A coastal U.S. hotel with Americana-inspired décor and an infinite list of outdoor activities is the epitome of summer vacation. There are lots of lovely U.S. resorts that have offered generations of tourists summer experiences that will last a lifetime, either you dream of enjoyable days spent on the seaside or cool breezes and mountain climbs.
With beautiful lodgings, delectable cuisine, a beautiful setting, and plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, these tradition-steeped establishments check all the boxes for an epic warm-weather getaway. Consider visiting one of these 7 iconic all-American resorts, whether you’re traveling alone, with a spouse, friends, or family.
1. The Claremont, Maine
The Claremont, on Mount Desert Island, is one of Maine’s oldest historic hotels, dating back to 1884 and providing visitors with a calm seaside escape. The six-acre seaside property will reopen to visitors in May after major renovations. The resort will feature 12 cottages, four suites, and a quiet three-bedroom mansion ideal for family gatherings. Your New England getaway will be enhanced by the refurbished croquet club, an old-school sweets store, and the hotel’s distinctive doughnuts.
2. The Greenbrier, West Virginia
One of the country’s first spa retreats, the Greenbrier, is located in West Virginia. The natural hot springs in the vicinity are reputed to have therapeutic characteristics, and the resort’s MedSpa still offers relaxing and healing treatments.
Another reason to visit The Greenbrier this summer is the cool summer wind and stunning vistas of the Allegheny Mountains. Play golf, take a picturesque carriage ride around the grounds, go kayaking on the Greenbrier or Jackson Rivers, or finish the Aerial Adventure Course, a 12-challenge course hung 50 feet in the air. There’s one thing for sure: you won’t be bored at this resort.
3. Pridwin Hotel & Cottages, New York
When the Pridwin Hotel & Cottages reopens for the summer following a two-year makeover, guests can expect campfire sing-alongs, drive-in movies, picnic hikes, and art courses. The freshly renovated East End landmark will transport tourists back to summer camp but on a higher level. The hotel, which first opened its doors in 1927, is situated on seven gorgeous acres on Shelter Island’s Crescent Beach and offers 49 rooms and 16 attractive cottages, as well as a private beach, a pool, a spa, and a 100-seat American restaurant. With plenty of rattan and old wicker interwoven into the design, the new laid-back aesthetic undoubtedly pays homage to the resort’s heritage. Pridwin is the ideal site for a family holiday that will make you nostalgic for the good old days, with local farm tours, water activities, croquet, and evening storytime for youngsters.
4. The Omni Homestead Resort, Virginia
Per its homepage, this famed summer hideaway in Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains claims to be “the birthplace of Southern hospitality.” The Omni Homestead was built in 1766, a decade before the United States, and has since served as a meeting point for centuries of Americans.
During the summer, the property is bustling with visitors of all ages who come to enjoy the hot springs and a variety of outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, shooting, fly fishing, and swimming (the site has its water park), and golfing.
5. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Georgia
Since the 1920s, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, located on the banks of picturesque Lake Oconee, has been a favorite of families traveling here to savor the serene surroundings. The tranquil lakeside retreat is surrounded by 30 acres of lush forests and is only an hour and a half drive from Atlanta. The historic resort is one of the top golfing locations in the country, with four golf courses, and Lake Oconee, Georgia’s second-largest lake, offers lots of water sports and fishing opportunities. A sandy beach, hammocks, and a huge lawn cater to people who want to spend their summer days soaking up the sun while sipping a drink and reading a good book.
6. Hotel del Coronado, California
Throughout its 130-year existence, the iconic oceanfront Hotel del Coronado has welcomed thousands of beach-loving guests, including several celebrities and US presidents. In 1977, this vast beach resort in San Diego Bay was named a National Historic Landmark, and it continues to offer the finest of Southern California’s coastal lifestyle. In the 902 guest rooms, the property’s illustrious past seamlessly combines with contemporary elegance. At Del Beach, you may relax and take in the stunning views, learn to surf or recline poolside in a private cabana. In the evening, enjoy a handmade cocktail while watching the sunset and roasting s’mores around a beach bonfire. Hotel del Coronado will become the ultimate family-friendly summer resort in May with the addition of an interactive tide pool and a new kids’ club.
7. Old Edwards Inn & Spa, North Carolina
The luxurious Old Edwards Inn and Spa, a historic retreat founded in 1878, is set against the backdrop of North Carolina’s the Blue Ridge Mountains. From ziplining, fly fishing, and trekking along waterfalls to historical walking tours and beautiful drives, the Relais & Châteaux resort provides great access to the region’s top outdoor summer attractions. Traditional suites with views of the charming Highlands, multi-room antique mountain homes with wrap-around porches and rocking chairs, and spacious cottages with character are all available. The resort’s award-winning farm-to-table dining, 18-hole golf course, outdoor mineral pools, and whirlpools are just a few of the numerous attractions ideal for a classic summer getaway.