10 Last-Minute Destinations for Labor Day

Summer isn't over yet. Labor Day Weekend is one of Americans' last chances to get away and enjoy the warm weather before being consumed by school, work and everything else. Take advantage of the time off and pack up the family and head to one of these end-of-summer hotspots.

Romantic Aspen is known for its world-class skiing opportunities and winter charm. However, it's a year-round draw. Labor Day visitors can experience the 7th Annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Festival and the Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) Labor Day Experience as well as the MotherLode Volleyball Classic. Budget-conscious travelers should consider camping for an affordable stay closer to Aspen's many natural attractions.

With the kids heading back to school, Labor Day Weekend is an excellent time to experience Ocean City, Maryland. The sun shining, the ocean is warm and all of the top attractions are still open. Even at the last minute, families and large groups can score great deals on mini-week condo rentals. Keep the kids out of classes for a day or two and you'll uncover even more value and fewer crowds to contend with around the holiday.

Say goodbye to the car and the stress of road traffic for Labor Day weekend in Mackinac Island. Visitors to this laidback locale get around via walking, biking or horse-drawn carriage. America's Fudge Capital is also renowned for its charming architecture, shops and many restaurants. Beyond exploring the island, Labor Day vacationers can engage in water sports, horseback riding, golfing and even take a relaxing craft beer cruise.

Another family-friendly beach destination that's perfect for an end-of-summer jaunt, Port Aransas has got tons of entertainment to complement its beautiful setting on the Gulf Coast. If you can't make it to Port Aransas for Labor Day, be sure to plan a trip between September 20 and October 28 for BeachtoberFest, six weeks of live music, cooking competitions, fun runs and more.

The California resort city of Coronado is perhaps best known for the iconic Hotel del Coronado, which is rumored to be haunted. Whether staying there or in nearby San Diego, visitors will fall in love with Coronado's wide, dog-friendly beach. Centennial Park is also great for relaxing and unbeatable skyline views. Plus, there are also nearby restaurants and shops to grab a bite to eat and a souvenir.

Florida's Emerald Coast is an ideal Labor Day destination even if you haven't started planning yet. The white-sand beaches in and around Destin are some of the finest in the world and there's no shortage of attractions to keep the entire family entertained over the course of the long weekend, from water parks and boardwalks to fishing and water sports.

Whether touring the city's iconic landmarks or enjoying the riverside entertainment at Penn's Landing, Philadelphia is an underrated Labor Day destination. The buzzing sports city also hosts the Made in America festival to close out summer. This year's star-studded lineup features Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj and Post Malone, among other notable acts. Visitors can also look forward to Labor Day fireworks on the Delaware River.

Travelers in search of a last-minute Labor Day getaway outside of the U.S. that's still easily accessible should look no further than the Bahamas, Nassau and Paradise Island in particular. Atlantis Paradise Island offers everything a family could possibly want in a three- or four-day weekend, including the world's largest open-air marine habitat and a 141-acre water park in Aquaventure.

In addition to being one of the best college football towns in America, Knoxville stands out as a fun-filled last-minute Labor Day getaway. The city may have done away with its annual Boomsday firework display but it still has plenty to offer, including stellar live music, family-friendly attractions, incredible local craft beer and end-of-summer events such as the Wing Ding motorcycle convention.

Columbus is buzzing to close out summer following the opening of the world's first craft beer hotel in BrewDog's DogHouse. While it's all booked up for Labor Day Weekend, visitors to central Ohio can still enjoy a culture-rich weekend with an affordable stay at the AC Hotel Columbus Dublin for as little as $127 per night. Tour Columbus' famous Scioto Mile and German Village before heading to Dublin to check out the Celtic Cocktail Trail, vibrant street art, mouthwatering restaurants, pubs and breweries.