For many Americans, the federal holiday of Labor Day – which this year falls on Monday, September 7 – marks the unofficial end of summer and calls for one final sunny getaway. Labor Day weekend is also one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with TSA reporting that more than 10.4 million travelers passed through US airports over the celebrated weekend in 2025.
We’ve rounded up the destinations that make the most sense for a Labor Day weekend getaway, from classic US city breaks to European beach retreats – along with the hotels, suites, and restaurants worth booking while you’re there.
Where to go on Labor Day weekend
The Hamptons, NY, USA
Tucked away at the easternmost end of New York, the Hamptons epitomizes East Coast summer. From June, a steady procession of Manhattan’s well-heeled escape to its streets and beaches every weekend. By Labor Day, the season reaches its grand finale, and the Hamptons gets especially busy.
Those heading down should book the Beach House at The Roundtree in Amagansett to escape the crowds. The hotel’s restaurant, Nourish, which opened this summer in Bridgehampton, is also worth a visit for lunch or dinner, with a health-forward menu and an impressive rotation of visiting bartenders. For something a little more buzzy, make the trip to Montauk and stay at one of Gurney’s oceanfront residences.
Or wave off summer at Duryea’s, with lobster rolls and a crisp glass rosé while overlooking the water. For those determined to close out the season with a little more fanfare, book a group table at Surf Lodge. The restaurant is hosting a number of electronic music artists over Labor Day weekend, including Alesso and Carlita. Oh, and be sure to order the Popeye’s chicken tower when you’re there, which comes complete with a side of caviar.
See more: The New Rules of Luxury in the Hamptons
New York City, NY, USA
While New York rarely lacks energy, September brings a special vibrancy to Manhattan. With end of August comes the US Open, and the middle weekend of the tournament falls over Labor Day weekend. No sooner has match point been played than the fashion set begins to descend on New York Fashion Week. Just as welcome is the change in weather. The oppressive summer heat finally (…hopefully) begins to relent, making way for cooler temperatures.
If your travel plans for the federal holiday center around tennis, then the Baccarat Hotel is where to be. Stay in a signature suite and let the concierge organize your trip to the US Open, securing courtside seats and VIP hospitality. Alternatively, if your itinerary revolves around reservations, the restaurants having a moment are Corner Store and Jean’s, the latter of which has a hidden invite-only nightclub below.
See more: The New Hamptons Openings to Know This Summer
Chicago, IL, USA
If a Labor Day city break appeals but NYC feels too obvious, set your sights on Chicago. The Windy City makes the most of the holiday with a series of music festivals, including Chicago Jazz Festival, a lakefront event in Millennium Park, house music celebration ARC Music Festival in Union Park, and North Coast Music Festival.
To experience the city at its best, a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago (which sits on the Magnificent Mile) will put you right next to the best shopping and dining destinations. Better still, the Chicago Jazz Festival is just a short journey away.
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Early September is one of the most pleasant times to visit Los Angeles: the water is still and, relatively speaking, warm, and the beaches are a little quieter than in summer.
For a Labor Day beachfront escape, book the Beach House at Shutters on the Beach. The property is big enough to feel like a private residence rather than a hotel suite, and the house’s location – right on Santa Monica Beach – and private balcony give you prime access to the beachfront.
If you prefer your California-cool with a little more glamour, opt for the Presidential Suite at Hotel Bel-Air. As one of the city’s most iconic stays, the pink house has hosted nearly all of past and present Hollywood royalty.
Ibiza, Spain
For serious warmth, beach time, and reliable weather should skip the Americas altogether. Come Labor Day weekend, many destinations like Miami and Los Cabos head towards prime hurricane season. So a transatlantic escape is an increasingly attractive proposition.
And in terms of seeing summer out in style, nowhere rivals Ibiza. As the home of house music, every week from April to October the island hosts some of the best DJs in the world. To get close to the action, book one of the penthouse suites at Ibiza Gran Hotel, which sits right by legendary nightclub Pacha, and is a short walk from picturesque Ibiza town, home to some of the island’s best boutique shopping and restaurants.
Contrary to popular belief, you can also make the trip to the Balearic isle for rest and relaxation. If your plan is to laze by the beach and tune into the island’s chilled-out energy, head north to Six Senses Ibiza, and make one of the resort’s mega villas your home for the week.
See more: The Best Designer Beach Clubs to Visit This Summer
London, UK
By September, London begins to ease into autumn, with cooler weather and light, long evenings. If you’re making the trip over the Atlantic, waste no time and head straight for the rooftops to soak up the city’s buzzy atmosphere.
Mandarin Oriental London has one of the best rooftop bars for cocktails, while guests of the Royal Terrace Suite can make use of the full-length private terrace overlooking Hyde Park, large enough to host up to 40 guests. If the weather permits, dive into The Berkley’s impressive rooftop pool.
For Labor Day dinner, finding a London restaurant with a terrace is a must. Enjoy some of the city’s best and most famous dishes on The River Cafe terrace. Trivet in Bermondsey has a great wine list, best enjoyed from its charming, street-side outdoor terrace.
Culture-wise, Labor Day weekend is a great time to be in London, coinciding with the BBC Proms, a series of 86 classical concerts held at the city’s Royal Albert Hall. The program brings some of the world’s leading soloists and ensembles to the stage, with highlights over Labor Day weekend including a Beethoven concert by Martha Argerich, one of the world’s most celebrated pianists.
