Guests pose beside a Ferrari during one of the luxury driving experiences at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.
77% of Americans plan to celebrate Father’s Day this year, and spending is projected to hit a record $27.9 billion. Nearly one-third of shoppers are prioritizing memorable outings over physical items like another tie or grilling gadget, opting to build the weekend around Dad's genuine interests.
If he would rather cast a fly line, tackle an off-road course, or watch baseball from a lazy river than spend another weekend at a standard resort, the best celebrations focus on his favorite pursuits. These handpicked getaways combine premier activities with easy access, allowing families to spend less time navigating airports and more time making the most of a Father's Day escape.
Supercar Driving at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes in Florida
The Strategy: Best for bucket-list excursions and supercar driving.
The Insider Tip: For dads who crave high-octane experiences, take advantage of the resort's newly debuted Signature Experiences. You can completely customize his trip with over-the-top adventures: get him behind the wheel of an exotic luxury supercar for a high-performance drive en route to Daytona International Speedway, or arrange a private helicopter journey directly to the Kennedy Space Center for exclusive, behind-the-scenes access. If he prefers a slower pace, opt for an Everglades-inspired eco-tour to kayak along Shingle Creek with a certified Master Naturalist, then wind down at the property's pristine pools.
Wildlife Safaris at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole in Wyoming
The Strategy: Best for high-adventure, alpine luxury in the heart of the Teton Range.
The Insider Tip: This property appeals to adventure seekers looking to trade their routine for the rugged beauty of the American West. Few hotels provide access to a dedicated naturalist team capable of building a private Yellowstone wildlife itinerary. Book a private, custom-tailored wildlife safari that takes you deep into Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks to spot grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and elk herds. For an action-packed afternoon, tackle the downhill mountain biking trails right outside the resort or fly-fish the Snake River before winding down at the heated pool or with a mountain-side steak dinner overlooking the valley peaks.
Las Vegas Steakhouse Tour in Nevada
The Strategy: Best for an indulgent culinary lineup across the Strip's most famous properties.
The Insider Tip: This trip focuses on two of the Strip's most sought-after steakhouse experiences within a flexible 48-hour window. Kick off the party by arriving Friday afternoon, and attend an intimate cooking class at Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas to master the art of the perfect sear under the direct guidance of the executive chef. For the main tour, pace yourself: start with the Luger Power Lunch at Peter Luger Steak House at Caesars Palace for sizzling thick-cut bacon and their signature prime burger, then save room for a three-course dinner featuring Chef Ramsay’s beef Wellington and decadent sticky toffee pudding.
Island Sailing and Lobster Bakes along the Maine Coast
The Strategy: Best for a slow-paced, multi-generational escape centered around classic New England water and wilderness traditions.
The Insider Tip: Create a flexible, localized schedule by booking a coastal vacation property through Tides to Pines. Because Maine's distinct regions are easily accessible via local highways or regional airports, you can easily customize the geographic backdrop to match Dad's speed. In the Moosehead Lake region, surprise him with an early morning out on the water casting a line before the day begins. If you set up camp along the Midcoast, arrange a private charter to catch the sunset or enjoy a dockside lobster bake. For golf enthusiasts, head toward Acadia for an 18-hole round followed by a slow, unstructured afternoon back at the house.
High Altitude Canyon Ziplining at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs
The Strategy: Best for historic mountain grandeur and high-altitude adrenaline.
The Insider Tip: Golfers can challenge themselves on two championship courses designed by Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones Senior, which have hosted multiple US Open tournaments. To inject a serious dose of adrenaline into the stay, opt for The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure. A quick shuttle from the hotel's East Lot whisks you out to the rugged canyon course, where participants cross a series of zip lines suspended as high as 500 feet above the forest floor. After returning to the main property, relax at the resort's outdoor infinity pool. Snagging a lakeside lounger at the zero-entry pool on the edge of Cheyenne Lake provides front-row views of the Rocky Mountains as the sun dips behind the peaks.
Land Rover Experience at The Quail in California
The Strategy: Best for a sophisticated valley getaway and off-road driving.
The Insider Tip: Tucked into the sun-drenched hills of Carmel Valley, The Quail Lodge & Golf Club balances serene accommodations with serious automotive thrills. Instead of spending the vacation on the property's stunning golf course or dining on-site, book the signature Land Rover Experience. Under the guidance of a qualified instructor, he can get behind the wheel to tackle steep descents down a two-track rail, climb log piles, and navigate tight hairpin turns on a private course. It's a rare chance to explore the rugged Northern California wilderness in a highly technical, adrenaline-fueled setting before retreating back to luxury.
Vintage Slingshot Road Trips through Haywood County in North Carolina
The Strategy: Best for a mountain-town road trip packed with vintage style and local craft brews.
The Insider Tip: Situated just 30 minutes southwest of Asheville, this scenic enclave encompasses five distinct mountain towns. Rent a three-wheeled slingshot vehicle to cruise the sweeping curves of the famed Blue Ridge Parkway, then surprise him with a stop at the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum to explore a collection of over 350 rare, vintage American motorbikes. When it's time to hit the fairways, challenge your favorite golfer to a round at the historic Waynesville Inn & Golf Club, which celebrates its landmark 100th anniversary this year. After finishing on the 18th hole, head straight into town to kick back and talk about the day's best shots over local craft pints at Boojum Brewery or BearWaters Brewing.
Urban Cowboy Experience at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas Las Colinas in Texas
The Strategy: A polished, golf-forward Texas celebration that works as a quick escape from either coast.
The Insider Tip: Request a room with views of the historic TPC Las Colinas course—the 18-hole, par-70 fairway hosted a PGA TOUR event for 35 years and is a must-play for any golfer. Ask the concierge to book a private fitting experience with artisan Wild Bill for a custom Western hat or boots before your evening plans. End the trip with a private outdoor dinner that showcases Texas flavors alongside premium whiskey beneath the night sky.
Tarpon Fishing at Three Waters Resort and Marina in Islamorada
The Strategy: Best for a high-energy water sports getaway in the "Sportfishing Capital of the World."
The Insider Tip: This experiential resort skips predictable programming in favor of fully customizable, hands-on ocean adventures. To make the most of the property's location where the Atlantic and the Gulf converge, make use of the full-service marina. Anglers can launch directly on a private backcountry fishing expedition for tarpon, or rent jet skis to explore the mangroves at their own pace. After a long day on the water, head over to the property's historic Holiday Isle Tiki Bar—an iconic 1960s local landmark—to toast Dad with an original Rumrunner cocktail right in the birthplace of the drink.
Via Ferrata and Desert Hot Springs at Castle Hot Springs in Arizona
The Strategy: Best for an all-inclusive desert oasis focusing on adventure and physical renewal.
The Insider Tip: Spanning 1,100 acres in the Bradshaw Mountains outside Phoenix, this award-winning, adults-only sanctuary invites guests to completely unplug. To make the most of the trip, active fathers can split their days between the challenging Via Ferrata climbing course, guided canyon hikes, axe-throwing, and horseback riding. Then spend the afternoon taking a restorative soak in the property's natural, mineral-rich hot springs before gathering fireside for an open-fire dinner sourced right from the on-site farm.
Outfield Lazy Rivers and Pro Sports Tours in Frisco, Texas
The Strategy: Best for a high-tech sports mecca retreat with the whole family.
The Insider Tip: Widely known as "Sports City USA," Frisco packs enough attractions to fill an entire long weekend. To capitalize on the unique venues, time your itinerary around a home game at Riders Field so the family can watch the Frisco RoughRiders while floating in a massive lazy river situated right in the outfield. For golf enthusiasts, start at the home of the PGA of America—either challenge him to a quick, time-conscious round on The Swing (a 10-hole short course) or book a premium tee time at Fields Ranch for a championship-level experience. Before heading home, secure a VIP tour of The Star to go behind the scenes at the Dallas Cowboys' headquarters.
Authentic Cattle Drives at The Resort at Paws Up in Montana
The Strategy: Best for a luxury wilderness escape on a historic, sprawling working cattle ranch.
The Insider Tip: This two-Michelin-key ranch balances more than 70 different outdoor adventures across 37,000 acres of wide-open wilderness. Go all in on the property's unique Western heritage and join seasoned ranch hands on a private, authentic cattle drive, or head out for a guided fly-fishing excursion on the famed Blackfoot River. For lodging, opt for one of the resort's pioneer luxury glamping tents overlooking the water—each comes with a private butler who is also a certified "S'moreologist" to cap off his action-packed days with gourmet s'mores by a roaring campfire.
Travel Tip for Dads:
To maximize his time away and bypass airport headaches, travelers can upgrade the journey with a public charter jet service through JSX. Flying on spacious 30-seat jets from dedicated private hangars allows Dad to check in just 20 minutes before departure and skip the crowded terminals and security bottlenecks. With regional routes flying directly into resort hubs like Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Carlsbad, and Northern California, it is an effortless way to streamline travel. Best of all, flights include two free checked bags, so his favorite golf clubs or fishing gear travel on the house.
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