6 last-minute summer getaways from Blueground cities

It’s a fact. Summer is road trip season. So when you have a free weekend or day off from work, there’s nothing better than experiencing something new nearby. 

That’s the great thing about staying with Blueground. Your fully furnished apartment provides the ideal base camp for setting off on a summer getaway. And you’ll have a comfortable home waiting for you when you return! 

Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or as a family, check out the six summer day trips below and plan your next excursion. 

Day trip from Dubai to Musandam, Oman  

Musandam is called the “Norway of Arabia” because of its breathtaking fjords and landscapes. Experience some of that for yourself when you go snorkeling in the clear waters of the Gulf of Oman. In addition to coral reefs and colorful fish, you may even see dolphins!

Love shopping? Go explore a souk. These local markets, like the Old Souk Area in Khasab, feature handcrafted goods, spices, souvenirs, and more. Try your hand at haggling, so you can take home a few special treasures for less.

While you’re in the neighborhood, don’t miss Khasab Fort. This restored, 17th-century fortress (and small museum) is well worth exploring. It’ll help you better understand the area’s geography, history, and culture.

One last thing to keep in mind before driving 2.5 hours to Musandam — you’ll need a visa and passport to cross the border from the UAE to Oman. 

Day trip from Boston to Portland, Maine

While Boston already feels a bit like Europe, you can take a break from the big city with a trip to Portland, Maine. What would a visit to this charming city be without a stop by the Portland Head Light? Built in 1791, it’s the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Although you can’t go inside, it’s still a must-see attraction when you visit the area. Snap lots of pictures! 

Thirsty? Portland has you covered with its thriving craft beer scene. Whether you want to take a brewery tour or simply sip a few local brews, there’s lots to…drink. Local favorites include a Belgian-style brew from Allagash Brewing Company or New England-style IPA from Bissell Brothers Brewing Company.

For a quaint spot to explore, visit the Old Port District. Featuring cobblestone streets, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, you may leave this classic Portland, Maine district with your hands full of one-of-a-kind finds and your stomach just plain full. 

Day trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley

Are you a fan of reds and whites? Famed for its wine, Napa Valley gives you loads of tasting options throughout the area, from boutique family-owned vineyards to renowned estates. And it’s only an hour away from San Francisco. Sample your tried and true favorites or branch out to experience a new wine variety. 

If you’re traveling with your partner, mix romance with adventure on a hot air balloon ride. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the valley or watch the sunrise over the vineyards. It’s sure to be unforgettable. 

Dob’t miss an opportunity to pamper yourself at one of the many luxury spas in the area as well. Some offer unique mud and mineral baths using locally sourced mineral-rich mud or volcanic ash. Consider this your chance to enjoy quality “me time”…or “us time.”

Day trip from Berlin to Potsdam

As a Blueground guest, you get exclusive access to special perks and offers. So if you want to take the 45-minute drive from Berlin to Potsdam, you’ll save on renting a car. Because we want to help you make the most of your stay with us! 

Are you a movie buff? Don’t miss the Filmmuseum Potsdam. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at cinema — not only in Germany — but around the world. Discover exhibits on the history of film as well as hundreds of props and costumes. 

See how royalty lived by touring Sanssouci Palace. This Rococo-style building constructed in the mid-1700s was a summer home of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. A self-guided tour only takes 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to marvel at the palace’s ornate architecture and intricate details.

Day trip from Austin to Fredericksburg

You can’t go to Fredericksburg without enjoying a little wine time. It’s practically the law. Featuring more than 60 wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, this Texas town offers plenty of places to sit, relax, and sip your favorite types of vino. 

Only a 90-minute drive from Austin, Fredericksburg has a vastly different, small-town vibe. Despite the area’s German heritage, you can Texas two-step to live country music at one of the local dance halls, so you’d better bring your dancing shoes. Bonus points if they’re cowboy boots. 

For the outdoorsy types, take on the challenge of hiking up the 425-ft pink granite monolith at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. It’s an icon of the Texas Hill Country. 

Day trip from Seattle to Olympic National Park

Swap skyscrapers for towering trees when you drive two hours from Seattle to Olympic National Park. It’s one of the top 10 most visited national parks in the United States for good reason. There’s no shortage of beauty and adventure found here! 

Make your way to Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. Remember to keep your eye out for deer, marmots, and the park’s famous Roosevelt elk, too. You probably won’t even need binoculars. Many of the animals wander close to the overlooks and mountain roads. Then hike as much of the scenic Klahhane Ridge Trail as you’d like. 

Lastly, go explore the Lake Crescent area. After working up an appetite hiking to Marymere Falls and kayaking on crystal-clear Lake Crescent, go fine dining at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge. President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited here in 1937!  

The perfect place to stay in or get away

Blueground’s move-in-ready apartments are located in major cities around the world. While you’ll find lots of local hot spots to love, there’s also plenty to explore a little further away. The choice is yours! And there’s no wrong answer.