After the hustle and bustle of everyday life, sometimes you need a vacation — a chance to get away and recharge.
And with remote work and last-minute deals on the rise, 78% of people find spontaneous travel more appealing than longer planned vacations. The key is flexibility.
Vacation membership offers the flexibility to travel where you want, when you want. Discover eight Hilton Grand Vacations locations perfect for a spontaneous long weekend.
1. Brian Head, Utah
Escaping to nature is an easy way to reset, and Brian Head offers a variety of outdoor activities for your preferred pace.
Get your heart pumping in the area’s picturesque mountains. Rent an ATV or snowmobile — depending on the season — or explore Brian Head’s trails on foot or bike.
Slow down and enjoy the Great Outdoors at your own pace. Drive along the rim of Cedar Breaks National Monument, fish for trout at Dixie National Forest or treat yourself to a massage at Noorish Spa.
Grab breakfast at Mountain Peak Cafe and order some sandwiches to go. Or fuel up at the family-friendly Pizanos Pizza.
Where to stay in Brian Head: Cozy up after a long day outdoors at Cedar Breaks, a Hilton Vacation Club at the on-site sauna and steam room, or retreat to a spacious Suite with a fireplace and partial kitchen to unwind with a hot beverage.
2. Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City is the perfect destination for a big city getaway. Discover something for everyone in Chicago, from cultural activities to culinary experiences.
Wander one of Chicago’s many excellent museums, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, the Chicago History Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry.
Deep-dish pizza is far from Chicago’s only culinary contribution. Check out the city’s food scene, especially along the Magnificent Mile.
Venture off the beaten path to Steelworkers Park and try the 30-foot climbing wall. Or visit one of Chicago’s 600 greenspaces, including Humboldt Park and Garfield Park Conservatory.
Where to stay in Chicago: Chicago Magnificent Mile, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club is close to popular attractions like Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Chicago Theater.
3. Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
The Wright brothers put Kitty Hawk on the map in 1903, but today, the area’s aquatic adventures appeal to adrenaline-seeking travelers and laid-back beach-goers alike.
If extreme sports aren’t your thing, try beachside yoga for a workout or rent bicycles to explore Kitty Hawk at your own pace.
Legend says that Blackbeard hid his treasure somewhere along the Outer Banks. Discover your own treasures at local antique shops like B & B Antiques and Freedom Antiques.
Plan a relaxed night out. Visit Tap That, a bourbon beach dive with a cigar lounge and game room, or Barefoot Bernie’s for a more family-friendly feel. Then check out Laughing Gull Comedy Club to end the day on a high note.
Where to stay in Kitty Hawk: Enjoy resort-style amenities — like a pool, a hot tub, pickleball, fishing and horseshoes — at Beachwoods, a Hilton Vacation Club surrounded by 100 acres of maritime forest for a peaceful Outer Banks oasis.
4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Sometimes you just need a weekend beach getaway. The Myrtle Beach Grand Strand is the ideal setting for a spontaneous trip with its 60-mile stretch of beaches.
Of course, when you’re ready to do more than sun yourself on the shore, kick up your heels at Myrtle Beach’s most famous beachfront attractions:
Treat yourself (or your travel party) to top-notch dining. Travelers’ popular picks include Hook & Barrel, Sea Captain’s House and The Parson’s Table.
Go for some good old-fashioned fun for the whole family along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Save the SkyWheel for sunset for a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Don’t be afraid to get competitive, whether it’s a round on the links, an afternoon at the Pinball Museum or a “Survivor”-style escape room on a private island.
Where to stay in Myrtle Beach: Choose from three Hilton Grand Vacations Myrtle Beach resorts overlooking the water and with plenty of space for the whole crew.
5. Orlando, Florida
Don’t be overwhelmed by Orlando’s seemingly endless list of things to do and see. A short, last-minute trip allows you to focus on what you’re most interested in doing, even if that means relaxing at your resort.
Orlando’s theme parks offer more than enough rides and attractions to fill a long weekend. Check out one Hilton Grand Vacations Member’s top tips for making the most of a day at Disney.
Are you spending time away from kids? There’s plenty you and your significant other can do besides theme parks. Plan a romantic evening together to reconnect.
Explore the Great Outdoors, from water sports to nature parks to horseback riding.
Where to stay in Orlando: You have your pick of Hilton Grand Vacations properties in Central Florida, including Cypress Pointe, a Hilton Vacation Club within two miles of Walt Disney World® Resort.
6. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs, once the private vacation destination of Hollywood stars, is now packed with things to do (without fear of paparazzi interference).
Learn something new at the Palm Springs Air Museum, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and the Palm Springs Historical Society.
Dine at one of Palm Springs’ Michelin-recommended restaurants, including Tac/Quila, Cheeky’s, Azucar and Bar Cecil.
Experience picturesque desert spots like Painted Canyon, the Tahquitz Canyon waterfall and Coachella Valley Preserve.
Where to stay in Palm Springs: Soak in the California sun at Palm Canyon, a Hilton Vacation Club, whether you head out on a hike or stay cool at the resort’s sparkling pool.
7. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona’s vortexes of healing and meditative energy are said to reinvigorate visitors. Whether or not you’re a believer, there’s plenty to do to help you feel better than when you arrived.
Flex your photography skills at some of Sedona’s most scenic spots, such as Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, Bell Rock and the Palatki Ruins.
Venture southwest to Cottonwood, Arizona, for tasty Mexican fare. Try Concho’s Mexican Restaurant, Pepe’s Cafe or Calavera Bar & Grill.
Beat the heat and explore Sedona by starlight. Thanks to its low light pollution, the night sky is lit up with stars instead of city lights.
Where to stay in Sedona: The multi-bedroom Suites of Sedona Summit, a Hilton Vacation Club can fit the whole family. Plus, on-site amenities like a pool, a hot tub, horseshoes and walking paths will keep even the most active travelers occupied.
8. Williamsburg, Virginia
See the past and present come together at Williamsburg, the perfect destination for a last-minute family vacation or a getaway for history buffs.
Explore the area’s diverse restaurant scene — whether you want to sink your teeth into some local seafood, take your kids out for classic American fare or savor fine dining.
Visit America’s Historic Triangle — three Virginia spots key to early American history.
Cool off at a water park like Water Country USA or boating at York River State Park.
Where to stay in Williamsburg: Rest your head near Colonial Williamsburg at Greensprings, a Hilton Vacation Club and The Historic Powhatan, a Hilton Vacation Club.
Read “My Journey With Hilton Grand Vacations Timeshare Has Been A Joyous One” and learn more about how you can make flexible travel work for you.