With summer winding down and the kids gearing up for a new school year, more and more travelers will be eyeing weekend getaways to escape the daily grind. Those hoping to conquer a new destination in only a couple of days should look no further than these 30 cities.

A weekend is plenty of time to get acquainted with Sioux Falls. Your first stop should be the scenic Falls Park, which features waterfalls, sculptures and an observation tower. Later, head to the Old Courthouse Museum to learn about the history of the region.

The Texas capital and beloved gateway to Hill Country is renowned for its live music scene but will surprise weekenders with its emerging foodie scene and eye-popping outdoor spaces. There's also a good chance your visit will coincide with one of the city's many festivals.

There's a lot to see and do in the smallest state's capital city as it's been named among the quirkiest cities in America as well as one of the best for foodies. Visitors will certainly want to scratch the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art off of their bucket list. Afterward, they can take their time touring the city's vibrant neighborhoods.

Madison brings together the best aspects of the city and nature as its located between a pair of lakes. Get a glimpse of the distinct Wisconsin State Capitol building, hit the water on Lake Mendota or the smaller Lake Monona or simply breathe in some fresh air at any one of the city's parks and trails.

Boulder is undoubtedly one of the happiest places in the country and it's easy to understand why. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially fall for Boulder thanks to the endless activities available while less active vacationers will be won over by the charming downtown area that includes shopping, restaurants, art galleries and breweries.

Asheville should be tops on any craft beer lover's bucket list and while there's seemingly a new brewery around every corner it is possible to experience them all (or at least come close) before your weekend is up. Be sure to mix in some hiking as there's no shortage of scenic trails. However, those are just a couple of the many reasons to visit.

Georgia's oldest city is also arguably among the nation's most haunted, making it a premier destination for autumn and Halloween in particular. If you've only got a weekend, be sure to visit Savannah's gorgeous parks and historical churches, check out the local arts scene and treat your taste buds to some of the best fried chicken in the South.

The Music City has a ton to offer and is only getting better but many of its marquee attractions can be experienced in a short period of time. Dedicate a day to tourist attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, Music Row and Broadway and another to exploring The Gulch, Hillsboro Village and other lively neighborhoods.

San Antonio is a massive city, ranking in the top 10 nationwide in terms of population. Still, it's most notable attractions can be experienced in a relatively short amount of time. Paying a visit to the Alamo is a must and the River Walk is not to be missed either. Visitors can also stroll the Japanese Tea Garden and stop by the San Antonio Museum of Art, which is housed in a former Lone Star Brewery complex.

A couple of days in Miami Beach will have you relaxed, tan and perhaps a little bit tired (in a good way). Spend the early part of your days unwinding on South Beach before taking to Ocean Drive for dinner and drinks. This city is renowned for its nightlife so be sure to grab a coffee or energy drink somewhere along the way.

Charleston certainly boasts enough landmarks, museums, historic sites, parks and charm to warrant an extended visit but a long weekend is plenty of time to see why it's been voted America's top small city time and again. Kick off your visit with a horse-drawn carriage tour to find out what interests you most.

Tucson is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts as it offers expansive recreation areas, including the cacti-laden Saguaro National Park. Old Tucson, a former movie set turned theme park, is another unique attraction visitors will want to check out. It closes for the season September 4 but reopens for 2018-19 September 28.

Another city offering a slew of parks and scenic outdoor attractions, it turns out Indy has a lot more to see and do besides the famous speedway. Climb aboard the Indy Brew Bus to sample some of the city's amazing breweries and stroll the Indianapolis Cultural Trail en route to stellar restaurants like Bluebeard.

Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World so many of its top draws involve the equine species. Visiting the Kentucky Horse Park is a must but there are also historic homes to check out along with the largest restored Shaker village in the world at Pleasant Hill. Bourbon fans will also enjoy touring the nearby distilleries.

Birmingham played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement and visitors can learn more at the Civil Rights Historic District. Meanwhile, sports fans can expand their knowledge at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Negro Southern League Museum before wetting their whistle at Good People Brewing Company, arguably the best brewery in the state.

A marquee destination for travelers passionate about art, Santa Fe is home to some of the world's most eye-popping architecture and artworks. Visitors can see both by visiting the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the nearby Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. The Santa Fe Railyard is another worthwhile stop for weekenders. For a slightly more active experience, consider exploring the 1.6-million-acre Santa Fe National Forest.

Olympia sits between Seattle and Portland and is likely to surprise visitors to the Pacific Northwest in the best way possible. Tour the scenic waterfront and sit down for a picnic at Percival Landing Park, take the kids to one of the country's most interactive children's museums at Hands On and enjoy a free guided tour of the Washington State Capitol.

The largest city in Kansas is loaded with parks and museums that make for the perfect weekend itinerary. The entire family will enjoy the Botanica Garden of Wichita as well as Exploration Place, a science's museum appealing to both kids and adults.

Considered one of America's coolest cities, Portland mixes New England traditions such as scenic lighthouses and amazing seafood with welcome surprises like an arts and entertainment scene poised to blow you away. The Maine State Pier is among the best outdoor concert venues in the nation and weekend visitors will also want to experience First Friday Art Walks, which is Maine's largest free monthly cultural event.

Buffalo is a kid-friendly destination garnering more interest than ever. It tends to be most crowded during the warmer summer months so an autumn visit isn't a bad idea. Plus, football fans visiting on the weekend can experience one of the country's most unique tailgates ahead of a Buffalo Bills home game.

Plan your weekend trip to Boise close to Halloween and tour the Old Idaho Penitentiary site. The former prison opened as far back as 1872 and today visitors can experience solitary confinement, cell blocks and the gallows. Nature lovers can explore the nearby Boise National Forest and traverse the Boise River Greenbelt along the banks of the namesake river.

A Pacific Northwest college town, Eugene is perhaps best known as the home of the University of Oregon. However, there's much more to see, including an impressive arts scene and welcoming outdoor spaces. Visitors will quickly understand why Eugene has been ranked among the best cities to live in the U.S.

A weekend jaunt to Salt Lake City requires that you visit the iconic Salt Lake Temple as well as the surrounding 10-acre Temple Square complex. Red Butte Garden and Liberty Park also stand out, with the former often hosting concerts.

Often overshadowed by Nashville to the west, Knoxville offers a variety of attractions within close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, the most-visited national park in the country. Weekend visitors will want to stop by Market Square, stroll through World's Fair Park and head to the top of the Sunsphere for stunning 360-degree views.

German Village, the Short North Arts District and Scioto Mile are among the attractions you must visit during your weekend stay in Columbus. Shoppers will also want to visit Easton while the Columbus coffee and ale trails are the best way to experience the city's amazing coffee and beer scenes in a short amount of time.

Like Asheville, beer lovers are in for a treat in Grand Rapids. However, the Michigan city appeals to more than just craft beer enthusiasts as it offers stellar food, a burgeoning arts scene and a plethora of outdoor activities and attractions.

Rockford is an under-the-radar destination overshadowed by nearby Chicago and Milwaukee. Its many museums and outdoor spaces stand out and popularity peaks in the heart of summer as well as around the holidays so it's wise to plan a late-summer or fall visit.

Often overlooked, Hartford is home to a handful of one-of-a-kind sites, starting with the Mark Twain House & Museum. The Wadsworth Atheneum art museum is also a must for weekenders as it's the oldest public museum in the country.

Otherwise known as SLO CAL, San Luis Obispo is a relaxing destination with some of the happiest locals travelers are likely to come across. Highlights include Bubblegum Alley (it's exactly as it sounds), the famous Madonna Inn and Bishop Peak, the region's most coveted summit.

If you've already conquered Boston, consider a weekend trip to Worcester, Massachusetts. Families with young children will enjoy the EcoTarium science and nature museum while solo travelers, couples and groups can eat, drink and dance the night away downtown like a local.