Essex

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Essex's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore Essex
morning
:

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Afterward, visit the Essex Centre for local markets and boutiques.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby winery, sampling local wines. Take a scenic drive along the Lake Erie shoreline.

evening
:

Dine at a cozy restaurant featuring regional cuisine. Wind down with a stroll along the waterfront.

day 2
Nature Walks
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing walk in the Point Pelee National Park. Enjoy the morning sounds of nature and spot various bird species.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park. Spend the afternoon exploring the trails and observing the unique wildlife.

evening
:

Head back to Essex for dinner at a family-friendly restaurant. Enjoy some downtime at your accommodation or take a stroll around the town.

day 3
Adventure Awaits
morning
:

Kick off your day with breakfast and then gear up for a day of adventure. Try kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Erie.

afternoon
:

After some water fun, grab lunch at a beachfront café. Spend the afternoon trying out local water sports or fishing.

evening
:

Conclude your day with a barbecue dinner by the beach. Enjoy a bonfire or watch the sunset over the lake.

day 4
Wineries of Essex
morning
:

Start with a hearty breakfast and prepare for a day of wine tasting. Visit a couple of local wineries to learn about their unique offerings.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a wine-pairing lunch at one of the vineyards, relishing local flavors. Continue tasting at different wineries and explore their beautiful grounds.

evening
:

Wrap up with dinner at a restaurant that features local wines on its menu. Take a leisurely walk to digest and enjoy the evening air.

day 5
Arts and Culture
morning
:

Have breakfast at a quaint café before visiting local art galleries. Explore the vibrant art scene in Essex and appreciate local talent.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a bistro nearby, then take a cultural tour of local heritage sites. Visit museums to learn more about the history of the area.

evening
:

Choose a casual eatery for dinner and relax with live music or entertainment if available. Reflect on the artistic inspirations from the day.

day 6
Scenic Biking
morning
:

Fuel up with breakfast and hop on a bike rental to explore the scenic trails. Bike along the waterfront and take in the beautiful sights.

afternoon
:

Stop for a picnic lunch by the water, enjoying the serene views. Continue biking through nearby parks and trails for more adventure.

evening
:

Finish the day with dinner at a restaurant specializing in farm-to-table dishes. Relish the local flavors and unwind after a day of biking.

day 7
Pet-Friendly Fun
morning
:

Start the day with breakfast at a dog-friendly café. Spend the morning at a local park exploring the area with your furry friend.

afternoon
:

Have a dog-friendly picnic lunch, enjoying snacks while the pets play. Visit pet-friendly attractions that welcome your four-legged companions.

evening
:

Dine at a pet-friendly restaurant where the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for both pets and humans. Take a relaxing evening walk with your pet to conclude a delightful day.

day 8
Local Shopping Spree
morning
:

Enjoy breakfast at a local favorite spot before diving into shopping. Explore the unique shops and boutiques in Essex.

afternoon
:

Grab lunch at a nearby café while discussing your finds. Continue your shopping spree at local artisans and specialty shops.

evening
:

Savor dinner at a trendy eatery that showcases regional ingredients. Share your shopping wins with friends over a celebratory meal.

day 9
Stargazing Night
morning
:

Start with a hearty breakfast and light local exploration. Visit one of the town's parks to appreciate nature during the day.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant with outdoor seating. Plan for a stargazing event in the evening at a designated dark-sky location.

evening
:

Dine at a local eatery before heading out to your stargazing spot. Bring a blanket and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

day 10
Underwater Wonders
morning
:

Begin your day with a light breakfast and prepare for some underwater adventures. Head to a local diving center for a quick briefing.

afternoon
:

Take a diving or snorkeling trip in the clear waters of Lake Erie, discovering the marine life below. Enjoy a hearty lunch on board or at dock afterward.

evening
:

Return to land and refresh before dining at a seafood restaurant. Relish in the fresh catches while sharing stories from your underwater adventures.

Discover Essex

Read more in our Essex 2024 Travel Guide.

Essex Travel Guide