5 Best Reasons to Stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Sandy beachfront, glistening pools, lush gardens, vibrant sunsets — there’s a lot to love about the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. This lux Maui property welcomes guests to enjoy the best of the island’s southwest coast. From the swaying palms and swimming swans to the festive luaus and sun-soaked pool deck, we’ve highlighted and reviewed the best of the amenities, restaurants and rooms in this guide to the Maui Hyatt.
Looking for the best resorts on Maui? This Hyatt Regency Maui review will help you decide if this is right destination for your Hawaii getaway.
Sandy beachfront, glistening pools, lush gardens, vibrant sunsets — there’s a lot to love about the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. For more than 40 years, the Maui property has been welcoming guests to enjoy the best of the island’s southwest coast with a dash of resort luxury.
I love this area and hotel both, so it’s one of my most recommended places to stay in Maui. I paid to stay there when I visited a few years ago, so this is NOT a sponsored review!
From the swaying palms and ponds with swans to the festive luaus and sun-soaked pool deck, I’ve highlighted and reviewed the best of the amenities, restaurants and rooms below.
Hyatt Regency Maui Review
Checking in, you enter a breezy and botanical lobby with an open roof. I was greeted with a lei of fresh flowers. You can either self-park in a lot a short walk from the hotel or use the valet service.
I was upgraded on my first stay to a partial ocean view room that also overlooked the insanely lush gardens. The accommodations felt oversized and had muted island decor and earthy tones. Bathrobes, Hawaiian coffee and tropical-scented toiletries added little reminders that I was in paradise — in case the views from the balcony didn’t do the trick.
The property layout includes three buildings that face the ocean and partially encircle a massive pool deck and a botanical garden where swans and flamingos hang out. The lobby and a few shops and eateries are in the central building.
I’ve detailed the other amenities — like the pools and restaurants — in their own sections, so keep reading for more reasons to stay at the Hyatt Maui.
Location of the Hyatt Regency Maui
Whalers Village, a waterfront mall with restaurants, is just a mile walk north along the coast from the resort. Hanakao’o Park, a public beach with a wide swath of sand, is next door to the Hyatt on the south side.
Popular east Maui activities like the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park are about 40 to 50 miles away.
Rooms and Suites at the Hyatt Maui
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa offers over 800 rooms and suites, all including private balconies with open views of the ocean, mountains, gardens or golf course.
Rooms have a contemporary island feel, decorated with muted earthy tones, wood furniture and stylish light fixtures. Most are oversized with at least 451-square-feet of space and either two queen beds and a chaise lounge or a king and pull-out couch.
The lanais are also furnished. ADA rooms add in wider doors, roll-in showers, and lower placement for light switches, thermostats and door latches.
The property’s 31 suites all have multiple lanais with ocean views and private bedrooms.
Amenities at the Hyatt Maui Resort
One of the best features of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort is the huge, oceanfront deck with lounge chairs around multiple pool areas and jacuzzis. Little ones will love the shallow splash zone with fountains and colorful turtles while bigger kids can hit the waterslide, shoot pool basketball or play volleyball.
Elsewhere on the property, a tranquil garden with an arched stone bridge is full of greenery, black and white swans, and other resident wildlife.
Aside from swimming and playing in the ocean and pool, you can stay active by hitting the on-site gym, joining outdoor yoga and fitness classes, or playing a round at the neighboring Kaanapali Golf Courses, which have views of the West Maui Mountains.
A full-service spa, business center and the several dining and drinking options below round out the amenities.
Activities at the Maui Hyatt
The Hyatt Maui resort hosts a full schedule of special activities for guests of all ages.
The most popular is the Drums of the Pacific Luau, a performance running for over 40 years. Along with drinks and dinner, guests are treated to a revue that highlights Polynesian cultures from Maui to Tahiti to Samoa and beyond.
The Hyatt also organizes lei-making classes, wildlife tours, a mermaid academy, open-air yoga, coconut weaving, ukulele lessons and other activities.
On select nights, you can join a rooftop stargazing and astronomy program.
Restaurants at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort
The Hyatt Maui is not an all-inclusive resort, but there are several dining options, a luau and morning room service if you want to eat on-site.
Options include Son’z Steakhouse for evening surf and turf, Japango for Asian fusion on a breezy patio, and Umalu, a poolside lunch and dinner spot with dishes like street tacos and mahi-mahi fish and chips.
Honolulu Coffee has quick sips and snacks and a breakfast buffet is served daily at the Swan Court, which has views of the tranquil garden. By the pool, you can cool off with a famous Hawaiian shaved ice from Hahakea.
A few times a week, the Hyatt Maui luau fills the beachfront with drum beats and the aroma of roasting Kalua pork. Tickets to the Drums of the Pacific luau include dinner with an open bar and desert as well as a performance of traditional Polynesian songs, dances, and chants.
Other Maui Hyatt Properties
The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Kaanapali is the one I've detailed above. Scroll up to read about the amenities, activities and location!
The Hyatt Residence Club Maui is a timeshare and vacation rental property neighboring the Hyatt Regency Maui resort at Kāʻanapali Beach. The oceanfront grounds of the Hyatt Residence Maui are a bit smaller but just as impressive with a big pool deck, fitness facilities, up to three-bedroom accommodations, and access to the array of restaurants at the Regency.
The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is a luxury Hyatt concept property on a sandy beach cove in South Maui. The resort’s 301 rooms include suites and luxury villas. The best feature, though, is the oceanfront deck with three tiered infinity pools. The property connects to some of the best beaches on this coast along the paved Wailea Beach Path.
The new Hana-Maui Resort is a boutique option on the remote eastern end of the island along the popular Road to Hana route. The property has ocean-view bungalows, two pools, fitness and yoga facilities, indoor and outdoor spas, and horse stables.
The remainder of the Hyatt Maui properties do not have the full range of benefits and upgrades typically available for loyalty members. Options include the Kaanapali Alii and Lahaina Shores Beach Resort in Lahaina, Polo Beach Club and Makena Surf in Kihea, and Wailea Beach Villas in Wailea.
The Best Towns in Maui and Where to Stay on Maui This Year
This guide will help you narrow down where to stay on Maui, from the best towns in Maui with beaches to the different types of Maui lodging you’ll find on this island. Discover the best cheap places to stay, beach resorts packed with amenities, or where to stay in Maui with kids.
These are the best towns in Maui to find resorts and hotels close to the beach for your Hawaii vacation.
Imagine stirring awake to the early morning rays beaming into your bedroom and the stir of lapping waves a few yards away. You saunter outside with a steaming mug of coffee and feel a gentle breeze brush your cheek, leaving a whiff of the salty scent tingling your nose.
That’s a typical Tuesday for a Hawaiian island vacation, and if you’re wondering where to stay on Maui to make this dream come true, we’ve got you covered.
This guide packs in the most popular (and a few lesser-known) areas to choose from, whether you’re craving a romance-fueled getaway along a private cove or a family-friendly resort stay filled with luaus and leis. I’ll also delve into the different types of Maui lodging on the island, from cheap places to stay in Maui, to beach resorts with giant pools, or something cozy and offbeat.
Looking for tried-and-true recommendations on Maui? I’ve tested a few spots and have listed my favorites (so far) at the end of this post.
Ready to get rolling on that Maui vacation planning? Keep reading for the best places to stay in Maui.
Best Towns in Maui
This list of towns in Maui will point you to the nicest areas to stay in Maui, where to stay in Maui for the first time, and the side of Maui best for beaches.
West Maui
Since it’s one of the top places to stay on the island, we’ll start with West Maui hotels. Roughly 25 miles from the Kahului Airport, this stretch of coastline stretches from the old town of Lahaina to Kapalua Bay, with the bustling resort hub of Kaanapali in between.
Scenery-wise, it’s hard to beat, what with the mountains behind you and a sea-view featuring the islands of Lanai and Molokai so close you could almost touch them. Double rainbows, vibrant pink sunsets, floating sea turtles — they’re all a common occurrence here.
Balancing out the overwhelmingly beautiful nature, you’ve got a wealth of tourist-centric developments here. Ample resorts with their sparkling pool decks and ocean-view balconies, retail centers full of beachy goods and open-air dining, and golf greens dotted with palm trees are the norm, with a wide range of older condo properties to glistening new Maui luxury hotels on the docket.
It’s the perfect option for loved-up duos looking for that relaxing resort life, families after a kid-friendly hotel packed with activities, and anyone who enjoys having shopping and dining at their fingertips.
Kaanapali
Kaanapali is one of the best towns in Maui if you’re looking for big resorts for the family. A run of brand names like Hyatt, Marriott, and Westin front the sand here and connect via a beach sidewalk to a shopping and dining center.
Most of the resorts here are pretty expensive, but they typically include a huge pool, ocean access, onsite dining, and extras like luaus, tropical gardens, and spas.
Napili-Honokowai
Head a few miles north of Kaanapali and sparkling resorts begin to fade into retro condo properties. Bigger groups and those on a budget will appreciate the drop in prices you see by exiting the resort zone, but the hotels here do tend to be a little older and some are well-worn. Many are right on the water, though, and come with shared pools and in-unit kitchens.
Kapalua
Kapalua is the last hub of resorts heading up this coast, and it is a bit quieter than Kaanapali, given its more remote position near the northwestern tip of the island (though still just an hour from the airport).
Mega-ritzy is the name of the game here, so if you’ve got a few pennies to spend on golf, spa treatments and poolside butler service, you’re in luck! Couples and honeymooners looking to splurge on a quiet getaway with epic views might find this right up their alley, too.
South Maui
Cross the island from the airport, hang a left and you’ll find yourself in South Maui. It’s an even shorter drive here than to the west coast — only about 30 minutes to the farthest point — and hotels are a little closer to popular excursions on the east side of the island, making it a handy vacation base for those after a mix of tourist amenities and day trips.
This section skirts the Maalaea Bay at Kihei and terminates at the end of the road in Makena, where gravel fades to rocky volcanic coastline. In between, you’ll find everything from budget-friendly condos a few blocks from the ocean to budget-busting resorts right on the huge swath of sand at Wailea.
With a looming backdrop of the Haleakala Crater and glimpses of Lanai, Kahoolawe and the little Molokina Crater in the ocean, you won’t be short on breathtaking scenery, and this shoreline has some of the most spacious (and arguably best) stretches of sand on the whole island. This is also the driest and brightest part of Maui, so slather on the sunscreen and plan lots of outdoors time here!
Kihei
If you’re looking for where to stay in Maui on a budget, Kihei should top the list. Condos, vacation rentals and boutique hotels fill this zone and can be booked for a reasonable price (for Maui) if you don’t mind a short walk to the shore.
With several beaches to choose from and a big selection of local eateries and little shopping centers, you don’t have to wander far for whatever you need. The vibe is a less high-end here, though, but Wailea’s ritzier shores are just down the road and easy to access. Another perk for parking it in Kihei — the Maalaea Harbor is just 15 minutes away for snorkeling sails and whale-watching excursions.
Wailea
The resort hub of the south end, Wailea’s upscale properties surround Wailea Beach and carry a hefty price tag. They’ve got all the bells and whistles, though, if you’re looking for 5-star hotels in Maui.
The vibe can read a little less busy here than around counterpart Kaanapali, but you’ll still find golf courses and a shopping center for breaks from the waves. Wailea Beach is open to the public with parking and facilities, so sneak over for the day even if you aren’t staying in one of the ocean-view spots.
Makena
Situated toward the end of the road in South Maui, things calm down toward Makena due to a lack of commercialism, with the biggest gathering point at the beaches of Makena State Park. Hotels aren’t really a thing here, since mostly private estates line the road. But, you’ll find condos and a few luxury homes listed on vacation rental sites.
Upcountry Maui
Trading beach access for hills, cool air and elevated views of both coastlines, Maui’s Upcountry is about as far away as you can get from touristy on the island. The towns up here (you’re literally hugging the mountainsides neighboring Haleakala Crater) still feel authentic, each comprised of just a few blocks of local businesses surrounded by neighborhoods, farms and open lands.
If you’re looking for a quiet escape and don’t mind being 20 minutes from the nearest beach, look into some of the small lodges, bed and breakfasts, and cottages available. This is also an ideal place to stay the night before an early morning trip to see the sunrise from Haleakala Summit, even if you base yourself beach side for the rest of your vacation.
I’ve stayed up here a couple of times in a small hotel and an Airbnb to be closer to Haleakala National Park. It’s so nice and quiet compared to the beachy areas and feels like you’re on a totally different island.
Kula
Right by the entrance to Haleakala National Park, small-town Kula has some of the best views looking out over the island. There isn’t much in the way of a central business district here, but you’ll find things to do in the vein of agritourism at local farms and gardens.
The lavender farm nearby is a popular spot, as is the family-owned Kula Botanical Gardens. Accommodations are limited to a handful of small lodges and privately-owned rentals.
Makawao
Quiet, picturesque, plus cowboy vibes — that’s Makawao, a one-of-kind Upcountry town. The walkable downtown district centers around Makawao and Baldwin avenues, an artsy hub with a few local eateries neighboring boutiques and galleries housed in old-timey buildings.
With a plantation past and an ongoing yearly rodeo for the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) of Upcountry cattle farms, Makawao is a unique spot on the island worthy of visit. If you decide to stay here, you’ll find a smattering of private retreats and B&Bs, as well as a few homes and rooms listed on vacation rental sites.
East Maui
Maui’s remote eastern end offers vibrant green rain forests, dramatic coastal cliffs, thrashing ocean bays, black sandy beaches, and gushing waterfalls. Most visitors to Maui will encounter the east side on the popular Road to Hana day trip, an epic journey along winding roads that hug the coast.
Not a lot of people stay in this area, but there are a couple of nice hotels in Hana and scattered cabins and camping spots along the way out. While staying here means you’ll be far from the nearest shopping center or luau, you can’t beat the peace and quiet that settles in when the tourists clear out by the late afternoon.
Even just a one-night stay on a road trip to Hana means you can slow down your excursion to spend more time hiking and waterfall chasing. You’ll also beat the crowds to popular stops along the path that are close to Hana town.
Hana
Popular for its remoteness and the thrilling road trip it takes to get there, Hana sits on the eastern tip of Maui surrounded by jungle and thrashing waves. A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sized place, you’ll find mostly local food trucks and small businesses in the downtown core, with several sandy beaches nearby ranging in shades from golden to ashy black.
While you might find a cabin here and a tent site there along the road to Hana, the town itself is the best place to reserve a room for overnight stays. Small resorts and retreats are steps from the Hana Bay and downtown core, with a few more bungalows and cottages on the outskirts.
The best way to see everything available here is to use Google Hotels.
North Maui
Whether you’re just touching down at the Kahului Airport or heading to the windward beaches for some kitesurfing, almost every visitor to Maui will pass through the north-central shore. A handful of golf courses, Iao Valley State Park, and a few sandy beaches are all close to here, as are a small selection of hotels and inns perfect for those wanting quick access to the Road to Hana or the airport for early departures.
Kahului
Kahului’s handiest amenity is the namesake airport, the primary commercial hub for flights to Maui. While it might not have the swanky resort vibes of the leeward side of the island, neighboring Kahului and Wailuku are home to all the fast food and retail chains you could need and offer some budget-friendly hostels and rooms for those watching the wallet.
Lower Paia
Paia sits where Upcountry slopes down to meet the north shore. A bustling lower business district on the Hana Highway serves hundreds of road trippers each day.
Staying here even for just a night makes it easier to get a jump start ahead of the cars for a Road to Hana day trip, but there’s also plenty to do in the way of beach hopping and windsurfing at the waterfront parks with their big waves nearby. Hotel options are limited, but if you want something outside the box of Wailea and Kaanapali, a stay in the retro beachy town full of colorfully fronted shops and galleries may be just your thing.
Where to Stay on Maui
Below we break down the different types of accommodations on Maui, from beachfront resorts to roomy condos to budget Maui hotels.
After you’ve nailed down which part of the island fits your vibe, it’s time to pick out just where to stay in Maui. Will it be an upscale resort property, a rustic cabin, or something in-between?
Beach Resorts
Condos
Maui condos can be a great option for families needing a little more space than a hotel room offers or those looking to save money by cooking a few meals instead of eating out. If you’re traveling with a bigger crew, splitting the cost of a two-bedroom unit can be much more economical than getting separate hotel rooms.
Some come in standalone buildings right on the waves, and others in larger collections of properties with options on the water or a short walk away. Amenities include things like shared pool decks, onsite laundry rooms, and beach supplies to use during your stay. While some are still pricy, you might find a bargain if you don’t mind an older building or something without an ocean view.
Vacation Rentals
Whether it’s an entire luxury oceanfront estate near Makena Beach or a room tucked into the Upcountry Hills, vacation rentals add options where hotels and resorts are more sparse. They also provide some lower-cost choices if you’re watching the budget, since homeowners sometimes rent out private rooms within a shared property for a bargain (by Hawaii standards anyway) and you can pick places in more residential areas a short drive from the sea.
Bed and Breakfasts
Cabins and Camping
If you’re looking to spend some time in nature, save a buck, or sleep under the stars, you’ll find a few spots around the island to put up a tent or check into a rustic cabin. State parks and Haleakala National Park are a great place to look for both.
Waianapanapa State Park, for example, has a few basic cottages and sites for tents and campers on the way to Hana. Check the Division of State Parks for more info and ideas.
Hostels
Maui Accommodations Q&A
Use these tips to help figure out the best place to stay in Maui.
What are the Best Family Resorts on Maui?
Where are the Best Places to Stay in Maui for Couples and Honeymooners?
Are There All-Inclusive Resorts in Maui?
Maui all-inclusive resorts aren’t really a thing like they are in Caribbean and Mexican beach destinations. One of the best parts of visiting Hawaii is getting out and exploring the different scenery and eating around the islands, so staying at your resort all day every day like you would at an all-inclusive doesn’t really fit that vibe.
However, the big beach properties here are still packed with the amenities you’d find at an all-inclusive resort — huge pool decks, onsite restaurants, and special events and programming. Some even offer an inclusive-style package that hooks you up with a breakfast in the morning.
Are There any Cheap Hotels in Maui?
Scoring a Maui beachfront hotel for less than $200 a night is a pretty solid deal, so if you’re on a super tight budget, you’ll have to get creative. There are a handful of hostels that might suit solo travelers or young couples (though they’re still pricey for shared accommodation).
On home rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo look for deals offset from the beach or in private room. Family or friend groups will find that sharing a bigger condo is cheaper than booking separate rooms. Otherwise, there’s no better place to camp than on a beachfront state park in Maui, right?
Be aware — many Maui accommodations (including resorts, hotels and condos) like to tack on a nightly “resort fee” of around $25. Some also charge a parking fee of a similar amount on top of that. H
otel taxes in Hawaii are also rather high, at just under 15%. Keep all this in mind if you’re on a budget, as your total can jump up considerably when you go to book.
Maui Hotel Recommendations
If you’re wondering exactly where to stay in Maui, these hotel and condo recommendations are based on my personal experience and recommendations from friends.
There are so many incredible accommodations on Maui that we haven’t even discovered yet, but if you’re looking for a few recommended options to narrow down your choices, these are places we’ve either stayed at ourselves or had friends recommend to us.
The lush grounds here are really what won us over — gardens with swans and other birdlife sit next to the expansive pool and grotto (pictured in the "Types of Maui Lodging" section above), and greenery and palms weave throughout the property.
Read our review of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa for more about the amenities and activities.
10 of the Best Disney World Resorts to See for the Holidays
It doesn’t get more magical than Disney World during the holiday season, when giant trees, peppy tunes and yummy treats converge into one festive wonderland at the parks and resorts. Self-touring the themed Christmas decorations at all the resorts is one of the best free things to do at Disney during the holidays and we’ll show you how to get around to see it all this year!
The best Disney resorts for the holidays feature giant Christmas trees, themed decor, and special treats and eats.
It doesn’t get more magical than Disney World during the holiday season, when giant trees, peppy tunes and yummy treats converge into one festive wonderland. And parks like the Magic Kingdom are not the only place to soak up the yuletide atmosphere — Disney World holiday decorations also pop up in the resorts each November and December.
In fact, self-touring all the themed trees, garland, wreaths and twinkling lights at the various resorts is one of the best free things to do at Disney during the holidays.
Believe it or not, you don’t have to be a guest to wander around these properties, but you also can’t just drive up and park at any of them without having a reason to be there. So, we’ve added tips and hacks for how to get around to the resorts in a private car or using Disney transportation under the map below. We’re mostly focusing on the deluxe resorts because those tend to be the most elaborate.
Keep scrolling for a few of our favorite Disney resort Christmas decorations.
How to See Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations
Did you know that you can visit Disney resorts even if you aren’t a guest? Keep reading for our tips on how to sightsee at the prettiest hotels on Disney property.
Driving to the Disney Resorts
If you want to drive and park to see Disney World Christmas decorations at resorts, you either have to be a guest at that particular property or have a reservation or mobile order at an on-site restaurant or cafe.
The easiest hack right now for parking at resorts is to use the Disney app to put in a mobile food order at an on-site cafe (even ordering a beverage works) and telling the gate attendant you’re here to pick it up. Most of the resorts on this list are grouped together, so you can park at one and then walk or use Disney transit like the Skyliner, Monorail, or boats to hop around to others nearby.
Using Disney Transportation to Resorts
Disney has an extensive transit system of Monorails, boats, Skyliner gondolas and buses that connect the resorts to parks and, in some cases, each other. It’s a good idea to map out a plan before you set off so you know where you can go and how long it may take. Check the official Disney website for the most up-to-date hours and closures.
Disney Monorail
The Disney Monorail makes a loop between the Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian resorts. It also runs back and forth from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
Water Ferry Boats
Water transportation connects the Magic Kingdom to Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. A separate boat line connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios to the Beach Club, Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin hotels. The Disney Springs route connects the shopping and dining center to Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, and the Port Orleans resorts.
Disney Skyliner
The Skyliner gondolas are a fun and scenic way to get around (when it’s running) between Epcot and Hollywood Studios and the Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts. Caribbean Beach is the hub where you change gondolas to go in different directions. From the Epcot stop, you can walk to the Crescent Lake resorts (Swan, Dolphin, Beach Club, Yacht Club and Boardwalk).
Disney Buses
Buses aren’t typically a practical option for hotel hopping, as you need to ride them to a park and then connect on another bus to the resort you’re trying to get to, which can be a lengthy journey. If you need to go from one resort area to another that isn’t directly connected by transit and you don’t have a car, it will be much faster to use an Uber or Lyft.
Disney Resort Holiday Hopping Routes
These Disney resort hopping routes will get you to some of the best holiday displays around Disney World.
Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake Route
There are five resort hubs on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake by the Magic Kingdom and you can easily see all of them in one outing. The five resorts on this route are: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. You will use a combo of Monorail, boat, and walking for this itinerary.
1. Park at any of the five resorts with a dining reservation or mobile order, or park at the Transportation and Ticket Center for a fee. Using Disney transit, you will need to take a bus to the T & T Center or Magic Kingdom from any other resort area.
2. Use the Monorail to visit the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian and exit at the Magic Kingdom or Contemporary resort to connect by boat to Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge.
3. Use the boat from Magic Kingdom or the Contemporary to reach Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge.
Crescent Lake and Skyliner Route
There are five resorts and hotels around Crescent Lake by Epcot that you can walk between — Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel and Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel. In addition, the Skyliner from the Epcot International Gateway runs to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, where you can connect to Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Hollywood Studios.
1. Park at Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Art of Animation or Pop Century with a dining reservation or mobile order, or park at Hollywood Studios or the Swan or Dolphin hotels for a fee.
2. Use the Skyliner to ride between Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Art of Animation, Pop Century and the Epcot International Gateway.
3. From Epcot, walk around Crescent Lake to visit the Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin hotels.
10 of the Best Disney World Resorts to See for the Holidays
These are some of the best holiday displays at Disney World resorts!
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
The outdoor space at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is one of its best features, with a waterfall, lakefront, pine-filled nature trails, and a “geyser” giving off national park vibes. It’s the rustic and woodsy interior that shines during the holidays, though.
A Christmas tree some four to five stories high rises from the center of the grand lobby, surrounded by cozy sitting spaces and a stone fireplace. In the past, there has been a gingerbread cabin as well.
Location: Bay Lake/Magic Kingdom boat route
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
This modern-style A-frame hotel was one of the first Disney resorts and is just a short walk from the Magic Kingdom. A few holiday decorations are scattered inside, but the best feature is the enormous Christmas tree in front of the property.
Location: Magic Kingdom Monorail and Bay Lake boat route
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is themed in a South Pacific style, with lakefront villas, a sandy beach, palm trees and luau feasts. For the holidays, you’ll find a lobby tree and decor with a tropical flair (think pink flowers for ornaments).
Location: Seven Seas/Magic Kingdom boat and Monorail route
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
This flagship resort overlooks the Magic Kingdom and is a juxtaposed blend of elegant Victorian and breezy Floridian aesthetic that somehow flows perfectly. The grand lobby Christmas tree is one of the best across all of Disney World, standing several stories high and decorated with birdcages, swans, and vintage-looking ornaments.
There’s also a crowd-drawing Victorian gingerbread house some 14 feet tall. When the live pianist is playing near the tree, the setting is the epitome of Disney Christmas magic.
Location: Seven Seas/Magic Kingdom boat and Monorail route
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
The resorts on the Disney Springs boat route may just be the easiest to get to since Disney Springs has free car parking. All of the resorts along the boat route have Christmas decorations, but the lobby tree at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside makes a great photo spot, with cool vintage-looking trunks at the base.
You can also take a nice nature walk around the property and stroll along the water to the Port Orleans Resort French Quarter for New Orleans-inspired decorations.
Location: Disney Springs watercraft route
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is one of only two moderate-classed properties on this list (the rest are deluxe) but since it’s the Skyliner hub, it’s worth popping by. The resort has five island districts that surround a lake.
The Old Port Royal dining and shopping center is where you’ll find small Christmas trees and decorations accented with flowers and vibrant pops of pink, orange and blue.
Location: Skyliner route/walkable to Riviera
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort has all the charm of a summer seaside getaway — sandy lakefront, winding pools and lagoons, and a breezy blue and white aesthetic. In line with that theme, the holiday decorations here are accented with starfish, seahorses, coral and other nautical pieces. Garland, wreaths and Christmas trees are scattered around the interior and a giant gingerbread carousel fills the lobby.
Location: Crescent Lake walk/Skyliner route
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Neighboring the Beach Club and sharing a pool deck and beachfront, this property has the air of a stately New England boating club. There’s even a captain’s wheel, a massive globe, and ships in display cases adorning the lobby of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. At Christmas, the main tree is accented with toy-sized yachts and blue ornaments and in years past, a snowy railroad village has been displayed in the lobby.
Location: Crescent Lake walk/Skyliner route
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Reminiscent of a classic Northeast seaside vacation spot, Boardwalk Inn’s wooden lakefront promenade features carnival games and a row of shops and eateries, including a bakery and dueling piano bar. The interior lights up for the holidays with trees and garland adorned with vintage ornaments, while a courtyard on the lakefront outside has its own Christmas tree in the center of the lawn.
Location: Crescent Lake walk/Skyliner route
Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin
You can’t miss these sister hotels with their giant rooftop swans, clamshells and fish — even though the pair are a slight detour off the walking loop around Crescent Lake, they’re easy to spot. The two hotels share amenities like a resort-style pool and a Balinese spa.
In addition to lobby trees, the must-see at the Swan is a life-size chocolate and confectionary Santa display, while the Dolphin has a massive chandelier with a green and red light display.
In the evening, dancing lights and holiday music put on a show every few minutes in the exterior corridor between the pair. The hotels also deem themselves “Santa’s favorite resort,” and the man in red makes special appearances throughout the season. Check the calendar.
Location: Crescent Lake walk/Skyliner route
10 Best Cities and Towns Near Acadia National Park
Looking for the best towns near Acadia National Park? The stunning coastal destination on Mount Desert Island in Maine is known for its cliffs, lakes, mountains and lighthouses. Many Acadia towns and villages are located along bays and harbors, with views of offshore islands. Whether you’re looking for the best campground in Acadia, a charming historic hamlet, or a larger city with amenities, this list of towns close to Acadia National Park lays out the pros and cons of different options.
These cities and towns near Acadia National Park are some of the best places to stay on a trip to the coast of Maine.
Looking for the best cities near Acadia National Park? The stunning coastal park on Mount Desert Island in Maine is known for its cliffs, coves, mountains, and beaches. Many of the best towns near Acadia National Park are located along bays and harbors, with views of bobbing boats and offshore islets.
Whether you’re looking for the best campground in Acadia, charming fishing villages, or a larger city with amenities, this guide to towns close to Acadia National Park lays out the pros and cons of different options.
I’ve also included recommendations for the best places to stay near Acadia National Park, from hotels with a view and cozy lodges to Acadia camping cabins and glamping tents.
Keep reading for where to stay at Acadia National Park on vacation!
Best Towns Near Acadia National Park
The towns close to Acadia National Park are mostly villages and harbors spread across both sides of Mount Desert Island. This is the largest island off the coast of Maine and where the majority of the national park is located.
I’ve also included a couple of towns near Acadia National park that are on the mainland, where you’ll find quicker access to the nearest airport and a few bigger city amenities like chain stores and hotels.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island is the closest town to Acadia National Park. Fronting Frenchman Bay, the downtown grid along Main Street and Mount Desert Street is packed with seafood restaurants, ice cream shops, gift stores and taverns.
A collection of inns and bed and breakfasts ring the commercial district, many with a coastal flair. More hotels and cottages line Eden Street and Main Street heading in and out of town.
This is by far the most popular place to stay near Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor offers easy access to Acadia’s Hulls Cove Visitor Center and Park Loop Road.
Many popular destinations in the national park like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond are only about 5 miles away. From town, you can also walk the Shore Path along the bay or cross the Bar Island Trail at low tide to an offshore island.
While it may be the most convenient town near Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor has some drawbacks. Since the national park has over 4 million visitors annually, the small town tends to get very crowded during the short tourist season (roughly May through October) and accommodation prices are high.
Where to Stay in Bar Harbor
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Northeast Harbor
Northeast Harbor juts into the bay on a mini peninsula, with views of the Cranberry Islands just offshore. Originally settled in the 1760s, the village is is part of Mount Desert town, which also includes Seal Harbor, Otter Creek, Pretty Marsh, Hall Quarry and Somesville.
There are only a few places to stay here, and a small dining and shopping district along a picturesque Main Street a couple of blocks from the harbor, where you can join seasonal scenic boat rides and sunset cruises from the local marina.
Northeast Harbor is one of the closest towns near Acadia National Park’s Park Loop Road, 6 miles away. It’s also just a couple of miles from one of the only two historic gate lodges in the park and an access point to the carriage roads, quiet hiking and biking paths that meander along the mountains. The local Asticou Azalea Garden and Thuya Garden display colorful flora throughout the summer.
This is where I chose to stay, because it is still close to the national park, but not as busy and pricy as Bar Harbor. While there are way fewer amenities, I still prefer it to the crowds. Plus, Bar Harbor is only 20 minutes away if you want to go there to eat.
Where to Stay in Northeast Harbor
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Southwest Harbor
Located on the west side of Mount Desert Island fronting the Somes Sound, Southwest Harbor has views of the Cranberry Islands. The town near Acadia National Park has a compact commercial district on Main Street with cafes and restaurants less than a mile from the marina.
Most of the small inns, B&Bs, and vacation rentals here ring the harbor, but there are a few outlying options in other nearby villages like Seawall, which also has an Acadia national park campground.
While Southwest Harbor is at least a 30-minute drive from popular spots like Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond, there are some other Acadia activities on this side of the island. The coastal Wonderland Trail, the Flying Mountain Loop, the St. Sauveur and Acadia Mountain Loop, the Bass Harbor Head Light Station, and Echo Lake Beach and swimming area are all less than 5 miles away.
Where to Stay in Southwest Harbor
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Tremont and Bass Harbor
Tremont, one of the best towns near Acadia national park on the southwestern end of Mount Desert Island, also encompasses the village of Bass Harbor, both located on an isle-dotted inlet. The 1858 Bass Harbor Head Light Station, a popular Acadia landmark, is located here.
This part of Mount Desert Island is often called the “quiet side” as it’s much less crowded than the Bar Harbor area (with the exception of the aforementioned lighthouse). There are only a few inns and cottages to rent here, and a few eateries scattered around the harbor.
Aside from things to do in Acadia National Park like the nearby Wonderland Trail, Long Pond and Echo Lake, Tremont and Bass Harbor are just a water taxi away from Swans Island, where you can hop on boat tours to see lighthouses and puffins.
Where to Stay in Tremont
Trenton
Trenton is a small town near Acadia in mainland Maine just before the bridge to Mount Desert Island. This is a great area to look for places to stay near Acadia if Bar Harbor is too full or expensive. The tiny Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport is also located here.
With just a couple of small hotels, a camping resort, and limited restaurants, this isn’t the most amenity-rich town close to Acadia National Park, but Bar Harbor is only 20 minutes away and Ellsworth on the mainland 15 minutes. The Hulls Cove and Cadillac Mountain entrances to the national park are also about 10 miles from Trenton.
Where to Stay in Trenton
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Winter Harbor
While Winter Harbor, Maine, is about an hour's drive from Mount Desert Island, it sits just across the Frenchman Bay from Bar Harbor and offers access to a less-visited part of Acadia — the Schoodic Peninsula.
A few small inns, cottages, bakeries and cafes are scattered around the coves near Winter Harbor, and the town is about 30 minutes from more amenities in the small city of Ellsworth.
The Schoodic Peninsula is the only section of Acadia on the mainland, with granite cliffs jutting into the gulf. There is a 6-mile driving loop with scenic overlooks of lighthouses and islands, over 8 miles of bike paths, a campground, and hiking trails along the coast and up Buck Cove Mountain and Schoodic Head.
Where to Stay in Winter Harbor
Cities Near Acadia National Park
If you’re looking for the closest city to Acadia National Park, there are a couple within an hour or so of Mount Desert Island. Cities near Acadia National Park are pretty small — Ellsworth has less than 10,000 residents and Bangor a little more than 30,000. Nonetheless, you’ll find more amenities in these larger hubs.
Ellsworth
Ellsworth is one of the closest cities near Acadia National Park, located on the mainland about 20 miles from Bar Harbor and the Cadillac Mountain entrance of the park. Named after a founding father, the small historic city has a downtown Main Street district with shops and restaurants just steps from the Union River, plus the nearest chain stores and fast food options to Mount Desert Island.
Ellsworth offers several accommodations options, from a couple of chain hotels to small inns to an Under Canvas glamping resort. More hotels and an international airport are also just 30 miles away in the larger hub of Bangor.
Where to Stay in Ellsworth
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Bangor
The third-largest city in the state, Bangor is a gateway to the remote reaches of northern Maine, with a small international airport and access to Interstate 95. A bustling downtown district with boutiques, global cuisine, and a giant statue of Paul Bunyan gives way to parks and forests on the outskirts, in a region with a long legacy in timber.
One of the biggest cities near Acadia National Park, Bangor is about 50 miles from Bar Harbor. While the distance is a bit much for driving back and forth to the park, the town makes a great base in the region paired with a visit to Acadia. Aside from outdoorsy activities, you can visit the Maine Discovery Museum for interactive science and nature exhibits and the Zillman Art Museum for contemporary pieces.
There are a wide selection of hotels in Bangor, including several national chains as well as smaller inns and lodges.
Where to Stay in Bangor
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Acadia National Park Campgrounds
The best campgrounds in Acadia National Park include four options managed by the National Park Service and locations just outside park boundaries. Some are easily accessible on Mount Desert Island and others in the more remote reaches of the park.
The campgrounds in the national park are typically cheaper and more basic with fewer comforts like showers. RV camping resorts and Acadia camping cabins nearby on Mount Desert Island or on the mainland may have amenities like hot showers, clubhouses, swimming pools, and more.
Camping in Acadia National Park is a great way to spend more time in nature!
Reservations are required for all of the national park campgrounds and they open two months in advance. If you plan to camp, it’s best to make your reservation as early as possible as the sites do often fill up.
Blackwoods Campground
Blackwoods Campground is on the east side of Mount Desert Island, near popular Acadia destinations like Sand Beach and Cadillac Mountain. The 281 tent and RV sites in the woods are just a 10-minute walk to the sea. Amenities include fire rings and grills, flush toilets, a dump station, and running water, but no showers. It’s typically open from early May to mid-October.
Seawall Campground
On the west side of Mount Desert Island, Seawall Campground has 202 tent and RV sites. Located along the coast, it’s about 4 miles south of Southwest Harbor and a couple of miles from the Bass Harbor Head lighthouse. Campground amenities include a dump station, grills and fire pits, flush toilets and potable water. The season runs from late May to early October.
Schoodic Woods Campground
On the Schoodic Peninsula, across the bay from Bar Harbor, Schoodic Woods Campground is less than 2 miles from the town of Winter Harbor. The 89 tent and RV sites here include drive-up and walk-in options. Vault and flush toilets, potable water, and dump stations are available. Grills and fire rings are available at some sites, but campfires are prohibited at the hike-in sites. Schoodic Woods is open from late May to early October.
Duck Harbor Campground
The most remote Acadia National Park campground, Duck Harbor is located on an island only reachable by ferry and inaccessible to vehicles. To get here, campers have to drive to the town of Stonington, about 1.5 hours from Bar Harbor and take the mailboat to Isle au Haut.
The rustic camp has just five sites in lean-to shelters on the coast, and reservations at this location go quickly. Amenities are limited to hand-pumped potable water and composting toilets, but fire rings and food storage lockers are available for cooking. Trash must be carried out.
While the campground is typically open from mid-May to early October, the mailboat ferry only travels to Duck Harbor from mid-June to late September. If you camp outside of that time frame, the drop-off point is at the town landing on Isle au Haut, a 4-mile hike to Duck Harbor.
Other Campgrounds Near Mount Desert Island
Aside from the campgrounds on national park land, you can find some of the best campgrounds in Acadia on both sides of Mount Desert Island and near Bar Harbor, Trenton and Ellsworth. In many cases, these campgrounds have more amenities than the national park campgrounds, like shower facilities, swimming pools, sports courts, laundry rooms, and Acadia camping cabins.
12 Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park
These cities and towns near Smoky Mountains National Park range from buzzing tourist hot spots to quiet creekside communities. The national park on the Tennessee and North Carolina border is the most popular in the country, so picking the right place to stay in the Smokies can mean the difference between traffic and bright lights or the sounds of birds chirping and streams rushing. This list of towns and cities near Smoky Mountains National Park includes a wide variety of ideas for exactly where to stay.
These towns and cities near Smoky Mountains National Park range from buzzing tourist hot spots to quiet communities in Tennessee and North Carolina.
Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels — you can find them all in the best towns near Smoky Mountains National Park. Located on the Tennessee and North Carolina border, the national park is the most popular one in the country, so picking the right place to stay in the Smokies can mean the difference between traffic and bright lights or the sounds of birds chirping and streams rushing.
This list of towns and cities near Smoky Mountains National Park includes large hubs with airports and chain hotels and small towns in the Smoky Mountains with mom-and-pop shops and elk for neighbors.
In addition to a round-up of locations and all the details on proximity to the park, I’ve included ideas for exactly where to stay, from Tennessee cabins for rent in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to bed and breakfasts in North Carolina. I prefer to stay in a quiet spot surrounded by nature, but there are also bustling tourist towns full of amenities that may suit you better!
Keep scrolling for Smoky Mountains cities and villages you should consider on your next vacation.
Cities and Towns In Smoky Mountains National Park
These towns near Smoky Mountains National Park include gateway hubs like Gatlinburg, cities with airports like Knoxville, and small communities nearby like Waynesville in North Carolina and Townsend in Tennessee.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Campgrounds
If you want to camp in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are 10 front country campground locations, including spots in Cades Cove just south of Townsend and Deep Creek near Bryson City. Park campgrounds have running water and flush toilets, but no shower facilities or water and electrical hookups.
Since Great Smoky Mountains is the most popular national park in the country, it’s best to make a camping reservation ahead of time to secure your spot.
There are also several campgrounds on the outskirts of the park around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Cherokee. Typically these options will have hookups for Great Smoky Mountains RV camping, shower facilities, and even resort-style amenities like swimming pools and sports courts.
Gatlinburg
Perhaps the most well-known city near Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg and the Smokies have long been synonymous. The gateway town in Tennessee is just minutes from a visitor center and several waterfall hikes in the national park.
Aside from the outdoor activities nearby, Gatlinburg is packed with kitschy tourist attractions, including the Gatlinburg Space Needle and a skylift for elevated views, mini golf and laser tag for family fun, and adventure parks with activities like zip lining and mountain coasters nearby.
With all these amenities come crowds, though. Over 14 million people visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, and many of them stay in Gatlinburg. This means inflated hotel prices, crazy traffic, and long lines at the chain restaurants downtown.
If you want the convenience of staying here without the hassle, look for cabins for rent in the Great Smoky Mountains outside the city. Or, head further away to towns near Gatlinburg, TN, like Cosby and Newport on the east side or Townsend on the west.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg has tons of hotel options in a wide variety of price ranges. These are some of the top-reviewed options on my favorite hotel booking platform.
The Appy Lodge is also convenient to downtown with indoor and outdoor pools, free parking and a complimentary breakfast. Some of the rooms here have mountain views, fireplaces and balconies!
Old Creek Lodge has a cozy feel with a fireplace and balcony in each room. It’s along the Gatlinburg trolley route so you don’t have to worry about parking downtown and it has a swimming pool.
Pigeon Forge
Best known for the Dollywood theme park, the Smoky Mountains city of Pigeon Forge is about 10 miles north of the national park entrance in Tennessee. Like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge is set up for action-packed family vacations and is one of the best cities near Gatlinburg for a wide range of amenities and activities.
Restaurants, shops, and amusements (think go-karts, arcades, mini golf) here are located along a large highway, so it’s less walkable but also less packed than Gatlinburg. The Dollywood resort area is just a couple of miles from downtown.
Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge has over 14,000 lodging units, so you can find hotels and rentals in a variety of price ranges, from budget-friendly inns downtown to pricey resorts and lodges with views on the outskirts.
Twin Mountain Inn and Suites has fireplace and balcony rooms on the river, a seasonal pool, and an outdoor fire pit with rocking chairs.
Music Road Resort is perfect for families with an outdoor water park, hot tub, game room and continental breakfast.
Sevierville
A statue of Dolly Parton and her guitar sits in the courthouse square of Sevierville, Tennessee, birthplace of the country music legend. The city near Smoky Mountains National Park is just north of Pigeon Forge and about 30 minutes from the park entrance.
While there are still a few attractions here, including a waterpark and aviation museum, the city is noticeably less touristy than Gatlinburg and has a restored historic district downtown with local shops and eateries.
Sevierville is a great option if you’re looking for affordable places to stay near the Smoky Mountains or prefer towns and cities near Pigeon Forge that are a bit less busy.
Where to Stay in Sevierville
Central Hotel is the best place to stay near historic downtown Sevierville. The contemporary property has city views and family rooms and is a short walk to local shops and cafes.
Berry Springs Lodge is a lux option outside of town perfect for Smoky Mountains honeymoons or couples getaways. Rooms and suites have private balconies and some feature fireplaces and spa tubs.
Wears Valley
Towns near Smoky Mountains National Park like Wears Valley offer the convenience of tourist hotspot amenities without the constant noise and activity. The small town near Gatlinburg is about 15 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center for Great Smoky Mountains. But, it’s just 3 miles off Little River Gorge Road, a popular drive in the park to see waterfalls.
A handful of local eateries and shops are scattered along Wears Valley Road, and accommodation options include RV parks, small hotels, and cabin rentals tucked in the woods. Wears Valley is best for those looking for towns in the Smoky Mountains that are less crowded and more connected to the natural surroundings.
Where to Stay in Wears Valley
Townsend
Known as the “peaceful side of the Smokies,” Townsend, Tennessee, is the place to be for riverside cabins and small town charm. It still has everything you need for a mountain vacation — coffee shops, restaurants, outfitters — but with far less of a kitschy and commercial vibe than Gatlinburg.
While Townsend is about a 45 minute drive from the Gatlinburg entrance to the park, it’s one of the closest cities near Smoky Mountains’ Cades Cove, a scenic driving loop with historic homesteads and wildlife. It’s also just 20 miles from the airport in Knoxville.
Where to Stay in Townsend
Dancing Bear Lodge is a large resort-style property with rooms and private cabins. An on-site restaurant, gardens, dog park and coffee shop are among the amenities.
Highland Manor Inn is a budget-friendly option with an outdoor pool, playground and breakfast buffet.
Maryville and Alcoa
The Maryville and Alcoa area is home to McGhee Tyson Airport, one of the best gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains. Since it’s about 45 minutes to Cades Cove and Little River Gorge, and well over an hour to Gatlinburg, you probably shouldn’t make this your base Smoky Mountains city. But, it might be convenient to stay here a night on your way in or out or stop for groceries at one of the bigger markets.
Where to Stay in Maryville and Alcoa
Knoxville
Similar to Maryville, this bigger city near Smoky Mountains National Park doesn’t make the best base for day trips into the park — it’s about 40 miles to the Sugarlands or Cades Cove entrances. But, as the third largest city in Tennessee, Knoxville is worth a stop on it’s own accord if you’re road tripping to the park.
Located on the Tennessee River, Knoxville hosted the 1982 World’s Fair expo and today the World’s Fair Park is home to an observation tower, the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial, the Knoxville Museum of Art, and an amphitheater performance space.
Where to Stay in Knoxville
Knoxville has hundreds of accommodations to pick from, but if you’re looking for a unique place to stay, these are a few standouts.
The Tennessean is a lux property downtown with an on-site restaurant and rooms with views.
Cherokee
Located on the south side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee is less than 5 miles from the Oconaluftee entrance and visitor center. One of the best Smoky Mountains towns in North Carolina, it’s on Cherokee Nation land and preserves the heritage at attractions like the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a replica of an 18th century Cherokee community, and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, with art and culture exhibits.
Cherokee is also just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and has a short hike to 120-foot-high Mingo Falls nearby that you shouldn’t miss. While it takes an hour or so to drive over to Gatlinburg and Little River Gorge Road from here, several other GSMNP destinations are along the route, including the Mountain Farm Museum, Clingman’s Dome, popular hikes at Alum Cave Bluffs and Chimney Tops, and several scenic mountain lookouts.
While it’s not a big city near the Smoky Mountains, Cherokee is set up for tourists, with plenty of budget-friendly hotels, shops and restaurants, and a casino resort.
Where to Stay in Cherokee
Cherokee has a selection of budget motels and inns, including well-known chains and a few local properties.
Stonebrook Lodge is across the road from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, so you can easily pop over to check out the entertainment and dining.
On my last visit I stayed at the Bay Mountain Inn, a low-cost, low-frills hotel with a seasonal pool and a fridge and microwave in the room.
Bryson City
Neighboring Cherokee, Bryson City sits along the Tuckasegee River and is one of the closest towns near Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina side. From here, it’s less than 15 miles to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and park entrance.
Aside from the nearby national park attractions, one of the best things to do in Bryson City is a train ride with the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Routes venture into gorges, through tunnels, and to historic mountain towns.
A walkable commercial district here has diners and gift shops, and a selection of small inns and chain hotels are scattered around the Smoky Mountain town.
Where to Stay in Bryson City
McKinley Edwards Inn is a small guesthouse with a garden and daily continental breakfast.
Stonebrook Lodge has an indoor pool and is in walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants.
Nantahala Village has rooms with mountain views and onsite amenities like a pool, fitness center and game room.
Asheville
With the Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and tons of waterfalls and parks nearby, Asheville is one of the cities near the Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina side with the most things to do.
While it’s not the most convenient for day trips into the park — about 40 miles from the Cataloochee Valley and 55 miles from the Oconaluftee entrance — Asheville is a vacation destination of its own that can easily be paired with the Smokies. Plus, it has a fast-growing regional airport.
Downtown Asheville has tons of options for dining and shopping, but with a much more homegrown small business vibe than Gatlinburg. Make sure to stop by the River Arts District for tacos and street art and drive out of town on the the Blue Ridge Parkway for scenic overlooks and waterfall hikes.
Where to Stay in Asheville
Asheville has so many amazing places to stay, from modern downtown hotels in walking distance to shops and restaurants, to cozy bed and breakfasts in historic districts.
Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate has a heated pool, on-site dining and a nearby winery.
Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville has rooms with views of the mountains and is in the perfect spot to walk to local shops and restaurants.
Waynesville, Lake Junaluska and Maggie Valley
Waynesville, Lake Junaluska and Maggie Valley are neighboring towns near the Smoky Mountains about midway between Cherokee and Asheville. If you’re looking for somewhere a little less crowded and budget-friendly to stay on the North Carolina side of the park, this area makes a great option.
From Waynesville, it takes about 35 minutes to reach the quiet Cataloochee area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park or 50 minutes to the Oconaluftee entrance. The Blue Ridge Mountains loom over the valley here, and in less than 20 minutes, you can drive up onto the Blue Ridge Parkway to view the towns from above.
There’s also lots of mom-and-pop restaurants in this area dishing everything from barbeque and southern cuisine to pizza, pasta and seafood.
Where to Stay in Waynesville, Maggie Valley and Lake Junaluska
Between the three Smoky Mountains towns you’ll find an assortment of waterfront inns, bed and breakfasts, and low-cost chain motels.
Four Seasons Inn on a creek in Maggie Valley is highly reviewed. Some rooms are on the waterfront with spa tubs!
The Terrace Hotel at Lake Junaluska is a large conference-center property with a seasonal pool, continental breakfast, tennis court and fitness center. Rooms on the lakeside have a view!
Hot Springs
Hot Springs isn’t an obvious choice of towns near Smoky Mountains, but the small community in North Carolina is one of the best gateways to the remote Cataloochee section of the park. Located along the French Broad River and Spring Creek, it’s named for the natural mineral waters that local resorts pipe into bubbling tubs.
The town has a few inns and bed and breakfasts, as well as a small commercial district for dining. This is a great option for a place to stay near the Smoky Mountains for a more relaxed and less crowded vacation.
Where to Stay in Hot Springs
Tips for Where to Stay in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
These are a few of the things you need to know when deciding where to stay in the Smokies, plus frequently asked questions.
Which City is Closest to the Smoky Mountains?
There are a few cities on either side of the national park, but Gatlinburg is one of the nearest cities to the Smokies and a great choice for family vacations.
What City Do You Fly Into for the Smoky Mountains?
On the Tennessee side, the closest airport to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is McGhee Tyson Airport, just south of Knoxville. It’s about 20 miles from Townsend and 45 miles from Gatlinburg.
On the North Carolina side, Asheville Regional Airport is about 60 miles from Cherokee and the south entrance to the national park.
Is Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge Closer to the Smokies?
Gatlinburg is just outside of an entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so it is the closest city of the pair. However, Pigeon Forge is just 7 miles north, so it’s also a great place to stay in the Smokies.
8 of the Best Places to Stay in Death Valley National Park
The best places to stay in Death Valley National Park include desert villages and campgrounds on the border of California and Nevada. At 3.4 million acres, Death Valley is the largest national park in the Lower 48, so it can be hard to figure out exactly which hotels are the closest. We’ll weigh the pros and cons of each location to help you figure out where to stay at Death Valley National Park.
The best places to stay in Death Valley National Park includes small villages with mining history and desert campgrounds under the stars.
Wondering where to stay at Death Valley National Park on your next trip? The remote desert park is on the border of California and Nevada, about two hours from the closest major city of Las Vegas.
At 3.4 million acres, Death Valley is the largest national park in the Lower 48, so it can be hard to figure out exactly which small towns near Death Valley National Park are the closest. When I was deciding where to stay on my solo trip, I compiled a lot of research to figure out which spots had the easiest park access and amenities.
Below I’ll cover your options and go into more detail about the best places to stay near Death Valley National Park and which cities near Death Valley should be on your radar.
Should You Stay in Death Valley National Park?
While there is some lodging in Death Valley National Park, there are pros and cons to staying inside the park versus on the outskirts. With just a handful of places to stay in Death Valley in the communities of Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, reservations can be pricey and book out quickly.
Plus, amenities like restaurants and markets are limited and gas stations in the park can cost twice as much as those outside. But, you will have a shorter drive to some of the more popular destinations on a Death Valley itinerary, so this can work out best for a quick trip.
Since Death Valley is so big, even if you stay in the park, you may drive an hour or more to reach certain destinations. For this reason, it’s worth looking into small towns on the outskirts, where there are more hotels and restaurants and lower gas prices.
Best Death Valley Camping
Looking for the best camping in Death Valley? The national park maintains nine Death Valley campgrounds, and some of the more remote ones are even free.
The campgrounds are some of the best places to stay in Death Valley if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors and enjoy the night skies.
The best campground in Death Valley to reserve ahead of time is Furnace Creek, which is open year-round for tent and RV camping and has hookups, water, flush toilets, and a dump station. Close by, the seasonal Sunset and Texas Springs campgrounds are first come, first served with similar amenities but no RV hookups.
Stovepipe Wells is one of the best places to camp in Death Valley near the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. It’s open late fall through spring but can’t be reserved and has no RV hookups. Water and flush toilets are available and there is a general store and restaurant nearby. There is another Stovepipe Wells campground and RV park in this area run by a vendor.
The rest of the Death Valley campgrounds are a bit more remote, don’t take reservations, and have fewer sites and amenities. A couple are down gravel roads that are only accessible in a high-clearance vehicle and don’t have water or flush toilets.
Furnace Creek
Sitting some 190 feet below sea level, Furnace Creek, California, is a small town in Death Valley National Park that’s home to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, a gas station, a few campgrounds and a pair of hotels. This is the best place to stay in Death Valley for quick access to Zabriskie Point and the top park highlights along Badwater Road.
The family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley neighbors the golf course and offers a pool, sports courts, a playground, an ice cream parlor and an old-timey saloon. In addition to patio rooms, the historic property has brand new private cottages.
Stovepipe Wells
Also located within park boundaries, Stovepipe Wells, California, is one of the best places to stay in Death Valley in a central location. The small community located along Route 190 neighbors the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Mosaic Canyon and is about 30 minutes from Furnace Creek.
In addition to some of the best camping in Death Valley, there is a market, gas station, restaurant, saloon, RV park and hotel with a pool. This area is usually a little cheaper than the Furnace Creek options while still keeping you within the park.
Beatty
Just 10 miles from the park entrance and 40 miles from Furnace Creek, Beatty, Nevada, is one of the closest towns near Death Valley National Park. It’s the best place to stay in Death Valley for easy access to the park but with more amenities and lower prices. And, you may even spot a wild donkey wandering around town.
Beatty has a few restaurants and hotels, a market, a local history museum, and gas stations that are much cheaper than the ones in the national park. Just outside of Beatty, you can also visit the Rhyolite ghost town, Goldwell Open Air Museum, and Tom Kelly’s Bottle House, a well-preserved structure built with glass bottles in 1906.
Amargosa Valley
South of Beatty, Amargosa Valley, Nevada, is an unincorporated community off of U.S. Route 95 with not much more than a gas station, market, and hotel. The town near Death Valley is also between two other nature reserves — the Big Dune Recreation Area, a sand dune playground with peaks up to 500 feet high, and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, which has a boardwalk, a bright blue spring, and a water cavern of unknown depth that’s home to rare pupfish.
Death Valley Junction
Just across the state line in California, Death Valley Junction is about 25 miles southeast of Zabriskie Point. While there aren’t many amenities here, it’s one of the best places to stay in Death Valley for access to attractions along Route 190 and Badwater Road.
Shoshone
Pahrump
If you’re looking for places to stay in Death Valley for more amenities, Pahrump, Nevada, is your best bet. The small town is about midway between Las Vegas and Death Valley, right on the California border.
Las Vegas
For big cities near Death Valley, Las Vegas is your best option. About 120 miles from the park, Sin City can work as a place to stay near Death Valley if you just visit on a day trip. It takes between two to three hours to reach the park.
If you want to take a day trip from Vegas to Death Valley, there are lots of tour providers that pick you up in the city and guide you to the best sites in the park, like Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin and Artists Palette. This can be a great way to get a quick overview of Death Valley while you’re visiting Las Vegas.
In addition to the casinos and nightlife on the famous Las Vegas Strip, there are other gorgeous parks right outside the city, like Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
10 of the Best Cities and Towns Near Rocky Mountain National Park
Looking for cities and towns near Rocky Mountain National Park for your next vacation? We’ve rounded up 10 places to stay in Colorado near the popular park, ranging from the bustling Denver metro to old mining villages in the mountains.
These cities and towns near Rocky Mountain National Park are the best places to stay for your trip to Colorado.
Looking for the closest towns near Rocky Mountain National Park for your next vacation? I’ve rounded up 10 Colorado cities, towns, and mountain villages that are the perfect place to stay on your next trip.
The stunning national park in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado is one of my absolute favorite places to visit, with breathtaking lakes, adventurous hiking trails, and scenic drives along curving alpine roads.
When you’re looking for where to stay, you’ll find that cities near Rocky Mountain National Park with hotels range from the bustling Denver metro to old mining communities in the foothills that nearly hit ghost town status. Using the list below, you can decide which side of the park you want to be on, what amenities are important to you, and where to find budget-friendly hotels.
We’ve also included ideas for the best places to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park, whether you prefer a cozy cabin in the woods, a luxury lodge, or a simple motel with great access to the outdoors.
Keep reading for where to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park.
Towns Near Rocky Mountain National Park
Click to open this Google Map with pins for cities and towns near Rocky Mountain National Park. I’ve also marked where all of the national park entrances are located so that you can see how far away each town is.
Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds
Before exploring towns close to Rocky Mountain National Park, you may want to look into campgrounds. Rocky Mountain National Park campgrounds include Aspen Glen near Estes Park, Glacier Basin and Moraine Park along Bear Lake Road, Timber Creek on the west side of the park, and Longs Peak south of Lily Lake. All except the last one can be booked ahead of time and sell out quickly.
Estes Park
The closest town near Rocky Mountain National Park is Estes Park, less than 5 miles from the Beaver Meadows entrance. Many popular trails are easily accessible from here, as well at the national park’s Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, Fall River Visitor Center, and Moraine Park Discovery Center.
In town, you can stroll the shopping and dining district along Elkhorn Avenue, tour the Stanley Hotel to see Stephen King’s inspiration for “The Shining,” and take the Estes Park Aerial Tramway up to a scenic valley view at the top of Prospect Mountain. There are also a couple of golf courses in town where elk herds like to congregate around dawn and dusk.
Hotels in Estes Park cover a range of prices, but do tend to fill up during the summer tourist season. You may want to look for other towns near Estes Park CO if you’re on a tight budget or planning at the last minute.
Where to Stay in Estes Park
Some of the top-rated properties in town I haven’t tested yet include the The Inn on Fall River on the scenic outskirts and Silver Moon Inn downtown.
Boulder
Home to the University of Colorado, Boulder sits in the foothills of the Rockies, about 40 miles from the Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and 30 miles from Denver. This is a great spot to base yourself for bigger city amenities and access to incredible hiking and biking trails on the outskirts of town.
Aside from day trips to Rocky Mountain, you can shop and dine downtown in the Pearl Street Mall district and visit the Museum of Natural History and Fiske Planetarium on the university campus. The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is also held here in the summer.
As one of the closest cities to Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder has everything from chain hotels to smaller bed-and-breakfast to cozy cabins. Prices tend to be higher downtown and near the university, so look to the outskirts for cheaper options.
Where to Stay in Boulder
Nederland
A teeny town buried in the foothills of the Rockies just south of the park, Nederland is a great place to stay to get a feel for the mining history of the area. A small downtown zone has gems like the Nederland Mining Museum, the restored 1910 Carousel of Happiness, and an old covered wooden bridge on a creek.
While you won’t find a wealth of amenities, there are several unique boutiques and cafes. One of Nederland’s best features is its location along the bucket list Peak to Peak Scenic Byway into Rocky Mountain National Park, a road that stretches about 55 miles between Black Hawk and Estes Park.
Nederland is one of the closest towns to Rocky Mountain National Park, located just 30 miles from the Wild Basin section, a less-popular zone with incredible lake and waterfall hikes.
There aren’t a lot of options for places to stay here, but you may get lucky and find space at the lodge in town or a nearby campground.
Where to Stay in Nederland
Black Hawk and Central City
One of the least-populated cities in the state, historic Black Hawk is known for its casinos and is at the southern end of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. While it takes at least 1.5 hours to reach Estes Park from here, the panoramas along the drive are stunning and some Rocky Mountain sites like the Wild Basin trails and Lily Lake are along the way.
Black Hawk is one of the best cities near Rocky Mountain National Park if you’re into gaming and nightlife with some outdoorsy activities and day trips mixed in. Neighboring Central City also has a historic and picturesque downtown district dating to the late 1800s.
Black Hawk is just 10 miles off Interstate 70 and about 40 miles west of downtown Denver.
Where to Stay in Black Hawk
Golden
While it’s a bit far for driving into Rocky Mountain Park every day, Golden makes a great vacation destination on the west side of Denver at the foothills of the mountains. Once a gold rush town, Golden is home to the Colorado School of Mines and the Coors Brewery.
The historic downtown district along Washington Avenue is full of coffee shops, eateries and boutiques. The Golden History Museum and Golden History Park showcase life in the early 1800s. The Colorado Railroad Museum has over 100 vintage trains. And the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave pays tribute to the Old West era.
Clear Creek running through Golden has spots to raft and canoe. Around the town, outdoor activities abound, from the trails at Lookout Mountain Preserve, North Table Mountain Park, and Dinosaur Ridge to the stone cliffs at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is also less than 15 miles away.
The town is about 60 miles from Estes Park, 20 miles south of Boulder and 15 miles west of downtown Denver. I’ve visited Golden a couple of times now and love finding cute bed and breakfasts to stay in.
Where to Stay in Golden
Longmont
While it’s not the most obvious choice of towns near Rocky Mountain National Park, Longmont is just 35 miles from Estes Park and 15 miles north of Boulder. You might consider this option if you’re looking for something a little less busy and more budget-friendly.
Staking a claim as an agritourism destination, Longmont has a popular farmers market, the Agricultural Heritage Center, and a Brewhop Trolley that drops riders off at the local craft cidery, distilleries and breweries. Like most Colorado towns, a host of outdoorsy activities are just beyond the city center.
All the big hotel brands are represented here, and you’ll find a hub to the east of the city on Interstate 25, which is a straight shoot down to Denver. For something a little closer to the park, look on the west side along U.S. Route 36 and in the tiny town of Lyons.
Where to Stay in Longmont
Loveland
North of Longmont, Loveland is another one of the towns near Estes Park to the east, on the outskirts of Denver. From here, it’s about 30 scenic miles through the Big Thompson Canyon to reach Rocky Mountain National Park.
Nature trails, open spaces, golf courses and a handful of lakes make it easy to get outdoors here, while a downtown district with pubs and cafes has an old-timey look. Don’t miss the big love lock sculptures, where you can fasten engraved locks to immortalize your visit.
Like the other Denver suburbs, Loveland has all the major 2- and 3-star hotel and motel chains at a variety of price levels. You can also look for cabins, campgrounds and lodges along U.S. Route 34 heading toward Estes Park.
Where to Stay in Loveland
Denver
While it’s 60-plus miles from the park, Denver is the biggest city near the Rocky Mountains a has a busy international airport. It’s a great launching point for a trip to the national park and you might even consider staying here a night or two to explore Colorado’s capital. I like to stop into Denver for some touristing before and after spending time in the Rockies.
Known as the Mile High City, Denver has professional sports teams, multiple art museums, and a fun shopping and dining scene on the historic Larimer Square. While you’re here, you can visit the 1881 Denver Union Station, check out the United States Mint, look for bison at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, and catch a concert at the famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater.
Plentiful accommodations and vacation rental units include luxury downtown stays, budget-friendly hostels, and familiar hotel chains covering a wide swath of prices. For the quickest access to the mountains, pick something on the west side of town. Or, for the airport, something on the northeast.
Where to Stay in Denver
Grand Lake
Of the towns around Rocky Mountain National Park, the village of Grand Lake is closest to the west side, just outside an entrance gate with the same name. The park’s Kawuneeche Visitor Center and gift shop are also located near here.
A compact town center here with shops, cafes and hotels is on the banks of a pair of lakes, with the mountains looming overhead in the background. A little oasis by a less-busy side of the park, Grand Lake has basic amenities but unbeatable access to beautiful trails.
The stunning Trail Ridge Road into Rocky Mountain National Park also starts from here, climbing to an elevation of 12,183 feet along hairpin curves. While there are tons of hikes and scenic views along the way, it does take a couple of hours to slowly drive the 50 miles to Estes Park, so this isn’t the best base for popular park activities in the Bear Lake Corridor. But if you’re looking for something a little different, this is the perfect Rocky Mountain National Park town for exploring the west side.
Where to Stay in Grand Lake
Granby
About 15 miles south of Grand Lake along U.S. Route 40, Granby has a few more amenities and is a great place to look for hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park on the west side.
Aside from hikes in the Rockies, you can also spend some time on Lake Granby, which is surrounded by recreation areas and campgrounds. Most accommodations in this area are small motels, inns and lodges.
Where to Stay in Granby
What Town is Close to the Rocky Mountains?
While there are a lot of towns near the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park is the most convenient to the national park. It’s set up well for tourists, with plenty of lodges, hotels, and cabins. Plus, the commercial district has shopping and dining.
What is the Best Town to Stay in For Rocky Mountain National Park?
Estes Park is less than 5 miles from an entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, so it’s usually considered the most convenient. The Beaver Meadows gate and visitor center, plus the Fall River Visitor Center and Moraine Park Discovery Center are all nearby. Many popular trailheads in the park are also easy to get to from the town.
Rocky Mountain National Park Trip Planning Guides
Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
Texas and Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
Utah and Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
10 Cities Near the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
These cities near the Grand Canyon are the best places to stay during your national park vacation. They range from a historic village on the South Rim to a remote ranch on the canyon floor to cities full of shopping and dining. We’ve also included recommendations for the best places to stay near Grand Canyon National Park, whether you’re looking for rustic lodges, campgrounds or hotels with a pool.
These towns and cities near the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim are the best places to stay during your vacation.
If you’re looking for the closest city to the Grand Canyon National Park, this list has you covered. I’ve included Arizona cities, communities, and towns near the South Rim Grand Canyon that are convenient to stay in for your national park vacation.
The closest towns to Grand Canyon National Park with hotels range from a historic village on the South Rim to a remote ranch on the canyon floor to gateway cities full of shopping and dining.
I’ve visited Grand Canyon National Park several times over the past 20 years and stayed in hotels and cabins inside and outside the national park on the South Rim. Below are my recommendations for the best places to stay near the Grand Canyon, whether you’re looking for rustic lodges, campgrounds, or hotels with a pool.
Keep reading to find where to stay at the Grand Canyon.
Cities and Towns Near the Grand Canyon
This is my quick list of cities near the Grand Canyon! Scroll down for the pros and cons of each and to find out which ones I recommend for your first visit!
Phantom Ranch (in the park)
Grand Canyon Village (in the park)
Tusayan (2 miles from South Entrance Station)
Grand Canyon Junction (24 miles from South Entrance Station)
Williams (55 miles from South Entrance Station)
Cameron (32 miles from East Entrance Station)
Tuba City (58 miles from East Entrance Station)
Flagstaff (74 miles from South Entrance Station)
Sedona (109 miles from East Entrance Station)
Page (109 miles from East Entrance Station)
Map of Cities Near Grand Canyon
This map shows the proximity of towns and cities near the Grand Canyon South Rim. You can click on it to open a larger map and zoom in on different locations.
What is the Best Town Near the Grand Canyon?
Phantom Ranch
For a unique place to stay in Grand Canyon National Park, you can try to get a reservation at Phantom Ranch, the historic lodge at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
The property has both cabins and dormitory bunks, but space is extremely limited. A lottery system is used for reservations over a year in advance.
The lodge has a canteen that serves breakfast and dinner. You need to reserve your meals in advance since supplies are brought in by mule.
To get to Phantom Ranch, you can hike down from the North or South Rim, ride a mule, or raft in.
Grand Canyon Village
Grand Canyon Village in the national park is the closest town to the Grand Canyon South Rim. The historic district on the rim has five hotels built in the early to mid-1900s — Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Thunderbird Lodge, Kachina Lodge, and Maswik Lodge. This area also has a few restaurants and gift shops, plus canyon views right outside the accommodations.
Near the Grand Canyon Park Headquarters, you’ll find the Yavapai Lodge, Mather Campground, and Trailer Village RV Park. In this zone, you’ll be within walking distance to the Market Plaza with its grocery store, post office, and bank, plus a restaurant and coffee shop at the lodge.
The only other place to stay on the South Rim in the national park is the Desert View Campground, about 20 miles from the Visitor Center and right by the park's east entrance. This area has sites for tents and small RVs, plus a gas station, market, coffee and ice cream shop, and viewing tower on the canyon edge.
While the village is one of the most convenient towns near the Grand Canyon South Rim, accommodations do fill quickly and are more expensive than staying outside the park.
Where to Stay in Grand Canyon Village
I stayed at Yavapai Lodge and loved how the hotel buildings were surrounded by trees. It’s also convenient having a walk-in dining hall onsite for quick meals.
Tusayan
Tusayan is the closest city to the Grand Canyon, located just 2 miles outside the park’s south entrance station. A shuttle route typically runs between the town and the Visitor Center for the summer season so that you don’t need to drive and park at the rim.
A few different lodgings are available here, including popular hotel chains, but prices are definitely inflated for the convenient location. There is also a general store, gift shops and restaurants in the small town.
Where to Stay in Tusayan
Grand Canyon Junction
Valle, or Grand Canyon Junction, is a small community about 25 miles south of the national park’s south entrance at the intersection of two routes leading in from Flagstaff and Williams.
While there’s only a single hotel, a couple of gas stations and very few amenities, more camping and glamping sites are starting to pop up in this area. Plus, it’s generally much cheaper to stay here than in Tusayan but much closer to the Grand Canyon than Williams or Flagstaff.
Where to Stay in Grand Canyon Junction
Williams
One of the biggest cities near Grand Canyon National Park, Williams has just over 3,000 residents. The town is located on Historic Route 66 and is full of retro diners and kitschy souvenir shops with a blend of mid-century and Old West vibes.
While Williams is about 55 miles from the south entrance, there is a much larger selection of restaurants, affordable hotels and other amenities than in Tusayan or Grand Canyon Junction.
Where to Stay in Williams
Cameron
Cameron is a small community about 30 miles from the east entrance station of the Grand Canyon South Rim. Amenities are scarce, but you’ll find a place to eat, fill up the tank, and stay the night. This town near Grand Canyon National Park is best if you need a place to stay on the way in coming from the east.
Where to Stay in Cameron
The only hotel in town, the Cameron Trading Post and Motel dates to the early 1900s and is decorated with Native American and Southwest-inspired fabrics and art.
Tuba City
If you’re looking for cities near Grand Canyon National Park’s east entrance, Tuba City is a little under 60 miles from the Desert View Watchtower on the South Rim and 80 miles from the Visitor Center on the South Rim.
It’s a small community, but larger than Cameron with a few more hotel options near the Grand Canyon plus fast-food drive-throughs for quick bites.
Where to Stay in Tuba City
Flagstaff
Flagstaff is the closest major city near the Grand Canyon, located about 80 miles from both the south and east entrance stations to the South Rim.
You’ll be spoiled for choices of Grand Canyon hotels here, with many major chains represented. Most accommodations are located along Interstate 40 and Historic Route 66, which passes through the downtown core.
Flagstaff is a great place to stay for a blend of big-city amenities and a walkable downtown district with shops and cafes in old brick buildings.
The city is also just 30 miles from Sedona and a couple of hours from Page, Phoenix and Petrified Forest National Park. It makes a great base for Arizona road trips.
Where to Stay in Flagstaff
What City is Closest to the Grand Canyon?
Tusayan is the closest town to the Grand Canyon, just 2 miles outside of the national park boundaries. Though it’s very small, Williams is the closest city to the Grand Canyon, about 55 miles from the South Entrance.
What is the Biggest City Near the Grand Canyon?
With a population of about 75,000, Flagstaff is the nearest major city to the Grand Canyon South Rim. It’s about 75 miles away and it takes around an hour and half to drive from the city to the Grand Canyon South Entrance.
What City Should I Stay in to Visit the Grand Canyon?
If it’s your first trip to Grand Canyon National Park, I recommend staying in Grand Canyon Village or Tusayan. Both options are very close to the views and activities in the park and offer shuttle transit options.
My next recommendation would be Williams. Even though it’s a little further away, it has a fun Route 66 and Western vibe and it’s connected to the national park via a fun train ride.
Grand Canyon Airports: Is Las Vegas or Phoenix Closer?
Phoenix is 225 miles from the Grand Canyon South Rim and the drive takes about 3.5 hours. The Las Vegas airport is nearly 275 miles away and it takes about 4 hours to drive to the Grand Canyon.
The best city to fly into for visiting the Grand Canyon might depend on where you can get a better direct route or deal. If you plan to visit other nearby national parks or towns, you can also pick an airport that makes the most sense for your whole road trip.
If you’re also visiting Sedona, for example, it would make more sense to fly into Phoenix. If you plan to go to Zion National Park after the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas would be a shorter return trip.
Grand Canyon Trip Planning Guides
3 Days at the Grand Canyon Itinerary
2 Days at the Grand Canyon Itinerary
1 Day at the Grand Canyon Itinerary
Zion and Grand Canyon North Rim Itinerary
Grand Canyon Packing Checklist
10 Best Towns and Cities Near Yellowstone National Park
These towns and cities near Yellowstone National Park are the best places to stay to access all the wilderness and wildlife in the famous park. We’ve broken down how to pick the best Yellowstone entrance, which towns near Yellowstone National Park have hotels and lodges, and what nearest cities to Yellowstone National Park you should fly into.
These towns and cities near Yellowstone National Park are the best places to stay to access all the wilderness and wildlife in the popular park.
Famous for its geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife, Yellowstone National Park is a bucket-list vacation spot. But with more than 2.2 million acres to explore and five different park entrances, you may be wondering, what is the best place to stay near Yellowstone?
This guide has you covered! I’ve broken down how to pick the best Yellowstone entrance, which towns near Yellowstone National Park have hotels and lodges, and what nearest cities to Yellowstone National Park you should fly into.
I’ve visited the park a few times and stayed in several of these Yellowstone towns, so you’ll see my hotel recommendations as well as some of the other top-reviewed options I found while researching.
If you’re visiting Yellowstone for a few days, I suggest picking a couple of hotels in different locations to cut back on your driving time in the vast park. The lists below will show you the entrances to Yellowstone National Park and the nearest towns to Yellowstone to help with your planning.
Use this Yellowstone guide to plan your route before you pick your hotels.
Where are the Entrances to Yellowstone National Park?
The Yellowstone map below displays the entrances to the national park and the closest cities to each one. You can click on the square in the top right corner to open and save a Google Map for your own planning reference.
The five entrances to Yellowstone National Park are miles apart from each other in Montana and Wyoming. You may end up using just one or two during your vacation, or making your way around to several of them.
Yellowstone North Entrance
The North Entrance Station is by Gardiner, Montana, near the Mammoth Hot Springs section of the park. It’s home to the 1903 Roosevelt Arch, built as a grand entrance to the first national park. Gardiner is one of the closest towns to Yellowstone’s north side.
Yellowstone West Entrance
Located in West Yellowstone, Montana, the West Entrance Station is one of the busiest and often gets backed up with traffic during the summer season. If you’re staying in this area, it’s best to drive into the park before 8 a.m. or later in the afternoon to avoid long lines at the west entrance to Yellowstone. One of the closest cities near Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone is a very popular place to stay.
Yellowstone Northeast Entrance
Near the tiny community of Cooke City-Silver Gate, the Northeast Entrance Station is housed in a 1935 log building on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s very remote — the closest towns are Gardiner, 50 miles west, and Red Lodge, Montana, 70 miles east through the Beartooth Mountain Pass.
Yellowstone East Entrance
The East Entrance Station is close to Yellowstone Lake, about an hour from Cody, Wyoming. From this one, you can access slightly less busy sections of the park like the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Old Faithful is about 1.5 hours from this entrance and Canyon Village is about an hour away.
Yellowstone South Entrance
Yellowstone’s South Entrance Station is just a few miles from Grand Teton National Park and a little over an hour drive from Jackson, Wyoming. Jackson Lake and Colter Bay Village are only about 30 minutes away. You will pass through this entrance station if you do a Grand Teton and Yellowstone road trip.
2 DAY GUIDE TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Towns Near Yellowstone National Park
If you’re looking for towns near Yellowstone to stay in, these are your best options. The first three make the most sense for a base and the rest as road trip stops on the way in.
If you’re visiting for a few nights, I recommend staying in a couple of different bases (like West Yellowstone and Gardiner) during your trip to decrease driving time each day.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges and Campgrounds
While this isn’t a town, lodging inside the national park is something you will probably consider when deciding where to stay near Yellowstone. The benefit to staying inside the park is the proximity to some attractions, though others will still be over an hour away. You also won’t have to wait at the park entry booths in the morning since you’ll already be inside the boundary.
For accommodations inside the park, you can check the availability here. Yellowstone hotels book out months ahead and are pretty expensive. Most hotels are located in Canyon Village, by Lake Yellowstone, at Mammoth Hot Springs, and around Old Faithful.
There are also 12 Yellowstone campgrounds, and the eight that take reservations also book up months ahead of time.
West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone, Montana, is one of the most popular places to stay outside the park, given its proximity to several top attractions in the park. The town is just outside the West Entrance Station, and within about 30 miles you can reach the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins, Old Faithful, and the Norris Geyser Basin. Other destinations like the Lamar Valley and Yellowstone Lake are a couple of hours away, though.
West Yellowstone has more amenities than most of the other towns on this list, including a small regional airport, a supermarket, souvenir shops, several restaurants and hotels, a movie theater, a museum, and the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. The downtown streets are walkable and the buildings have an old-timey Western look.
The town is 90 miles from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.
Where to Stay in West Yellowstone
A few top rated hotels and lodges in downtown West Yellowstone include the Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone and Faithful Street Inn. Or, outside of town you can glamp at spots like Under Canvas Yellowstone to enjoy the dark night skies and sounds of nature.
Gardiner
Gardiner, Montana, is just outside the park, near the North Entrance Station and its historic Roosevelt Arch. This is the closest town near Yellowstone for access to the northern attractions like the Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley and Tower Fall.
The Northeast Station is also the only park entrance open year-round to cars, since many roads in the park close down to vehicular traffic for the winter season. A compact downtown area here has a few shops, restaurants, and hotels on opposite banks of the Yellowstone River, with select accommodations offering water views.
Gardiner is about 80 miles from the airport in Bozeman.
Where to Stay in Gardiner
Top rated hotels in Gardiner include the Yellowstone Riverside Cottages, the Roosevelt Hotel and the Yellowstone Gateway Inn.
Cody
Cody, Wyoming, is the nearest town to Yellowstone National Park on the east side, about 50 miles from the entrance. While it doesn’t make sense to stay here for a multi-day visit to Yellowstone, if you’re road-tripping in from that direction or just visiting Yellowstone Lake, you should consider spending a night here.
A walkable downtown strip with an old-West vibe is full of shops, eateries and hotels, with more accommodations on the outskirts. The biggest attraction in Cody is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a museum full of Wild West history and memorabilia.
Cody has a small airport with flights to hubs in a couple of larger cities in the region. It’s about 110 miles from the Billings-Logan International Airport.
Where to Stay in Cody
The highly rated Chamberlin Inn is located near the historic center while the Cody Cowboy Village has log-cabin style suites on the edge of town.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge, Montana, is another spot that’s best for a stay on the way into Yellowstone, but doesn’t make a great base to return to each night since it’s 2 hours from the Northeast Entrance and even farther from most attractions in the park.
In summer, this town is the gateway for driving the Beartooth Highway through a stunning mountain pass into Yellowstone and in winter, a base camp for skiing in the Beartooth Mountains. A walkable downtown strip with historic Western buildings hosts a collection of eateries, saloons and shops.
Red Lodge is about 60 miles from Billings and 150 from Bozeman.
Where to Stay in Red Lodge
I stayed at the Beartooth Hideaway Inn and Cabins, a budget-friendly hotel with an indoor pool and hot tub.
Cooke City-Silver Gate
Cooke City-Silver Gate, Montana, is too small to even be called a town, but it is in a prime location at the Northeast Entrance Station to Yellowstone. It’s also the first blip of civilization you’ll hit after driving the famous Beartooth Pass route from the east or the Lamar Valley from the west.
A couple of downtown blocks in Cooke City have a handful of hotels and cafes, a trading post and a gas station. There’s also a welcome center with a small museum.
Due to the remote location, it doesn’t make sense to stay more than a night here on the way into Yellowstone unless you want to spend some time hiking in the mountains. Cooke City is about a 3-hour drive from Billings or Bozeman.
Where to Stay in Cooke City
Jackson
Jackson, Wyoming, is the best option if you’re looking for towns near the South Entrance of Yellowstone. How close is Jackson Hole to Yellowstone?
The town of Jackson is about 60 miles from the entrance and over 2 hours to southern park attractions like Old Faithful and Yellowstone Lake, so it’s not a great base for spending multiple days in Yellowstone. But, if you’re just popping in for a day trip while visiting Jackson Hole, or heading north on a road trip, the town is a fantastic vacation destination.
Jackson is a hub for the nearby Grand Teton National Park and for a handful of ski resorts in the surrounding mountains. A bustling commercial zone has plenty of shops and restaurants around a park square, while just outside the town, you can visit the National Elk Refuge, National Museum of Wildlife Art, and Mormon Row Historic District.
Jackson has its own small airport with flights on a few major carriers. The international airports in Salt Lake City and Bozeman are both about 5 hours away.
This is how to plan a 3 day itinerary in Jackson Hole.
Where to Stay in Jackson
There are tons of highly rated options to pick from, like the Parkway Inn of Jackson Hole with an indoor pool and hot tub, the Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole with Western-style decor and a cozy fireplace, or the Cowboy Village Resort with log cabins.
Cities Near Yellowstone National Park
These cities near Yellowstone don’t make the best base, but you might want to stay the night in one on your way in or out of the park.
Bozeman
If you’re looking for the best city to fly into to visit Yellowstone, Bozeman, Montana, typically makes the most sense. While you wouldn’t want this to be a base for Yellowstone trip, you may stay here a night or two on either end of your trip. At about 90 miles to the West Entrance or North Entrance, Bozeman is the closest city to Yellowstone National Park.
Bozeman has just about any amenity you would need for your trip, from an international airport, to hotel chains, to mega retailers and sporting goods stores. Montana State University is also located here. A walkable downtown strip on Main Street has boutique hotels and local cafes and shops.
With the Rocky Mountains for a neighbor, Bozeman is also a great spot for an outdoorsy vacation.
Where to Stay in Bozeman
Idaho Falls
While it’s not the most common place to stay for the park, Idaho Falls is one of the nearest cities to Yellowstone, and might make sense as a road trip stopping point. The small city is about 110 miles from the West Entrance to Yellowstone and about the same distance to Grand Teton National Park.
With a regional airport, big supermarkets and retailers, and chain hotels, it’s an easy and convenient place to stay near Yellowstone before heading closer to the park. There’s also a few things to check out in the city, like a small waterfall on the Snake River, history and art museums, and waterfront trails and parks.
Where to Stay in Idaho Falls
Billings
Billings is the largest city in Montana and the biggest city near Yellowstone, though it’s at least 3 hours from the Northeast Entrance. Given the distance, it’s not a great place to stay while visiting Yellowstone, but you may stop here on a road trip or fly into the Billings-Logan International Airport.
In addition to the standard shopping, dining, and accommodations you would expect in a small to mid-sized city, Billings has some great museums and parks, including the Moss Mansion Museum, the Yellowstone Art Museum, and Pictograph Cave State Park. The Yellowstone River also runs by the town.
Where to Stay in Billings
Tips and Questions About Yellowstone Towns
What is the closest big city to Yellowstone?
Montana and Wyoming aren’t exactly full of big cities. With a population of roughly 120,000, Billings in Montana is the biggest city near Yellowstone and the largest one in the state. It’s about 3 hours away from the park, though.
Where are the closest airports to Yellowstone?
Bozeman in Montana is one of the nearest cities to Yellowstone with a major airport, about 90 miles to a park entrance. Jackson in Wyoming also has an airport and is about 60 miles from the South Entrance to the park.
Where should I stay for visiting Yellowstone National Park?
There are lots of great options of where to stay near Yellowstone. The park is massive, though, so no matter which town or resort you pick, you will still have to drive quite a bit to explore Yellowstone.
If you can get a reservation, staying at one of the historic park lodges within Yellowstone is a great choice. The areas of Canyon Village and around Old Faithful are close to a lot of popular attractions.
Outside of the park, West Yellowstone is ideal, since it’s close to an entrance and has tourist amenities.
10 of the Best Towns Near Bryce Canyon National Park
These towns near Bryce Canyon National Park get you close to the famous orange hoodoos and stunning sunsets at the popular Utah destination. If you’re looking for the closest town to Bryce Canyon for your next trip to the national park, this list has all the best retro motels, budget inns and cozy cabins.
These cities and towns near Bryce Canyon National Park get you close to the famous orange hoodoos and stunning sunsets at the popular Utah destination.
If you’re looking for the closest town to Bryce Canyon for your next trip to the Utah national park, this list will help you narrow down your options. It has all the best places to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park for hiking, hoodoos and sunrise colors.
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its orange rock stacks and unique formations that fill a big basin. At the park, you can hop between lookouts, walk along a rim trail, or trek down into the canyon to get up close to the hoodoos.
After a few Utah national park road trips, I’ve compiled this list of where to stay when visiting Bryce Canyon that includes both towns and very small cities near Bryce Canyon. On my last trip, I stayed in Tropic while I visited Bryce Canyon — read on to find out why!
Cities and Towns Near Bryce Canyon National Park
These towns near Bryce Canyon have the closest hotels, cabins, and campgrounds to the national park. You can click to open and save the Google map below that shows where each one is located in proximity to the park.
Bryce Canyon National Park Campgrounds and Lodge
Bryce Canyon has just one hotel and two campgrounds within the national park, but if you can secure a reservation, you’ll wake up steps from the scenic overlooks.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon has rooms, suites and cabins near Sunrise and Sunset viewpoints, plus a seasonal restaurant and general store.
The North Campground near the visitor center and Sunset Campground near Sunset Point both have tent and RV sites but limited amenities with no sewer, water or electric hook-ups and no showers.
Bryce Canyon City
Bryce Canyon City, or just Bryce on some maps, encompasses the hotels right next to the national park and is the closest town to Bryce Canyon. Staying in Bryce Canyon City provides the quickest and easiest transit to the national park. Accommodations here do tend to be pricier than in towns a few miles outside the park, though.
A little commercial district near the park entrance has a couple of restaurants, shops, a general store and gas station. The park-and-ride lot and shuttle pickup for the national park are within walking distance from most hotels, so it’s a convenient place to stay near Bryce Canyon.
Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon City
Tropic
Tropic is the next closest town near Bryce Canyon National Park, about 10 miles from the entrance. With a few small inns, bed-and-breakfasts and cabins to choose from, it’s pretty easy to find a budget hotel near Bryce Canyon in Tropic.
While the town is very small, there are a few restaurants and a grocery store along Main Street, so you’ll be able to pick up supplies if you’re road-tripping or camping.
This is where I stayed on my last trip to Utah, since the prices were lower a few minutes outside the park. I still found it really quick and easy to get to the entrance and park and ride.
Where to Stay in Tropic
Cannonville
Cannonville is one of the most convenient towns near Bryce Canyon National Park, just 15 miles from the entry. It’s also 7 miles from Kodachrome Basin State Park, where you can hike amongst towering red rock formations.
There are just a handful of places to stay here and even fewer amenities, but the larger town of Tropic is just 5 miles up the road for restaurants.
Where to Stay in Cannonville
Panguitch
If you’re looking for the closest cities near Bryce Canyon, Panguitch is less than 30 minutes away from the national park. Less than 2,000 people live here, so it definitely has more of a small-town feel.
The old-timey Main Street district in Panguitch has a few places to eat and shop. The retro motels and small inns here tend to be more affordable than spots just outside the national park.
Where to Stay in Panguitch
Escalante
For small cities near Bryce Canyon, Escalante is worth a look. It’s nearly an hour east of the park, but it’s a great midway point if you’re driving in from Capitol Reef National Park or a base for exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
There’s a Main Street that runs through the center of town with a inns, shops, eateries and outdoor outfitters. A few popular sights nearby include Lower Calf Creek Falls, the slot canyons along Hole in the Rock Road, and Kodachrome Basin State Park.
Where to Stay in Escalante
Hatch
Hatch is one of the best towns near Bryce Canyon, located just 25 miles west of the national park and 50 miles from Zion. Amenities are limited, but you’ll find hotels and a couple of cafes along the highway, and ranches and retreats in the nearby countryside. You’ll really feel far from the crowds in this spot.
Where to Stay in Hatch
Glendale
The teeny town of Glendale is about 50 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park and 20 from the Zion National Park east entrance station, so it’s a great base if you’re looking for towns near Bryce Canyon and Zion. The hotel supply is pretty limited, though.
Where to Stay in Glendale
Orderville/Mount Carmel Junction
Orderville spans several miles of the U.S. Route 89 west of Bryce Canyon and includes small, unincorporated communities like Mount Carmel and Mount Carmel Junction. If you’re looking for towns near Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park, it’s one of the best central locations.
Accommodations and amenities are scarce and scattered, though. Orderville is about 55 miles from Bryce Canyon and less than 20 miles from the east entrance to Zion.
Where to Stay in Orderville
This is How to Plan a Zion and Bryce Canyon Trip
Kanab
While Kanab is about 75 miles from the national park, it’s a great base for exploring famous destinations in southern Utah and northern Arizona. The small town near Bryce is also centrally located to Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon North Rim, and Page and Lake Powell — all less than 80 miles away.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Buckskin Gulch slot canyon, the Toadstool Hoodoos, and tons of other adventures and hiking trails are even closer.
The town is set up for tourists, with restaurants, shops and an array of lodging near Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, including some national chains, small hotels, and local inns and hostels.
Where to Stay in Kanab
10 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Zion National Park in Utah
Looking for the best town to stay in when visiting Zion National Park? These cities near Zion National Park range from small scenic communities to larger hubs full of hotels and restaurants. We’ve also added recommendations for exactly where to stay near Zion for camping under the stars, sitting fireside at a cozy lodge, or enjoying modern hotel amenities.
These towns and cities near Zion National Park are the best places to stay during your Utah vacation.
Road tripping through Utah and looking for the closest city to Zion National Park? I’ve rounded up all the best communities and towns near Zion that are most convenient to the park.
Towns near Zion National Park range from gateway villages in the shadow of the canyon to small cities full of hotels and restaurants. Overall, there are more options on the south side of the park, but the east side can be a great base for getting to other attractions in Southern Utah.
Below are my recommendations for exactly where to stay near Zion, whether you’re hoping to camp under the stars, sit fireside at a cozy lodge, check into a modern hotel full of amenities, or horseback ride at a rustic ranch.
Keep reading for my favorite Zion towns and cities.
Cities and Towns Near Zion National Park
Zion Lodge and Campgrounds
Did you know you can actually stay inside the national park at a hotel or campground? The Zion National Park Lodge is in Zion Canyon, with views of the walls towering overhead. The South and Watchman Campgrounds are located near the visitor center and the remote Lava Point Campground is about an hour north of Springdale.
Reservations for the Watchman campground are available a few months ahead, but the South campground can only be booked within a couple of weeks of your stay. Lava Point is typically only open May through September with a few primitive, first-come, first-serve sites.
The Zion lodge opens reservations 13 months ahead and is popular, so make sure you reserve well ahead of time. There is a restaurant and seasonal cafe onsite and accommodations in cabins, rooms and suites.
Escape Campervans has fully-equipped vans and jeeps with kitchenettes that can sleep up to five people. The closest pickup locations to Zion are in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Denver, Phoenix and Los Angeles.
Springdale
If you’re looking for the closest town to Zion National Park, Springdale wins, hands down. The small town is just outside the park boundaries at the south entrance gate and is full of hotels, restaurants and outdoor recreation vendors.
The national park operates a shuttle between the park entrance and nine stops in Springdale. When the visitor center lot in Zion National Park is full (which happens most mornings during tourist season), Springdale is the overflow parking zone, with paid parking in lots and along the road.
While Springdale is definitely the most convenient place to stay near Zion, accommodations here fill up fast and are expensive. On the plus side, though, you may not have to pay for Springdale parking if your hotel has private parking included.
Where to Stay in Springdale
Rockville
Rockville is one of the next closest towns near Zion National Park, just 5 miles from the south entrance. Located along the Virgin River, Rockville only has a few inns and bed-and-breakfasts. It is less crowded and has a more residential feeling than Springdale.
While you won’t find much here in the way of dining or entertainment, the town is less than a 10-minute drive from the shops and restaurants of Springdale.
If you’re looking for a hidden gem near Zion, you can drive across the river from Rockville to the Grafton ghost town. The late 1800s-era village down an unpaved road has a handful of original wooden buildings, a cemetery, and orchards and farmlands with a canyon backdrop.
Where to Stay in Rockville
Virgin
A little further down the river, Virgin is a town near Zion with hotels and glamping accommodations along State Route 9 and the scenic and remote Kolob Terrace Road.
The main part of the sleepy town is about a 20-minute drive from Springdale and the national park. There are just a couple of eateries and shops in Virgin, but more amenities are in La Verkin and Hurricane, about 10 miles away.
Where to Stay in Virgin
La Verkin
Located at the intersection of routes 9 and 17, La Verkin is one of the closest cities to Zion National Park, and a great base if you’re looking for more affordable hotels near Zion.
Along with neighboring Hurricane, La Verkin has a selection of accommodations and amenities to rival Springdale, just without the crowded bustle of the gateway town. Here, you’ll find a mix of well-known chains and smaller local properties.
La Verkin is about 20 miles from the south entrance to Zion.
Where to Stay in La Verkin
Hurricane
Just a couple miles south of La Verkin, Hurricane is a bigger town near Zion and has golf courses, a wide selection of restaurants, and a pair of waterfront state parks on the outskirts of the city.
Several budget chain hotels are represented here, and prices are much cheaper than in Springdale. From here, it’s about a 30-minute drive to either the Zion Visitor Center or the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center in the less crowded northern section of the national park. This is a great place to stay near Zion if you’re driving in and out from Las Vegas.
Where to Stay in Hurricane
St. George
Of all the cities near Zion National Park, St. George is the largest and has a small airport with flights from a handful of major airlines. If you’re looking for where to stay near Zion National Park for bigger city amenities, St. George is a great choice.
There are tons of options for hotels here, so this is where to look when the other towns are mostly sold out or just for having a base to explore the southwest corner of Utah. Options range from modern chains downtown near shops and restaurants to resorts on the scenic outskirts.
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Snow Canyon State Park are just north of the city with beautiful cliffs and places to hike, climb and horseback ride. The Zion south entrance is 40 miles east, while the Kolob Canyons section of the national park is about 35 miles north.
Where to Stay in St. George
Orderville/Mount Carmel Junction
The town of Orderville stretches for several miles along U.S. Route 89 to the east of the park, wrapping in the unincorporated communities of Mount Carmel and Mount Carmel Junction. This is a highly trafficked zone connecting Zion and Bryce national parks, but amenities are scarce and spread out beyond a tiny downtown in Orderville.
To get to the park from this town near Zion, you take an incredibly scenic drive down State Route 9 that turns into the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.
After passing the East Entrance Station to the park, the road twists and turns around pink and orange sandstone hills before passing through a 1.1-mile tunnel and then winding down switchbacks into the canyon. The 1930 tunnel and highway are on the National Register of Historic Places.
From Mt. Carmel Junction, it’s about 15 miles to the east park entrance and 25 miles to the visitor center. Hotels, motels, cabins and lodges are scattered along routes 89 and 9.
Where to Stay in Mount Carmel Junction
Glendale
There aren’t many places to stay in Glendale, just north of Orderville, but the tiny town near Zion is convenient if you want a base between the national park, 30 minutes to an hour west, and Bryce Canyon National Park, about an hour northeast.
Where to Stay in Glendale
Kanab
Kanab is one of the largest cities near Zion on the east side, even though it only has a population of around 5,000. It makes a great base for southern Utah and northern Arizona adventures, centrally located between Bryce Canyon, 75 miles north, the Grand Canyon North Rim, 80 miles south, Zion Canyon, 40 miles west, and Page and Lake Powell, 75 miles east in Arizona.
Other popular destinations like Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, the Toadstool Hoodoos and Buckskin Gulch slot canyon are even closer, as well as miles of and miles of hiking trails.
Downtown Kanab has shops, restaurants and an array of hotel choices, including national chains and smaller inns. Prices here are comparable to the towns a few miles away from the south entrance to Zion, and much cheaper than Springdale.
These are the closest towns to Bryce Canyon National Park
Where to Stay in Kanab
5 of the Best Unique Places to Stay In Iceland
These cozy cabins and boutique hotels with views of lakes, glaciers and the Northern Lights are some of the most unique places to stay in Iceland. If you’re wondering where to stay in Iceland, these are recommendations we know you’ll love.
Some of the best places to stay in Iceland are out in the wilderness with lakes, waterfalls and the Northern Lights for neighbors.
Lakefront cabins under the Northern Lights, guesthouses on sheep farms, boutique hotels with waterfall views — these are just a few of the many unique places to stay in Iceland.
If you’re planning a road trip around the Nordic island, you may be wondering where to stay in Iceland outside of Reykjavik. While there are a few Icelandic chains like Fosshotel, Icelandair Hotels and Kea Hotels in populated areas, it’s just as common to encounter hostels, family-owned inns and scenic campgrounds, perfect for campervan road trips around the island.
For an October visit to Iceland, we decided to try out a few different styles of accommodations along a route that stretched as far east as Höfn and as far west as the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which is a little less than halfway around the Ring Road that circles the island. We wanted spots away from light pollution, for the best chance to see the aurora borealis.
Overall, we had positive experiences at each place and can recommend them all for being safe, clean and moderately priced for Iceland. We averaged less than $150 a night for accommodations in the low season. You might pay more in summer.
Check out these five unique places to stay in Iceland and scroll down to the bottom for tips on searching for and booking Iceland accommodations.
Read Next: This Iceland Packing Checklist Will Help You Prep for Your Trip
5 Unique Places to Stay in Iceland
These unique places to stay in Iceland are scattered around the island and include everything from private cottages on a lake to historic hostels.
Arnanes Country Hotel in Höfn
The cozy cabin vibes are strong here, with wood planked walls and minimalist decor, though you’ll still enjoy modern amenities like WIFI and a TV in most spaces. There are several accommodation sizes to choose from with and without private toilets, ideal for everyone from singles to small families. Bathrooms have soap, shampoo and hair dryers, and our room even had extra pillows.
On top of free tea and coffee in the rooms, there’s a complimentary, basic breakfast buffet in the hotel’s intimate seasonal restaurant. Additional places to eat are just a few minutes away in Höfn.
Nearby attractions: Höfn swimming pool (4 miles), Vestrahorn/Stokksnes Peninsula (6 miles), Hoffellsjökull glacier (8 miles), Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (45 miles), Vatnajokull National Park (80 miles, visitors center in Höfn, 4 miles)
Hotel Katla in Vik
The hotel has more than 100 rooms in few different sizes, including large suites for families or groups. In-room amenities include desks, TVs, WIFI, tea kettles and a range of shower supplies (shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion and a hairdryer). There are a few buildings on the property with differing room styles. Some have a woodsy cabin look and others are more sleek and modern.
A free breakfast buffet is served in the hotel’s spacious restaurant and features a spread of meats, cheeses, baked goods, waffles and juices. With Vik nearby, you’ll have a handful of eatery options if you don’t want to dine from the hotel’s locally sourced menu, though you’ll definitely want to spend some time on the property soaking in the geothermal hot tub outside.
Nearby attractions: Reynisfjara Beach (10 miles), Dyrhólaey (15 miles), Skogafoss (25 miles), Laufskálavarða (21 miles), Eldhraun Lava Field (30 miles), Fjadrargljufur Canyon (40 miles)
Hotel Hella in Hella
The style of this property is an interesting blend with some sleek and modern areas, and others designed classically with floral wallpaper, sconces and antique-looking furniture. The long, narrow hall lined with bedroom doors even reminded me a bit of the hotel from “The Shining.” You can choose from single, double and triple rooms with WIFI and private baths (soap and shampoo provided but no hairdryer in our room), or book twin rooms with shared baths for a lower-budget option.
The hotel’s dining room serves a free breakfast buffet in the morning with delicious pastries, fresh bread, creamy spreads (like pepper and salmon), cereal and the typical Icelandic selection of meats and cheeses. There’s also a coffee and tea station you can help yourself to throughout the day. The gas station right next door has a dining area and a Quiznos (of all places) plus a selection of quick-fix meals and sandwiches. There’s also a supermarket steps away to stock up on picnic supplies.
Nearby attractions: Kerid crater and the Golden Circle (30 miles), Seljalandsfoss (21 miles), Skogafoss (38 miles), Haifoss (55 miles), Landmannalaugar (62 miles)
Lake Thingvellir Cottages in Thingvallavatn
Sitting on the centerpiece lake of Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir in Icelandic), Lake Thingvellir Cottages have jealousy-inducing views of the water and surrounding mountains. A little deck and wall of windows on each is perfect for soaking up the scenery indoors and out. Plus, with no towns around to provide night pollution, there’s great potential to spot the Northern Lights when they’re active.
Four fully equipped cottages with a tiny-house feel are available with a choice of one or two bedrooms, perfect for families and small groups. Towels and linens are provided, and there are cozy places to lounge and dine in the open and airy living space. Special touches like matching decorations and dishes and a guestbook to sign really put this place over the edge.
Each cabin has a mini kitchen stocked with just about anything you need to cook a toaster oven or stovetop meal. Supplies include everything from pots, cutting boards and can openers to olive oil, spices and hot drinks. If you grab some groceries in Reykjavik on the way here, you can stick them in the fridge and use the property as a home base for exploring the popular Golden Circle.
*Note: This property does not have a reception building, you have to call a phone number to check-in upon arrival.
Nearby attractions: Thingvellir National Park (2 miles), Silfra fissure (5 miles), Geysir (39 miles), Gullfoss (45 miles), Glymur (32 miles), Reykjavik (22 miles)
The Old Post Office Guesthouse in Grundarfjordur
Rooms for one to three people are clean and white, with amenities like desks, TVs and free WIFI. Some have shared baths and other private facilities. Our accommodations had a sink in the room and cute tote bags stuffed with a towel to carry your things back and forth to the shower. Ask for a room facing the ocean if possible.
Breakfast is not included here, but the shared kitchen downstairs is available to cook your own meals. We were definitely tempted to make some new friends when we woke up to the smell of bacon. The little seaside town of Grundarfjordur also has a handful of restaurants plus a grocery store with a hot dog counter (they were delicious).
Nearby attractions: Kirkjufellsfoss (1 mile), Skarðsvík Beach (25 miles), Saxholl Crater (27 miles), Djúpalónssandur Beach (36 miles), Londrangar (36 miles), Búðakirkja (23 miles), Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge (29 miles)
Tips for Where to Stay in Iceland
2. Accommodations tend to be more expensive and book up fast in summer, and you won’t always have a lot of choices in a particular locale. So if you find something you like, reserve it while you can (and pay attention to available cancellation policies in case you find something better).
3. Reception desks won’t be open 24/7 in most locations, so when you book, look for check-in instructions that tell you to arrive before a certain hour or call a number when you get there.
4. All of the unique Iceland accommodations above come with the basics like towels and bedding, but if you opt for a hostel, they might charge you a rental fee for linens.
5. Booking a property with a kitchen or free breakfast will help you save on one of the pricey parts of visiting Iceland — eating out. If you get creative, even just a coffee pot or electric kettle works for basic meals like ramen noodles, mac and cheese in a cup, or oatmeal.
Where to Stay on Santorini Greece: How to Find the Best Villages and Views
Trying to decide where to stay on Santorini Greece? This guide to Santorini hotels and resorts will help you pick the perfect one, whether that’s a cliffside suite with a sparkling pool, a beachy resort near the black-sand shores, or something a little more budget-friendly. We’ll break down the best areas to stay in Santorini along the caldera coast and beyond the most popular towns.
This guide to where to stay in Santorini, Greece, includes the best village, resorts and amenities you can find on the island.
Trying to decide where to stay on Santorini in Greece? Tons of gorgeous villages, villas and vacation rentals fill the island. Just look to the cliffside of the caldera, where some of the best places to stay in Santorini are carved into the hills offering views of sailboats, sunsets and that stunning cerulean sea.
This guide to Santorini hotels and resorts will help you pick the perfect one, whether that’s a luxury suite with a sparkling pool, a beachy resort near the black-sand shores, or a budget-friendly room in a family-owned inn.
We’ll break down the best areas to stay in Santorini along the caldera side and beyond the most popular towns. Read to the end to find out where we stayed and recommend and check out this Santorini itinerary for what to do on the island.
Where to Stay in Santorini Greece
This map of where to stay on Santorini shows the locations of the towns and villages below. There are tons of options along the caldera coastline, which has the best views on the Greek island.
Fira and Firostefani
The capital of Santorini, Fira is centrally located along the caldera side and a hub for bus routes to the rest of the island, making it one of the top places to stay on Santorini. It’s the island’s center of commerce, so walking to restaurants and shops from your Fira hotel should be a breeze.
In town, you can visit a few museums, browse for souvenirs, or set off on the famous Fira to Oia hike along the coastline.
Since cruise tender boats dock at the old harbor below Fira, the town gets a bit crowded when multiple ships call at the port simultaneously. To take advantage of Fira’s amenities while avoiding some of the bustle, look for spots in neighboring Firostefani, about a 15-minute walk north of central Fira along the coast.
Most people looking for where to stay in Santorini consider Fira as one of the top choices.
Fira Hotels
Oia
Consistently considered as one of the best places to stay in Santorini, Oia offers that classic look of whitewashed buildings cascading down the cliffside and blue domes dotting the panorama here and there. It’s equally famous for its sunsets over the Aegean Sea.
Super popular among tourists, you’ll find plenty of boutiques and eateries along the stone streets here. Some of the best things to do in Oia include visiting the castle ruins for views of the coastline, swimming and rock jumping in Amoudi Bay, and picking up gifts at the local handicraft shops.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Santorini, you definitely can’t go wrong with a cliffside Oia resort!
Oia Hotels
Imerovigli
Tucked between Fira and Oia on the caldera coast, Imerovigli is a serene gem in the midst of the island’s busiest zones. It’s the highest village along this stretch of coastline, so the views are immaculate from cliffside hotels. And it’s one of my favorite places to stay on Santorini!
There’s not as much to do along the winding alleys of whitewashed Imerovigli, which keeps things a bit calmer, but you’ll still find a few restaurants in walking range. Plus, Fira is less than 2 miles away. If you stay here, consider hiking out to the ruins on Skaros Rock to watch the sunset, or hopping on the coastal trail toward Oia, about 5 miles from Imerovigli.
Imerovigli Hotels
Pyrgos
When you’re searching for where to stay in Santorini, places like Pyrgos don’t usually show up as often. The centrally located town winds up an inland hill, its white and creamy painted buildings lining stone streets and narrow alleys. It’s got that hidden gem feel but still offers an array of eateries, a cultural museum, and castle ruins with a view.
Other inland towns with similar vibes to consider include Karterados just outside Fira and Emporia, a couple of miles south of Pyrgos.
Pyrgos Hotels
The pricier villas and luxury hotels in Pyrgos offer elevated vistas and sparkling pools, while a few lower-budget options are scattered throughout the village and on the outskirts.
Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos
If you’re wondering where to stay in Santorini for the beach, consider this trio of towns on the eastern coast of the island, one of the best locations to stay in Santorini. They each offer a sweeping beachfront of black sand with organized amenities and water sports.
Kamari is the northernmost and has 5-star resorts and a restaurant-filled promenade. Neighboring Perissa and Perivolos are separated from Kamari by volcanic hills and offer tons of budget-friendly hotels with pools just a short walk from the sea.
All three towns are in hiking distance to the ruins of Ancient Thera, on a hilltop between Kamari and Perissa. You can visit the excavation site to see the remains of ancient temples and markets as well as coastal panoramas of Santorini’s east side.
Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos Hotels
Megalochori and Mesaria
These two towns sit above the main ferry port for Santorini on the caldera coast, one on either side and just a couple miles from each other. They’re both less developed than the uber-popular villages to the north, with fewer cliffside villas spaced out a bit more.
The central village of Megalochori is a few blocks inland and has those classic blue-domed churches the island is famous for. Hikes along the coast here offer stunning views looking toward Oia and Imerovigli on the other end of the island.
Mesaria on the north side of the port has a couple of cultural museums and galleries to peruse as well as a 19th-century mansion open for tours. It’s just a couple miles from Fira’s amenities as well.
These towns are among the best places to stay on Santorini to avoid the crowds.
Megalochori and Mesaria Hotels
Akrotiri
Not to be confused with the prehistoric archaeological site you’ll likely visit on your Santorini vacation, Akrotiri refers to the southern peninsula of the island. This zone includes the ancient ruins, a hillside town with a Venetian castle, the famous red beach, and a lighthouse at the tip. This is a great place to stay in Santorini that feels a little more off-the-beaten-path than the uber-popular villages on the opposite end of the island.
Akrotiri Hotels
Tips for Where to Stay in Santorini
Use these tips for where to stay in Santorini to find the best views, dreamiest pools, and budget-friendly options.
Which Part of Santorini is the Best to Stay in for First-Time Visitors?
The caldera side of the island has the best views, so I recommend picking a spot along the west coast. The towns on this side of Santorini look upon the cerulean caldera sea and its handful of islets. You can also typically see at least one of the white-painted cliffside villages along the curved inner shore. Hotels and villas on this strand take advantage of the higher elevation, often built into the cliffs with stunning sunset views.
Should I Book a Santorini Hotel With a Pool?
I recommend booking a Santorini hotel with a pool if it fits your budget. You’ll want to spend a lot of time lounging poolside on the sun-soaked island, so select a Santorini villa or hotel that includes a place to swim. These are pretty easy to come by, even among lower-priced accommodations, but the pricier options will typically offer the best views from their pool decks. If you’re looking for where to stay in Santorini with a pool, you’ll definitely have luck searching in Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli.
How to Find Budget-Friendly Hotels in Santorini
If you’re looking for where to stay in Santorini on a budget, I recommend searching away from the caldera coast. Accommodations span the entire island, and you may find something surprisingly affordable if you get creative.
You may only hear about places to stay on Santorini like Oia and Fira, where tourist amenities pack in tight with hotels, but accommodations are scattered around the whole island. The northwestern zone certainly stuns with its views, but if you’re looking for a more authentic village, a serene and lux place away from crowds, or something budget-friendly, refer to some of the other towns listed above.
Budget options are available. Sure, the sparkling pools and private decks on the caldera coast come at a cost, but you can get creative to reserve something in your price range. You’ll be hard-pressed to find much below $100 a night in Oia, so look to the outskirts of towns, the beach destinations like Perissa, and options like apartment rentals for a tight budget. Choosing dates outside the peak summer season and booking early will open more options, too.
Consider How You Will Get Around
You will want to keep in mind how you plan to get around when booking your stay. If you rent a vehicle, the options are endless, but to be able to walk to shops and restaurants, you’ll want to stay in a village. There are buses that run routes connecting Fira to other destinations around Santorini, and taxi rides are pretty economical given the small size of the island.
Which is Better Oia or Fira?
I really can’t tell you that one is absolutely better than the other. A lot of it depends on what you are looking for and what your budget is. Oia tends to have more of a lux and romantic vibe with tons of cliffside resorts with pools. It is crowded here during the day but quieter at night. Fira is the capital of Santorini and tends to be better for nightlife. From here you’ll have views of Santorini in the distance.
My personal favorite is actually Imerovigli in between the two. It tends to be more overlooked as a place to stay but incredibly scenic. You’ll see lots of flowing dress photo shoots taking place here during the day. At night, it’s super quiet and peaceful. And the hotels here tend to be cheaper than in Oia but still offer breathtaking views from the highest points of the island.
Santorini Hotel Recommendations
Painted in classic white, the hotel has cozy, cave-style rooms with terraces and private balconies and a pool deck where a scrumptious breakfast is served each morning.
Considering its prime location and panoramas, it’s much cheaper than similar style stays in Oia, but the lower-priced rooms tend to fill up fast. We especially recommend it for couples and honeymooners as Imerovigli offers serene and secluded vibes. The property doesn’t accept guests under the age of 12, but there is a family suite that fits five.
Where to Stay on Milos Greece: How to Find the Best Milos Hotels
Looking for where to stay on Milos, Greece? This stunning Cyclades island is full of colorful fishing villages, hilltop towns with converted windmills, and a bustling port lined with boutiques and open-air cafes. We’ve narrowed down the most popular and convenient hubs to help you pinpoint the best place to stay in Milos.
Looking for where to stay on Milos, Greece? This guide will help you narrow down the best locations, accommodations and amenities on the Greek island.
The stunning island of Milos, Greece, is full of colorful fishing villages, hilltop towns with stone streets and panoramic vistas, and a bustling port lined with boutiques and open-air cafes.
When you’re looking for places to stay in Milos, locating the perfect accommodations can be a little tricky. You won’t find familiar chains and big resorts in this seaside community. Instead, Milos hotels come in the form of small guest houses in storied buildings, windmills converted into apartments, and serene luxury villas steps from turquoise waves.
We’ve narrowed down the most popular and convenient hubs to help you pinpoint the best place to stay in Milos, as well as some of the best things to do in Milos near each town. Keep in mind that more remote options exist, too, if you’re willing to rent a car to get around.
Where to Stay on Milos Greece
This list has some of the best villages in Milos and ideas for things to do and where to stay in each one.
Adamas Milos
Come evening around the town square in Adamas, you’ll spot local children running and riding their bikes, young moms pushing strollers and gabbing, and older gentlemen sipping drinks and smoking cigars at sidewalk tables or on the deck of nearby boats. It’s a refreshingly nostalgic scene, especially given that Adamas is one of Milos’ most popular and touristed towns — yet still so quiet compared to nearby islands.
The harbor town of Adamas (or Adamantas) serves as a hub for retail, restaurants and rentals, since most visitors to the island pass through the area even if they stay elsewhere. Ferries dock here, as well as local boats and the occasional cruise ship.
Along the waterfront of the bay and the few blocks behind, you’ll find open-air cafes, grocery markets, a few souvenir and retail shops, car and ATV lenders, and small hotels, many operating more like guesthouses.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Milos for convenience, it makes a great base, as the majority of bus routes link the town to the island’s top beaches, historic sites and villages.
Adamas Hotels
As one of the most popular places to stay in Milos, there’s a wide selection of accommodation choices here, so you’re likely to find a good deal if you’re on a tight budget.
Things to do in Adamas
The Milos Mining Museum is about half a mile from the port and has displays of the island’s minerals, historic tools and topographical maps. It’s a great spot to learn more about Milos’ natural features and formations before heading off and seeing them for yourself.
Boat tours to Kleftiko are one of the most popular excursions from Adamas. The stunning rock features of the Kleftiko bay are on the remote southwest end of the island, so many excursions depart from more popular Adamas. You can join a full or half-day sailing trip that includes swimming and snorkeling stops.
Attractions like Sarakiniko Beach, Klima village, Plaka town and the Ancient Theater of Milos are also just 15 minutes or so away.
Pollonia Milos
Wondering where to stay in Milos on the northern end of the island? Another waterfront town, Pollonia is an even more mellow alternative to Adamas.
The town centers around a sandy beachfront and small boat dock, with open-air restaurants facing the sea, along with a handful of boutiques and shops. Given the laid-back atmosphere and wide swath of sand with lots of shade, it’s a great place to stay on Milos with family in tow.
Buses stop here as well, and the town is only about a 15-minute drive from Adamas, with some of the island’s top sightseeing spots even closer.
Pollonia Hotels
Things to do in Pollonia
Popular Sarakiniko beach with it’s smooth, grayish-white rocks is on the north coast, about 5 miles away from Pollonia. Often called Moon Beach for its lunar look, the shoreline here ranges from dramatic, sheer cliffs to smoothed down slopes and a small sandy patch that allows snorkelers and swimmers to slip in and out of the clear sea. The intriguing landscape is also fun to explore on foot.
The ruins of Phylakopi are about a mile from Pollonia. The Bronze Age settlement is now mostly rubble, but you can stroll the archeological site and read signage to learn more about ancient town.
Plaka Milos
The chief town of Milos, hilltop Plaka features all those white-painted buildings with charming blue shutters that make for a picturesque Greek island destination. Strolling the stone streets and narrow alleys here, you’re sure to stumble upon a sidewalk cafe, lazing cat and potted plants blooming in bright colors.
Given its array of shopping and dining, elevated position (great for coastal views), and public transit connectivity, it’s a popular place to stay on Milos. Not to mention the handful of museums and historic sites nearby.
Plaka Hotels
Things to do in Plaka
Plaka Castle sits on a hill above the town, overlooking the white skyline. Once a Venetian landmark, it’s now mostly in ruins, but after an easy walk up to the peak, you’ll find a small white church and courtyard with 360-degree views of every coast of Milos.
A few museums around town include the Archeological Museum of Milos, with it’s Bronze Age excavation and replica of the famous “Venus de Milo” statue found nearby, and the War Museum, a small operation set up in an old German bunker from World War II.
Nearby historic gems include the Catacombs of Milos and Ancient Theater of Milos, both less than a mile away in nearby Trypiti.
Trypiti Milos
Just a stone’s throw from Plaka, and somewhat of a smaller version just downhill, Trypiti offers a modest selection of cafes and shops, unique Milos accommodations housed in historic dwellings and windmills, and elevated views toward the sea.
Buses connect the town to hotspots around the island, so getting around without a car here won’t be a problem. Plus, a few of the island’s most interesting historic sites are within walking distance, if you don’t mind trudging down and uphill.
It’s less than 3 miles from Adamas and a mile from Plaka, so those with a vehicle will find it simple to go back and forth between the hubs, making this a convenient place to stay in Milos.
Trypiti Hotels
Things to do in Trypiti
Once a place of refuge for Christians from Roman persecution, the Catacombs of Milos also serve as an ancient burial site and date to the 1st century. Parts of the historic landmark are open to the public for a small fee and the catacombs are just a 10-minute walk from Trypiti.
The Ancient Theater of Milos was built sometime between the 1st and 4th centuries and covered in marble, but it fell into disuse and disarray before being rediscovered some 300 years ago. The uncovered part of the arena is opened to visitors and located along a short trail that also passes the discovery site of the famous “Venus de Milo” statue.
The seaside town of Klima sits about a mile downhill from Trypiti. Once a fishing village, it’s now mostly abandoned, but worth a visit to see the brightly painted and color-coordinating boat garages, some of which host overnight stays. Just a couple of seasonal shops and cafes operate here, but it’s an excellent spot to watch the sunset looking westward over the water.
How many days do you need for Milos?
I recommend spending at least three or four days on Milos to explore the different beaches and fishing villages and take a boat tour. The island is so beautiful, though, that it would be easy to spend a whole week of vacation here with a mix of relaxing and exploring.
This is How to Staycation at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Looking for a fun Disney vacation that doesn’t involve crowded parks, overpriced tickets and long lines? A Disney hotel staycation has all the magic without the fuss. We recommend checking into the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for its abundance of amenities and proximity to three other hotels on Crescent Lake. This guide has the scoop on activities and tips for booking a Disney staycation.
This Disney staycation at the Swan and Dolphin Resort is perfect for a low-key family getaway.
Looking for a fun Disney vacation without the crowded parks, overpriced tickets and long lines? A Disney hotel staycation has all the magic without the fuss.
When picking where to check in for a Disney hotel staycation, we recommend one of the resort hubs with multiple properties in walking distance — and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort on Crescent Lake is the perfect location.
You get access to multiple pools, outdoor sports and activities, 17 restaurants and lounges, and a huge spa facility at the Swan and Dolphin. And, it’s just a 10-minute stroll around a scenic lake to three other Disney resorts. Plus, if you do decide to pop into a park, Epcot and Hollywood Studios are a short walk or boat ride away.
Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin are actually two separate hotel buildings, but they’re both managed by Marriott International and share amenities like the resort pool deck and a sandy lagoon beachfront. Since they’re on Disney property, they also have guest perks like complimentary Disney transportation to theme parks, Extra Magic Hours, and character dining on-site.
The Swan and Dolphin are both four-star resorts, but they’re typically much cheaper than their neighboring Disney Deluxe hotels — Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Swan and Dolphin staycation guests can enjoy the lounges, beachfront, restaurants and lakeside walking path at these properties.
We’ve rounded up the 10 best things to do at the Swan and Dolphin for a Disney staycation. Scroll to the bottom for info on how to find the best deals and book a stay.
10 Things to Do at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort
Splash in the Pools
The huge pool deck at the Swan and Dolphin wraps around a sandy beach and lagoon between the two hotels and is the perfect spot to hang out on a summer or spring staycation. Features like a waterfall grotto, lush palm tree landscaping and whirlpools nestled into coves give off tropical resort vibes. You can even reserve a poolside cabana with a mini-fridge, TV and fruit bowl included.
Kids will love the twisty slide, kiddie pool, deck games and floats you can rent from a beach hut. There is also a playground a few steps from the pool on the sandy beach.
With two poolside restaurants available, you can stick to the lounge chairs all day. Just pull out the Swan and Dolphin app to order.
Walk Around Crescent Lake
One of the best features of Disney’s Swan and Dolphin hotels is the proximity to Crescent Lake. Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club and BoardWalk Inn ring the waterfront, opening up more than a dozen extra dining options and a few shops. Try the BoardWalk Bakery for morning pastries and coffee or grab a burger and milkshake from the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.
While you can’t access the pools at these neighboring properties without being a guest, you can enjoy the other public spaces like a sandy beach, indoor lounge areas and lakeside tables on the boardwalk.
It’s about a mile loop to walk around the lake or you can rent surrey bikes for a fun family ride.
Ride the Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner stops at the International Gateway at Epcot, which is about a half-mile walk from the Swan and Dolphin, right next to the Beach Club.
From Epcot, the colorful Skyliner gondolas go to a transit hub at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and connect to Hollywood Studios and the Riviera, Art of Animation and Pop Century resorts.
You can take a ride to hotel hop for more dining and entertainment options or just to enjoy the sights from above (look out for landmarks like the Epcot ball and Tower of Terror).
Lounge on the Sandy Beach
The white sand beach at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin sits on a lagoon with views of the colorful hotels. You can play a game of beach volleyball or simply relax in one of the lounge chairs while the kids run around on the playground or build sandcastles.
Have a Fancy Dinner Out
With 17 restaurants and lounges on the Swan and Dolphin property, plus a dozen more in walking distance, you’ll have plenty of dining options during a Disney hotel staycation.
For a romantic meal out, make a reservation for seafood at Todd English’s bluezoo, sushi at Kimonos, pasta at Trattoria Il Mulino, or ribeyes at Shula’s Steakhouse. The Dolphin typically runs an evening kids camp for date night, but it’s not currently open.
More casual options include a Mediterranean buffet, the Fountain for burgers and sandwiches, and Garden Grove for breakfast, lunch and weekend Disney character dining.
Play Games
You’ll find all sorts of different family-friendly games and activities around the Swan and Dolphin property. Arcades on the first floor of the Dolphin and at the neighboring Crescent Lake resorts have video games and air hockey.
Near the pool deck, you’ll find outdoor activities like cornhole, oversized chess, water volleyball and ping pong.
Rent a Boat
Did you know you can rent boats to explore the lakes on Disney property? The Swan and Dolphin have little boats shaped like swans to pedal around the lagoon but wander over to the Yacht Club marina to rent larger motorized vessels you can drive around Crescent Lake.
If you want to take a free ride just for fun, the water transit boats from Epcot and Hollywood Studios stop at the Swan and Dolphin.
Try a Spa Treatment
The Balinese-style Mandara Spa at the Swan and Dolphin features a tea garden and meditation garden inside the 10,500-square-foot haven. Treat yourself to a body polish or deep-tissue massage, or pop in for a spa manicure and pedicure.
Stay Active
There are tons of ways to keep active during a Disney hotel staycation at the Swan and Dolphin. The health clubs in each hotel feature amenities like a yoga room, weight training equipment, Peloton spin classes and on-demand video workouts.
Outdoors, you can swim laps in the Swan’s pool, play beach or pool volleyball, or jog the running path (maps for different trail lengths are available in the fitness centers).
Play a Round of (Mini) Golf
Disney’s Fantasia Gardens and Fairways mini golf courses are right across the street from the Swan and Dolphin. Perfect for families, the Gardens course has typical putt-putt obstacles and colorful characters, while the Fairways is designed more like a mini version of a standard golf course, full of sand traps and water hazards.
If you want to level up to real golf, Swan and Dolphin guests can book advanced tee times at three 18-hole courses and a 9-hole walking course on Disney property. Footgolf is also available at the Oak Trail course.
How to Book a Disney Hotel Staycation at the Swan and Dolphin
Where to Book Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Hotel
Rooms and suites at the two hotels come with double, queen or king beds, plus perks like balconies, lagoon views and Epcot fireworks views.
