10 Best Relaxing Holidays in the US

Escape to a European-style seaside town with white sandy beaches and picturesque cottages. Carmel Beach is a must-visit with a relaxed stroll leading you to either a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home or the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links course, home to the US Open.

Located just a 15-minute drive from Monterey Airport, you’ll discover a town teeming with culture. Surrounded by beautiful architecture dating back to 1770, you can indulge in a night at the theatre, explore art galleries, or sample local wines. Make sure you download the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk mobile guide to go on a walkable wine-tasting journey featuring almost 20 wine-tasting rooms.

Hugging the state border of North Carolina and Virginia and dating back to the late 1500s is the hidden gem of Carova Beach. Escape into the undeveloped area and discover 13 acres of untouched beach, maritime forests, and brackish marsh, ideal for photographers, hikers, and those wanting to go off the beaten track.

Immerse yourself in nature by going birdwatching in the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, hiking the trails, and watching the wild horses. You can also enjoy all your normal beach activities in peace: swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and building sandcastles. Make sure you only take a 4-wheel drive vehicle on to the beach and have all your essentials with you as it is a more remote location.

Get away from it all on Little St. Simons Island, a private barrier island just off the Georgia coast and hosting no more than 32 guests at a time. Known for its untouched natural beauty, gracious hospitality, and secluded nature, you’ll find it easy to unwind and relax.

A 15-minute boat ride from St Simons Marina and yet it feels like a different world. With the beach just 2 miles from the lodges, you’ll be able to enjoy a short cycle to a beach equipped with towels, chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, and boogie boards. Ride with a guide and see the locals up close: alligators, rattlesnakes, armadillos, and over 330 species of bird.

Finger Lakes will take your breath away with its 11 lakes in the heart of upstate New York. There are a number of state parks to explore, whether on foot, by boat, or fishing on the water. Make sure you visit Watkins Glen State Park to hike the gorge trail featuring 19 waterfalls.

Less than a 4-hour drive from New York City, you’ll find a relaxing haven away from the bustle of the city. With dedicated wine trails, local breweries, and a spa available, you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you’re looking for something more stimulating, consider exploring one of the many museums or get your heart racing at the Seabreeze Amusement Park.

Couples’ massages, carriage rides, candlelit dinners, and relaxation… Hot Springs Arkansas has everything for the most romantic couples’ retreat. The Arlington Hotel or the Buckstaff Bathhouse will help you switch off as you bathe in the healing thermal waters which you can pair with spa treatments.

Just an hour’s drive from Little Rock, you can also spend time exploring a magical forest in Garvan Gardens. Packed with breathtaking bridges, waterfalls, and stunning flowers, you’ll be enchanted by this beautiful place. Grab a picnic and head to Northwood Trails to watch the sun set on your perfect day.

Formed 7700 years ago when a massive volcanic eruption collapsed a mountain peak, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America. The 21 miles of intensely blue water framed by 2000 feet of cliffs will amaze you. You can even take a dip in the waters if you need to cool down after a hike or bike ride.

Around a 4-hour drive from Portland, you’ll want to spend at least half a day exploring Rim Drive, a 33-mile drive featuring stunning lookout points and miles of hiking trails. You can do this via car, bike, or a ranger-led tram ride. Please be aware that snow can even persist into July, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.

Just 7 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard is a sanctuary of relaxation and luxury. One of its defining features is authenticity: say goodbye to chain shops, restaurants, or hotels and instead discover unique experiences created by innovative entrepreneurs. The dining options are particularly impressive with a local commitment to sustainable agriculture meaning that when you’re eating, you’ll enjoy fresh, locally grown food.

Martha’s Vineyard also guarantees that you’ll never be bored. You can spend your time beach hopping, shopping, hitting the waves with watersports, birding, fishing, hiking and so much more. If you’re on a romantic getaway, consider a stroll along the Aquinnah cliffs or watch the sun set at Edgartown Lighthouse for a truly memorable day.

Boulder is known for its adventurous spirit which helps you make the most of the stunning scenery. Depending on the season, you can hike, bike, ski, or tube as you take in the beautiful landscapes including the Flatirons and Eldorado Canyon State Park.

After your adventures, you can refuel with an afternoon tea at the Dushanbe Teahouse which was presented to the city as a gift from the mayor of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. In the evenings, spend time exploring Pearl Street, the heart of city centre Boulder and home to some of the best dining and shopping options. Make sure you pack plenty of layers as the weather in Boulder can be very changeable.

Stowe is perfect at any time of year with the seasons enhancing its natural beauty and offering different activities. In summer and spring, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing at Stowe Recreation Path and Moss Glen Falls are the main outdoor activities. In contrast, you can drink in the beautiful autumnal colours along Smugglers’ Notch State Park in the fall and enjoy winter sports at Stowe Mountain.

A 3-hour drive from Boston, Stowe is also home to Ben and Jerry’s first-ever ice cream manufacturing factory and a tour here will help you refuel after your outdoor pursuits. Make sure you leave time to explore the farmers’ markets and modern breweries where you can sample yet more local delicacies.

At Flathead Lake, you can camp, hike and swim while surrounded by towering forests. They say life is better on the lake and it’s not hard to see why when you look out at the 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. With water quality that is among the best in the world, you’ll be able to enjoy it as you swim, boat, or fish.

A 3.5-hour drive from the state capital Helena, you’ll feel at one with nature as you kayak, hike, or horse ride around some of the trails which offer breathtaking views. You can even take a day trip to Wild Horse Island, a secluded 2000-acre island that is only accessible by boat.