Top 9 Spots in the US for Finding Peace and Quiet

Given its vastness and varied landscapes, you’d think it would be easy to discover tranquility in the USA.

However, this isn’t always true, as many of the nation’s scenic locations can become crowded, especially during the summer peak season. This is why we reached out to our expert writers and team to share their top picks for places where you can enjoy some space.

Here are 9 of the finest locations in the US to escape the hustle and bustle.

1. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Suggested by Deepa Lakshmin

When hiking in popular national parks, you often find yourself stuck in queues, waiting to scramble over rocks or squeeze through narrow paths. This can dampen your experience, so I was delighted to discover how peaceful Capitol Reef – one of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks – turned out to be.

I explored two trails, Sulfur Creek and Cohab Canyon, both of which were wonderfully serene. My favorite was the 5.8-mile Sulfur Creek trek through slot canyons and waterfalls, feeling completely untouched by civilization. There are no trail markers, signs, bathrooms, or trash cans—just you and nature. (It’s wise to have a guide, especially for novices like me, as water levels can rise to your chest depending on conditions.)

For easy access to the park, stay in Torrey, UT; I visited the new Skyview Hotel during a trip last year, perfect for glamping under the stars. While this small town has limited accommodation and dining options, that means you can't go wrong with your choices. Don’t miss breakfast at Wild Rabbit Cafe and enjoy a nice dinner at Hunt & Gather. Consider a cider tasting at Etta Place and treat yourself to a massage at Red Sands’ spa—your muscles will appreciate it after all that hiking.

2. Montana Badlands

Suggested by Bailey Freeman

While Montana’s mountains often steal the spotlight, the eastern badlands are a hidden gem for those seeking a true getaway. With stunning scenery, dinosaur fossils, dark night skies, and an astonishing lack of tourists, this secret spot reveals the Earth’s incredible history with hardly anyone around.

Explore the pyramid-like mounds scattered across the prairie in the Terry Badlands, or camp atop the banded cliffs that make the landscape look like a work of art. Nearby, you can discover the unique hoodoos and cliffs of Makoshika State Park, renowned for its dinosaur fossils; remains of both Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex have been uncovered here, with new discoveries happening regularly. As night falls, the sky fills with stars over the ancient land; don’t forget to bring a telescope or camera to capture the celestial wonders.

3. Coldfoot, Alaska

Suggested by Erin Kirkland

Humble and practical, the small town of Coldfoot in Alaska’s far north caters to those seeking to explore the state's remote wilderness and adventurous pursuits. Serving as a crucial truck stop for drivers on the Dalton Highway crossing the Arctic Circle, visitors can reach Coldfoot by car (be aware that most rental companies restrict travel on this mostly unpaved road) or by air through several small airlines operating from Fairbanks, located 253 miles to the south.

Coldfoot, located at the foot of the breathtaking Brooks Range, offers year-round recreational opportunities. From June 1 through mid-September, visitors can stop by the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center for information, maps, ranger-led talks, and interpretive exhibits showcasing the area's history. Coldfoot Camp is ready to assist adventurers looking to hike or raft further into the Brooks Range and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve or Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, providing gear and guides. During the fall and winter, Coldfoot transforms into a prime location for viewing the vibrant and expansive northern lights, with nightly tours available from Coldfoot Camp that can include snowshoeing or fat biking experiences.

4. Hovenweep National Monument, Four Corners, USA

Suggested by Liz Prado

Nestled amid breathtaking red rock canyons and expansive desert landscapes, Hovenweep National Monument is a lesser-known archaeological site in the Four Corners region, where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah converge. It offers a tranquil retreat from the crowds at nearby national parks and invites visitors to envision life in ancient times. Once inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans, Hovenweep consists of six historical villages established between 1200 and 1300 CE, scattered across Colorado, Utah, and the Navajo Nation. Dusty roads and trails link these sites, showcasing a wealth of impressive towers and sacred kivas that sit on canyon edges.

The most accessible and largest site is the Square Tower Group, featuring well-preserved structures along a 2-mile path near the visitor center in Utah. There’s a first-come, first-served campground and ranger-led activities available. Other archaeological sites range from 4 to 9 miles away; be sure to inquire about trail and road conditions and pick up a map beforehand, as GPS can be unreliable and cell service is scarce. No matter where you venture, don’t miss the stargazing opportunities – Hovenweep is one of the few gold-tier International Dark Sky Parks, where you can observe up to 15,000 stars on clear nights.

5. Superstition Mountains, Arizona

Suggested by Melissa Yeager

Hikers flock to Phoenix to snap a picture at the famous Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, leading to crowded paths on the less strenuous bouldering route, making it one of my least enjoyable hiking experiences in Arizona. To escape the masses, head east on Hwy 60 to the Superstition Mountains, where the desert offers breathtaking views and striking saguaro cacti.

The Hieroglyphic Trail presents a more moderate hike, rewarding you with ancient petroglyphs near a waterfall. Intermediate hikers will appreciate the Fremont Saddle for its delightful scenery. (Pack a lunch to savor at the summit while enjoying expansive views of Weavers Needles.) For seasoned adventurers seeking a rugged challenge, the climb up Flat Iron provides spectacular regional vistas. The Superstitions are stunning yet untamed, with limited cell service and some areas requiring vehicles capable of traversing unpaved roads. Always carry enough water for your journey, as not all trailheads have public water supplies.

6. The Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Suggested by Ann Douglas Lott

Nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and the Alleghany Mountains of West Virginia, this 140-mile stretch, with the Shenandoah River winding through it, is often eclipsed by the grandeur of western mountain ranges. Yet, it calls out for your next scenic road trip. Cruise along the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive, or explore serene back roads (or I-81 if you’re pressed for time), making stops in delightful historic towns like Staunton, Harrisonburg, and Lexington for antiquing and brewery visits. Unwind at expansive vineyards, grab fresh bread from local farms, or relax amid fragrant lavender at a lavender farm. Don’t forget to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail within the stunning Shenandoah National Park. The motto “Virginia is for lovers” truly resonates here; life moves at a leisurely pace, and the charm of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains is irresistible. After witnessing your first Shenandoah sunset, you'll be enchanted.

7. Bellingham, Washington

Suggested by Chamidae Ford

In western Washington, the enchanting blend of trees and waterfront creates unparalleled scenery. For those seeking a town that embodies the PNW vibe without the tourist crowds, Bellingham is the perfect choice. Located just 30 minutes from the Canadian border, this charming haven is filled with outdoor adventures. Take a scenic detour along Chuckanut Drive instead of I-5 to fully appreciate the region's stunning views. Chuckanut offers breathtaking sights of Samish and Bellingham Bay, with countless hiking options (Oyster Dome is a local favorite) and picturesque viewpoints.

While in town, enjoy lunch at Mambo Italiano—their sandwiches made with house-made focaccia are unforgettable. Check out the indie bookstore Village Books for your next captivating read, and during the summer, don’t miss the outdoor movies on their lawn every Monday. Bike along the bay or have a sunset picnic at Boulevard Park. No visit to the PNW is complete without experiencing one of the many local breweries; Otherlands Beer is an excellent spot for great brews and a relaxed atmosphere. And for a late-night treat, swing by the beloved college hangout, AB Crepes.

8. Channel Islands National Park, California

Suggested by Brekke Fletcher

For those eager to disconnect and willing to take a boat ride, Channel Islands National Park is the ideal destination. Situated off Southern California’s coast between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, this stunning archipelago is among California’s least-frequented national parks. To reach the islands, you’ll need to book a tour with a provider like Island Packers, which departs from Ventura and Oxnard.

The park comprises five islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and the smaller southern Santa Barbara, located further south. Each island offers a glimpse into a world that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. From both land and sea, enjoy breathtaking, rugged scenery while searching for some of the 150 plant species and unique wildlife found nowhere else. For those wishing to extend their stay, several campgrounds are available for reservation. Plus, if you visit between June and November, you can add whale-watching to your adventure.

9. Jayuya, Puerto Rico

Suggested by John Garry

Only a domestic flight away from the mainland US, those seeking tranquility in Puerto Rico should make their way to Jayuya, located in the Central Mountains. Here, the sounds of nature prevail, filled with the calls of coqui frogs and the cackling of free-roaming roosters. According to legend, the indigenous Taíno people sought refuge from Spanish oppression in these mountains until the mid-19th century. Today, Jayuya stands as the island's Indigenous heart, featuring museums that honor local heritage and showcasing ancient petroglyphs.

It's clear why Jayuya has preserved its traditions. Towering mountain peaks, including the 4,398-foot Cerro de Punta, safeguard the town, and even today, the journey there involves narrow roads that twist and turn like a roller coaster. Those who dare to travel this path are rewarded with nearly deserted hikes in Toro Negro State Forest, intimate tours at working coffee farms such as Hacienda San Pedro, and jungle pools fed by stunning waterfalls like Cascada Las Delicias. After a refreshing swim in Jayuya's cool waters, visit La Destileria Craft Spirits to sample pitorro, a locally crafted moonshine rum that will warm your heart.