A memorable vacation doesn’t have to include airline tickets, hotel reservations, or a long drive. A staycation lets you enjoy time off, explore your community, and relax at home—often for a fraction of the cost of traveling.
With a little planning and a hot tub waiting at home, you can create a getaway that combines local adventures with plenty of time to unwind.
Rediscover Your Community
Treat your hometown like a destination by visiting places you rarely have time to enjoy. Consider adding a few of these activities to your staycation itinerary:
- Visit a museum or historic attraction.
- Attend a local art, music, or food festival.
- Explore a farmers market or community event.
- Check out a classic car show.
- Take a boat ride or scenic ferry trip.
- Attend a professional, minor-league, or community sporting event.
- Plan a restaurant crawl with different stops for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
- Organize a board game or video game tournament at home.
- Visit a nearby park, walking trail, or nature preserve.
Try combining one daytime activity with a relaxing evening at home. After exploring a festival, walking through a museum, or sampling local restaurants, you can return home and settle into the soothing water of your hot tub.
Turn Your Backyard Into a Retreat
Your hot tub can be the centerpiece of your staycation. Add comfortable seating, outdoor lighting, music, and a few refreshments to give your backyard the atmosphere of a private resort.
You can enjoy a quiet soak by yourself, plan a romantic evening for two, or invite friends over for a casual hot tub party. The goal is simple: step away from your usual routine and make your time at home feel special.
How to Host a Staycation Party
A successful gathering doesn’t need to be complicated. Begin with a guest list, a simple budget, and three essential ingredients.
Good Company
Invite a group that fits comfortably within your entertaining space and your hot tub’s stated capacity. A smaller gathering often makes it easier for everyone to relax, talk, and reconnect.
Good Food
Choose refreshments that can be prepared ahead of time, such as fruit, vegetables, finger sandwiches, grilled food, or other easy-to-serve favorites.
Create a separate dining area and keep food away from the spa water. Use shatter-resistant plates and drinkware around the hot tub, and save alcoholic beverages for after guests have finished soaking.
A Good Soundtrack
Build a playlist that matches the mood of your gathering. Relaxing music works well for a quiet evening, while upbeat favorites can energize a backyard party.
If your hot tub has a built-in stereo, connect and test it before guests arrive. Otherwise, place a water-resistant portable speaker safely away from the edge of the spa.
Prepare Your Hot Tub Before Guests Arrive
A little advance preparation will help your event run smoothly:
- Clean the hot tub and surrounding area.
- Test and balance the spa water.
- Check the filter and water level.
- Confirm that the water temperature is comfortable.
- Ask guests to bring swimsuits and towels, while keeping a few extra towels available.
- Provide a safe, well-lit route between the house and hot tub.
- Keep the surrounding surfaces dry and free of clutter.
- Review your spa’s capacity and safety guidelines.
If children will be present, make sure they are closely supervised and follow the hot tub manufacturer’s age and temperature recommendations.
Add Simple Entertainment
Not every staycation party needs a packed schedule. Music, conversation, and a relaxing soak may be all you need. If your group enjoys activities, try options that don’t encourage rough play in or around the hot tub:
- Create a staycation-themed trivia game.
- Prepare fun conversation cards.
- Host a board game or card game before the soak.
- Set up a backyard movie after sunset.
- Play cornhole, lawn bowling, or another yard game away from the spa.
- Organize a friendly video game tournament indoors.
Avoid running, wrestling, diving, or throwing objects near the hot tub. Keeping energetic games in a separate area helps protect guests from slippery surfaces and accidental falls.
Remember to Enjoy Your Own Staycation
If you’re hosting, prepare as much as possible before your guests arrive. Set out the food, test the music, arrange the seating, and have the hot tub ready in advance. Once the party begins, give yourself permission to relax and enjoy it.
A great staycation is about taking a genuine break from your routine. Whether you explore local attractions, host friends, or spend a quiet evening soaking under the stars, your perfect getaway may be closer than you think.
At MyHotTub.com, we’re dedicated to helping you create an enjoyable hot tub experience at home. Explore our American-made hot tubs, spa accessories, replacement parts, installation options, service, and customer support.
Share:
How to Clean and Care for a Hot Tub Cover