Celebrity-Favorite U.S. Vacation Spots: Hollywood's Top Domestic Escapes, No Passport Needed
Palm Springs
Palm Springs has long captivated Hollywood, hosting icons like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Loretta Young even before its 1938 incorporation. Just two hours from Los Angeles, this desert oasis offers respite from urban hustle. Today, it boasts an international airport, a renowned film festival, and luxury 5-star resorts—a favorite of stars like Justin Bieber and Emma Roberts.
Travelzoo recommends the 4-star, hacienda-style Triada Palm Springs, Autograph Collection.
Ojai
Ojai’s natural beauty and low-key vibe provide celebrities an ideal escape from paparazzi, fans, and L.A. traffic. Less than 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles, this artistic enclave with local farms maintains its small-town charm amid A-list appeal. Here, it's all about savoring fine wine, pixie tangerines, and stunning pink sunsets—no matter your fame.
Travelzoo members score $85 in extras at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara blends relaxed beach vibes with upscale spas, just a scenic two-hour coastal drive from L.A. Icons like Oprah own homes in exclusive Montecito; others retreat to luxury resorts during warm weekends or the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley’s world-class wineries, Michelin-starred dining, and retreats draw celebrities year-round. Highlights include the Napa Valley Wine Train and tastings in one of the globe’s premier AVAs. Spanning Napa, Calistoga, St. Helena, and Yountville, it's also an investment hub for stars like Joe Montana, Nancy Pelosi, and Francis Ford Coppola.
Travelzoo members are treated to a bottle of wine when staying at Solage, An Auberge Resort.
Aspen
Aspen, Colorado’s elite ski haven, is where stars hit the slopes or enjoy après-ski luxury. Especially festive during holidays, spot Mariah Carey, Kate Hudson, or Kurt Russell. Prime people-watching: ski-in/ski-out The Little Nell, exclusive Caribou Club, or Kemo Sabe.
Save by staying just outside Aspen at the ski-in, ski-out Westin Snowmass Resort.
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole’s vast skies, Grand Teton vistas, and outdoor adventures offer celebrities fresh air and privacy. Attracting Bill Clinton, Sandra Bullock, Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez, and Harrison Ford, it pairs rugged Western charm with upscale resorts and dining.
Stretch out—and save for the slopes—at The Lexington at Jackson Hole Hotel & Suites.
New Orleans
New Orleans’ jazz, Creole cuisine, and Mardi Gras energy let celebrities blend in effortlessly. A filming hotspot for blockbusters like Bad Moms (2016), The Big Short (2015), and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2013), it’s homegrown talent central: Ellen DeGeneres, Anne Rice, Louis Armstrong, Lil Wayne, Emeril Lagasse, and Leah Chase.
Jazz up your trip by staying at Bourbon Street’s only luxury hotel, the 4.5-star Royal Sonesta New Orleans.
South Beach
Miami’s South Beach, with its warm sands, Art Deco allure, nightlife, and Kardashian sightings, is Hollywood’s playground. Collins Avenue buzzes with luxury resorts, exclusive clubs, gourmet spots, and rooftop pools.
Book Travelzoo Top 20 deals for the modern Red South Beach Hotel or the Spanish-style El Paseo Hotel.
Malibu
Malibu offers entertainment insiders a serene coastal retreat south of Santa Monica. Popular with families, surfers, and stars like Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, and Mel Gibson, enjoy beaches like Zuma, El Matador, and Point Dume; shop Malibu Country Mart; or dine at Nobu and Soho Little Beach House.
From Hotel Erwin, reach Malibu Country Mart in under 30 minutes via Pacific Coast Highway.
