Table of Contents
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and complete a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Let’s be honest — by the time mid-February rolls around, the winter sludge is making us all a bit stir-crazy.
Even those of you lucky enough to live in warmer climates (ahem — can we move in?) need something to look forward to during that long stretch of post-holiday winter, when the sun sets before you’re even off of work (or out of class).
Well, thank George Washington for President’s Day, a welcome respite in this bleak, burdensome season.
When is Presidents’ Day 2024?
Presidents’ Day 2024 is on the 19th of February, making the 16th to 19th a nice long weekend.
Car dealerships and mattress stores aren’t the only ones that should be excited about an extra day off: In fact, a trip is just what you need to shake off the winter blues. (Bonus: If you’re in the mood for a belated romantic getaway, you can’t get more romantic than having a Monday off.) And Wanderu has the deals on buses, trains and flights to make it happen on the cheap.
A trip sounds nice, but where to go Presidents’ Day weekend? We’ve got that covered, too. No matter where you’re situated across the U.S., we’ve got a destination that’s just what you need this February.
Providence, RI
Jef Nickerson / Flickr
A wintry New England vacation in Providence is perfect for capturing something of that childhood snowy-day wonder.
Providence Rink doesn’t just have ice skating — it also has ice bumper cars, which means you can now let out your road rage right there on the ice!
Need to warm up after your snow day? Head a few miles south to Middleton for the 28th Annual WINEter Festival on the 17th and 18th! Get your blood pumping with grape stomping, or sit and back and relax with local beer and wine tastings.
For more time in a winter wonderland, head to Roger Williams Park, where you’ll find both the Museum of Natural History (for when you’re ready for some time inside) and the Roger Williams Park Zoo. (Thanks to the annual Winter Wonder Days event, you can even nab tickets for half-price.)
Additional year-round attractions in Providence include the John Brown House (namesake of Brown University), the RISD Museum of Art and historic Brown University itself.
Book Your Trip:
| Boston to Providence | $20.86 | |
| Boston to Providence | $22.86 | |
| Philadelphia to Providence | $46.55 | |
| Portland, ME to Providence | $36.35 | |
| Albany to Providence | $33.47 | |
| Washington DC to Providence | $59.97 | |
| New Haven to Providence | $28.69 | |
| Your City to Providence | See Prices |
Buffalo, NY
Mark Hogan / Flickr
For some truly seasonal activities, we give you Buffalo — the city famous for getting more than 100 inches (8.33 feet) of Lake Effect Snow in the 2018–2019 winter season.
The best outdoor activities can be found at Canalside by the water. In addition to ice skating and ice bumper cars (again? We didn’t realize this was a thing …), you’ll find igloos, ice bikes, curling and ice bowling.
For a sensational seasonal event that you can enjoy indoors, visit the Botanical Garden for Gardens After Dark: Enchanted Winter Escape, in which the interior of the gardens is as lit as a Christmas tree (literally). Bonus: February 9-16th is Love Week with specials every day, like BOGO tickets on the 19th. Perfect for a romantic date or an even-numbered friend group!
If you need a reminder of why you have a three-day weekend in the first place, check out the Buffalo History Museum, where, among other things, you can visit the site of Teddy Roosevelt’s inauguration — aptly named the TR Inaugural Site.
Book Your Trip:
| Rochester to Buffalo | $11.41 | |
| Syracuse to Buffalo | $15.00 | |
| Syracuse to Buffalo | $28.00 | |
| New York to Buffalo | $56.16 | |
| Binghamton to Buffalo | $30.72 | |
| Your City to Buffalo | See Prices |
Burlington, VT
Allison / Flickr
Burlington is beautiful in winter, but the real treasures of the season are buried indoors, where it’s nice and warm.
Church Street Marketplace is an ideal first stop. This outdoor center is perfect for an evening stroll under the annual Winter Lights, while food and shopping options offer a welcome respite from the cold. (For a little fire in your belly, stop in at Smugglers’ Notch Distillery.)
If you’re feeling uncultured, Burlington has you covered: One of the city’s things to do Presidents’ Day weekend is the 2024 Global Roots Film Festival, which showcases an array of Best International Feature Film submissions to the 2024 Academy Awards.
For a splash of history, head to the Fleming Museum of Art on the University of Vermont’s campus (to see objects spanning the history of civilization around the globe) or to the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (where you’ll learn about the science of Lake Champlain). Friction creates warmth, so heat up your mind by rubbing together those brain cells. 🧠
If you do dare to venture out into the cold, head to Waterfront Park on Lake Champlain for a beautiful, cold walk. Or maybe you’re a fan of the slopes? A few miles outside Burlington, Intervale Center farmlands offer cross-country skiing.
And if you want to extend your vacation, Burlington is a great starting point for a Vermont road trip.
Book Your Trip:
| Rutland to Burlington | $19.00 | |
| Wallingford to Burlington | $21.00 | |
| Montreal to Burlington | $21.49 | |
| Rensselaer to Burlington | $43.00 | |
| Albany to Burlington | $43.00 | |
| Your City to Burlington | See Prices |
Atlanta, GA
Would you rather spend your President’s Day taking a break from the flakes?
Say so long to Winter Storm Warnings with a trip to Atlanta. The ATL offers its own enjoyable wintry experiences, but in a city where the average high in February is a comfortable 58 degrees, you can leave your long johns at home.
One of the top items on your hit list should be Light & Sound Station at Woodruff Park. This isn’t just some string lights in the park, however. Instead, the whole exhibit is interactive that lets you stomp, clap, and shout to make the lights flicker and dance.
Sure, presidents are great (well, some more than others), but while you’re in Atlanta why not dedicate a little time to the city’s native son, Martin Luther King Jr.? A-Town is, after all, one of the stops on our MLK Day itinerary.
Aquarium Skip-the-Box-Office Entry Ticket
Enjoy skip-the-purchase-line tickets to the Georgia Aquarium, which has an interactive 4D theater and 7 different areas containing more than 10 million gallons of water and thousands of sea creatures.
Book Your Trip:
| Nashville to Atlanta | $32.58 | |
| Orlando to Atlanta | $18.43 | |
| New Orleans to Atlanta | $32.00 | |
| Charlotte to Atlanta | $33.14 | |
| Your City to Atlanta | See Prices |
Chicago, IL
Andrew E. Larson / Flickr
Sure, Chicago is one of the cities most associated with winter misery (it’s not called the Windy City for nothing), but think about it: Dealing with this brutal season year after year has taught Chi-Town to thrive in the cold.
First off, don’t let the Lake-Effect Snow stop you from visiting Millennium Park. Even a frozen Cloudgate Sculpture (aka The Bean) is something to behold, and right next door is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (one of Chicago’s many great, free skating rinks). If you really insist on more outdoor activities, try snowshoeing on Northerly Island.
Recovering from the winter blues? Head on down to the Annoyance Theatre & Bar for Shark Tank the Musical. This interactive parody features Annoyance regulars judging crazy, kooky, and downright bizarre pitches from a cast of hilarious characters. Be sure to come prepared with some good ideas because you might find yourself pitching too!
For a little more indoor action, check out the Chicago History Museum, the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium or the Art Institute of Chicago. And any time of year is perfect for some deep-dish pizza — a Second City institution, Pequod’s has our favorite pie.
Book Your Trip:
| Crestwood to Chicago | $23.16 | |
| Highland to Chicago | $28.98 | |
| Sturtevant to Chicago | $18.00 | |
| Indianapolis to Chicago | $37.67 | |
| Madison to Chicago | $36.23 | |
| Your City to Chicago | See Prices |
St. Louis, MO
Dave Herholz / Flickr
St. Louis offers the best of both worlds: It’s cold enough for the joys of winter, but still warm enough to feel your nose. You can indulge by participating in classic winter activities, like sledding down Art Hill or ice skating at Steinberg Skating Park. Wanna kick it up a notch? Check out Steinberg ice rink’s bumper cars that slip, slide, and bump across the ice.
St. Louis also has some awesome museums, many of which are free. Spots worth your attention include the St. Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum. Or, for some family fun, head over to The Magic House, the children’s museum, for Children’s China. This temporary exhibit is fully immersive and interactive, and it’s definitely the closest you can get to visiting China without hopping on a plane.
And whatever you do, make time for a stop at St. Louis’s most recognizable landmark: the Gateway Arch. Open year-round, the Arch offers a tram ride to the top, where the views are spectacular no matter the season.
Book Your Trip:
| Washington to St. Louis | $14.00 | |
| Springfield to St. Louis | $13.00 | |
| Chicago to St Louis | $39.89 | |
| Kansas City to St. Louis | $44.99 | |
| Indianapolis to St. Louis | $74.99 | |
| Your City to St. Louis | See Prices |
Springfield, IL
Teemu008/ Flickr
For a truly presidential nod to the holiday, pay tribute to (hot take) our nation’s all-time greatest Commander-in-Chief in Springfield, hometown of Abraham Lincoln.
Seriously, you could make a Presidents’ weekend out of just visiting Lincoln sites. But to name some of the more notable stops, try the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Lincoln Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site.
For a nod to modern politics, check out the Illinois State Capitol building. Other worthwhile activities include a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana Thomas House (though go on Saturday or Sunday, as it’s closed on the actual holiday), the Illinois State Museum, and the Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum. (A mouthful, we know, but the museum is a must-hit — especially during Black History Month.)
Finally, if you’re ready for a break from all those museums (this is a vacation, after all!), you can catch Jerry Seinfeld live on the 17th at the University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center. Try to snag tickets early!
Book Your Trip:
| Chicago to Springfield | $33.49 | |
| Rockford to Springfield | $62.41 | |
| Madison to Springfield | $75.16 | |
| South Beloit to Springfield | $63.75 | |
| Your City to Springfield | See Prices |
Santa Barbara, CA
To skip out on winter altogether, Santa Barbara is the spot for you.
For something you can pretend is relevant to President’s Day, if only for the fact that they share some of the same letters, head to El Presidio de Santa Barbara Historic Site. With charming white-washed walls, this structure is actually a former Spanish military fort. An active community church, Mission Santa Barbara is another Spanish historical site, as well as a gorgeous spot to snag pics for the Insta.
For a little shopping, head over to the Gem Faire to buy jewelry, gems, and accessories from 17-18th. Stroll through Paseo Nuevo or State Street for more window shopping. Stearns Wharf is another great option for boutique browsing, as well as on-the-water activities like kayak tours.
To truly take advantage of the mild weather, consider hiking to Inspiration Point or strolling along a beach. (Hot tip: Butterfly Beach is probably the best spot for watching the sunset, an activity that might appeal to Valentine’s Day lovers).
Catamaran Sunset Cruise
Sail along the Santa Barbara coast in a catamaran on an early evening sunset cruise. Take in the gorgeous views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Channel Islands in the distance.
Book Your Trip:
Reno, NV
Mitch Barrie / Flickr
Cheaper than Las Vegas, the Biggest Little City has a comfortable climate for winter excursions, with an average February high of 51 degrees.
In the city, you’ll find shopping, dining and entertainment in the Midtown district and nearby Riverwalk district, two of Reno’s best areas for travelers. Nearby indoor attractions include the Nevada Museum of Art; The Discovery science museum; and the National Automobile Museum, filled with slick hotrods and old-timey classics.
The fact that Reno is a stone’s throw from Lake Tahoe means the area also offers some of the standard winter entertainment, like skiing or snowboarding. (Tahoe is actually on our list of top 10 snowy vacation destinations.)
And, of course, we’d be remiss not to mention Reno’s 20 casinos. (We’re responsible for helping you save money on travel — after that, there’s nothing we can do. Just remember who got you there if you win big!)
Book Your Trip:
| South Lake Tahoe to Reno | $32.75 | |
| San Francisco to Reno | $27.22 | |
| Modesto to Reno | $63.61 | |
| Burbank to Reno | $107.83 | |
| Los Angeles to Reno | $111.13 | |
| Your City to Reno | See Prices |
Sacramento, CA
For a unique glimpse into a specific page of American history, book a ticket to Sacramento.
Old Sacramento State Historic Park and the surrounding Old Sacramento district will make you feel like you’ve taken a Delorean back into the Old West. In this area you’ll find the Pony Express Statue, California State Railroad Museum, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum and more.
Scattered throughout the rest of the California capital, sites like the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Zoo, California State Indian Museum, and Sutter’s Fort (known for its association with the Donner Party and the California Gold Rush) are all hot-ticket destinations.
Finally, you can enjoy the weather with a bike ride or walk along the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, which traces the curvy path of the American River.
Book Your Trip:
| Oakland to Sacramento | $13.23 | |
| San Francisco to Sacramento | $14.22 | |
| Oakland to Sacramento | $28.50 | |
| Los Angeles to Sacramento | $68.56 | |
| Los Angeles to Sacramento | $48.49 | |
| Your City to Sacramento | See Prices |
Portland, OR
Charlie Marchant / Flickr
President’s Day weekend, unfortunately, falls a week after Portland’s Chinese New Year celebrations end. That said, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is worth a visit at any time. From there, cap off your visit with a meal at delectable Duck House Chinese Restaurant near Portland State University.
Downtown Portland is rich with attractions worth your time, From Pioneer Courthouse Square (called “Portland’s Living Room”) to the massive and maze-like Powell’s City of Books. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry hosts various rotating events, like Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes, for several months at a time. The exhibit features original comic book pages, interactive displays, life-size superhero statues, costumes and props, and so much more.
In the mood for music? Over President’s Day weekend, the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is presenting The Goonies in Concert, a way to relive the ’80s with the Oregon cult classic. Goonies never say die!
Last but never least, Portland’s reputation as one of the best brunch cities in the U.S. is something to take advantage of in every season — so order a Bloody Mary as you reminisce on your epic Rose City weekend.
Underground Donut Tour
Sample Portland’s best donuts on the city’s only donut tour, with stops at 4 of the top donut shops near Portland State’s Campus, Pioneer Square, and downtown. And don’t worry, you’ll get to skip the line (even if everyone else has to wait!).
Book Your Trip:
| Tualatin to Portland | $4.00 | |
| Woodburn to Portland | $11.50 | |
| Salem to Portland | $13.06 | |
| Eugene to Portland | $26.90 | |
| Seattle to Portland | $26.01 | |
| Your City to Portland | See Prices |
San Jose, CA
Doug Letterman / Flickr
Say “Hey” to San Jose, an excellent getaway often overlooked by those with their sights set on nearby San Francisco.
The most famous attraction in San Jose may be the Winchester Mystery House. The huge mansion is supposedly haunted by all the victims of Winchester rifles, and offers tours both during the day and at night. The Winchester House is also conveniently located by Santana Row, a well-known residential and shopping district.
Not too far away, you’ll find Plaza de César Chávez, a downtown urban plaza surrounded by The Tech Interactive, the San Jose Museum of Art and more. (True Silicon Valley geeks may actually prefer the Computer History Museum to The Tech, the latter of which is more geared toward children.) The impressive Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is also right by the Plaza. If it’s open, slip inside to see the stunning ceiling.
And no visit to San Jose can be complete without a stop at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, which boasts the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the Western U.S., from mummies to tools and jewelry. The museum is associated with the Rosicrucian Order, an organization that studies “the elusive mysteries of life and the universe.”
Book Your Trip:
| San Francisco to San Jose | $9.68 | |
| Oakland to San Jose | $9.40 | |
| Martinez to San Jose | $24.05 | |
| Davis to San Jose | $33.56 | |
| Sacramento to San Jose | $34.44 | |
| Los Angeles to San Jose | $82.43 | |
| Your City to San Jose | See Prices |
Maybe you think we just pulled these destinations out of our ass…ortment of Wanderu data. And you’d be correct! These spots are based on the most popular President’s Day locales on Wanderu from past years, plus a few options for fun things to do on Presidents’ Day.
Yes, the holiday is technically a day to celebrate American chiefs of state, both past and present. If that means something to you, then great — we encourage you to check out our road trip to 21 homes of U.S. presidents.
But if you’re like most people, February 18 to 20 is just another long weekend. A long weekend that could be better spent away from home. And that’s where Wanderu comes in.
If these spots aren’t speaking to you, try out our Explore by Wanderu tool. It’ll populate a list of budget-friendly bus- and train-travel suggestions built around your current location, ideal destination and budget.
To explore on the go, don’t forget to download the Wanderu app for the lowest-price bus and train options, no matter where you are or where you’re headed.
