San Diego, California

Why Go Now: In many parts of the country, early September means humidity, storms, and indoor activities. San Diego, however, continues to enjoy its signature warm, sunny weather throughout Labor Day weekend. You can simply enjoy the California scenery while sunning yourself at Coronado Beach, or you can take in the Festival of Sail, the largest tall ship festival on the West Coast, at the nearby Maritime Museum. Continue to savor the fresh sea air come evening with fireworks and music at the Ashford University Summer Pops performance.

The Deal: The sleek, art-filled Hotel Palomar in the Gaslamp District has rooms for $175 over Labor Day weekend – a steal when you consider that comparable hotels in the city are going for over $300 a night over the holiday. You have to book 20 days in advance, so reserve soon!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Why Go Now: With 60 miles of beaches, more than 100 golf courses, and enough seafood restaurants to feed a whale, Myrtle Beach is a fantastic place to extend your summer rather than mourn the end of the season. While you’re at the beach, take a stroll down the new boardwalk, shop at local vendors, and dine at some of the cafes along the way. Throughout the Labor Day Weekend, you can also enjoy the Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival, which serves as the Official BBQ Championship of South Carolina and will leave you licking your fingers clean. With your belly full and your skin tan, your brain won’t realize that summer’s over.

The Deal: A great way to save money on vacation is to book a condo suite with a kitchen. The Wyndham Ocean Blue is offering multi-bedroom units at a great price – as low as $109/night – so there’s room for everyone. Many rooms even have oceanfront balconies.

Portland, Maine

Why Go Now: If you can resist the urge to just eat lobster rolls while you’re in Portland, you’ll discover that you actually have a choice of beaches surrounding Maine’s largest city. While East End Beach is Portland’s only public beach, Route 77 takes you to Higgins Beach and Crescent Beach, or you can check out Willard Beach, a local favorite with views of the harbor. All three are just a short drive from town. Toast the end of summer with one (or more) of the 75 regional craft beers on tap at the Portland Brew Festival over the holiday weekend.

The Deal: Hotels along Maine’s coast are notoriously full over the summer holidays, but there are still rooms at the cozy, affordable Ramada Saco Old Orchard Beach for $144/night. An easy, 10-minute drive from the beach makes this a great bargain option for families.

— Mike Barish

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