Where to Go When You Love Sun, but Not the Beach

Just because you like a little sunshine doesn’t mean you want to feel the sand between your toes. (There are few things more vexing than shaking the stuff out of your luggage six months after your trip.) In fact, some of the world’s best warm-weather destinations are beach-free, like Palm Springs, California, where 350 days of sunshine per year translate to pool parties and waterfall hikes, or Luxor, Egypt (pictured), which pairs perennial blue skies with epic history. Apart from oft-sunny forecasts, the 10 places included here draw appeal from bright cultural riches, heart-pumping outdoor adventures, sublime food and wine, and plenty of pampering. Still, remember to pack sunscreen. You’ll need it.

Palm Springs, California

The Gene Autry Pool at Parker Palm Springs stays open until midnight—if moonlight swims are also your thing. (Photo courtesy of Parker Palm Springs)

An oasis in the California desert framed by the jagged San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs offers perpetually dry, sunny days, stunning midcentury modern architecture and plenty of poolside margaritas. While the area’s history dates back more than 8,000 years, when the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians first settled here, it really gained prominence in the 1930s and ’40s as a getaway for Hollywood stars who were obliged to stay within driving distance of the big movie studios. If you’re serious about architecture, come during Modernism Week, held every February, for numerous tours and events. More into active pursuits? Hit the courts at nearby Indian Wells Tennis Garden, or take an easy but scenic hike to see waterfalls and rock formations in Indian Canyons; alternatively, Joshua Tree National Park is just an hour away. Check in to Parker Palm Springs, a midcentury modern hotel with rooms, suites and villas designed by Jonathan Adler. If you spend a bit too much time lounging by the two outdoor pools, then head to the spa for the Aloe There, Sunshine treatment, billed as “SPF for the soul.”

Petra, Jordan

The hike to the Monastery at Petra is exhausting, yes, but 100% worth it.

You’ll want to wake early to explore Petra, the ancient, carved-sandstone capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, before the blazing sun gets too high in the sky—and before too many selfie-snapping tourists block your view of the Treasury and its intricately carved façade. (If a local offers to lead you up to a lookout point for a small fee, definitely say yes. Best picture ever.) Wander through as much of the 100-square-mile landmark site—cave homes, tombs, the High Place of Sacrifice—as you can before lunch at the air-conditioned Basin restaurant. But don’t give up before making the 800-step ascent to the Monastery, Petra’s largest and most majestic monument. If you run out of water, don’t fret; Bedouin vendors have sports drinks on hand. After all that sunny stepping, you’ll be glad you booked a room at the lovely Mövenpick Resort Petra, the hotel located right at the entrance to the site, to revive yourself with a dip in the pool.

Sedona, Arizona

Soak up the sun and the red rock views on the deck of the Duck Pond pool at L’Auberge de Sedona. (Photo courtesy of L’Auberge de Sedona)

Set amid Arizona’s iconic red-rock country, Sedona is a destination that dazzles on earthly and cosmic levels. Revel in both by hiking the Cathedral Rock Trail, a beautiful (and popular) 1.2-mile trek with stunning views of the rock formations, shaped over millions of years by erosion, wind and water. Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s four primary vortexes—a spot where the Earth’s energy is believed to be especially strong and conducive to healing and spiritual growth—so bring along a crystal (pick one up in town, at Sedona Crystal Vortex) and find a quiet place along the hike to rest, reflect and soak up the powerful, positive vibes, as well as all that high-desert sun. For something a bit more adrenaline-pumping, book an off-road adventure along Broken Arrow Trail with Pink Adventure Tours. At day’s end, head to L’Auberge de Sedona, which recently unveiled a $30 million reimagining. The 70 new rooms and suites that make up The Cliffs offer breathtaking views that get even better after the sun sets, when Sedona’s certified Dark Sky status transforms the desert into a dazzling canvas of stars.

Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

The Winemaker’s Three-Bedroom Pool Villa at Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe has a private pool.

Mexico’s premier viticultural region, Valle de Guadalupe, is a wine lover’s paradise—and it just so happens to be one of Chase Travel’s 26 Trips to Take in 2026. The Valle produces more than 70% of the country’s vino at breathtakingly beautiful, sun-filled vineyards along the rolling hills of the Baja California Peninsula, and its hot Mediterranean climate makes it a year-round destination. While the wine isn’t new (missionaries began planting vines centuries ago), in recent years the area has stepped up its hospitality game to match its award-winning tempranillos and chardonnays. Now, visitors can laze over long farm-to-table lunches at places such as Lunario, a lauded spot at the Lomita winery, and Latitud 32, El Cielo Resort’s Baja-Yucatán restaurant. Great wine and food is also a priority at Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe, which opened in 2024 with 30 modern villas located on a high hill overlooking the valley’s vineyards. There are plenty of opportunities to commune with the sun here: Go on a guided morning hike, meditate outdoors at the hilltop labyrinth or take a dip in one of two hilltop pools—ideally while sipping a glass of grenache from the on-site Pictograma Winery.

Marrakech, Morocco

The two-acre Jardin Majorelle has plants from five continents, including cacti, bougainvillea, bamboo and banana trees.

Bathed in year-round sunshine and steeped in millennia of history, Marrakech crackles with color and energy. Within its ocher walls lies the medina, where you’ll find artisans selling everything from brass lamps to handwoven rugs, as well as plenty of open-air restaurants and cafés serving mint tea, slow-cooked lamb tagines and flaky msemen flatbreads. Be sure to wear your shades when you visit the 16th-century El Badi Palace, once the home of the Sultan’s harem, or Jardin Majorelle, a gorgeous botanical garden with hundreds of plant species. For the ultimate retreat, check in to Royal Mansour Marrakech, a palatial haven owned by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI. Each of the 53 “rooms” is actually a three-story riad with its own courtyard and plunge pool—the perfect antidote to the semidesert heat.

Jaipur, India

The Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 and has 953 small windows, which were designed to keep the palace cool and allow royal ladies to watch what was happening out on the street without being seen. (Angela Sun/Chase)

Steeped in regal splendor and bathed in golden sunlight more than 300 days per year, Jaipur—known as the Pink City for its rose-hued palaces and buildings—is a dazzling destination for travelers seeking history and vibrant culture. Once home to maharajas, the capital of Rajasthan still radiates royal grandeur in its ornate palaces and hilltop forts: Marvel at the honeycombed façade of the Hawa Mahal (the “palace of winds”), then climb to Nahargarh Fort for sweeping views of the city. Wander through the bustling bazaars, where artisans craft intricate jewelry and colorful textiles. Between shopping and sightseeing, savor fragrant Rajasthani dishes—laal maas (a fiery lamb or mutton curry) or dal bati churma (lentils served with wheat balls and sweet cereal crumbles)—before retreating to the tranquil luxury of Raffles Jaipur, which opened in 2024 with 50 opulent rooms (canopied beds, claw-foot bathtubs, hand-painted ceiling frescoes), two restaurants, two bars and a rooftop infinity pool where you can fill up on vitamin D while gazing at the lush Aravalli hills. And if you want to experience Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, in Jaipur in March, eligible cardmembers can book Chase Travel’s four-day Holi Celebration, which includes four nights at Raffles Jaipur and a welcome dinner at City Palace.

Lake Powell, Utah and Arizona

You won’t be roughing it at Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase: The tents feature king-size beds and private bathrooms. (Photo courtesy of Under Canvas)

It’s tough to beat summer on Lake Powell, when 13 hours of abundant sunshine means the party can last all day. Though technically a reservoir, Lake Powell’s turquoise waters wind through 1.25 million acres of red rock canyons, slot gorges and hidden beaches within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Hike to the iconic Horseshoe Bend overlook for sweeping views of the Colorado River, or explore narrow Antelope Canyon, with its wavelike sandstone walls glowing orange in the desert light. At Wahweap Marina, rent a pontoon, kayak or stand-up paddleboard to navigate through sculpted coves and swim in areas accessible only by boat. The obvious place to stay is Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, located on a canyon rim with views of Lake Powell and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The world’s first Dark Sky resort, it has Stargazer Tents, so you can ogle the constellations from the comfort of your king-size bed.

Sacred Valley, Peru

At Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, Sacred Valley, alpacas serve as a friendly welcome party. (Photo courtesy of Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, Sacred Valley)

While most travelers come to Peru’s Sacred Valley—a 60-mile-long stretch of countryside north of Cusco that’s filled with ancient Incan sites and breathtaking mountain scenery—before or after a visit to Machu Picchu, the area is worthy of attention on its own. (We’ll note that, unlike other parts of the country, the area isn’t sunny year-round—but at its high altitude, when it is, it’s glorious.) Make your base Belmond’s Rio Sagrado hotel, on the banks of the Urubamba River, a serene spot with just 23 rooms, suites and villas. Feed the property’s baby alpacas, go horseback riding to the nearby village or book a shaman-guided ceremony. From here, further odysseys beckon: the circular terraces at Moray, which show how the Incas grew different crops, and the bright, sparkling salt ponds at Maras, which have been harvested for centuries. Another must-visit is Awana Kancha, a living textile workshop where you can see alpacas, llamas and vicuñas up close; learn about the entire process of Andean weaving, from shearing and spinning wool to natural dyeing; and even try your hand at weaving on traditional looms. It’s an immersive way to connect with centuries-old techniques and the people who keep them alive. And, of course, you can buy souvenirs for everyone back at home.

Luxor, Egypt

Gain a new perspective on the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the Ramesseum from a colorful hot-air balloon.

Luxor is considered the world’s greatest open-air museum—where you can nerd out over archaeological sites and ancient wonders while also getting a killer tan. (Broadly speaking, Egypt offers this careful balance—and it’s part of why we selected the country as one of our 26 destinations to visit in 2026.) The ancient city is divided by the Nile into the East Bank and West Bank. Begin your exploration on the east side at the sprawling Karnak Temple Complex, built more than 2,000 years ago to honor the supreme Amun-Ra, a fusion of the god Amun and the sun god Ra. (Speaking of, bring a hat; the rays here are no joke.) Walking through Karnak’s numerous temples and sanctuaries, as well as the Great Hypostyle Hall—with its 134 sandstone columns covered in intricate hieroglyphs—will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. On the West Bank, visit the Valley of the Kings to see the tombs of pharaohs, including Tutankhamen, and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, carved into a cliff face. With so much to see, a trip here can be overwhelming. Make things easy on yourself by booking AmaWaterways’ 11-night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile cruise, and don’t forget to pack pants suitable for a camel ride to the Great Pyramid.

Chile’s Lake District

From the shores of Chile’s second-largest lake, Llanquihue, you can admire views of the snowcapped Osorno Volcano.

The Lake District, or Los Lagos, is arguably Chile’s most gorgeous region—​​a storybook landscape of emerald glacial lakes, snowcapped volcanic peaks, dense forests and charming alpine towns—that stretches across Chile’s south-central heart and marks the northern edge of Patagonia. Trade winter in the U.S. for bright, 70-degree days that are packed with adventure: Hike among volcanoes in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, kayak across Llanquihue Lake, go white water rafting on the Trancura River. There’s even more to discover just offshore: A 30-minute ferry ride from Pargua will bring you to the island of Chiloé, home to Chiloé National Park, colonies of Humboldt and Magellanic penguins and the Route of Churches, a collection of 16 wooden churches that are a UNESCO World Heritage site. After action-packed days, retreat to Hotel & Cava Estancia Rilán, a modern eight-room property designed to mesh perfectly with the windswept landscape.