A-listers' favorite American vacation spots

A-list USA

Holiday like an A-lister with our guide to vacation hotspots across the USA that celebrities adore. Whether you’re looking for a super luxe getaway or a lively spot where the (VIP) party never ends, these are the destinations favored by the very rich and the very famous.

Scroll through the gallery to see where presidents, pop stars, and famous actors like to spend their downtime in America…

Maui, Hawaii

It’s not hard to see the appeal of Hawaii’s magical Maui to both A-listers and the titans of business. With its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and otherworldly volcanic corners, it is one of the most spectacular places on the planet. It’s secluded too.

Here, celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bezos, and Steven Tyler from Aerosmith can enjoy a level of privacy they just can’t get back on the mainland. Sunny days are plentiful here. The paparazzi are not.

Maui, Hawaii

Having said that, both Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Aniston have been spotted at the luxurious Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria resort on the southwest coast of the island. Paris Hilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger prefer the nearby Four Seasons Resort.

An increasing number of celebrities have homes on the island, including Woody Harrelson, Clint Eastwood, and Oprah Winfrey. Oprah purchased the Thompson Ranch, a historic property in Maui’s Upcountry (pictured), with panoramic views of the ocean and the central valley of Maui.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

When Ryan Gosling wrapped up filming Barbie, he needed to decompress. So he packed up his wife (Eva Mendes) and kids and headed to Jackson Hole, the wild 42-mile long valley between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountains in Wyoming.

Here, the vast open landscapes, outdoor lifestyle, and clean mountain air helped him recharge his ‘Ken-energy’ for the worldwide media tour that lay ahead.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

It’s not just the epic landscapes that draw celebrities like Gosling to Jackson Hole. Jackson Hole is laid-back and peaceful, with the small community here leaving the visiting celebrities to their own devices. Celebs appreciate being able to eat sushi at Kampai (the Goslings) or shop at GRIT General (Harrison Ford) without being hassled.

Most celebrities choose to stay at Caldera House, a 5-star boutique hotel in Jackson Hole’s Teton Village. This alpine member’s club has provided a luxurious bolthole for not just Ryan and his brood, but the Kardashians and Gigi Hadid as well.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a party town and the celebrities that vacation here are not looking to get away from it all. They are in the Big Easy to participate and that’s why you’re most likely to spot Sandra Bullock (pictured), Nicolas Cage, and Brad Pitt in legendary NOLA spots like Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street.

So many celebrities pass through town, the locals barely bat an eyelid. They’ve talked sport over a beer in a bar with James Gandolfini and seen Stevie Wonder play a set with Walter 'Wolfman' Washington at DBA. It’s just another day in New Orleans.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Proof that, deep down, celebrities are just like the rest of us, most of the A-listers who visit the Big Easy make a beeline for Café Du Monde. The oldest café in New Orleans, it has been serving its chicory coffee and sugar-dusted beignets (deep-fried French pastry) since 1862.

Kim Kardashian is a big fan. 'I wouldn’t come to New Orleans without getting beignets from Café Du Monde,' she wrote on Instagram in 2017. 'Or six bags of beignets.'

Big Sur, California

Untamed and majestic, Big Sur is a breathtaking stretch of California coast nestled between the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains and the shimmering Pacific Ocean. It is arguably the most scenic stretch of the state’s iconic Highway 1.

The area is famous for its beaches and forests, as well as its burgeoning foodie scene. But it was a Big Sur road trip in 2014 by besties Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss that really put the area on the map. Captured in creamy, Instagram-filtered glory by Vogue, Big Sur was suddenly on every A-lister’s bucket list.

Big Sur, California

Taylor and Karlie stayed at Alila Ventana (pictured), a 5-star eco-friendly resort that nestles unobtrusively on 160 acres of protected land. The hotel offers high-end luxe amenities including an onsite restaurant that serves locally sourced, coastal-inspired dishes.

The Alila Ventana also offers adventurous activities in keeping with its wild, natural setting. Swift is said to have tried her hand at falconry during her stay. It has since become a haven for other ‘mindful’ celebrities with Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, and Anna Kendrick all recent guests.

Aspen, Colorado

This jet-set ski town in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains started as a mining camp in the 1800s. It continues to strike gold every winter when celebrities like the Kardashians, Leonardo DiCaprio, Elton John, Heidi Klum, Goldie Hawn, and Kurt Russell descend on the town to hit the slopes – and the town’s designer shops and high-end restaurants.

Surrounded by towering mountains, Aspen is a small town with only 6,000 full-time residents. But come the holiday season, it can feel like every second person is an A-lister, including the Queen of Christmas herself, Mariah Carey (pictured).

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Aspen, Colorado

You’ll need deep pockets if you want to vacation like an A-lister in Aspen. Most stay in private luxury homes or 5-star resorts like The Little Nell. And popular celeb hangouts like the Cas Tua and Caribou Club are strictly private members-only clubs.

Shopping offers your best chance of rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. Max out your credit card at Gucci, Prada, and Moncler on the main street. Or head to Kemo Sabe (pictured), a cowboy clothing store where Jennifer Lopez, Kendall Jenner, Jeff Bezos, and Kevin Costner have all been fitted out in Western gear.

The Hamptons, New York

Head east from New York City and you’ll find The Hamptons, a string of picture-perfect seaside communities on the southern peninsula of eastern Long Island. With its beautiful beaches, historical charms, and accessibility, it has become a holiday haven for the Big Apple’s rich and famous.

Artist Andy Warhol was one of the first to recognize its charm, purchasing a property here in the early 1970s. Director Steven Spielberg (pictured) followed later in that decade and A-listers in entertainment and business have been vacationing here ever since, including Alec Baldwin and his family.

The Hamptons, New York

Locals care more about whether it’s a good day for the beach than if Sarah Jessica Parker or Lady Gaga is in town and that’s the way celebrities like it. If they do venture out of their beachside mega-mansions in Southampton, Montauk, and East Hampton, it’s probably to enjoy a meal in somewhere like Sag Harbour (pictured), accessible by yacht.

Scarlett Johansson is known to drop by Balsam Farms for her organic kale, while Leo DiCaprio is said to prefer the party vibe of The Surf Lodge on Fort Pond in Montauk. This exclusive beach bar and hotel is famous for its chic coastal décor and wild, if exclusive, gatherings.

Blackberry Farm, Tennessee

Rural Tennessee is not the first place to come to mind when thinking of celebrity vacation hotspots. But that’s probably what makes the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains so appealing to the likes of Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and supermodel Lily Aldridge, and her musician husband, Caleb Followill from Kings of Leon.

They are drawn, in particular, to Blackberry Farm, a Relais & Châteaux resort in the small town of Walland. Grammy-winning country singer, Carrie Underwood (pictured) is a big fan too.

Blackberry Farm, Tennessee

A mix of high-end luxury and romantic rustic Southern charm, Blackberry Farm and the surrounding area offers celebrities the chance to switch off from the rest of the world in one of the prettiest parts of the country.

The general manager of Blackberry Farm, Jim Domanic, told Architectural Digest that the resort’s high-profile guests appreciated the opportunity to simply relax. “[They can] enjoy the beauty of the landscape in a private setting, far from any cameras,” he said.

South Lake Tahoe, California

Stunning scenery, luxury accommodation, and plenty of activities across all four seasons – Lake Tahoe has it all. And because it straddles the borders of California and Nevada, it’s just a short hop away for A-listers based in both LA and Las Vegas.

The Kardashians came here for their family holidays. Tom Cruise made the most of all the outdoor activities on offer when filming Top Gun: Maverick here. And Justin Bieber drops by whenever he wants to get his head together.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

The southern shore of Lake Tahoe is where all the action is. Here you’ll find glitzy casinos, high-energy nightclubs, and incredible restaurants run by world-famous chefs like Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. South Lake Tahoe is where A-listers come to let their hair down after a day on the slopes or out on the lake.

Your best chance to spot someone famous, however, could well be the annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship. Held at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course every July, the biggest names in sports and entertainment battle it out for the top prize.

Sedona, Arizona

The otherworldly red rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and fragrant pine forests give this central Arizona desert town an unmistakable air of serenity. It has long been a magnet for artists and dreamers, as well as something of a sanctuary for stressed-out celebrities longing for a peaceful escape.

Hollywood royalty were the first to arrive. Orson Welles, Walt Disney, and Lucille Ball all had homes here and, more recently, Robert De Niro. Justin and Hailey Bieber (pictured) came here looking for peace and clarity too.

Sedona, Arizona

More often than not, the celebrities who come to Sedona in search of its famous vortexes – swirling centers of energy, conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration – end up at the magical Enchantment Resort (pictured).

Boasting a breathtakingly cinematic setting, the resort sits at the mouth of Boynton Canyon. It's a place where guests can hike directly into the surrounding rocky landscape or simply kick back in the stunning pool and take in the IMAX-scale views. The resort’s award-winning Mii Amo spa is adept at harnessing Sedona’s magical powers too.

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Set on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, pretty Wolfeboro is the quintessential New England town. Founded in 1759, it is also claimed to be the oldest summer resort in America.

It’s a peaceful spot and one that is increasingly on the radar of celebrities looking for a stress-free New Hampshire vacation. Jimmy Fallon (pictured) and Drew Barrymore are often spotted around town. So too, NBA legend Dwyane Wade, whose son attends nearby Brewster Academy.

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Wade and his family can often be spotted sipping drinks in the front yard of Pickering House Inn. Jimmy Fallon and his wife, Nancy Juvonen, seem to prefer Garwoods, a highly regarded lakefront restaurant. Juvonen is best friends with Drew Barrymore, so you’ll probably spot her as well.

To be honest, you could run into Jimmy Fallon anywhere in Wolfeboro. He and his family spend most summers there, enjoying all the lakeside activities. Look out for them building their own wraps at Localtopia and rummaging for bargains at Wolfeboro Antiques & Artisan Barn.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Ever since the days of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack, Las Vegas’ famous Strip has been the place for celebrities and sports stars to hang out with their buddies. Back then it was all tuxedos, cigars, and highballs. But with today’s A-list visitors, anything goes.

Some come to enjoy world-class restaurants like Nobu in Caesars Palace (Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Miley Cyrus). Others are looking to party at sophisticated nightclubs like Tao (Kim Kardashian, Drake, Heidi Klum). Some, like Pharrell Williams (pictured) and Justin Timberlake, come to perform and then hit hotspots like the Hard Rock Hotel.

Las Vegas, Nevada

In truth, Las Vegas is so popular with celebrities that you’d be hard-pressed not to bump into one. Play a round at Wynn Golf Course and you could be teeing off beside Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce.

Your best chance to spot an A-lister is probably the Sphere (pictured), the city’s new space age entertainment venue. And not just on the stage either. Celebrities seen in the audience during U2’s residency included Sir Paul McCartney, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Jon Bon Jovi, and LeBron James.

Deer Valley, Utah

Each January, up to 20,000 people descend upon Park City for the annual Sundance Film Festival. It’s a great chance to spot world-famous movie stars and directors, but prices skyrocket, and booking a room is nigh on impossible.

Canny celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris, Mary J. Blige (pictured), and Miranda Lambert head to the nearby Deer Valley ski resort instead. The alpine setting is more akin to Switzerland and the hotels, restaurants, and spas are a notch above too.

Deer Valley, Utah

Stein Eriksen Lodge, for example, is the only Forbes Five-Star hotel in Utah. Here, all guests – celebrities included – enjoy ski-in/ski-out access to the Deer Valley slopes as well as access to its 5-star spa and award-winning restaurant, Glitretind.

When you do take to the slopes, take care. There are so many celebrities skiing the runs here that you could quite literally run into one. After colliding with a mere mortal on the slopes here in 2016, Gwyneth Paltrow famously got caught up in a legal dispute.

Tucson, Arizona

Two facts about Arizona’s second-largest city hint at why it is so popular with celebrities like Jamie Foxx, Adam Sandler, and LeAnn Rimes. One, it’s a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Two, it enjoys 350 days of sunshine every year.

Sir Paul McCartney (pictured) is a big fan of the city. Not only did he name-check the city in The Beatles’ song Get Back, but he also bought a ranch here in 1979. The 151-acre property sits beside the Tanque Verde Creek in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains, just northeast of Tucson.

Tucson, Arizona

Mi Nidito has been a Tucson institution since 1952 and a firm favorite with the rich and famous passing through town. Indeed, the restaurant has served so many celebrities that it has an entire wall of photos dedicated to its famous guests.

Take a moment from your #4 Chile Relleno combination plate to see if you can pick out the photos of Madeleine Albright, Enrique Iglesias, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, William Shatner, Kurt Russell, Beau Bridges, and Sam Elliott. Then take a quick look around you to see who might be dining there alongside you.

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Martha's Vineyard, just south of Cape Cod, is famous for its beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and rural scenery. It has long been a favorite for presidents and royalty, of all persuasions, looking for a more cultured and laid-back vacation.

Regular visitors to the island include the Obamas, Hollywood royalty Bill Murray, Meg Ryan, and Reese Witherspoon, pop royalty Taylor Swift, and proper royalty in Princess Diana (before she sadly left us). Michael J Fox calls Martha’s Vineyard home.

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

It was former First Lady Jackie Onassis who first put Martha’s Vineyard on the celebrity map, building a mansion on Red Gate Farm. Spike Lee, Larry David, the Obamas, and David Letterman all have houses on the island too, but as you can imagine, security is tight.

Your best chance to spot an A-lister, funnily enough, is at the island’s more rustic landmarks. Both the Clintons and the Obamas, for example, have been spotted at Mad Martha’s ice cream parlor.

South Beach, Miami, Florida

Celebrities are drawn like moths to Miami’s dazzling South Beach. Its stunning white beach is lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters and its iconic Art Deco district is a gelato-colored jumble of over 800 listed historical buildings.

Once the sun sets, Ocean Drive thrums with life. David Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z have all been spotted in the area’s high-end designer boutiques, exclusive nightclubs, and restaurants run by chefs as famous as the celebrities who dine there.

South Beach, Miami, Florida

The Setai hotel (pictured) in the heart of the Art Deco district is popular with musicians. It has a recording studio designed by Lenny Kravitz and everyone from Jay-Z to Cat Power have laid down tracks here, while the likes of Jennifer Hudson have performed at the hotel’s famous New Year’s Eve concert.

Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConaughey, Beyoncé, and Owen Wilson have historically preferred the Delano South Beach Hotel. Players from basketball team Miami Heat have also been known to drop by the Rose Bar for a post-match drink.

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