11 Awesome Summer Day Trips From Major U.S. Cities

There's so much to see this summer. Buckle your seat belts, head out on an adventure, and don't forget to pack the Coppertone®!

1. From Brooklyn to Montauk, NY

lohit v / CC BY http://2.0 / Via Flickr: lohitphotos

"The End" is one of Long Island's most precious gems. Make sure to check out a Sunday concert at The Surf Lodge, have a drink at The Sloppy Tuna, or hike the trails at the mysterious Camp Hero.

2. From Portland to Astoria, OR

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Mark Hogan / CC BY-SA http://2.0 / Flickr: markhogan

Kathryn Decker / CC BY http://2.0 / Flickr: waponigirl

You can always find something fun to do in Astoria. Spend the afternoon exploring the home of The Goonies, Rogue Public House (located in the former Bumble Bee Tuna cannery, overlooking the beautiful Columbia River), or visit one of the many museums the town has to offer.

3. From Santa Cruz to Big Sur, CA

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Todd Dwyer / CC BY-SA http://2.0 / Via Flickr: ret0dd

Put the top down, hop on the 1, and enjoy all the beautiful scenery around Big Sur. Make sure to take a ride over the Bixby Bridge, and stop at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on your ride home.

4. From Boston to Nantucket, MA

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You've probably heard the limerick, but Nantucket has so much more to offer than R-rated nursery rhymes. You have to take a ferry to get there, but it's worth the trek. Bike around the tiny island, eat freshly caught fish, goof around by the Brant Point Lighthouse, and sample different beers at Cisco Brewery.

5. From Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon in AZ

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Experience the great outdoors. Most people visit the South Rim of the Canyon, but if you want a different experience, try the North Rim. It's farther away and a bit harder to get to, but accessible by car or hiking trails.

6. From Los Angeles to the Integratron in Landers, CA

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charlie vinz / CC BY-SA http://2.0 / Flickr: vinzcha

charlie vinz / CC BY http://2.0 Flickr: vinzcha

From the outside, the Integratron might just look like a boring ol' dome. The website explains "its creator, George Van Tassel (1920-1978), claimed that the structure is based on the design of Moses’ Tabernacle, the writings of Nikola Tesla, and telepathic directions from extraterrestrials." Josh Homme, Anthony Bourdain, and Jason Mraz are among notable celebrities that have visited — you might as well check it out for yourself.

7. From Orlando to Ocala National Forest in Ocala, FL

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Kristine Paulus / CC BY http://2.0 Flickr: kpaulus

There are tons of lakes, trails, and springs (salt and freshwater) to visit in Ocala National Forest — Alexander Springs is always 72 degrees and clear. Pack a picnic lunch and see what outdoor learning activities are being offered the day you're there.

8. From Augusta, GA to Hilton Head Island, SC

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It'll take less than three hours to cross state lines and wind up on beautiful Hilton Head Island. Spend the day relaxing in the great outdoors. Play some tennis or golf, or go out on an excursion to see dolphins in the wild.

9. From Los Angeles to Salvation Mountain in Niland, CA

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Sholeh / CC BY http://2.0 / Flickr: sprochello

Regardless of your religion, Salvation Mountain is a sight to see. The main message of the mountain is "love," which we can all understand. Get your camera, pack up the car, and explore everything Leonard Knight has built.

10. From El Paso to Marfa, TX

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Andy Price / CC BY-SA http://2.0 Flickr: andyprice

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Marfa might seem like a sleepy desert town, but it's actually booming with contemporary artists. Visit the campgrounds at El Cosmico, check out the side-of-the-road Prada, and see what's playing at the drive-in theatre at Ballroom Marfa.

11. From Denver to Golden, CO

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Golden, Colorado is home to the Coors Brewery and a ton of bars. It's also right on the water, so bring a bathing suit and float down the river. Whitewater rafting is available as well, if that's more your speed.