Who says you have to travel hundreds of miles or spend thousands of dollars to take a great vacation?
Sometimes the best adventures are right in your own backyard.
Whether you’re saving for a bigger trip, have limited vacation time, or simply want to explore your hometown like a visitor, a staycation can be the perfect way to recharge without blowing your budget.
I’ve lived in the Washington, DC, area for most of my life, yet I’m constantly discovering places I’ve never visited. It turns out that being a “local” often means overlooking the attractions tourists travel across the world to see.
That’s why every once in a while, I like to become a tourist in my own city.
What Is a Staycation?
A staycation is exactly what it sounds like: taking time off to relax and explore close to home instead of traveling far away.
You might spend the day visiting museums, hiking a nearby trail, discovering a new neighborhood, taking a food tour, kayaking a local river, or simply checking off attractions you’ve always meant to visit.
The best part?
You sleep in your own bed every night.
Why Staycations Are Worth Considering
Staycations offer many of the same benefits as traditional vacations while costing far less.
They can help you:
- Save money on airfare and hotels.
- Avoid the stress of airports and long drives.
- Discover hidden gems in your own community.
- Support local businesses.
- Use vacation days even if you don’t have the budget for a major trip.
Sometimes all we really need is a break from our routine—not necessarily a plane ticket.
Become a Tourist in Your Own Backyard
Several years ago, I came across a Washington, DC, bucket list and was shocked by how many places I’d never visited—even after living here for decades.
It reminded me that familiarity often keeps us from exploring.
Instead of assuming you’ve “seen it all,” challenge yourself to visit your hometown with fresh eyes.
You might be surprised by what you’ve been missing.
Create Your Own Local Bucket List
No matter where you live, creating a staycation itinerary is easy.
Start by searching:
- Things to do near me
- Free things to do in (your city)
- Weekend getaways near me
- Historic sites
- Museums
- Walking tours
- Local festivals
- State parks
- Scenic drives
Then organize your ideas into categories like:
- Outdoor adventures
- Museums
- Food & drink
- Historic sites
- Family activities
- Hidden gems
Soon you’ll have your own hometown bucket list.
My Favorite Staycation Ideas
Instead of reproducing someone else’s list, I’d replace it with your own recommendations.
For the DC area, you could include things like:
- Explore the National Mall museums
- Visit the National Cathedral
- Tour the Library of Congress
- Pay your respects at Arlington National Cemetery
- Walk through Georgetown
- See the monuments at night
- Visit the U.S. Botanic Garden
- Spend an afternoon in Old Town Alexandria
- Hike Great Falls Park
- Tour Mount Vernon
- Explore the murals in DC
Tips for Planning the Perfect Staycation
- Treat it like a real vacation by requesting time off work.
- Plan your itinerary, but don’t overschedule.
- Group nearby attractions together.
- Pack snacks and water to save money.
- Check for free museum days and local events.
- Try one restaurant you’ve never visited.
- Leave time to simply relax.
Resources for Planning Your Staycation
Not sure where to start? These are some of my favorite resources for finding fun things to do close to home.
🗺️ Only In Your State
A great resource for discovering hidden gems, scenic drives, quirky attractions, local restaurants, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Just search for your state and you may be surprised by what’s nearby.
⭐ TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor isn’t just for planning vacations. Search your hometown or nearby cities to find top-rated attractions, museums, tours, restaurants, and activities through the eyes of other travelers.
💰 Groupon
Save money on local experiences with discounts on everything from museums and food tours to escape rooms, spas, kayaking, wineries, and ziplining.
👥 Meetup
Looking to connect with others while trying something new? Meetup is a great way to find local hiking groups, photography walks, book clubs, kayaking outings, foodie events, and other activities based on your interests. It’s especially helpful if you’re exploring solo.
📅 Eventbrite & Facebook Events
Check these sites for upcoming festivals, outdoor concerts, farmers markets, guided tours, workshops, and seasonal events happening during your staycation.
📍 Google Maps
Zoom in on your area and search for things like:
- Museums
- Hiking trails
- Murals
- Waterfalls
- Scenic overlooks
- Wineries
- Historic sites
- Gardens
You’d be amazed at how many places you’ve driven past without ever stopping.
🏛️ Local Tourism Websites
Visit your city, county, or state’s tourism website for information on free attractions, local events, seasonal festivals, self-guided tours, and hidden gems.
Staycations Can Help Fund Bigger Adventures
I love traveling to new places, but I don’t believe every vacation has to involve airports, hotels, and passports.
Sometimes a staycation is exactly what I need to recharge—and the money I save can go toward a bigger adventure later.
Taking one or two staycations each year has allowed me to explore my own backyard while keeping more money in my travel fund for those dream destinations on my bucket list.
Travel doesn’t always have to mean going far.
Sometimes the best adventure is the one you’ve overlooked close to home.
Future you—and your travel budget—will thank you.