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Relaxing Getaways Without Leaving Omaha
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Staycation Ideas: Relaxing Getaways Without Leaving Omaha

Staycations have an array of benefits, including big savings when it comes to transportation costs. Skip the flights, train rides, and hundreds of miles on your personal vehicle and enjoy a long weekend in Omaha that’s dedicated to exploring new spots and upgrading your hotel room to enjoy a luxurious “trip” without ever leaving home.

Accommodations for Your Omaha Staycation

Skip the budget motel down the street and splurge on Omaha’s finest options in accommodations. From boutique hotels to historic buildings, you’ll be blown away by the amenities and top-tier service that’s designed to transport guests far beyond their day-to-day lives.

Hotel Deco

Where? 1504 Harney Street

If you’re looking to catch a show at Omaha’s Orpheum Theatre during your staycation, you can’t get better convenience than the Hotel Deco. This historic hotel provides elegant accommodations, along with personalized service that will leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated by the end of your stay. You won’t even need to leave the property if you want to stay in and enjoy a dinner at The Monarch, the onsite restaurant and lounge. Enjoy a drink from the contemporary cocktail selection or peruse the wine list until something strikes your fancy. Have a furry family member? Pets are welcome with a non-refundable fee!

Magnolia Hotel Omaha

Where? 1615 Howard Street

Omaha’s Magnolia Hotel was designed after the Bargello, a stunning palace in Italy. This boutique hotel offers guests access to anything and everything in Omaha’s arts and entertainment district, including the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Holland Performing Arts Center, the Joslyn Art Museum, and the Omaha Children’s Museum for guests with little ones in tow. Guests with pets will be happy to hear that pets stay for free! So bring the whole family along for an Omaha staycation to remember. Enjoy a meal at the onsite Olive & Ira’s, with a menu featuring salads, steaks, burgers, and a salted caramel lava cake that will have you booking your next stay ASAP.

The Farnam

Where? 1299 Farnam Street

The Farnam provides an array of modern amenities and comforts, including a fitness center with Peloton bikes, a dual lounge and cocktail bar with Omaha’s largest outdoor terrace bar, a wood fire grill, and a coffee shop. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails while you wait on dinner reservations or enjoy the quiet ambiance in the lounge before heading to bed. The hotel is sure to impress with large flat-screen TVs, 11-foot ceilings with panoramic downtown views, and centralized access in Omaha’s central business district to all of your staycation adventures.

The Offutt Manor

Where? 140 North 39th Street

The Offutt Mansion was originally built in 1894, with the accompanying carriage house being erected in 1916. The Manor features striking Gothic Revival architecture and unique interior components, such as the pink onyx fireplace, the grand staircase, and the ornate electric fixtures and wall sconces that have been left to grace the beautiful estate. Choose from room options such as The Ford Presidential Suite, The Carriage House, The Fontanelle, and The Brando Penthouse. Amenities when you stay at The Offutt Manor include a full-size communal kitchen, contactless check-in, a parlor game room, meeting facilities, and beautiful views of Joslyn Castle.

Spa and Wellness Experiences in Omaha 

Looking to step away from the chaos of daily life in the city and experience true relaxation? These spas and wellness centers in Omaha are the perfect way to rejuvenate yourself during your Omaha staycation.

Valo Wellness Spa

Where? 120 Regency Parkway Suite 104

Valo was inspired by the Scandinavian value of Hygge, which centers around coziness, comfort, and feelings of contentment. Recharge with a full-day spa experience and escape the stressors that you can’t seem to shake. The treatment menu includes anti-aging microdermabrasion, deep tissue massages, fire and ice contrast therapy, body waxing, and more! Check out the Wellness Playground, which features the latest developments in technology with 20-30 minute touchless wellness modalities on zero-gravity lounge chairs. Kick off your wellness journey with guided meditations, light therapy, or compression therapy.

Oasis Massage and Spa

Where? 689 North 132nd Street

Melt away stress with indulgent massages and renewing facials at Oasis Massage and Spa. Clients can choose from an array of services and wellness treatments, such as nail and waxing appointments, customizable facials, therapeutic massages, and even a peak performance package for men. When booking multiple services at Oasis, guests are encouraged to make advance registrations to ensure they get their preferred time slot. Saturdays and evenings often see higher demand.

Experience All That Omaha Has to Offer 

While on your Omaha staycation, take advantage of the diverse array of things to do in the city. Enjoy a dinner at one of the best French spots in town and explore The Old Market district where you’ll find lively shopping and nightlife options.

Kick Off Your Morning at Stories Coffee Company

Where? 11432 Davenport Street

Swing by Stories Coffee Company for a burst of caffeine and a quick breakfast as you begin your Omaha adventure! Pastries include banana nut muffins and cinnamon rolls, plus a heartier selection of breakfast burritos and sandwiches. Whether you prefer a drip coffee or an iced white mocha — Stories has something on the menu for a range of palates. For the little ones, grab a hot chocolate or a kids meal! The rotating seasonal coffee drink selection features favorites such as the cinnamon brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso, the salted caramel cold brew with vanilla cold foam, or a Nitro coffee on tap! 

Sip on a Craft Cocktail at The Berry & Rye

Where? 1105 Howard Street

The Berry & Rye is situated in Omaha’s Old Market District, which is a great spot to enjoy all that Omaha has to offer. As the city’s oldest craft cocktail lounge, guests will enjoy a relaxed ambiance with an expansive selection of rare spirits and a cocktail menu that rotates throughout the year. The current lineup features a Lavender Blue with gin, a blueberry honey reduction, and citrus. The menu also includes beer, cider, seltzer, and zero-proof mocktail options to ensure everyone has a delightful drink to sip on while they enjoy the lounge.

Make a Dinner Reservation at Le Bouillon

Where? 1017 Howard Street

After your pre-dinner cocktail, head next door to Le Bouillon for your dinner reservation. First opening in 2013, this historic space houses one of the city’s favorite French spots that’s suitable for a range of occasions, including a staycation experience that you won’t soon forget! Start with the pommes frites served with a house-made aioli or the bread service featuring mustard and a compound butter. Entrees include the bouillon burger served on a potato bun and the boeuf bourguignon with a braised wagyu and a selection of hearty vegetables.

Catch a Show at the Orpheum Theatre

Where? 409 South 16th Street

The Orpheum Theatre is managed by Omaha Performing Arts and hosts a range of local and national acts throughout the year, including some of Broadway caliber. The theater is ornate and beautifully designed, making it a magical place to spend the evening while supporting the arts. The theater is a fundamental cornerstone of Omaha’s cultural heartbeat and should be on your Omaha bucket list if you haven’t yet had the chance to check out a show. Whether you’re into musicals, comedy shows, theater showcases, or concerts — there’s something for everyone at the Orpheum Theatre.

Walk Around The Old Market

Where? Harney to Jackson Streets & 10th to 13th Streets

Omaha’s Old Market district is brimming with shopping, from unique boutiques to antique shops, as well as pubs, restaurants, and plenty of entertainment to keep your evening exciting. Swing by bookstores, bakeries, and even local art galleries! With over 45 restaurants and bars, you can find the option that best suits your craving, from fresh pizza to the finest in Omaha’s French cuisine! Those opting to make The Old Market their home base for their staycation will find a multitude of options within walking distance — including easy access to CHI Health Center!

Grab Brunch at Early Bird Brunch

Where? 3824 Farnam Street Suite 120

Early Bird Brunch isn’t your traditional dinner! Instead, the establishment is serving up a modern take on your favorite dishes, including a selection of brunch-centric cocktails. The menu features decadent choices such as the Breakfast Nachos with crispy golden tots, cheese sauce, and scrambled eggs and the Bacon Scramble Flatbread with hollandaise and double the bacon! Prefer the sweeter side of brunch? Try the Fruity Pebbles pancakes or the churro waffle topped with house caramel and whipped cream. If you’re in a celebratory mood, try the bubbly Roberto Royale or the E.B. Mimosa with your choice of juice.

Budget-Friendly Staycation Inspiration 

Looking to keep your bank account balanced while still enjoying an adventure around Omaha? Check out these affordable options that are perfect for families or solo explorers on a budget!

Peruse the Collections at the Bemis Center

Where? 724 South 12th Street

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is located in Omaha’s Old Market district and admission is always free to exhibitions, public programs, and low-end performances. This is made possible by generous donations from members, donors, and sponsors! Tours are available during the center’s regular hours, with small suggested donations for those who wish to participate. The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is dedicated to the creation, presentation, and understanding of contemporary art, as well as inspiring a new generation around dialogue and critical issues that create such provoking artwork.

Walk Across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Where? 705 Riverfront Drive

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, referred to as “Bob” by locals — is a 3,000-foot-long cable bridge that serves as a connection between Nebraska and Iowa. Looking for a fun photo op while you’re exploring Omaha? Take a photo standing in two states at once! Don’t forget to visit the troll under Bob the Bridge — OMAR. This colorful blue troll’s name stands for Omaha Metro Area River and he has taken up residence on Omaha’s side of the pedestrian bridge.

Visit the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center

Where? 601 Riverfront Drive

After you’ve visited “Bob”, head next door to this educational visitor center that serves as a commemoration of the storied journey of Lewis and Clark. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet park rangers and learn more about the history behind the national park system and the importance of preservation, recreation, and conservation. Activities and programs offered at the visitor center include interactive exhibits, films, ranger programs, and even National Park trip planning. 

Explore the Mount Vernon Gardens

Where? 6011 South 13th Street

Enjoy the 15 rose beds and 25 flowerbeds at Mount Vernon Gardens, which was designed to be a small version of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. The gardens are open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM and access is free. This is a great spot to relax, take in the scenery and unwind. During the summertime, visitors will be treated to a multitude of bees and butterflies that call the garden home. As Mount Vernon overlooks the Potomac River in Virginia, the Mount Vernon Gardens overlook the Missouri River.

Grab Lunch at the Omaha Farmers Market

Where? Multiple Locations

If you’re planning a staycation over the weekend, swing by one of the Omaha Farmers Market locations to peruse local produce and tasty bites. The Old Market location is hosted on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM on 11th & Jackson Streets and the Aksarben Village location is held on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on 67th & Mercy Road. There’s no better way to gain a deeper connection to the local community than to support farmers, growers, and producers.

We Hope You Enjoy Your Omaha Staycation! 

Omaha is a beautiful city to call home and one that many people visit annually. Whether you’re a native Omahan or you’ve recently moved to the area — planning a staycation can bring you closer to the city than ever. What’s on your Omaha staycation itinerary?