8 Best U.S. Cities for a Workcation
The best US cities for a workcation – Austin, Denver, San Diego, Asheville, Portland (Maine), Miami, Chicago and Santa Fe – with Wi-Fi, coworking and weekend ideas.
Remote work has made it possible to swap your home office for a new city for a few weeks – working during the day and exploring in the evenings and at weekends. The best workcation cities combine reliable Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, good coffee, affordable stays and easy weekend escapes. Here are eight of the best in the United States.
The cities
1. Austin, Texas
Austin is a tech hub with plenty of coworking spaces, cafés and live music every night. Swim in Barton Springs after work, eat your way through the barbecue and taco scene, and drive into the Texas Hill Country at weekends.
2. Denver, Colorado
Denver has sunshine for much of the year, a strong start-up culture and the Rocky Mountains on the doorstep. Weekends mean hiking, skiing or a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.
3. San Diego, California
A mild climate all year, beaches, surf lessons before work and a relaxed vibe. Neighbourhoods such as North Park and Little Italy have cafés and coworking spaces.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
A creative mountain town with craft breweries, a lively arts scene and the Blue Ridge Parkway for weekend drives and hikes. Cheaper than big cities, with plenty of rentals.
5. Portland, Maine
A small, walkable harbour city with excellent seafood and coffee. Summer and autumn are ideal; weekends mean lighthouses and Acadia National Park.
6. Miami, Florida
A big tech and finance scene, beaches, Latin culture and great food. Wynwood and Brickell are packed with coworking spaces and cafés. Watch out for summer heat and hurricane season.
7. Chicago, Illinois
World-class architecture, museums and food, plus the lakefront for running and cycling. Best from late spring to early autumn.
8. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Adobe architecture, art galleries and high-desert light make Santa Fe a calm, inspiring base. Weekends bring hikes, hot springs and trips to Taos.
Planning your workcation
9. Practical checklist
- Internet: ask your host for a speed test screenshot, and carry a backup – a mobile hotspot or a travel eSIM if you're visiting from abroad.
- Workspace: book a place with a real desk, or a coworking day pass.
- Time zones: check meeting times – the US spans several time zones.
- Monthly rates: many rentals discount stays of four weeks or more.
- Boundaries: set fixed working hours so you actually enjoy the "vacation" part.
Frequently asked questions
What is a workcation?
A workcation is a trip where you keep working remotely during the week and explore your destination in the evenings and at weekends.
What do I need for a successful workcation?
Reliable Wi-Fi with a backup (such as mobile data or an eSIM), a proper desk and chair, a time zone that suits your team, and accommodation with a kitchen for longer stays.
How long should a workcation be?
At least two weeks – long enough to settle into a routine and enjoy two weekends of exploring.
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