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Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips.

After this last lap around the sun, we all need a little R&R leading into 2021. Since January is the season for resolutions and a renewed focus on health, it’s the ideal time to book a rejuvenating getaway. But with ongoing COVID-19 concerns, it might be best to plan a trip nearby, something you can drive to. Here, we’ve rounded up the best wellness towns that are a few hours away from many major U.S. cities. These spots offer outdoor adventure, beach walks, spas and more!

If you live in Los Angeles:

Ojai

Driving distance from LA: 1 hr, 20 mins
Stay: Ojai Valley Inn

Ojai is a quiet getaway featuring a 16-mile walking/bike trail to the ocean. There are tons of spas here, including at Ojai Valley Inn, a luxe Spanish hacienda-style resort that dates back to 1934. Some even consider Ojai to be a “spiritual pilgrimage,” a place settled by ancient Chumash Native Americans that hold spiritual powers. 

Desert Hot Springs

Driving distance from LA: 1 hr, 45 mins
Stay: Tuscan Springs Hotel & Spa
There are natural aquifers found in Desert Hot Springs, so you can soak in healing mineral water, which reaches about 180 degrees Fahrenheit, to relax. Desert Hot Springs claims the waters improve health and reduce pain—increasing blood flow, stimulating metabolism, and balancing nature’s body system. 

Montecito

Driving distance from LA: 1 hr, 25 mins
Stay: Montecito Inn
The hotel is just minutes away from famed Butterfly Beach and close to Los Padres National Forest and Carpinteria State Beach. There are also opportunities to stay active outdoors, whether it’s parasailing, windsurfing, or biking.

If you live in San Francisco:

Calistoga

Driving distance from SF: 1 hr, 30 mis
Stay: Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection
This tiny town in Napa is known for its spas and proximity to beautiful sights such as Oat Hill Mine Trail and Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. There are also five different hot springs to enjoy. 

Occidental

Driving distance from SF: 1 hr, 20 mins
Stay here: Inn at Occidental
This quiet town is nestled amid the Redwoods in Sonoma County. It’s a popular place for nature lovers with tons of hiking opportunities, as well as places for kayaking and horseback riding. Freestone, the neighboring town, has cute bakeries, restaurants and spas. 

Napa Valley

Driving distance from SF: 1 hr, 15 mins
Stay here: Archer Hotel Napa
Napa Valley isn’t all about wine—there are incredible spas, mud and mineral baths, and trails to soak up the sunshine. At this resort, lounge poolside, catch the sunset on the rooftop terrace or go to the spa for deep tissue or hot stone treatments.

If you live in Chicago: 

Lake Geneva, WI

Driving distance from Chicago: 1 hr, 30 mins
Stay here: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
During the summer, spend time at the beach, take a boat out on the lake, or enjoy some of the outdoor activities. In the winter, check out the Ice Castles, an award-winning frozen attraction that includes breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains and much more.

Kohler, WI

Driving distance from Chicago: 2 hrs, 30 mins
Stay here: The American Club 

While Kohler is known as a quaint small town that’s near the sand dunes of Kohler-Andrae State Park and Lake Michigan, it’s this five-star diamond resort that draws tourists and locals alike. There are an impressive amount of yoga and cycling classes with lake views, as well as an expansive spa. It’s truly a way to say “ahhhh” and escape the city. 

Elkhart Lake, WI

Driving distance from Chicago: 2 hrs, 30 mins
Stay here: The Osthoff Resort
The 292-acre lake has some of the clearest water in Wisconsin, making it the perfect place for kayaking, paddle boarding or swimming. Experience all that nature has to offer: There’s the 30,000-acre Kettle Moraine State Forest, hiking trails along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, or the beauty found along Old Plank Road Trail. 

If you live in Boston: 

Stowe, VT

Driving distance from Boston: 3 hrs, 45 mins
Stay here: Green Mountain Inn
Considered the alpine ski capital of the East, Stowe is beautiful come wintertime. But it’s really a four-season destination: All year, you can participate in a number of outdoor activities—hiking, biking, kayaking, snowshoeing and more. 

Kennebunkport, ME

Driving distance from Boston: 1 hr, 45 mins
Stay here: White Barn Inn & Spa

Besides the Bush mansion on Ocean Avenue, this tiny coastal haven has so much to offer: At White Barn Inn and Spa, book a session, including the five-step Red Flower Hammam Ritual treatment. Just 10 minutes away, you’ll find yourself on Kennebunkport Beach on your way to Dock Square, which has a variety of restaurants and quaint shops. 

Gloucester

Driving distance from Boston: 50 mins
Stay here: Beauport Hotel Gloucester

While winter weather in Boston isn’t ideal for lounging on the beach, bundled-up walks allow you to relax, breathe and enjoy the sunshine. Since it’s a hop and a skip from the bustling city, it’s easy to spend a day here, enjoying fresh-caught seafood and watching the crash of the waves. For an overnight stay, this waterfront luxury boutique hotel has a wellness space, complete with massage therapies, reiki, yoga and more.

If you live in Phoenix: 

Sedona

Driving distance from Phoenix: 2 hrs
Stay here: L’Auberge de Sedona

Hike the many trails in Sedona—Doe Mountain and Cathedral Rock, for example—to see the Red Rocks up close. Then hit up the area’s best spas or try the various treatments at this gorgeous hotel, including deep tissue, hot stone, and Swedish massages. Some believe Sedona also has “vortexes,” areas swirling with energy that are said to be healing and meditative. 

Carefree

Driving distance from Phoenix: 40 mins
Stay here: CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa
This resort is centered on your well-being with complementary activities like floating mediation, guided hikes, and healthy cooking classes. Disconnect from our tech-crazed world by taking in desert views instead of Netflix—rooms don’t even come with TVs. There is also a spa, which has a Sanarium (sauna mixed with a steam room) and a unique Aqua Shiatsu Therapy treatment in a heated pool.

Scottsdale

Driving distance from Phoenix: 25 mins
Stay here: Scott Resort and Spa
Minutes away from Scottsdale’s Fashion Square and a 20-minute drive from Sky Harbor Airport, you’ll find this wellness haven. Although it’s close to downtown, it’s also near the area’s natural beauties, including Camelback Mountain and Desert Botanical Garden. The resort is pretty incredible, too: There are two outdoor pools, and the spa offers six treatment rooms available for facials, massages and nail treatments.

If you live in New York City:

Quogue

Driving distance from NYC: 1 hr, 45 mins
Stay here: The Quogue Club at Hallock House

The Hamptons’ hamlets come alive during the summertime, and this hotel is right near Cooper’s Beach and Hallock State Park Preserve. Along with sunrise walks and sunset dinners, enjoy the hotel’s world-class spa and many restaurants. 

Monticello, The Catskills

Driving distance from NYC: 2 hrs
Stay here: YO1 Health Resort

In the heart of the iconic Catskills, amidst endless nature and hiking trails, is this all-inclusive health resort. Here, you complete an assessment, and then your days are planned based on your health goals. Think lots of detoxing, yoga, massage therapy and more. You’ll return to The Big Apple feeling refreshed and zen!

Skaneateles

Driving distance from NYC: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Stay here: Mirbeau Inn and Spa 

Soak in the Finger Lakes’ natural beauty at Skaneateles Lake and Lockwood Lavender Farm, which both boast opportunities for hiking, biking and leisurely strolls. The lake is directly next to a vibrant downtown for when you want to grab a coffee, juice or just enjoy the fresh air and quiet stress.

If you live in Miami:

Islamorada

Driving distance from Miami: 1 hr, 45 mins
Stay here: Cheeca Lodge and Spa 

Experience the Florida Keys without driving all the way to Key West. Get an oceanfront view at Cheeca Lodge and Spa, along with tons of relaxing (yet fun) water activities like paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkeling. Hop on a boat or canoe at Indian Key Historic State Park to catch glimpses of swimming crocodiles. And remember, nothing tops a Key West sunset, if you do decide to head farther west. 

Naples

Driving distance from Miami: 2 hrs
Stay here: Naples Grande Beach Resort 

When the tourists flood Miami during the winter months, locals escape to Naples for a quiet getaway. Walk along the water at Clam Pass Park and Vanderbilt Beach before taking a stroll through downtown Naples’ shop-lined streets. When you need a break from the hot Florida sun, head to the resort’s spa for Ayurvedic treatments, hydrotherapy, reflexology, massages and more. 

Palm Beach

Driving distance from Miami: 1 hr, 15 mins
Stay here: The Brazilian Court Hotel

Think beyond Mar-a-Largo: This city, which is frequented by the rich and famous, is picturesque. Walk down Worth Avenue for much-needed retail therapy (visit the original Lilly Pulitzer store), before getting some R&R at the hotel, including a top-notch treatment at Frédéric Fekkai’s namesake salon and spa.

If you live in Denver: 

Estes Park

Driving distance from Denver: 1 hr, 30 mins
Stay here: The Estes Park Resort

At the base of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is home to all kinds of Colorado wildlife, including elk and bears. That also means that there are miles of trails to explore, at Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road, as well nearby Roosevelt National Forest. When your body needs a rest, sit by the lake at The Estes Park Resort.

Aspen

Driving distance from Denver: 3 hrs, 30 mins
Stay here: The St. Regis Aspen Resort 

Nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain, experience the resort in one of two ways: either on the slopes (Aspen Mountain and Buttermilk Mountain are standouts) or at the spas, where you can get an array of customized treatments like a CBD Healing Customized Massage and advanced skincare customized facial.

Steamboat Springs

Driving distance from Denver: 3 hrs
Stay here: The Steamboat Grand

Northwest of Denver, this snowy mountain town is also a great destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. When you’re not hitting the slopes, go to Gondola Square or downtown for shops, restaurants, and scenic gondola rides. While you’re at it, check out the area’s hot springs, including Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs. 

If you live in Washington, DC: 

Middleburg, VA

Driving distance from DC: 1 hr
Stay here: Salamander Resort and Spa 

Explore Virginia’s wine country at Greenhill Winery and Vineyards and Aspen Dale Winery. Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this resort is known for its stately Grand Lawn (perfect for reading, meditating or catching up on some Zzz’s), and top-notch equestrian center. 

Hot Springs, VA

Driving distance from DC: 4 hrs
Stay here: The Omni Homestead Resort 

A favorite among past presidents, Hot Springs is loved for its promise to heal from the inside out. The Omni Homestead Resort, which has hosted 23 presidents thus far, has a two-acre water park that features natural hot springs, a lazy river, water slides, and private cabanas. Or sit in the rocking chairs on the porches overlooking the Allegheny Mountains. 

New York, NY

Driving distance from DC: 4 hrs
Stay here: Equinox Hotel 

Yep, that’s right: NYC can be a wellness escape for DC folks. The concrete jungle is also full of wellness offerings. Take the Equinox Hotel, for example: It has a 24-hour health club, an all-season pool, and a full-service spa with top-of-the-line treatments. If you want to leave the hotel, explore natural sights like Central Park and The High Line, or try trending spots like Heyday, AIRE Ancient Baths, and Chillhouse. 

If you live in Houston: 

San Antonio

Driving distance from Houston: 3 hrs
Stay here: La Cantera Resort and Spa 

If buzzy destinations like The Alamo and San Antonio River Walk aren’t your speed, kick back at La Cantera for some R&R. On the property, there are five restaurants, five pools (three of which have poolside bars) and a full-service spa where you can get massages, facials, nail treatments and much more. 

Austin

Driving distance from Houston: 2 hrs, 30 mins
Stay here: Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa 

It’s not just about tacos and football in Austin, it’s also one of the greenest cities in Texas with parks scattered throughout and tons of trails for biking, walking and running. Visit the ever-popular Lady Bird Lake or Barton Springs Pool, a gorgeous, tree-lined spot where water streams from natural springs. Closer to the hotel, check out Zilker Botanical Garden and Zilker Park to experience the city’s natural beauty.

Fredericksburg

Driving distance from Houston: 3 hrs, 45 mins
Stay here: The Lodge Above Town Creek 

Right in the middle of Texas Hill Country, you’ll find Fredericksburg, a charming town packed with wineries, quaint restaurants and sprawling fields. Follow the wine road and sample wines at 17 different wineries. To see the natural beauty the area has to offer, visit Fredericksburg Herb Farm or take a drive along Willow City Loop to catch a glimpse of the famous Texas bluebonnets. 

 

Tagged: Arizona, Boston, California, Chicago, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Midwest, New York, San Francisco, Texas, Washington DC

Note: Orbitz compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

Lindsay Tigar

Lindsay Tigar

Lindsay is a lifestyle and travel writer, and content strategist. She is a passport stamp collector with an affinity for great wine, coffee and conversation. You can find a full collection of her work at lindsaytigar.com.
Lindsay Tigar

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