Whether your perfect summer escape includes sunset sails, mountain breezes, campfire s’mores or all of the aforementioned, you don’t need to travel far to make it happen.
In fact, this summertime magic can be found within a few hours’ drive of big cities like San Francisco, Chicago and Boston. From Cape Cod to the shores of the Columbia River, these hotels beckon with oysters on the deck, hikes through wine country and glamping on the coast. And with each being located within quick driving distance of a major U.S. city, not only are they magical places to call home for a few days, but they’re delightfully convenient, too.
Read on for the 10 city-adjacent points hotels to book for a hassle-free summer getaway, no airport required. Because, as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald famously sang, summertime is about living easy.
: The best US glamping resorts for an outdoorsy summer getaway
Alila Ventana Big Sur
For Midwesterners, summer is synonymous with Lake Michigan — and this waterfront resort in Michigan is the perfect place to experience lake life. The Inn at Bay Harbor is a longer drive (four hours from Detroit and over five from Chicago) compared to other properties on this list, but the private beach and lake view accommodations make it worth the trip.
Located on peaceful Little Traverse Bay, the Inn at Bay Harbor offers amenities aplenty, starting with its sprawling setting. There are a sandy beach dotted with red-and-white striped cabanas, golf courses, lawn games and an outdoor pool, all within the property’s manicured grounds. Factor in the serene spa and waterfront dining, and it’s easy to see why guests may happily spend all their time at the resort.
The surrounding area offers tons to do as well, from vineyard-hopping through Michigan’s lush wine country to e-biking along lakefront trails. The resort’s variety of accommodations are another plus: These range from standard rooms to private cottages that sleep up to eight.
Rates at the Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection start at $494 per night. Points rates for this property are not currently available on Marriott’s website.
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