If your ideal summer getaway involves sunset sails, mountain breezes, campfire s’mores, or a mix of all these, you don’t have to go far to find it.
This summer adventure awaits just a few hours’ drive from major cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston. From Cape Cod to the picturesque Columbia River, these hotels offer fresh oysters on the deck, scenic hikes through vineyards, and glamping experiences along the coast. Each is conveniently located within easy reach of a major city, making them not only enchanting escapes but also hassle-free options for a summer retreat.
Continue reading to discover 10 city-adjacent hotels perfect for a stress-free summer getaway—no plane tickets necessary. As the legendary Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald reminded us, summer is all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Related: Explore the best US glamping resorts for an outdoor summer adventure
Alila Ventana Big Sur
This romantic Big Sur resort showcases Northern California at its finest. Imagine rustic-chic cabin suites with soaring ceilings and hot tubs, breathtaking hikes along coastal trails, and outdoor meals paired with locally sourced wines.
Located a mere three hours from San Francisco, Alila Ventana lets you “choose your own adventure” set against ancient redwoods. Your stay can be in a cozy fireplace suite, a villa with ocean views, or a glamping tent under the stars. Daily activities range from exhilarating (falconry, axe-throwing, cold plunges) to serene (relaxing at the infinity pool).
The on-site Spa Alia offers an oasis of relaxation, featuring open-air cabanas and unique treatments like Reiki healing. Alila Ventana is an all-inclusive destination (some exclusions apply, like alcohol), making it a seamless getaway.
Rates start at $2,200 or 90,000 World of Hyatt points per night for double occupancy, encompassing all meals and a variety of activities.
Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge
Under Canvas has mastered the glamping experience with its safari-style tents set in stunning locations nationwide, including its new property in the lush Columbia River Gorge, celebrated for its natural beauty and thrilling adventures.
Just a 90-minute drive from Portland, Oregon—and less than four hours from Seattle—Under Canvas is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests can hike, bike, kayak, and white-water raft, or explore local wineries and breweries known for their craft beverages.
Evenings feature live music and seasonal dining by the fire pit, followed by restful nights in cozy tents equipped with king-size beds, gas fireplaces, and private bathrooms.
Rates begin at $249 or 22,125 World of Hyatt points per night. Note: This seasonal resort operates from May 29 to October 27, 2025.
Paws Up, Montana
Montana’s breathtaking landscapes can only be fully appreciated in person, and the classic Paws Up resort provides a front-row seat to summer magic in this remarkable state.
Situated on a sprawling estate including ranchland, wooded areas, and river views, Paws Up is just 30 minutes from Missoula and within a four-hour journey from cities like Bozeman and Spokane. The resort features a variety of accommodations ranging from cabins to glamping tents, perfect for families and groups. For adults, its sister resort, The Green O, offers dreamy treehouses with stunning views.
The real allure of Paws Up lies in its activities, catering to thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. From horseback riding and fly-fishing to ATV tours, ropes courses, and cattle drives, the options are endless. Evenings showcase fine dining with locally sourced ingredients and the iconic experience of roasting s’mores by the fire.
All-inclusive rates vary based on accommodation type, starting at $2,588 per night, including all meals and a selection of beverages, as well as round-trip airport transfers. Book using Chase Ultimate Rewards points through The Edit by Chase Travel.
AutoCamp Cape Cod
Another fantastic glamping option is AutoCamp, blending retro charm with modern conveniences. Located only two hours from Boston, AutoCamp Cape Cod features classic Airstreams styled in a chic midcentury aesthetic.
Along with the Airstreams, guests can choose from plush cabins and cozy glamping tents, all equipped with kitchenettes, TVs, air conditioning, and most with private bathrooms.
Situated in Falmouth, Cape Cod, AutoCamp allows easy access to beautiful Buzzards Bay beaches and ferry rides to Martha’s Vineyard. Activities like kayaking, biking, and wine tasting are nearby, while on-site experiences include live music by the campfire, pop-up oyster tastings, and stargazing sessions with expert astronomers. For meals, guests can shop for supplies at the general store or dine at the on-site restaurant offering a select menu.
Rates start at $200 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
This Ritz-Carlton resort, nestled between forest and lake, feels like a hidden gem, yet it’s just a 90-minute drive from Atlanta and within four hours from several other cities, like Birmingham, Chattanooga, and Greenville.
Guests flock to The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds for its idyllic surroundings and impressive amenities. The resort boasts five golf courses designed by renowned figures like Jack Nicklaus, a 30,000-square-foot spa offering treatments like CBD-infused body wraps, and numerous options for fishing, boating, and water sports. Accommodations are luxurious, complete with private patios and top-tier bath products.
Children can enjoy the clubhouse with activities such as scavenger hunts, while parents relax by the infinity pool or savor gourmet meals at the upscale steakhouse featuring sophisticated pairings.
Rates begin at $670 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
White Barn Inn
For a quintessential New England summer, nothing beats lobster on the deck or sailing through the harbor. Located in Kennebunkport, Maine, the White Barn Inn offers coastal elegance just 90 minutes from Boston.
With a storied history spanning over 150 years, this hotel features antique decor like gingham upholstery and oil paintings, providing a charming yet comfortable ambiance. Options range from elegantly styled rooms with four-poster beds to private cottages near the serene outdoor pool.
Guests can explore the coastline through boat trips, lighthouse tours, hiking, fishing, or canoeing. On-site, unwind with spa treatments or cooking classes, and indulge in elevated Maine cuisine paired with selections from the impressive 7,000-bottle wine cellar.
Rates start at $945 per night, available for booking with Chase Ultimate Rewards points through The Edit by Chase Travel and also via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.
Miraval Austin
To escape the Texas heat, head to Miraval Austin in the Hill Country, just 30 minutes from Austin yet reachable from San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas within three hours.
Miraval is renowned for its immersive wellness programs that cater to various themes, offering experiences from floating meditation and aerial yoga to beekeeping. Beyond the spa, guests can explore the landscape on foot, bike, or kayak, or simply relax by the infinity pool with expansive views. Dining features fresh seasonal dishes complemented by sustainably sourced wines.
Miraval also offers all-inclusive packages, encompassing meals and select wellness activities, along with nightly credits for spa treatments.
Rates start at $940 or 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort
This St. Regis resort exemplifies luxury in Florida with its beautiful ocean-view suites. Opened in 2024, it offers a highly-anticipated destination on Longboat Key, just over an hour from Tampa and under three hours from Orlando.
Set on an 18-acre beachfront estate, the resort features pristine sandy beaches, a lazy river, and an adults-only cabana club in collaboration with Vilebrequin. The 20,000-square-foot spa and upscale dining options provide guests with a variety of experiences. Additionally, the St. Regis is very family-friendly, offering a clubhouse and activities for kids of all ages.
Rates begin at $730 or 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Troutbeck
Located just two hours from New York City, Troutbeck is one of the Hudson Valley’s finest resorts, nestled amid rolling hills and rich cultural history.
This 250-acre estate in Amenia has attracted notable figures throughout history, including Henry David Thoreau and Theodore Roosevelt. The picturesque setting is enhanced by stone cottages, walled gardens, and charming landscapes.
Troutbeck offers a luxurious retreat, featuring outdoor cocktails by the pool and yoga in the sun-drenched barn. Guests often seek out the wellness offerings, which include astrology readings, sound baths, forest bathing, and more. Dining highlights hyperlocal ingredients courtesy of chef Vincent Gilberti, a Hudson Valley native, ensuring every meal celebrates the region’s bounty.
Rates start at $550 per night, with availability for booking through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts platform.
Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection
Michigan’s Lake Michigan is synonymous with summer for Midwesterners, and the Inn at Bay Harbor is the perfect spot to enjoy lake life. Though it’s a longer drive (four hours from Detroit and over five from Chicago), the resort’s private beach and lakeview accommodations are worth it.
Located on serene Little Traverse Bay, the Inn offers abundant amenities such as a sandy beach with striped cabanas, golf courses, lawn games, and an outdoor pool—all within manicured grounds. Guests can also unwind at the spa or savor waterfront dining, making it easy to relax throughout the stay.
The surrounding area is equally enticing, with vineyard tours in Michigan’s wine country and e-biking along the lakefront. Accommodations range from standard rooms to private cottages that can host up to eight guests.
Rates start at $494 per night. Note: Points rates are not currently available for this property on Marriott’s website.
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