Prague Off the Beaten Path Tips by Krumlovgirl

Krumlov is definitely the most beautiful of southern Bohemia's quaint towns. Most people come for a day and stay a week. It’s that enchanting! It boasts the second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic, a unique Baroque theater, and a picturesque medieval town center with cobblestone streets.  Besides the castle, there are a number of smaller sights (the city museum, the museum of marionettes, and the Egon Schiele Center, etc.). Since the town is so pleasant, I strongly recommend spending the night-or two or three. However, if you are limited time, a day trip is better than nothing.
Distance: approx. 118 miles (note: take the bus and not the train)

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Website: www.ckrumlov.cz

Karlovy Vary, situated in the stunning Tepla Valley, is the largest and liveliest spa town in the Czech Republic. Visitors of all ages stroll along the riverside promenade sipping the waters from the twelve curative springs and nibbling on the round spa wafers; there's plenty of good shopping, dining, and people-watching. If you only have a couple of hours, go for a swim (even in the winter!) at the outdoor pool at the hotel Thermal. IF you have longer and wish to try a spa treatment (anything from a massage to an intestinal irrigation), some spas (such as Zamecke Lazne) now cater to walk-in visitors. On the outskirts of town is the Moser glass factory which makes china and crystal for the royal families of Europe. You can also visit the factory that manufactures the renowned local herbal liqueur, Becherovka.
Distance: approx: 80 miles (day trip)

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Website: www.karlovyvary.cz; www.moser-glass.com; www.becherovka.com

This medieval castle was built in 1348 - 1368 by the King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, as a place for safekeeping the coronation jewels. The heart of the castle is the Chapel of the Holy Rood (or Holy Cross), and features a famous gallery of 127 panel paintings by the Master Theodoricus. Reservations for touring the Chapel must be made ahead of time.
Distance: approx. 21 miles (half-day trip)

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Website: www.hradkarlstejn.cz; www.karlstejn-golf.cz

Terezin was originally a garrison town and fortress built in the late 18th century but was taken over by the Nazis in WWII and was used as a "model" concentration camp. Many Jews, Czechs and other nationalities, and especially members of the Czech-Jewish intellectual elite perished here.  A good place to start is the Ghetto Museum and the Small Fortress, which served as a Gestapo prison. I also recommend watching the short video. You can find written guides in English, but should really go on a guided tour to get the whole gist of the place.
Distance: approx. 38 miles (half-day trip or day trip)

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Website: www.pamatnik-terezin.cz

Krivoklat  is a gothic castle with a history that stretches back to the 12th century. It is situated on an outcrop of rolling hills and overlooks deep woodlands and the river Vltava. It was once the  favorite castle of King Wenceslas IV and at the moment, of Hollywood filmmakers. The surrounding area is a nature reserve; in nearby Nižbor there is a traditional glass factory (Ruckl glass), which can also be toured.
Distance: approx. 40 miles (half-day trip)

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Website: www.krivoklat.cz

Konopiste Chateau is situated in a picturesque landscape 30 miles southeast of Prague. It is well known for its  large collection of 300,000 hunting trophies. At the end of the 19th century the castle was refurbished in the Romantic style for Franz Ferdinand d´Este, successor to the Habsburg throne, whose assassination in Sarajevo sparked WWI.
Distance: approx. 30 miles  

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Website: http://www.zamky-hrady.cz/1/konopiste-e.htm