5 Luxury Vacations in the U.S. That Are Totally Worth the Splurge

When you’re seeking a luxury experience but can’t fly to Paris or Milan, there’s no shortage of options closer to home. From big cities like Miami and Boston to upscale enclaves such as Palm Springs and Park City, here are five can’t-miss luxury trips to take right here in the U.S.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Miami

As a legendary playground for the rich and famous, Miami can be counted on for high-end entertainment. Yacht charters? Check. Celebrity-owned restaurants? Check. Vegas-style pool scenes and beautiful people? You know it.

But Miami is far more than just beaches and parties. One of America’s most unique cities has been experiencing something of a cultural renaissance in recent years, with everything from the iconic, Instagram-friendly Wynwood Walls to the Perez Art Museum bolstering this one-of-a-kind experience. Toast to your good fortune at a hip restaurant like Kyu or a laid-back cocktail garden like the Broken Shaker before blowing the rest of your vacation budget on bottle service at an infamous local club like MYNT.

But remember: If you didn’t spend at least some time doing some ultra-high-end shopping or window-shopping in the city’s Design District, did you even go to Miami?

Park City

Many know Park City as home to epic winter sports and the Sundance Film Festival, but Utah’s most glamorous ski town is worthy of a visit any time of year. Ski season packs in some of the most in-demand slopes in the country at Deer Valley and Park City Mountain.

Those looking to splurge and carve snow further off the grid can get their kicks slashing through miles of fresh backcountry powder with the help of a local helicopter skiing operator like Powderbird.

When it comes time to tip back drinks and recall the day’s adventure over dinner, local hot spots like Old Town Cellars and 350 Main are calling your name. Looking for something more romantic, as in a horse-drawn sleigh ride up the mountain for a cozy dinner in a Western-style lodge? They have that too.

Honolulu

While fun certainly can be had with little more than a ukulele and a beer while sitting around a beachside fire pit, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your trip to Hawaii’s capital city and center of urban culture.

Those seeking the finest in designer goods will discover no shortage of options, from Luxury Row in Waikiki to the world’s largest outdoor shopping center at Ala Moana Center. Meanwhile, the city’s spectacular natural surroundings make Honolulu the perfect place to work on your golf game at iconic courses like Ko Olina.

Get a bird’s-eye view of your lush tropical surroundings on a scenic helicopter tour from Novictor Helicopters, or enjoy a spectacular fine dining experience in stunning surroundings at Fifty Three by the Sea. A person could get used to this.

Boston

Massachusetts’ capital isn’t solely about sports and beer (although there is, of course, that). To explore the swankier side of Boston, pay a visit to the thriving upscale shopping district set amid gorgeous historic townhomes along Newbury Street and the equally extravagant Copley Place in the glitzy Back Bay neighborhood. Or ogle the world-renowned art in the SoWa Art + Design District, home to more than 20 galleries in a two-block radius.

Spend some time sailing along the city’s famous harbor aboard a private yacht rental from Sunset Yacht Rentals. Then take in views of the upscale historic homes in Beacon Hill’s swanky Louisburg Square before closing the evening with a high-end meal in a cool speakeasy at Yvonne’s. Yes, this is Boston, too.

Palm Springs

There’s more to Palm Springs than raucous Coachella revelers. As one of the country’s most luxurious destinations featuring some of the world’s finest examples of midcentury modern architecture, in Palm Springs, even the upscale homes are works of art.

One can’t visit Palm Springs without encountering its flourishing art scene, best taken in at world-class galleries like Heather James Fine Art and Stewart Galleries. Luxe shopping along the mile-long Shops on El Paseo is another must before settling in with some decadent entrees at Mastro’s Steakhouse or the desert’s most awarded restaurant, the curiously named Wally’s Desert Turtle.

After all that action, you’ve more than earned your reward with a relaxing “Spirit of the Mountains” massage at the ultra-chic spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage.