The Hamptons, a cluster of affluent communities on Long Island?'s South Fork, are known as the 'celebrity summer playground' for a reason. Beyoncé, Scarlett Johansson, and Alec Baldwin are just a fraction of the stars who own homes at the chic summer destination.
New York-based Hamptonites can head out on the Long Island Rail Road or Hampton Jitney, a privately owned bus service ... or, in lieu of a private jet, they can use Blade, an Uber-like helicopter service between New York City and the Hamptons. A one-way trip will set you back a minimum of $495.
The seafood is bound to be fresh. This lobster roll is from the Grey Lady, a casual seafood restaurant that recently opened in Montauk.
There's something for everyone: beach lounging, grass court tennis, fishing, paddle boarding, and fly-boarding for the fearless.
But if you're ever at a loss for what to do, just check out the luxury properties around you — there are endless mansions to ooh-and-ah over. This particular pad is in Southampton.
Cape Cod, the hook-shaped peninsula in southern Massachusetts, is made up of 15 main towns and is the gateway to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, tiny islands that happen to be summertime classics.
Martha's Vineyard (pictured) also happens to be one of the priciest places to visit, along with Nantucket, Falmouth, and Provincetown.
Here's Nantucket — specifically Siasconset (known locally as Sconset), where you'll find a cluster of gray-shingled cottages covered in pink roses.
The Cape is a favorite of the Kennedy family. They've been going since 1929, when Joseph and Rose Kennedy bought a summer house in Hyannis Port, a small village in Barnstable County.
Another playground of the rich and famous, Beverly Hills rests in Los Angeles County and is home to many Hollywood and pop stars. Taylor Swift reportedly dropped $25 million on a Beverly Hills mansion. Her latest neighbor is Adele, who reportedly bought a $9.5 million private oasis in June 2016.
The glitzy city is a shopaholic's dream, offering high-end fashion houses and one-off local boutiques. Plus, there's the world-renowned Rodeo Drive, where you'll find Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Armani, and more.
You can also give your credit card a workout at one of the many exclusive restaurants. This particular meal is from Il Fornaio Beverly Hills.
Beverly Hills is less than 10 miles from Santa Monica, another popular vacation spot that borders the Pacific Ocean.
A must-see is the Santa Monica Pier, a national icon that first opened in 1909. The amusement park, Pacific Park, was added in 1996, and today, the pier features shops, restaurants, live music, and even trapeze school.
You probably know the seaside resort city from MTV's series "Laguna Beach," which gave viewers a glimpse into the glamorous lives of a handful of teens living in Orange County.
There's more to do than just lounge by the ocean: snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking are just a small portion of the endless activities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are also summer-long art festivals, such as the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters.