Where to Vacation This Labor Day Weekend

A trip to Nantucket usually begins on the water, with a ferry ride from nearby Hyannis. You can choose from the one-hour high-speed ferry, or expect to spend just over two hours driving, but, if you’re pressed for time, several airlines operate out of Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK). Once you’re in this classic New England beach resort, get in the grove by shopping preppy looks at J. McLaughlin, then take in flavors from around the world — Hawaiian poké, Spanish-style octopus, and Peking duck are just a few on recent menus — at Nautilus. Take in the sunset and new American menu from the deck at Galley Beach before calling it a night at Hotel Pippa. The island’s latest boutique offering, the hotel gives traditional New England architecture a colorful modern spin with luxe touches (think: Matouk linens, products from Davines, and a curated selection of bottles at the hotel’s own Petrichor Wine Bar).  

A quick ferry ride across the Golden Gate strait from San Francisco, Sausalito is a casual bayside town in Marin County that feels a world away. Take in the city’s craft history with a tour of the Heath Ceramics factory (and be sure to stop by their store to get your hands on their overstock tile), sample the cask wines and sourdough pizza around the fire pit at beachfront hang Bar Bocce, or taste some of the country’s best sushi at Sushi Ran, where the menu mixes local catches with ingredients straight from Tokyo’s Tsukiji market. Then head to Cavallo Point hotel in historic Fort Baker, which offers both classic and contemporary lodging options — all with famous views of the hills, city and bay.

Just two hours drive north of Boston and accessible via Amtrak’s Downeaster line, Portland, Maine, is a modern foodie classic. Discover the craft beer scene at Allagash (the city’s brewers say the local water is the secret ingredient), put back some shellfish at Eventide Oyster, check out the catch of the day at Harbor Fish Market, or taste the terroir at chef Sam Hayward’s farm-to-table pioneer, Fore Street. For an updated stay, book a night at Higgins Beach Inn, in nearby Scarborough, a classic 1922 beach hotel that was recently updated with a boutique feel.

The New Jersey town that gave the world Bruce Springsteen has had a renaissance in recent years, with fresh dining and accommodations to match the charm of the boardwalk and its rock ‘n’ roll roots. Music lovers will want to stop at the Stone Pony, the legendary concert venue where “Little Steven” Van Zandt once played in the house band, or newcomer Asbury Lanes, which boasts bowling along with acts like Ted Leo and the Allah-Las and a comfort food menu. Tap into the city’s latest incarnation at Cardinal Provisions, which offers a hip breakfast and lunch menu (avocado toast, natch), and the Asbury Hotel, which made waves as the first new hotel to open at the Jersey Shore destination in 50 years, in 2016, and offers a lobby cafe along with the Salvation rooftop lounge.

As summer gives way to fall, Santa Fe, New Mexico — accessible daily by flights from Dallas, Phoenix, and Denver — becomes even more magical. The city’s colonial roots date back to 1602, and those in the know have long come to Santa Fe for its rich artistic history. Get your culture fix at the Museum of International Folk Art, experience one of 20th century’s most iconic artists at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, or get completely immersed at the Meow Wolf art experience. Soak up local design at Hotel St. Francis, the city’s oldest historic hotel, which partners with community groups to support the city’s culture and art.

Easily accessible by 100 direct flights from North America a week, Aruba boasts more sunny days than any other Caribbean island, making it the perfect place to savor the end of summer. While the island has made sustainability a priority with a plan to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2020, the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort at Eagle Beach has been on an eco-friendly mission for more than three decades. Explore Aruba’s natural side with a trip to Arikok National Park, the preserve that makes up some 20 percent of the island.

In warmer months, culture buffs flock to this Quebecois city — by plane to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) or by Amtrak’s Adirondack line from New York City — where the summer calendar is filled with festivals. The last of the season is Montréal Electronique Groove, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The new Hôtel Monville offers some of the most au courant accommodations available in town, with robot room service and a panoramic rooftop terrace — all just a 2-minute walk from the Place d’Armes and Bonsecours Market of Old Montréal.