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.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge may be best known for its ski scene but, come summer, this Rocky Mountain town turns into an alpine paradise. Once a rowdy gold rush town in the 1800s, Breck has kept its Wild West charm with its historic Main Street full of clapboard buildings, quirky boutiques, and fresh mountain spirit.
When the snow melts, the trails come alive. Hike or mountain bike through fields of wildflowers, paddleboard on Lake Dillon, and ride the gondola just for the views. Breckenridge also hosts a summer music and arts scene that’s surprisingly vibrant for a town of its size. Filled with craft beer festivals, outdoor concerts, and art fairs with mountain backdrops, it’ll provide you with the perfect summer paradise.
Dinant, Belgium
Tucked along the River Meuse, Dinant is one of Belgium’s prettiest small towns, and it still feels like a secret to most travelers. With a dramatic cliffside citadel, saxophone-filled streets (this is Adolphe Sax’s hometown), and riverside cafes, Dinant is ideal for a summer weekend that’s as relaxing as it is scenic.
Climb (or cable car) up to the fortress for panoramic views, take a boat cruise down the river, or rent bikes to explore the nearby castles and countryside. The Notre-Dame de Dinant church, with its unique onion-shaped dome, is a photo op you won’t want to miss. All in all, Dinant is peaceful, a little quirky, and only a 90-minute train ride from Brussels.
Marfa, Texas
Marfa might be small (we’re talking fewer than 2,000 residents), but it’s packed with creativity, desert mystery, and West Texas grit. Originally a railroad water stop, Marfa transformed into an artsy oasis in the ’70s thanks to artist Donald Judd, whose minimalist installations still draw curious travelers from around the world.
Visit the Chinati Foundation for contemporary art in sprawling desert settings, wander through Marfa’s eclectic galleries, and grab tacos from a vintage trailer. Also, keep an eye out for the mysterious Marfa Lights that dance across the desert at night. Summer days are hot, but the evenings are stunning, especially when you’re stargazing under some of the darkest skies in America.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled looks like it belongs in a fairytale and, honestly, it kind of does. With its emerald lake, church-topped island, and cliffside medieval castle, this Slovenian gem is a dream summer destination. The area has been drawing visitors since the 19th century, when it was a health resort for the Austro-Hungarian elite. Even today, it’s still a place to unwind and recharge.
While you’re here, you can row a wooden pletna boat to the island, ring the wishing bell, and hike around the lake for ever-changing views. You can also swim in the clear water, enjoy blejska kremna rezina (cream cake), and explore the nearby Vintgar Gorge for a more adventurous afternoon. Summer brings warm days, cool lake dips, and views you won’t believe are real.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is like nowhere else in the world. This high-desert town in northern New Mexico mixes Native American heritage, adobe architecture, and a serious dose of creative energy. People have been living here for over a thousand years – the Taos Pueblo is still inhabited today and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the summertime, Taos is pure magic. You can hike the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, explore the Rio Grande Gorge, or wander through the town’s art galleries and studios (a definite must). At the end of the day, be sure to grab green chile enchiladas from a family-run café and watch the sunset turn the adobe walls gold. The light here has drawn artists for decades and, once you see it for yourself, you’ll get why.
Andros, Greece
While the Greek Isles are no secret, Andros still flies a bit under the radar, especially compared to Mykonos or Santorini. It’s part of the Cyclades, but feels greener, quieter, and more authentic. Imagine olive groves, mountain villages, and waterfalls alongside traditional whitewashed houses and seaside tavernas.
You can spend your weekend hiking ancient trails between villages, swimming at nearly empty beaches, and sipping ouzo with the locals at a slow-paced taverna. The town of Chora is elegant and artsy, with neoclassical mansions and a maritime museum that honors Andros’ seafaring history. It’s the perfect island to escape the crowds, but still keep all the beauty.
Ready to Pack Your Weekend Bag?
From Celtic shorelines to desert skies, each of these destinations offers something a little different – a creative story to uncover, a view to savor, and moments that will stay with you long after Sunday night rolls around. Whether you’re after sea air, mountain trails, or cultural deep-dives, we hope you’ll fall in love with one of these destinations under the hot summer sun.
Before you swoon, come take a look at our library of destination guides. We’re here to help you map out your itinerary to perfection, seek out all the notable sights, and pack everything you need for a successful escape from your day-to-day. And, if all goes well, we’ll be clinking our glass of ouza with yours one fine day.