With flight costs skyrocketing over the last few years, many vacationers opt for a good old-fashioned road trip. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful places to visit within several hours of the First State. Whether you’re looking for wooded hikes and mountain views, pristine beaches or vibrant nightlife scenes, here are five road summer road trips from Delaware to help you savor the season.
(Drive times are Google Maps estimates from the nearest Delaware border to the destination. If you take one of these road trips, don’t forget to tag @delawaretodaymagazine on Instagram!)
Block Island – 5 Hours and 30 Minutes
This hidden gem is just a ferry ride away from Rhode Island. The ferry port is a five-and-a-half-hour drive from northern Delaware, and this is the perfect getaway for those craving a bit of adventure. With 17 miles of pristine beaches, 32 miles of hiking trails and bustling nightlife, this little island is an ideal destination for a getaway.
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Along with all the outdoor fun, restaurants and history to explore, the island also welcomes a sense of serenity. This charming destination is the perfect place to find your Zen, escape the hustle and bustle and relax for a few days.
Where to Stay: The Spring House Hotel is a charming, historic stay. The main building is the island’s largest and oldest hotel, dating back to 1852. Visit the Spring House Hotel online to learn more about the main hotel and other experiences it offers, including the Mott House, Barn Apartments, Seaside Home rentals and more.
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Blackwater Falls State Park – 4 hours and 45 minutes
Blackwater Falls is nestled in the Allegheny Mountains. Named for the amber color of the falls, the 57-foot cascading water at the center of this state park draws hikers and outdoors enthusiasts from all over. Visit the park for stunning views of Blackwater Falls, Elakala Falls, Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the region. Try whitewater rafting with Blackwater Outdoor Adventures based in Parsons, WV. Spend a day hiking out to various waterfalls, overlooks and more.
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This summer road trip is perfect for those who love outdoor adventures and rewarding hikes with incredible views.
Where to Stay: There are plenty of cabins and camping sites around the falls. Blackwater Falls State Park offers various room types at the lodge. Or, make it a group stay with an on-site cabin. There are also plenty of off-site accommodation options in the area, like this cozy cabin stay on Vrbo—perfect for a romantic getaway in the mountains before the end of summer.
Shenandoah National Park – 3 hours and 30 minutes
Shenandoah National Park is an ideal summer road trip and a must-visit for nature lovers. With cascading waterfalls, spectacular views, fields of wildflowers, wooded hollows, and gorgeous night skies, Shenandoah is perfect for avid hikers.
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The 200,000 acres of protected lands are a haven for deer, songbirds, black bears and plenty of other wildlife. Plus, the night skies with very little light pollution offer one more incredible view. If you’re planning an end-of-summer road trip, enjoy ranger-led Star Parties on Sundays after dark. Take a look at the night sky far away from any major light pollution. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way and the thousands of stars that make up constellations.
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Where to Stay: There are campsites around the park for those who prefer RV or tent camping. For information on permanent structure lodging, visit the Shenandoah lodging page. For a romantic cozy cabin stay, this Vrbo option with a stone fireplace, full kitchen and outdoor hot tub is a great pick any time of year.
Virginia Beach – 3 Hours
For a bustling coastal town with great nightlife, Virginia Beach is the perfect end-of-summer road trip. Virginia Beach is just three hours from southern Delaware, making it a great change of scenery for those who are used to the Delaware beach towns. Love craft beer? Taste your way through the Virginia Beach beer trail. For history buffs, there are plenty of historic cites further inland. The arts and culture scene also has much to offer in the ViBe Creative District.
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Where to Stay: There are plenty of options for lodging at Virginia Beach from luxury hotels and resorts to cabins and camping. The Virginia Beach Hotels & Resorts page is a great resource.
Ohiopyle State Park – 4 Hours
This Pennsylvania state park is another fun road trip for outdoor thrill-seekers. The Youghiogheny River Gorge offers rushing water perfect for white water rafting and kayaking. White Water Adventures provides a wide range of watersports experiences for experienced and inexperienced kayakers. Different sections of the river have a variety of levels of rapids, so whether you’re an expert or want to try a fun outdoor activity with your family, this state park and river gorge is the perfect place.
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Where to Stay: Ohiopyle’s downtown and surrounding area has plenty of charming lodging options. Camping options within the park include cottages, yurts, traditional RV and tent camping and several cabin options in the region. Reserve a campsite online or find a cabin stay, like this two-bedroom log cabin on Vrbo, for larger parties.
Related: 4 Amtrak Day Trips and Weekend Getaways From Wilmington
