Yesterday was Memorial Day, and we all know what that means: The American summer is officially underway. If you haven’t yet booked your sunny getaways, start with these beachy resorts in Cape Cod, the Hamptons, the Florida Keys, and Los Angeles.
Key Largo, Florida
Tropical Ease, $$
The Scene
Fun fact: Pineapples are the symbol of hospitality. And that’s what you’ll find at Baker’s Cay, the 15-acre resort located on an historic pineapple plantation just an hour south of Miami. The 200 rooms and suites have nature-inspired decor, sustainable amenities, and open-air terraces that make the most of the sweeping ocean views. The four restaurants feature local seafood and produce and resort’s own herbs and fruits.
The Action
Will it be sunset yoga or the silent disco? Smores or stargazing? Paddle board or kayaks? A parasail high above the keys or a sustainable Dock to Dish backcountry fishing expedition? You can do it all here. Of course, if the lazies hit, then settle into a gentle sway somewhere amid the hardwood hammock forest.
This Place Is Perfect For
Tropical escape, no passport required.
Why Book Now
Sun, Sand, and Savings gets you 25% off stays of three nights or more, plus a nightly $50 food and beverage credit.
Brewster, Massachusetts
Preppy Family Compound, $$
The Scene
When the vacation checklist calls for maximum fun and minimal planning — and easy access to major cities in the Northeast USA — a big seaside beach resort should top the list. One with lots of space, activities, room, and options for the whole family, whether they’re sporty as all get-out or lazy as can be. At the top of any short list: award-winning Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster, a charming and artsy town on the eastern edge of Massachusetts.
The Action
No one will blame you if you never venture beyond the 429-acre compound with 342 rooms divided among The Mansion and The Villages. There’s just that much to do here. Kayaking and swimming. Tennis and pickleball. Live music and oyster tours. Plus spa-ing and chilling on the big private beach, where the bay waters are calm enough for little swimmers.
This Place Is Perfect For
A family getaway — especially when different family members have different ideas of fun.
Why Book Now
The Summer Splash special gives you 20% off stays of three or more nights.
Sag Harbor, New York
Easygoing Hamptons, $$$$
The Scene
Hydrangeas. Adirondack chairs. Loungers by the saltwater pool. Welcome to the Hamptons, and specifically to Sag Harbor, the charming historic village where everything is a little less blingy and a little more classy than some of those other Hamptons. Baron’s Cove occupies a prime location on the water, its 67 guest rooms overlooking the village or the harbor. There’s a nautical theme throughout, seen in the palette (lots of whites, blues, and grays) and decor (framed maps, brass anchors as door knockers). Garden rooms have private gardens and picnic tables; loft suites sleep up to five, and that’s not counting your pooch, who is totally welcome here.
The Action
Long Island’s bounty — produce, fish, meat — features heavily on the menu at The Restaurant, where options include local halibut, mushroom steak, catch of the day, and a three cheese mac & cheese (add the lobster!). The Lounge with indoor and deck seating hosts regular live music performances. When it’s time to explore, it’s a quick walk to Main Street’s excellent boutiques, bookstore, restaurants, and yoga studio. The hotel has complimentary bikes, which makes exploring the surrounding coves, parks, and tree-lined streets a breeze.
This Place Is Perfect For
The Hamptons without the hoopla.
Why Book Now
Through the end of the year, guests who book The Benjamin package will receive a $100 resort credit to use on meals, drinks, or at the shop.
Santa Monica, California
Relaxed Elegance, $$$$
The Scene
Is Santa Monica — with its great pier, boutiques, restaurants, and farmers’ market — the best beach neighborhood in L.A.? We’d like to see another one vie for the title. Oceana, the 70-suite oceanfront hotel that’s part of Hilton’s luxury LXR portfolio (work those Honors points!), is an ideal base for exploring the town and the beach. The vibe is relaxed elegance, as seen in the glass fireplaces, aquatic palette, and warm woods, and in special in-room like Frette linens, Loro Piana bedding, Bamford bath products, and original work by local artists.
The Action
Oceana’s three restaurants, with poolside, oceanfront, and rooftop options, serve American cuisine with an Italian accent. The Fitness Studio is equipped with TechnoGym machines and Peloton bikes, and the full service Wellness Spa offers holistic facials, Shiatsu-meets-Swedish massages, and a roster of salon treatments. Off site activities include beachfront yoga, surf lessons, and complimentary house bikes you can take for a cruise.
This Place Is Perfect For
An upscale but easygoing beach stay.
Why Book Now
Make the most of Oceana’s offerings with the Experience the Stay special, which includes a $100 resort credit.