Enjoy Surf and Sunshine in Honolulu, Hawaii

Chase the sun in the Aloha State with an early morning surf session at world-famous Waikiki Beach or a sunrise hike up iconic Diamond Head (reservations required). For a stay that matches the island vibes, check into the Wayfinder Waikiki, a boutique hotel with a warm retro aesthetic, design elements dreamed up by local artists, and suites featuring in-room record players.

For solstice-inspired sips, make your way to Lost + Found, the hotel’s poolside speakeasy. Order a tropical cocktail from the expansive daiquiri menu or opt for the aptly named Sunshine Nectar, a bright blend of an aloe-melon spirit, cucumber, mint, lime, honey and aloe juice.

Go for a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Get a little closer to the sun in Colorado Springs, where the elevation climbs to 6,035 feet above sea level (or just over a mile high). Kick off the solstice celebration with a sunrise hot air balloon ride from a local outfitter like Adventure Out West, drifting over the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountain Front Range as it’s illuminated with a beautiful alpenglow. Keep your eyes peeled: You might catch a bird’s-eye view of deer or antelope roaming below.

For a luxurious landing, make Garden of the Gods Resort and Club your home base. This southern Colorado resort offers golden-hour magic from nearly every vantage point—balconies, dining room windows, and especially the infinity pool, which all look out at the Garden of the Gods crimson-hued rock formations.

Try Sunrise Beachfront Yoga in Vero Beach, Florida

Where better to enjoy a summer solstice vacation than the Sunshine State?

Book your vacation at Vero Beach on the Treasure Coast in the eastern section of the state, where you can rise with the sun for a beachfront yoga session at Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa. With waves setting the soundtrack, the resort offers this zen practice at 7 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays.

Spend the sun-soaked day relaxing at the pool with a pina colada in hand or embarking on a guided tour, like one that takes you snorkeling over the wreck of the S.S. Breconshire. Pro tip: Check out your noontime shadow while you’re on the beach. It’s the shortest it’ll be all year.

After all that fun in the sun, retreat to the resort’s spa for a treatment like the C Radiance facial that firms and brightens skin and helps combat sun damage.

Slide into Summer at a New Water Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

You’ve got all summer to soak up the sun poolside. But the summer solstice calls for something a little more splashy.

Head to Oklahoma City’s brand-new OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark, where the just-opened outdoor section is making its big debut for the 2025 season. It’s home to the fourth largest pool in the country and unique attractions include Bounce Bay’s overwater inflatable obstacle course and the Zip & Dip where you can zipline over the pool before dropping into the water. Prefer something more relaxed? Sink your toes into the white sand beach at the lagoon or sip a paloma at the adults-only swim-up bar.

Should you need a reprieve from the sun on the longest day of the year, just head indoors for more rides, from twisting slides and a surf simulator to a lazy river.

For an extra dose of solstice magic, plan your visit around Lagoon-a-palooza on June 21. Think: backyard games on a grand scale, relay races, mermaid sightings and family-friendly fun.

Fill an Itinerary with Summer Fun at a Lakeside Resort in Roanoke, West Virginia

With the summer solstice delivering the longest stretch of daylight all year, there’s more time to lean into seasonal fun, and Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, West Virginia, makes a strong case for filling every extra sun-drenched minute.

The day might begin with an early tee time at the Arnold Palmer Signature Course. From there, the itinerary is yours to shape. Maybe that means a few rounds of pickleball, disc golf, a hike along one of the resort’s 20 miles of trails, or a leisurely paddle in a kayak or on a paddleboard across the calm lake waters.

Evenings wind down gently here. Adirondack chairs circle a massive firepit, and guests can toast marshmallows until they reach gooey perfection and stars take their place overhead as the sun finally calls it a day.

Explore more sunny destinations across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of more than 50 distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.