Warm-weather getaways for every traveler
From the Caribbean and Mexico to California and Florida, these warmer climes make it easy to get outside and embrace the sunshine. | By Tanvi Chheda | March 17, 2023
Celebrate the sun by booking a getaway to one of these warm-weather destinations. Guaranteed to please, these must-visit locations are where powdery beaches, sunset sails, urban green spaces, hiking trails, Michelin-starred dining and golf courses await.
For families: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman is ideal for a kid-friendly warm-weather getaway. Would-be adventurers will delight in the island's beach play, water sports and conservation-minded wildlife experiences. Base your brood at the all-suite Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach for a convenient, centrally located base during your stay — it’s just 43 steps from the sand, and close to restaurants and shops.
Stingray City
Visit Stingray City to swim alongside majestic southern Atlantic stingrays on a guided educational tour that includes feeding, petting and photographing the wild sea creatures. The exotic landmark is surrounded by barrier reefs, and you can add a snorkeling adventure to your excursion for an extra underwater experience.
Water play at Bio Bay
Live and let glow. Water play becomes even more fun when you’re kayaking, swimming or snorkeling through a magical bioluminescent glow. Take a night tour of the bay to experience bioluminescent plankton light up in the water like a starry night sky.
Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanic Park
Don’t miss the blue iguanas, butterflies and orchids at the Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanic Park. With several main attractions, including a lake, heritage garden and natural habitats, spread across 65 acres (26.3 hectares), the park blends nature, culture and history in a serene setting prime for exploration.
For friends: Tulum, Mexico
Grab your gang of friends and head to chic Tulum, on the eastern shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, for outdoor adventures, history and a slice of the jet-set life.
Tulum archaeological zone
Visit Tulum’s ancient Mayan ruins and explore the remnants of a walled Maya settlement dating back to the 13th century.
Exploring sacred cenotes
Spend a day snorkeling and diving at one of the dozens of sacred cenotes — natural fresh-water sinkholes that form when limestone collapses — in the area. Among the best: Cenote Dos Ojos, El Gran Cenote and Cenote Cristal.
Tulum Pueblo
Stroll along Tulum’s main drag, lined with trendy cafes, bars and fashion boutiques. A dinner reservation at sustainability-focused Hartwood, with its sea-to-table menu and delicious cocktails, is a must.
For the solo traveler: San Francisco
Gorgeous pastel-hued Victorians, world-famous museums, top restaurants, neighborhoods to wander and an urban green space that’s been designated as a National Park — San Francisco lives up to its hype. Enjoy a quiet moment to yourself as you take in views of downtown alongside locally inspired fare and cocktails at Canopy by Hilton San Francisco SoMa’s Shelby’s Rooftop lounge, conveniently located in the bustling SoMa district.
Discover the city’s highlights
Explore this hilly Northern California metropolis on foot, or perhaps by cable car. Ride the Powell/Hyde 2.1-mile (3.3-kilometer) line for some of the best city views and peek at the famous winding Lombard Street.
Chinatown
Amble past countless dim sum spots, bakeries and karaoke bars in the oldest Chinatown in North America (and the largest outside of Asia). Must-sees include the iconic Dragon’s Gate, numerous ornate temples and the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum.
Get outdoors
Hike or bike along Presidio of San Francisco’s trails and see Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line made from eucalyptus branches. Pause to snap some photos of the Golden Gate Bridge from the national park’s scenic overlook to capture the moment.
For couples: Aruba, Netherlands Antilles
Think palm trees, shimmering turquoise waters, miles of sand and your person's hand in yours while on your next warm-weather getaway to Aruba.
Moments of tranquility
Rekindle your passion as you practice couple’s yoga on the beach or sail into the sunset and explore Aruba’s natural beauty and culture on a boat ride for two.
The Natural Pool
Explore Arikok National Park together — be sure to pack swimsuits as you make your way to the Natural Pool, also known as conchi, a small depression surrounded by volcanic rock, where you can swim and snorkel.
San Nicolas
Join a mural art tour in the San Nicolas district to see vibrant artwork by local and international artists. If you and yours are music-lovers, plan your trip around the island’s music festivals, including the Soul Beach Music Festival and Aruba Summer Music Festival.
For the elevated explorer: Orlando, Florida
If living your best life involves golf courses — including the stunning 18-hole championship course at Waldorf Astoria Orlando — Michelin-starred restaurants, boating and retail therapy, then sunny Orlando is calling your name.
Waldorf Astoria Golf Club
Orlando has some 200 golf courses, but you’ll find relaxation and outdoor activities seamlessly combined for the ultimate escape at Waldorf Astoria Golf Club. Unwind at the practice range or putting green, browse the pro shop and refuel with elevated cuisine at Clubhouse Grille.
Michelin-starred restaurants
Order the omakase menu at the intimate 10-seat Michelin-starred Soseki and let chef Mike Collantes wow you with inventive seafood dishes paired with sake. Kadence, in the Audubon Park Garden district, is another standout Michelin-star winner with a multicourse chef’s tasting menu.
Retail therapy
With labels like Versace, Ferragamo, Saint Laurent, Dior and Hermes, the Mall at Millenia is the ultimate destination for high-end shopping. Once you’ve had your fill of the boutiques, take a private boat out for the day on one of the several nearby lakes.
Whether you’re island-bound or heading for the warmth of the South, a dose of sunshine goes a long way. So, grab the golf clubs and swimwear, and don’t forget sunscreen for your next warm-weather getaway.
Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine and OLTRE and Ciao Bambino, among others. 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.
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