There’s nothing quite like planning a weekend getaway around an NFL game. Whether you’re a die-hard fan following your team or just in it for the atmosphere, some cities turn game day into an entire experience.
From great food and tailgates to walkable downtowns and iconic stadiums, these NFL cities make the perfect backdrop for your next football-filled adventure. Pack your jersey, grab some friends, and get ready to explore the best weekend game trip destinations in the league.
15. Detroit
Detroit is an underrated gem when it comes to football weekends. The city has a cool, gritty vibe packed with history, hearty food, and an improving Lions team that gives fans plenty to cheer for.
14. Jacksonville
It’s hard to beat the sunshine, beaches, and football combo. Jacksonville gives you warm weather in the fall, plus a chance to catch a game without needing three layers and hand warmers.
13. Nashville
Nashville is practically made for weekend trips, with live music on every corner and energy that doesn’t stop. Toss in a Titans game and you have the perfect excuse to two-step through Sunday.
12. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh blends football tradition with great food and scenic views. You can hit a game, take in the riverside skyline, and eat your bodyweight in pierogis—all in one day.
11. Minneapolis
Minneapolis offers a modern downtown, a fan-friendly stadium, and a sneaky-good food scene. Thanks to their skyway system, it’s also one of the few cities where cold weather doesn’t stop the fun.
10. Seattle
A game in Seattle is an all-out sensory experience—from the roar of the 12s to the views of Puget Sound. Plus, you’ll have no shortage of coffee, seafood, or things to do before and after kickoff.
9. Tampa
Tampa is a fantastic option if you’re looking to escape the cold. With palm trees, boat rides, and a passionate Bucs crowd, it’s an easy sell for a football-themed weekend getaway.
8. Philadelphia
Philly fans bring the noise, and the city brings the history. Whether you’re into cheesesteaks or checking out landmarks between tailgates, there’s plenty to do around an Eagles home game.
7. Denver
Denver has altitude, attitude, and some stunning scenery. A weekend here means craft beer, mountain views, and football with a side of Rocky Mountain energy.
6. Baltimore
Baltimore mixes historic charm with a stadium just steps from the Inner Harbor. You’ll get passionate fans, fresh crab, and a surprisingly walkable setup for exploring the city between quarters.
5. Las Vegas
Las Vegas has officially entered the NFL chat, and it’s a whole new level of game day entertainment. You’ll catch a Raiders game in a spaceship of a stadium, then hit the Strip to keep the weekend going.
4. San Francisco
You can blend sightseeing and football in the Bay Area like nowhere else. Whether it’s cable cars, Golden Gate views, or a 49ers game in Levi’s Stadium, you get variety and vibes.
3. Kansas City
Few places do football weekends like Kansas City. You’ll get unbeatable BBQ, a tailgating scene that feels like a family reunion, and fans who live and breathe the Chiefs every day of the year.
Read More: Ranking the 10 Most Unfit Markets for NFL Expansion
2. New Orleans
The party starts well before kickoff in New Orleans. A Saints game is just one piece of a weekend that probably includes beignets, live jazz, and memories you only half remember.
Read More: 10 Cities That Deserve an NFL Team Right Now
1. Boston (New England)
Foxborough may be outside the city, but that gives you more time to soak in Boston’s charm. You can tour American history one minute and yell for the Patriots the next.
Read More: The 10 Best Cities to Travel to for an NFL Game
