Vacations don’t always require a plane ticket or a hectic travel itinerary. The best escapes might be closer than you think! If you’re looking to unwind without long, stressful travels or want to explore hidden gems close to home, a staycation offers the fun of a getaway with less hassles. These nearby destinations prove that there’s plenty to discover just a short distance from your front door. Get ready to make some memories before summer comes to an end!

downtown toledo

Downtown Toledo has evolved into a thriving cityscape where you can spend days exploring all the hotspots. In addition to topnotch hospitality, dining, and shopping, curiosity and creativity abound at Imagination Station, the National Museum of the Great Lakes, and the internationally acclaimed Toledo Museum of Art. Middlegrounds Metropark, Glass City Metropark, and Glass City Riverwalk are an oasis of riverfront green space. There’s always an event happening at Promenade Park, Huntington Center, or Glass City Center. And sports lovers won’t want to miss a chance to cheer on the Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field, a must-see minor league park.

ottawa + erie counties, oh

Tucked along the scenic shores of Lake Erie, these counties offer endless fun! Sandusky is home to one of the world’s top rollercoaster parks, Cedar Point, in addition to multiple water parks like Cedar Point Shores, Kalahari, and Great Wolf Lodge. Port Clinton has the African Safari Wildlife Park and the historic Mon Ami Winery. You can visit Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Vacationland, as the region is colloquially dubbed, also offers island hopping! There’s Catawba Island, which is actually a peninsula with direct road access, and several ferry ports that travel to Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island.

maumee bay state park

Whether you’re looking for a nature-filled day trip, camping under the stars, or lodging with more upscale amenities, Oregon’s Maumee Bay State Park should be on your radar. The Maumee Bay Lodge offers modern guest rooms, an on-site bar and restaurant, an arcade, and an indoor and outdoor pool. Tent camping as well as cabins and a huge home on Lake Erie are also available. Take a hike on the 2-mile wetlands boardwalk, relax at the inland lake, interact with the history of the Great Black Swamp at the Trautman Nature Center, or get in a round of golf at the 18-hole Scottish links course.

Photo Credit: GordonMakryllos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

cleveland

Explore Cleveland’s culture in University Circle, home to the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Natural History Museum, and the botanical gardens. For downtown fun, plan ahead and catch a Guardians game at Progressive Field or visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a six-floor multimedia experience chronicling the history of rock. Families and animal lovers won’t want to miss the 180-acre Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.

ashland + holmes counties, oh

Plan a unique stay at The Mohicans Treehouse Resort or Mohican State Park. Between the two sites, accommodations include treehouses, country homes, cabins, tent camping, and a full-service lodge. If you’re looking for something even more eccentric—and rumored to be haunted—book a suite at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. Nature lovers will enjoy the 838-acre Findley State Park and nearby Knox County’s Mohican Valley Trail. Explore the rich heritage and attractions of Ohio’s Amish Country including dining, bakeries, markets, Sunny Slope Winery, Doughty Glen Winery, the Amish Country Theater, Holmes County Open Air Art Museum, the German Culture Museum, and so much more!

Photo Credit: Chris Rycroft, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

ann arbor

As a major university town, it’s no surprise that Ann Arbor offers plenty of charm and creative flair. Uncover the whimsical Fairy Doors scattered throughout downtown and take advantage of the photo ops in front of the city’s iconic murals. Check out the University of Michigan Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History, both with free admission and world-class exhibits. Get some fresh air and serene views at Nichols Arboretum and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. 

detroit

America’s Comeback City is a pinnacle of innovation and culture. If you’re looking for art and history, visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Motown Museum, or catch a live performance at the beautifully restored Fox Theatre. For auto enthusiasts, the Henry Ford Museum in nearby Dearborn offers an immersive look at America's industrial and automotive past. Downtown Detroit has bustling neighborhoods, a revitalized riverfront, and Comerica Park. Head to Belle Isle for nature trails, the historic aquarium, and sweeping views of the skyline.

windsor, ontario

Staycation might be a stretch for this destination since it involves international travel—but there’s no need to book a flight as it’s less than a mile from Detroit, right across the river! (Fun fact: Windsor is actually south of Detroit.) There are tons of options for adult trips or family getaways with the Caesars Windsor Casino, Adventure Bay Family Waterpark, wineries, parks, gardens, and museums.

There’s still time to soak up the sunshine and add a little spontaneity to summer’s final days—no airfare or days-long road trip required. An adventure is waiting just around the corner!