When the warm weather rolls in, there's something magical about packing a weekend bag and hitting the road. From coastal charm to mountain peace, summer getaways offer the perfect chance to recharge, explore, and soak up the season in style. Whether you're craving salt air, rolling hills, or cobblestone streets, these destinations promise fresh experiences just a drive away. Let your next adventure begin here.
Best Summer Weekend Getaways and Day Trips
Finding alpine stillness in Aspen
Aspen in the summer felt like opening a window and breathing in a better version of the world. The air was cool and clean, scented with pine and wildflowers, and the mountains stood tall and unbothered around me. I spent my days hiking along alpine lakes and riding the gondola to the top of Ajax for views that made me stop and just… exist. I remember thinking, “This is what it feels like to truly pause.” The town itself was lively but never rushed—just slow enough to let me sink into the moment.
What I Loved Most: Sitting by Maroon Lake early in the morning, the water still as glass, reflecting the Maroon Bells in perfect symmetry. The silence felt sacred.
My highlights? A cozy breakfast at Jour de Fête, a local favorite tucked near the center of town. I had the croissant breakfast sandwich with eggs, gruyère, and applewood smoked bacon, with a cappuccino that hit just right. I sat outside in the morning sun, wrapped in a light fleece and pure mountain peace.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Denver: ~3.5–4 hours west
- Vibe: Upscale, serene, nature-focused
- Highlights: Maroon Bells, gondola rides, alpine hikes
- Best Time to Visit: June–August for wildflowers and warm hikes
- Cost: Parking, gondola fees, dining
- Hours: Trails open dawn to dusk; gondola typically 10am–4pm
- Address: Aspen, CO 81611
Getting swept up in soul and bourbon in Louisville
Louisville had this unexpected mix of grit and grace. I strolled down Whiskey Row, the scent of old brick and charred oak in the air, and passed murals that felt alive with rhythm. The city held its traditions close but wore them with ease—Southern hospitality, Derby flair, and a whole lot of bourbon. I took a slow walk along the Big Four Bridge and watched the city glow across the river. I remember thinking, “This place knows how to hold history without being stuck in it.”
What I Loved Most: Touring the Angel’s Envy Distillery—walking through rows of oak barrels and sipping a warm, caramel-rich bourbon that lingered like a good memory.
My highlights? Dinner at Harvest, a farm-to-table gem that celebrates Kentucky flavors. I ordered the buttermilk fried chicken with collard greens and a smoky pimento mac and cheese. The sweet tea came in a mason jar, and I ate while the sky outside turned blush pink. It felt like summer was settling in for a long stay.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Cincinnati: ~1.5 hours south
- Vibe: Bold, soulful, bourbon-soaked
- Highlights: Distillery tours, Big Four Bridge, museums
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for festivals and riverside strolls
- Cost: Distillery tours $15–$25, food varies
- Hours: Most attractions open 10am–5pm
- Address: Downtown Louisville, KY 40202
Soaking in Southern charm in Beaufort
Beaufort was all grace and driftwood and hush. The kind of place where time bends with the tides and Spanish moss sways like it has its own rhythm. I wandered along the waterfront park, past pastel houses and shaded verandas, and felt like I had stepped into a story that was unfolding gently, just for me. I remember thinking, “This is what slow living is supposed to feel like.” The stillness here wasn’t empty—it was full of softness and light.
What I Loved Most: Taking a slow boat tour through the salt marshes, watching dolphins arc through the water while egrets stood like statues along the reeds. It was quiet in the best way.
My highlights? Dinner at Saltus River Grill, with a table overlooking the water and golden light pooling across the dock. I had the pan-seared scallops over creamed corn with bacon and chive oil. Paired with a crisp glass of white wine and the sound of clinking glasses and water lapping the shore—it was Southern summer bliss.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Charleston: ~1.5 hours southwest
- Vibe: Historic, coastal, dreamy
- Highlights: Waterfront Park, historic district, boat tours
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall
- Cost: Free to explore, dining and tours vary
- Hours: Shops 10am–5pm; boats vary by provider
- Address: Beaufort, SC 29902
Breathing in lakeside bliss in Burlington
Burlington felt like a secret I was lucky to find. It sat quietly along Lake Champlain, with green hills in the distance and sailboats bobbing like they were napping in the afternoon sun. The energy here was warm, outdoorsy, and a little indie—bike paths, farmers markets, and live music spilling into the streets. I spent hours along the Waterfront Park, watching the clouds stretch and the lake sparkle. I remember thinking, “I could come back here just to do nothing, and that would be enough.”
What I Loved Most: Renting a bike and riding the Island Line Trail, coasting along the water with wind in my hair and wildflowers lining the way.
My highlights? A lakeside lunch at Spot on the Dock, where I had the Vermont burger with sharp cheddar and applewood bacon, and a local blueberry lemonade that was summer in a glass. Boats came and went, and the dock swayed just enough to remind me to slow down.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Montpelier: ~45 minutes northwest
- Vibe: Laid-back, scenic, creative
- Highlights: Lake Champlain, bike paths, Church Street Marketplace
- Best Time to Visit: June through August for lakeside fun
- Cost: Free to explore; rentals and meals vary
- Hours: Shops and cafes 10am–6pm; trails open daily
- Address: Burlington, VT 05401
Wandering whimsy in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea was like stepping into a storybook. The cottages had crooked roofs and flowering vines, the ocean whispered just a few blocks away, and every little street invited me to slow down. I explored art galleries, ducked into tucked-away courtyards, and walked barefoot along Carmel Beach as the fog rolled in. I remember thinking, “This town doesn’t just charm—it casts a spell.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the waves crash at Carmel Beach while the sky turned watercolor pink. The sound of the ocean and the hush of dusk made everything else disappear.
My highlights? Dinner at La Bicyclette, a warm and cozy spot with glowing candlelight and the smell of wood-fired pizza in the air. I had the duck confit with crispy potatoes and a glass of Pinot from a local vineyard. The whole experience felt quietly luxurious in the most down-to-earth way.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from San Jose: ~1.5 hours south
- Vibe: Quaint, artsy, coastal romance
- Highlights: Carmel Beach, art galleries, fairy-tale architecture
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for cool coastal breezes and clear skies
- Cost: Street parking, food and gallery purchases
- Hours: Shops 10am–6pm; beach open dawn to dusk
- Address: Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Soaking up history and hills in Charlottesville
Charlottesville greeted me with rolling green hills, red brick streets, and a kind of quiet dignity that settled in slowly. I spent the morning wandering the University of Virginia campus—Jefferson’s columns casting long shadows in the summer light—before heading into the Blue Ridge foothills. There was beauty in the details here: weathered barns, roadside orchards, shaded porches. I remember thinking, “Some places teach you to slow down just by being themselves.”
What I Loved Most: Driving along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, windows down, sun filtering through the trees, and the mountains rolling endlessly into the distance.
My highlights? A relaxed brunch at The Nook, right on the Downtown Mall. I had the sweet potato hash with poached eggs and smoked gouda, plus a fresh peach bellini that made the whole morning feel like a celebration. The patio was full of chatter and sunshine, and I didn’t want to leave.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Richmond: ~1.25 hours northwest
- Vibe: Historic, elegant, laid-back
- Highlights: Monticello, UVA campus, wine country, Blue Ridge views
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
- Cost: Free to explore; entrance to Monticello and park fees vary
- Hours: Attractions 9am–5pm; trails dawn to dusk
- Address: Charlottesville, VA 22902
Where Will Summer Take You?
Each of these destinations brought something different—cool breezes, soulful bites, scenic trails, or a moment to slow down and just be. That’s the magic of a summer day trip or weekend escape: it doesn’t have to be far to feel like a world away. Wherever you go next, make it somewhere that reminds you how good it feels to wander.
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