Forbes Travel Guide Lists Summer Getaways in All 50 States

Forbes Travel Guide published a state-by-state list of recommended U.S. destinations and lodging properties for summer 2026. The guide covers all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. The publication frames the list as a resource tied to the nation's 250th anniversary. Each entry names one destination, one lodging property, and one or more activities.

Alabama to Arkansas Alabama: Auburn.

The Laurel Hotel and Spa offers a rooftop pool and a teaching restaurant. Chewacla State Park provides hiking, mountain biking, and a lake for swimming and canoeing. Alaska: Halibut Cove. Stillpoint Lodge is an all-inclusive property reachable only by boat, floatplane, or helicopter.

Activities include helicopter wildlife viewing and kayaking near glaciers. Arizona: Phoenix. The Arizona Biltmore, designed in 1929, features patterned concrete blocks and grounds sculptures. Visitors can take hot-air balloon rides or guided horseback tours.

Arkansas: Hot Springs. Oaklawn Hot Springs includes a 24/7 casino and spa. Hot Springs National Park lies two miles away and offers mountain views from a 216-foot tower.

California to Connecticut California: San Francisco.

The Palace Hotel opened in 1875 and retains a two-story Garden Court with a 70,000-piece stained-glass ceiling. Chinatown and the Presidio are listed among historic sites. Colorado: Colorado Springs. The Broadmoor opened in 1918 and sits on 5,000 acres that include falconry, fly-fishing, and whitewater rafting.

" Connecticut: Washington. The Mayflower Inn & Spa occupies 58 acres and includes a 20,000-square-foot wellness center. Kent Falls State Park features a covered bridge and waterfalls.

Delaware to Florida Delaware: Wilmington.

Hotel Du Pont, opened in 1913, offers a "Homage to 1776" package that includes a historian-led tour and museum tickets. Nearby gardens include the 200-acre Nemours Estate. Florida: Palm Beach. The Breakers, built in 1896, contains 534 rooms and 36 holes of golf. The Flagler Museum and the 5.5-mile Lake Trail are listed as nearby attractions.

Georgia to Hawaii Georgia: Sea Island.

The Cloister at Sea Island sits on a 50-acre private island and hosted the 2004 G8 Summit. Activities include golf, horseback riding on a five-mile beach, and paddleboarding. Hawaii: Honolulu. Halekulani in Waikiki features a pool with a white orchid design. Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum are noted for Hawaiian history and artifacts.

Idaho to Illinois Idaho: McCall.

Shore Lodge sits on Payette Lake and provides access to 5,330 acres of surrounding land. Illinois: Chicago. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is located inside Water Tower Place on the Magnificent Mile.