You’ve got the perfect playlist. A killer new pair of shades. And the wide-open road to explore. Now for the escape plan. We’ve mapped out the quickest driving getaways, from California’s West Coast to New York’s East End. As if you needed another reason to look forward to Friday.
Ojai, CA: 83 miles from Los Angeles
A quick 90-minute jaunt from LA, this California Shangri-la has all the essentials: palm tree-dotted landscapes, Spanish Revival architecture and a laid-back local culture.
For lunch, try the Mexican-inspired dishes at Farmer and the Cook, where the organic ingredients are grown at the owners’ 16-acre farm. The Ojai Farmers’ Market (open Sundays) is the place to score regional gourmet goodies.
Montauk, New York: 117 miles from New York City
Montauk is the antithesis of see-and-be-seen Hamptons: The relaxed surfer haven has fewer crowds and a low-key boho-chic vibe.
If you didn’t bring your own wheels, rent a ZipCar and grab an Aloha smoothie (fresh pineapple, coconut, mango and banana) to-go from Joni’s Kitchen before driving to Ditch Plains to hang ten with the surfer dudes and Montauk Point Lighthouse for a killer Instagram shot.
Eat dinner al fresco at The Crow’s Nest — we love the blue crab claw tagliatelle and the Montauk striped bass — or nosh on mouthwatering sushi (the tuna, crispy calamari and avocado roll is a must) at Inlet Seafood Restaurant, the best spot to watch the sun set over the water. Later in the evening, kick back with a cold one and chat up locals at the Montauk Brewing Company.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA: 123 miles from San Francisco
Just off California’s Highway 1 is the quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea, a strip of windswept coastline popular for its dramatic beaches and thriving arts scene. Head to San Carlos and Dolores streets to tour eye-popping galleries like James J. Rieser Fine Art, Gallerie Amsterdam and Classic Art Gallery.
A 20-minute drive southeast, you’ll find Carmel Valley, where stylish boutiques and bistros line the streets. Sip flights of wine at the Georis Winery, then continue the wine crawl at L’Auberge Carmel‘s intimate restaurant, with a 4,500-bottle cellar.
Grand Haven, MI: 171 miles from Chicago
When you live in a landlocked state, a coastal vacation is not exactly on your drive-distance radar. But lucky for Chicagoans, Grand Haven’s stretch of sugary sand is a damn good substitute. Most days are spent swimming in Lake Michigan’s turquoise water, but if you want a break from the beach, the charming town has plenty to offer.
Follow the locals to the divey Morning Star Cafe, and make sure to order the Hawaiian ham crepe (thinly sliced ham, onion, cilantro and habanero cheese topped with homemade pineapple salsa and honey mustard hollandaise) with a side of chorizo hashbrowns.
For lunch, suck down plates of fresh oysters at The Grand Seafood & Oyster Bar, then walk three blocks to Snug Harbor and refresh with a martini on the rooftop deck. And in the evening, there’s no better place to catch the sunset than on the pier attached to the picture-perfect Grand Haven State Park lighthouse.
Charlottesville, Virginia: 116 miles from Washington D.C.
Beyond the capital lie the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains filled with pine and oak trees and bathed in a dark blue hue. Your base is Charlottesville, a town cloaked in Colonial charm and known for its former presidential residents, James Monroe and Thomas Jefferson.
Although Jefferson’s Monticello estate is top of the sight-seeing list, set time aside to stroll the Historic Downtown Mall, a brick pedestrian hub in the heart of C-ville that’s a foodie paradise: there’s the Spanish small plates at Mas Tapas, Southern soul food at Ace Biscuit & Barbecue, and upscale French cuisine at Fleurie Restaurant.
Some of Virginia’s best vintages are produced at the area’s more than 20 wineries. Among those worth a visit: Barboursville, Pippin Hill and White Hall. Prefer hops? Don’t miss South Street Brewery on the Brew Ridge Trail.
Breckenridge, CO: 80 miles from Denver
If you picture the Rockies as a winter-only escape, think again. Come summer, Breckenridge morphs into a playground for adrenaline junkies. Ride Peak 8 Fun Park‘s luge-style SuperSlide or hop on the new two-stage zipline. The Adventure Company offers full moon whitewater rafting trips, complete with glow sticks and a fajita feast at the end of the white-knuckling trip.
Looking for more relaxed pursuits? There’s free, weekly outdoor concerts in the Arts District, culminating with the 10-day Breckenridge International Festival of Arts in August. Or, you could spend your days sampling local brews.
Start at Canteen Tap House and Tavern, followed by Après Handcrafted Libations. It’s also worth checking out Broken Compass and Breckenridge breweries.
Key West, FL: 160 miles from Miami
Not far from the brazen bodies of the hot Miami scene is this quiet four-mile island that’s packed with history and a surprising number of top-notch restaurants.
Start the morning off with a café con leche at White Street Sandwich Shop. A five block walk leads to El Siboney Restaurant, an authentic Cuban spot in a low-key residential hood. Tuck into a heaping plate of black beans, plantains, roast pork and yellow rice.
Get a feel for Key West’s literary history with a visit to Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, then head to Duval Street for some boutique-hopping: Wanderlust and Lippy’s Hot Hats are two favorites.
Kennebunkport, ME: 84 miles from Boston
This classic waterfront town has all the trappings of a quintessential New England escape, from the sleepy harbor and sandy beaches to fresh lobster and postcard-perfect views.
We love Coastal Jewelers for its Tourmaline gems mined in Maine and Sea Glass Jewelry Studio, which sells pendants of emerald greens, milky whites and hazy aquas. Hop on a cruiser from Kennebunkport Bicycle, and make your way to Goose Rocks Beach, an ideal place to kick-back with a summer read.
For dinner, there’s the upscale Earth at Hidden Pond by James Beard award-winning chef Ken Oringer. What to order? Cult favorite wood-fired lobster, with green garlic butter, fava beans, meyer lemon and curry leaf.
Bend, OR: 163 miles from Portland
Despite its rainy reputation, Bend is coveted by Portlanders as one of the West Coast’s best-kept secrets due to its glorious summers and craggy terrain. The Old Mill District, a historic area comprised of shops, restaurants and galleries, is intersected by a calm strip of the 252-mile Deschutes River, where families paddleboard and tube under pedestrian bridges.
Summer jams play from the riverfront Les Schwab Amphitheater, which hosts headliners like Alabama Shakes. Nosh on West Coast sushi and innovative Thai plates at 5 Fusion & Sushi Bar, helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Joe Kim, Jr. We recommend the shogun roll with unagi, spicy salmon, escolar, asparagus and avocado.
Do like the locals do and hit the trails: Smith Rock is a hardcore climber’s heaven, thanks to its challenging spires, and South Canyon Reach is ideal for novice hikers – just don’t forget your camera.
This article originally appeared on Marriott TRAVELER. It is republished with permission and in partnership with RIZZARR.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
