Drive into the holidays: Last-minute road trips for a festive stay
Ski trips, scenic hikes, and plenty of festivities make for a getaway that’s worth the drive.
By Alina Dizik | Deceember 11, 2025
Holiday travel doesn’t have to include navigating crowded airports when you can hop in your car instead and escape at your own pace for a festive getaway. Pro tip: Add Hilton’s Park & Stay offer, available at select hotels, and you’ll have access to secure parking to drop off and pick up your vehicle at your convenience. Looking for more ways to make the trip even easier? Take the stress out of holiday road trips to these top winter destinations when you use the extra travel perks that come with the Hilton Honors American Express Cards.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Surrounded by striking red rock formations, southwest Arizona promises endless landscapes to explore. Settle in at Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort, a desert retreat with spacious suites, two refreshing outdoor pools, and excellent dining. You’ll also be near the annual Scottsdazzle Holiday Extravaganza, a monthlong celebration with thousands of holiday lights and family-friendly events in Old Town Scottsdale. For some outdoorsy fun, pack a picnic and drive to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a protected desert habitat with roughly 230 miles (370 kilometers) of trails. Thanks to the hotel’s Park & Stay offer, it’s easy to come and go at your own pace, exploring both nature and the city. Add in perks from any of the Hilton Honors American Express Cards and you’ll get a minimum of 5X Points for dining out in the area’s spectacular restaurants. Don’t skip local specialties like Sonoran hot dogs wrapped in bacon or the Arizona cheese crisp, a crunchy open-faced quesadilla.
Washington
A trip to the nation’s capital combines world-renowned museums with scenic river trails and national parks perfect for biking or exploring on foot. Settle in at Capital Hilton, a downtown hotel that’s just two blocks from the White House, where you’ll see the National Menorah and National Christmas Tree during the holiday season. Start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet at the hotel’s North Gate Grill or choose the a la carte menu with classic American favorites. Exploring beyond the capital? The hotel’s Park & Stay offer means you can stroll through the DowntownDC Holiday Market or hit the road to hike alongside the roaring rapids at Great Falls Park in nearby McLean, Virginia. And if you’re sticking to a strict holiday budget, consider using the American Express Plan It option to spread out payments for this winter getaway. Another holiday savings tip: Book your stay directly through the hotel website to earn a minimum of 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points.
Denver
Spending the holidays in Denver means outdoor ice skating, sparkling lights at Union Station, holiday markets, and day trips into the Rockies for skiing or snowboarding. Before heading out, fuel up with a complimentary breakfast at Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown. The hotel’s indoor pool, convenient location, and pet-friendly accommodations also make it the ideal home base. Pack your winter gear and head out for a day of adventure easily with Hampton Inn’s Park & Stay offer. When exploring the Mile High City, rack up more Points to use on unforgettable experiences when you use your Hilton Honors American Express Card to dine out and earn 5X Points at select restaurants.
Los Angeles
Swap the chilly holiday season for postcard-perfect palm trees, sunshine, and beaches while exploring Los Angeles. Don’t skip the city’s top tier museums like The Getty Center, a sprawling 110-acre (44.5-hectare) museum campus with art, gardens, and hilltop views. Make time for exploring on foot, including a hike through LA’s Griffith Park for a closeup of the Hollywood sign. And when it comes to holiday celebrations, the area’s theme parks are always a fun choice, or you can head to L.A. Zoo Lights for a night filled with impressive lantern sculptures and other animal-themed light displays. Stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown, which offers Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton™ for ideal family travel, plus the discreet rooftop Kyoto Garden for relaxing. Since you’ll need a ride to get around this car-centric city, be sure to use the DoubleTree’s Park & Stay offer, which allows complimentary come-and-go access to your vehicle.
Alina Dizik
Alina Dizik is a veteran lifestyle journalist, covering travel, real estate, family, work trends, and dining. She lives in Chicago and has previously lived in New York, Europe, and the Middle East. She spends more than two months each year traveling internationally with her husband and two school-age children. Alina has visited more than 50 countries, and her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Cut, The Guardian, and other top publications.
Save up to 25% during The Hilton Sale
Whether you’re craving a cozy city break or the thrill of somewhere new, find the perfect holiday stay in top destinations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and more. Book November 5 through December 15, 2025.
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