Three of the four need no car: Jūrmala, Sigulda and Cēsis are on train lines from Riga, and Rundāle Palace has a direct bus. Pick Jūrmala for a sea day, Sigulda for a walk, Cēsis for a medieval town and Rundāle if you want a palace.
A long strip of resort towns along the Gulf of Riga, with sandy beaches, pine forest behind them and Jomas Street, one of the oldest streets in the city. The easiest escape from Riga, and the only one that works on a half day.
Tip: Majori and Dzintari are the popular stops, and Dzintari has a concert hall. Walk the beach between Asari and Majori or Dzintari instead of staying on one stretch of sand.
Weather: Jūrmala
Sigulda sits on the old Gauja river valley, a landscape of sandstone, forest and castles that the Latvians sometimes call their Switzerland. The sights are the castle ruins, the new castle, Gūtmanis Cave, Krimulda and Turaida, where the Rose of Turaida legend is told.
Tip: Take the train out and hike on to Turaida Castle, then ride the aerial tram across the Gauja for the best view of the valley.
Weather: Sigulda
One of the oldest towns in Latvia, built around a medieval castle. You get a castle, the old town streets, parks and Riekstu Hill, all of them within a short walk.
Tip: The visitor centre hands out a map and a candle, and with those you can climb the castle tower in the half-light.
Weather: Cēsis
A baroque and rococo palace designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, with a French-style garden and a rose garden. It lies outside Bauska, so it is a full-day outing rather than a quick hop.
Tip: Adult admission is €12 and students pay €8.50. It is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, but check the palace site, because hours change by season.
Weather: Rundāle