7 Sprawling U.S. Resorts That Offer Easy Access to the Outdoors

by Katie McElveen

7 Sprawling U.S. Resorts That Offer Easy Access to the Outdoors

by Katie McElveen

These sprawling U.S. resorts offer activities that any outdoor enthusiast would appreciate (think hiking, biking, and even falconry). What’s more, each property is located within close proximity to shops, museums, and galleries, which means guests won’t have to go too far to experience the wonders of their scenic surroundings.

These sprawling U.S. resorts offer activities that any outdoor enthusiast would appreciate (think hiking, biking, and even falconry). What’s more, each property is located within close proximity to shops, museums, and galleries, which means guests won’t have to go too far to experience the wonders of their scenic surroundings.

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Montage Palmetto Bluff / Photo courtesy of the property
Biltmore Estate
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Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

This historic 8,000-acre estate offers an array of outdoor activities like cycling, kayaking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, and more. Book a room at the romantic Inn on Biltmore Estate (rates from $299 per night), the family-friendly Village Hotel (rates from $199 per night), or the luxurious cottage (rates from $1,500 per night). While you’re here, explore Asheville's up-and-coming music scene, magnificent galleries, and craft breweries. 

This historic 8,000-acre estate offers an array of outdoor activities like cycling, kayaking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, and more. Book a room at the romantic Inn on Biltmore Estate (rates from $299 per night), the family-friendly Village Hotel (rates from $199 per night), or the luxurious cottage (rates from $1,500 per night). While you’re here, explore Asheville's up-and-coming music scene, magnificent galleries, and craft breweries. 

Montage Palmetto Bluff
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Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina

Kayak with dolphins, explore plantation ruins with an archaeologist, and net fresh shrimp at Montage Palmetto Bluff, which sits on a whopping 20,000 acres of protected forest, meadow, and marsh. Here, the river view cottage suites (from $480 per night) are equipped with fireplaces and spacious porches. Also, be sure to explore historic Old Town Bluffton, where you'll find eateries, shops, and galleries.

Kayak with dolphins, explore plantation ruins with an archaeologist, and net fresh shrimp at Montage Palmetto Bluff, which sits on a whopping 20,000 acres of protected forest, meadow, and marsh. Here, the river view cottage suites (from $480 per night) are equipped with fireplaces and spacious porches. Also, be sure to explore historic Old Town Bluffton, where you'll find eateries, shops, and galleries.

Red Mountain Resort
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Red Mountain Resort, St. George, Utah

Red Mountain Resort offers group hikes, yoga, and guided meditations (among many other activities), along with guided excursions into Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks (rates from $159 per night). Before you leave town, though, you'll want to head into St. George for hearty fare and craft brews, which pair perfectly with the dramatic canyon views.

Red Mountain Resort offers group hikes, yoga, and guided meditations (among many other activities), along with guided excursions into Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks (rates from $159 per night). Before you leave town, though, you'll want to head into St. George for hearty fare and craft brews, which pair perfectly with the dramatic canyon views.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
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Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, Arizona

This luxury resort is just a 10-minute walk to Pinnacle Peak Park, which is home to one of Scottsdale’s most popular climbs. After a recovery massage and some pool time, borrow one of the property's Mercedes-Benz house cars and drive to Scottsdale, Phoenix, or, if you're looking for a change of pace, the rugged-yet-charming town of Cave Creek. Rates from $209 per night.

This luxury resort is just a 10-minute walk to Pinnacle Peak Park, which is home to one of Scottsdale’s most popular climbs. After a recovery massage and some pool time, borrow one of the property's Mercedes-Benz house cars and drive to Scottsdale, Phoenix, or, if you're looking for a change of pace, the rugged-yet-charming town of Cave Creek. Rates from $209 per night.

Alisal Ranch
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Alisal Ranch, Solvang, California

This expansive retreat is set on a working cattle ranch and spans 10,000 acres. Here, you can hike, horseback ride, and even  stand-up paddle board. The property is just three miles from downtown Solvang, where you’ll find an array of Dutch bakeries along with 22 tasting rooms. Rates from $595 per night. Five-night minimum during summers and holidays, two-night minimum on weekends from September through May.

This expansive retreat is set on a working cattle ranch and spans 10,000 acres. Here, you can hike, horseback ride, and even  stand-up paddle board. The property is just three miles from downtown Solvang, where you’ll find an array of Dutch bakeries, along with 22 tasting rooms. Rates from $595 per night. Five-night minimum during summers and holidays, two-night minimum on weekends from September through May.

WaterColor Inn
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WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

At WaterColor Inn, you have two options when it comes to getting to the beach. You can either walk from the property, or take the scenic route via kayak. Afterwards, head to the spa for a relaxing massage, stop by one of the two private golf courses, or take a mixology class. Rates from $328 per night.

At WaterColor Inn, you have two options when it comes to getting to the beach. You can either walk from the property, or take the scenic route via kayak. Afterwards, head to the spa for a relaxing massage, stop by one of the two private golf courses, or take a mixology class. Rates from $328 per night.

Sunrise Springs
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Sunrise Springs, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Sunrise Springs offers an array of activities to fit everyone’s preferences (think hatchet-throwing, soaking in mineral pools, and hiking). While you're here, be sure to partake in Upbeat Canine Play and cuddle adorable puppies. Additionally, you'll find a therapeutic spa, as well as charming casitas equipped with fireplaces. Santa Fe’s galleries, shops, and museums are just 20 minutes away. Rates from $195 per night.

Sunrise Springs offers an array of activities to fit everyone’s preferences (think hatchet-throwing, soaking in mineral pools, and hiking). While you're here, be sure to partake in Upbeat Canine Play and cuddle adorable puppies. Additionally, you'll find a therapeutic spa, as well as charming casitas equipped with fireplaces. Santa Fe’s galleries, shops, and museums are just 20 minutes away. Rates from $195 per night.

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