Top U.S. States Where Luxury Vacation Dreams Come True
A luxury trip in the U.S. is about more than booking an expensive room. It’s where world-class dining, renowned spas, exclusive marinas, and championship golf courses come together in one place. We looked at the states that bring those elements into focus and found that indulgence takes many forms, often in places you might not expect.
Florida
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When it comes to variety, Florida leads the pack. Miami’s Design District and Palm Beach deliver ultra-high-end shopping and lead the nation in the number of registered boats. Forbes Travel Guide and the Michelin Guide both recognize its five-star resorts and restaurants. Beyond city luxury, The Setai Miami Beach and The Breakers Palm Beach represent old-school lavishness, while Naples is known for its billionaires’ golf retreats and coastal estates.
Maine
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Luxury in Maine feels more low-key. Hotels like the Cliff House in Cape Neddick and the White Barn Inn in Kennebunk are well-known around the world for their top-tier service. In the summer, huge yachts often dock at Northeast Harbor. Visitors can enjoy private island stays and fancy lobster dinners. Maine also ranks as one of the best places for romantic getaways because of its calm, scenic setting.
Hawaii
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The Hawaiian islands remain a favorite for high-end travel worldwide. The Four Seasons properties in Maui and Lanai offer helicopter transfers and bespoke excursions. The islands also have some of the best spas in the nation. Golf Digest ranks Hawaii courses like Nanea and Manele among the best in the world, often available only to private guests or members.
New York
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In Manhattan, you’ll find more fancy restaurants than anywhere else in the country. Out in the Hamptons, some people stay in huge houses with their own chefs and even private helicopter pads. During winter, places like Lake Placid and the Catskills offer cozy, stylish cabins in the mountains.
California
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On the West Coast, California tops nearly every luxury index: wellness, wine, food, and real estate. In Napa and Sonoma Valley, people visit upscale resorts like Auberge du Soleil and Meadowood to enjoy wine and beautiful views. Los Angeles has many luxury car dealerships, and Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn is known as one of the best eco-friendly resorts. California is also big on wellness, with top spas offering peaceful and high-end experiences.
Georgia
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Sea Island Resort, a Forbes Five-Star winner, is one of the country’s top golf and wellness getaways in Georgia. Atlanta has grown into a culinary hub with Michelin’s 2023 Guide highlighting Southern fine dining. T+L ranks Georgia’s Golden Isles as the top destinations for private and secluded luxury.
South Carolina
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Coastal appeal and history define South Carolina’s high-end travel scene. Kiawah Island has one of the best golf courses in the country, and it’s part of a fancy resort with private villas and top-rated spas. Nearby, Charleston mixes old mansions with stylish hotels and award-winning restaurants. The state has some of the most romantic and luxurious small cities in the U.S.
Vermont
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Vermont offers towns and rolling mountains that draw travelers year-round. Resorts such as Twin Farms give guests private cottages with ski access right outside. In autumn, helicopter tours take visitors above the hills to see the foliage from a new angle. The state’s appeal lies in its simplicity, carried by the classic style of New England.
Colorado
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Colorado combines alpine scenery with a polished luxury scene. In winter, Aspen and Vail fill with travelers arriving by private jet for world-class skiing and upscale hotels like The Little Nell. Summer shifts the focus to places such as Dunton Hot Springs, where guests pair outdoor adventures with fine dining and restorative spa time.
Alaska
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Adventure sets the tone for upscale travel in Alaska. Some lodges, like the Sheldon Chalet, are set right on a glacier and can only be reached by plane. Travelers book private yacht trips or even go heli-skiing, which travel magazines rank among the most exclusive experiences in the world.
Rhode Island
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Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but it delivers outsized luxury. In Newport, visitors can explore Gilded Age landmarks like The Breakers, a Vanderbilt mansion open for guided tours, or set sail on a classic 12-meter yacht. Just down the coast in Watch Hill, Ocean House has earned frequent praise from Condé Nast Traveler, securing its place among the top beach resorts in the country.
Nevada
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Nevada delivers two very different kinds of luxury. In Las Vegas, fine-dining restaurants, high-end shopping, and suites with private butler service set the tone at resorts like The Venetian and Wynn. Farther north in Lake Tahoe, the focus shifts to ski-in lodges and wide mountain views.
Illinois
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The heart of the Midwest proves surprisingly glamorous. Chicago is packed with high-end experiences. Famous hotels like The Peninsula and The Langham are considered 2 of the best luxury stays. Food lovers come for its 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, while shoppers head to the Magnificent Mile for designer stores.
Texas
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Dallas and Houston stand out for their high-end shopping districts and a wave of acclaimed new restaurants. In Austin, the Commodore Perry Estate offers a retreat with a distinct sense of place, while the Hill Country draws visitors to its wine resorts and quiet landscapes. Forbes has also noted the rise of ranch vacations in Texas, catering to travelers seeking seclusion, curated experiences, and private group stays.
North Dakota
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North Dakota has more golf courses per capita than almost any other state, with standouts like Bully Pulpit drawing attention well beyond the region. In recent years, boutique retreats and upscale hunting lodges have begun to appear, appealing to travelers who want privacy along with outdoor experiences. The state’s oil boom has also created new pockets of wealth that support this growing market.