Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for one last great weekend trip. To inspire your summer wanderlust, we researched the best outdoor weekend getaways around the country. Whether home is in California, Texas or North Carolina, we have an outdoorsy (and doable!) vacation idea nearby. Follow along to explore underground caverns, climb pink mountains, jet ski across a lake, meet the world’s tallest trees, swim in hot springs, camp in sand dunes and much more. Even though the days are growing shorter, let’s keep the summer adventures rolling!
These are the 18 best weekend getaways for summer 2018.
1. Hike Through the Yosemite Valley
Origin City: Los Angeles, California
Destination: Yosemite National Park
Distance: ~ 313 miles
Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is known for the Half Dome climb, impressive waterfalls, massive sequoia trees and the all-around beauty of the Yosemite Valley. Pack your hiking boots and trekking poles and escape into one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Where to Camp: Choose one of Yosemite’s 13 campgrounds.
2. Explore Mysterious Underground Caverns
Origin City: Houston, Texas
Destination: Georgetown, Texas
Distance: 175 miles
One of the best preserved caves in Texas, Inner Space Cavern was discovered in 1963. Today, guided tours inside the cave are fun for the whole family. If you’re up for a real adventure, try the hidden passages tour, which takes visitors on a newly opened and undeveloped trail.
Where to Camp: Jim Hogg Park
3. Express Your Inner Baseball Buff
Origin City: New York City, New York
Destination: Cooperstown, New York
Distance: 195 miles
Home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown is the birthplace of baseball and draws nearly 250,000 baseball fans per year. After you’ve seen all there is to see at the museum, stroll through downtown Cooperstown and pop into the baseball-themed stores that sell memorabilia or eat at one of the many baseball-themed restaurants.
Where to Camp: Cooperstown Beaver Valley Cabins and Campsites
4. Cozy Up in a Cabin at Starved Rock State Park
Origin City: Chicago, Illinois
Destination: Starved Rock, Illinois
Distance: 98 miles
Located along the Illinois River and regularly voted one of the best weekend getaways in Illinois, Starved Rock State Park is famous for its sandstone cliffs and waterfalls. For a fun weekend adventure, rent one of the traditional on-site cabins. Spend the day hiking and exploring in the park, and then enjoy the relaxing privacy of your own rustic cabin at night.
Where to Camp: Prefer to pitch a tent? Camp at the park.
5. Get Lost In a Land of Chocolate
Origin City: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Destination: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Distance: 95 miles
Named after the famous chocolate company and known as the sweetest place on earth, there’s a lot more to do in Hershey than just indulge in chocolate bars (though you can do that, too!). Spend a weekend at Hersheypark and enjoy 14 rollercoasters and over 70 theme park attractions. It’s like Disney World for chocolate lovers, and who can argue with that?
Where to Camp: Hershey RV Park and Lodging
6. Eat Hiker’s Stew at the Bottom of the Grand Canyon
Origin City: Phoenix, Arizona
Destination: Grand Canyon National Park
Distance: 225 miles
Not everyone knows that nestled at the bottom of the Grand Canyon is Phantom Ranch, a little oasis of bunkhouses with a canteen that serves world famous hiker’s stew to hungry hikers every evening. (There’s vegetarian chili available as well.) Reservations to stay at the ranch and eat a meal at the canteen must be made in advance, but the experience is worth the added planning.
Where to Camp: A backcountry permit is required for Bright Angel Campground.
7. Pitch a Tent on the Gulf Coast
Origin City: San Antonio, Texas
Destination: Galveston, Texas
Distance: 250 miles
Some of the best beaches in Texas are found in Galveston. For a weekend escape, pitch a tent at Galveston Island State Park, a stretch of sun and sand that is bursting with fun things to do. Hiking, biking and paddling trails are found in the park, plus fishing piers and plenty of sand for playing.
Where to Camp: Galveston Island RV Resort
8. Escape Into Nature at Big Bear Lake
Origin City: San Diego, California
Destination: Big Bear Lake, California
Distance: 145 miles
Miles away from the city, Big Bear is an outdoor lovers paradise. Hikers and bikers can hit the trails in the San Bernardino Mountains and water lovers can kayak, boat or jet ski on Big Bear Lake.
Where to Camp: Choose from the many campgrounds at Big Bear Lake.
9. Explore the Second Largest Canyon in the Country
Origin City: Dallas, Texas
Destination: Canyon, Texas
Distance: 375 miles
The second largest canyon in the USA, located in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, is only a 6-hour drive from Dallas, but feels like a different world. Visitors can enjoy over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails or, for something a little different, sign up for a guided equestrian tour to Timber Creek Canyon. In the summertime, catch the outdoor musical drama that takes place in the amphitheater.
Where to Camp: Palo Duro RV Park
10. Drive the Avenue of the Giants
Origin City: San Jose, California
Destination: Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Distance: 261 miles
While most people that come to see the majestic redwood trees head to Redwoods National Park, insiders know that Humboldt Redwoods State Park is equally as stunning and way less crowded. Though hiking into the groves of trees on foot is a must, make sure you also drive the Avenue of the Giants, a 32-mile road that winds past some of the biggest trees on earth.
Where to Camp: There are a number of campgrounds within the state park.
11. Drive the Wine Road in Texas Wine Country
Origin City: Austin, Texas
Destination: Fredericksburg, Texas
Distance: 78 miles
There are some seriously great grapes being grown in Texas Hill Country and the resulting wine draws travelers from near and far. To get a taste of the vino grown in this part of the country, drive the Wine Road 290 in Fredericksburg which passes 16 award winning wineries.
Where to Camp: Fredericksburg RV Park
12. Step Back in Time at Historic Fort Clinch
Origin City: Jacksonville, Florida
Destination: Amelia Island, Florida
Distance: 33 miles
History buffs will enjoy time traveling back to the year 1864 when the Civil War raged and Fort Clinch was new. Watch actors reenact life during this era as you explore the rooms and grounds of the historic fort. Afterwards, stroll down the main shopping and dining thoroughfare of Amelia Island, a quaint and charming beach town with a bustling arts scene.
Where to Camp: Amelia Island State Park
13. Soak in Healing Hot Springs
Origin City: San Francisco, California
Destination: Wilbur Springs, California
Distance: 122 miles
If you’re looking to unplug and relax, take refuge at Wilbur Hot Springs, an off-grid, solar powered resort with natural hot springs located in a 1800-acre preserve. Whether you want to partake in yoga, massage or just soak in the springs, you’ll come away from your weekend rejuvenated.
Where to Camp: There are four campsites at the resort, plus rooms available to rent.
Photo Credit: Wilbur Hot Springs, Facebook
14. Get Lost Among Massive Sand Dunes
Origin City: Indianapolis, Indiana
Destination: Porter, Indiana
Distance: 160 miles
On the southern shore of Lake Michigan lies Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, with 15 miles of beautiful and sandy beaches. Visitors can hike on 50 miles of trail, swim in the turquoise lake waters or walk among the sand dunes on boardwalks. No matter how you spend your time at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, the natural beauty of this place is sure to delight.
Where to Camp: Indiana Dunes State Park
15. Stand Beneath a 90-Foot Waterfall
Origin City: Columbus, Ohio
Destination: Logan, Ohio
Distance: 50 miles
The Hocking Hills region of southeastern Ohio is a place of topographical wonder. Dotted with caves, cliffs and waterfalls, as well as a rich history of native peoples, it makes the perfect weekend escape from the big city of Columbus. Don’t miss Ash Cave, a 700-foot cave that has Ash Cave Falls tumbling over its lip, creating a beautiful and impressive site.
Where to Camp: Hocking Hills State Park
16. Scale a Pink Granite Mountain
Origin City: Fort Worth, Texas
Destination: Enchanted Rock, Texas
Distance: 218 miles
Rising above Central Texas, the pink granite mountain called Enchanted Rock has drawn visitors for thousands of years. Climb the massive dome and then explore all that the surrounding natural area has to offer, including hiking trails, rock climbing and bird watching.
Where to Camp: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
17. Stroll the Streets of a Funky Arts District
Origin City: Charlotte, North Carolina
Destination: Asheville, North Carolina
Distance: 131 miles
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for its natural beauty and artsy vibe. Don’t miss the River Arts District, a section of the city bursting with art galleries, restaurants and breweries. From the mountains to the shops, you’ll enjoy your weekend stay in Asheville.
Where to Camp: Asheville Bear Creek RV Park
18. Explore a Bavarian Town in the Mountains of Washington
Origin City: Seattle, Washington
Destination: Leavenworth, Washington
Distance: 117 miles
Surrounded by mountains in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Leavenworth, Washington was built to resemble a traditional Bavarian town, complete with charming German-style buildings, year-round festivals and loads of outdoor fun. From breweries and vineyards, to shopping and shows, a weekend in Leavenworth provides non-stop entertainment.
Where to Camp: Leavenworth/ Pine Village KOA
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Find the best campsites in America.