If you’re craving a change of scenery, Drew Barrymore’s travel bucket list is your new copilot.
These spots have it all: soulful hotels, natural wonders, little local surprises and souvenirs you’ll actually want to keep.
Whether you’re craving a lakeside escape (with a little Texas country on the side) or an island getaway with breathtaking mountain and ocean views — and lots of on-the-go shaved ice — there’s a place for every personality and adventure goal.
For example, if you’re looking for an unforgettable trip in the peaceful desert, head to Santa Fe, N.M. where you’ll also experience the city’s dynamic Spanish and Native American influences. For some well-deserved R&R, book a stay at El Rey Court and marvel at the hotel’s eclectic Southwestern decor. (And maybe book a pampering treatment at the courtyard spa or devour some Poblano Smoked Shrimp Tacos at La Reina Mesita!)
Or maybe you’re a busy NYC resident looking for a change of pace. Head to the Berkshires for a much-needed dose of nature. If you’re a contemporary art enthusiast, take a stroll through MASS MoCA.
Continue scrolling to read all about Barrymore’s top 10 destinations worth the trip. Grab your bag, cue the playlist and let’s go!
1. Austin, Texas
Equal parts calm and cool, city and country. Stay at the tucked-away Lake Austin Inn & Spa. Paddleboard in the morning mist, hunt for the perfect pair of cowboy boots downtown and chase live music wherever it leads you. Stick around the Congress Bridge at dusk to catch the bats (yes, bats!), one of nature’s most surprising light shows.
2. Palm Springs, California
Desert cool with a splash of retro sunshine. Start your morning at Les Cactus Hotel, then head to Market Market on South Palm Canyon Drive for vintage treasures, art vibes and a few delightful surprises. When the heat rises, cool off with a swim and date shake (yum!). May the mod planter you fall in love with fit in your backseat.
3. Keystone, South Dakota
Talk about monumental magic beneath endless stars. Under Canvas Mount Rushmore is glamping at its best, and this site sits below the Founding Fathers’ faces. Spend your days wandering rugged Black Hills trails and your nights swapping stories by the fire. Bring home a wooden carving, something soulful that captures the wild spirit of the West.
4. Seattle, Washington
Crisp air and warm flannels? Can’t lose. Check into Ace Hotel, a cozy spot with cool character. Wander through Pike Place Market, order something caffeinated at the Starbucks that started it all and catch a whiff of saltwater as you slurp chowder on the wharf. Vintage vinyl makes the perfect souvenir.
5. Kauai, Hawaii
Nature writes the soundtrack here. Wake up at the Waimea Plantation Cottages to birdsong, eat your fill of fresh poke and passion fruit shaved ice (extra mochi, always). Take the scenic drive around the island, then set out on foot to the otherworldly Nā Pali Coast. Don’t miss Ke’e Beach for a salty, post-hike float.
6. Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Adrenaline first, spa second. Hop on the Cliffhanger, the highest-elevation coaster in the U.S., and Defiance, with a 110-foot drop and 102.3-degree free fall, both at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Then chill at historic Hotel Colorado, your mountain hideaway. Before heading out, grab a chunk of local crystal as a good luck charm.
7. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Red earth, deep roots and golden hour everything. Follow your artistic instincts all the way from your room at the El Rey Hotel to tour Georgia O’Keeffe’s homes and then cruise Canyon Road for vintage jewelry, pottery and woven blankets. Break out your watercolors while waiting for your mole enchiladas at Café Pasqual’s in the middle of town.
8. Nashville, Tennessee
Fluffy biscuits with a side of rock and roll soul. Settle into The Russell, where the ceilings are high and the vibes are, too: a percentage of each night’s stay is donated to local nonprofits helping those experiencing homelessness. Spend your days touring music legends like the Ryman and Studio B, and your nights at karaoke. Chocolate Goo Goo Clusters for everyone!
9. Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Up north magic in every direction. Sip cider at Virtue Farm, climb the sandy sweep of dunes at Saugatuck State Park and spot cherry trees along the roadside. Use The Woods as your home base. Bring back a jar of cherry preserves and tuck it away for a winter afternoon when you need a taste of summer.
10. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
A little bit secret, a little bit spellbinding. Stay at Berkshires Untold, a chic, soulful inn with storybook charm. Spend your day walking mossy forest trails or wandering MASS MoCA’s massive, immersive galleries. Don’t leave without a handmade mug or scarf to wrap up all the coziness.
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