10 Fun Things To Do in Happy Valley PA on a Workcation
From hikes to cheese shop tastings, these are a few of the best things to do in Happy Valley PA. With 10 state parks and forests, several small towns, and seemingly endless options for deliciously and locally sourced bites, Happy Valley makes a great base for exploring central Pennsylvania.
From state parks hikes to cheese shop tastings, these are a few of the best things to do in Happy Valley PA.
With 10 state parks and forests, several small towns, and seemingly endless options for delicious and locally sourced bites, Happy Valley makes a great base for exploring central Pennsylvania. I recently spent a few days there on a workcation, popping into coffee shops and coworking spaces in the morning and hopping around to different trails and towns in the afternoon.
I stayed in State College, the largest community in Centre County and home to Penn State University. This town alone offers plenty to do, from shopping at local bookstores and perusing art museums on campus to walking the gorgeous paths of the arboretum.
But beyond State College, Happy Valley has even more to offer. Surrounded by 750,000-plus acres of public lands, the county is an outdoor lover's dream. I hiked up mountains with sweeping views, walked around picturesque lakes, and rode bikes through forests with vibrant fall foliage.
If you’re looking for a workcation destination in the Northeast, Happy Valley is a great option. And in case you’re still on the fence, did I mention the farm-fresh ice cream scene here?
Things To Do in Happy Valley
From museums and antique shops to caves and hiking trails, there are all sorts of different things to do in Happy Valley. I stayed for a few days during the week so that I’d have time to explore several small towns and state parks. Below are a few of my favorites!
Explore the Arboretum at Penn State
The Arboretum at Penn State features a 10-acre botanical garden and 14 acres of meadows laced with walking paths. It’s such a beautiful and peaceful place to go for a stroll in nature just steps from downtown State College and the bustling campus.
There’s a children’s garden, ponds, and water features, but one of my favorite spots was the bird house, a little wooden structure where humans can sit and watch the hummingbirds flutter and little critters eating and hopping around. Beyond the botanical garden, the arboretum continues to more remote reaches, and you can hop on Bellefonte Central Rail Trail for a hike or bike ride.
The Arboretum is open daily from dawn to dusk and admission is free. It’s right next to the Palmer Museum of Art, so it’s easy to combine the pair into one outing.
Visit the Palmer Museum of Art
The Palmer Museum of Art just opened in a new location at The Arboretum at Penn State and it’s absolutely stunning! Its collection of over 10,000 items is the largest between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, making it a top cultural center in Happy Valley.
Several rooms across two floors hold groupings of Impressionism paintings, modern Pennsylvania art, ancient artifacts from Africa and Asia, and glassworks, including an impressive Dale Chihuly piece running along the staircase wall.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and admission is free (but make a donation if you can).
Hike in the State Parks
With six state parks and four state forests in the Happy Valley area, there are so many incredible places to hike that even a week here isn’t long enough to hit all the trails. You can follow easy boardwalks along a bog at Black Moshannon State Park or take on challenging treks that trace miles of mountain ridges.
During my stay in Happy Valley I hiked the trails below.
Black Moshannon State Park: The Bog/Hay Road/Indian Trail Loop (moderate, 1.4 miles) and the Lake Loop Trail (easy, 0.7 miles)
Rothrock State Forest: Bear Meadows Loop to Jean Aron Path (moderate, 3.5 miles)
Colyer Lake: Colyer Lake Loop (easy, 2.6 miles)
Mount Nittany: White Trail to Mike Lynch Overlook (moderate, 1.4 miles) and the Mount Nittany Loop (moderate, 5 miles)
Tour Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park
Visitors to Penn’s Cave can cruise through an all-water cavern and join nature wildlife tours. Small flat-bottom boats take guests through winding passages and caverns of stalactites and stalagmites and to a natural entrance that connects to Lake Nittanee just outside.
The property’s 1,600 acres provide a haven for birds, elk, cattle, and deer. Guided bus tours through the habitat offer a chance to spot the wildlife and farm animals, as well as butterflies in a special garden.
The cave and onsite Penn’s Cave House hotel opened to tourists in the 1880s and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the hotel no longer hosts guests, you can still see the structure next to the visitor center and gift shop.
Explore the Small Towns
While the streets of State College buzz with college town energy, the rest of the communities around Happy Valley are pretty small and quaint. In fact, most of them have a population well under 10,000.
That doesn’t mean a lack of things to do, though. From a quirky museum in Boalsburg to antique shops in Bellefonte, to a cool theater in Philipsburg, each town offers something different to explore.
State College
The biggest of the bunch, State College’s population swells on Penn State game days. The campus offers cultural hubs like the Palmer Museum, beautiful walks in the Arboretum at Penn State, and tasty scoops at the historic Penn State Berkey Creamery.
The walkable downtown district is a great spot to buy collegiate souvenirs, sip coffee at local cafes, and shop locally at stores like the Squirrel and Acorn Bookshop and The Nittany Quill (stationary and gifts).
Bellefonte
With Victorian-era bed-and-breakfasts and antique stores, the streets of Bellefonte take you back in time. Don’t skip the Bellefonte Art Museum or rotating galleries, Talleyrand Park for walking paths along a creek, and the Bellefonte Historical Railroad for vintage train rides.
Philipsburg
Philipsburg’s best feature may be its proximity to the beautiful Black Moshannon State Park, but the downtown zone is worth a visit, too. Along Front Street and surrounding blocks, you’ll find gems like the 1917 Rowland Theatre for movies and live shows, unique stores like Shindig Alley for retro furniture, and The Dead Canary Brewing Company, which hosts open mic nights, music, and workshops.
Boalsburg
Less than 5 miles down the road from State College, tiny Boalsburg offers easy access to Rothrock State Forest and a compact Main Street with just a handful of shops and restaurants. There are also a pair of notable museums here — the Pennsylvania Military Museum with Armed Forces exhibits, and the Boal Mansion Museum, which preserves a notable local family’s historic home and eclectic collection of artifacts.
Go for a Bike Ride
This local group aims to get more women into gravel and mountain biking with weekly rides for beginners, coaching, skills camps for girls, and more. Joining the group rides is the perfect way to get outdoors if you’re traveling solo and to meet the local riding community and learn more about the trails in the area.
Follow the Agventure Trail
Happy Valley is full of agventures, from farm stands to dairy shops to field-to-fork restaurants. The agricultural roots of Centre County date back over a century and you’ll still spot endless fields and farms as you drive through the countryside. Penn State University even started as the Farmer’s High School in 1855.
Below are a few spots that I made it to on my trip.
Goot Essa Cheese
Artisanal cheese tastings and fresh jam pairings — yes, please! The family-owned Goot Essa (“good eating” in Pennsylvania Dutch) produces small-batch, hand-crafted cheeses. Tastings and cheese and condiment pairing are offered in the shop and during special events you may also have a chance to visit the cheese caves and see the products maturing.
Tait Farm
Tait Farm has a Harvest Shop where you can grab local produce and cooking products. The farm makes dozens of all-natural products, including dip mixes, sauces, fruit spreads, condiments, and more.
Meyer Dairy Store
If you’re looking for some delicious local ice cream to try, you can’t go wrong with Meyer Dairy. A local favorite, the ice creamery and Meyer Farm are family-owned, dating back to 1887.
You can pop into the shop to purchase fresh milk and butter or order scoops, flights, sundaes, and floats to enjoy at tables in the parlor. I had a scoop of the black raspberry, but it was hard to pick from the wide selection!
Nittany Valley Creamery Dairy Barn
You can eat your ice cream cone with views of corn fields and farm houses at the Nittany Valley Creamery. The Dairy Barn in front of the family-owned farm serves scoops to eat outdoors at picnic tables, or you can grab containers, ice cream cakes, yogurts, flavored milks, and other products to go. Bring cash for this one as they don’t take cards.
Way Fruit Farm
I chowed down one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in a long time at the cafe at Way Fruit Farm — a BLT with hickory bacon, thin sliced apples, and sharp cheddar. This sixth-generation family farm has a huge store full of produce and locally made products, plus an eatery open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
See Quirky Exhibits at the Boal Mansion Museum
An estate of the Boal family for more than 200 years, this local mansion museum is an interesting and quirky stop in the town of Boalsburg. The historic home is packed to the brim with relics and artifacts collected over eight generations by a family with strange ties to historical figures.
A marriage to a relative of Christopher Columbus at one point resulted in the acquisition of the Columbus Chapel, which now sits on the estate. You’ll want to set up a guided tour to visit this museum and sort through the complicated history.
Visit the Bellefonte Art Museum
Located in the historic Linn House, the Bellefonte Art Museum offers free admission to a handful of gallery rooms. The themes rotate monthly and highlight local artists as well as special cultural exhibits.
One of the most interesting features, though, is the “Journey to Freedom” exhibit on the top floor, which tells the local history of the Underground Railroad. It’s thought that the home was used as a safe house, and you can see the attic rooms where people would have stayed.
Dine Around Happy Valley
With its deep agricultural roots, it’s no surprise the farm-to-fork scene is thriving in Happy Valley. There are so many incredible places to eat that you’ll never get around to all of them during one trip.
Flour and Stone
The newest concept from the owners of the popular Pine Grove Hall in Pine Grove Mills, Flour and Stone serves an elevated Italian menu that’s absolutely delicious. I had the goat cheese ravioli with brown butter and preserved plums, but was also tempted to order the mushroom and truffle farrotto or squash and pear pizzetta with goat cheese (next time). I had the classic olive oil cake for dessert and it was moist perfection!
The Field Burger and Tap
The restaurant at a country club on the outskirts of state college has both beautiful views from the deck and incredible burgers and shakes. The meaty menu includes a section dedicated to the Penn State coaches — I ordered The Big Gadowsky, a wagyu burger topped with Pennsylvania bacon, cheddar, pierogies, sauteed onions, and sour cream.
Allen Street Grill
Allen Street Grill in downtown State College is perfect for a date night or special occasion (ask for window seating in your reservation to take advantage of the campus views), with a casually elegant vibe.
A compact menu offers a selection of elevated meat, fish, and pasta dishes, plus mouth-watering starters like steak tartare and burrata cheese with marinated olives. I had the roasted carrot soup and vegetarian spaetzle dumplings with a lemon picatta sauce. Everyone at the table went wild for the paw paw cheesecake for dessert.
Irvings Bagels
If you’re looking for a quick breakfast and coffee stop in downtown State College, let me turn you on to Irvings Bagels. The cafe is large enough to plop down with your laptop for a spell, or you can grab loaded bagels, wraps, and sandwiches to go.
Gamble Mill
With a legacy dating to 1786, Gamble Mill in Bellefonte has been renovated into a dinner and drinks destination with an attached inn and special events speakeasy. Creekside at Gamble Mill is open for Saturday brunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and The Republic bar offers craft cocktails and mocktails, wine, and brews.
Poppy & Co Cafe
Poppy & Co is a homegrown lunch spot in Philipsburg where you’ll catch the locals chowing down on sandwiches, cheesesteaks, gravy-smothered specials. There’s also a bakery counter with freshly baked cookies you don’t want to skip.
We are Inn
Attached to a small hotel, the We Are Inn in Philipsburg is best known for its steak sandwiches and caesar salad dressing. I had the former, the “Chef Pat’s Way,” loaded with steak, Whiz and American cheeses, hot cherry peppers, fried onions, mushrooms, and ketchup.
Where to Work Remotely in Happy Valley
Planning a workcation to Happy Valley? Mid week is a great time to visit State College and surrounding towns as hotels will be cheaper and emptier than on the weekend. If you need to get some work done while you visit, here are a couple of spots to plop down with your laptop.
Coworking spaces
The SpringBoard coworking space in downtown Bellefonte offers high speed internet, comfy seating, office amenities like printers and paper, and private phone booths and conference rooms for meetings. Monthly memberships are available but visitors can grab day passes online and check themselves in with a door code, making it easy to work for a few hours.
Cafes
If you love working in a coffee shop as much as I do, Webster’s Bookstore Cafe in downtown State College is a great option. There are several seating areas surrounded by books to settle in for some work, plus coffee and brunch at the food counter.
Hotel lobbies
Guests of the Scholar State College downtown can work from the hotel’s lobby area. A long, co-working table has outlets to plug in, and a couple of extra seating areas offer comfy chairs and couches. There’s also a bistro on-site open during breakfast and dinner hours.
15 of the Best Summer Escapes from Big Cities in the USA
Trade in the concrete jungle this summer for nature-filled escapes. These outdoorsy summer destinations feature waterfalls, lakes, mountains and forests. Plus, they’re just a short drive away from the most populated cities in the United States. Think of them as a step up from a staycation with much better views and plenty of space to avoid the crowds!
National parks with waterfalls and canyons, mountains with views for days, lakes primed for swimming and boating — these outdoorsy destinations in the United States are calling your name this summer.
The best part? They’re close to home. We’ve picked a few of the most populated cities in the U.S. and tracked down a nature-filled escape within about a 3-hour drive so you can easily trade in the concrete jungle for something a bit more green.
With just a quick road trip required to reach these slices of paradise, you can easily squeeze one into a long weekend. But, most have enough to see and do to stretch it to a full-blown vacay. Think of it as a step up from a staycation with much better views and plenty of space to avoid the crowds!
Read Next: This is What You Should Pack for a Road Trip This Summer
The Best Summer Getaways from Big Cities in the USA
San Diego or LA to Coachella Valley
By Kelly of The Weekend Wanderluster
For those wanting to escape the city, the crowds, and the traffic of Los Angeles and San Diego, the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs offer a perfect weekend getaway! It’s only a 2-hour drive from LA and less than 3 from San Diego to this desert escape full of hot springs, parks and golf courses.
There aren’t many places that exude that retro 50s and 60s vibe more than Palm Springs. It used to be the weekend paradise of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and other Old Hollywood stars. Nowadays, the small city is a popular winter getaway for snowbirds. This often means fewer crowds in summer, since those escaping the cold have gone home and festival season is over.
The Coachella Valley is host to several great things to do. Whether you are wanting to spend your weekend relaxing by the pool at a mid-century motel, shopping at Palm Canyon Drive's boutiques, or escaping into nature, there is something for everyone. The whole valley is linked by Hwy 111 down to the Salton Sea, so getting around is very easy.
For those looking to get outside, Joshua Tree National Park is on the eastern edge of the valley, less than an hour from Palm Springs, and offers a unique landscape you can easily spend a day exploring. Closer to the city, the surrounding canyons offer trails along the San Andreas Fault.
Although it may sound strange to spend a hot summer weekend away from the ocean, you will find plenty of places to relax, enjoy and explore in Palm Springs.
Escape from: Los Angeles (100 miles), San Diego (140 miles) or Las Vegas (235 miles)
San Francisco to Yosemite National Park
By Eden of Rock a Little Travel
If you’re looking for an outdoor escape from the Bay Area, consider a Yosemite road trip. You can get to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco in just 3 hours.
Once you arrive in Yosemite, you’ll have plenty of things to see and do as you make your way around the park. I recommend a stop at Tunnel View on your way into Yosemite Valley. From the Tunnel View lookout, you’ll get some of the best views in the park and your first introduction to what the rest of Yosemite has to offer.
After you arrive in Yosemite Valley and get settled into your accommodations, take a self-guided tour of the valley on foot. There are trails around the entire valley floor leading to many of the park's best waterfalls, El Capitan, Mirror Lake and the Merced River. When it’s warm, you can even go tubing down the river if you’re looking for a fun way to cool off.
While Yosemite is busiest in the summer months, it’s still a great time to visit. The snowmelt from the Sierra Nevadas in late spring results in exceptional waterfalls during late May and early June. Plus, you’ll get to experience the park with the best weather possible.
Escape from: San Jose (160 miles) or San Francisco (170 miles)
Boston to Cape Cod and the Islands
By Shobha of Martha’s Vineyard Tourist
Cape Cod and the Islands make a great short trip or weekend away from Boston. Cape Cod is only a couple of hours from the city. The islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket both require a short ferry ride from Cape Cod. On your way to Cape Cod, you can also stop at Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum near the area where the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock.
There’s plenty to do on the Cape and the Islands, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities. There are great beaches where you can relax in the sun and top up on your Vitamin D, including the Cape Cod National Seashore with 40 miles of protected sand. You can get out in the water for sailing, fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
The towns here are all individual and unique. While Chatham in Cape Cod looks like something out of a Ralph Lauren advertisement, Provincetown is artsy and boho. The nearby islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are also different from each other. Nantucket is the smallest and mostly flat with a preppy vibe while Martha’s Vineyard has some hills and a more diverse crowd.
As you would expect, fish and seafood here are also outstanding. You can dine at fancy restaurants or little takeaway joints. There are a lot of family-friendly eateries because Cape Cod and the Islands are known as a multi-generational vacation destination.
Summers can get busy as it seems all of Boston descends upon this beach area. People from New York and further away also come for the outdoors lifestyle. There is usually one festival or another happening — for food, films or books. The area survives on tourism and makes a huge effort to be welcoming.
Escape from: Boston (70 miles) or New York City (250 miles)
Seattle to Olympic National Park
By Emily of The Mandagies
One of the coolest weekend getaways from Seattle is hands-down a trip to Olympic National Park in Washington. Packed with tons of adventure, the park has something for everyone to do, from exploring temperate rainforests to finding marine life on the beach.
The trip from Seattle to Olympic National Park typically takes a little over 3 hours via car. The shortest and most direct route begins in downtown Seattle and requires a ride on a ferry across the Puget Sound from Seattle to Bremerton. Between the ferry ride, small towns and highways through thick forest, the journey is an adventure in itself!
Once in the park, the options are endless. Drive up to Hurricane Ridge to see mountains and sea in all directions, hike to the iconic Sol Duc Falls, or stroll through the famous Hall of Mosses. If you like the ocean, Olympic National Park has over 70 miles of protected shoreline — some of our favorite beaches are Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, and Kalaloch Beach.
This park is great for weekend getaways because there are so many things to do in Olympic National Park, especially during summertime when it is completely open. Depending on the type of outdoor activities you like, you can cater your trip to your exact preferences. Olympic is also so large that you can come back again and again and do something new every time!
Escape from: Seattle (90 miles)
Baltimore or D.C. to Harpers Ferry
By Jordan of The Solo Life
For a weekend escape from the hustle of Baltimore or Washington, D.C., look no further than the town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Although just around an hour and a half from each of the two cities, Harpers Ferry feels like worlds away with its small-town charm, historical sites and outdoor recreation.
Located at the junction of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, Harpers Ferry is the perfect place for summer activities, including kayaking, white-water rafting, and even lazy river tubing. For nature and hiking, the Appalachian Trail cuts through part of the town and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is headquartered here. The most popular hike nearby is the Maryland Heights Trail, a moderately difficult path across the Potomac, which offers stunning views of the town and the two rivers that surround it.
The town’s legacy and importance before, during, and after the Civil War is preserved in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The community exudes an old-timey vibe, with local restaurants and quaint shops adding to its charm. The prominence of bed and breakfasts instead of big-name hotels also keeps the number of visitors low, even during the peak summer season.
Escape from: Washington, D.C. (70 miles) or Baltimore (70 miles)
Portland to Bend
By Alissa of Exploring Wild
The beloved Oregon town of Bend and its surrounding outdoor playground is the perfect summer escape from Portland. The 3-hour drive southeast of the city on Highway 26 crosses Mt. Hood National Forest and passes a number of campgrounds and trailheads, including the famed Pacific Crest Trail, for those wishing to break up the drive.
Outdoor lovers of every type will appreciate the wealth of active things to do in and around Bend. Bikers flock to the nearly 5,000 miles of gravel paths and 500-plus miles of singletrack, including fun and flowy trails for every level rider. Hikers could spend weeks exploring local trail systems on foot, with options ranging from riverside strolls to volcano climbs to multi-day alpine treks in the Cascade mountains. Smith Rock State Park, just a bit north, offers top-notch rock climbing and yet more hiking. The Deschutes River flows right through town and invites kayakers, SUP boarders, and festive groups of tubers to cool off on hot summer afternoons.
When it’s time to rest after a full day outside, Bend’s restaurants and cafes are the perfect places to kick back with a cold drink or iced coffee. A wide array of motels, Airbnb’s and campgrounds provide lodging for any budget.
The only bad thing about this fun summer getaway — a quick trip isn’t nearly long enough to enjoy all the natural beauty and outdoor adventures that Bend has to offer. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again.
Escape from: Portland (165 miles)
Phoenix to Grand Canyon National Park
By Nicole of American SW Obsessed
Driving from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is a great escape that will make you feel like you are a million miles away from the city. The Grand Canyon is located in the northwestern part of Arizona less than four hours from Phoenix. This national park is visited by over 6 million people per year but there are still plenty of places to get away from the crowds.
Most people think it is extremely hot at the Grand Canyon in summer but it's actually quite nice temperature-wise due to the elevation of 6,000 feet. It averages just above 80 degrees in the summer at the rim. However, if you head down into the canyon on one of the trails it will be about 20 degrees warmer. And of course, you will want to avoid the midday heat. There is also a chance of rain in the afternoon in July and August but that actually can feel nice.
A big plus of visiting the Grand Canyon in summer is the nice long days. The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is open 24/7 and summer months have around 14 hours of sunlight to enjoy the canyon. One of my favorite things to do is catch the sunrise at Mather Point, a popular lookout close to the visitors center and a large parking lot.
Another fun thing to do is to walk the Rim Trail, a flat and easy path full of beautiful viewpoints along the way. It runs for 13 miles, but you can hop on shorter sections and use the park shuttle to complete your route.
Escape from: Phoenix (220 miles) or Las Vegas (280 miles)
Chicago or Milwaukee to Door County
By Paulina of Paulina on the Road
If you are looking to drive away from hectic city life in the Midwest, then Door County, Wisconsin, should be high on your radar. Located on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County is less than 3 hours from Milwaukee and about 4 from Chicago, perfect for a mini road trip.
Hundreds of miles of shoreline here make for stunning sunrises and sunsets, and scenic back roads, waterfront parks and open wilderness areas provide plenty of options to avoid crowds and enjoy nature in summer. The numerous things to do in Door County include exploring apple and cherry orchards, hiking coastal trails, visiting art galleries, splashing in lakes, and boating in the bay.
Small communities like Ellison Bay, Fish Creek, Egg Harbor and Jacksonport offer charming hubs of regional culture while county seat Sturgeon Bay preserves the area’s shipbuilding history at the Door County Maritime Museum. Among 11 lighthouses in the area, Cana Island Lighthouse is one of the most popular, with 97 winding stairs up to a viewing deck.
When it comes to the outdoors, don’t miss the underwater caverns of Cave Point County Park, the sandy beaches of Whitefish Dunes State Park, the trails and cliffs of Potawatomi State Park, and kayaking and canoeing on inland lakes and rivers.
Escape from: Milwaukee (160 miles) or Chicago (250 miles)
Las Vegas to Kanab
By Kristin of That Traveling Family
Kanab, Utah, is the perfect getaway spot for outdoor lovers in the Southwest, located along the state’s border with Arizona. The 3-hour road trip to Utah from Las Vegas takes you through beautiful red mountain passes and otherworldly landscapes, but make sure to plan time for a pit stop at Zion National Park along the way.
Just off the highway about 160 miles into the trip, you’ll come upon Zion with its canyon and incredible hikes like the Narrows and Angels Landing. Plan for at least half a day to see the views, but you could easily spend a week or more exploring all that Zion has to offer.
A half-hour drive from Zion, Kanab is the perfect home base at the center of natural wonders like The Wave and Rainbow Mountains in Arizona, and Utah’s Toadstool Hoodoos and Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Many people flock to the famous Antelope Canyon, a short hop across the border from Kanab in Page, Arizona, but we recommend checking out Wire Pass, a gorgeous tall and tight slot canyon just outside of Kanab. You can hike the 3.5-mile trail on your own without any crowds — at least for now — or continue on through the Wire Pass slot into Buckskin Gulch, the longest slot canyon in North America.
After all the hiking, head over to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park for dune buggy riding or sand sledding. If you have a bit more time, Kanab is the perfect jumping-off point for day trips to Bryce Canyon, Zion, the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and other incredible things to do in Utah and Arizona.
Escape from: Las Vegas (200 miles)
Columbus to Hocking Hills State Park
By Katie of Zen Life and Travel
Hocking Hills State Park, located in Logan, Ohio, is only 1 hour from the big city of Columbus, but it feels like a different world. Within the park, you’ll find caves, waterfalls, gorges, rock formations, forests, and miles and miles of beautiful hiking trails.
One of the most popular areas in Hocking Hills is Old Man’s Cave. In addition to longer trails connecting to other areas, you’ll find an easy 1-mile path through Old Man’s Cave that will take you by the “Devil’s Bathtub,” a natural whirlpool.
Another great spot is Ash Cave. You can take an easy walk on the Ash Cave Gorge trail to get up close to a beautiful waterfall or follow the half-mile Ash Cave Rim trail for a bird’s eye view of the area.
The rural Hocking Hills region is a popular day-trip spot, but you can also spend the night in one of the many cabins, cottages and campgrounds here for a little staycation. You’ll find everything from bare-bones accommodations to romantic, luxury stays with private decks and hot tubs.
Escape from: Columbus (60 miles), Indianapolis (225 miles), Louisville (235 miles) or Detroit (260 miles)
Denver to the Pikes Peak Region
By Corritta of Itz a Family Thing
If you would like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life of Denver, look no further than the Pikes Peak Region of Colorado Springs. The two big cities are just an hour and a half apart, but you’ll feel a world away when you step into the nature lover’s paradise of West Colorado Springs. Here, countless hiking trails reward you with unparalleled views of hills, gorgeous rock structures, and Instagram worthy lookouts. The area is packed with activities for everyone from families to adventure seekers.
The first stop on your list should be the Garden of the Gods, a beautiful landscape of sandstone rock formations in a 1,300-acre park. There are more than 20 miles of trails to choose from that range from easy and mostly flat to moderate inclines, offering an option for everyone. Nearby Red Rock Canyon Open Space also has pedestrian and bike paths between the rusty-hued formations.
Drive 10 miles west of the Garden to reach the Pikes Peak Highway, a winding, 19-mile toll road full of scenic lookouts weaving up a mountain. The 14,115-foot peak inspired the song “America the Beautiful” and offers a rare opportunity for car travelers to reach a summit this high and see five surrounding states on clear summer days.
Escape from: Denver (70 miles)
Philadelphia to the Pocono Mountains
By Derek and Mike of Robe Trotting
When the weather is hot in Philadelphia, it’s nice to retreat to the cooler mountains and the shaded hiking spots north of the city. Luckily the Poconos, the mountains of Pennsylvania’s northeast, are about two hours away. The natural beauty of the area is incredible and visiting the Poconos is one of the best day trips from Philadelphia with many great options.
There are acres upon acres of state parks and protected green space in and around the Poconos. A few of the best places to plan an escape from Philadelphia are Promised Land State Park, Bushkill Falls and Ricketts Glen State Park, just outside the Poconos. These destinations provide enchanting trails and wooded scenery that you just can’t find in the city. Both Ricketts Glen and Bushkill have majestic waterfalls, though swimming is prohibited in most areas of each.
If you’re looking to cool down further and break up the drive, make a stop off the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Allentown. That’s where you’ll find another attraction, Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, a combination amusement and water park that’s about midway between Philadelphia and the Poconos.
Escape from: Philadelphia (120 miles), NYC (100 miles), Baltimore (190 miles)
or DC (230 miles)
Memphis to Hot Springs National Park
By Jessica of Unearth the Voyage
One of the best nature-filled vacations from Memphis, Tennessee, is Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. A 3-hour drive from the city will transport you to a quaint, mountainside town that looks like it’s straight out of the early 1900s. Along the drive, don’t forget to stop in Little Rock to sample a little something Arkansas does well – fried catfish.
Bathhouse Row is the show-stopper in this little city. The bathhouses in Hot Springs were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s as a place for people from all over the country to come and experience the healing thermal waters in this area. Several bathhouses still stand today and are a great way to experience what it would have been like to visit here over a hundred years ago.
On the outskirts of town, Hot Springs National Park has trails that lead away from the bathhouses and into the Ouachita National Forest. Summer is a perfect time to visit Hot Springs as there is some sort of fun event, festival or live music happening almost every weekend.
Escape from: Memphis (190 miles) or Dallas (290 miles)
Austin or San Antonio to Enchanted Rock
By Stephen of MonkBoughtLunch
Austinites love the outdoors, and with the Texas Hill Country just on the doorstep of both the Texas capital and nearby San Antonio, it certainly isn't hard to find a natural escape for a weekend out of the city. While the Hill Country region offers plenty of options, one of the most unique in terms of both physical landscape and local legend is the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area near the city of Fredericksburg.
The massive pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock is visible from miles away – and the view from the short trail to the top is equally large. The hike up the rock is the main tourist draw, but the park is also popular with rock climbers and campers, many of whom spend the weekend enjoying the peaceful surroundings and exploring around 10 miles of trails within the natural area. The park does get busy, so be sure to reserve in advance on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website when planning a visit.
Less than two hours from Austin or San Antonio (without significant traffic), the drive toward Enchanted Rock transitions to the scenic rolling landscape characteristic of Texas Hill Country as you leave the cities.
Escape from: San Antonio (90 miles), Austin (95 miles), Houston (250 miles) or Dallas-Fort Worth (240 miles)
New York City to Fire Island
By Tori of Tori Leigh
Less than 3 hours and under 70 miles from New York City sits the picturesque sandy seashore of Fire Island. Quieter and more family-friendly than the Hamptons’ beaches, Fire Island offers the perfect summer escape from the big city.
From New York City, beach vacationers will need to take the Long Island Rail Road to Bayshore and hop on the Fire Island Ferry. With no major roads on Fire Island, its communities, like Ocean Beach, preserve the natural essence of a beach vacation.
Rent a beach house, enjoy the sunrise on the shore, and indulge in one of the many seafood restaurants as you watch the sunset over the Great South Bay. Don’t miss a visit to the Fire Island Lighthouse, which overlooks the western side of the island.
Additionally, visitors can explore a true sunken maritime forest and the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness area. Visitors will feel miles away from New York City surrounded by nature and beach wildlife.
Escape from: NYC (60 miles) or Philadelphia (150 miles)