Plan the Perfect Summer Staycation

A local vacation you’ll never forget!

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links.

July 17, 2023

By: Jessica Butler

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Kathrin Ziegler

Photo By: monkeybusinessimages

Photo By: Cavan Images

Photo By: Dougal Waters

Photo By: FG Trade

Photo By: Katrin Ray Shumakov

Photo By: Oleg Breslavtsev

Stay Local This Summer

You don’t have to travel far to have the best summer ever. Keep your vacation local with a "staycation" and get inspired by our favorite ideas and activities. How will you start off your staycation?

Explore Your City

A staycation is a wonderful opportunity to get to know your hometown or nearest city a little bit better. Every community has must-see tourist attractions, whether it’s the cool diner that’s been in operation for decades, historical landmarks unique to your area, fascinating museums, or nature-filled parks and gardens. Fall in love with the place you call home, all over again!

At-Home Waterpark

If you’re trying to beat the heat and you don’t live near a beach, but you have a nice yard to work with, try creating your own waterpark. Whether you’ll be relaxing at your waterpark solo or you’re making it a family affair, you’ll need a few basics: a multi-functional sprinkler, a slip and splash pad with that’s big enough for three, and an XL lounger that you can fill with water or float in the pool. Add in some reusable water balloon balls and it’s a waterpark party!

Plan a Day Trip to Your Local Zoo or Aquarium

Spend those hotter days with the coolest animals around. Whether you live near a big city that has its own zoo or aquarium or you live in a small town, your community is sure to have a fun experience available. Great alternatives are petting zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, farms, etc.

Prepare a Picnic

A picnic is a great staycation activity. Enjoy one outside in nature or inside to make the most of a rainy summer day. Run to the fridge and pack up your favorite foods or head to the grocery store for some picnic staples like fruit salad, pre-made sandwiches, and juice. Round up your family and friends, play some music, and you’re all set.

DIY Spa Day

As therapeutic as a spa day at a bathhouse sounds, it can be very expensive and out of the way. Opt for an at-home version where you can treat yourself to all the classic spa day fixings. Prep for a facial with this fabulous face steamer kit, rid your skin of impurities with this top-rated Dead Sea mud mask, relieve your stress with this acupressure mat and pillow, and recreate the spa atmosphere with refreshing shower steamers and a calming candle. Because after all, you deserve it.

Summer Reading

Create a special space just for reading, whether it’s a cozy corner in your home or a grassy patch in your yard. Make the atmosphere inviting and meaningful with pillows, blankets, candles, and more. Every day, spend your free time flipping through your favorite books or new titles you’ve never read before. Invite your family and friends to join in and discuss what everyone is reading.

Stay at a Nearby Bed & Breakfast

A mini getaway is always the answer! If you still want your staycation to feel like you’ve traveled somewhere new, consider spending the weekend at a local bed & breakfast or browse Airbnb for listings around your area. Waking up in an entirely new space will have you feeling refreshed and inspired.

Shows

Hosts

Trending

Top Videos

Digital Exclusives

From Our Shows

Trending

Top Domestic

Top International

Trending

Explore By Region

Trending

Top Interests

By Trip

By Traveler

Travel Tips

Trending

Plan the Perfect Summer Staycation

Related To:

Shop This Look

Stay Local This Summer

Explore Your City

At-Home Waterpark

Plan a Day Trip to Your Local Zoo or Aquarium

Prepare a Picnic

DIY Spa Day

Summer Reading

Stay at a Nearby Bed & Breakfast

We Recommend

These Celebs Are Giving Us Major Vacation FOMO

Best Summer Mancations

11 Easy Ways to Get off the Grid This Summer 11 Photos

The Ultimate Camping Gear Guide 16 Photos

Best Baseball Stadiums 9 Photos

More From Travel