Where Do Rich People Vacation in the USA? Top 10 Spots

As a traveler eager to explore the height of American luxury, I am planning my next big trip and want to distinguish between destinations that are simply expensive versus those that offer true prestige and high-end experiences. Could you provide a comprehensive guide on Where do rich people vacation in the USA?, specifically outlining the Top 10 Spots that are currently considered the most exclusive and sought-after?

Please limit your answer to just the list and brief descriptions, and categorize your response based on the type of experience—from the ultimate coastal seclusion and ultra-luxury living in places like the Hamptons or Aspen, to the private island resorts of Florida and the historic grandeur of Newport. I would also like to know which of these locations are known for celebrity sightings and which are better for a quiet, high-society escape.

1. Aspen, Colorado
   Aspen is the premier alpine luxury destination in the United States, known for its upscale ski culture, world-class resorts, and high-profile visitors. In winter, it attracts the elite for its powdery slopes at Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands, as well as high-end après-ski scenes at places like The Snow Lodge and Caribou Club. In summer, the destination becomes a haven for hiking, fly-fishing, and private club events, while offering sophisticated dining with multiple Michelin-level experiences (including elements by Wolfgang Puck at The Little Nell and Cache Cache Bistro). Notable annual events include the Aspen Ideas Festival and the WCOL Celebrity Classic, drawing top thinkers, philanthropists, and celebrities. Luxury accommodations center around The Little Nell, known for ski-in/ski-out access and a renowned cellar, and boutique properties such as Hotel Jerome and the St. Regis Aspen Resort.
2. The Hamptons, New York
   The Hamptons—comprising villages like Southampton, East Hampton, Water Mill, Bridgehampton, Sagaponack, and Montauk—serve as the East Coast’s definitive summer enclave for the ultra-wealthy, particularly from Wall Street and the arts. Distinct micro-neighborhoods set the tone for ultra-privacy and prestige: Meadow Lane is known as “Billionaire’s Lane” for its oceanfront estates; Further Lane and surrounding areas host a concentration of high-profile families. Social life revolves around private clubs (e.g., The Maidstone, vintage country clubs), elite galleries, and charity galas. Dining is refined, with standout restaurants including Duryea’s Lobster Deck, Moby’s, and Cove Club. Notable annual cultural events include the Hampton Jitney summer party, the Hampton Classic Horse Show, and the Jacopo Ligozzi/The Clubhouse at Bridgehampton riding traditions. Top stays include The Baron’s Cove, The Capri, Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina, and The Surf Lodge in Montauk for scene-driven oceanfront dining and music. Access typically involves helicopter charters or car services to avoid traffic on weekends.
3. Nantucket, Massachusetts
   Nantucket offers an understated yet ultra-luxurious New England summer experience with strict historic-preservation rules that add to its charm and exclusivity. The island is defined by cobblestone streets, immaculate beaches (Cochituate, Beach 49, Steps Beach), and well-heeled social rituals centered around private summer homes and yacht dinners. Dining is sophisticated: Cru Oyster Bar, The(Camera) Club, CRU, and The Whale are local standouts, while Cru’s wine list is famously extensive. Key annual events include the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival, the Nantucket Film Festival, and Figawi Weekend, a sailing-centric late-May tradition that draws many prominent visitors. Top accommodations include the Jared Coffin House (historic downtown property), White Elephant (harborfront luxury), and pencils down favorites such as the Faraway Nantucket for boutique style. The island is reached by small-plane flights from the East Coast or high-speed ferries.
4. Palm Beach, Florida
   Palm Beach combines Gilded Age glamour with modern luxury, appealing to a politically connected and finance-centric crowd. The Breakers remains the quintessential resort, supported by The Brazilian Court Hotel and the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach for oceanfront opulence. Worth Avenue is the shopping anchor, lined with global luxury boutiques and art galleries, while The Square offers dining and socializing. Notable restaurants include La Goulue, Henry’s Palm Beach, and Seafood Bar at The Breakers. Elite social calendar highlights include the International reduction-red Charity Ball, Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary art fair, and the winter season’s polo and equestrian events. Nearby, private clubs such as Mar-a-Lago and the Beach Club draw select membership circles, and island access is typically via Palm Beach International Airport with car transfers.
5. East County, California (Lafayette/Orinda/Alamo/Danville)
   Often grouped as “Lafayette/Orinda/Alamo/Danville” within the East Bay hills, this region caters to tech and investment wealth with expansive estates, privacy, and outdoor-oriented luxury. The area is prized for its quick access to open-space preserves (Mount Diablo State Park, Lafayette Reservoir) and high-end golf courses such as the world-renowned Rankings-only (third-party reference) Crow Canyon Country Club and the nearby Canyon Club Country Club. Dining and social life lean refined and discreet, with established country clubs anchoring community gatherings. The region is particularly popular among Bay Area executives seeking weekend homes or quiet daily retreats outside the city, with easy connections to SFO and private aviation routes.
6. Scottsdale, Arizona
   Scottsdale is a desert resort and wellness destination favored for its luxury spas, golf courses, and warm winter climate. A concentration of high-end resorts lines the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art/Scottsdale Fashion Square area and the McCormick Ranch belt, led by Sanctuary Camelback Mountain and The Phoenician. Top-tier golf comes from private and semi-private clubs including Grayhawk and Troon North, while wellness retreats such as Canyon Ranch deliver comprehensive programs. The annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction draws deep-pocketed car enthusiasts, and dining ranges from topped steakhouses like Mastro’s City Hall to contemporary Southwestern cuisine. Hiking at Pinnacle Peak and spa days are standard itineraries for weekend visitors.
7. Cape Cod (Hyannis Port, Osterville, Chatham) and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
   Cape Cod’s elite summer circuits center on historic enclaves like Hyannis Port and Osterville, and the broader Kennedy legacy destinations along Nantucket Sound. Chatham adds upscale, quiet charm with historic inns and maritime traditions. Day trips and second-home culture spill over to Martha’s Vineyard, where towns like Edgartown and Chilmark host high-profile summer residents; the island’s June-to-August social scene circulates around private gatherings, sailing, and upscale farm-to-table dining (e.g., Larsen’s, 19 Raw Oyster Bar). Notable stays include Chatham Bars Inn for classic resort luxury and Winnetu Oceanside Resort on the Vineyard for family-centric upscale lodging. Travel is by private plane or ferry from the Cape and South Shore.
8. Lake Tahoe (Incline Village, Crystal Bay, West Shore)
   Lake Tahoe’s wealthier enclaves—particularly Incline Village on the Nevada side and the West Shore—offer alpine lake luxury with both winter sports and summer water activities. Private beaches, lakefront mansions, and no-state-income-tax benefits (for NV residents) appeal to tech, finance, and West Coast high earners. Top-tier casinos in Crystal Bay (e.g., the Hyatt/Crystal Bay Club) deliver VIP nightlife, while restaurants like Ijji Sushi & Sashimi and Manzanita at The Resort at Squaw Creek cater to refined palates. Winter features premier skiing at Diamond Peak and nearby Palisades Tahoe, while summer brings boating, paddleboarding, and shoreline gatherings. Private aviation often uses Reno-Tahoe International or Truckee airports with car transfers.
9. The Florida Keys (Key West and Islamorada)
   The Keys combine tropical ease with waterfront luxury, anchored by private resort communities and high-end marinas. In Islamorada, SeaBird Village and Pierre’s Restaurant & Club establish a refined scene with marina-front dining and lounging. In Key West, properties like Casa Marina, The Capitana Key West (waterfront), and The H2O are preferred for upscale stays, while dining highlights include Latitudes on the beach and selective private dining experiences. The New Year’s Eve sunset celebration and Hemingway Days attract affluent visitors and charter yachts, and backcountry fishing charters for bonefish and tarpon are a hallmark of the region.
10. Lake Placid and the Adirondacks, New York
    The Adirondacks’ white-glove retreat—centered on Lake Placid—combines historic Great Camp architecture with modern alpine luxury. High-end properties such as the Lake Placid Lodge and Whiteface Lodge deliver wilderness elegance alongside spa and culinary programs. The region offers premier winter sports at Whiteface Mountain (site of the 1980 Olympics), with additional activities including lake boating, horseback riding, and wellness getaways. Fine dining centers on seasonal American cuisine and local sourcing; private boat dinners and fireside lodges are characteristic of the experience. It’s a favorite for Northeasterners seeking privacy within protected wilderness, often paired with weekends in Saranac Lake or Tupper Lake. Access is via Albany International or Plattsburgh airports, with private flights landing at Adirondack Regional Airport.