Sometimes the only way to truly love New Orleans is to leave it. Whether you're fleeing from the brutally hot and humid weather or simply looking for a respite from the Big Easy's riot of colors and sounds, here are a few of the best day trips from New Orleans.

Get swampy in Barataria Preserve

There are all sorts of swamp tours that operate out of New Orleans – we're even recommending one below – but one of our favorite ways to experience the south Louisiana wetlands is a visit to Barataria Preserve, a national park located about 25 miles south of New Orleans. Easy trails – dirt and boardwalk – thread through the swamps, and you may be able to spot local alligators, although wildlife viewing is often hindered by prolific invasive water flora. On your way back to New Orleans, make sure to pop into the superlatively good Tan Dinh for some excellent Vietnamese food.

How to get to Barataria Preserve: Take US-90 and cross the Crescent City Connection Bridge over the Mississippi to the New Orleans West Bank. From US-90, take exit 4B to access Barataria Blvd which takes you to the preserve.

Learn about the history of slavery at the Whitney Plantation

A cluster of restored mansions sits roughly 50 miles west of New Orleans, with the Whitney being the most interesting of the bunch to visit. While most plantations now pay lip service to the history of slavery, the Whitney is a museum dedicated to unpacking the grim institution. Through a series of thoughtful exhibits, the Whitney demonstrates how the South did not just benefit from but was built upon chattel slavery.

How to get to the Whitney Plantation: The most direct route is I-10 West for about 40 miles, then detour south on LA-641 for another 10 miles.

Visit Cajun Country in Lafayette

Cajun country is as fabled a destination as New Orleans, a land of low prairies, deep swamps, good music and delicious meals that you may never want to let your cardiologist know about. "Acadiana," as the area is known, consists of many small towns scattered over southwest Louisiana. The capital of the region is Lafayette, a friendly small city located 140 miles west of New Orleans, packed with great food and excellent live music venues – don’t leave without stopping in for a night of dancing at the Blue Moon.

How to get to Lafayette: Take I-10 West for about 2-and-a-half hours. Part of the route goes through the preserved Atchafalaya Basin, one of the state’s remaining wild wetlands.

See small-town Louisiana in St Francisville

When the furnace of New Orleans gets too hot or you just need some small-town arts atmosphere, head north about 120 miles to St Francisville, a tidy bohemian retreat set amidst hills and forests. A glut of historical buildings, cute cafes, antique-and-artsy shopping and hiking trails through the woods makes for a perfect break from New Orleans.

How to get to St Francisville: Take I-10 West up through the state capital to Baton Rouge, take exit 8C to get on I-110 North. From there, take US-61 North to St Francisville.

Feel the beach vibes on the Mississippi Gulf Shore

Despite being totally tied to the water, there’s no real beach access in New Orleans, barring a few stretches of not very friendly sand on Lake Pontchartrain. While the beaches of Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island, Alabama, are pretty lovely, they’re also a fair distance. Consider instead the decent sand, friendly restaurants and generally laid-back seashore vibe at Mississippi Gulf Coast towns like Bay St Louis and Gulfport. While this area can get inundated with day-trippers on hot weekends, you can still embark on a relatively quiet escape during the week.

How to get to Mississippi Gulf Shore: It depends on where you’re going, but this advice applies from Biloxi to the Alabama border – just head east on I-10.

Visit sleepy (but a little weird) North Shore

The north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is made up of several bedroom suburbs of New Orleans and radiates a more sedate vibe than what you’ll find in the Crescent City. Attractions include sampling some brews at the Abita Brewery or exploring the surreal madness of the Abita Mystery House, one of the state’s great roadside attractions. Need a place to stay? Cabins at Fontainebleau State Park are raised on stilts over Lake Pontchartrain and make for a supremely relaxing, breezy escape.

How to get to the North Shore: To cross Lake Pontchartrain, take I-10 West and exit to cross the Pontchartrain Causeway, one of the largest bridges in the world.

Smell the flowers and taste the hot sauce in New Iberia

The hazy, humid town of New Iberia sits about 140 miles west of New Orleans. On the sleepy main streets you’ll find the well-preserved plantation of Shadows on the Teche, and just outside of town is the area’s main attraction: Avery Island (not really much of island), home of a huge salt mine and the headquarters of Tabasco, the iconic hot sauce maker. You can take a tour of the Tabasco Factory, and afterward amuse yourself by exploring the nearby Jungle Gardens, a sort of hybrid botanical retreat, wildlife preserve, aviary and a slice of historical trivia.

How to get to New Iberia: US-90 West gets you almost 100 percent into New Iberia, and you’ll get to see some low-lying Louisiana prairie and farmland on the way.

Paddle Louisiana swamps

While it’s great fun to trod a boardwalk at Barataria or watch an old fisherman point out gators on a motorized boat tour, there’s something utterly otherworldly about paddling the Louisiana swamps. It’s a strange, primal, beautiful experience; you are at once present in the midst of the bayou, yet also deeply aware that you are a visitor to this ecosystem, a fish out of water (or a human gliding across it, more accurately).

Louisiana Lost Land Tours, conducted by local environmental experts, give participants an excellent kayaking experience, as well as a solid grounding in the unique environmental issues confronting south Louisiana.

How to get to the Louisiana swamps: Lost Lands will help you coordinate the launching point for your swamp adventure.

Experience the spectacle of sporty Baton Rouge

A lot of New Orleanians blow off Baton Rouge – named for a red stick used as a geographic marker by local Native Americans. This may be known as the state’s grey, faceless capital, yet it's also a sprawling town with some decent attractions. Football games at LSU are a non-stop display of pageantry and spectacle; it's a glimpse into the football-mad world of the American South where a tailgating party is a monumental sports moment. For a quieter experience, the Rural Life Museum is a window onto the state’s past.

How to get to Baton Rouge: The "BR" is an easy 80-mile trek northwest of New Orleans via I-10.

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This article was originally published on August 20, 2019.

Swamps, small towns and cajun food: Top 9 day trips from New Orleans

As the gateway to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon offers visitors a broad range of activities, from coastal viewpoints to volcanic peaks to rolling hills flush with vineyards.

If you’re willing to drive (and drive a lot), there are a slew of trips that each provide their own uniquely Oregon experience, whether you’re looking for outdoor scenery, extreme adventure, or a dose of literary and culinary history. From scenic day trips to multi-day excursions, here are our favorite road trips in Oregon.

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

Best road trip for scenic photographers
Start – La Grande; End – Baker City; Distance – 213 miles

For the family looking for a long weekend escape or the adventurous #vanlife couple angling for that next great travel vlog, the Wallowa Mountains and Hells Canyon Scenic Byway are bristling with opportunities for road-trippers who enjoy an active respite from the hours on the asphalt.

Winding mountain roads take you through a handful of Oregon’s most iconic small towns, including La Grande, Joseph (bonus points if you listen to the band of the same name on your way through), and concluding in Baker City.

Midway through the trip, be sure to stop off at Wallowa Lake State Park, home of the impressive Wallowa Mountain Range, and a large part of what makes this one of the best road trips in Oregon. Nicknamed “Little Switzerland” for its pristine glacial peaks and fresh alpine air, Wallowa Lake and the surrounding Eagle Cap Wilderness also feature a tramway, where visitors can ascend to the top of the impressive Mount Howard, over 8000ft above sea level.

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The 101: PNW edition

Best road trip for beachgoers
Start – Bandon; End – Pacific City; Distance – 168.5 miles

Monumental, jagged cliffs overhang crashing waves as seals, whales and other wildlife make their home in the murky blue depths below. The Oregon coast remains one of the most picturesque locations in the country, and, consequently, one of the best road trips for scenery the Beaver state has to offer.

The trip starts in Bandon, a small but oft-mentioned town about 100 miles north of the California border. Play a round at the legendary Bandon Dunes Golf Course (where the PGA Junior Tour is held each year), and try to leave with the same number of golf balls you arrived with.

Next, as the 101 winds its way east from the coastal cliffs, stop off in Florence, an inlet town at the mouth of the Siuslaw River (and only 60 minutes from Eugene), for a night or a weekend spent four-wheeling across the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

For the extra bold, the Siuslaw Dunes Daybreak Racing offers a 25k or 50k footrace that treks across the dunes, the beach, and a forest trail all in the same course. After that, visit Nye’s Beach in Newport, located almost exactly halfway up the Oregon coast, and only an hour outside of Corvallis, home to Oregon State University.

Don’t let your visit pass by without a tour of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse (originally erected in 1871), and keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales in the early fall. The last stop on this epic coastal tour is Pacific City, site of yet another coastal dune and the flagship location of Oregon’s own Pelican Brewing, where guests can sip on hop-laden Pacific Northwest IPAs or the flagship Kiwanda Cream Ale while watching the Dory Boats (a traditional, flat-bottomed boat meant to sit on top of the surf) launch from the shore.

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Trace Oregon’s literary history

The best road trip for book lovers
Start – Bridge of the Gods (Columbia River Gorge); End – Salem; Distance – 87 miles

Whether you’re an Oregon native or just a really big fan of Powell’s Books, this road trip itinerary features the state’s most well-known literary landmarks. The first stop includes a short drive up the Columbia River Gorge to the Bridge of the Gods, where Cheryl Strayed, author of the memoir Wild, finished her inspirational journey on the Pacific Crest Trail. Enjoy fantastic views of the Columbia River, as well as the feeling of being just one degree removed from literary stardom.

Next, venture from the Gorge into Portland, where you can spend time visiting all of the highlighted passages in Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby series, from her iconic home on Klickitat Street to Central Library, where Cleary worked when she first conceived of the novels.

Follow the Multnomah County Library’s “ Walking with Ramona ” for a full list of locations and the literary events that happened there.

Finish off your real-life book tour by visiting the site of Ken Kesey’s famous novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in Salem. While the book was based on an unnamed location in Oregon, the movie was filmed in the Oregon State Hospital, transformed in 2012 into the Oregon State Museum of Mental Health.

Especially eager bibliophiles can also add the State Library of Oregon to their list, located just across town in the historic district.

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Surf & Turf: The Hood to Coast road trip

The best road trip for outdoor enthusiasts
Start – Portland; End – Rockaway Beach; Distance – 222 miles

A long-running PNW sufferfest, the Hood to Coast relay is an annual summer tradition that brings runners across the varied terrain of Oregon’s volcanic peaks all the way to the rocky coast. But, why run when you can drive, and ski, and surf, all in the same day?

While most easily completed from Portland, this road trip itinerary can technically be started anywhere. The first stop is the well-known Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, where skiers, snowboarders and sledders can find skiable snow in season almost six months out of the year. After spending the morning shredding the slopes, trade the bibs for a wetsuit and start your trek to the coast.

Just under three hours away, Rockaway Beach is a somewhat lesser-visited beach with a great local restaurant scene. If you leave the slopes after lunch, you’ll arrive just in time for an evening wave sesh as the sun sets over the scenic coastline. Top off your surf n’ turf day with a surf n’ turf meal at the Old Town Smokehouse, a no-frills seafood joint that’s been impressing locals and tourists alike for decades.

The Fruit Loop

The best road trip for foodies
Start – Hood River; End – Hood River; Distance – 35 miles

Oregon’s seasonal fruit crops offer a tasty reward to anyone who can make it through the wet winter months. Beginning just above Hood River off of Highway 35, this 35-mile Fruit Loop features 25 different fruit stands, farms and u-pick centers that feature the Pacific Northwest’s finest selection of homegrown fruit.

Start with a fresh pear picking at The Gorge White House, followed by a fresh cider tasting at Fox Tail Cider & Distillery. Move onto lunch at the Packer Orchards & Bakery, and give your lavender picking skills a test at the renowned Hood River Lavender Farm.

Not sure you can do it all in one visit? The beauty of the Fruit Loop is that the fruits vary season to season, making this an easy choice as one of the best road trips in Oregon for foodies and fresh-picking fanatics alike.

Catch fresh Hood Strawberries in the early summer, blackberries and cherries in the middle of July, or the reliably delicious Oregon apples in the fall.

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City streets and cow-dotted pastures, windswept beaches and forest-covered mountains: Massachusetts offers an incredible diversity of landscapes. The state is small, but its scenery will satisfy your craving for eye candy (surely the foremost requirement for a rewarding road trip).

When you're ready for a pit stop, the Commonwealth has you covered, with a tantalizing spread of local specialties, such as fruit and vegetables straight from the farm and succulent seafood right out of the ocean. So fuel up, because you have a lot to do. Massachusetts trips show off four centuries of dramatic history, rich displays of artistry and creativity and thrilling opportunities for outdoor adventure. Here are the six best Massachusetts road trips.

Coastal New England

Travel stats: 6-8 days; 240 miles

This drive follows the southern New England coast. A week of whale-watching, maritime museums and sailboats will leave you feeling pleasantly waterlogged.

From a pirate's perspective, there was no better base in Colonial America than Newport, given the easy access to trade routes and friendly local merchants. Until 1723, that is, when the new governor ceremoniously hanged 26 sea bandits at Gravelly Point. This classic trip highlights the region's intrinsic connection to the sea, from upstart pirates to upper-crust merchants, from Gloucester fisherfolk to New Bedford whalers, from clipper ships to submarines.

Pilgrim Trail

Travel stats: 4-5 days; 147 miles

Your car is a time machine, transporting you back 400 years. The region's living museums allow you to experience firsthand what life was like for the colonists as they settled in the New World. Explore the sites and structures – churches and trading posts, homesteads and grist mills – that are still standing from those early days.

Cape Cod & the Islands

Travel stats: 5-7 days; 128 miles

A drive down the cape offers a beach for every mood. Besides sun, surf and sand, there are lighthouses to climb, oysters to eat, art and antiques to buy, and trails to hike.

As the sun sets and the sky darkens, you slide your car into place alongside dozens of others facing the massive screen. Roll down the window, feel the salty breeze and recline your seat. After an exhilarating day at the beach, it's time to sit back and enjoy a double feature at the drive-in. Sounds like something out of a 1950s fantasy? It's summer on Cape Cod.

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Around Cape Ann

Travel stats: 2-3 days; 54 miles

Somebody – a New Englander, no doubt – once said that “the humble clam…reaches its quintessence when coated and fried.” The big-bellied bivalve – lightly battered and deeply fried – supposedly originated in Essex, Massachusetts, so Cape Ann is an ideal place to sample the New England specialty. This North Shore route takes you from clam shack to clam shack, with breaks in between eating for beachcombing, bird-watching, gallery hopping and plenty of picture-taking.

Berkshire Back Roads

Travel stats: 2-3 days; 31 miles

These country roads offer a mix of cultural riches, sweet farmland and mountain scenery. In summer, enjoy music and dance in the open air; in autumn, indulge in apples straight from the orchard.

Pack a picnic of farm-fresh fruit and local cheese, spread your blanket on the lush green lawns, and settle in for an evening of world-class music under the stars. Or world-class dance. Or Shakespeare. Or experimental theater. Indeed, for every day you spend hiking the hills and photographing the scenery, you can spend an evening taking in a cultural masterwork.

Mohawk Trail

Travel stats: 2-3 days; 46 miles

New England's oldest scenic highway offers invigorating art and architecture, stimulating action and adventure, and spectacular mountain scenery – everything you need for a weekend getaway.

The road winds ever upward. Suddenly, around a bend, there's a clearing in the forest and the landscape sprawls out in a colorful tapestry, yielding views across the valley and into neighboring states. Welcome to the Western Summit of the Mohawk Trail, a 63-mile stretch of scenic byway, showing off raging rivers, idyllic farms and forest-covered mountains. Drivers, beware: it's practically impossible to keep your eyes on the road.

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From coastal drives to historic trails, these are Massachusetts' best road trips

Toronto offers plenty to see and do, but there are more places in Ontario worth adding to your bucket list.

In the fall, the surrounding area brightens up in the gold and yellow hues of autumn, making this season the perfect time to start exploring. From great winemakers to incredible nature trails and delicious local eats, here are some fun and easy day trips you can make from Toronto, all of which also attract locals.

Sample wine in Prince Edward County

While the vineyards of Niagara-on-the-Lake are well-loved by many Torontonians, Prince Edward County is becoming another favorite destination for wine lovers. They may be newer to the scene, but with a few dozen wineries perfecting their craft in the County, they certainly know what they’re doing.

Prince Edward County is also a popular getaway destination for millennials, as it’s home to Instagram-worthy spots like the June Motel and the Drake Devonshire Inn. "Rosé all day," as they say.

How to get to Prince Edward County: If you’re visiting on a weekday, ride the Greyhound bus from Toronto to Belleville, then take the Deseronto Transit bus into Prince Edward County. Otherwise, you’ll have to rent a car for the 2¼-hour drive.

See the Grotto in Tobermory

The Grotto might be the most beautiful natural wonder in Ontario. Located in Bruce Peninsula National Park, the Grotto is a limestone sea cave with stunningly crystal-clear water, and fun to swim through. Book online in advance to secure a 4-hour time slot at one of the limited parking spots. If you have more time, take a short ferry ride to see Flowerpot Island.

The drive to Tobermory from Toronto is more than 3 hours, so many locals prefer to stay overnight. But you can definitely make it a day trip if you start earlier and leave later. With incredible rock formations, clear blue waters and forested cliffs, the Bruce Peninsula is a stunner.

How to get to Tobermory: Rent a car for the 3½-hour drive. Alternatively, the Parkbus picks up near Toronto’s Bloor-Yonge Station at 8:30am with a drop-off at the Grotto for 1:30pm, then picks up from the Grotto at 5:30pm, returning to Bloor-Yonge Station at 10:15pm.

Get kitschy near Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a wonderful sight to see, but a trip there isn’t complete without a visit to the famous Clifton Hill Street. From wax museums, to mirror mazes, to haunted houses, there are tons of fun and carnivalesque attractions to explore in this little area. You can also enjoy sweet treats from the Fudge Factory and get an incredible view from high on the Niagara SkyWheel. It’s a great destination for both couples and families.

If you’re in the mood to get a little soaked, take a boat tour around Niagara Falls and see it up close. After dark, the falls are illuminated in a sea of colors against the city lights.

How to get to Niagara Falls: Travel from Toronto to Niagara Falls through GO Transit starting from Toronto’s Union Station or through Megabus from near the Toronto Eaton Centre. You can also rent a car for the 1½-hour drive.

Spot waterfalls in Hamilton

With more than 100 waterfalls in its vicinity, Hamilton has often been called the "waterfall capital of the world." Some require hiking on rough trails, some you can walk right up to, and some you can see in the comfort of your air-conditioned vehicle. Parking lots can get busy during the weekends, but don’t park illegally – the Hamilton police keep an eagle eye out for infractions.

After you’ve exhausted the waterfall hikes, grab a meal (and perhaps a drink) along King William Street. This popular street in downtown Hamilton is filled with trendy and amazing restaurants such as Black Forest Inn (great German food) and HAMBRGR (unique burgers).

How to get to Hamilton: To visit Hamilton from Toronto, take GO Transit from Toronto’s Union Station or rent a car for the 45-minute drive.

Experience the Bard in Stratford

Stratford is a beautiful town filled with arts, culture and a love for all things Shakespeare. The Stratford Festival is a theater festival running annually from spring to fall, with around half a million visitors each year.

Catch a live performance at the Avon Theatre, grab some of the best vegan food you’ll ever have at The Planet Diner and sample local stouts and ales at the Shakespeare Brewing Company. If you didn’t already know, Stratford is also famous as the hometown of Justin Bieber.

How to get to Stratford: Take the VIA Rail from Toronto’s Union Station or rent a car for the 1¾-hour drive. The Stratford Festival also offers a Direct Bus from Union Station to Stratford for theater ticket holders.

Get outdoors at Blue Mountain

A popular skiing destination in the winter, Blue Mountain offers year-round adventure activities including canoeing, kayaking, zip-lining and mountain biking.

Once you’ve had your adventure fix, shop and dine in the adorable and picturesque Blue Mountain Village. While you’re there, check out the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, a rollercoaster-like ride up the mountain and through the trees. It’s quick but exciting, and you can control your own speed.

How to get to Blue Mountain: Take an AUC Tours shuttle in the winter or Greyhound bus year-round from Toronto to Blue Mountain Village or rent a car for the 2½-hour drive.

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This article was originally published on September 3, 2019.

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A road trip around Spain is an excellent way to explore the country’s unique natural and cultural heritage as well as savor its delectable cuisine at every pit stop. On the road, you’ll be awestruck by medieval castles and ancient cities, charming seaside towns, towering mountain ranges and coastlines that stretch for miles. Spain’s little pueblos (villages) offer a great respite to recharge with traditional tapas (small plates) among warm locals. Get in gear with these five outstanding driving routes to inspire your Spanish road trip itinerary.

Castilla y León road trip

Great road trip for medieval-era castles and churches

Start – Madrid; end – Salamanca; distance – approx 165 miles/265km – allow 2 days

Walled medieval cities, fortified castles, Romanesque architecture, Gothic cathedrals and Unesco World Heritage cities — this central Spain road trip takes you across plateaus with the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range and into some of Spain’s most outstanding historic towns in the Castilla and León region.

Departing from Madrid, the first stop just over an hour away is Segovia, famous for its magnificent Roman aqueduct, Gothic cathedral and the 12th-century Alcázar of Segovia castle. The next stop is the medieval-era walled town of Ávila, “the town of Stones and Saints”, known for having the most Gothic and Romanesque churches in Spain. Spend a day walking its cobblestone streets and visit the El Salvador Cathedral, San Vicente Basilica, and the Convent/ Museum of Saint Teresa, the town’s iconic saint. End your road trip in the charming university town of Salamanca, known as “La Cuidad de Oro” (“The Golden City”)  because its honey-colored sandstone walls glow with infinite golden hues in the late afternoon light.

Costa Brava road trip

Best road trip for Catalonia's art and history

Start – Barcelona; end – Cadaqués; distance – approx 153 miles/246km – allow 3-4 days

Spain is blessed with over 3000 miles of coastline, and one of the country’s most spectacular stretches is the Costa Brava along the Mediterranean on the northeastern coast. This drive will reward you with long, sunlit beaches, historic cities and picturesque fishing villages that inspired the region’s most famous artist, Salvador Dalí.

Start in Barcelona. For spectacular scenery, take the GI-682 road from Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, where there are designated viewpoints to stop at. Detour from the coastline for a pitstop at the ancient city of Girona. Visit the city's iconic cathedral, featuring one of the widest Gothic naves in the world, and the archaeological treasures at Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths).

Art lovers will not want to miss the famous “Dalinian Triangle” formed by the municipalities of Figueres, Portlligat and Púbol, where you can immerse yourself in Salvador Dalí's outlandish world in his former residences, now open to the public. The road trip ends at the quaint seaside town of Cadaqués on the bay of the Cap de Creus peninsula. This was a favorite summer playground of iconic artists and writers, including Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Daphne Guinness, Man Ray, Frederico Garcia Lorca, Amanda Lear, Walt Disney, Melina Mecouri and Marcel Duchamp, among many others.

Northern Spain road trip

Best road trip along Spain's Atlantic coast

Start – San Sebastián; end – Santiago de Compostela ; distance – approx 466 miles/750km – allow 6-7 days

Because the north of Spain sees more rainfall than the rest of the country, its landscape has some of the most verdant green spaces. You’ll be treated to a visual feast of lush hillsides, snow-capped mountain peaks and Atlantic Ocean views. This road trip will take you across four autonomous communities of Spain, departing from the Basque Country and crossing Cantabria, Asturias and ending in Galicia.

A great jump-off point is the gastronomic coastal city of San Sebastián, which has the greatest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter in Europe. It would be ideal to spend a day or two here to explore the city’s Parte Vieja (Old Quarter), and savor the endless array of pintxos (appetizers) tempting you at every turn.

Not too far away is the Basque islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which has become world-famous as the film location of Dragonstone in the Game of Thrones TV series. This breathtaking rocky precipice juts out into the Bay of Biscay, connected to the mainland by a long, winding stone staircase. A small chapel crowns the islet which has a bell at its facade — tradition calls for visitors to ring the bell three times and make a wish.

Stretch out your legs on the spectacular golden sand beach, Playa del Sardinero, in the port town and Cantabrian capital of Santander. The oceanfront Magdalena Palace was built in the early 1900s as a summer residence for the royal family.

There are dramatic views of the Picos de Europa mountain range as you drive onwards into the region of Asturias. Stop by Oviedo to explore the charming old town and try the traditional fabada asturiana bean stew. Finally, join pilgrims from all over the world in Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the thousand-year-old pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), where you could visit the Basilica of Santiago de Compostela, the reputed final resting place of St. James the Apostle.

Andalucia road trip

Best road trip for Spain’s Moorish past

Start – Malaga; end – Seville ; distance – approx 293 miles/472km – allow 5 days

Andalucia in southern Spain is the only European region that has both Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, linked by the Strait of Gibraltar. A drive through this fascinating region takes you along the Costa del Sol.

Start in the sunlit coastal city of Malaga, and enjoy stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Head for the enchanting cities of Granada and Cordoba, legacies of the Muslim dynasties that once ruled Spain until the 15th century.

Granada is home to the Alhambra palace, the ancient fortress and citadel of the Nasrid Dynasty that showcases Moorish and Christian decorative styles. The same entrance ticket will get you into the nearby Palacio de Generalife, a summer palace for the ancient Nasrid sultans.

Córdoba is a captivating city that is home to the La Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba (the Córdoba Mosque), the city's shining jewel which alongside the Alhambra is one of the most emblematic monuments showcasing Islamic architecture. It was built over the remains of a 6th-century Visigothic cathedral by Abderramán, the Emir of Córdoba of the ruling Umayyad dynasty back in 786.

Stay a few days in the Andalusian capital of Seville to explore its idiosyncratic dreamscape composed of horse-drawn carriages, citrus trees, colossal Gothic cathedrals, Mudéjar (Moorish) architecture and flamenco tablaos (flamenco performances).

Ibiza road trip

Best road trip for coves and beaches

Start – Ibiza Town; end – Cala d'Hort ; distance – approx 22 miles/35km – allow 1-2 days

Renting a car in Ibiza is the best way to explore the island’s stunning calas or coves, and will save time and expensive taxi fares. While Ibiza has a reputation as a 24/7 party destination, its timeless allure lies more in its natural attractions — rugged cliffs, turquoise-colored waters, and ancient archaeological sites.

Starting from Ibiza Town, drive over to Ses Salines beach at the southern tip of the island, just about 10 minutes away, to get a taste of glamorous beach life. It’s not uncommon to spot celebrities soaking up the sun or enjoying cocktails in one of the many beachside bars and restaurants.

A fascinating contrast awaits at Sa Caleta (Es Bol Nou), a more secluded beach tucked between rugged red cliffs. Take some time to hike up the ancient Phoenician civilization World Heritage site of Sa Caleta ruins, and pause for some fresh seafood at the cala ’s restaurant, with its shady Mediterranean garden bar.

End your drive at Ibiza’s emblematic Cala d'Hort, featuring the mythical Es Vedrà island that rises 382m from the glittering Balearic waters. Everything from UFOs to the Virgin Mary have reportedly been seen on this island, giving it its legendary status. It’s a spellbinding sight at any time of the day, but viewing it for the first time at sunset is a transcendental experience.

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The United States began in these six rugged states. And when British explorer Captain John Smith explored New England ’s shores in the early 1600s, he grasped the charm and resilience of his surroundings – and officially made it the birthplace of a nation.

Of course, in addition to all its fascinating history, this northeast corner of the country is a hotbed of beautiful nature, culture and family-friendly entertainment – encompassing a spectacular culinary scene and a wide variety of affordable accommodations to discover and enjoy.

Want to spend more time exploring this diverse and distinct region? Here’s a blueprint to a reasonably priced road trip in New England – from Portland, Maine to Mystic, Connecticut. From winding trails of the Appalachian Mountains, including a smattering of mountains over 4000ft in elevation, to the splendor of New Hampshire’s wild coastlines, you won’t have to miss a thing.

Portland, Maine

Come for the lobster, stay for…well, everything else. Portland might be Maine’s largest city, but you’ll be able to appreciate the craggy shorelines and secluded beaches as well as the preservation of the historic, yet quaint, Old Port district. The stunningly well-kept Portland Head Light is the oldest lighthouse in the state and is surrounded by the 90-acre Fort Williams Park, where you can hike, bike, picnic or sit by the beach.

Ready for some culture? The Tate House Museum whisks you to Maine’s pre-revolutionary times, and the Portland Museum of Art, founded in 1882, is sprawled over three buildings – one designed by the late “starchitect” I.M. Pei.

The dining scene is vibrant, and you can indulge in inventive reasonably-priced small plates at Central Provisions, and craft cocktails at the Portland Hunt + Alpine Club ’s Happy Hour. Of course, if its seafood you’re after, don’t miss the brown butter lobster roll at Eventide Oyster Co. The Press Hotel offers fun, boutique accommodations in the same building which housed the Portland Press Herald until the newspaper moved offices in 2010.

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High Peaks Region, Maine

Just over two hours’ drive from Portland along I-295 is Maine's High Peaks Region, a stunning, family-friendly destination with 10 mountain peaks over 4000ft. Perfect in any season, you’ll also be dazzled by its glacial lakes and clear rivers. If you want a scenic drive, take some time to tour its scenic byways, like High Peaks and Grafton Notch, which will give you a quicker way to view the spectacular surrounding mountains. Water sports include pontoon boat rides, fly fishing, kayaking and swimming – though it’s also well known for its ski resorts, Sugarloaf and Saddleback Mountain.

The town of Stratton is the perfect place to refuel and relax, and you can grab some comforting yet inexpensive options at the Looney Moose Café or head for burgers at the White Wolf Inn and Restaurant. The Mountain View Motel offers cozy rooms with full kitchen, and even allows furry friends to join you on your adventures. Though there is a lack of amenities, like a pool or restaurant, this motel makes up for it by offering gorgeous views and super-low room rates.

Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

Head westward on State Route 16 to enter this out-of-the-way, northernmost region of Vermont. Shimmied up against the Canadian border and the upper Connecticut River, it’s known for its peaceful splendor. Taking up approximately one-fifth of the land and over a quarter of The Green Mountain State, you can explore its over 200 lakes and ponds while also appreciating the accompanying dense forests and eight state parks.

Bikers, hikers and backpackers flock to this region to hit the Kingdom Heritage Trail system, which includes the Bluff Mountain Community and Gore Mountain Trail, while other adventure seekers might head to gape at Troy’s Big Falls, a monstrous undammed waterfall which includes a sheer cliff face of over 80ft.

Burke Mountain offers downhill and cross-country skiing with over 200 inches of annual snowfall as well as views of the geologically profound Willoughby Gap (kids ski free in March).

Country cooking is on the menu at the Peacham Café, housed in a former firehouse while the more seasonal Mike’s Tiki Bar offers cocktails and 30 beers on tap under its thatched roof, with hearty grub from partner Vermont Food Truck as an accompaniment.

For budget travelers, the Willoughvale Inn and Cottages offers calm, stunning landscapes and a little history, with its accommodations named after historical figures and places, like The Robert Frost suite or The Songadeewin Lakeview Cottage.

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Seacoast and Portsmouth, New Hampshire

From the Northeast Kingdom, head southbound on I-93, swinging left in Manchester, New Hampshire, to arrive at this state’s miniscule coastline.

Enjoying an intoxicating mix of culture and maritime activities, this region straddles Maine and includes ownership of the Isles of Shoals and Star Islands. The entire Seacoast region covers 18 miles of the Atlantic Ocean, but head to Hampton Beach for family fun as well as a dazzling white-sand beach.

Don’t want to go too far to lay your head? Room at Ashworth by the Sea, run under $150 a night, and the property features a heated pool with retractable roof to keep the kids happy as well as three different restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails.

Portsmouth, near the mouth of the Piscataqua River, is the country’s third oldest city and is an excellent place to start for living history with the Strawbery Banke Museum, the American Independence Museum and the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire.

The dining scene is varied and abundant, and you can enjoy a more upscale, locally sourced meal at the Black Trumpet Bistro or head to Ceres Bakery for an affordable, casual selection of soup, salad, sandwiches and an array of homemade pastries. Stay at the lovingly renovated Hotel Portsmouth, a former 1881 mansion with vintage charm and free continental breakfast.

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Falmouth, Massachusetts

Take I-495 southbound to loop around Boston (or stop in for a bit if you have the time) and arrive in Cape Cod and the pretty little town of Falmouth, Massachusetts.

This official Preserve America community was also the residence of Katharine Lee Bates, the author of treasured tune, “America the Beautiful.” History aside, this serene corner of southwest Cape Cod is also home to over 70 miles of ocean shores, eight distinct villages and the Shining Sea Bike Path, with nearly 11 miles spanning farms, ponds, cranberry bogs and even salt marshes, spitting you into the village of Woods Hole.

Here, you can not only catch the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, but also tour the marine science facilities and aquarium at the world-famous Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Head to Old Silver Beach for swimming in the calm, blue waters and views of Buzzards Bay and stay for the summer seafood dinners and vibrant sunsets at the beachfront Sea Crest Beach Hotel. Falmouth also offers further budget accommodations at Admiralty Inn & Suites and The Red Horse Inn, both of which have reasonable room rates.

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Narragansett, Rhode Island

Trace the coastline westbound to arrive at this quaint and quirky seaside surf destination in Rhode Island, which offers access to smaller state park beaches like Roger Wheeler and Salty Brine. There you can watch the boats and local fishers, as well as the reliably vigorous waves of Narragansett Town Beach.

Take a surf lesson from Warm Winds Surf Shop or just relax on the sand – or hop on the Block Island Ferry to do a little maritime exploring, including the Point Judith Light, a working lighthouse built in 1857.

Because this is New England, historical landmarks abound and you can visit the 23-foot Narragansett Indian Monument, carved from a single Douglas fir tree on Kingstown Road.

To fully appreciate your surroundings here, tuck into the local seafood , and Aunt Carrie’s is known for its golden fried clam cakes ($5 for a half dozen) and chowders. The Anchor Motel is a budget-friendly choice, with 15 rooms directly across from Scarborough State Beach.

Mystic Seaport, Connecticut

No, cult-favorite coming-of-age flick Mystic Pizza wasn’t actually filmed at its namesake restaurant in this sweet, seaside hamlet less than an hour west of Narragansett on US Route 1. But if you pop in for a slice and a selfie, you won’t want to miss the rest of this village situated along the Mystic River.

Bluff Point State Park is home to over 800 acres of lush land for hiking, biking and fishing, and the historic district straddling the river has something for everyone, including the still-working Bascule Bridge built in 1920.

The popular Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration was recently certified by the American Humane Conservation and makes a welcome home to sea lions, penguins and even sharks, while the Mystic Seaport Museum concentrates more on history, with a working preservation shipyard and recreated 19th-century village to explore.

Ford’s Lobster is an affordable, BYOB treasure on the water, featuring fresh lobsters as well as lobster roll and lobster bisque. Stay at The Whaler’s Inn in downtown Mystic, comprised of five different buildings, each housing rooms and suites with a nautical theme.

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This article was originally published in January 2020 and updated in September 2021.

See New England's highlights on this budget-friendly road trip

Road-tripping has to be the ultimate way to see the USA : it gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. You can drive up, down, across, around, or straight through every single state of the continental US. Do you want to revel in yesteryear along Route 66, marvel at spectacular sunsets on the Pacific Coast Hwy, or take in sublime scenery in the Appalachian Mountains or along rocky Massachusetts coastline? Read on for some of the best US road trips, plus some well-loved scenic drives, as well as tips on how to tackle them.

Pacific Coast Highway

California, Oregon and Washington

A drive along America's stunning western coastline is road-tripping at its finest. In California, Hwy 1 (also called the Pacific Coast Highway), Hwy 101 and I-5 pass dizzying sea cliffs, idiosyncratic beach towns and a few major cities: laid-back San Diego, rocker LA and beatnik San Francisco. North of the redwoods, Hwy 101 swoops into Oregon for windswept capes, rocky tide pools and, for Twilight fans, Ecola State Park, the stand-in for werewolf haven La Push, WA. Cross the Columbia River into Washington for wet-and-wild Olympic National Park.

The Route

Time: No stopping? Give yourself four days because traffic and two-lane roads will slow you down; to fully enjoy the sights, allow 10 to 14 days. Mileage: About 1500 miles. Start/End San Diego/ San Francisco.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Virginia and North Carolina

There's not one stoplight to spoil the ride on this 469-mile roadway traversing the southern Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. Along its nearly 217 miles in Virginia, you can watch sublime sunsets, scan for wildlife and lose all sense of the present while gazing at the vast wilderness. Hikes take you deeper into nature, from easy lakeside trails to challenging scrambles to eagles’-nest heights. Camp or spend the night at forest lodges. Don’t miss the bluegrass and mountain music scenes of nearby towns such as Floyd and Galax.

The Route

Time At least two days, but allow five days to do it right. It’s slow going on the steep, curvy roads, plus you’ll want to make a pit-stop for hiking, eating and sightseeing. Mileage 469 miles. Start/End Front Royal, Virginia/ Cherokee, North Carolina.

Route 66

Cross-country

Known as the Mother Road, this fragile ribbon of asphalt was the USA’s original road trip, launched in 1926. It begins in Chicago, at the iconic Route 66 Sign, from where the 300-mile stretch onward through Illinois offers classic, time-warped touring. Fork into thick slabs of pie in small-town diners; snap photos of roadside attractions like the Gemini Giant, a sky-high fiberglass spaceman; and motor on past neon signs, drive-in movie theaters and other Americana. From here it's 2100 miles more to the end of the route in Los Angeles.

The Route

Time: You might be able to do this trip in two or three days if you rush, but plan for six and enjoy the drive. Mileage: About 1250 miles, depending on segments driven. Start/End Chicago, Illinois/ Los Angeles, California.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Tennessee and Mississippi

What began as a buffalo trail running roughly between modern-day Nashville, Tennessee, to the riverbanks at Natchez, Mississippi, this historic route was further trampled by Native Americans, who used it as a hunting and trading route. Later it saw the footsteps of fur traders, European settlers, enslavers, confederate soldiers and presidents. With jade swamps, hiking trails, opulent mansions, riverside saloons and layer upon layer of American history, the Natchez Trace Pkwy is the richest drive in the South.

The Route

Time Three days, though you could do it in two. Travel times aren’t exactly speedy on the two-lane road. Mileage 444 miles. Start/End Nashville, Tennessee/ Natchez, Mississippi.

Great River Road

New Orleans, Memphis, St Louis and Minneapolis

This epic roadway edges the Mississippi River from its headwaters in northern Minnesota's pine forests all the way south to its endpoint in New Orleans. For a look at America across cultural divides – North/South, urban/rural, Baptist/bohemian – this is the road trip to make. Despite the name, the Great River Rd is not a single highway, but a series of linked federal, state and county roads that follow the Mississippi River as it flows through 10 different states. The one constant, wherever you are, is the green paddle-wheel sign that marks the way.

The Route

Time Six days to drive the road from north to south; 10 days enables a more comfortable, realistic pace. Mileage About 2000 miles. Start/End Itasca State Park, Minnesota /New Orleans, Louisiana.

Florida Highway 1

Florida

For quintessential Florida sights and experiences, Hwy 1 spanning the Atlantic shoreline is it: Palm Beach's mansions, Fort Lauderdale' s yachts and Miami's domino-clacking Cuban enclave of Little Havana all pop up along the way. Pristine, windswept beaches harboring endangered birds and manatees? They're here (at Canaveral National Seashore). Beaches known for hard-partying nightlife and NASCAR racing? Also here (at Daytona). Delicious seafood shacks and pastel-hued waterfront hotels are everywhere. This coast-hugging thoroughfare features miles and miles of beaches interspersed with fascinating historical sights, from the USA's oldest city to sobering slavery exhibits to NASA rockets. Glittering Miami provides the big finale.

The Route

Time Six days to take in the sights. Mileage 475 miles. Start/End Amelia Island/ Miami.

Black Hills Loop

South Dakota

In the early 1800s, 60 million buffalo roamed the plains. Rampant overhunting decimated their ranks and by 1889 fewer than 1000 remained. Today, their numbers have climbed to 500,000; several Black Hills parks manage healthy herds. On this road trip you'll see the iconic buffalo and other legendary sights, including the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, sprawling parks and the town made famous for having no law: Deadwood.

San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway

Colorado

The San Juan Skyway is a 236-mile loop that includes the so-called Million Dollar Highway, a handful of the region’s coolest mountain towns and Mesa Verde National Park, which is known for the elaborate cliff dwellings left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans. It's undoubtedly the best way to experience the drama of the San Juan range without strapping on your hiking boots. Drive the Skyway and the tension of the daily grind gets lost somewhere among the towering peaks, picturesque towns and old mines around each bend, or evaporates in the bright sun of an intensely blue Colorado sky.

The Dalton Highway

Alaska

Belt up, stick some Springsteen on the stereo and get prepared for the ride of your life. The 500-mile trawl up the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to the Arctic Ocean won’t be the smoothest ride you'll ever take, but it could well be one of the most legendary. What the infamous "haul road" lacks in asphalt, it makes up for with a succession of surreal ecosystems, from the boreal forests of the interior to the bleak tundra of the North Slope. Arctic Ocean, here we come.

Olympic Peninsula Loop

Washington

Imagine pine-clad beaches fused with an American Mt Olympus (with a slice of coastal rainforest thrown in for good measure) and you’ve got an approximation of what a drive around the Olympic Peninsula looks like. This is wilderness of the highest order, where thick forest collides with an end-of-the-continent coastline that hasn’t changed much since Juan de Fuca sailed by in 1592. Bring hiking boots – and rain gear!

Zion and Bryce National Parks

Utah

Meet red-rock country in all its heart-soaring, sculpted splendor. From the sheer wall of Zion to the pastel sentinels of hoodoos that form Bryce Canyon, these are the landscapes that no one traveling in the Southwest should miss. This trip takes in the parks' classic highlights as well as tiny Western towns and off-the-beaten-path nature sanctuaries where the screech of a hawk breaks the silence of the trail.

Coastal New England

Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts

From a pirate's perspective, there was no better base in Colonial America than Newport, Rhode Island, given the easy access to trade routes and friendly local merchants. Until 1723, that is, when the new governor ceremoniously hanged 26 sea bandits at Gravelly Point. This classic trip follows the region's intrinsic connection to the sea and American history, from upstart pirates to coastal forts, from Gloucester fisherfolk to New Haven abolitionists, from whaling ships to revolutionary frigates.

Road trip planning tips

A prepared road-tripper is a happy road-tripper, especially out here, with lonely roads and unpredictable weather. Pack a spare tire and a tool kit (eg jack, jumper cables, ice scraper), as well as emergency equipment; if you're renting a car, ask if there is a roadside safety kit included.

Bring good maps, especially if you're touring away from highways; don't depend on GPS units or smart phones as they may not work in remote areas or can run out of battery.

Carry plenty if extra water. You may need it if the car breaks down in a hot dry place and there's a long wait for assistance. Don't forget to fill up your fuel tank regularly; gas stations can be few and far between once you leave urban areas. And finally, always carry your driver's license and proof of insurance.

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This article was first published in May 2019 and last updated in September 2021.

Plan a drive on America's most iconic road trips

Whether seen under blankets of snow, patchworks of blazing fall leaves or the exuberant greens of spring and summer, Vermont's blend of bucolic farmland, mountains and picturesque small villages make it one of America's most appealing states.

Vermont attracts leaf-peepers to goggle highlights including the Green Mountains and Champlain Valley as they light up with bright oranges and yellow hues. Leaf-peeping is such a popular activity in the region, Vermont has a leaf color tracker, a great reference for planning.

Here are five destinations to venture out to for a truly scenic road trip.

Green Mountain Byway

Start: Waterbury Village; End: Cambridge; Distance: 71 miles

Following Vermont's Green Mountain spine through the rural heart of the state, the Green Mountain Byway rambles past rolling pastures dotted with cows, covered bridges and white-steepled churches. This scenic drive takes you along the famed VT Route 100 and travels onward to Routes 15 and 15A, passing through historical villages and tiny towns with country stores.

It's the quintessential trip for those who want to slow down and experience Vermont's pastoral essence. Along the way, you'll pass through six Byway towns including Waterbury, Stowe, Morristown, Johnson, Hyde Park and Cambridge. Each offers historic town centers, local shops and restaurants and multiple places for year-round recreation. This drive is particularly popular during leaf-peeping season so expect to drive slowly.

Even if your time is limited, don't miss the section between Waterbury and Stowe Village. Stop at the Ben & Jerry's Factory for a tour, pop into Cold Hollow Cider Mill for donuts and visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.

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The Notch

Start: Stowe; End: Cambridge; Distance: 3.5 miles

The Smugglers' Notch Scenic Highway is a small segment of the Green Mountain Byway, filled with dramatic twists and turns. Worth the detour, this section of Route 108, affectionately known by locals as "The Notch" (3.5 mi), is only open seasonally for cars from May through October.

This spectacular drive is lined with large boulders and goes through the Mount Mansfield State Forest. With several opportunities along the way to stop for photos, this short journey takes you between two of Vermont's well-known ski resorts.

Begin just past the Stowe Mountain Resort and end at Smugglers' Notch Resort in Cambridge. At just about the halfway mark, stop for hiking the Sterling Pond Trail (2.3 mi), a moderate trek with steep rock stairs and a mountain pond at the top that is suitable for swimming.

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Lincoln Gap Road

Start: Lincoln; End: Warren; Distance: 7.6 miles

The Lincoln Gap (2424 ft) is the highest mountain pass accessible by cars in Vermont. This steep, curvy road between Lincoln and Warren is closed in the winter months for obvious reasons. However, summer is the ideal time to make this drive, which allows for a respite at a popular Vermont swimming hole.

Coming from Bristol on VT-116, begin your drive by turning on Lincoln Gap Road after crossing over the New Haven River. Less than one mile down the road on the right-hand side, make a pitstop at Bristol Falls (also known as Bartlette Falls), with a large waterfall and deep pools perfect for cooling off. This drive ends on VT-100 near the renowned Warren Store, one of Vermont's most famous country stores, which is an excellent spot for lunch.

Camel’s Hump

Start: Burlington; End: Huntington; Distance: 26.3 miles

The state's third-highest mountain – is a familiar image to Vermonters: its silhouette is visible on the Vermont state quarter, from suburban Burlington and along I-89. Yet, it remains one of the state's wildest spots, one of the few significant Vermont peaks not developed for skiing.

To get here from Burlington, detour south off I-89 at Richmond (between Burlington and Waterbury), take US 2 east to Richmond's main stoplight. Head south on Bridge Street through town, where you can grab food and drinks for the hike at Richmond Market.

Then drive south 10 miles to Huntington Center, where you'll turn left (east) 3 miles, dead-ending at the parking lot and trailhead for the 6-mile Burrows – Forest City loop to the summit. After climbing through the forest, the final ascent skirts rock faces above the treeline, affording magnificent views of the Adirondacks and the Green and White Mountains.

Covered bridges

Vermont has more covered bridges per square mile than any state in the union. Here are over favorites in the state:

Northfield Falls (northern Vermont): This small town 8 miles south of Montpelier has a unique claim to fame: three covered bridges in a row! Turn west off VT-12 onto Cox Brook Rd and you'll see Station Bridge, Newell Bridge and Upper Bridge – all within a few hundred feet of each other.

Montgomery (northern Vermont): This village, which is 9.5 miles from Berkshire, has a whopping seven covered bridges, more than any other town in the state.

Windsor (central Vermont): Spanning the Connecticut River from Windsor, VT, to Cornish, NH, the 449ft Cornish-Windsor Bridge is the longest historical covered bridge in America still open to automobile traffic.

Bartonsville (southern Vermont): The original 19th-century bridge was famously swept away in Hurricane Irene's floodwaters in 2011. But in classic Vermont fashion, locals rallied to have a replica reconstructed. The bridge reopened to the public in January 2013. It's 7 miles northeast of Grafton on VT-35N.

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This article was originally published in September 2020 and updated in September 2021.

See Vermont's vivid fall landscapes best with these road trips

Between Montréal ’s chic cafes and open-air markets, getting out of town can be hard to do.

But venture into the surrounding Eastern Townships, the mountainous Laurentians, or Montérégie’s rolling farm country and you’ll be rewarded with French-accented villages, shady pine forests, and maple syrup fresh from the tap. Spanning two official languages and centuries of history, Ottawa and Québec City are just a short trip away. Here are our favorite day trips from Montréal.

1. Take a quick break in Îles-de-Boucherville National Park

If you’re in need of a break from the city, just 12 miles (20km) away from the urban streets of downtown Montréal is Îles-de-Boucherville National Park. Sitting in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, the five islands that form the park offer breathtaking waterways, scenic green spaces, and a great view of the city.

Purchase a daily access pass in advance to guarantee entry. You can explore the islands by renting a kayak, canoe, pedal boat, and stand-up paddle, or hike and cycle if you’re a little queasy on the water. The park also has four large green areas with plenty of picnicking amenities including washrooms, tables, parking, and waste and recycling centers.

How to get to Îles-de-Boucherville National Park: You can drive or Uber the 30-minute trip from Downtown Montréal, or take the 15-minute Navark river shuttle from either Montréal Mercier or Île Charron.

2. Explore the heartland of French Canada in Québec City

An actual chateau with green-tipped spires watches over Québec City, whose historic center occupies a strategic perch above the St. Lawrence River. This is the cultural heartland of French Canada, a place where Montréal’s mixed French and English give way to the twang of strong Québecois accents.

Steep cobblestone streets are perfect for exploring on foot in any season, so start at the hilltop Château Frontenac and work your way down to the Basse Ville, or Lower Town. The entire historic district is a Unesco World Heritage Site, and the Lower Town’s tightly packed mansard roofs and postage-stamp squares are prime examples of historic Québecois architecture. From there, hop the Old Québec Funicular back up to Terrasse Dufferin, then walk the walls of La Citadelle for big views across the St. Lawrence.

How to get to Québec City: To visit Québec City from Montréal, take the Orléans Express bus from the Montréal Bus Station, which takes just over 3 hours, or rent a car for the 2-hour, 45-minute drive.

3. Sample the Montérégie Cider Route

Maple leaves aren’t the only autumn color in Québec, where rolling orchards deliver a bright harvest of apples each fall. Centered around the farm village of Rougemont, the Montérégie Cider Route links up a series of cider makers and orchardists with tasting rooms that are open to the public.

At Cidrerie Michel Jodoin, sample Québec’s signature ice cider, a nectar-like drink fermented from fresh juice concentrated by freezing. Catching expansive views across Mont Saint Grégoire, nearby Domaine Cartier Potelle transforms bumper crops of apples into fortified liqueurs and a dry, sparkling cider that might sway even dedicated wine drinkers.

How to get to the Montérégie Cider Route: Limited public transit in rural Montérégie means renting a car is the best way to reach Rougemont, which is a 32-mile (52-km) trip from downtown Montréal.

4. Go skiing on Mont Tremblant

Québec’s frigid winters bring deep piles of snow to Mont Tremblant, the highest peak in the Laurentian mountains. A weekend shuttle bus means you can make day trips from Montréal to Mont Tremblant’s 102 ski trails in just a few hours and make it back to the city in time for a nightcap.

Bundle up for bone-chilling temperatures, then board a high-speed gondola for Mont Tremblant’s 2,871ft (875m) summit. From there, descend over wooded slopes and straightaways to the candy-colored Ville de Mont Tremblant, where a buzzing après-ski crowd warms up over small-batch beer from Microbrasserie La Diable.

How to get to Mont Tremblant: Catch the early morning L’Express du Nord bus from the Montréal Bus Station to Mont Tremblant, with a return trip after the lifts close.

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5. Visit a cabane à sucre

When the first warm days thaw the frozen forest in late February, maple syrup production electrifies the Québec countryside with a season-long sugar rush. To try the sweet stuff straight from the evaporator, visit a cabane à sucre — otherwise known as a sugar shack. Aside from pure maple syrup, the most classic treat is warm maple taffy, cooked syrup that’s cooled on beds of fresh snow. Many cabanes à sucre also serve traditional Québecois foods to springtime visitors, from hearty bowls of pea soup to baked beans and rustic pork pâté.

A homey spot surrounded by maple forests, Érablière Charbonneau is an old-school favorite for all-you-can-eat feasts served with free-flowing maple syrup. Make your reservations months in advance to visit the Au Pied de Cochon Sugar Shack, a countryside outpost of the renowned Montreal restaurant that offers rich, gourmet twists on Québecois classics.

How to get to a cabane à sucre : Rural locations mean Québec sugar shacks are best reached by car, or on a maple syrup tour from Montréal.

6. Bike the P’tit Train du Nord

Following a gently rolling path across the Laurentian mountains, this 124-mile (200km) converted railway bed has some of Québec’s finest cycling — with no cars in sight.

Some ultra-fit cyclists tackle the entire P’tit Train du Nord in one big day, but regular access points make it easy to choose a shorter section, like the 30-mile (49km) ride from Sainte-Agathe-Des-Monts to the terminus in St-Jérôme. Along the way, pass the mountain village of Val-David, then stop for lunch at your midway point in Sainte-Adèle. Picnic-ready Québec cheeses and cured meats star in the butcher shop of Sainte-Adèle’s Les Tetes de Cochon, where an adjoining restaurant also serves sit-down meals.

How to get to P’tit Train du Nord: Regular train service links Montréal’s Gare Lucien L’Allier with the P’tit Train du Nord terminus in St-Jérôme. From there, a shuttle service drops cyclists at trailheads along the route. Bring your own bike, or rent one there.

7. Roar with the big cats at Granby Zoo

A trio of charismatic lions is the starring attraction at the Granby Zoo, but they share the spotlight with everyone from long-tailed chinchillas to giant tortoises.

Admission to the Granby Zoo includes access to the onsite waterpark, amusement park, and dinosaur park, where 21 life-sized dinosaurs strike fierce poses amidst plastic ferns. Between the kid-friendly rides and shiver-inducing creatures, it’s no surprise that the Granby Zoo is one of the best family-friendly day trips from Montréal.

How to get to Granby Zoo: Granby is 50 miles (80 km) east of Montréal, and is best reached by car via Highway 10.

8. Get artsy and active in Ottawa

Ottowa maintains a breezy nonchalance that belies the world-class museums and statement architecture in Canada’s capital. Start the day by browsing Inuit art inside the National Gallery of Canada, which is just a stroll away from the silver-spired Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica.

Cutting an open corridor through the city’s densely packed center, the Rideau Canal draws walkers and cyclists through the warm months. The waterway really shines in winter, when it freezes into a 4.8-mile (7.8km), open-air playground for ice skaters — rent a pair to hit the ice, making plenty of stops along the way for hot chocolate and fried dough.

How to get to Ottawa: Travel from Montréal to Ottawa by train, beginning the 2-hour journey at Montréal’s Gare Central and alighting in the Ottawa VIA Rail Station. Continue to the city center by bus or taxi.

9. Explore the wilds of Lanaudière

Nestled between the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains, there are lots of year-round activities in the region of Lanaudière. This natural and cultural paradise is full of waterfalls and over 10,000 lakes and rivers ready to be explored.

Adventurous visitors can go hiking, canoeing, fishing, treetop trekking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. If exploring pretty towns is more your thing, Lanaudière has several, such as Repentigny, Joliette, and L'Assomption, dotted with heritage buildings, open-air markets, and microbreweries. You can take an organic wine tour at Vignoble Saint-Gabriel and finish the trip with dinner at La Seigneurie des Patriotes, which offers delicious, locally sourced farm-to-table meals.

How to get to Lanaudière: The region of Lanaudière is a 1.5-hour drive from Montréal. A coach service runs from Montreal to the various towns in Lanaudière.

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canada -link" href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-canada">15 best places to visit in Canada

Article first published in July 2019, and last updated in September 2021.

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