado town is definitely off the beaten path, but worth the trek. With its Dark Sky designation and mountain trails, it’s a stellar—pun definitely intended—getaway for those craving nature, quiet, and wide-open views.
Total miles driven: ~300 mi round-trip
Estimated hours driven: ~6 hrs round-trip
Top sights and activities: Stargazing at Smokey Jack Observatory, horseback rides and hiking, local crafts, scenic drive through Hardscrabble Pass
Nights get dark, in the best way, so you cannot leave here without doing some stargazing. Hardscrabble Pass is a must-drive—curvy, scenic, and peaceful. Westcliffe has no traffic lights and barely any noise, so it’s ideal if you’re craving stillness. TravlFi Tip: Don’t leave without some pastries from Flake Bakery and Larder.
Brevard, NC (from Charlotte, NC)
Tucked near Pisgah National Forest, Brevard is full of waterfalls, historic trees, and live music. It’s a smart pick if you want fresh air, Appalachian charm, and trails that don’t feel jam-packed.
Total miles driven: ~270 mi round-trip
Estimated hours driven: ~5 hrs round-trip
Top sights and activities: Sliding Rock and waterfalls, Pisgah National Forest hikes, breweries and arts downtown, music at Oskar Blues or open mic nights at local cafes
You’ll want water shoes and snacks as some parts of the forest feel like you’ve stepped off the map. If you’re into biking, the trails around Dupont are a fun ride. Most restaurants downtown are dog-friendly, and outdoor seating is everywhere. TravlFi Tip: The Square Root is a local fav for dinner.
Mineral Point, WI (from Chicago, IL)
An artistic and historic mining town, Mineral Point is a quiet Midwestern retreat. Just far enough from Chicago, you’ll find stone buildings and a slow pace of life.
Total miles driven: ~320 mi round-trip
Estimated hours driven: ~6 hrs round-trip
Top sights and activities: Restored stone studios and galleries, Cornish pasties, mine tours and artisan shops, Brewery Creek Inn for dinner and local beer
Take your time hiking through the Driftless Hills region (in which Mineral Point is located). Weekends often include pop-up gallery openings or outdoor folk music. Ask locals what’s going on—you’ll likely end up somewhere cool. TravlFi Tip: Definitely stop at Red Rooster Cafe for Cornish pasties.
FAQs
What is the best day to travel for Labor Day weekend?
The best travel days are early Friday morning for departures (as most leave after work on Friday) and Tuesday after the holiday for returns. These windows help in avoiding crowds on abor day weekend and skipping the worst of the gridlock, which tends to peak Friday afternoon and all day Monday.
Where to travel for Labor Day weekend in the USA?
Lesser-known towns like Ojai, Taylor, and Gilroy offer charm, space, and a slower pace that’s hard to find in major destinations. These spots are ideal if you’re looking to unwind without the noise or crowding of more famous getaways. They’re also usually easier on your wallet.
Where do most people travel for Labor Day?
The majority of travelers head for national parks, beaches, and popular resort towns for a labor day weekend road trip—places like Yellowstone, the Hamptons, or Miami. These areas often see heavy traffic and limited availability over the long weekend.
