Best U.S. Luxury Destinations
So you have some money to spend and can splurge a little. Why not take it on the road and indulge in the good life on a vacation without leaving American ground? These destinations offer you spas, in which to be pampered; cushy hotels, in which to relax; and trendy, high-end restaurants, in which you can satisfy your inner gastronome. These scenic spots also offer plenty of lavish stores to exercise your credit cards. Upscale and posh are the name of the game in these cities. So make sure your finances are in order and prepare to take care of number one, you.
Why go: Writers say Maui is one of the most popular parts of the Hawaiian island chain for its lush natural settings and colored beaches. The island provides a huge range of ways to pamper yourself if you can afford to fly out here. There's no shortage of high-end resorts to rest your head at night, and luxury restaurants, serving up fresh, delicious dishes, abound.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Maui»
Why go: New York is one of, if not the, trendiest American city. SoHo and Fifth Avenue both offer some of the best shopping in the country. Culture hounds will flock to the huge collection of museums here and for a bit of high-end entertainment, Broadway is always ready for you to indulge your theater and musical needs. Hotels here are among the most expensive in the country, so be prepared to spend a pretty penny.
Read on: Top Things to Do in New York City»
Why go: The Big Island is wild and less packed with tourists than the other Hawaiian islands, as it tends to be more residential. However, like the others in the chain, there are also plenty of high-end hotels and spas, but not as many as you'd find in Maui and Kauai. It's better geared for adventure-seekers who don't want to fuss about with cushiness.
Why go: Serene and wild natural backdrops are the setting for everything on this Hawaiian island. Pricey resorts, spas and restaurants, as well as beautiful golf courses dot Kauai, bringing visitors to its shores year-round. Kauai is known as one of the more exclusive islands in the Hawaiian chain, as well as one of the most expensive. So be prepared to pay for the fantastic panoramas.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Kauai»
Why go: Despite being beautiful and home to many high-end hotels and spas, Oahu is a bit more touristy than the other Hawaiian islands, according to writers. However, spots are still secluded and isolated, providing the beautiful background that the Hawaiian islands are best known for. Plenty of luxury resorts and restaurants dot Oahu.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Honolulu - Oahu»
Why go: Although San Francisco is more laid-back and has fewer luxe things to offer visitors than Los Angeles, the city is still covered in spots to indulge your every whim. The city is stunningly beautiful and has one of the freshest and most diverse food scenes in the country. It may be more casual than its southern neighbor, but the home of the Golden Gate Bridge still has plenty in the way of cosmopolitan.
Read on: Top Things to Do in San Francisco»
Why go: Named after the coastal Italian city, this getaway spot on Florida's west coast is known for its extravagance. Overlooking the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, America's Napoli is filled with high-end hotels, restaurants and shopping. In fact, one of the main attractions here is a row of opulent beach homes called "Millionaires' Row." And -- in case you were wondering -- many luxury seekers flock to this Floridian destination because it’s not popular among families with kiddos.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Naples»
Why go: This Floridian city at the southern tip of the peninsula is known for being one of the most culturally stimulating in the country. The trendy and consistently warm city has one of the most innovative and thriving culinary scenes around, serving up unique plates of fusion dishes. High-end hotels, stores and spas abound along the shores, where you can pamper away all your stresses. At night, this city has a swanky and hot nightlife -- the bill will add up quickly.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Miami Beach»
Why go: Although there are beaches for you to pamper yourself and work on your tan, West Palm Beach is known for its city life and luxury. There are plenty of places to shop and spend money, and hotels and restaurants tend to be pricey. If that's not enough for you, notoriously expensive Palm Beach is a quick drive away and is ready to indulge the really big spender in you.
Read on: Top Things to Do in West Palm Beach»
Why go: It's easy to spend a lot in the nation's capital, from the high-end hotels to the celebrity-chef run restaurants that are strewn throughout the city. However, D.C. is probably better known for being one of the more accessible and affordable major American cities; many of the major attractions are free here.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Washington D.C.»
Why go: The arts and culture scene here is one of the biggest in the country. The city is good for museum and gallery enthusiasts, and the restaurants here are excellent. On top of all that, Santa Fe has a unique old-time ambience, set in a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing backdrop that you won't mind paying for.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Santa Fe»
Why go: The neighborhoods of Los Angeles, including Hollywood, scream luxe and exclusivity. Glitzy glamour touches many points of the city from the great shopping to the trendy restaurants, where you can spot the occasional celebrity. Plus, you can pamper yourselves on the diverse beaches in the city. Accommodations and restaurants are also expensive here.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Los Angeles»
Why go: Phoenix's strange beauty has captured many visitors. This sprawling city is the nexus of luxury and wealth in the Southwest with innumerable resorts and spas that take full advantage of its unique location. With golf courses, tennis courts and shops galore, the rich can maintain this mirage as long as they like.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Phoenix»
Why go: Despite having had a reputation as a Spring Break getaway for students who want to binge drink, Fort Lauderdale has turned itself around lately and now attracts a high-end yachting group to its shores. Plus, the canals provide a unique and scenic way of getting around town. However, it's not the prettiest shores in the country and still has that party image.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale»
Why go: When thinking of luxury, it would be a shame to leave the Windy City off the list. There are plenty of ways to visit this city on a budget, but Chicago also offers plenty of luxury hotels. Culture buffs will enjoy the many types of museums, and theater enthusiasts will enjoy the thriving live entertainment. However, you'll want to time your visit properly. This Midwestern lakefront city's weather can be brutal in the winter months.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Chicago»
Why Go: In California wine country, you have access to not only top-tier vintages, but also world-class cuisine and a breathtaking backdrop of far-stretching vineyards. Prime your palate by stepping on the Napa Valley Wine Train and then venture to O'Brien Estate Winery to continue your education in viticulture. Sure, Napa's winery-laden paradise may cost a pretty penny, but its ambrosial grapes are worth the indulgence.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Napa Valley»
Why Go: This scenic mountain town is best known for its dramatic ski slopes, but there's more to Aspen than powder-capped Snowmass, über-luxe chalets and high-profile clientele. Here, local patrons and high-flying tourists dine at ritzy restaurants and visit eclectic art galleries. It may be pricier than other winter outposts, like Stowe or Telluride, but it's the crème-de-la-crème of extravagant retreats.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Aspen»
Why Go: Only a short drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles, this refined coastal town teems with fashionable shops, trendy art galleries and golden beaches. Sun-seekers lounge on East Beach's powdery sands, while fashionistas head straight to State Street for the high-end boutiques. To sample the Santa Barbara lifestyle, head to The Biltmore Santa Barbara, which boasts decadent afternoon high tea and lavish spa treatment.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Santa Barbara»
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