Like film and television, video games have introduced audiences to some extraordinary fictional locations. From the hustle and bustle of populous fictional metropolises like Night City to whimsical and fantastical regions like Hyrule, the medium’s often captivating storytelling and impressive visuals frequently kickstart some maladaptive daydreaming. While a real-world vacay sounds sublime, I’d trade contemporary travel costs and tourist traps for the medium’s most magical areas any day.

These 15 in-game locales would make for top-notch holidays, our choices spanning various genres, aesthetics, and eras. The best part? No CLEAR membership necessary.

Treasure Trove Cove (Banjo-Kazooie)

While the Rare-developed bear and bird continue their hunt for music notes and Jiggies, I’m diving right into Treasure Trove Cove’s inviting, deep-blue waters. The beachy state is brimming with summery sights and sounds, all amplifying the vacay vibes. If our green gal Grunty wants to doom-and-gloom in her lair, that’s fine, just let her know I’ll be sunning on the ship wreckage in the meantime.

Wii Fit Island/Wuhu Island (Wii Fit)

Can I go to Wii Fit island without worrying about my core strength? I’d like to think so. Even though I’d likely have to share the shore with the kind of people who run marathons on Christmas Day, the soft sand and ASMR-like sounds of splashing seawater would be well worth it. Put the game’s OST on a loop, and you’ll never get rid of me.

Tell Matt I’m on my way!

Vespucci Beach (Grand Theft Auto V)

While riding a bike alongside the entitled, grating Michael De Santa isn’t exactly my idea of a good time, Los Santos’ Vespucci Beach is still one of the beloved franchise’s dreamiest spots. The spot offers a skate park, lively boardwalk, open-air gym for the meatheads, and people-watching aplenty for the nosy ones among us (ahem, me). If I could only convince Trevor to join me… (wistful sigh)

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Isle Delfino (Super Mario Sunshine)

First seen in Nintendo’s Super Mario Sunshine, this remote tropical paradise is home to the Piantas, a chill group of grass-skirted locals. Though it’s been more than 20 years since Sunshine dropped for the GameCube — a figure I can barely wrap my head around — the idyllic setting is still widely considered one of the Mario franchise’s most enchanting environments.

Thanks to the game’s cult-like following, kart racers can now pick a Pianta as a playable driver in Mario Kart World.

Pelican Town (Stardew Valley)

Pelican Town, the quaint village players settle into at the start of cozy-sim Stardew Valley, is easily one of the most alluring video game locations. Colorful pixel art kicks the childlike whimsy up a notch, giving the charming small town an even cozier vibe.

As someone who grew up in the rural Midwest, no game setting takes me back to corner store trips, mingling with neighbors, and summertime bike rides quite like Pelican Town.

Ebonlake Grotto (Baldur’s Gate 3)

On paper, an underground colony of animated fungi isn’t gonna appeal to many. Spores aside, the ambient lighting, near-incomprehensible character design (it’s giving biblically-accurate angel), and the powerful telepathic and necromantic abilities of its inhabitants would appeal to anyone who’s ever needed a trip sitter.

Luminous neon hues, mushrooms aplenty, and (mostly) welcoming humanoids? I think I just described Spencer’s Gifts…

Island (Animal Crossing)

Do I even need to explain this one? In the cutesy village sim Animal Crossing, players must establish themselves within a tiny town full of anthropomorphic animals. Once acclimated, you can make the rounds, introducing yourself to goofy, neighborly critters, making purchases at small mom-and-pop shops, fishing, and personalizing just about every aspect of your in-game experience.

Seasonal celebrations, a real sense of community, rich friendships, seemingly endless customization, sandy shores, and a soothing soundtrack? SOLD!

Flying Waters (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)

Expedition 33‘s Flying Waters area feels less like a video game stage and more like a fever dream. Deep blues, water droplets suspended midair, and subdued, ambient music make the woozy underwater region almost intoxicating. If you watch the foliage sway and lights flicker long enough, it almost feels like the world has a pulse of its own.

The only change I’d make to my Flying Waters vacay? A map. You really need a map.

Pallet Town (Pokémon)

Ah, truly humble beginnings. Kanto’s Pallet Town felt like a second home to those of us who were once glued to the OG Pokémon games. No need to rush here; every day feels like Sunday in this low-key suburban region. The walkable town is somewhat developed, but there’s still plenty of nature to explore, small businesses to patronize, and neighborly love to go around.

Of all spots on this list, Pallet Town would be the one that’d most make you feel like a kid again.

Saint Denis (Red Dead Redemption 2)

For city-slickers, Lemoyne’s busy city of Saint Denis is an easy pick. The city of Saint Denis draws inspiration from the real-world city of New Orleans, Louisiana. While there’s definitely no shortage of unsavory activity in the turn-of-the-century town, this one offers more modern comforts — y’know, like medicine — than RDR2‘s more remote and often unforgiving sites.

Again, as someone who grew up in a tiny, rural region, Saint Denis’ public transportation, myriad boutiques, bars, and other small businesses are more than many real small towns offer today. The most appealing part? I can actually go toe-to-toe with that slimy eugenicist…

Hotto (Dragon Quest XI)

History buffs would trip over themselves for a chance to check out Hotto. Built at the foot of Mount Huji, Hotto is home to beautiful traditional Japanese architecture, natural hot springs, and a Shinto shrine. Travelers must be sure to introduce themselves to all the friendly locals who speak in haikus. Add in the beautiful mountain views, and it’s a done deal.

Spring Falls Shrine (Ghost of Tsushima)

Though Jin can visit several Shinto Shrines throughout the game, Spring Falls Shrine is the most visually stunning. The rushing water, gentle wind gusts, and peaceful animal sounds all complement your character’s soft, stealthy footsteps. Frankly, it reminds me of those soothing soundscape CDs you could demo at department stores in the 90s. I haven’t even touched on the Shrine’s visual elements! Bring a picnic blanket with you, because there’s primo star-viewing to be had.

Elwynn Forest (World of Warcraft)

Faction preference aside, World of Warcraft‘s Elwynn Forest, the Human starting zone for the Humans, will always have a soft spot in my heart. It may not feel as exotic as other spots in Azeroth, but it’s surely one of the coziest.

Elwynn Forest is warm and inviting, nestled safely in the shadows of Stormwind City. The one request I’d have, though, is to loop the Elwynn Forest music while I relax in a lakeside cabin and sip a warm cup of coffee. Sigh. What a dream.

Rapture (Bioshock)

The appeal of Bioshock‘s retrofuturistic underwater utopia is undeniable, but needless to say, I’m going BEFORE stuff goes down. The submerged city’s aesthetic marries Art Deco with a steampunk-like grittiness, giving the whole place a kind of immersive, art museum-like energy. Still, we’re leaving once the Aldous Huxley vibes start to rear their ugly head, that’s for sure.

Citadel (Mass Effect)

The sci-fi franchise’s hyperdeveloped hub is such a hotspot that Mass Effect 3 DLC actually offers an in-game “vacation” players can enjoy. The Citadel contains an operational casino, lively bar scene, cool combat arena, astonishing architecture, historical fixtures, convenient and accessible transportation, and so much more.

I’d take a chilled cocktail at the Citadel over those mineral-foraging excursions any day, but then again, outdoorsy types may prefer a ride on the Mako.

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