10 underrated weekend road trips under 4 hours from America's biggest cities, and the ones to skip
10 underrated weekend road trips under 4 hours from America's biggest cities, and the ones to skip
Not every summer getaway this year requires a flight. For most Americans, the best weekend trips are within reach with nothing more than a tank of gas.
The difference between a trip you’ll rave about and one you’ll regret comes down to knowing which location is actually worth the drive. To help you plan the perfect summer trip, PeopleWin has put together a list of the best road trip locations — and the places not worth a stop — within driving distance of 10 of the largest metro areas across the United States.
New York City
Go: Hudson Valley, New York
The stretch from Cold Spring to Rhinebeck has everything a city dweller could want on a summer weekend away. River views, bookshops, farm stands, and hiking options that don’t require permits booked six weeks in advance are just a few of the highlights. Ideally, go midweek if you can, since weekend traffic northbound of the Taconic can be a nightmare.
Skip: The Hamptons
This well-known destination is gorgeous, but in July, the typical 2-hour drive can easily turn into 4.5 hours due to heavy traffic. Besides, the beach will still be there in September.
Chicago
Go: Door County, Wisconsin
Cherries, kayaking, fish boils, and a coastline that is reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord make this Midwest destination a standout. The peninsula is worth the drive at just about 3.5 hours away, but be sure to book lodging months in advance if you’re going in July, as the crowds can get intense.
Skip: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Lake Geneva is fine for a day, but it often draws the same Chicago crowd you were trying to escape in the city. The summer weekend pricing isn’t fun, either.
Los Angeles
Go: Ojai, California
Ojai is a well-kept secret, a small arts town tucked into a mountain valley about 2.5 hours from Los Angeles. It runs a full 10-15 degrees cooler than the coast in the summer, making it a great way to escape the heat. Additionally, the famed lavender farms, hiking, and downtown art gallery scene provide a much-needed slow weekend away from the city.
Skip: Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs in July averages 108 degrees, which should tell you everything you need to know. The pools may be great, but the rest of your trip would be pure survival and looking for shade. Opt to return in October or November when things begin to cool down.
Houston
Go: Fredericksburg, Texas
Roughly 3 hours away from Houston is Hill Country’s flagship town: Fredericksburg. This town punches well above its weight by offering some serious wine trails, charming wildflower-season peach stands, and a main street that’s walkable without being too crowded. Given its smaller size, fewer people can make it seem busier, but the traffic here is nothing compared to Houston.
Skip: Galveston, Texas
Summer heat plus murky Gulf water, all on top of beach traffic, is a tough selling point when compared to Fredericksburg. Galveston is a top-tier town in other seasons, but a lesser choice for summer.
Atlanta
Go: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga, roughly 2 hours from Atlanta, has quietly become one of the best small cities in the South. With an excellent food scene, waterfront views, and world-class climbing at nearby Sand Rock, all on top of an outstanding downtown, it’s an underrated summer vacation destination.
Skip: Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is undoubtedly a beautiful city, but a drive of 3.5 or 4 hours is a stretch for a weekend summer trip. Additionally, July is one of the most brutal months for heat in Savannah.
Boston
Go: Portland, Maine
Portland has evolved into one of the best food cities in all of New England. And, at only 2 hours driving distance from Boston, it’s a must-visit destination. The Old Port neighborhood, lobster rolls, craft beer scene, and access to Acadia just 2 hours north make it an obvious choice for a summer escape.
Skip: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Summer on the Cape is renowned, but it also features peak traffic, exorbitant prices, and crowds similar to the Hamptons. Sandwich and Chatham are charming to be sure but are best visited at other points in the year.
Washington, DC
Go: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
At a measly 1.5 hours from Washington, D.C., Harpers Ferry is where the Shenandoah meets the Potomac. It’s also where Civil War history, whitewater rafting, and surprisingly good hiking trails coexist. For these reasons, it’s one of the most underrated day or overnight trips across the whole mid-Atlantic.
Skip: Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City features a beloved boardwalk, but a summer Friday departure from crowded D.C. will cost you over 2 hours that you’ll never get back.
Seattle
Go: Leavenworth, Washington
The famed Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth, located just 2.5 hours from Seattle, boasts hiking, river rafting, and mountain scenery that will leave you in awe. Summer wildflower hikes in the Enchantments area are renowned for being among the best in the state, and more people tend to go in the wintertime to experience the Christmas decorations, meaning you don’t need to deal with as many crowds.
Skip: Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is gorgeous, but it’s around 3 hours away. The summer fog and coastal crowds make it a consistent hit-or-miss experience. Fortunately, the famed Haystack Rock will be there at any other time of the year.
Denver
Go: Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte is a notable 4 hours away from Denver, but its wildflower season, from mid-July through early August, makes the drive more than worth it. Fields of lupine, columbine, and Indian paintbrush at elevation will leave you with many picturesque moments. The town is small and uncrowded by Colorado standards and boasts many mountain biking trails for those who are a little more adventurous.
Skip: Breckenridge, Colorado
Breck is fine in the summer, but it’s mainly a ski-town tourism machine that doesn’t slow down in the off-season. You’ll essentially be paying peak prices for an overall average experience.
Phoenix
Go: Prescott, Arizona
At 1.5 hours from Phoenix and 5,300 feet above sea level, Prescott sits nicely above the desert heat. Summer highs typically only reach the mid-80s compared to Phoenix’s 110 average, making it an excellent and close destination to cool off. The historic Whiskey Row, gorgeous Granite Dells hiking, and scenic pine trees even make it feel like a different state, a major selling point.
Skip: Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is stunning in its own right, but summer weekend traffic on SR-179 through the red rocks can be a nightmare. Mid-summer temperatures will still frequently climb above 95 degrees, providing only minimal relief from the sweltering heat of the city.
The best trip is the one you’ll actually take
The 3-hour radius is the sweet spot for weekend travel for a reason. It’s close enough to leave on a Friday after work while also being far enough to feel like a true vacation from the everyday. Whether it’s a new elevation, fewer crowds, or simply better food, consider one of the above road trip options for a new and exciting summer travel experience.
This story was produced by PeopleWin and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
