10 Socially Distant Labor Day Vacation Ideas

Like many of this year's holidays, Labor Day will be different with far fewer travelers taking to the roads, skies and seas. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to limit which destinations Americans can visit and what they can do when they arrive. Nonetheless, there are plenty of ways to safely say goodbye to summer, whether its a long weekend road trip or an afternoon spent exploring your favorite national park.

Many of the country's top national parks have reopened to the public, giving travelers the option of spending Labor Day Weekend in an iconic locale like the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone or dodging the crowds off the beaten path and exploring one of America's most underrated national parks.

What better way to mark the unofficial end of summer than with a trip to the beach? Heading to the ocean, lake or riverfront is a great way to enjoy the sunshine and fun of the outdoors while maintaining physical distance from others.

If the thought of checking in to a hotel or resort still makes you nervous, a vacation rental is definitely the way to go to ensure you have the maximum amount of private space for you and your travel companions. Beach destinations will be awfully popular to close out summer so consider venturing out to the mountains for a serene stay. Better yet, find a vacation rental with an on-site pool.

There are plenty of spectacular campgrounds offering stellar scenery at an affordable rate this summer so consider packing up your tent and driving somewhere more secluded where you can reconnect with Mother Nature before the weather cools. If you aren't prepared to rough it, there's always glamping.

2020 is the year of the road trip as several studies have shown that Americans currently feel safest when traveling in their personal vehicle. Whether crossing county lines or driving all the way across the country there's never been a better time to take a road trip, especially with today's reduced car rental rates. Cross iconic Route 66 off of your bucket list or cruise California's scenic Pacific Coast Highway.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the number of first-time RV buyers is booming this summer as more travelers seek out socially distant travel options. But you don't have to own an RV to see the country safely this Labor Day Weekend. Consider renting one so you and your family can experience one of these 22 amazing RV parks.

Like an RV, renting a boat is a great way to get out and explore or simply relax on the water while practicing social distancing. Get your adrenaline pumping with a kayak cruise, drop anchor and cast a line or fill up the cooler and bring some snacks for a floating picnic or party with your friends.

If you're ready for some human interaction this Labor Day but are wary of coming into contact with someone who's tested positive for COVID-19 your safest bet is to limit your circle to a group of people you can trust, including friends and family members who may have spent the past several months in quarantine. Even upon visiting, you can still wear face coverings, maintain physical distance and wash your hands frequently to reduce risk.

Musicians, comedians and other entertainers are returning to the stage this summer, with many performing drive-in shows allowing guests to share a group experience with strangers from a safe distance. You can also take the family on a road trip to see a drive-in movie at any one of the country's historic theaters.

Technology makes it easier than ever to see more of your favorite destinations without even leaving the couch. If you're at a higher risk of falling severely ill due to COVID-19 or simply aren't ready to travel this Labor Day, there are plenty of awesome places, sites and attractions that you can tour for free virtually. All you'll need is a reliable internet connection.