The Best Summer Weekend Trips of 2025

There’s nothing like summer when it’s in full swing. The days stretch long into the evening and, suddenly, life feels a little bit softer around the edges. You can sit outside and let time slow down – feet up, cold drink in hand, and maybe the sound of crickets in the background or the hush of waves nearby. It’s the season of spontaneous plans, dinners that turn into late-night conversations under string lights, and weekend escapes that feel like something out of a dream.

So, where should we go next? How about a quick getaway this summer, something with a bit of magic, a touch of history, and plenty to see and do. Together, let’s hop back and forth across the Atlantic and explore five memorable destinations in America and Europe. Whether you’re craving coastal charm, mountain air, or off-the-beaten-path beauty, these weekend trips will help us make the most of the summer.

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Martha’s Vineyard is the quintessential New England summer escape. It’s an old favorite with timeless charm. Just off the coast of Cape Cod, this island has been a seasonal sanctuary since the 1800s, when well-to-do Bostonians and New Yorkers started building their gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs. It still maintains that postcard-perfect character, but with enough hidden corners to make even a return trip feel fresh.

Start your weekend with a stroll through Edgartown’s whitewashed houses and hydrangea-lined lanes. Hop on a bike to explore the island’s wild south shore beaches and grab a lobster roll at a harbor-side shack. Most importantly, don’t miss sunset from Menemsha Beach. All you need is a blanket and a bottle of wine, like the locals do.

Galway, Ireland

If you like your summer weekends with a side of music, street art, and Guinness, Galway is your spot. Tucked on Ireland’s rugged west coast, Galway mixes medieval history with a youthful, artistic energy. The city dates back to the 12th century but, today, it feels electric with trad music spilling from the pubs, performers dancing on cobbled streets, and festivals lighting up the calendar all summer long.

You’ll want to wander the Latin Quarter, starting at the base of Quay Street. Then, you can snack your way through Galway Market before making some time for a pint and traditional live Irish music, or trad, at Tig Coili. 

From Galway, day trips are easy. You can take a ferry ride to the Aran Islands or drive the jaw-dropping Sky Road in nearby Connemara (something we highly recommend). Summer brings long evenings, golden light on the bay, and that infectious Irish hospitality that makes every weekend feel like a celebration.

Sounds pretty amazing, right? Here are ten more things that make a visit to Galway feel like magic. 

Portland, Oregon

Nestled between the Columbia and Willamette Rivers with Mount Hood standing tall in the distance, Portland is a haven for foodies, creatives, and nature lovers alike. In the summer, it comes alive with outdoor patios, waterfront concerts, and farmers markets bursting with berries, flowers, and fresh-roasted coffee.

Spend your weekend exploring the Alberta Arts District, browsing Powell’s City of Books (you won’t come out empty-handed), and sipping your way through local breweries. If you want a break from urban life, the Columbia River Gorge is just an hour away, filled with waterfalls, hiking trails, and epic views. Portland’s blend of city grit and natural beauty is the perfect way to mix relaxation with adventure.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Scotland’s Isle of Mull feels like it belongs in a storybook, complete with castles, puffins, and quiet, winding roads through emerald hills. Located off the West Coast, Mull is one of the Inner Hebrides, and it offers that peaceful, remote charm without being too hard to reach. Summer is the best time to visit, when the weather is at its friendliest and the wildflowers are in full bloom.

Start in Tobermory, the colorful harbor town with charming shops and a famous distillery. Take a boat trip to Staffa to see the incredible basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave or head to the island of Lunga to say hello a colony of puffins up close and personal. Mull Castle and the ancient standing stones near Lochbuie are worth a wander, too. The air feels cleaner here, the pace is slower, and every turn in the road reveals a view worth stopping for.