The Best U.S. Luxury & Adventure Destinations to Travel in 2026
Planning travel in 2026? For couples and families looking to combine luxury accommodations with unforgettable adventure, the United States offers some of the most diverse and rewarding destinations in the world. From tropical islands and dramatic national parks to wine country and coastal escapes, these trips are ideal for honeymoons and family vacations.
As a luxury travel advisor specializing in honeymoon and family travel, these are the top U.S. destinations I’m recommending for 2026, along with the experiences that truly elevate each trip.
1. Maui, Hawai’i
Best for: Honeymoons & families wanting balance
Maui offers an effortless mix of luxury resorts, scenic outdoor adventure, and laid-back island culture, making it one of the most versatile U.S. destinations for couples and families who want both relaxation and memorable experiences without feeling rushed.
Top things to do in Maui:
Drive the Road to Hana to waterfalls, bamboo forests, and black-sand beaches
Snorkel Molokini Crater or Turtle Town
Watch sunrise or sunset from Haleakalā National Park
Book a private catamaran or sunset sail
Go whale watching (seasonal: winter-early spring)
Best hotels:
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort - A Concept by Hyatt
Fairmont Kea Lani Maui
2. Big Island, Hawai’i
Best for: Adventure-focused families & couples
The Big Island stands out for its dramatic landscapes and one-of-a-kind nature experiences, offering a more adventurous and less resort-centric Hawaiian trip that feels immersive, educational, and ideal for travelers who want to explore beyond the beach.
Top things to do on the Big Island:
Explore Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Go manta ray night snorkeling off the Kona coast
Stargaze atop Mauna Kea
Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay
Visit local coffee farms in Kona
Best hotels:
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection
Fairmont Orchid
3. Jackson Hole & Yellowstone, Wyoming
Best for: Multi-generational families & outdoorsy couples
This region delivers iconic American wilderness paired with upscale lodges and private guiding, creating a trip that feels adventurous yet comfortable, with wildlife, wide-open spaces, and experiences that appeal across generations.
Top things to do:
Private wildlife safaris in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Scenic rafting on the Snake River
Horseback riding through mountain valleys
Guided hiking with naturalists
Winter sleigh rides and snowshoeing
Best hotels:
Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole
The Lodge at Jackson Hole
Caldera House Jackson hole
4. Napa Valley & Sonoma, California
Best for: Honeymoons, anniversaries, group trips
Napa and Sonoma provide a refined, slow-paced escape focused on exceptional food, wine, and scenery, perfect for travelers who want indulgent experiences, beautiful accommodations, and the option to add light adventure through nature and coastal landscapes.
Top things to do:
Private vineyard tastings
Hot air balloon rides
Michelin-star dining
Spa and wellness experiences
Coastal drives and hiking in Sonoma
Best hotels:
Andaz Napa, by Hyatt
Napa Valley Lodge
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
5. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Best for: Active families & year-round travel
Lake Tahoe combines alpine adventure with upscale resort living offering a true four-season destination where travelers can enjoy water activities, mountain scenery, and cozy luxury all in one place.
Top things to do:
Summer boating, kayaking, and paddle-boarding
Winter skiing and snowboarding
Scenic gondola rides
Lakeside beaches and hiking trails
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
Best hotels:
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Everline Resort & Spa
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
6. Big Sky, Montana
Best for: Quiet luxury & nature lovers
Big Sky is defined by expansive landscapes and understated luxury, offering a quieter, more private alternative to busier mountain destinations while still providing high-end accommodations and immersive outdoor experiences.
Top things to do:
Fly fishing with expert guides
Ranch and horseback experiences
Wildlife viewing
Scenic hiking
Skiing with fewer crowds than major resorts
Best hotels:
One&Only Moonlight Basin
Montage Big Sky
Residence Inn by Marriott
7. Sedona, Arizona
Best for: Wellness-focused honeymoons & families with teens
Sedona blends striking red-rock adventure with a wellness-forward atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want active days outdoors balanced with spa experiences, relaxation, and a slower, more intentional pace.
Top things to do:
Red rock hikes like Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge
Jeep tours through desert terrain
Luxury spa treatments
Stargazing under dark skies
Scenic drives through Oak Creek Canyon
Best hotels:
Amara Resort and Spa
L’Auberge de Sedona
Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel
8. Alaska (Kenai Peninsula or Inside Passage)
Best for: Bucket-list family trips
Alaska delivers a true sense of scale and adventure, pairing glaciers, wildlife, and rugged scenery with comfortable lodges and guided experiences that make even remote landscapes feel accessible and thoughtfully planned.
Top things to do:
Glacier cruises
Whale watching
Coastal kayaking
Scenic train journeys
Guided nature walks
Best hotels:
Tutka Bay Lodge
Eleven Winterlake Lodge
Aurora Villa
9. Charleston & Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Best for: Families with younger kids & relaxed travel
This pairing offers a seamless blend of historic charm and coastal relaxation, creating an easy, family-friendly trip with rich culture, excellent food, and quiet beach time all within a relaxed travel rhythm.
Top things to do:
Historic walking tours of Charleston
Southern food tours
Beach days and biking on Kiawah Island
Kayaking through marshlands
Dolphin-watching cruises
Best hotels:
The Palmetto Hotel
The Dewberry Charleston
Emeline
10. Utah National Parks
Best for: Adventure honeymoons & active families
Utah’s national parks offer some of the most visually dramatic scenery in the country, ideal for travelers who want active, experience-driven days filled with guided hikes, scenic drives, and landscapes that feel completely different from anywhere else in the U.S.
Top things to do:
Guided hikes in Zion and Bryce Canyon
Slot canyon tours
Scenic drives through Capitol Reef
Stargazing in dark-sky areas
Photography and canyoneering
Best hotels:
Open Sky Zion
ULUM Moab
Sundance Mountain Resort
Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical island, a national park adventure, or a relaxed luxury escape, 2026 is the perfect year to travel within the U.S. I help couples and families plan beautifully curated, stress-free trips with elevated experiences and seamless support from start to finish.
Start planning your 2026 U.S. trip with Aurelia Voyages.