10 Weekend Trips To Take This Summer

Those of you who always seem to struggle with setting aside time for a full vacation should take advantage of a relaxing (or adventurous) weekend getaway instead – after all, it is summer.

Lake Placid, which is set in the Adirondacks, has a rich winter sports history but it also offers many summer activities. The Olympic Center is open, offering bobsled and luge rides with a professional. Many nearby waterways are perfect for paddling – whether that be by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. If you're looking for a spectacular place to stay, consider the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa – a beautiful lakeside lodge. Tip: For the experience of a lifetime, make sure that you go whitewater rafting with Adirondac Rafting Co.

Acadia has long been known for its stunningly rugged natural coastline, and the best way to take it all in is from the water during the summer months. This national park is one of the best spots to paddle the U.S. coastline. Visitors can also go hiking, camping, and storm watching on the Schoodic Peninsula, and view the gorgeous sunrise over Cadillac Mountain.

This is a special place, and the summer is the time to experience it. Hiking, boat tours, trolley tours, ranger-guided programs, swimming, fishing, ranger talks, evening programs, camping, and other activities are offered. Explore old-growth forests or wildflower meadows and climb mountains for great views of the lake or hike to the lake itself. For a longer hike, try a backpacking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Tourists who want to have an enjoyable weekend on a modest budget should consider Nashville. There is plenty of free music, and the city hosts many cultural attractions that will entertain you throughout the weekend. Listen to music at the famous Bluebird Café, visit the Tennessee Agricultural Museum, watch free concerts by the Nashville Symphony, and take a stroll along the Music City Walk of Fame – all for free.

It is often called the most exclusive and romantic resort in all of the Florida Keys. It's discreetly located and so remote that it's only accessible by seaplane or boat, which makes it perfect for recharging for the week ahead. You won't find any phones or TVs – just a lot of opportunities for active adventures and a lot of fun – deep sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, skydiving, and even dolphin encounters.

Take a weekend road trip to clear your mind and help you recharge. This famous road was designed as a recreational drive. The iconic Blue Ridge Parkway provides both stunning scenery and close-up looks of the natural beauty through the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. Along the way you can go biking, hiking, golfing, motorcycle touring, wildlife watching, and even fishing.

Dunton Hot springs is a small, exclusive resort famous for pampering massages and sensuous hot springs. It's the perfect destination to get away to with your significant other. Enjoy the beauty of the San Juan Mountains, while staying in a luxurious tent and relaxing in the steamy hot springs, which have been shown to promote healthy skin and improve circulation within the body.

Duntonhotsprings.com   

Visit the ultimate paradise with your family in Hawaii. Try a new watersport, or go scuba diving and snorkeling. Have some fun in the sun at Waikiki Beach, take pictures by the beautiful Manoa Falls and walk the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. Then, take a private tour and visit the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and learn more about history and culture at the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Diamond Head State Monument and the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Plan a summer weekend getaway in Ocean City, Maryland. Spend quality time with your family listening to live music, playing mini golf, riding bikes together and participating in watersports. Walk along the Ocean City Boardwalk; rent a boat for the day and go jet skiing on the ocean. If you're looking for even more fun for the kids, visit the Pirate Adventures of Ocean City, Baja Amusements, the Candy Kitchen, and the Bahia Marina.

Walt Disney World is where the magic happens. There are so many parks to choose from and so many secret spots to explore. Visit Magic Kingdom for awesome rides including Space Mountain. Take a family picture in front of Cinderella's Castle. Book a "character meal" and eat lunch with your children's favorite characters. Visit Animal Kingdom and go on the Kilimanjaro Safari, then don't forget to watch the amazing Fantasmic! in Disney Hollywood Studios.