Two-Day Vacation Ideas: Discover Hidden Gems

The best weekend getaways are the ones down the road less traveled. They’re found in quaint cities and undisturbed landscapes, where visitors can truly retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life and instead relax in the region’s natural beauty. Yes, big cities like Las Vegas and San Francisco can be exciting, but there’s pleasure to be found in the hidden gems of the U.S. If you’re seeking a weekend trip with charm, character, and breathtaking views, this blog is for you. Here, we’ll detail three two-day vacation ideas that will refresh you, revitalize you, and leave you eager for your next weekend’s escape.

Two-Day Vacation Ideas in Texas Hill Country

If you’re located near the Lone Star State, the following two-day vacation ideas are for you. Texas Hill Country, the crown jewel of Texas, is full of natural wonders. From subterranean lakes and prehistoric caves to natural springs, to towering pink granite mountains and more scenic hiking trails than you can imagine, Hill Country is a nature lover’s playground. This unique landscape is chaotically beautiful, combining flowering meadows and grasslands with dense woods and rolling hills.

But that’s not all the area has to offer. Popular Hill Country towns like Wimberley, Fredericksburg, and New Braunfels boast eclectic shops and art galleries, as well as their fair share of delicious food and community events. Moreover, this region is also lovingly known as Texas Wine Country for the homegrown wine and wealth of local wineries. So, if Texas Hill Country sounds like your dream long weekend retreat, check out two top local boutique hotels below.

Onera Wimberley

Tucked away in a serene forest on a west-facing hillside in Wimberley, Texas, is Onera Wimberley. This premier glamping hotel is second to none when it comes to all-encompassing views of Texas Hill Country. Ideal for a long trip or short trips, Onera welcomes travelers to its cozy yet luxurious Hill Country escape. Despite the sweet seclusion guests can find while staying in the beautiful Spyglass or Greenhouse accommodations, this boutique hotel is just minutes away from Wimberley Square and forty-five minutes from Austin. So, when you’re not soaking in the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, head into town for a day trip full of live music, unique shopping, and delicious food and wine.

Yet, you don’t have to leave Onera for a day of relaxation. Visit the heated infinity pool overlooking the rolling hills, or take an evening soak in the hot tub before slipping into bed for a good night’s rest. You’ll also find an events center on-site with both indoor and outdoor spaces, making it the perfect place to share a glass of wine, play cards, or simply admire peaceful Hill Country. Explore accommodations below.

Onera Wimberley Accommodations

• Spyglass: This looking-glass-inspired treehouse is elevated thirty feet off the ground and features a private deck with a hot tub and expansive views of the countryside. Inside, you’ll find a king bed, efficiency kitchen, lounge area, and walk-in rain shower.
• Greenhouse: This unique lodging features a living roof of Texas vegetation. Enjoy a private deck with a hot tub and breathtaking views of the landscape, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside, you’ll find a king bed, efficiency kitchen, lounge area, and walk-in rain shower.

Wine Barrel Cabins

Nestled in the heart of Texas Wine Country in Fredericksburg, the Wine Barrel Cabins may be the most unique Hill Country hotel. A truly enchanting pick among two-day vacation ideas, the Wine Barrel Cabins offer guests a rustic yet upscale accommodation while being just a short drive (five minutes) from downtown Fredericksburg.

These high-end cabins are made of real wood and are fashioned after wine barrels, and they are even set up like a wine flight. Each of these cabins is creatively inspired by flavors of wine, including Chardonnay, Rose, Cabernet, and Tempranillo—a locally grown wine favored in this region. The interiors of these glamorous cabins are accented by the colors and aesthetics of each wine, making for an elegant experience you won’t soon forget. Browse accommodations below.

Wine Barrel Accommodations

• Chardonnay: This wine barrel boasts hues of gold and champagne. It features a private back deck, king bed, gold penny glass tile shower, wine barrel vanity sink, and sitting area.
• Rose: The Rose barrel features pink and blush tones. It offers a marble tile shower, wine barrel vanity sink, king bed, sitting area, and back deck.
• Cabernet: This sensual cabin is dressed in hues of deep burgundy and maroon. Indulge in cabernet-accented tile, wine barrel vanity sink, king bed, sitting area, and back deck.
• Tempranillo: This elegant cabin boasts purples and burgundies. It features a color-matched shower, wine barrel vanity sink, king bed, sitting area, and back deck.

Two-Day Vacation Ideas in Florida

Florida isn’t all about the sand and surf. If you’re willing to stray from the typical Key West or Central Florida vacation, there’s a one-of-a-kind weekend getaway in store for you in River Ranch, Florida. Of these two-day vacation ideas, a trip to River Ranch is by far the most rustic yet arguably the most lively. With open plains, lush Florida vegetation, and forests, visitors can retreat off the beaten path for an authentic Florida experience. Check out Westgate River Ranch below.

Westgate River Ranch

Located an hour south of Orlando, this bona fide Dude Ranch doubles as a luxurious glamping resort like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Explore over 1,700 acres overlooking the Kissimmee River at sprawling Westgate River Ranch. Here, you’ll find a world of exciting amenities, including horseback riding, ziplining, an award-winning Saturday night rodeo, and a full-service marina. Other memorable activities include an air rifle range, petting farm, mechanical bull, fishing, and the Cowboy Adventure Park.

Moreover, you’ll find plenty of delicious food and drink. Stop by the River Ranch Saloon for line dancing and a full bar. The all-new River Ranch Cattle Company is an unmissable steakhouse on-site, as is the waterfront Smokehouse on the River. But if that’s not enough, the glamping accommodations combine southern charm with modern bliss. Choose from a “teepee,” “wagon,” or your typical luxurious Westgate suite. See a few of the top accommodations below.

Westgate River Ranch Accommodations

• Luxe Conestoga Wagon: This glamping accommodation features a king bed, queen sleeper sofa, and twin bunk bed. Enjoy a full bathroom, kitchenette, and porch.
• Luxury Glamping: This lodging includes a king bed and a queen sleeper sofa, a full bathroom, a porch, and a kitchenette.
• Glamping: This tent features a king bed and two twin beds, a private bathroom facility, a porch, a grill and picnic area, and a kitchenette.
• Luxe Teepee: This lodging includes a king bed and double sleeper sofa, as well as a living and dining area, full bathroom, fireplace, front porch, and kitchenette.
• Lodge Suite: This suite includes a queen bed, full bathroom, screened-in patio, kitchenette, and dining table.
• Lodge Guest Room: This suite features two double beds, a full bathroom, a kitchenette, and a dining table.
• Deluxe Lodge Suite: This suite features two queen beds, a full bathroom, a kitchenette, a dining area, and a screened-in patio.
• Premium Lodge Suite: This suite includes two queen beds, a queen sleeper sofa, a full bathroom, and a kitchenette.

Discover More Two-Day Vacation Ideas with Nook Outdoors

Finding and booking two-day vacation ideas is easy with Nook Outdoors. Not sold on any of the gorgeous locations above? Then, take a look at our carefully curated collection of landscape hotels. From mountain hideaways to Hawaiian escapes, Nook Outdoors has the adventure you’re looking for. Book with Nook today!