10 US Cities Worth Visiting on a Megabus Weekend — Hidden Gems Included

But how do we plan a weekend trip? You need to choose a destination, plan a budget, figure out how to get there, schedule all the activities you want to do, and, overall, do a lot of research.

That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 US cities that make great weekend getaways and are easy to commute to by bus, the most affordable and convenient way to travel within the US. We’ll show you how to get there, what hidden gems to explore, and how to experience a weekend trip beyond the usual tourist attractions.

10 Best Weekend Trips in the US at a Glance

10 US Cities to Add to Your Weekend Travel List

Ciudad de New York: Big-City Energy in Just a Weekend

Fewer places can pack as much into a weekend as New York City. No other place offers the country’s most famous landmarks, Broadway shows, the coolest pizza places, shopping, and neighborhoods with their own personalities like NYC. This is the place you can visit multiple times and still find something new.

For a weekend trip, focus on a few areas rather than trying to cram everything in. Central Park and Midtown, Greenwich Village or SoHo, Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge are the best combinations you can explore on a weekend. 

Hidden gem: Roosevelt Island

The Roosevelt Island Tram gives you a different perspective and view of the East River and Manhattan skyline. Once you’re on the island, take a walk along the waterfront to the Four Freedoms Park.

Don’t miss:

• Central Park
• Times Square and Broadway
• The Brooklyn Bridge
• The Statue of Liberty
• Greenwich Village and SoHo

Getting there by Megabus:

• Bus to New York from NJ
• Bus to New York from Philadelphia
• Bus to New York from Boston
• Bus to New York from Pittsburgh
• Bus to New York from DC
• Bus to New York from Baltimore
• Bus to New York from Toronto

Philadelphia: History, Food, and Neighborhood Charm

Philadelphia gives you a mix of American history, great food, and lively neighborhoods. It’s an easy city to explore on a weekend trip. You can spend part of your trip seeing some of the country’s most famous historic sites, and then spend the rest exploring local markets, museums, restaurants, and beautiful green spaces.

If you go to Old City, you can see Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and then wander around the historic streets. Reading Terminal Market is the best spot to get a taste of Philly’s food scene. You can end your weekend exploring the murals around the city and spend the afternoon in neighborhoods like Rittenhouse Square and Fishtown.

Hidden gem: Elfreth’s Alley

Elfreth’s Alley is one of the oldest residential streets in the US, located in Old City. It’s a beautiful scene with colorful historic homes and a cobblestone street. Just a short walk from the city’s busiest attractions, Elfreth’s Alley is the perfect space for a quieter glimpse into Philadelphia’s history.

Don’t miss:

• Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell
• Reading Terminal Market
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Rittenhouse Square
• The colorful murals around the city

Getting there by Megabus:

• New York to Philadelphia Bus
• Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia Bus
• Baltimore to Philadelphia Bus
• Pittsburgh to Philadelphia Bus

Washington, DC: More Than Monuments and Museums

A weekend in Washington, DC is the perfect opportunity to truly delve into the history and culture of America. The famous monuments and Smithsonian museums could easily fill up your weekend trip, but there’s so much more to do beyond the National Mall.

Spend some time exploring Georgetown’s historic streets. You can stroll along the waterfront and then go to one of the lively neighborhoods for dinner and drinks. The National Gallery of Art and the U.S. Capitol area are great spaces to explore, and there are many free attractions you can walk between as well. 

Hidden gem: Dumbarton Oaks

The hidden gem of Washington, DC is tucked away in Georgetown. Dumbarton Oaks is a historic estate with beautiful gardens, museum collections, and peaceful walking paths. If you want to slow down and see a quieter side of Washington, DC, you should definitely visit Dumbarton Oaks.

Don’t miss:

• The National Mall and its monuments
• Smithsonian museums
• Georgetown
• The U.S. Capitol
• The Tidal Basin

Getting there by Megabus:

• New York to Washington, DC Bus
• Philadelphia to Washington, DC bus
• Blacksburg to Dulles Washington Airport (IAD) bus
• Harrisonburg to Dulles Washington Airport (IAD)

Boston: History and Coastal Charm

If you love exploring a city on foot, Boston is the place for you. It has compact neighborhoods, historic streets, waterfront views, and an excellent food scene, all of which you can walk around and enjoy. Boston gives you many chances to experience plenty without spending your entire weekend hopping between attractions.

If you follow the Freedom Trail, you have the opportunity to see some of the city’s most important historic sites. You can also walk through Boston Common, Public Garden, and the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill. If you’re looking for a different activity, go to Back Bay and the North End to shop or spend an afternoon in the restaurants.

Hidden gem: Arnold Arboretum

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a beautiful 281-acre landscape filled with trees, gardens, and walking paths. You simply cannot visit Boston and miss Arnold Arboretum. Pay a free visit, slow down in the space, and enjoy some nature in your busy city weekend.

Don’t miss:

• The Freedom Trail
• Boston Common and the Public Garden
• Beacon Hill
• The North End
• Fenway Park

Getting there by Megabus:

• Autobús de New York a Boston
• Autobús de Burlington a Boston
• Autobús de Portland a Boston

Chicago: Architecture, Food, and Lakefront Views 

Chicago, the Windy City of America, is known for its impressive architecture, diverse food scene, museums, and Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s a great place if you want the energy of a city without needing weeks to experience it.

Spend your morning exploring the Loop, where Chicago boasts its amazing architecture. Then head toward the Riverwalk and take in the city’s glorious skyline. The lakefront is the perfect place to relax, and once you’re ready, make your way to the Art Institute of Chicago. You can also find indie shops, restaurants, and bars in Wicker Park and Logan Square.

Hidden gem: Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

If you go to the north side of Lincoln Park Zoo, you will find the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. A peaceful landscape of winding paths, native plants, waterfalls, and stone structures. This is an easy-to-miss place if you’re only visiting Chicago’s major attractions, but it’s the most beautiful place in the city to relax and take a break.

Don’t miss:

• Chicago Riverwalk
• Millennium Park and Cloud Gate
• The Art Institute of Chicago
• Lake Michigan and the Lakefront Trail
• Wicker Park or Logan Square

Getting there by Megabus:

• Des Moines to Chicago Bus
• Moline to Chicago Bus

Indianapolis: An Underrated City Break

Sure, when you’re planning a weekend getaway, Indianapolis is not the first city that comes to mind, but that’s exactly why this place is a hidden gem! Indianapolis offers you a walkable downtown with sports, museums, restaurants, and green spaces. 

The first thing you have to do is explore the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. If you’re a car person, you cannot miss the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Canal Walk is also a scenic place if you feel like wandering around. For food and the city’s nightlife, head to Fountain Square or Mass Ave, and find independent restaurants, bars, shops, and local entertainment.

Hidden gem: The Ruins at Holliday Park

This is not your usual castle ruins. The Ruins at Holliday Park are the remains of a 1930s New York skyscraper that was literally dismantled and brought to Indianapolis! Honestly, where can you see such a site? 

Don’t miss:

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• Indianapolis Cultural Trail
• Canal Walk
• Mass Ave
• Monument Circle

Getting there by Megabus:

• Omaha to Indianapolis Bus
• Denver to Indianapolis Bus
• Des Moines to Indianapolis Bus

Miami: Sun, Culture, and Something Beyond South Beach

Probably one of the most predictable on our 10 best US weekend trips list is Miami. It’s an easy choice for a weekend getaway because of its sunshine, beaches, and lively atmosphere. But there’s much more to this city than South Beach. You get colorful neighborhoods, Caribbean and Latin American influences throughout the city, art, food, and waterfront views.

You can start your weekend by relaxing on Miami Beach, then venture into Little Havana for the Cuban culture and cuisine. Then head over to the colorful Art Deco Historic District, browse the galleries and street art of Wynwood, and finish the trip in Brickell and Coconut Grove for restaurants and waterfront atmosphere.

Hidden gem: The Kampong

The Kampong is a tropical garden in Coconut Grove filled with exotic plants, fruit trees, and winding paths. It’s the quieter side of Miami and the former home of plant explorer David Fairchild. It’s the perfect place for beautiful greenery and a little history.

Don’t miss:

• South Beach and the Art Deco Historic District
• Little Havana
• Wynwood Walls and the surrounding arts district
• Coconut Grove
• Bayside Marketplace and the waterfront

Getting there by Megabus:

• Autobús de Orlando a Miami
• Autobús de Fort Lauderdale a Miami

Orlando: More Than Theme Parks

Orlando is famous for its theme parks and is a perfect weekend trip for any family. Although there’s much more than theme parks to visit and do in the city. With sunny weather, beautiful outdoor spaces, diverse neighborhoods, and a growing food and arts scene, Orlando gives you so much to enjoy beyond the theme parks.

Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando is a beautiful place for a short stroll. Winter Park brings shops and restaurants to your trip, and when you feel like spending some time outdoors, you have many parks and natural spaces to discover and get some fresh air on your weekend trip.

Hidden gem: Jardines de Harry P. Leu

Harry P. Leu Gardens sits just a few minutes from downtown and is a 50-acre botanical garden with tropical plants, shaded walking paths, and seasonal displays. It’s Orlando’s peaceful space to get away from the buzz of the city’s attractions and spend a few hours surrounded by nature.

Don’t miss:

• Lake Eola Park
• Winter Park
• Jardines de Harry P. Leu
• Orlando’s local food scene
• International Drive

Getting there by Megabus:

• Autobús de Miami a Orlando
• Autobús de Fort Lauderdale a Orlando

Pittsburgh: Skyline Views and Neighborhood Charm

Pittsburgh is set where three rivers meet, so if you like breathtaking views, plan a weekend trip to Pittsburgh. The city has a distinctive landscape of bridges, hills, and neighborhoods. Its food and art scene gives you plenty to explore between sightseeing stops.

If you want the best view of downtown and the rivers, take a ride up the Duquesne Incline for panoramic views. The Strip District is where you can find the best food, multiple shops, and Pittsburgh's true local character. If you want something more touristic, visit the Carnegie Museums or wander through Lawrenceville and Squirrel Hill. If your weekend aligns with the city’s bust sport calendar, do yourself a favor and catch a game!

Hidden gem: Randyland

In the Mexican War Streets neighborhood, you can find Pittsburgh’s most colorful and unusual attraction: Randyland. This vibrant outdoor art space is filled with murals, sculptures, and eclectic installations. Randyland is a completely different experience from the city’s traditional museums and landmarks.

Don’t miss:

• Duquesne Incline
• Point State Park
• Strip District
• Carnegie Museums
• Pittsburgh’s historic neighborhoods

Getting there by Megabus:

• New York to Pittsburgh Bus
• Philadelphia to Pittsburgh Bus
• State College to Pittsburgh Bus

Milwaukee: Lakefront Views, Great Food, and Local Character

There really isn’t a better way to wrap up our 10 best weekend trips in the US list than with a city that offers beautiful lakefront views, great food, plenty of local character, and an easygoing weekend vibe. Milwaukee is the perfect place if you want a city with a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful character. 

Start your trip exploring the Milwaukee RiverWalk, then visit the Milwaukee Art Museum. You can also browse the stalls at Milwaukee Public Market, explore the historic Third Ward, walk along the lakefront, and wrap up your weekend in the city’s famous beer and food scene.

Hidden gem: Black Cat Alley

Go to the East Side neighborhood and look for Black Cat Alley, an outdoor gallery with large-scale murals and street art from local and international artists. It’s an easy addition to your weekend trip itinerary and a fun way to learn more about the creative character of Milwaukee.

Don’t miss:

• Milwaukee RiverWalk
• Milwaukee Art Museum
• Historic Third Ward
• Milwaukee Public Market
• Lake Michigan waterfront

Getting there by Megabus:

• Bus to Milwaukee from Madison
• Bus to Milwaukee from Green Bay
• Bus to Milwaukee from Minneapolis
• Bus to Milwaukee from Chicago Intl Airport

10 best Weekend Trips in the US with Megabus

Traveling by bus on your weekend trip is the easiest way to eliminate transportation concerns like driving, fuel costs, parking complications, airplane tickets, airport issues, and literally anything else that can go wrong. 

Plan your next weekend getaway with Megabus, buy your tickets at affordable prices, hop on a comfortable bus with free WiFi, reclining seats, and individual power outlets, and just enjoy the ride!