For America’s 250th, Rediscover the World Within the U.S.

Do you want to travel through America during the 250th anniversary, but you still have the itch to go somewhere a little more exotic? There are plenty of destinations in the U.S. that feel like you are visiting a whole new country. In fact, many hotels and resorts offer guests a taste of Europe without leaving the country.

Even when travelers stay in the United States, many still want the feeling of discovering somewhere completely different. Hotels and resorts across the country have started leaning into that idea by creating experiences that borrow heavily from European destinations — from Venetian canals and Italian-style vineyards to elegant French-inspired hotels and spas. In some cases, the similarities are surprisingly convincing, making it possible to enjoy a taste of Europe without the long-haul flight.

Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa gives visitors a taste of Venice in their overwater bungalow- like suites. When on the balcony, all you see is water and boats gliding past. It is reminiscent of being in Venice, looking out your window.

Nearby, The Gondola Company provides a real Venetian experience with authentic gondolas that take you through the canals of the Coronado Cays.

Although minutes away from downtown San Diego, this experience is as close as you can come to Venice, and the gondola ride was just as thrilling.

Transitioning from the coastal allure of Coronado Island, those interested in Italian wine country experiences will find Temecula, California, to be simply amazing. If you want to journey to Northern Italy and the wine country, a visit to Temecula, California, and Europa Village should be on your list.

Temecula is a well-known Southern California wine country, but Europa Village creates something much more immersive than a typical wine-tasting weekend. The property is designed around the feeling of a European village, with sections inspired by Spain, France, and Italy.

Your stay here is in an Italianate courtyard, in your own suite that comes with a private patio in the front. The room is a mix of Italian and Spanish decor, and it was a quiet, peaceful place to stay.

Walking through stone courtyards lined with olive trees and vineyards, it feels as though Tuscany had somehow been recreated in Southern California.

Beyond Europa Village, there are dozens of wineries and tasting rooms throughout the area. Whether you prefer to visit a vineyard and learn how the grapes are grown and processed, or if you prefer a beautiful view while sipping on local wines. You can do both in Temecula.

For travelers craving the romance of an Italian countryside escape without an international flight, Temecula offers a surprisingly convincing alternative.

After soaking in Temecula’s European-inspired wine country, travelers seeking Parisian luxury will be delighted to discover an unexpected oasis in the Arizona desert.

At The Global Ambassador, in Phoenix, nearly every detail has been made to transport guests to France. The hotel was able to balance a look between modern glamour and European sophistication. The interiors are very cosmopolitan in a way that is rare for desert resorts, creating the sensation of stepping into an upscale boutique hotel in Paris.

Dining at the hotel completed the illusion. Le Âme, the hotel’s largest restaurant, is a classic Parisian steakhouse, while Le Market is the in-house French patisserie, complete with pastries and café culture that encourage lingering rather than rushing through a meal.

But the most transportive experience came at the hotel spa, one of the only spas in the U.S. to carry Biologique Recherche. The French skincare brand is known internationally for its highly personalized treatments and luxury approach to beauty and wellness, and the spa experience felt distinctly European from start to finish.

You can enjoy a massage using the brand’s signature products, or spend time in the infrared sauna, among many other options. The entire experience felt less like a standard American hotel spa day and more like something discovered during a trip abroad. Between the French skincare rituals, elegant dining, and refined atmosphere, the hotel succeeds in creating a genuine sense of escape.

These locations are especially appealing at the moment since they provide visitors with the experience of traveling abroad without a number of the difficulties that often come with it.

No long international flights to face, no language obstacles to overcome, and no passports to renew. However, each destination still provides a sense of discovery like a European vacation would.

There is also something appropriate about rediscovering the variety in the United States as it nears its 250th anniversary. America’s scenery and hospitality are varied enough to bring to mind far-flung destinations, whether it’s floating through California’s Venetian-style canals, enjoying wine among spectacular wineries, or enjoying a trip to Paris, all within a quick domestic flight.