Father's Day Escape: The Ultimate Guide for Guys

Let’s cut to the chase, Father’s Day doesn’t need to involve another novelty necktie or “#1 Dad” coffee mug. What do dads really want? A damn break. A chance to get away, disconnect, and enjoy something other than the backseat of a minivan or the grill he’s chained to all summer. Whether you’re the dad, shopping for the dad, or you’re one of those adult kids who now realize he was right about everything, here’s how to plan a Father’s Day getaway he’ll actually brag about.

This list is for the guy who loves motorcycles, bourbon, cigars, classic rock, a well-aged steak, and yes—even a luxurious spa day with a side of silence. You in? Let’s go.

Ride Hard, Relax Harder — Motorcycle Routes Worth the Miles

Forget the backyard. If Dad rides, plan a trip along one of these scenic motorcycle routes and give him that open-road therapy he’s been craving.

Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)

With 469 miles of smooth curves and epic views, this route is the dream ride for any biker dad. Hit spots like Asheville for craft breweries and a quick foot soak at Shoji Spa & Lodge in the mountains.

Pacific Coast Highway (California)

Wind, waves, and that Pacific breeze—what more could a man want? End in Big Sur and book a stay at Post Ranch Inn if you’re going luxury. If not, roadside motels and ocean views do just fine.

Add-on Gift: A GoPro to capture those curves or a new pair of riding gloves from Revzilla .

Bourbon, Beer, and Brotherhood

If his favorite barstool has his name carved into it, this section’s for him.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Dads who drink brown liquor deserve a pilgrimage to America’s whiskey holy land. Start in Louisville and plan stops at Maker’s Mark , Woodford Reserve , and Buffalo Trace . Bonus if you also hit the James B. Beam Distilling Co. for a private tasting.

Check out Salty and Stylish Bourbon Trail

Asheville, NC – Craft Beer Capital of the East

For beer dads, Asheville offers a dense collection of award-winning breweries. Grab a flight at Burial Beer Co. and walk it off downtown. Stay at The Foundry Hotel if you want class with your hops.

Insider Tip: Some distilleries offer cigar pairings, plan ahead and book him a seat with a view and a pour.

Rock and Roll Weekenders

Music-loving dads? Take him to a concert weekend and live like roadies with better credit scores.

Nashville, TN

Broadway bars. Live music. Hot chicken. Book a room at The Graduate or The Bobby Hotel , and be sure to hit Robert’s Western World for honky-tonk heaven. Don't forget a backstage tour at the Ryman Auditorium .

Austin, TX

Barbecue and blues? Yes please. Rent a paddleboard for Lady Bird Lake, then catch live music at The Continental Club . Eat brisket at Franklin BBQ , or cheat the line with a private tour and tasting.

Hot Take: Concert tickets are better than socks. Always.

Spa Day for the Man Who Won’t Admit He Needs One

Dads may pretend they don’t love luxury, but give him a deep tissue massage and he’ll be the one booking his own follow-up next year.

Canyon Ranch (Tucson, AZ or Lenox, MA)

Think bootcamps, energy healing, cryotherapy, and world-class facials. It’s where burly men go to feel new again.

Miraval Resorts

With locations in Arizona, Austin, and the Berkshires, Miraval is known for being luxury without judgment. Plus, there are guided hikes, ropes courses, and meditation with real results.

Don’t Forget the Products

Toss in some solid men’s skincare: Kiehl’s Age Defender , Jack Black Beard Oil , or even The News Pulse -approved beauty travel kits for men .

Let him call it "recovery" instead of "pampering" if it helps. He’s earned it.

Dad’s on Par – Golf Getaways That Hit the Sweet Spot

For the dad who still believes he’s only one lesson away from the PGA Tour, book a trip around his swing.

Scottsdale, AZ

With over 200 golf courses, plus casinos and cigar lounges, this is the golf guy’s dreamland.

Hilton Head, SC

Classic coastal charm and top-ranked greens. Bonus points if you stay oceanfront and book a post-round massage.

Pebble Beach, CA

If you’re going big, go Pebble. Book the Stay & Play package and let him tell every stranger he meets for the next 10 years.

Man Meals and Craft Cocktails

Don’t just feed him— feast him.

Knife Dallas – The dry-aged steaks and bold cocktails are made for the carnivore in your life.

Butcher & Bee (Charleston, SC) – For the food snob dad who secretly loves a foodie moment.

The Vesper (Las Vegas, NV) – Retro cocktails, moody lighting, and Bond-vibes. Order him an Old Fashioned. Stirred, not shaken.

The Essex (Old Saybrook, CT)

What to order: Wagyu beef tartare, dry-aged duck, and the ever-changing seasonal tasting menu that’s full of surprises.

Why it’s perfect for a “man meal”: Chef Colt Taylor (yep, sounds like a bourbon brand already) runs this fine-dining-meets-cocktail-heaven destination that leans into bold flavors, open-fire cooking, and serious plating. It’s stylish without being stuffy—ideal for the guy who wants to feel a little fancy while still licking his fingers.

Craft cocktail highlight: The Smoking Gun -house-aged bourbon, smoked glass, bitters, and a splash of sass.

The Dead Rabbit (Lower Manhattan, NYC)

What to order: Beer-battered oysters, lamb shepherd’s pie, or their spicy fried chicken sandwich with a side of “hell yeah.”

Why it’s perfect for a “man meal”: Voted Best Bar in the World more than once, The Dead Rabbit is a downtown Irish bar with swagger. It’s all wood paneling, whiskey flights, and award-winning cocktails served by bartenders who look like they stepped out of a 1920s boxing match. Come for the food, stay for the vibe.

Craft cocktail highlight: The Paddy Smash -Irish whiskey, mint, citrus, and clout.

Father’s Day doesn’t have to be a chore. If you’re an empty nester planning something just for you and your guy friends, do it. If you’re planning something with grown kids, make it a multi-gen getaway that gives him space to chill and time to connect. And if you’re the one being celebrated? Send this list to the group chat with a simple: “Pick one.”

Because Dad deserves more than another grill apron, he deserves the trip he never booked for himself.