The Best Late-Summer Getaways for Foodies

Travel hungry, leave happy

The weather’s turning cooler. Kids are heading back to school. And that means there’s only one thing left to do: get some delicious food! As vacation season comes to an end, it’s time for these end-of-summer getaways for foodies to shine, you guys. With diverse dishes, exquisite cocktails, and local specialties, these culinary destinations are just as tempting as any beach trip.

Tie a napkin around your neck, pick up your fork, and get ready to enjoy these cities.

• Boston, MA

  Patio season, with a side of lobster rolls!

  The end of summer brings seriously great weather to Beantown, plus food to match. The city’s seafood game is at its peak. Think buttery lobster tails, creamy clam chowder, and freshly shucked oysters straight from nearby Cape Cod.

  The city’s North End is another delicious option, where the city’s Italian heritage takes the spotlight. Pick your favorite spot; you can’t go wrong with fresh pasta and homemade cannoli!

  Boston also has a thriving craft beer scene. Sip a cold one on a rooftop with harbor views or during a late-season baseball game at iconic Fenway.

• Charleston, SC

  Lowcountry, elevated eats!

  Late summer is the season for Lowcountry cuisine at its freshest. The city’s coastal location makes it a mecca for all things seafood: shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and crab cakes that practically melt off your fork.

  Charleston, with its numerous James Beard-winning chefs, truly takes southern comfort food to the next level. Local favorites like fried green tomatoes, okra, and fluffy biscuits layered with fried chicken will thrill your taste buds.

  As summer’s temperatures begin to drop, it’s the perfect time to explore downtown’s cobblestone streets. Candlelit tables along King Street are ideal for savoring both Charleston’s food and its weather.

• Chicago, IL

  Eat like a local!

  No, really. With everything from pizza joints to Michelin-starred restaurants, Chicago is one of the best getaways for foodies.

  Start off with Windy City classics like deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef dripping with jus. Then head to the West Loop for more inventive fare. Global street food, creative tasting menus, and rooftop cocktails thrive in casual, welcoming spaces. And the skyline views? Simply stunning.

  Another foodie reason to visit Chicago at the end of summer? The legendary Taste of Chicago. With dozens of vendors and live music, it’s a fantastic celebration of the city’s culinary offerings.

• New Orleans, LA

  Jazz up your palate in the Big Easy!

  The city’s food culture is an exciting mix of Creole, Cajun, and French influences, making every outstanding meal worth savoring. New Orleans is known for local dishes like spicy bowls of gumbo, hearty jambalaya, and po’boys stuffed with fried shrimp.

  Even breakfast is an occasion—head to the world-famous Cafe du Monde for powdery beignets and chicory coffee. Bonus: oyster season ramps up in late summer. You’ll find them grilled, charbroiled, or served raw with hot sauce at neighborhood eateries all over town.

  Add live jazz, craft cocktails, and slightly cooler weather, and it’s easy to see why New Orleans is a foodie paradise at the end of summer.

• San Francisco, CA

  Bites by the bay!

  San Francisco’s diverse food and wine culture makes it one of the best getaways for foodies year-round. But late summer traditionally brings the city’s warmest weather of the year, perfect for exploring its culinary offerings!

  The city’s neighborhoods each have their own distinct flavor. Visit the Mission District, home to murals, margaritas, and burritos, and check out Chinatown for dumplings and dim sum. Or sit down at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants—fresh California cuisine and locally produced wines from nearby Napa.

  Seafood is another absolute must in San Francisco. Head to Fisherman’s Wharf for a classic clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, paired with waterfront views.

Beach season may be winding down, but these tantalizing getaways for foodies will keep that vacation vibe flowing and your taste buds delighted.

And to make your travels as smooth as your meals, ship your luggage to your hotel or Airbnb with LugLess. No hauling bags through the airport, no waiting at baggage claim. Because the only thing you should be carrying is your appetite.