Despite gas prices that are hovering at about $3 per gallon, AAA predicts that a record 37.6 million Americans will hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, an increase of nearly 1 percent over last year. Of those, about 500,000 are likely to be from the Washington area.
This weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer. And Washingtonians have five of the nation’s top 10 summer tourist destinations nearby, including several beaches, to choose from when planning a long weekend getaway.
“Traditionally, that’s where [Washingtonians] go, because the Eastern Shore beaches are so accessible,” said John Townsend, spokesman for AAA Mid-Atlantic.
The 300 or so miles from Delaware’s three beaches to North Carolina’s Outer Banks offer countless options.
And if you haven’t already booked accommodations, don’t worry. Because of the Internet and booming development, its possible to find a last minute place to stay, said Jim Waggoner, vice president for Long and Foster’s resort and realty division covering Rehoboth through Ocean City.
“Because of increased construction, you can call a week before and still find accommodation,” he said. “[But] we still recommend booking early, there’s no doubt about it.”
A two-bedroom, two-bath rental on Rehoboth or nearby beaches fetches about $1,850 weekly. A similar rental in Ocean City runs about $1,350, Waggoner said.
Similar prices can be found in Duck, N.C. Located on an isthmus, Duck is hugely popular among Washingtonians, said Carolyn McCormick, managing director for the Outer Banks Visitor’s Bureau.
“Duck gives it a little bit of the feel if you were a New Yorker going down to the Hamptons,” she said.
For those who prefer mountains to the beach, or seek activity a little more demanding than building a sand castle, there’s white-water rafting and kayaking on the Shenandoah River near Harpers Ferry. Or you can camp at Spruce-Knob Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and go rock climbing 900 feet above the North Fork River.
“Vacations [are] a very important time for a family,” Waggoner said. “That’s when memories are made.”
