Looking for a last-minute Labor Day getaway? Whether you want a spa-centric escape, a resort in the mountains or waterfront fun, these hotels deliver. Bonus: They don’t require a plane ticket. All are located within a six-hour drive of the D.C. area. The long holiday weekend is coming up Sept. 4-7, so get to booking.
Inn at Perry Cabin
Situated on 26 acres along the Miles River, this waterfront resort on Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers a picturesque backdrop for an end-of-summer retreat. On Sept. 4, 3-6 p.m., listen to live music on the Waterfront Terrace while sipping Champagne, rosé and Sancerre and eating oysters. On Sept. 5, noon-3 p.m., gather at The Pointe for live music outdoors, a crush bar and wood-fired pizzas. The grand finale is a barbecue Sept. 6, noon-3 p.m., with slow-roasted chicken, smoked pulled pork and barbecue shrimp. Between bites, take advantage of the resort’s sailing options or get a plant-based treatment at the spa. Drive time: 1 hour, 50 minutes. 308 Watkins Lane, St. Michaels, Maryland
Oaks Waterfront Hotel
Escape the hustle and bustle at this historic Maryland property, which offers complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding and biking. At night, settle in by a fire pit and munch on s’mores or sip cider. Breakfast and dinner are served at The Oak Room, but if you decide to leave the grounds, you can take a self-guided art and antique walk in Easton, or board a 40-foot yacht for a sunset cruise. Drive time: 2 hours. 25876 Royal Oak Road, Easton, Maryland
Massanutten Resort
This hotel’s Family Adventure Park has a new addition: Mountain Mayhem, Virginia’s first alpine coaster. Open year-round, the ride speeds down about 2,100 feet of track, completing two 360-degree spirals along the way. The whole thing takes about six minutes, and riders can control their speed. Other park fun includes the Mega Zip, Ridge Rappel and Gem Mining. It’s open Friday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Also onsite is a waterpark. Both parks are open to guests who aren’t staying on property, but if you’ll be too tired to drive home, check out the lodging specials that run through Sept. 7. Drive time: 2 hours, 20 minutes. 1822 Resort Drive, Massanutten, Virginia
Kingsmill Resort
The Labor Day weekend calendar is packed at this Virginia resort on the James River. In addition to three 18-hole golf courses, an indoor/outdoor pool, tennis courts, a full-service marina with kayaks and jet skis, and The Spa a Kingsmill, the holiday weekend brings special poolside entertainment (Sept. 4, noon-8 p.m.), a movie night at the pool (Sept. 5, 8-10 p.m.) and glow golf (Sept. 6, 8-9:30 p.m.) .Should you wish to venture off property, you can book a theme park package that includes tickets to nearby Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. Drive time: About 3 hours. 1010 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, Virginia
The Greenbrier
The self-proclaimed “America’s resort” has no shortage of outdoor activities and outings, including a treetop canopy tour, whitewater rafting and off-roading in a Jeep. Alternately, you can stay cool by descending deep into the mountainside of the Alleghenies to explore a Cold War fallout shelter. A special Labor Day weekend deal includes three nights for the price of two when you check in Sept. 4 or 5, plus kids eat free in certain dining areas. Drive time: 3 hours, 45 minutes. 101 W. Main St., White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club
Dating to 1927, this stately Virginia Beach hotel is a picture of oceanside class, having hosted 10 U.S. presidents. Take a dip in the infinity pool or lounge on the property’s private beach. If it’s action you crave, you’ll be minutes away from the inaugural Virginia Beach Super Girl Surf Festival, which is kind of a misnomer because the event includes not just surfing, but skateboarding, beach volleyball, flag football and sand soccer. The festival, which runs Sept. 5-7, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., also promises a live music lineup featuring Switchfoot, Lupe Fiasco, Gym Class Heroes and others. Admission is free, but you need to register in advance for the concerts. Drive time: About 4 hours. 4200 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa
If you like a little—OK, a lot of—history tucked into your travels, book a stay at this historic property in the Allegheny Mountains, where the guests have included 24 U.S. presidents. Labor Day weekend brings daily extras, including special sweet treats, live music in the Great Hall, golf clinics, dive-in movies at the pool, tractor rides, s’mores and guided historic tours. Other perks include relaxing in the Warm Springs Pools, bourbon tastings and cookouts. End summer with a bang—literally. There will be fireworks and live music under the stars on Sept. 5. Drive time: About 4 hours. 7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, Virginia
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection
This newly redesigned hotel in the Blue Ridge Mountains aims to make guests feel like they’re one with nature, but still in the lap of luxury. Spend your days playing mahjong, horseback riding or learning to forage. Book a stay in one of the Mountain Top Tree Houses, built into trees perched above the Dan River Gorge, and dine on sorghum lacquered quail with smashed purple sweet potato and collards at Leatherflower, the hotel’s new farm-to-table restaurant. Drive time: 5.5 hours. 2000 Busted Rock Road, Meadows of Dan, Virginia
