Labor Day Travel Ideas: 6 Unforgettable Gems & More

Image courtesy of Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel

Labor Day weekend has always been known as the unofficial end of summer and typically ranks as some of the busiest days of travel. With summer jobs winding down, new semesters beginning and daylight dwindling, the long weekend is the perfect way to soak up the end of the summer season.

Discover a variety of Labor Day getaways, from laid-back nature retreats and sunny landscapes to city adventures and weekend cruises. And if you’re up for a road trip, your Fora Advisor can help with a rental car and plenty of travel tips to help you along the way.

Read on to learn about some of our favorite spots, then connect with Fora to plan and book your Labor Day travel.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Nevada

Image courtesy of Edgewood Tahoe Resort

When guests step into the Edgewood’s lobby, the soaring wood ceilings, stone accents and walls of windows bring the outdoors inside, providing superb lake and mountain views. The property sits near the border with California on pristine Lake Tahoe, with plenty of water sports available like kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and pontoon boats. And with Reno-Tahoe International Airport just an hour north, air travel from Las Vegas or Los Angeles is feasible.

Lodge rooms and suites have a serene feel, with shades of blue and earth tones, plus cozy fireplaces and balconies. The newest accommodations are villa suites, which range from two to five bedrooms and boast full kitchens and spacious outdoor living areas, ideal for family gatherings over Labor Day weekend.

After a day on the resort’s golf course, guests can relax in the spa with a personalized treatment or get glammed up for the holiday weekend in the beauty bar. On-site culinary options include three restaurants, a couple of bars and a coffee shop, as well as in-room dining.

“Take your glass of welcome bubbly […] and grab a seat in the Adirondack chairs while you enjoy spectacular lake views,” Fora Advisor Sarah Wilcox said. “I also love the touch of Jelly Belly jelly beans on the night stands, and the fact that the beds – even in the entry-level rooms – face the lake.”

Insider tip: As the sun sets on the long weekend, family fun continues with complimentary s’mores and outdoor movies. 

Fora Reserve Perks: 

• $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel, Sedona

Image courtesy of Ambiente

With a stunning backdrop of red rocks, this exceptional getaway makes the most of the American West desert landscape in Sedona, offering a gorgeous setting for Labor Day weekend. The vibe at Ambiente combines modernity and eco-conscious design, offering a soothing blend of natural beauty and contemporary sophistication just over two hours south of the Grand Canyon.

The boutique hotel hosts 40 cubed-shaped guest rooms (called “atriums”), all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, private rooftop decks and sleek bathrooms. High-end amenities include exquisite dining experiences focused on locally sourced ingredients, an infinity pool and a full-service spa, where you can book makeup service, IV infusions and traditional treatments.

Insider tip: Surrounded by some of the darkest skies, guests can top off the holiday weekend by hiring a professional astronomer to show them around the Sedona nightscape with a telescope on their own rooftop.

Fora Perks: 

• $100 resort credit, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

Cliff House Maine

Image courtesy of Cliff House

Perched dramatically above the Atlantic, this quintessentially American retreat offers guests a front-row seat to the ocean's beauty, an ideal way to spend the holiday weekend. And because the property is less than two hours north of Boston, you can easily grab a rental car (your Fora Advisor can help) for a quick road trip.

The vibe at Cliff House is an effortless blend of New England charm and contemporary elegance, perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life with a touch of maritime flair.

Guests can revel in an array of sophisticated amenities, from the luxurious full-service spa and infinity pool to the locally inspired cuisine at the resort restaurants, including Nubb’s Lobster Shack, dishing up the state’s most famous Labor Day weekend meal.

Each room and suite is a sanctuary of comfort, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. The charming standalone cottage has room for a crowd over the long weekend, with three bedrooms, a full kitchen and front porch with ocean views.

Don’t miss booking a treatment at the 9,000-square-foot wellness center, providing everything from exercise classes to massage treatments.  

“The Cliff House is quintessential New England,” Fora Advisor Chelsea Gambino said. “The gorgeous views never disappoint, and the Cliff House team goes above and beyond to make each guest feel celebrated.”

Insider tip: Celebrate the end of summer by taking a lesson from the Artist in Residence, who has a working studio on the resort property.

Fora Perks:

• $100 donation to charity, daily breakfast credit, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch

Image courtesy of The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch

Located in the heart of the American West less than a four-hour drive from Denver, Brush Creek Ranch is an idyllic Labor Day weekend getaway for adventure and relaxation in Wyoming's stunning Platte River Valley. This luxe ranch provides an all-inclusive experience – from outings to meals – so you don’t need to worry about a thing. 

Guests spend their days exploring more than 30,000 acres of pristine wilderness via horseback riding, fly fishing and hiking, plus expert guides can tailor excursions for your level of experience and interest.

After a day of exhilarating activities, soothe sore muscles at the Trailhead Spa, where a range of treatments use natural ingredients to refresh and relax the mind and body. In the evenings, guests can dig into farm-to-table plates paired with fine wines from the ranch's extensive cellar. In addition to charming lodge guest rooms, the ranch offers rustic-chic log cabins that range from one to four bedrooms, all with fireplaces or wood stoves and some featuring full kitchens. With panoramic mountain views, impeccable service and modern amenities, The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch is the ultimate adventure getaway for a memorable Labor Day weekend escape.

Insider tip: Toast the end of summer at the Spirit Vault to discover the ranch’s speakeasy, which offers more than 100 labels of whiskey.

Fora Perks: 

• $150 per person hotel / resort credit and an upgrade whenever possible.
  
  

Viceroy Chicago

Image courtesy of Viceroy Chicago

For those travelers seeking an urban escape, the Viceroy Chicago delivers a luxe American experience with its stylish rooms housed in a historic building. The property positions guests perfectly on the Magnificent Mile, with tons of shopping and dining within an easy stroll. You can even walk to Oak Street Beach to soak up the last rays of summer.

Bold jewel colors complement contemporary design in the rooms and suites, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the cityscape. Sublime rooftop space includes a seasonal outdoor pool, terrace dining and a bar. Other pluses include a fitness center and spa, and don’t forget your furry child over the Labor Day weekend – the hotel welcomes pets with a dog bed, food and water bowls, and a pet map with pet-friendly recommendations (pet fee applies).

“An outdoor pool and bar is one of the Viceroy's most distinctive features, a rarity in the city,” Fora Advisor Sarah Collins said. “The pool oasis offers a vibey retreat where you can soak up the sun and enjoy cocktails while taking in the views of the city.”

Insider tip: Let the hotel know your junior family members are joining you for your getaway and you’ll be connected with kid-friendly museum kits, coloring activities and board games. The concierge can even arrange a bee-keeping activity. 

Fora Perks: 

• $150 hotel / resort credit per person and an upgrade whenever possible.
  
  

The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai, Mexico 

Image courtesy of The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai

Even though you’ll need to invest in air travel for this destination, The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai in Mexico is worth the extra effort for the long weekend. Opened in early 2024, this resort combines jaw-dropping design and a stellar location to wow guests. The hotel is positioned on a lush 620-acre nature preserve, which is echoed in the dramatic hanging plants in the lobby and the swaths of tropical gardens surrounding the main pool.

Minimalist rooms highlight a natural palette, while suites go all out with features like expansive outdoor terraces, plunge pools and soaking tubs – ideal for unwinding over Labor Day weekend. Head to the beach for cabana service and a second pool, or indulge with a tranquil massage at the sleek spa. In addition to casual plates at the beach club, dining options include two restaurants and two bars, plus 24-hour in-room dining. 

Local excursions cater to thrill seekers, history buffs and cultural enthusiasts. Take advantage of the holiday travel to book zip lines, kayaking tours or shopping trips, as well as guided tours of the Mayan ruins for a taste of Mexico’s history.

“The spa here is one of the most beautiful in the world,” Fora Advisor Sarah Wilcox said. “The waiting area was built to resemble a cenote, with light coming in through the ceiling. And the unique addition of a Turkish Hamman is the perfect way to cap off a day spent in a beach cabana.”

Insider tip: For an over-the-top group holiday weekend, book the Sky Rooftop Villa, featuring a private infinity pool and five bedrooms, each with their own personal plunge pool.

Fora Perks: 

• $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

Cruising over the holiday weekend

Although it may sound extravagant to embark on a cruise for a long weekend, several cruise lines can make Labor Day weekend travel at sea a reality.

Among our cruise partner booking data, Celebrity came up as one of the top-booked brands last year. The cruise line offers a 4-night sail that leaves from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and explores Key West and other islands, giving you plenty of time in the sun.

Another option is Royal Caribbean, which offers a 4-night Bahamas roundtrip from either Miami or Orlando, perfect for setting sail with the family for an all-inclusive excursion.

More travel ideas for Labor Day weekend

Image courtesy of Palihotel Seattle

Summer heat drives some people north looking for a break from scorching temperatures. For cooler weather, explore travel destinations like the Pacific Northwest, Canada and the Northeast. Here are some of our favorite spots to savor a long weekend.

Fairmont Pacific Rim: Set in Vancouver, Canada, this luxe property is steps from downtown on the waterfront, offering guests a city retreat with stunning mountain views for the holiday weekend. Fora Perks include $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.

Palihotel Seattle, Washington: With a prime location in Downtown Seattle, this hotel combines retro style with modern amenities. Fora Reserve Perks include a welcome amenity, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.

Thompson Chicago: Just a few blocks from Lake Michigan, this hotel will help you savor those last days of summer in style. Spend your Labor Day weekend exploring the Magnificent Mile, and don’t forget your furry friends – the hotel is pet-friendly. Fora Perks include a hotel credit, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.

The Roxy Hotel New York: Perfectly positioned in New York’s TriBeCa neighborhood, this hip hotel is ideal for couples looking for a big city long weekend. The jazz club and bar add to the sultry atmosphere, and guests are treated as VIPs with Fora Reserve Perks, like a food / beverage credit, daily breakfast and extended check-in/out.

Ready for your holiday weekend getaway? Connect with Fora to book your Labor Day weekend.