5 of the best last-minute Labor Day weekend getaways

The end of summer is fast approaching, and by this point, many sought-after Labor Day vacation spots have limited availability and inflated prices. But that doesn’t mean every worthwhile destination is already spoken for.

Informed by our team of writers and editors with decades of firsthand experience, our suggestion is to focus on places that fall into one of two categories — off the traditional Labor Day radar and/or large enough to absorb holiday demand. With that in mind, here are our picks for the five best last-minute Labor Day weekend getaways across the U.S. If you can’t swing a trip over the holiday weekend, consider timing your next vacation to September or October, when prices begin to drop.

1. Denver, Colo.

Labor Day in Denver is a smart move if you’re looking for a laidback city full of good food, live music and easy access to the outdoors — or dinosaur exhibits and botanical gardens. It’s also a major music city, and the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater will host concerts throughout the weekend.

You’ll also be within easy driving distance of Boulder and Colorado Springs, and a few hours from Aspen. September also marks the transition into shoulder season in many of Colorado’s mountain destinations. Flying direct to Denver is easy from most major U.S. hubs, and the city offers plenty of lodging options.

2. St. Louis, Mo.

In case you missed it, St. Louis is cool. The food scene is excellent and diverse, indie shops are thriving across town and plenty of the city’s best attractions are free to enter, like the St. Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Science Center and St. Louis Art Museum.

Even the things that cost money are typically inexpensive, like a wander through the Missouri Botanical Garden, which will host its annual Japanese Festival over Labor Day weekend. St. Louis will also host the Gateway Cup, a four-day cycling event held across several neighborhoods, from Sept. 4-7.

3. Mammoth Lakes, Calif.

Mammoth Lakes sits along the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada, roughly 45 minutes from Yosemite National Park’s Tioga Pass entrance when the seasonal road is open. In winter, it serves as the basecamp for Mammoth Mountain, a popular ski and snowboard area. But in summer and fall, it’s a wonderland of alpine lakes, hot springs and hiking trails.

The greater Mammoth Lakes area offers access to alpine lakes and more than 300 miles of trails. Within an hour of town, you can reach several well-established, free hot springs, like Wild Willy’s and Hilltop Hot Springs. Devils Postpile National Monument is also just outside town, with shuttle access scheduled throughout Labor Day weekend.

4. Madison, Wis.

If you’re not in the mood for a big-city experience or a backcountry adventure, Madison is a great middle path. It’s compact and manageable, but you’ll still have access to amazing food and activities. It’s also gorgeous, with downtown nestled between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.

For the foodies, Taste of Madison is happening Sept. 5-6 this year. The festival is free to attend and features more than 90 food vendors, plus live music. There’s also the Dane County Farmers’ Market, and the city’s surrounding orchards and farms are great for fall apple picking and photo ops. For outdoor time within the city, check out Olbrich Botanical Gardens or the Lakeshore Nature Preserve.

5. Bloomington, Ind.

Bloomington and the surrounding areas trade flat cornfields for rolling green hills. But most people sleep on Indiana as a vacation destination, making it a clever getaway when other places are overcrowded.

The city will have plenty going on this September. The annual Fourth Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts will take place on Sept. 5-6, featuring works by 120 artisans, plus live music and kids’ booths. Labor Day weekend also coincides with an Indiana University home football game, so expect more activity around campus on Saturday.

Beyond the city limits, Bloomington is surrounded by natural areas and recreational spots, including Monroe Lake to the southeast, Lake Lemon to the northeast and Morgan-Monroe State Forest to the north. If you’re up for a bigger adventure, Hoosier National Forest, south of Bloomington, is one of the most beautiful and refreshing places in the state.