Day Trippin': Four Places To Get Away On Memorial Day

Not everyone plans a getaway for Memorial Day weekend. But if you don't want to be stuck in the house all weekend with the kids either, a solidly-planned day trip with the family might do you some good.

To avoid traffic, don't travel Friday evening through Saturday morning and Sunday evening through Monday. That leaves Saturday and Sunday as days to take one of these day trips.

A Day at the Delaware Beaches

The drive isn't too bad and there's lots of options once you get there—from the games and rides on the Rehoboth boardwalk and outlet shopping, to the bars in Dewey, to the award-winning seafood and even just a good ole' picnic on one of the seven beaches.

Although it's always crowded down on the beach (not shore) on Memorial Day weekend, if you get there early and leave late, you'll avoid most traffic. Be sure to pack a cooler with lots of water, sandwiches and snacks for the kids and yourselves. Glass bottles aren't allowed on most beaches, so make sure it's plastic and bring your own trash bags.

My tips for the your day at the beach—go to Tower Road, it's a state park beach just off Route 1 in Delaware (in between Dewey and Bethany) and has consession stands, showers and parking at $8 for the whole day (out-of-state tags). Then head over to restaurants like Grottos Pizza, or Nicola's Stomboli's on the Rehoboth boardwalk. There will be lines, so if you have kids bring a snack, and maybe one of you should wait at the restaurant while you take the little ones over to the arcade, the t-shirt shop or to try taffy.

Distance: 116 miles, 2 hours and 45 minutes to Tower Road.

Experience the Civil War in Gettysburg, PA

This Civil War battleground is remembered for being the largest battle ever fought in North America. More than 165,000 soldiers fought at Gettysburg and 51,000 soldiers died.

This year locals will commerate 150 years since the war. There's plenty to do including hitching a bus or walking tour of the battleground, taking a ghost tour or visiting museums.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, experience the war itself with Living History, where reenactors will demonstrate how the war was fought. Or, check out a tribute to musical legend Hank Williams Saturday evening. Monday the town will host it's annual parade down East Main Street. 

Distance: 80 miles, or 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Hike at Harpers Ferry, WV

Check out this National Park, which spans three states--Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. There's a $6 entrance fee to the park, but it's worth it. This place is known for being host to the largest surrender of federal troops during the Civil War. But now it's a park that offers scenic hikes, events and a historic town center.

You can also try horseback riding, fishing or rafting.

Distance: 64 miles, 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Play at the Waterfront in Annapolis, MD

There's lots to do Memorial Day weekend in Annapolis. You can take a boat out onto the water, feast on crabs or check out a free concert.

If you go, you may want to take a look at the hours of operation for the museums you plan to visit and plan your day around that since some places may be closed this weekend. However, City Dock is open, full of shops, restaurants and reasons to get out on the water.

Distance: 27 miles, 40 minutes.