13 One‑Tank Gas Memorial Day Road Trips For 2025

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to hit the open road and start the summer adventure! If you’re looking for a getaway that won’t have you constantly stopping for gas, you’re in luck.

These one-tank trips offer amazing destinations that are close enough for a quick drive but far enough to feel like a true escape. So, whether you’re craving scenic views, outdoor activities, or small-town charm, these spots are just a tank away.

Let’s get the wheels turning and explore these perfect weekend escapes!

1. Crystal Cove – California

Nestled along the Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove offers a perfect blend of nature and nostalgia. The historic district features charming cottages from the 1920s and 30s that you can actually rent for your stay!

Miles of pristine beaches invite you to relax, while tide pools teem with fascinating sea creatures during low tide. Hiking enthusiasts will love the 18 miles of backcountry trails with panoramic ocean views.

When hunger strikes, grab a bite at the Beachcomber Café right on the sand. Their famous Baja breakfast burrito tastes even better with waves crashing nearby.

2. Manteo – North Carolina

Manteo welcomes visitors with small-town charm on Roanoke Island, where history and coastal beauty create an unforgettable escape. This waterfront gem sits just minutes from the famous Outer Banks beaches but offers a quieter, more laid-back alternative.

History buffs will geek out at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, home to the mysterious Lost Colony. The Elizabeth II, a replica 16th-century sailing vessel, lets you step back in time to early American exploration.

Downtown Manteo’s quaint streets feature local shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants serving the day’s freshest catch. Don’t miss the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse for picture-perfect sunset views across Shallowbag Bay.

3. Gulf Islands – Mississippi

Are you dreaming of powder-white beaches without the Florida crowds? Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches along Mississippi’s coast offering pristine barrier islands that feel worlds away from everyday life.

Ship Island, accessible by ferry from Gulfport, rewards travelers with crystal-clear waters and historic Fort Massachusetts. Bring binoculars to spot dolphins playing in the sound or ospreys soaring overhead.

Back on the mainland, Biloxi and Ocean Springs provide charming accommodations and fresh seafood galore. If you’re feeling lucky, the coastal casinos add a touch of excitement to your beach getaway. Morning walks along Beach Boulevard with the sunrise glinting off the Gulf can’t be beat!

4. Lake Placid – Florida

Lake Placid might surprise you with its nickname “Town of Murals” – over 50 vibrant outdoor paintings tell stories of local history throughout this charming central Florida town. This hidden gem sits surrounded by more than 27 lakes, making it a paradise for fishing enthusiasts and water lovers alike.

Kayaking on Lake June-in-Winter offers peaceful exploration of cypress-lined shores where you might spot alligators, ospreys, and turtles. The nearby Highlands Hammock State Park features one of Florida’s oldest and most diverse natural communities with ancient trees and rare wildlife.

When your stomach growls, locally-owned restaurants serve up fresh citrus-infused dishes – fitting since the area is known for its caladium farms and orange groves.

5. Lake Sinclair – Georgia

Hidden in central Georgia, Lake Sinclair offers 15,300 acres of refreshing water surrounded by peaceful forests – perfect for escaping Memorial Day crowds. Unlike busier Georgia lakes, Sinclair maintains a relaxed, local vibe where fishing, swimming, and pontoon cruising take center stage.

Historic Milledgeville sits nearby, once Georgia’s capital, with stunning antebellum architecture and walking tours that transport you back in time. The Old Governor’s Mansion stands as a particularly impressive example of Greek Revival style.

Waterfront restaurants like The Brick serve up southern classics with lake views. For adventurous types, rent a jet ski or paddleboard from one of the marinas. As evening approaches, nothing beats watching the sunset paint the water gold from your own private cove.

6. Center Hill – Tennessee

Tucked within Tennessee’s rolling hills, Center Hill Lake dazzles visitors with emerald waters and limestone bluffs that seem to touch the clouds. This reservoir spans 18,000 acres with over 400 miles of shoreline, yet somehow maintains a peaceful atmosphere even during holiday weekends.

Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for world-class bass fishing, while adventure seekers can explore hidden caves and cascading waterfalls in nearby state parks. Edgar Evins State Park offers cabins perched on hillsides with panoramic lake views that will make your Instagram followers green with envy.

The nearby town of Smithville provides small-town charm with antique shops and the famous Smithville Jamboree. Don’t leave without trying local specialties like Tennessee pulled pork at the Blue Water Grille overlooking the marina.

7. Lake Burton – Georgia

Nestled in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Burton offers a luxurious mountain retreat just two hours from Atlanta. This crystal-clear reservoir winds through forested valleys creating secluded coves and stunning mountain vistas at every turn.

Though known as a celebrity hideaway with impressive lake homes, public recreation areas welcome all visitors to enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating. LaPrade’s Marina serves as the social hub where you can rent watercraft or grab an ice cream cone while watching boats parade by.

Hiking trails around Moccasin Creek State Park provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. When evening falls, lakeside restaurants like Waterside Marina offer fresh catch specials and outdoor seating where you can watch the sun sink behind mountain peaks.

8. Lake Jocassee – South Carolina

If crystal-clear mountain water surrounded by unspoiled wilderness sounds like paradise, Lake Jocassee won’t disappoint. This breathtaking reservoir in upstate South Carolina boasts some of the cleanest water in the Southeast, fed by mountain streams cascading directly into the lake.

Waterfalls provide the main attraction here – some accessible only by boat. Rent a pontoon to discover hidden falls tucking between lush mountain coves. The brave can jump from rock ledges into refreshing deep pools beneath cascading water.

Devil’s Fork State Park offers the only public access to the lake with camping, cabin rentals, and a beach area. Morning fog lifting off the water creates magical photo opportunities while loons call in the distance. The lake’s remote setting means minimal light pollution for spectacular stargazing after sunset.

9. Saugatuck – Michigan

Dubbed the “Art Coast of Michigan,” Saugatuck charms visitors with its perfect blend of beach town vibes and cultural sophistication. This Lake Michigan gem features Oval Beach – consistently ranked among America’s best freshwater beaches with rolling dunes and Caribbean-blue waters that stretch to the horizon.

Downtown’s walkable streets overflow with art galleries, boutique shops, and ice cream parlors housed in historic buildings. The Saugatuck Chain Ferry, hand-cranked across the Kalamazoo River, has been operating since 1838 and offers a unique way to cross the water.

Food lovers rejoice at farm-to-table restaurants serving Michigan cherries, fresh-caught whitefish, and local wines. Sunset cruises on the Star of Saugatuck paddlewheel boat provide unforgettable views as day turns to dusk over the water.

10. Door County – Wisconsin

Door County stretches like a finger into Lake Michigan, creating a 70-mile peninsula dotted with charming villages, lighthouses, and cherry orchards. This Midwest treasure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm without the crowds of more famous coastal destinations.

Lighthouse enthusiasts will find 11 historic beacons to explore, while outdoor lovers can kayak through sea caves or hike in five state parks. The region’s Scandinavian heritage shines through in fish boils – a unique dining experience where whitefish is cooked outdoors over an open flame.

Don’t miss sampling local cherries in everything from pies to wine at roadside markets and wineries. Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Tower provides panoramic views of Green Bay and neighboring islands that will leave you breathless.

11. St. Louis – Missouri

Beyond the iconic Gateway Arch, St. Louis surprises visitors with an incredible array of free attractions perfect for budget-conscious travelers. The world-class St. Louis Zoo, Science Center, and Art Museum cost nothing to enter – a rarity among major cities!

Forest Park, larger than Central Park, offers 1,300 acres of gorgeous green space for picnicking, paddleboating, or simply relaxing. Baseball fans can catch the Cardinals at Busch Stadium, while foodies should explore the Italian restaurants of The Hill neighborhood for authentic toasted ravioli.

Music lovers shouldn’t miss the historic blues clubs on Broadway where legends have performed for decades. When night falls, head to the rooftop at Three Sixty for cocktails with spectacular Arch views or explore the quirky City Museum – an architectural playground for adults and kids alike.

12. Red River Gorge – Kentucky

Hidden within Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge mesmerizes visitors with over 100 natural sandstone arches, towering cliffs, and lush forests. This geological wonderland attracts rock climbers from around the world, but you don’t need climbing skills to appreciate its breathtaking beauty.

Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging treks, with options like Whistling Arch offering spectacular views with minimal effort. The famous Natural Bridge spans 78 feet and stands 65 feet high – accessible via skylift or hiking trail.

Nearby Nada Tunnel, a 900-foot former railway tunnel just wide enough for one vehicle, serves as the “Gateway to Red River Gorge” and adds a thrilling start to your adventure. After a day of exploration, Miguel’s Pizza has become legendary among outdoor enthusiasts for refueling with delicious pies and swapping trail stories.

13. Hot Springs – Arkansas

Hot Springs National Park offers a unique twist on the typical national park experience – it’s centered around historic Bathhouse Row right in downtown Hot Springs! These magnificent buildings from the early 1900s once housed luxurious spas where visitors “took the waters” for health benefits.

Today, you can still enjoy thermal soaks at Buckstaff or Quapaw bathhouses, then sample mineral water straight from fountains along the Grand Promenade. The surrounding Ouachita Mountains provide gorgeous hiking trails with panoramic views of the town and lake.

History buffs will love exploring the gangster era when Al Capone and other notorious figures frequented the area. After working up an appetite, Superior Bathhouse Brewery – the only brewery in a national park – serves craft beers made with thermal spring water. Their outdoor patio perfect for people-watching along Central Avenue.