Leaving early Saturday afternoon, Obama does not plan to return to Washington until Tuesday, according to his schedule.
Congress is on holiday recess, having wrapped up two items that had been a source of dispute with Obama: A highway bill, and an extension of a college student loan program.
On Wednesday, the president will host a White House holiday barbecue for military families.
It's a good time to be out of Washington, which is sweltering in 100 degree-plus heat.
"Stay cool!" Obama told reporters Friday night after returning from a trip to Colorado to inspect wildfire damage. "Drink a lot of water."
