Reading the title above may seem like a bit of nonsense because almost any mountain vacation might easily rank as “the best” possible destination. If, however, you are getting a bit of cabin fever during the current pandemic and eagerly awaiting a chance to once again travel and enjoy a holiday, you might be thinking “where are the best mountain vacations near me,” so that you can enjoy a holiday of this variety as soon as possible.
If you are in the United States, you will be glad to know that there are excellent and cheap mountain vacations in most regions of the country. Whether you are in the far northern climes of Maine and New Hampshire, the southern areas of Tennessee, or far west in California or Colorado, there are options for the best mountain vacations in the US.
It is best to look for answers to that question of “where are the top mountain vacations near me” from a regional perspective, as well. This is the best way to identify those closest to your home or wherever you intend to explore. For example, the person who is vacationing in an area like San Diego, CA can easily reach places like Yosemite National Park and the mountains there. The traveler who is visiting Knoxville, TN is just a short drive to the Smoky Mountains, and so on.
Why Mountain Vacations in the USA?
Although we also noted that it might be necessary to look for cheap mountain destinations, the simple fact of the matter is that almost all of the best areas for mountain vacations in the USA come with many affordable options. For example, there are a large variety of cabins and private villas available to those who head into the mountains, and though it may seem as if they are luxurious, they are also affordable.
How? The price you pay to stay in a spacious, private home away from home means that you have use of a gourmet kitchen, a large living area (often with a fireplace), outdoor spaces to enjoy (sometimes pools and hot tubs are part of the arrangements), and more. Each visitor will have a bedroom and bath, and often an entertainment system in their room.
This can make your accommodation a major part of your vacation, and it leaves only the mountains to be explored and enjoyed.
If you are someone who describes themselves as a nature lover, outdoor enthusiast, active, or even interested in specific activities like photography, “leaf peeping,” bird watching, skiing…mountain vacations are the way to go. Most areas that are developed around the nearby mountains are full of affordable accommodations and lots of free activities – hiking and outdoor activities in particular.
In addition to their affordability, a mountain area is often one of the coolest spots – temperature-wise – making any of these regions ideally suited to your upcoming summer holidays. As an example, think of a destination like Vail in Colorado. You are within the Rocky Mountains, at a higher altitude where temperatures are naturally cooler, and yet you can enjoy the beautiful summer or fall weather even if it is much hotter far below.
Also, when asking about “mountain vacations near me” it will go well beyond the scenery. There will be the cultural institutions that seem to develop around mountain areas. Anyone who has ever visited a ski area like Stowe, VT or Aspen, CO knows that you find a lot of seasonal festivals and events, lots of arts and culture, and an enormous variety of eateries and restaurants.
Lastly, we just mentioned that many of the best areas for mountain vacations are great for summer and fall, but they are actually year-round destinations. The ski areas of France, for example, are also full of summertime trails and fun. The same can be said of the mountain areas of the US.
Best Mountain Vacations East Coast
And where should you go? Some of the best mountain vacations along the East Coast are also some of the best mountain vacation spots in the southeast. This includes areas like Helen, GA; Brevard, NC; Hiawassee, GA; and Highlands, NC. The best mountain vacations in the south fall into this grouping, too and include Hot Springs, VA, and even Birmingham, AL (which many do not realize is a mountain town!
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN are not to be missed as they are home to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park area where endless options for unforgettable vacations are found. Asheville, NC, and Slade, KY are also top spots if you want a good answer to the question of “where are all the good mountain vacations near me,” and you’re in the south or southeastern area of the country.
And if you are considering some of the best mountain vacations for couples, these areas are ideal, but so too are spots like Colorado with its amazing Rocky Mountain National Park and the excellent towns and ski areas that have developed there over the years.
And, yes, Europe certainly has amazing mountains for vacationers to explore, but if you want to enjoy a holiday soon, the best mountain vacations are in the US. If you are thinking of something a bit more tropical and yet you still want some mountains to explore, the Caribbean is a nearby option.
Islands like Barbados, St Barts, and Turks & Caicos all have nature areas with jungle, rainforest, and mountains to explore. They also come with amazing beaches; meaning you get the best of all possible worlds. You can enjoy a cool and shaded hike through a lush mountain or hillside forest and then take a dip in the sea or your private pool.
Whether you are craving mountain vacations nearby or something at a bit of a distance, or you want a full-blown vacation in a tropical location, it pays to shop around and make a few plans. Now is a great time to think about where you want to travel, and perhaps book yourself a weekend in the mountains of the US and then pop down to the islands for a little tropical retreat later in the season!