Best 3-day trips in the U.S.
 

My company just gave me an all expense paid 3-day weekend for 2 to anyplace we want to go in the U.S. What are your recommendations on places to visit for a long weekend in August? We're flying from Atlanta.

Where have you already been that you'd either like to return, or like to specifically not return to on this trip? and, what do you want to do (beach, shopping, museums, hiking, etc.)?

San Francisco for it's beauty - Washington DC for it's history -
Boston for the food -
Key west for the parties

THis is fun to think about. A basic question would be whether you are a city person. IF you are a mega city person you could go to Boston or New York for the weekend. And the all expenses paid would be tempting.

What does a 3-day weekend" mean? Does it mean fly thursday or friday? If it mean fly thursday, one alternative would be to fly to Boston but to explore Maine. I took a (somewhat longer) trip a few years ago in August like that and it was great. Or you could fly to Jackson Wyoming and see the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Or fly to Aspen and hobnob with the rich.

Maine! Fly into Portland and either stay there or head north to Camden area (my preference). In Camden, it's hard to beat lodging at Lord Camden Inn.

Key West for the following reasons:

1. Direct flight from Atlanta

2. Great party town

3. Great R&R town

4. Great sightseeing town

5. Great foodie town

6. Great town

There is nothing better than a 3 day weekend in Vegas.

Unless of course, you go there often.

If that is the case, I would go as far from home as possible.

Even if it's only for 3 days....I'd go to Hawaii!! Or maybe even Alaska!! But something to think about is you might want to consider going somewhere where you're not spending an entire day just traveling/flying. But if the sky's the limit, then you shouldn't have any problem finding "good" flights to avoid this, i.e. taking red-eye flights or early early morning flights.

ALL expense paid?

Head to NYC: eat well, see a show, tour the city. Best value for you (though your company will pay dearly).

P.S. I would NOT suggest flying all the way to Hawaii or Alaska with only 3 days.

While it wasn't stated in the post, usually those "anywhere in the US" means "except Hawaii and Alaska" and I too would drop those due to the travel time.
I'd go to Seattle, Portland, or somewhere else sort of cooler than HOTLANTA in August!

If you like beach and have never been, I'd go to Nantucket. Fly to Boston and then fly to Nantucket. It's got great beaches, a wonderful history with some interesting sightseeing, good sports if you want, wonderful restaurants and it's very expensive to do on your own ;)

What a fun predicament to be in! Have you been to NYC a lot? I think that would be high on my list if I lived farther away from there than I do.

Being an east coaster, I'd seriously consider San Francisco or Portland.

I had the same offer and went to Key West. Had an absolute blast. Scootered and snorkeled the entire weekend - and ate very well too.

Delta does fly into Key West. But, if you've never done the drive through the Keys, pick up a rental car in Miami and take a relaxing drive down.

Now, I'd pick NYC if it's all expenses paid - or a Ritz or Four Seasons somewhere with a great spa.

Pick the vacation you have always wanted to do but would NEVER EVER would have had the money to go..even if its not your top choice, its the most expensive off your list!

San Francisco for overall great experience . You can go to carmel and Big Sur. It would give you the excitement of a big city and beautiful scenery if you venture along the pacific coast highway (carmel and big sur ) . It has everything !!!!. I would also say New York for an overall great city (shopping,shows,muesums ... the list goes on). If your looking for a quieter time and are into nature and beautiful scenery and outdoor activities I suggest some of the ski towns. There beautiful all year round . Vail is easy assessible and the scenery is beautiful . Shopping too!!!! Beach time ...Key west would be my choice or Martha Vineyard for a mellow version of Key West . Hope that helps!!!!

Key West sounds like a fun place. With three days, I would choose NY. Take a direct flight and see shows and eat great food. I wouldn't go anywhere too far away. You will spend your day traveling! Have a great time!

NYC - why? ALL EXPENSES PAID!! Take the helicopter tour, watch Lion King (its fully booked always) with best seats, try a different cuisine for every meal (brunch included) along a single avenue, rent a limousine, go to China Club or some great dance bar, and if there is some Shore Party you are aware of - go there. You cannot beat NYC on an all expense paid trip.

I'd clarify first what exactly is meant by "all expenses paid".

Usually, that means air, hotel, rental car and meals within normal ranges (as was my Key West trip).

If you spend before you check, you may be paying for the helicopter rides, etc. out of your own pocket - AFTER the fact.

My experiences with reward trips included the above - along with 3 spa treatments, rounds of golf, etc. at the resort for employee and guest.

My favorite reward trip was four nights at the Four Seasons Big Island with all meals, etc. paid for and a $2000 spending allowance that must be used on property - or billed to the property. The helicopter rides and other excursions were allowed as long as they were booked through the concierge and charged to the room. Anything over the $2000 was out of (my) pocket.

It was a blast finding ways to spend $2000 in 4 days - when hotel, meals and drinks charges did not apply! :-)

The Pacific Northwest. Either the Portland area or the Seattle area. Plenty of city and wilderness experiences to be had in that area.

Fron Atlanta is August - I would go to Maine - aything to get out of the hellhole of heat!