Summer is the season to linger a little longer—over a waterfront lunch, a mountain hike or lawn games and cocktails at sunset. Luckily, you don’t have to go far to find that summer feeling; sometimes, an extended weekend is all it takes to feel truly away. These nine destinations are just a short nonstop flight or scenic drive from major urban hubs, making them ideal for an easy escape without sacrificing a sense of discovery. From breezy New England islands and rugged national parks to alpine retreats and wine country hideaways, each offers exceptional hotels, standout restaurants and countless ways to embrace the season outdoors. Get inspired with some of our favorite places for an effortless summer long weekend in the U.S. below.
1. Newport & Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Few places capture the spirit of an East Coast summer like Newport and neighboring Watch Hill, where Gilded Age grandeur meets windswept beaches, sailing culture and seaside tradition. Spend mornings strolling the Cliff Walk or touring the Newport Mansions, afternoons browsing Bellevue Avenue and Thames Street boutiques or cruising Narragansett Bay, and evenings over fresh seafood and waterfront cocktails. Summer also brings the renowned Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, polo matches and a full calendar of regattas.
Indagare Itinerary – Five Favorites: touring The Breakers; shopping for sundresses at ISLE Newport boutique; dining on pizza and pasta at Bar 'Cino; enjoying oysters and Champagne on the verandah at Ocean House; toasting with sunset drinks on the lawn at Castle Hill Inn (note: while the majority of the hotel remains closed due to a damaging fire in February, the main level and dining areas have been restored and reopened).
Getting There: From New York City, the drive takes approximately three-and-a-half to four hours, while Boston is just 90 minutes away by car. Travelers from Washington, D.C. can fly nonstop to Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport in about one hour and 20 minutes before continuing by car—roughly 40 minutes to Newport or one hour to Watch Hill.
Where to Stay: 3 Hotels We Love
Ocean House
While the parasols of its nineteenth-century origins have given way to blue and yellow beach umbrellas and cabanas complete with butler service, the Victorian-style Ocean House remains a nostalgic reminder of the past, with all the modern amenities to ensure a five-star experience.
The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection
Set on a pretty side street just off the main thoroughfare Thames Street, The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection (formerly the Grace Vanderbilt) is a lovely in-town boutique property for Newport visitors. The mansion was built in 1909 by Alfred Vanderbilt for his mistress, and the building has such period Beaux Arts architectural details as massive fireplaces and double grand staircases in the front hall.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk
Not many hotel owners would furnish a suite with impeccable antiques, decide the results are not flawless and start all over again repainting and redecorating. But nothing seems to have daunted Jeanie Shufelt who, along with her husband John, is the mastermind behind the 20 art-filled rooms at the Chanler at Cliff Walk.
2. Kennebunkport & Bar Harbor, Maine
Long daylight hours in Maine invite leisurely road trips between the charming fishing village of Kennebunkport and the dramatic coastline surrounding Acadia National Park. Expect lobster shacks and acclaimed restaurants, schooner sails, scenic coastal drives and afternoons spent exploring independent galleries, boutiques and working harbors. In Bar Harbor, Acadia's carriage roads, granite peaks and Frenchman Bay are fully accessible, while Kennebunkport balances classic New England character with an increasingly sophisticated culinary scene anchored by local farms and fisheries.
Indagare Itinerary – Five Favorites: ordering lobster rolls at The Clam Shack; hiking the Beehive or Jordan Pond paths in Acadia National Park; browsing Dock Square's galleries and home stores; booking a farm-to-table dinner at Earth at Hidden Pond; sampling local craft beer at Batson River Brewing & Distilling.
Getting There: Kennebunkport is a 40-minute drive from Portland International Jetport, which is served by nonstop flights from New York City in approximately one hour and 20 minutes. From Boston, the drive takes just under two hours. Bar Harbor is accessible via seasonal nonstop flights from Boston to Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport in about one hour, or via Bangor with a one-hour onward drive.
Where to Stay: 3 Hotels We Love
White Barn Inn, Auberge Collection
In Kennebunkport’s lower village, the Auberge Collection’s White Barn Inn provides the ultimate charming getaway—a boutique retreat with an understated elegance, warm hospitality and tranquil surroundings. The historic property’s renovation in 2020 by New York–based designer Jenny Wolf breathed new life into the hotel, while managing to retain its 150-year legacy.
Hidden Pond
This relaxed seasonal resort (open May to October) expertly caters to both couples and families creating the feel of a luxurious yet quintessentially Maine summer camp where there is something to keep everyone happy.
The Claremont Hotel
Only a short drive from Acadia National Park in crowd-free Southwest Harbor, The Claremont Hotel is the most chic property on Mount Desert Island, with cabins and cottages overlooking the water.
3. Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
These neighboring islands remain New England's quintessential summer escapes, each offering a distinct personality. Nantucket charms with cedar-shingled cottages, cobblestone streets, harborfront dining and pristine beaches, while Martha’s Vineyard pairs rolling farmland, lively harbor towns, art galleries and quieter stretches of coastline with a growing roster of standout restaurants and boutiques. Ferry service and seasonal flights make both surprisingly accessible for a long weekend, while packed calendars of concerts, farmers' markets and cultural events keep the islands buzzing through Labor Day.
Indagare Itinerary – Five Favorites: feasting on seafood towers at Cru; taking in sunset views at Galley Beach; biking to Siasconset and the Bluff Walk; indulging in ice cream at Mad Martha's; exploring the Edgartown galleries and local institutions like Alley’s General Store and Vineyard Vines.
Getting There: Both islands are well served during the summer with seasonal nonstop flights. From New York City, flights to either Nantucket Memorial Airport or Martha's Vineyard Airport take about one hour, while Boston is just a 40-minute flight away. Alternatively, travelers can drive approximately four hours from New York City to Hyannis (without traffic) before boarding a high-speed ferry to either island.
Where to Stay: 3 Hotels We Love
White Elephant Nantucket
The White Elephant has been the longtime Nantucket favorite for generations of visitors, and it is the best option for those who want to combine quintessential New England water views with the convenience of being near town.
Faraway Nantucket
Modern, cool, relaxed but stylish, the Faraway is a great in-town option with rooms spread across multiple historic buildings. Faraway is managed by Life House, who also oversee The Beachside.
Harbor View Hotel
The Harbor View is both close to town and right on the water, making it great for families who want to walk to dinner while still enjoying direct beach access.
4. North Fork & Shelter Island, New York
Just a few hours from Manhattan, the North Fork and Shelter Island offer a more understated alternative to the Hamptons, where vineyards, oyster farms and small maritime villages define the pace of summer weekends. Spend your days wine tasting, cycling between farm stands, kayaking Peconic Bay or exploring Greenport's independent shops before settling in for seafood overlooking the water. New wineries, chef-driven restaurants and expanded ferry connections continue to make the region one of the Northeast's most appealing laidback escapes.
Indagare Itinerary – Five Favorites: lunching at Minnow At The Galley Ho; lounging at Wades Beach, Shell Beach or Orient Beach State Park; shopping for home goods at The Weathered Barn; savoring sunset cocktails and live music on the terrace at The Pridwin; lingering over dinner at Vine Street Café.
Getting There: From Manhattan, Greenport is reachable in roughly two to two-and-a-half hours by car, depending on traffic. The Long Island Rail Road also offers direct service from Penn Station in approximately two hours and 45 minutes. Travelers arriving from Boston can fly nonstop to Long Island MacArthur Airport in about one hour before continuing by car for another hour. Shelter Island is reachable by a short ferry from both Greenport and North Haven on the South Fork.
Where to Stay: 3 Hotels We Love
The Pridwin Hotel & Cottages
Just beyond Shelter Island's Sunset Beach, the historic Pridwin hotel—established in 1927—reopened in 2022 after a two-year, multi-million-dollar renovation.
The Chequit
In celebration of its 150-year anniversary, Shelter Island’s charming icon The Chequit unveiled a full restoration under new ownership by the Soloviev Group (who hold extensive property across the North Fork, including Peconic Bay Vineyards) in 2022.
Hotel Moraine
Opened in Greenport in the summer of 2023, The Hotel Moraine is a boutique property situated on a bluff overlooking the sound.
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole remains one of the country's premier adventure destinations year-round, with easy access to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Wildlife safaris, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and miles of hiking trails fill long days, while the town itself offers excellent restaurants, galleries and Western outfitter shops centered around its iconic antler arches. The season also brings outdoor concerts, rodeos and ideal conditions for exploring the region: warm, sunny days and cool, breezy nights under a blanket of stars.
Indagare Itinerary – Five Favorites: hiking in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park; watching barrel racing at the Jackson Hole Rodeo; browsing cowgirl-chic boutiques like Kemo Sabe, Grit General and Terra; dancing at Million Dollar Cowboy Bar; ordering burgers and martinis at the Snake River Grill.
Getting There: Jackson Hole Airport is one of the few commercial airports located within a national park and offers convenient seasonal nonstop service from several major cities. Flights from Denver take approximately 90 minutes, Chicago is about three hours nonstop and New York City offers seasonal nonstop service in approximately five hours.
Where to Stay: 3 Hotels We Love
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
Situated at the base of mountains that attract dare-devil skiers in the winter and nature enthusiasts in the summer, Four Seasons Jackson Hole is all about unabashed pampering. With 124 guest rooms and 60 privately owned two- to five-bedroom residences, the Four Seasons is one of Jackson Hole’s biggest resorts.
Caldera House
Caldera House is an intimate boutique hotel at the base of the slopes in Teton Village and delivers unparalleled convenience for skiers and hikers, as well as a stunning Scandinavian-influenced design and cool atmosphere.
Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole
Opened in August of 2024, Hotel Yellowstone is the newcomer to know in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This adults-only, 36-suite lodge is perched atop the East Gros Ventre Butte, with unobstructed views over the Tetons and the Snake River Valley (just steps from Amangani, which is currently closed for renovations).
6. Aspen, Colorado
Some would argue that Aspen shines brightest in summer, when wildflower-covered mountains, cool temperatures and a packed cultural calendar transform this well-heeled alpine destination. Days are spent hiking, mountain biking or fly fishing before evenings of open-air dining, classical concerts and contemporary art exhibitions. The renowned Aspen Music Festival returns throughout the season alongside exhibitions at the Aspen Art Museum, while a steady stream of new restaurants, boutiques and hotel openings continues to broaden the town's appeal. Among the most anticipated is the new White Elephant Aspen, the celebrated Nantucket-born brand's first Rocky Mountain outpost. Opened mid-June on Main Street in Aspen's West End, the 54-room boutique hotel pairs mountain-contemporary interiors with more than 125 curated artworks, outdoor hot tubs, a pool lounge and the debut of Lola 41, the group's acclaimed seafood and sushi restaurant.
Indagare Itinerary – Five Favorites: snacking and people-watching at Ajax Tavern; dining at Bosq Restaurant or Matsuhisa Aspen; browsing Nuages, Pitkin County Dry Goods and Baldwin Gallery; wandering through the Aspen Art Museum; riding the Silver Queen Gondola and hiking the Maroon Bells.
Getting There: Aspen is easily reached via Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, with a 45-minute nonstop flight from Denver, approximately two hours from Dallas and about two hours and 20 minutes from Los Angeles during the summer season. Alternatively, travelers can drive from Denver in roughly four hours through the scenic Rockies.
Where to Stay: 3 Hotels We Love
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection
Built during the city’s silver boom, Aspen’s most talked-about hotel remained open from boom to bust, playing host to European aristocracy, Hollywood celebrities and East Coast socialites over the years. Under the management of Auberge, a top-to-bottom, multi-million-dollar renovation ensued. The hotel reopened in 2012, featuring stylish new rooms and restaurants that invoke the property’s charming Old West roots but please a New West traveler.
The Little Nell
Aspen’s most coveted address, The Little Nell offers a front-row seat to the town’s famously chic ski scene. That preeminence, of course, is partly because of the slopeside hotel’s unbeatable location adjacent to the lift up Aspen Mountain. It is also due to the hotel’s subdued, stylish interiors. But the main reason The Little Nell has been Aspen’s social hub since opening in 1989 is because of its commitment to superb, attentive service.
Mollie Aspen
Near Paepcke Park, and just a stroll away from Aspen's shops and restaurants, Mollie Aspen is a refreshing departure from the city's typical opulence. The boutique property opened its doors in December 2023 with 68 guest rooms and a distinctive “Japandi” style—blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian simplicity. The aura is one of serenity and relaxed comfort.
7. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
With crystal-clear water framed by the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe offers one of the country's most versatile summer playgrounds. Boating, paddleboarding, hiking and mountain biking dominate the days, while beach clubs, waterfront restaurants and scenic gondola rides carry the action well into the evening. New trails, expanded recreation programming and an increasingly sophisticated dining scene continue to elevate Tahoe as a warm-weather destination equally suited to families, couples and active travelers.
Indagare Itinerary – Five Favorites: booking a lakeside dinner at Edgewood Restaurant; ordering cocktails at Gar Woods Grill & Pier; brunching at Fire Sign Café; hiking Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm; chartering a classic wooden boat or paddleboarding on Emerald Bay; browsing The Potlatch in Tahoe City and The Cork & More in South Lake Tahoe.
Getting There: Lake Tahoe is about a three-and-half to four-hour drive from San Francisco, making it an ideal long weekend by car. Travelers from Los Angeles can fly nonstop to Reno-Tahoe International Airport in approximately 80 minutes before driving another hour to the lake, while Seattle offers nonstop service to Reno in about two hours.
Where to Stay: 3 Hotels We Love
Edgewood Tahoe
The only five-star lakeside resort on Tahoe’s south shore, Edgewood Tahoe has sweeping views and endless activities.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Perched mid-mountain at Northstar California Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe pairs the service and refinement of a luxury mountain lodge with year-round access to the Sierra Nevada's outdoor pursuits.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
Set on the quieter north shore in Incline Village, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe combines direct lake access with the amenities of a full-service alpine resort, making it a particularly strong choice for families and active travelers.
8. Sonoma County, California
Summer is one of Sonoma County's most vibrant seasons, when vineyards, lavender fields and farmers' markets are in full swing and winery terraces become some of California's best outdoor dining rooms. Beyond wine tasting, visitors can kayak the Russian River, hike among towering redwoods, explore Healdsburg's galleries and boutiques or follow the dramatic Sonoma Coast north. A steady wave of acclaimed restaurant openings and innovative tasting experiences continues to reinforce the region's reputation as one of the country's leading culinary destinations.
Indagare Itinerary – Five Favorites: tasting the menu at SingleThread Farm; lunching at Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria; lingering over cocktails and wood-fired fare at The Matheson; browsing Healdsburg Plaza's boutiques, including Levin & Company Books; sampling wines at Flowers, Jordan and Aperture Cellars; kayaking the Russian River or driving the Sonoma Coast.
Getting There: Sonoma County is approximately 90 minutes by car from San Francisco and is also served by nonstop flights into Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport. Flights from Los Angeles take about one hour and 30 minutes, while Seattle is approximately two hours away, making Healdsburg and the surrounding wine country an easy weekend destination from the West Coast.
Where to Stay: 3 Hotels We Love
SingleThread Farm
Healdsburg’s SingleThread Farm hotel is a boutique inn with a three-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant that is inspired by Japanese ryokans.
Farmhouse Inn
Located in the Russian River Valley, 11 miles southwest of Healdsburg, this graceful rural property comprises a converted 1872 farmhouse (the “main house”) and various additional stand-alone buildings, including the barn.
Montage Healdsburg
In the low, rolling hills of the Russian River Valley just an hour north of Sonoma, the Montage Healdsburg has a fresh, multi-sensory take on the classic California wine country resort. Here, the verdant rows of grapevines fill the open space between the bungalow-style accommodations that dot the hills.
9. Alaska
For travelers seeking something truly extraordinary, few summer escapes rival Alaska, where nearly endless daylight reveals landscapes that remain inaccessible much of the year. Scenic flights over Denali, helicopter glacier landings, bear viewing, world-class fishing and backcountry hiking define the experience, while luxury wilderness lodges increasingly pair these adventures with exceptional cuisine and deeply personalized guiding. Summer's brief season also brings peak wildlife viewing, wildflower blooms and some of the year's most stable flying conditions, making it the ideal time to explore one of North America's last great frontiers.
Indagare Itinerary – Five Favorites: enjoying chef-led dinners at Sheldon Chalet or Tutka Bay Lodge; ordering fresh king crab and craft beer at 49th State Brewing in Anchorage; taking in indigenous art and history at the Anchorage Museum; flightseeing around Denali or hiking and whale-watching in Juneau.
Getting There: Most Alaska itineraries begin with a nonstop flight into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, reached in approximately three-and-a-half hours from Seattle, five-and-a-half hours from Los Angeles or six-and-a-half hours from Chicago. From Anchorage, lodges such as Sheldon Chalet, Tordrillo Mountain Lodge and Ultima Thule arrange private bush plane or helicopter transfers, typically ranging from 45 minutes to two hours, allowing guests to reach some of North America's most remote wilderness in a single day of travel.
Where to Stay: 3 Hotels We Love
Sheldon Chalet
A luxurious haven for adventurers, the five-bedroom Sheldon Chalet sits on the only privately-owned land in the mountains of Denali National Park, Alaska, offering unmatched views of Mount Denali’s summit from the comfort of your bed.
Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
Located on Lake Judd, Tordrillo Mountain Lodge is a luxurious playground for travelers of all ages and a one-stop shop for exploring Alaska’s interior region. Conveniently located less than one hour from Anchorage by plane, the lodge still has a remote wilderness feel. Guests can stay in cozy, cabin-like bedrooms with ensuite baths.
Ultima Thule Inc
A former family hunting cabin, Ultima Thule lodge in Alaska maintains its homespun, American West-inspired style while serving up a hearty dose of high-octane outdoor activities.
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Published onJuly 13, 2026
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