Get into the Car & Head to the Best Road Trip Destinations in the U.S.
By Ella Buchan and Tyler Bohlman
Staycations Are Still In Style
Skip the cross-country flight. The best vacation may just be right in your backyard. And while it’s exciting to jump on a plane and fly somewhere new, there’s something classically fun about loading your family in the car and sharing a road trip together.
If a staycation or road trip is in your future, check out these easy-to-reach destinations, all near Marriott Vacation Club® villa resorts.
JERSEY SHORE: ABSECON, NEW JERSEY
This quiet, park-like spot is just across the bay from Atlantic City’s casinos, headline entertainment, iconic boardwalk, and wide-open beaches — plus it’s an easy drive from New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
You can take in the best of the Jersey Shore with a cruise along Ocean Drive, skirting golden beaches, boat-filled harbors, and colorful towns. Along the way, the family-friendly charms of the Ocean City boardwalk and the gloriously retro vibe of Wildwood provide a nice contrast. The route ends in Cape May, where stately Victorian houses line up like wedding cakes over champagne-hued beaches.
Marriott's Fairway Villas
Where To Stay
Marriott’s Fairway Villas brings the comforts of home to your New Jersey vacation. Enjoy home-cooked meals in a fully equipped kitchen or a summertime dip in the pool. Nearby Atlantic City and Brigantine Beach provide fun entertainment options for the whole family.
BRANSON, MISSOURI
A trip to Branson offers an appealing combination of top entertainment paired with gorgeous natural surroundings. With highly rated restaurants, museums, and theme parks, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Branson’s famous entertainment district is best known for its country music performances, but it offers everything from Broadway musicals and tribute acts to cirque-style productions. Just as impressive as the shows is the area’s spectacular natural wonders. Swim and fish in sparkling lakes, stroll along picturesque beaches, and tackle the terrain on hiking trails that spool through the Ozark Mountains.
Marriott's Willow Ridge Lodge
Where To Stay
Experience Branson with a stay at Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge. Located near the city’s endless entertainment, you’ll enjoy a relaxing place to call home at the end of your busy day. Swim in the indoor or outdoor pool, or simply spend time in your comfortable villa.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Yes, Orlando has theme parks, but the city’s charms reach beyond fairy-tale castles and roller coasters — there are many charming neighborhoods to visit as well.
Cobblestone-lined Winter Park boasts boutiques, cafes, and museums along its leafy avenues, as well as a chain of lakes and canals you can tour by boat. Thornton Park features almost 50 locally owned shops and hosts regular events like the monthly Wine & Art Walk where you can view local artists’ work while sipping on a glass of your favorite vintage.
For nightlife with a twist, Lake Eola has several speakeasy-style bars, including Hanson’s Shoe Repair, a bar inside an old cobblers’ shop accessed via a parking garage.
Marriott's Harbour Lake
Where To Stay
Choose from one of six beautiful resorts with villa-style accommodations including Marriott’s Harbour Lake. It’s your perfect home base to visit Orlando’s surrounding neighborhoods. Relax on a screened balcony, or dive into a refreshing outdoor pool.
HILTON HEAD, SOUTH CAROLINA
Hilton Head offers the perfect location for a South Carolina getaway. The stunning beach resort is just under 100 miles from Charleston and a short hop to Savannah, Georgia. Each city offers its own blend of history, world-class dining, and distinctive architecture.
Hilton Head can hold its own when it comes to Southern charm, too. Pristine sandy beaches, visited by nesting sea turtles between May and October, edge the barrier island. Tour the red-and-white lighthouse, play a few rounds at one of 40 championship golf courses, or dine on seafood right by the water.
Marriott's Heritage Club
Where To Stay
Marriott’s Heritage Club delivers the ultimate Hilton Head Island vacation. Relax in a heated outdoor pool, work out in the fitness center, rent a bike to pedal around the island, visit the Harbour Town Marina’s famous lighthouse, or book a tee time at one of the island’s world-class golf courses. It’s just one of the many world-class Marriott resorts on Hilton Head Island.
MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA
This city and beach resort is the liveliest hub along South Carolina’s Grand Strand, a 60-mile sweep of white beaches lapped by the Atlantic Ocean.
Cruise along the coast to find quieter coves, or simply divide your time between Myrtle Bay’s beach, restaurant-lined boardwalk, and the rides at the amusement park.
Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes®
Where To Stay
Discover an ideal blend of sun, beachfront fun, and relaxation at Marriott’s OceanWatch at Grande Dunes® on the golden shores of Myrtle Beach. Soak up the sun at the pool or beach, stay active on the putting green or volleyball court, or relax in a spacious villa while dining on a world-class meal.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
New York City always has a few surprises up its sleeve, whether it’s a new favorite cocktail bar, a wonderfully weird museum, or a yet-to-be-explored neighborhood.
Midtown, home to Times Square and a chessboard of architectural icons, is endlessly thrilling. Take in the latest theater shows and museum exhibitions, shop at iconic department stores, gaze across the city from atop the Empire State Building — and fall in love all over again.
Marriott Vacation Club®, New York City
Where To Stay
Stay in the heart of the city at Marriott Vacation Club, New York City. Just steps away from the city’s endless entertainment, you’re never far away from your next adventure.