posted on June 25, 2026
Planning a Labor Day weekend getaway? Skip the crowded departures lounge and get behind the wheel to experience one of the best Labor Day road trips in the US instead.
Celebrate the end of summer with a road trip that allows you to maximize this three-day window (without getting caught up in airport lines or waiting at baggage claim carousels). Whether you’re chasing a last beach day, a mountain escape, or a long weekend in the city, having a car gives you the flexibility to do it all.
As this is a busy travel weekend, planning ahead makes a big difference. Here are the best road trips to try across the country to inspire your Labor Day travels.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Planning a Labor Day road trip: What you need to know
- Best Labor Day road trips on the East Coast
- Best Labor Day road trips in the South
- Best Labor Day road trips in the Midwest
- Best Labor Day road trips in the West
- Tips for driving over Labor Day weekend
- Frequently asked questions
Planning a Labor Day road trip: What you need to know
Labor Day typically falls on the first Monday of September each year. It’s the perfect time for road tripping: the summer crowds are thinning, the temperature has started to drop, and the first hints of fall color are beginning to appear.
If you’re planning a road trip over this weekend, departing on Thursday evening (or very early Friday morning) is your best bet for skipping the pre-weekend traffic. Keep this in mind for the way home, as congestion peaks again on Monday afternoon; and nothing ruins a relaxing getaway like bumper-to-bumper delays.
As Labor Day is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, start booking ASAP. Accommodations, popular activities, and car rentals get snapped up fast. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Tip from the author: The worst time to drive over Labor Day weekend is Friday evening; that’s when commuters and travelers collide on the highway. If you can leave Thursday evening or early Friday morning instead, you’ll avoid the worst of it. And on the way home, leave before noon on Monday to beat the return rush.
Best Labor Day road trips on the East Coast
Acadia National Park, Maine
Labor Day weekend is arguably the best time to visit Acadia National Park. The park is still fully operational, but the peak summer crowds have left. While it’s a bit of a drive from most East Coast cities (5+ hours from Boston and 6+ hours from New York), it’s doable if you’re hitting the road on Thursday evening.
Bar Harbor serves as the gateway to this park, a bustling coastal town on the northeast shore of Mount Desert Island. With your own car, you can start here and take the Park Loop Road (a 27-mile scenic highway) that traces the dramatic coastline before looping inland through the mountains. Cadillac Mountain’s 1,530-foot peak is a highlight along the way.
- Drive time from Boston: ~5 hours
- Drive time from New York: ~6.5 hours
- Best for: Couples or solo travelers looking for a relaxing getaway surrounded by natural beauty (and plenty of hiking trails).
- Don’t miss: The panoramic water view from Cadillac Mountain Summit, or a hike along the Ocean Path Trail (from Sand Beach to Otter Point).
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Looking for world-class culture during your long weekend trip? Look no further than The Berkshires, a manageable escape from both Boston and New York. Expect rolling hills, farm-to-table restaurants, and some of the best early-fall foliage in New England (fun fact: some trees begin to turn as early as mid-September at higher elevations).
The small towns of western Massachusetts are ideal for culture lovers looking for incredible live music, art, and entertainment. Head to Tanglewood for classical and jazz music performances, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) for boundary-pushing modern pieces, or head to The Clark Art Institute in Williamstown for iconic works from classical European artists.
- Drive time from Boston: ~2.5 hours
- Drive time from New York: ~2.5 hours
- Best for: Culture and arts buffs looking to see the final performance of the season by the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood (the summer home of this orchestra).
- Don’t miss: The start of harvest season, which kicks off at Hilltop Orchards over the Labor Day weekend. Expect early-season apples and hot, fresh apple cider donuts.
Tip from the author: The Berkshires are at their most beautiful in the golden late-afternoon light of early September. Plan a drive along Route 7 between Lenox and Williamstown around 4–5pm and pull over whenever something catches your eye.
Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, Virginia
Looking for a Labor Day escape within driving distance of Washington, DC? Shenandoah National Park is an ideal choice just 75 miles from the capital. This park also features Skyline Drive, a 105-mile mountain ridge road through the park and one of the best drives on the East Coast. Expect crisp mountain temperatures, early fall colors, and 75 scenic overlooks to pull over at along the drive.
- Drive time from Washington, DC: ~1.5 hours
- Best for: City dwellers chasing a quick nature escape, with hiking routes suitable for casual hikers.
- Don’t miss: Over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail.
Best Labor Day road trips in the South
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a perfect destination for Labor Day weekend, and one of the most popular spots to visit in the Southeast (situated within a few hours of both Atlanta and Charlotte). This mountain city boasts a thriving food and craft beer scene, a walkable downtown arts district, and access to some of the best hiking in the southern Appalachians.
One of America’s best scenic drives (The Blue Ridge Parkway) runs directly past the city. Plus, nearby you’ll find a stack of attractions worth visiting, including the Biltmore Estate (America’s largest private home), the River Arts District, and Chimney Rock State Park.
- Drive time from Atlanta: ~2.5 hours
- Drive time from Charlotte: ~2 hours
- Best for: Outdoor adventurers, craft beer lovers, and culture enthusiasts.
- Don’t miss: The Biltmore Estate is an incredible 250-room French Renaissance chateau and is a spectacular tribute to the Gilded Age. It’s usually busy over the Labor Day weekend, so book ahead and secure a timed-entry reservation early.
Gulf Coast beaches: Destin and 30A, Florida
For a classic last-summer-weekend beach escape, the Emerald Coast of Florida is hard to beat. Destin and the 30A corridor offer some of the clearest, most turquoise water on the Gulf Coast, with a string of beach towns ranging from lively (Destin) to quiet and upscale (think: Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach). Labor Day typically still brings warm water and good beach weather, but it is one of the busiest weekends of the year here, so book accommodations as early as possible and expect elevated prices.
- Drive time from Atlanta: ~5 hours
- Drive time from New Orleans: ~3.5 hours
- Best for: Couples and boutique travelers who appreciate the finer things (like staying in a luxury resort or upscale boutique shopping).
- Don’t miss: Crab Island is a famous sandbar offering clear, bright emerald green water. Stop by floating tiki huts and food trucks on the sea selling everything from ice cream to fresh tacos.
Best Labor Day road trips in the Midwest
Door County, Wisconsin
A narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan north of Green Bay, Door County is the Midwest’s most beloved summer escape. With your own car, you can see it all: cherry orchards, lighthouses, fish boils, and small harbor towns strung along 300 miles of shoreline.
Labor Day weekend is traditionally busy but manageable, with most restaurants and shops still fully open. Don’t miss a drive along Route 42 (one of the most photographed stretches of road in the Midwest) for sweeping views of the Green Bay shoreline.
- Drive time from Chicago: ~3.5 hours
- Drive time from Milwaukee: ~3 hours
- Best for: Blending coastal New England vibes with Midwestern charm, set against the backdrop of over 300 miles of shoreline.
- Don’t miss: The Marina Fest at Sister Bay, offering live outdoor music and fireworks (perfect for the whole family).
Tip from the author: A Door County fish boil (fresh whitefish cooked over an open fire in a large cauldron) is one of the region’s great culinary traditions. Most are held outdoors at supper clubs and resorts throughout the peninsula, including iconic spots like White Gull Inn, The Old Post Office Restaurant, and Pelletier’s Restaurant and Fish Boil. Book a spot in advance for Labor Day weekend.
Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City, Michigan
Get ready to experience Northern Michigan’s most spectacular landscape. The Sleeping Bear Dunes feature massive sand dunes rising 450 feet above Lake Michigan, surrounded by national lakeshore, wineries, and the charming city of Traverse City. This region covers 35 miles of coastline with hiking trails, quiet beaches, and the famous Dune Climb.
Plus, Traverse City is the base of Michigan’s growing wine region, and the Labor Day weekend is a perfect time to visit. Early September weather is typically mild, and the summer crowds have begun to thin. Discover the best things to do in Traverse City.
- Drive time from Chicago: ~4.5 hours
- Drive time from Detroit: ~4 hours
- Best for: Hikers looking to tackle challenging sand trails and foodies who want to explore wineries and farm-to-table restaurants.
- Don’t miss: The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a 7.4-mile loop offering incredible panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and the North/South Manitou Islands.
Best Labor Day road trips in the West
Pacific Coast Highway: Los Angeles to San Francisco
Labor Day weekend is one of the best times to drive California’s Pacific Coast Highway: the summer fog has typically cleared, temperatures are comfortable, and the coastal scenery is at its most vivid.
Along the drive, you’ll zip through coastal towns well worth the detour. Enjoy a wine tasting in Santa Barbara, pull over at Castle Rock Viewpoint to take a snap of the Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, and shop your way through quaint boutiques in Carmel-by-the-Sea. In fact, the Big Sur offers over 90 miles of rugged coastline worth exploring.
Leaving Thursday evening is the best way to maximize your time (as the Pacific Coast Highway is best driven over at least three days).
- Drive time LA to SF (direct): ~6 hours; allow 2–3 days via PCH
- Best for: Couples looking for a romantic getaway (cliffside dining spots like Nepenthe are also worth booking in advance).
- Don’t miss: McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, a legendary 80-foot waterfall that pours directly into an ocean cove.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Labor Day weekend is an exceptional time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park: the summer crowds are thinning, the timed-entry permit system is typically less competitive than peak July/August, and the first hints of aspen gold begin appearing in the valleys by early September.
The Park is a base for broader Colorado mountains exploration: hike to Emerald Lakes, try horseback riding near Sprague Lake, or book a guided fly fishing trip in Estes Park or through Grand Lake.
- Drive time from Denver: ~1.5 hours
- Best for: Wildlife lovers and older families who want to enjoy mountain hiking, scenic driving routes, and sweeping alpine vistas.
- Don’t miss: A drive along the renowned Trail Ridge Road, a 48-mile scenic route through the Rocky Mountain National Park connecting Estes Park and Grand Lake. It’s the highest continuously paved highway in the US and is still fully open over the long weekend.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Looking for incredible stargazing opportunities within a short drive of Los Angeles? Early September is arguably the best time of year to visit Joshua Tree: temperatures have dropped from their summer extreme (often 110°F+ in July and August) to something far more manageable, and the park is noticeably quieter than spring.
The surreal desert landscape of twisted Joshua trees and enormous boulder formations is at its most atmospheric in the golden light of early fall. Plus, you can cruise through major landmarks (like Skull Rock, Arch Rock, and the Hidden Valley) from the air-conditioned comfort of your rental car.
- Drive time from Los Angeles: ~2.5 hours
- Best for: Stargazing fans looking for a perfect spot to view the Milky Way on clear, warm September nights.
- Don’t miss: The dramatic views at Keys View are best experienced just before sunset. Get in early (the parking lot fills up) and watch as the colors change across the desert landscape.
Tips for driving over Labor Day weekend
Timing is everything when it comes to planning and enjoying your Labor Day weekend road trip. Here’s what you need to know before you go:
- Leave as early as possible: Friday afternoon traffic is the most congested of the entire Labor Day weekend, as commuters and travelers mix on the highways, creating significant delays on popular routes. If possible, leave Thursday (the earlier, the better).
- Book everything in advance: Labor Day is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, meaning accommodations, popular restaurants, national park permits, and car rentals all fill up fast. Booking several weeks ahead is strongly recommended.
- Plan your return carefully: Sunday afternoon and Monday are the heaviest return traffic periods. Leaving early Monday morning or waiting until Tuesday (if you can extend your trip) makes the return trip significantly more manageable.
- Top off your tank before scenic roads: Several popular Labor Day destinations (Rocky Mountain National Park, Skyline Drive, the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur) have limited or no gas stations for long stretches. Fill up before entering.
- Rent the right car for the trip: Whether you need a fuel-efficient sedan for a long highway drive or a spacious SUV for a group getaway, Turo has a wide range of vehicles available to rent across the country for Labor Day weekend pick-up. Book early, as holiday weekends are extremely popular.
Frequently asked questions about Labor Day road trips
What is the best Labor Day road trip?
The best Labor Day road trip depends on your starting point and what you’re after: Acadia National Park for dramatic coastal scenery, Asheville for food and mountain culture, Rocky Mountain National Park for high alpine landscapes, or the Pacific Coast Highway for a classic California drive.
For most travelers, the best trip is one that doesn’t require more than 4–5 hours of driving each way, leaving time to actually enjoy the destination.
How far in advance should I book for Labor Day weekend?
Book your trip for Labor Day weekend as early as possible, as Labor Day is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Popular accommodations book out weeks or even months ahead, particularly at beach destinations and national park gateway towns. Car rentals also fill up quickly over holiday weekends, too. Browsing Turo early gives you the widest range of vehicle options.
Is Labor Day a good time to visit national parks?
Yes, early September is often an overlooked sweet spot for national park visits. Summer peak crowds begin to thin, temperatures are slightly more manageable than July and August in most parks, and many parks are still fully staffed and operational. Timed-entry permits are typically less competitive than peak season, though booking in advance is still recommended for the most popular parks.
Book your Labor Day rental on Turo and hit the road
A three-day Labor Day weekend is just enough time to discover a new destination without taking extra vacation days. A well-chosen destination, an early departure, and a comfortable car are the only ingredients you need for one last great summer adventure. Browse Turo for car rentals across the country, with flexible pick-up options and a wide range of vehicles to find the perfect fit for your Labor Day weekend.
Share your car, earn extra cash
Cover your car payments or earn some extra cash by sharing your car whenever you’re not using it.
Get startedHit the road
Browse thousands of cars for every occasion and budget near you, or wherever you’re going.
Browse cars
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America, Europe and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
