Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer. For many, the 3-day weekend offers one more opportunity to squeeze in a last-minute summer getaway.
Here are the top 10 trending cities where Airbnb is seeing the most bookings for Labor Day weekend 2022. Read about fun things to do in each place. If you decide to go, you can book one of the Airbnbs we found that are still available.
1. Columbus, Ohio
Ohio’s capital doesn’t get much attention, but it actually makes for an excellent weekend getaway. Smack dab in the middle of the state, Columbus is a hub for culture, cuisine, and creativity. Filled with charming neighborhoods, cool shops, and fascinating museums, “Cap City” offers tons of fantastic things to do.
Columbus truly has something for everyone, including world-class museums, hip boutique hotels, food halls, and plenty of parks, trails, and outdoor activities. It is home to one of Ohio’s beautiful state parks, Alum Creek State Park. It is also home to the country’s largest college campus, Ohio State. This Labor Day, you can catch the Buckeyes’ big football game against Notre Dame.
But Columbus is so much more than a university town. Check out the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). For shopping and dining, don’t miss the Short North Arts District.
2. Raleigh, North Carolina
Another capital city that’s known for its universities, Raleigh makes for a great Labor Day getaway. Attractions include the North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and the North Carolina State Capitol building. For outdoor fun, hike and bike at Umstead Park near the airport, or ride a pedal boat at Pullen Park just west of downtown. Chapel Hill and Durham are both about 25 miles away for those who want to explore more.
3. Tampa, Florida
Less than 2 hours from the Orlando theme parks, Tampa’s largest theme park is Busch Gardens. It is also home to ZooTampa at Lowry Park, the Florida Aquarium, and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Other fun things to do in Tampa on Labor Day weekend include meandering along the Tampa Riverwalk, eating a Cubano at Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, or going on a hike.
4. North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Rhode Island also boasts some scenic hikes. We’re not sure exactly why North Kingstown made Airbnb’s list of most-booked cities, but perhaps it’s because it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from Jamestown, one of the best small towns to visit in Rhode Island. It is also near Newport, the jewel of Rhode Island’s coastline, where you can find rich history, amazing cuisine, and charming views.
5. Jacksonville, Florida
On the Atlantic Coast of Florida, Jacksonville can be found in the state’s northeast corner. This Labor Day weekend, escape will appease everyone from foodies to outdoor lovers. Dozens of local breweries make up the Jax Ale Trail and the food scene is nothing to sneeze at.
Jacksonville boasts 22 miles of white sand beaches. The closest, most popular beaches are Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach. Surrounded by awesome national parks and preserves, Jacksonville is home to the largest urban park system in the country. Explore hidden gems like Big Talbot Island State Park, which is north of the city.
6. Cambridge, Massachusetts
Vibrant, historic, and cultured, Cambridge, Massachusetts, is home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This college town features hip and trendy restaurants, homes of American heroes and thought leaders, and classic architecture mixed with uber-modern buildings. It is also just 20 minutes from Boston, where foodies, theater aficionados, and sports fans alike are spoiled for choice. But history buffs have it the best of all.
7. San Francisco, California
Classic things to do in San Francisco like visiting Fisherman’s Wharf and riding a cable car are probably not great ideas for Labor Day weekend when tourists galore descend upon the city. Instead, this would be a great time to explore more of the Bay Area’s hidden gems. The weather this time of year is great for outdoor experiences like hiking. You can even drive out to Half Moon Bay, which offers several things to do in addition to the beach.
8. Reno, Nevada
“The Biggest Little City In the World,” Reno is an often overlooked vacation destination. Sure, you’ve got your casinos, but this Nevada city’s emerging downtown area is surrounded by a plethora of outdoor adventures. Explore the Reno Riverwalk, dotted with parks, pubs, restaurants, and boutiques. A dramatic 70,000-square-foot facility designed to look like the striking geological formations surrounding Reno, the Nevada Museum of Art is well known for its American Western art as well as its photography collection. There are also several day trips within close proximity, including the alpine splendor of Lake Tahoe, which is just 20 miles away.
9. St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg has become a go-to destination for those seeking sand in their toes. From Treasure Island to Tierra Verde, the beaches attract sun-worshippers year-round. Once you’ve had enough fun in the sun, visit The Dalí museum, then check out the restaurants and nightclubs downtown.
10. North Charleston, South Carolina
Famous for its hospitality, Charleston is a charming southern city. Its palmetto-lined drives are paved with cobblestone and dotted with antebellum homes. Known as the “Holy City,” Charleston is home to several churches whose steeples tower over you as you wind toward the historic downtown. From its stunning architecture and storied history to its rich low-country cuisine and lively nightlife, this southern city has everything you need for a perfect Labor Day vacay.
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