After a long summer filled with activities or even after a hectic summer vacation, a peaceful getaway can help you de-stress and unwind. Where can you go to find a relaxing vacation spot in the USA? These are some of the best places to consider going for a restful getaway.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park provides a remote vacation spot with picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, snow-covered mountains, rain forests and more. Visitors can stay in a charming log cabin, hot springs resort, or mountain lodge, or sleep under the stars at one of the park’s campsites. Boating, climbing, fishing and other activities are available, as well as tide pools to explore and numerous valley trails for hiking. Visitors can take in the serene setting of Hoh Rain Forest or go kayaking on Lake Crescent.
Emerald Coast, Florida
The Emerald Coast in the northwestern part of Florida provides a less known destination to get away from the crowds of other destinations in the Sunshine State. The beaches here offer sugar-white sand and the teal green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and a laid back environment overall. Towns such as Destin and Panama City Beach at either end of this coastal strip are bustling and offer loads of attractions, while in between are some lovely little towns and pristine parklands. The Truman Show town of Seaside is nestled here, peaceful, upscale and walkable, with the quaintest of all Florida accommodations in the Seaside vacation rentals of pastel-painted homes with white picket fences.
Carova Beach, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Outer Banks offers tons of beaches to stay at, but many of these can become crowded. Carova Beach is among the beaches that don’t get as many visitors. Driving on roads made of sand, visitors need a 4×4 vehicle to reach their vacation home. While exploring the dunes and swimming in the ocean, guests can watch the area’s wild horses roam around the sands. Paddleboarding, surfing, fishing and other calming water activities are available.
Santa Barbara Wine Country, California
Santa Barbara’s wine country provides an ideal vacation spot for those who enjoy leisurely drives on roads lined with vineyards and wineries. Driving through this area offers scenic hilly views and a chance to stop at wineries along the route for tours or tastings. The area also has numerous attractions and sights to see, such as the Village of Solvang, Los Olivos District, Alisos Canyon, and Happy Canyon. Visitors can also learn to sail at the Santa Barbara Sailing Center on the coast.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
For those who want to spend their vacation soaking in warm waters, Hot Springs is the perfect destination. Hot Springs has multiple spas and bath houses available where visitors can relax after playing a round of golf or exploring Hot Springs National Park. The area has cozy bed and breakfasts to stay in, as well as more upscale hotels and resorts. Fishing, biking and boating are readily available for outdoor activities.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is among the most relaxing places to stay in the northeastern U.S. This southern Maine town has stunning beaches with calming views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore Goose Rocks Beach, enjoy the quiet atmosphere at Arundel Beach, visit the Seashore Trolley Museum, and see Goat Island Lighthouse. Whale watching, sailing, kayaking, surfing and other outdoor activities are available. The town also has spas, golf, tennis, antiques and more.
Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York provides numerous lakes to explore, as well as vineyards, wine trails, waterfalls and more. Guests can stay in luxurious lakefront accommodations for gorgeous views of the water and easy access to fishing, swimming, boating and other activities. Quaint cabins in wooded surroundings offer another peaceful option for places to stay. The Finger Lakes region also has spas that are perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Boat cruises, farmers markets, historical sites and other attractions and activities are also available.
Flathead Lake, Montana
Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana offers beautiful views of the Mission and Swan Range Mountains, along with a chance to spend relaxing days on or near the water. As the biggest natural freshwater lake in the western U.S., Flathead Lake provides plenty of spots to go fishing, or to take a boat out on the water to do more exploring. Several campgrounds are available for those who want to enjoy a simple stay in a tent or camper, while lodges and other accommodations are also available in the area.
Duck Creek Village, Utah
Duck Creek Village in Dixie National Forest gives families and other visitors a great place to go for desert, mountain, and forest views. The village offers a few amenities for guests and plenty of opportunities to get out and take in the stunning surroundings. Visitors can get a glimpse of Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon and other natural attractions in the area while staying in cozy cabins in the woods.
Sedona, Arizona
For those looking for a desert vacation, Sedona is among the best places to go. Sedona, located close to Flagstaff, offers scenic desert surroundings with red rock canyons. Nearby Coconino National Forest has peaceful forested surroundings for a break from the sun, while uptown Sedona offers spas, art galleries, cafes and other local attractions to explore. Visitors can head to Red Rock State Park to go hiking, have a picnic and watch for local wildlife.