TPG readers share their summer road trip and nearby getaway destinations

As states begin to reopen and travel gradually resumes, many of us are choosing to stay closer to home for summer getaways instead of jetting off to far-flung locales. For some, hitting the road is a fresh adventure; others are revisiting beloved family spots or discovering new ones nearby.

We asked TPG Lounge readers to tell us their favorite "nearcation" spots—places you can drive to from your home. Here are some of our top picks. (Some replies have been edited for style and clarity).

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Discovering the wonders of America's national parks

With national parks beginning to reopen for visitors, many TPG readers are planning budget-friendly road trips to enjoy the nation's natural beauty.

"I just purchased a lifetime pass from the National Park Service. Excited for a few road trips ahead!" — Laura H. W.

"I’m in northern California and planning to visit a spot near Yosemite and the Tuolumne region." — Jodi M.

"I’m currently on Maui and will drive to Haleakala National Park today. It just reopened conditionally with no entry fee, and it should be beautiful without the crowds, just like the rest of the island. I haven’t visited in over a decade. Yes, we're facing economic challenges, but every situation has its silver lining. The views up there are invaluable." — Peter P.

"Kona or Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. We’re scuba diving at Miloli'i today." — Grant W.

"I’m planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains from Cleveland." — Kat W. B.

"I’m converting my SUV into a 'car camper' and have invested in gear for extended camping. We’ll be exploring some national parks next month!" — Iris K.

"Based in Madison, Wisconsin, I’m considering a trip to Door County and Bayfield, or just renting a cabin in a remote area. Depending on how things unfold, I might also visit the Badlands later this summer." — Katy S.

Beach getaways, lakes, and escaping the heat

Some TPG readers shared their strategies for escaping the summer heat by visiting the beach, enjoying the cooler mountain air, or exploring the Great Lakes.

"I miss living in Boston. There are so many wonderful places along the New England coast to enjoy in the summer. I love Cape Cod, Portsmouth in New Hampshire, and Portland, Maine!" — Gloria L.

"We reside in Boston and typically take our dogs along to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Lake George, New York every summer. I'm unsure about this year though; it might be challenging to find dog-friendly restaurants and accommodations as places reopen, and hotels often don’t allow dogs to be left alone in rooms." — Kristen L.

"Summers in Arizona are incredibly hot! Right now, we’re enjoying staycations wherever the best pools are available. Fortunately, our school schedule is modified year-round, giving us only a seven-week summer break that just started yesterday. I’m in the Phoenix area, where we have fantastic resorts with water parks; some are still closed due to staffing issues, but a few are open, which is great since it’s expected to hit 109°F this Friday." — Mandy S.

"Maine requires a 14-day quarantine for out-of-state visitors this summer, so you can visit but you won’t be able to (legally) do much beyond relaxing at your rental — not that there’s anything wrong with that! I’m trying to decide on a destination myself." — Chris H.

"I’m in North Carolina and planning to spend a week in the Virginia Blue Ridge followed by a week at the North Carolina beaches." — Marci H. P

"I’m in Tucson, searching for a drive to either the beach or the mountains to escape the 104°F heat. I was supposed to arrive in Rome today. The beach would be around the San Diego area; the mountains could be the Arizona White Mountains or possibly the Colorado Rockies." — Sara V.

"I’m from Chicago as well. Cedar Point in Ohio and Lake Erie are fantastic, about a five-hour drive away. I believe they’re opening this year; last I heard they were planning to open later this season." — Erica M.

"Living in Tampa, I have Orlando and Miami just 1.5 to hours away. Plenty of theme parks and beaches!" — Brandon B. W.

Budget-friendly vacations

Other TPG readers are fortunate to reside in regions rich with outdoor activities and attractions that allow for an affordable summer staycation, or opportunities to visit family and friends for a quick escape.

"I'm not sure if hotels are open, but every summer I go to Scottsdale, Arizona because luxury hotels offer deep discounts and are not crowded. It’s great to enjoy their pools." — Nicole S.

"I drove from Chicago to San Antonio. It was a long journey, but I stayed with a friend who has a pool, which was lovely for a break from the city. I took all the necessary precautions along the way. It wasn’t too bad—Dallas would have been a lot easier than San Antonio (four hours shorter); I split the trip into two days and stayed at a nice hotel in Little Rock. It was helpful having a free place to stay." — Tim S.

"I live in Boise, which is incredible on its own (no joke), but within an hour in either direction, we have fantastic wine country, arid deserts, beautiful reservoirs, and stunning forested mountains with hot springs and trails. We own some land in the forest and have been camping there without cell service while enjoying Idaho wine. It’s wonderful." — Kristen J.

"I’m on the western slope of the Sierra Foothills. I won’t visit crowded places until this pandemic is behind us. I want to avoid affecting small resort communities. Instead, I'll take my kayak uphill to paddle or pedal on some smaller lakes. I might also drive over Highway 88 to explore the five mountain passes." — Cate M.

"I live in New Braunfels — known as the staycation capital of Texas. I don’t have to travel far at all." — Dave A.

"I just drove to Hudson Valley to finally pack up my daughter’s dorm room, and it was absolutely stunning. With access to a private house in Maine, we plan to stock up on food, enjoy lakeside living, and self-quarantine by the water." — Cheryl D.

"I’ll be spending all my free time in Wisconsin. I just had an amazing long weekend in the Northwoods boating, golfing, dining at restaurants and bars, and feeling like life is normal again." — Dan H.

"We took our trailer to Door County last weekend, and it was fantastic to be back! We plan to return and hopefully visit Minnesota and Colorado as well. Paris in August has been canceled." — Anna K.

"From the Cincinnati area — we’re planning at least one trip to the Lake Erie Shores and Islands in Ohio, and possibly a visit to the Smokies. Cedar Point if they're open. As roller coaster enthusiasts, we enjoy exploring the entire region. I want to support the area that’s struggling while the park remains closed!" — Dara E.

"Portland, Oregon: We’re in a prime location for mountain hiking, waterfall visits, beach day trips, and wine country, and we're working on our McMenamins Passport when they reopen; it's a really fun chain of brewpubs featuring local art and often quirky historic buildings or interesting spots (even the occasional boring strip mall)." — CK S.

"This weekend, I’ll be visiting the Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River, Oregon. It’s my favorite place." — Taran P.