Now that a job isn’t limiting when and where you travel, you can enjoy every season and spend plenty of time outdoors. Resorts that offer a range of activities are perfect for guests who want to indulge in their favorite hobbies and then try something new. By spending a full week or two in one place, you’ll have time to learn and practice a new skill.
For most active travelers, the ideal destination has everything encompassed in a single area, allowing you to settle in before exploring further. That was our goal in compiling this list of resorts—most of which include dining options, a variety of outdoor activities, and all the amenities that make a stay comfortable and luxurious. Once you arrive, you can take your time getting acquainted with the landscape, then choose to stay busy or take it easy based on your mood.
Moreover, many properties offer convenient transportation options, allowing you to get by without a car. Several resorts are located near national parks, providing excellent opportunities for exploration.
Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho
There’s plenty to do during every season at Sun Valley, offering a variety of snow sports, ice skating, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, tennis, and golf. When you’re ready to lounge indoors, activities such as bowling, movies, and spa treatments await. You can stay at the recently renovated Sun Valley Lodge, featuring large guestrooms, a spa, a fitness center, a yoga studio, and a glass-enclosed outdoor pool. Alternatively, consider the Austrian chalet style Sun Valley Inn, which also offers an outdoor pool and fitness center.
The city’s event schedule includes concerts, ice shows, films, mountaintop yoga, and more. Stargazers will enjoy knowing that Sun Valley and nearby Ketchum fall under the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, making stargazing a spectacular evening activity.
Complimentary bus services make navigating the city easy and provide transportation throughout the Wood River Valley.
Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri
The perfect blend of rustic and luxurious awaits in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains at Big Cedar Lodge. Offering a variety of accommodations—including grand lodges, cozy cottages, and luxury camping—you’re sure to find a perfect spot to recharge after a day of fun. Enjoy kayaking, paddle boating, or canoeing on Table Rock Lake, with plenty of fishing opportunities for bass.
Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the five golf courses, including the “par 3 short course” designed by Tiger Woods. You can also try sporting clay shooting with introductory lessons available for beginners. In addition, jogging and walking trails, a fitness center, and heated pools provide ample activities.
At day’s end, unwind with a massage at Cedar Creek Spa before indulging in dinner at a variety of casual and fine dining options.
Snake River Sporting Club in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Located less than an hour from Grand Teton National Park on nearly 1,000 acres, Snake River Sporting Club serves as a year-round adventure destination for nature enthusiasts. In summer, options include hiking, mountain biking, golf, horseback riding, and fishing. When winter arrives, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating become the highlights. On-site instruction is available for various activities, including sporting clay shooting and equestrian lessons.
For a relaxing stay, accommodations range from tiny cabins in Discovery Village to luxurious residences at Fairway Lodge. Enjoy dining at several restaurants and don’t miss the opportunity for a poolside meal at the Double Barrel Cantina.
Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee
Approximately 25 minutes from Knoxville, Blackberry Farm is situated on 4,200 acres adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This East Tennessee gem offers a blend of outdoor activities and relaxation.
Experience culinary adventures with cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and brewery visits, or partake in farming lessons, ensuring an exciting exploration of Blackberry Farm’s offerings. Days can be filled with horseback riding, cycling, and hiking, or you may prefer leisure activities like carriage rides or spa treatments. Various plush accommodations, including guestrooms, suites, and cottages, cater to all preferences.
Hubbard’s Yellowstone Lodge in Emigrant, Montana
Located on the northern border of Yellowstone National Park, Hubbard’s Yellowstone Lodge combines park exploration with unique Western experiences. Move cows with wranglers, embark on wilderness trail rides, and wait to witness the eruption of Old Faithful. Take in breathtaking views while hiking around Merrill Lake, and enjoy white-water rafting adventures that vary in length.
Fishing is a significant activity offered at Hubbard’s, with a variety of nearby rivers and lakes. Guests often find serenity in fly-fishing the Yellowstone River or wading streams while watching for bison.
The staff at Hubbard’s has received high praise for ensuring each visit is memorable, and after a day of activities, a massage at the spa, a delightful dinner, and a comfortable bed provide a restful respite.
Pronghorn Resort in Bend, Oregon
Situated in Central Oregon’s high desert, Pronghorn Resort is just 30 minutes from Bend. The resort features two golf courses and numerous outdoor activities, including mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, and hiking—ideal for enjoying the area’s beautiful weather.
Rafting and kayaking on the Deschutes River are popular in warmer months, while winter brings skiing adventures. On-site amenities such as outdoor heated pools, lawn games, and tennis courts offer plenty to keep guests entertained.
Dining at the resort varies from casual to upscale experiences, including the newly renovated Cascada restaurant with impressive mountain views.
Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina
Palmetto Bluff spans 20,000 acres of pristine land in South Carolina, nestled beautifully between Hilton Head Island and Savannah. The resort, sheltered by ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss, offers a multitude of activities.
Visitors can enjoy accommodations at Montage Palmetto Bluff, choosing from guestrooms, suites, cottages, or elegant homes. The May River hosts paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing, while extensive trails are perfect for walking, jogging, or biking.
The May River Golf Course and the annual Field and Fire event celebrate the area’s sporting heritage, showcasing fishing, clay shooting, and local arts throughout the year.
Nakoma Resort in Clio, California
Located less than an hour north of Lake Tahoe, Nakoma Resort is nestled in the serene Lost Sierra area, surrounded by mountain peaks and the expansive Plumas National Forest.
The resort merges outdoor adventures with luxurious amenities, offering 42 guestrooms at the Lodge at Nakoma, complemented by recreational facilities like a fitness center and spa. Outdoor activities include mountain biking, hiking, and fishing in nearby lakes, while winter brings opportunities for snow tubing and skiing.
With a focus on outdoor fun combined with stunning scenery, Nakoma Resort is an attractive getaway for any season.
