It’s time to slow things down and drink it in. Our first stop is just under two hours from Washington, D.C., making it a respite for nearby city-dwellers. Indulge in lazy lake days, hit the hiking trails, or try something new, like stand-up paddleboarding.

These islands may look like a mere brushstroke on your atlas, but wild horses, historic lighthouses, and award-winning beaches await. Some of the quaint villages on the Outer Banks are only accessible by ferry, for the ultimate way to disconnect and reset.

Next stop: luxury. Hilton Head Island is known for its high-end resorts and grand beach homes. A haven for golfers, the area is home to more than 30 courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links: the host of the RBC Heritage tour.

If you prefer your beach escape with a little more razzle dazzle, Myrtle Beach is just the place. The famous oceanfront boardwalk offers tons of family-friendly fun, like amusement parks and the SkyWheel, for aerial views of the beach.

Head west for charming Appalachian towns peppered amid rolling mountains. If you want entertainment—like dining, shopping, and theme parks—opt for bustling Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just down the road for a beautiful scenic drive.

Stretch your legs with a long walk around the historic streets of Savannah, lined with moss-covered live oaks. (For adults, you can even sip on a tasty beverage as you stroll the Historic District.) Driving further south, you’ll come to St. Simons Island, where you can explore via bicycle along miles of trails before watching the sunset over the Marshes of Glynn.

No southern coast road trip would be complete without a visit to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S. Wander along centuries-old Spanish colonial architecture, sample delicious Cuban cuisine, and sink your toes into the sandy beaches.