While some vacations are a whirlwind of activities, others offer a chance to unwind in scenic surroundings. You might choose this type of vacation as a break from an otherwise busy summer. Whether you’re traveling alone or with loved ones, the following destinations provide great options for a relaxing vacation.
Crater Lake, Oregon
Crater Lake offers a stunning backdrop for a slow-paced vacation. The lake’s vivid blue waters have a calming presence while also providing opportunities to go fishing or boating. Visitors can also go on a boat cruise that includes close views of the lake’s natural formations, such as Phantom Ship and Wizard Island. Other relaxing activities to enjoy include hiking, biking or taking a scenic drive along the rim of Crater Lake. Trolley tours of the area are also available. Lodges and campgrounds provide quiet places to stay for a few nights or more.
Sebago Lake, Maine
Sebago Lake is a top choice for those who want to unwind on or near the water on vacation. The lake has several beaches and small islands, as well as opportunities to explore the waters in a canoe or paddle board. Visitors can stay in high-end lodging that offers sauna sessions, fine dining and more to unwind. Leisurely activities to enjoy at Sebago Lake include golfing at Point Sebago Golf Course or Frye Island Golf Club, or fishing for brook trout, bass and other fish.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park offers amazing views of the Teton Range, as well as a chance to have a relaxing vacation in the outdoors. Visitors can float on Snake River and hike along more than 200 miles of trails in serene surroundings. Cottages, cabins, motels, and other accommodations provide comfortable places to stay, or visitors can choose one of the park’s campgrounds for a more rustic getaway.
Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
Gates of the Arctic National Park offers a remote place to venture for a peaceful getaway. This park doesn’t get a lot of traffic, making it a quiet place to enjoy the outdoors. With no roads or trails in the park, visitors don’t have to worry about noise from cars and other vehicles. The park, which guests can hike into or fly into via air taxi, offers plenty of areas to set up camp in the arctic tundra while taking in views of one of six rivers.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park gives visitors an ideal place to spend a low-key vacation. The park’s gateway town of Gatlinburg gives visitors plenty of dining and entertainment options and the surrounding foothills offer hundreds of Gatlinburg cabins for rent with modern amenities such as Jacuzzis and hot tubs to soak in, and full kitchens that make meal preparation simple and easy. In the park, visitors can explore over 2,000 miles of streams and hike along hundreds of miles of trails, or simply take it easy along one of the many scenic drives. While the park can be busy during summer, visiting in the off-seasons provides a great chance to avoid the crowds.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island provides a place to enjoy Gulf views without having to deal with a lot of noise or crowded tourist spots. The island’s southern half provides many places to stay, including beachfront resorts and cottages. Campers and RVs are also welcome in some parts of the island. The island’s northern area offers a chance to see local wildlife, including alligators and eagles. Nearby islands such as Cayo Costa provide places to go snorkeling and engage in other relaxing water activities.
Carmel Valley, California
Carmel Valley features vineyards, mountain views, gently rolling hills and other picturesque sights to take in on vacation. This area of California has art galleries to explore, dining options that offer European cuisine and other delicious meals, wine tasting rooms and plenty more. Visitors can stay in luxurious or quaint lodges, and spend time soaking in spas or sitting in front of a fireplace on cool evenings. Carmel Valley is also a great place to take scenic drives along Highway 1 for views of the Pacific Ocean.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s slower pace and scenic surroundings are a perfect combination for those looking for a relaxing city vacation. Spanish moss-covered trees, cafes, art galleries, museums and historical attractions fill this southern city. Visitors can take in a show at a local theater, go on a haunted walking tour to learn more about the city’s spooky past, and rest a cozy bed and breakfast. Other leisurely activities include taking a stroll through Forsyth Park, going on a historical tour, and visiting Savannah City Market.
Boulder, Colorado
For the best of both worlds, plan a vacation in Boulder. The city provides many dining and shopping options without all of the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Visitors can take a casual stroll through the city streets, and stop for a bite to eat or pick up some souvenirs. For those who want to unwind in the great outdoors, Boulder offers easy access to the Flatirons, where guests can go hiking, have a picnic, or do some mountain climbing.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City provides impressive views of Grand Traverse Bay and other outdoor scenery while offering opportunities to unwind with some calming activities. Visitors can climb Sleeping Bear Dunes, see lighthouses and shipwrecks, go fishing, or play a round of golf. Traverse City also offers waterfront dining, historic movie theaters, farmers markets and much more.
