Day Trips

Day Trips in North Carolina

North Carolina is one of my favorite states to explore, and I think it’s one of the best places in the South for unforgettable day trips. I can experience mountains, beaches, historic towns, and vibrant cities—all in the same state. Some of my favorite adventures have come from spontaneous North Carolina day trips.

I took this photo of flowers at a local market on our NY day trip

Best Day Trips in New York State

What makes these New York State day trips truly unique to me is their variety: you can explore the Hudson Valley’s best wineries and historic towns, hike in the Adirondacks or Catskills, chase waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, or enjoy a quick coastal escape on Long Island.

Overlooking Bloomington Indiana from University entrance on fall day at sunset with flowers and a view of the main street

Day Trips in Indiana

From the extensive caves of southern Indiana to the Great Lakes of the north and northeast, Indiana has no shortage of top-notch day trips that can be easily accessed from Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati or Chicago.

Day Trips from DC

From charming small towns and historic landmarks to scenic hikes, vineyards, and beaches, the region around D.C. is a hub for quick getaways that feel like a vacation without the long travel time.

Day Trips in New Hampshire

Day trips in New Hampshire are some of the most unique and rewarding escapes in New England. Whether you’re chasing fall foliage, lake breezes, or historic villages, New Hampshire offers some of the best short adventures you can take in a single day.

Virginia Day Trips

With its rich colonial history, lush wine country, and beautiful mountains, Virginia is one of the best places in the world to plan a day trip.

Michigan Day Trips

Michigan day trips are some of the most unique and rewarding escapes in the Midwest. Whether you’re looking for history, outdoor adventure, or cozy small-town vibes, Michigan offers some of the best destinations for a quick getaway in all of U.S.

I took this photo of the romantic Bow bridge while we explored NYC's Central park

Day Trips from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is full of energy, but sometimes the best moments happen just beyond the city lines. Whether we were wandering through dreamy gardens, or eating ice cream on a quiet farm, these day trips gave us something we didn’t know we were missing: space to pause.

Day Trips from Spokane, WA

From mountain lakes to historic towns, Spokane delivers the best mix of scenery, relaxation, and adventure. The best part is the variety: lakes, mountains, wineries, and historic downtowns.

I took these photos of sandy beaches while exploring coastal Massachusetts

Massachusetts Day Trips

From the seaside fishing and whaling towns north and south of Boston, to the picturesque beaches of Cape Cod, to the bustling cities of Boston and New York, there’s something for everyone to see and do.

Pennsylvania Day Trips for Couples

For me, Pennsylvania day trips are some of the best because they combine unique history, natural beauty, and cozy small-town charm that always bring me closer to the person I’m with.

Summer Weekend Getaways and Day Trips

Summer weekend getaways and day trips aren’t just about travel. They’re about the unique memories, the favorite spots, and the underrated gems that make summer unforgettable.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind Vacation Idea. My husband, son, and I spent years on the road, basing ourselves in each place for one or two months at a time. This has allowed me to experience each destination as a local, and I'm eager to help you with travel itineraries, weekend inspiration, and local tips. I love to chase unique experiences and revisit old favorites, anything from great sunsets to places of mystery. I have 30 years of experience, over 400,000 social media followers, and my work as a travel expert has been mentioned on ABC6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, and USA Today. When I'm not traveling around the USA, I live in Austin, TX. Click for more.