10 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways In Kentucky, USA - Updated 2024

1. Louisville (from USD 263)

Louisville happens to be the biggest city in Kentucky, and it is dotted with amazing sights and attractions that you cannot miss. It is located at a distance of about 54 miles (86 kilometers) or about 58 minutes from Frankfort. If you’re traveling with kids, the Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay or the Louisville Zoo are the perfect locations to head to. The city has museums, such as the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Speed Art Museum, which house historic artifacts and collectibles. To add to that, the city has a fair share of parks and natural spaces where visitors can relax and unwind. Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection, is a nice place to stay since it is located in close proximity to popular attractions and allows you to explore the area perfectly.

2. Kentucky Ridge State Forest (from USD 109)

Located in Pineville, Kentucky, Kentucky Ridge State Forest offers you an abundance of scenic beauty. It has lanes of trees and neat trails where you can enjoy a lovely hike and get a whiff of the natural surroundings. The area is really peaceful and serene, perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a quick getaway from the busy city. One can also indulge in hunting or fishing while they are in the area. To make your experience more fruitful, consider staying at Pine Mountain State Resort Park, and enjoy the exceptional service. It is about 157 miles/252 kilometers or 2 hours and 43 minutes away from Frankfort.

3. Paducah (from USD 157)

Paducah is a charming city in Kentucky that is a haven for art and history lovers, and the most fascinating sights in the city can be seen on the riverwalk and riverfront park. The riverwalk allows you to see the most beautiful murals in downtown Paducah. If you want to visit this place with ease, consider staying at the Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront. Apart from the riverwalk, you can also visit the National Quilt Museum or the River Discovery Center, which are a short distance away. Paducah is about 251 miles/403 kilometers or 3 hours 52 minutes away from Frankfort.

4. Clermont (from USD 150)

Clermont is a place where you can enjoy the outdoors. It is 69 miles/111 kilometers or 1 hour 9 mins away from the capital; Frankfort. The natural beauty of the place is phenomenal and there is a lot of scope for outdoor recreational activities. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is located in Clermont, and it offers trails and pathways with varying difficulties. The area has an abundance of wildlife and it offers a refreshing change to visitors. Additionally, there is an edible garden on the property that cannot be missed. You can stay at Sleep Inn Bourbon if you’re traveling in a large group.

Sleep INN Bourbon

Shepherdsville, Kentucky, United States
5.44 km (3.4 mi) from Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

134 reviews  

ENTIRE HOME 3 Beds 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews

Host:

awesome host and quick responses

the host marie is very responsive to questions and supportive to her guests

marie is a great host and this home is comfortable and clean

marie was a good host the home was clean and we enjoyed the bourbon themed decor

Location:

a wonderful location that is close to several sites

the location is good if you are visiting bardstown or any of the local distilleries

great location and plenty of room

large place with an excellent location

great place to stay just so far out away from the city

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from USD

150

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5. Lexington (from USD 169)

Lexington is well-known for its grassy farms and thoroughbred racetracks, however, it is also home to the Kentucky Horse Park where you can attend events and shows. One can learn about the different kinds of horses in the world at this museum. The Arboretum in Lexington is a nice place to visit, and it offers beautiful fields and trails where you can walk or bike. If you want to stay in downtown, 21c Museum Hotel Lexington is a pleasant choice. Lexington is located 25 miles/40 kilometers, or 39 minutes, away from Frankfort.

6. Cumberland Falls State Park (from USD 139)

Cumberland Falls State Park is a place you can head to for a satisfying, relaxing getaway. The place is located near Cumberland Falls, which can be visited during your stay. It is about 130 miles/209 kilometers or two hours away from Frankfort. Be sure to look out for moonbows, which are seen pretty often near the falls. Cumberland River, situated nearby, is home to a wide variety of fish, making it a hot spot for fishermen. If you’d like to indulge in something more exciting, then river rafting can be an excellent choice for you. Stay at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park for a memorable experience. With so much to do, it is hard to get bored while you are here.

7. Corbin (from USD 74)

Corbin is the place to be for a backpacker who loves the outdoors. Nature lovers can find all sorts of enjoyable activities here, be it walking down trails, river rafting, fishing, or even horseback riding. Interestingly enough, Corbin is also the place of origin of the classic Kentucky Fried Chicken, and the best place to have it is Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum, which was operated by the founder of the recipe. At the museum, you can learn more about the owner and later dig into some delicious chicken. To explore the areas nearby perfectly, you can stay at Baymont by Wyndham Corbin. Corbin is located at a distance of 113 miles/181 kilometers, or 1 hour 46 minutes, from Frankfort.

8. Bardstown (from USD 196)

Bardstown offers you the most enticing historical attractions, such as the Women’s Civil War Museum and My Old Kentucky Home, which is a property dating back to the 1800s. One can also spot colonial log cabins at the Old Bardstown Village & Civil War Museum, and learn more about the war history of the town. It is one of the most beautiful towns in the country, which still possesses an age-old charm. The town also has a number of restaurants where you can have a sumptuous meal. If you want to stay close to downtown Bardstown, Bardstown Bourbon Trail House can be a nice option that you should consider. Bardstown is 55 miles/88 kilometers, or an hour away from Frankfort.

Bardstown Bourbon Trail House

16.57 km (10.3 mi) from Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

22 reviews  

House 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews

Host:

the owner was very kind and accessible

Location:

very clean nice neighborhood close to restaurants and downtown bardstown

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from USD

196

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9. Mammoth Cave National Park (from USD 85)

Mammoth Cave National Park consists of the longest cave systems on the globe. The guided tours have been limited because of COVID-19, but it is equally fascinating to just explore the caves and learn more about them. The stunning trails are perfect for hiking and biking and they take you through picturesque locations. Sloan’s Pond Crossing Trail has a few viewing decks and it offers a boardwalk around the pond, where you can spot frogs, snakes, and turtles. Comfort Inn & Suites hotel is conveniently located in Cave City, close to Mammoth Cave Adventures Zipline. It is a comfortable place to stay, especially if you want to stay close to popular destinations. Mammoth Cave National Park is about 127 miles/204 kilometers or 2 hours 6 minutes away from Frankfort.

10. Versailles (from USD 475)

Versailles is particularly well known for its beautiful country setting that consists of bluegrass horse farmlands. It doesn’t have much as far as entertainment is concerned, but it is a great place to explore the rural, rustic countryside. Kentucky Castle is a great place to live, where you will feel like royalty, even if it is for a few days. Make sure that you don’t miss out on the gorgeous sunsets. Versailles is 14 miles/22 kilometers or 22 minutes away from the capital, Frankfort.

Brimming with history

Kentucky is a place that is brimming with history. It is a place that is fit for adults and children alike, and everyone can have their share of fun. There is so much to see that it is hard to pick one city to visit, so, we’ll leave that task up to you! Add these gorgeous places to your itinerary and have an amazing time.