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The 8 best US vacation spots locals love
The US is vast, so the term local is entirely relative. To help narrow your plans, Lonely Planet staffers share their favorite destinations.
The US is vast, so big that choosing between coast or mountains, islands or quaint small towns can get downright overwhelming.
But there are some places that we keep going back to year after year, season after season. The food, the fun and the beauty combine to fill our cups and remind us what makes living in this weird and wild country so engaging. These are the places in the US that Lonely Planet staff just can't get enough of.
1. Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona
Melissa Yeager, Senior Editor
If you talk to locals in “the Valley,” you’ll likely hear them boast of their beautiful desert home by saying, “We live where other people vacation.” The area is proud of its temperate winter and spring climate, where people from the colder, snowy sections of the country escape to find some winter sun.
Winter and spring months bring lots of festivals and activities, like the WM Phoenix Open Golf Tournament and Major League Baseball Spring Training, but again, people from the snowy parts of the US flock to Phoenix for the arid, sunny weather. You’ll find tons of hiking trails that weave by saguaros and offer amazing views of the area as a payoff. (Make sure to bring water! You are in the desert, no matter how lush it looks.)
The area’s fabulous food scene will spoil you. Some names to put on your radar are Pizzeria Bianco (get the Rosa), Le Grande Orange and Taco Chiwas.
If you’re looking for a serene place to relax, the highly competitive resort scene means you’ll find amazing amenities like grand pools and spas no matter where you stay. Some of my personal favorites are the Arizona Biltmore (check out the history tour that details its design inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright that ends with a Tequila Sunrise), the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (yes, it’s a chain – but locals love its seasonal programming that includes Christmas activities, fireworks for 4th of July as well as their summer programming for kids) and the Camelback Inn (which is still a favorite stay in the Marriott family). For a more budget stay, the Hotel Valley Ho boasts midcentury vibes and a great location near downtown Scottsdale. For a more boutique stay, The Hermosa Inn has a history unique to the American West (once home to 1930s cowboy artist Lon Megargee), a more intimate feel and a beloved brunch menu at Lon’s.
The city has a robust summer “staycation” culture. The number of outside visitors drops off sharply during the soaring summer heat (110℉/43℃), but that’s when locals know typically expensive resorts drastically cut rates – providing access to high-end accommodations and spa treatments on a budget. 
2. Cashiers, North Carolina
Ann Douglas Lott, Digital Editor
My family has vacationed in Cashiers, North Carolina, for almost 20 years. Some members loved it so much that they eventually retired there, so it has become an annual ritual to visit them.
Cashiers is one of the closest access points to the Blue Ridge Mountains for those below the range, a teensy bit north of the Georgia border. The best part of this lush mountainous region is, by far, that it's so pleasant in the summer. It gets warm, but I'm never sweating, which is rare in the South. The main town is simply adorable and worth exploring, about a 20-minute drive from the equally cute town of Highlands.
There are also endless outdoor activities: climb mountain trails (I love Whiteside Mountain), hike to cascading waterfalls like Silver Run Falls and relax on peaceful lakes. My perfect itinerary involves the smoked trout dip and fried chicken salad sandwich from Cornucopia, a drink on Canyon Kitchen's grassy lawn with a mountain view and vintage shopping at Victoria’s Closet. Grab your morning coffee from Buck's Coffee Cafe in Cashiers' town center and enjoy it on the front porch, or take it to go, sipping away as you walk through the 13-acre Village Green.
For a high-end stay, head to High Hampton Resort or Old Edward Inn in nearby Highlands. For a more affordable getaway, opt for Skyline Lodge near Highlands – it’s very Frank Lloyd Wright-esque.
3. Ojai, California
Annie Greenberg, Vice President of Creative
The California valley town of Ojai is a little bohemian idyll about an hour and a half from Los Angeles. I love to spend a night or weekend up there whenever I’m on the West Coast, and I even got married in a secret botanical garden there. Despite its closeness to LA, Ojai transports you to a different world. Leave behind bumper-to-bumper traffic and city life for the mountains, wine and a dash of country flair.
The area is made up of primarily local businesses that keep Ojai’s signature style alive, and around every corner, expect to find unique threads and trinkets to be loved for years. A California perk is that regardless of when you go, expect beauty all year round. Dine at local spots like the Duchess, Pinyon Pizza and Full Moon Izakaya. Have a lazy afternoon or evening trying beer flights at Topa Topa Brewery.
I tend to spend as much of my time outside as possible, picking pixie tangerines in a sprawling orange grove, wandering the local farmers markets and sampling the fresh produce, or tasting wine at one of the many local vineyards. Lace up your boots for a day of hiking in the rolling hills and round off this perfect trip with a stay at the Capri, a mid-century motel renovated to perfection, or the Ojai Valley Inn, the area’s most luxurious lodging with pools and a spa to boot.
4. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Emily Dubin, Creative Manager
My family roots are in the Santa Fe area, so we would regularly visit there from where I grew up in Denver. It's close enough to drive, but it feels a world away from Colorado, or really anywhere in the US, with the culture of a big city — world-class art, incredible restaurants, centuries of history — packed into an accessible and charming small town.
The ubiquitous adobe architecture and Native culture give Santa Fe a distinctive feel, and there are plenty of great activities. Hike Pecos National Monument, looking out for ancient pottery shards that still litter the ground. Visit the International Folk Art Museum, wander the shops near the Plaza and check out the art galleries on Canyon Road. The Railyard Farmers Market, held on Saturdays, is especially excellent during chile season in the fall. For an immersive art experience, including potential sensory overload, Santa Fe is home to the original Meow Wolf. If you're there for the holidays, the annual Christmas Eve farolito (paper lantern) walk in the Historic East Side neighborhood is magical.
Santa Fe knows food, too. La Choza serves authentic New Mexican fare; go to Izanami for Japanese with the beautifully zen surroundings of Ten Thousand Waves resort and spa, and taste the best chile relleno at Palacio Cafe. For an inventive breakfast or lunch visit Modern General, also with a well-curated store, and don't miss tasting the spiced hot chocolate at specialist chocolate company Kakawa Chocolate House.
Santa Fe is a fairly compact, small city, so staying anywhere near the Plaza ensures you can walk most places. La Fonda is full of historic charm, while the Inn on the Alameda is a bit removed for a quieter stay. Away from downtown, El Rey is a restored '50s motor inn with a fun ambiance and a great bar.
5. Highway 30A, Florida
Ann Douglas Lott, Digital Editor
The beach towns along Hwy 30A are a top destination for Southerners (I don't know anyone in Alabama who hasn't been here). I grew up on fall trips to Inlet Beach at the far eastern end of the highway when it's still warm enough to be on the beach, but the crowds aren't unbearable. It's grown so much over so little time, but it's still a special little pocket of Florida, with one dreamy beach town after another, each wildly different from the one before it.
The true beauty of this place is how you can seamlessly travel between towns (bikes are a must) and experience all of their different vibes, from the dreamy Dutch-inspired lanes of Rosemary Beach to the peaceful, laid-back stretch of Grayton Beach. It's wonderful that getting around here means biking, not driving. Some towns like Alys and Watercolor also have nature trails at the back that are fun to explore on two wheels.
No matter where you land on 30A, go to the Red Bar. It's been around forever and has a relaxed beach shack vibe. Other great places to eat include Bud and Alley's beachside rooftop for seafood lunch in Seaside, Old Florida Fish House for a sunset dinner, and Blue Mountain Beach Creamery or the Donut Hole for a sweet treat. The white-sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico are so stunning to lay on, swim, play volleyball or even paddleboard.
6. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Deepa Lakshmin, Social Media Director
I've been to Jackson Hole three times (once in summer, twice in winter) over long weekends with friends. I also learned to ski there as an adult, but Jackson Hole is a special kind of ski town where you don't have to actually ski or snowboard to have a great time.
In the summer, drive out to the Tetons and kayak at Jenny Lake. In the winter, keep an eye out for moose. Wander the charming town square, then dance your heart out at Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. If you own cowboy boots, this is the place to wear them.
Fresh off the slopes, head to the Mangy Moose walking distance from the mountain for live music, classic bar bites and all your après needs. (Plus, there's no need to change out of your gear.) For a nice dinner, try Glorietta Trattoria or Snake River Grill. For takeout, pick up Liberty Burger or sandwiches from Cowboy Coffee. Teton Tiger has an odd mix of Asian fusion cuisine – personally, I don't trust any menu with both chicken tikka masala and ramen – but the cocktails and atmosphere are fun.
If you're up for learning to ski or snowboard, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has a $50 beginner pass you can buy in person only. I practiced in the easier areas for a few days before upgrading to the more expensive full-mountain lift pass. Who wants to pay for runs they can't even go down? (Yet!)
If you're going with a big group, rent a house for the full experience. We most recently stayed at Spring Creek Ranch, which had an outdoor hot tub (score!) and was walking distance from Aman Resorts' Amangani – out of our budget but lovely for drinks and a spectacular view of the Tetons.
7. Seattle, Washington
Chamidae Ford, Digital Editor
I grew up in Western Washington and went to college in Seattle, so the city has a special place in my heart. But I am not exaggerating when I say summer in Seattle is heaven on earth. Every summer, I try to make a trip back to soak up the sun and enjoy the city. It's the perfect temperature, without the East Coast bugs or humidity, and no single location is more than 15 minutes from a swimmable body of water. What more can you ask for?
Have a picnic at Gas Works Park and watch the sunset across Lake Union. Grab your friends and head to Golden Gardens Beach for a bonfire and cold plunges in Puget Sound. Personally, I love to grab some Ezell's famous fried chicken (Oprah-approved) and head to Madison Beach. Expect to jump off diving boards and listen to thumping dance music on most sunny days. On Sundays, stop by the Freemont Sunday Market for street food, loads of vintage shopping and handmade trinkets. Grab bikes and cruise along the Burke-Gilman, a 27-mile trail that winds through the city.
We eat well in Seattle, and each neighborhood has a few life-changing gems. Head to Mighty-o for some of the best vegan donuts around. Milk Drunk has a mouthwatering chicken sandwich, Pink Door is every Seattleite's favorite Italian food and brunch at Harryʻs Beach House in West Seattle is always a treat.
I tend to stay with friends, but Seattle has some fabulous hotels. There's the quirky Graduate Hotel in the University District or the stunning Lotte Hotel downtown, close to tourist attractions like Pike Place Market. The Mediterranean Inn in Queen Anne has beautiful views and lends a feel for how locals experience the city in its cozy neighborhoods.
8. Maui, Hawaii
Brekke Fletcher, Senior Director of Content
When I was a wee babe growing up in Los Angeles, our most frequent island escape was Maui. We went so many times I lost count. The magic of this place is in my bones for life.
When the wildfires devastated Lahaina in 2023, I was overwhelmed by loss and grief. It was impossible to take in. It still is. Now that some time has passed, I’m ready to return, and when I do, my plan is to recreate at least some of my most cherished memories.
When in Northwest Maui, we love to start our day by walking from our condo in Napili to the Honolua Store in the Kapalua resort, where I also go to play tennis. Afterward, we make our way back to Napili via the Kapalua Coastal Trail. The beach at Napili Bay is one of the best on the island, and it’s essential to rent gear at Snorkel Bob’s to take in all the beauty and wonder under the sea. You’re also pretty much guaranteed to see giant Green sea turtles – but please keep your distance and do not touch.
If we don’t cook out (we stock up on provisions at Napili Market), our evening outing might be sushi at Sansei or a sundowner at Merriman’s. Or, we’ll wander around Kaanapali and end up at Leilani’s. Breakfast is always (and most deliciously) at the Gazebo. Order yourself some pog (pineapple, orange and guava juice), and just try to finish the heaping stack of macadamia nut pancakes! I also cannot resist the breakfast burrito.
From there, we might make our way to Pā'ia for some shopping, grab a burger at the Stopwatch in Makawao, or if we feel like going big, we’ll have a daytime feast at Mama’s Fish House, choosing from the listing of the day’s fresh catches while savoring the best freshly-baked bread on the island. I also have to have at least one Mai Tai (makes me miss my late father so much; just contemplating this, I’m weeping).
And finally, if we’re feeling super adventurous, we’ll wake up at 3am to watch the sunrise at Haleakalā, then bike down the volcano, all before breakfast. Or we’ll drive the Road to Hana and stop along the way to take photos and maybe climb down to the black sand beach. I cannot wait to get back.
