Where to Start Your Summer: Top Destinations for a Luxury Getaway in the USA
Luxury Summer Travel Tips USA: Best Destinations to Book Early
A well-planned summer escape begins with choosing destinations that align with your style and pace. Early booking opens the door to exceptional stays, seasonal experiences, and a level of ease that transforms a trip into something far more personal. By focusing on timing and thoughtful curation, luxury travel becomes less about checking boxes and more about creating effortless and rewarding moments.
This guide presents five distinctive destinations across the United States, each offering a refined blend of scenery, service, and atmosphere. Summer unfolds naturally in these places, and every detail is designed to elevate your experience.

Why It’s Ideal for Summer:
When the snow has melted and the wildflowers take over the trails, Aspen shows a different side of itself. The mountain town becomes a peaceful retreat for travelers who enjoy crisp air, scenic beauty, and a vibrant cultural scene without the winter crowds.
Don’t Miss:
- Private fly-fishing excursions on alpine rivers
- Scenic drives through Independence Pass
- Outdoor concerts and wine-paired dinners with mountain views
Where to Stay: The Little Nell
Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond hotel, The Little Nell, offers ski-in/ski-out access to Aspen Mountain and is renowned for its exceptional service and luxurious accommodations. Guests can enjoy fine dining at Element 47, après-ski at Ajax Tavern, and an award-winning wine program. The hotel also provides curated outdoor adventures, including fly-fishing, hiking, and biking during summer.

Why It’s Ideal for Summer:
Napa’s rolling hills and sun-drenched vineyards offer a laid-back elegance that feels tailor-made for summer. The pace is unhurried, the food is seasonal, and the wine flows with ease.
Don’t Miss:
- Reserve tastings at iconic estates and boutique wineries
- Chef-led garden-to-table lunches in vineyard courtyards
- Spa treatments that draw from local grapes and minerals
Where to Stay: Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection
Nestled within acres of vineyards and ranch land, Stanly Ranch offers a modern farmhouse aesthetic with indoor-outdoor living spaces. The resort features wellness experiences at Halehouse Spa, farm-driven cuisine at Bear restaurant, and various curated adventures that showcase the best of Napa Valley.

Why It’s Ideal for Summer:
Along Maine’s rugged coastline, salty air mixes with pine-scented breezes. This is where summer mornings begin with fresh-baked pastries and end with lobster rolls by the sea.
Don’t Miss:
- Lighthouse tours and coastal drives
- Private oyster farm tastings and harbor-side picnics
- Sailing excursions through the quiet waters of Casco Bay
Where to Stay: White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection
A Kennebunkport landmark for over 150 years, the White Barn Inn combines rustic charm with modern luxury. Guests can choose from elegantly appointed rooms or private waterfront cottages. The inn is home to the award-winning White Barn Restaurant and offers amenities such as a full-service spa, outdoor swimming pool, and complimentary bicycles for exploring the coastal town.

Why It’s Ideal for Summer:
Tucked along the shores of Lake Michigan, Harbor Country offers an unexpected blend of lake life and boutique luxury. It’s a quick getaway with a slower pace, where creative communities meet serene natural landscapes.
Don’t Miss:
- Wine tastings at family-run vineyards
- Dune-backed beaches with space to unwind
- Browsing local galleries, farm stands, and antique shops
Where to Stay: The Harbor Grand Hotel
Located on the New Buffalo Harbor, The Harbor Grand Hotel offers waterfront boutique accommodations with thoughtful design elements. Rooms feature fireplaces, spa tubs, and harbor views. Guests can dine at the Terrace Room, enjoy the indoor pool, and explore nearby Lake Michigan beaches, shops, and restaurants.

Why It’s Ideal for Summer:
Santa Fe brings the heat in all the right ways. With sun-soaked adobe streets, high desert hikes, and an electric art scene, it offers a sensory-rich escape that lingers long after you leave.
Don’t Miss:
- Morning yoga followed by thermal spa soaks
- Studio visits with local artisans and Pueblo pottery workshops
- Dining under the stars with bold Southwestern flavors
Where to Stay: Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection
Set on 317 acres bordering the Santa Fe National Forest, Bishop’s Lodge offers a luxurious retreat celebrating the region’s rich culture and beauty. Accommodations include guestrooms, suites, casitas, and a 12-bedroom bunkhouse designed with Southwestern influences. The resort features the SkyFire restaurant, a full-service spa, and a range of outdoor activities such as horseback riding and hiking.
Design the Summer That Feels Just Right
Luxury is found in the details. The quiet ease of arriving somewhere feels fresh and familiar, and the satisfaction of knowing your time has been well spent. Choosing the right destination early allows for more than better availability; it also brings a sense of control and anticipation that sets the tone for the entire journey.
Each of the featured locations offers something lasting. Whether it’s the comfort of a perfectly prepared room, the flavors of a local kitchen, or the calm of a view that clears your head, these experiences stay with you. Let your summer travel reflect what you value most: thoughtful design, natural beauty, and a sense of place that feels truly your own.
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Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.