Best Relaxing Getaways in the USA
We all have our preferred activities for alleviating stress, but not always a place to enjoy them. This list offers a snapshot of the best spots in the United States to cool your jets. Leave the jammed traffic, the flashing lights and high-octane experiences for a different vacation; these destinations excel at winding you down and mellowing you out while still showing you a fun time.
Why go: The scent of the leis or Kona coffee, the sight of bubbling red lava, the feel of soft sand -- is there any need to go on? Big Island is not only the largest Hawaiian island; it also encompasses much of what all Hawaii's islands entail. In addition, it's less crowded and potentially cheaper to visit than Oahu or Maui. Visitors come here for an active vacation -- top activities include hiking, kayaking and other watersports -- but the top sites say you're guaranteed to leave rejuvenated.
Why go: The only U.S. destination on the list that's part of the Caribbean, some of the USVI's beaches are considered the most scenic and unspoiled of the region. In fact, the majority of St. John has been designated as a national park. But be warned -- your ability to unwind depends on which island you choose for all or the majority of your stay. The island of St. John offers the most peace and quiet, and a first-class spa at Caneel Bay Resort.
Why go: You don't need to recline to relax, and Yellowstone proves it. The scenery of waterfalls, geysers and abundant greenery is a natural elixir for stress, which should give you plenty of energy for the park's top things to do -- Visiting Old Faithful or enjoying the sight of free-roaming wildlife: Caution, beholding grizzly bears can become unrelaxing quickly. Yellowstone offers nothing for travelers who find solace in the great indoors, but nature and animal lovers are ensured a respite and recharging of batteries.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Yellowstone»
Why go: With an abundance of outdoor and indoor activities that range from spa treatments, shopping or gallery hopping, writers describe Santa Fe as one of the most relaxing destinations in the Southwest. On the downside, accommodations can be pricey; those looking to relax on a shoestring might be disappointed.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Santa Fe»
Why go: Naples practically begs you to leave your children at home. Doing so leaves more me-time for a golf game, spa session, and your beach towel. But Naples, Fla. does offer a few activities to get your heart pumping, such as gallery hopping or high-end shopping. Interested in communing with nature? Naples' Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has approximately 13,000 acres filled with plantlife, exotic birds and alligators. Also, the Everglades are less than an hour's car ride away.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Naples»
Why go: The Outer Banks have long gone unnoticed by the general public. For this reason, the beaches here are sans boardwalks, Spring Breakers, or monstrous hotels. Here, you'll enjoy wide stretches of sand almost all by yourselves.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Outer Banks»
Why go: Destin markets itself as a picturesque fishing village for the upwardly mobile, and generally, penny-pinchers need not apply. The marquee hotels in the area -- the Sandestin resort -- is an attraction in and of itself, featuring several golf courses, a highly-regarded spa, and a host of other amenities. (And frankly, Destin vacationers are interested in little else). Its place on the list is hurt by its pricey accommodations and limited activities compared to other Panhandle/Gulf beaches, but many praise Destin as a trifecta of leisure: Whether you're fishing off the pier, putting your nine-iron to good use, or exfoliating in a spa.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Destin»
Why go: The correlation between relaxation and Denver is easy, considering its proximity to the majestic Rocky Mountains. Warmer weather breeds lots of hiking while winter months foster skiing. But if your relaxation comes more from spas, golfing or coastal vistas, you'll have to look elsewhere. In addition, Denver might offer too many diversions for someone easily tempted NOT to rest.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Denver»
Why go: Savannah's appeal is almost entirely manufacturing and marketing. Though it's largely a port town with a fairly young demographic (the Savannah School of Art and Design is centrally located), visitors come to sip mint juleps, to lazily stroll the historic sites and streets, and to find a slower, distinctly Southern pace of life. Georgians won't discourage you from indulging. The top sights and experiences embrace a time gone-by -- from day tours of the Bonaventure Cemetery or the legendary Mercer-Williams House Museum (think Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) to visits at the Juliette Gordon Low house. Guests also like to rest at the romantic bed and breakfasts and dine at elegant establishments like the Olde Pink House.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Savannah»
Why go: Music is a great stress reliever, and Austin has plenty of rhythm to sway to. Colloquially known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," and the yearly site of the South by Southwest Festival and Conference, this city has more than melody to lure you in. A stable climate year-round encourages running, hiking and biking in Zilker Park or a dip in Barton Springs Pool. Slow-cooked brisket and real-deal Tex Mex will keep you smacking your lips. Also be sure to stop and smell the flowers if you're traveling in spring; Austin's Hill Country has some of the finest bluebonnets and wildflowers in Texas.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Austin»
Why go: Phoenix has long been the one U.S. destination most closely associated with a stereotypically lazy getaway, considering the number of desert spas, super-excellent golf courses and stunning natural vistas it boasts. Phoenix rounds out the list as opposed to leading it in because it has nothing much distinctive about its relaxing activities to garnish a higher placing (Let's face it, even New York has spas).
Read on: Top Things to Do in Phoenix»
Why Go: Hawaiian Islands are inherently relaxing, but Lanai elevates "taking it easy" to the next level. Here, you won't find a single stop light, long line or crowded beach. The private island hosts only a handful of visitors at a time at its two resorts -- both Four Seasons properties. Expect to be waited on hand and foot in the hotels and to be left alone on the remote beaches: It's pure tropical bliss.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Lanai»
Why Go: Something about the red rocks and mystical vortexes erases all the worries visitors bring with them to Sedona. You can take casual hikes to clear your mind or head to the many spas for someone else to help you relax. Plus, the boutique resorts hidden in Sedona's landscape offer plenty of respite.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Sedona»
Why Go: Unwinding with a glass of wine is more than a pastime in Napa Valley -- it's practically a requirement. And if a little vino won't relax you, then you need only look to the other available distractions: a joyful train ride, gourmet dining, heavenly spas and cozy resorts. Napa's gorgeous, hilly landscape also tends to put visitors at ease during a casual drive down the Silverado Trail.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Napa Valley»
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