America is one of the most diverse and interesting countries in the world. Areas of natural beauty like the Pacific Coast, Yosemite National Park, and Monument Valley are visions that are transported into cinematic art, as Hollywood finds the best locations almost in its backyard. For anyone exploring the U.S. beyond the major cities, group trips to the countryside or along Native American trails, in the mountains or next to spots with beaches and lakes, this journey promises unforgettable moments.

In Great Escapes USA, Angelika Taschen showcases remarkable places to stay through stunning photography, engaging texts, and practical details on how to get there, as well as book and movie recommendations. The journey starts on the East Coast, where intellectuals and artists once gathered in idyllically located summer homes like Twin Farms in Vermont and Troutbeck in New York State.

It continues south, where The Moorings Village and Hôtel Peter & Paul, for instance, tell the story of Florida and Louisiana, while elegant accommodations such as the Commodore Perry Estate in Austin, Texas, reveal their charm. Dunton Hot Springs, a former miners' camp in Colorado, has been transformed from a ghost town into a luxurious rustic resort, following the path leading to the urban utopia of Arcosanti in Arizona, designed by architect Paolo Soleri in the 1970s.

The adventure concludes with unique hotels in California, such as Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, where many famous writers have stayed in wooden cabins influenced by Norway, as well as relaxing motels like The Surfrider Malibu, which epitomizes the California myth. For gourmets, destinations like SingleThread in Sonoma County with three Michelin stars are among the most enchanting.

The photography in this rich publication features hotels that follow the tradition of great architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as works by new contemporary designers and buildings in the characteristic mid-20th century American style. A horse ranch, a glamping location, even a hippie bathhouse and vintage trailers are included – places as diverse as the U.S. itself.