Summer in the city: Top destinations for an urban escape
Experience a summer to remember with your friends and family and escape to one of these enticing destinations around the country.
By Tanvi Chheda | July 2, 2024
Summer in Nashville, Orlando and Santa Monica is synonymous with easy, lazy days full of opportunities to enjoy music, the great outdoors and delicious food. Laidback but also offering ample activity, these idyllic summer destinations give you and your travel companions the freedom to explore as much — or as little — as your hearts desire.
Nashville
Fondly known as Music City, Nashville is much more than honky-tonk and barbecue these days. When you’re visiting Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum shouldn’t be missed, but the city is also home to creative chefs, gorgeous gardens and a full-scale replica of the Parthenon that serves as an art museum. Haute fashion lovers should head to The Fifth Avenue Club Nashville, located within Conrad Nashville, for an afternoon of personal styling, shopping and other high-end services. When happy hour rolls around, head to the hotel’s third floor for craft cocktails and creative light bites at Thistle & Rye. The Mr. Foxy concoction, made with bourbon, apricot and lemon, is a favorite that pairs well with the flavorful ahi tuna tostada.
Orlando
Orlando may be known for its world-famous cartoon mouse, but there’s more to this central Florida city than its theme parks. Hike, bike, kayak or canoe in one of several nearby state parks like Wekiwa Springs State Park or Blue Spring State Park. If the temps climb too high, beat the heat with indoor attractions such as The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Spending the day golfing at the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course or at one of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando pools is also a great way to relax, especially when you rent a private cabana and indulge in some poolside drinks and food. For the ultimate relaxation, visit the 24,000-square foot (2230-square-meter) Waldorf Astoria Spa, with a dedicated Himalayan salt therapy room. After, savor elevated modern fare and steakhouse classics at the award-winning Bull & Bear.
Santa Monica, California
Los Angeles’ prestigious coastal enclave, Santa Monica retains plenty of laidback, beachy vibes while still boasting contemporary art, inventive cuisine and wellness pursuits. Head to Bergamot Station and pop into numerous galleries showcasing paintings, photography, sculptures and more. Surf lessons, bike rides and yoga on the beach are just the beginning when it comes to wellness and outdoor fun in the area. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts offers these activities to guests, in addition to a 24-hour fitness studio, a sparkling pool with plush daybeds and the full-service Oceana Spa. The concierge can also arrange guided hikes and horseback riding in the surrounding mountains. Dine at Sandpiper to enjoy the ultimate culinary experience, including five-star service and elevated farm-to-table dishes inspired by local flavors.
Tanvi Chheda
Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years now. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking and spending time outdoors. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine, OLTRE and Ciao Bambino, among others.
Find your stay
Conrad Nashville
Find us in Midtown, at the intersection of West End Ave. and Broadway, less than five minutes from Music Row and Vanderbilt University. Bridgestone Arena, Music City Center, Nissan Stadium, and First Horizon Park are within three miles. Enjoy our restaurants, spacious rooms and suites, event space, and a rooftop pool terrace with great views of downtown.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Discover an elegant oasis surrounded by the Walt Disney World® Resort. Our newly renovated luxury resort offers an ambiance of stylish sophistication with celebrated amenities and impeccable personalized service. At our official Walt Disney World® Hotel, guests receive special benefits including Disney Early Theme Park Entry and complimentary transportation to Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and Disney Springs®.
Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Oceana is designed to resemble your idyllic, private beach home. We pride ourselves on the personalized, five-star service we provide our guests. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, our newly renovated, beachfront hotel, especially the guest rooms, will leave you breathless.
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