From Stunning Resorts on the California Coast to Boutique Hotels in the Tropics, These Getaways Offer a Little Slice of Paradise

Summer is all about having some fun in the sun. Whether you’re looking to stay local on the California coast or jet set to a tropical destination, it’s time to celebrate better weather, longer days and laid-back living. We’ve rounded up 11 of the best summer vacation destinations that couples, families and solo travelers will love. From tanning by the pool in Palm Springs to snorkeling along the shores of Hawaii, here are our top picks. P.S. Don’t skip the sunblock!

 

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

For a taste of the tropics in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, check in to Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter! This urban oasis is surrounded by numerous attractions—think Petco Park, Seaport Village and more—and boasts its very on-site restaurants and rooftop pool. Unpack your bags this summer in one of the property’s coastal-chic guest rooms or suites, and be sure to take advantage of seasonal offers like the Ballpark & Landsharks package, which gets you 20% off your room, a bucket of five LandShark Lager bottles and chips and dip at either 5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar or LandShark Bar & Grill when you book two or more nights! Margaritaville Hotel San Diego also has a Summerzcool offer that includes dining credits and discounts on rooms when you book a three- or four-night stay. 

The ideal summer weekend at this San Diego hotel starts with brunch at the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar (served on Saturdays and Sundays), where you can indulge in their famous one-pound shrimp cocktail and classics like avocado toast, lobster rolls, breakfast burritos and champagne flights. After you’ve had your fill, catch some rays by the pool. Then, head to Petco Park for a thrilling San Diego Padres game! 

Location: San Diego

 

The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa

For parents with kids in tow, The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is the perfect place to call home base this summer. Situated minutes from some of San Diego’s biggest attractions, including LEGOLAND, The Crossings at Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Lagoon, this family-friendly San Diego hotel is a hub for some fun in the sun! Check into one of the property’s coastal-chic suites, which offer plenty of living space and balconies with coastal views. Then, head down to the palm-tree-lined pool (which is open 24 hours!) and let the kiddos make a splash.

You can grab a bite together at 20|TWENTY, the resort’s signature restaurant serving California coastal cuisine, or enjoy some “you” time at the luxury Ocean Pearl Spa. Spa guests have complimentary access to the fitness center, heated pool and jacuzzi, so you can sneak in a workout before indulging in some R&R. 

Local Insight: The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is also one the best dog-friendly hotels in San Diego, so feel free to bring your furry friend along on your summer vacation!

Location: Carlsbad

 

The Wigwam

Outfitted with a white-washed adobe exterior and set on 440 acres of lush desert landscaping, The Wigwam is a historic oasis that caters to all types of travelers. Situated in the West Valley of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, this Phoenix resort was formerly a lodge during the rise of the cotton-ranching industry. As of recently, The Wigwam has taken “spring cleaning” to a whole new level with a multi-million dollar renovation of its rooms and suites. Today, the resort features three sparkling pools, lush golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, bespoke dining concepts and a luxurious on-site spa. 

Possibly one of the most notable of the renovations was the refresh of the rooms and suites. Stylish Southwestern-style casitas welcome guests. Each one now features a medley of warm adobe tones and tasteful denim accents, along with vinyl flooring, luxe wood furnishings, Spanish tiling and more. Private balconies overlook gardens, tennis courts, golf courses, or the stunning pool deck, which boasts a swanky collection of cabanas, a pool bar and a dual waterslide. 

Sip cocktails this summer at the adults-only Oasis Pool, or let the kids splash and play at the Tower Pool. You’ll also want to make time for some pampering at LeMonds Aveda Salon-Spa, where you can indulge in a Desert Aloe Body Wrap or a hydrating Himanadi Facial. And when dusk settles in, dance to the beat of live music at the Wigwam Bar over dinner and drinks. Oh, and you don’t have to venture far before stumbling upon several nearby regional parks, museums and stunning botanical gardens. 

Location: Phoenix, AZ

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Rancho Bernardo Inn

When you live where the rest of the world vacations, it’s only natural to want to stay local for a sweet summertime staycation. There’s no better place for California dreamin’ than San Diego’s Rancho Bernardo Inn—one of the best summer destinations. Situated on a sprawling 265-acre plot of land in Rancho Bernardo (about 30 minutes from Downtown San Diego), guests have the best of San Diego County at their fingertips. Lush manicured gardens, cobblestone pathways, a championship golf course and a luxury spa create an idyllic landscape for scenic strolls and plenty of relaxation.

Leaving bronzed and glowy is sort of a requirement for summer vacations—an easy task to accomplish with this resort’s three on-site pools. Rent a poolside cabana, or keep it simple and kick back on a sunlounger. But what about the rooms? They call them suites; we call them sanctuaries marked by spacious living areas, private balconies and fireplaces. For foodies, the summer season is a time to both nourish and indulge, and the inn’s variety of dining venues are fully stocked with all your favorite summer cocktails, juices and good-for-you seasonal plates sourced straight from their Chef’s Garden. Make a reservation at AVANT, the property’s seasonally-driven signature restaurant, for a sophisticated farm-to-table meal, and don’t miss out on culinary events like the Vine-to-Table Series featuring Daou Vineyards on June 20!

Location: Rancho Bernardo, CA

 

La Quinta Resort & Club

La Quinta Resort & Club is a desert oasis that boasts hacienda-style suites and guestrooms, five premier golf courses and more than 45 acres of lush landscaping. From casitas with private patios and hot tubs to spacious villas with full-size kitchens, there are plenty of accommodation options that will allow you to feel right at home during your summer vacation.

If you’re a fan of golf, the Stay and Play package includes a round of golf per night of your stay at one of the hotel’s five championship courses, while the Spa Getaway package lets you start each day of your summer vacay with a relaxing breakfast before enjoying unlimited fitness classes and a daily $200 spa credit.

Thanks to the resort’s tight-knit partnership with Aperol, you’ll find plenty of places to sip on an Aperol Spritz as you soak up the sun, including 41 climate-controlled pools on property.

When it comes to food, there are five different dining concepts on-site, ranging from authentic Mexican to farm-to-table American. Start your morning at the Marketplace for specialty coffee drinks and freshly baked pastries. Then, end your evening with a margarita in hand at Adobe Grill.

Local Insight: Check out this guide for more things to do in La Quinta!

Location: La Quinta, CA

 

VEA Newport Beach

If you’re an OC local hoping to book the ultimate staycation, look no further than the all-new VEA Newport Beach. This chic property sits in the center of it all, blending a cosmopolitan ambiance with elements of coastal charm, and the inviting rooms and suites are modern yet warm. The neutral color scheme features hints of blue, connecting even the interior of the hotel to the nearby ocean outside. Indulge in a fresh cocktail or crisp glass of white wine during sunset at VIEW Restaurant & Lounge before filling up on their signature crispy confit chicken wings and innovative sushi rolls. You’ll also want to reserve a cabana at the hotel’s stunning outdoor pool to stay shady as you sip your cocktail.

Location: Newport Beach, CA

 

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Say aloha to The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua! The recently redesigned guest rooms and suites of this magnificent resort in Hawaii offer tropical garden and ocean views along with a homey and timeless feel (don’t be shocked when you want to extend your stay!). The Maui resort offers direct access to D.T. Fleming Beach, which is the ideal place for surfers and swimmers looking to catch some waves. After a long day of snorkeling and sunbathing, sit down for dinner at the Banyan Tree and take in the epic ocean views while snacking on fresh hamachi crudo and the local mushroom and macadamia nut salad. 

Location: Maui, HI

 

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort