Take a walk on the historic side at a historic hotel and discover how one might be simultaneously transported through time and yet present in the moment.

With over 300 active members, Historic Hotels of America offers travelers a diverse collection of destinations and experiences. Whether a traveler is looking for adventure or relaxation, they can take advantage of these historic hotels’ prime locations to explore city centers and historic villages, meander over soft hills, hike up mountains, and enjoy sweeping views of oceans, lakes, and valleys. These 9 historic hotels and resorts highlighted here are examples of the myriad ways travelers can skip the car rental in favor of sensible shoes on their next historic trip.

1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa (Eureka Springs, Arkansas)

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, the paths surrounding the historic 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa (National Register of Historic Places) and the trails connecting it to the town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, offer walkers natural beauty and historical charm. The Harmon Park Loop, starting at the hotel's front door, is a gentle trail that features a playground, skate park, and dog park. For a more immersive experience, Aine’s Way Trail begins behind the Crescent Cottages and connects to Spring Street near Grotto Springs.

Requiring a bit more stamina, the Magnolia Trail provides a direct route downtown, allowing visitors to explore Eureka Springs’ historic homes, shops, and natural springs from the hotel on foot. The downtown trails bring explorers to discover the historic sites like the town’s iconic Red Brick School house and Sweet Spring. After a day exploring Eureka Springs, walk back to the hotel for spa treatments, dinner, and drinks, or one of the hotel’s famous after-hours haunted history tours.

Mohonk Mountain House (New Paltz, New York)

Since 1869, Mohonk Mountain House (National Historic Landmark) welcomes guests from its perch on the rocky cliffs above a glacial lake in the Hudson River Valley. What began as a small guesthouse evolved into a Victorian castle with fanciful turrets, local stone, and gabled-frame constructions, set on 1,200 acres of spectacular scenery. To explore this historic destination, guests can take any of the walking and hiking paths that offer a captivating blend of natural beauty and adventure. Guided hikes and walks are available, including a mindfulness hike that features guided meditation through scanning provided QR codes along the way.

Access to the trails is included in guests’ resort fees and visitors who are not guests at the resort can purchase a Hiking Day Pass. Over 85 miles of trails, from gentle strolls along carriage roads to challenging rock scrambles like the Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze, guide visitors through the region’s landscape. The paths wind through lush forests, around serene lakes, and up to stunning viewpoints such as the historic Sky Top Tower, where travelers can see six states on a clear day.

French Lick Resort: French Lick Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel (French Lick, Indiana)

Explore on foot the fascinating history of the French Lick Resort, where the French Lick Hotel (National Register of Historic Places, est. 1845) and the West Baden Springs Hotel (National Historic Landmark, est. 1902) offer opportunities to explore historic landscapes as well as art and architecture. Famous for its healing “Pluto Water” in the 19th century, the resort today is known for its championship golf courses, casino, spa, and family-friendly activities as well as its rich history. Walking paths at French Lick Resort in Indiana offer a delightful way to discover the resort's scenic 3,200 acres.

The trails wind through lush forests and rolling hills, providing serene views and a peaceful atmosphere. One popular route is the 2-mile loop trail, which starts at the Valley Links Course parking lot and leads to a scenic overlook of the nearby hills. A self-guided history walk is available and comes with a brochure, highlighting interpretive signs and landmarks along the path. Whether guests are seeking a leisurely stroll or a more invigorating hike, French Lick Resort's walking paths cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.

Skytop Lodge (Skytop, Pennsylvania)

The historic walking paths at Skytop Lodge in Pennsylvania offer a captivating escape into its expansive 5,500-acre estate. The outdoors have always been an important part of the guest experience at Skytop Lodge since it opened in 1928 as a Poconos wilderness retreat. Its founders hired the Olmsted brothers to design the grounds around the main lodge. They ensured trails to all Skytop's scenic areas were laid out and maps were drawn to enable the lodge's guests to visit "places of quiet beauty and restful charm."

Today, guests can explore a variety of trails, from the gentle Lake Trail, which follows the shoreline of Skytop Lake, to the more challenging Stable Trail, which ascends 400 feet up West Mountain. Along the way, hikers can enjoy scenic vistas, observe diverse wildlife (including over 175 species of birds), and encounter beautiful waterfalls like Indian Ladder Falls. While the resort has been updated and modernized over the years to keep up with guest expectations for luxury (including a new spa), its historic character and walking trails have been preserved for modern guests to experience.

Woodstock Inn and Resort (Woodstock, Vermont)

Set in the heart of the very walkable Woodstock, Vermont, the Woodstock Inn & Resort invites guests to enjoy warm hospitality and to experience four seasons of New England splendor. The town’s main street and village green are merely steps from the hotel, and walking down Central Street—with its beautifully preserved colonial and brick buildings—feels like a journey through a charming, historical tapestry. Lush green spaces like the Village Green provide serene spots to relax and iconic landmarks like the Middle Covered Bridge are waiting to be explored. Beyond the village, trails can take visitors up into the mountains for spectacular views.

The trailhead to make the trek to and from the South Peak of Mount Tom is a ten-minute walk from the resort, and the trail connects to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Another trail loops up to the top of Mount Peg and back into the town. Whichever path you choose, every step in Woodstock reveals a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that leaves a lasting impression. The historic Inn, which can trace its tradition of hospitality to 1793, was restored in the 1960s by Lawrence Rockefeller.

Omni Parker House (Boston, Massachusetts)

The Boston Freedom Trail guides urban walkers on a journey through America's revolutionary history, and guests of the Omni Parker House can experience the trail by stepping out the hotel lobby doors. This 2.5-mile trail winds through the heart of Boston, marked by a red brick or painted line that guides visitors to 16 historic sites. Starting at Boston Common and ending at the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, the trail includes landmarks like the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere's House, and the Old North Church. There are two stops on the trail directly across from the Omni Parker House hotel: to the northeast of the hotel, the walking tour stops at the historic King’s Chapel and King’s Chapel Burying Ground.

Next door to that stop is the site of the first building that served as the Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in America. A statue of Benjamin Franklin, who was once a student at the school, marks the spot. In addition, close by to the hotel are trail stops at the Granary Burying Ground, just northwest of the hotel across Tremont Street, and the Old Corner Bookstore, at the eastern end of School Street. Hungry after the walk? Return to the hotel for a slice of Boston cream pie, which was invented and served at Parker’s Restaurant to celebrate the opening of the hotel in October 1856.

Castle Hot Springs (Morristown, Arizona)

A tranquil oasis in Arizona’s picturesque Sonoran Desert, Castle Hot Springs offers its guests a wealth of thrilling outdoor experiences to enjoy. Preserved for centuries by the Yavapai and developed for American tourists in 1896, the desert oasis’ geothermal waters are the main draw of the resort, but its 1,100-acres are crossed by trails where guests can explore the quiet majesty of an ecosystem brimming with plant and animal life. The walking paths at Castle Hot Springs offer a serene escape and hiking has always been an activity beloved by visitors to this special place.

The Chocolate Drop Trail, starting just behind the resort cabins, provides a gentle climb with stunning views of the resort and surrounding landscape. For a more immersive experience, the Castle Peak Loop combines several trails, passing through saguaro groves, historic sites, and a perennial stream. Each path offers a unique way to connect with nature and experience the tranquility of this desert oasis.

Cavallo Point (San Francisco, California)

Walking paths at Cavallo Point in California offer a stunning blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Nestled at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, the trails provide breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, and the rolling hills of Marin. The historic lodging at Cavallo Point dates to 1901 and it was once a military housing complex for the soldiers stationed at Fort Baker.

In 1995, Congress transferred the facility to the control of the National Park Service, making it a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and, soon after, the buildings were transformed into a secluded retreat. Today, guests today have their pick of walks—from a leisurely stroll through eucalyptus groves to Battery Yates to a more challenging hike up to Slacker Hill—and each path offers unique vistas and serene spots to relax. The trails cater to all levels, making it easy to enjoy the fresh Bay air and the picturesque surroundings of this iconic location.

Grand Hotel, Hotel Iroquois, and Island House Hotel (Mackinac Island, Michigan)

Famous for being car-free, Mackinac Island is a 3.8 square mile destination located in the straits between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The Island offers visitors a unique experience to get around on foot, bike, carriage, or horseback. Historic Hotels of America has three active members on the island: Island House Hotel (est. 1852), Grand Hotel (est. 1887) with its world-famous front porch, and Hotel Iroquois (est. 1902). Island House Hotel and Hotel Iroquois are on opposite sides of Main Street, while Grand Hotel is set farther north of the bustling downtown area. Wherever a visitor chooses to stay, walking paths abound, allowing visitors to soak in the island's natural beauty and historic sites.