USA's Tranquil Escapes: 10 Best Remote Getaways
Great American Destinations for Your Next Secluded Escape
The best remote getaways in the USA prove that you don’t have to go too far into the outskirts for some peace and quiet. Many of America’s busiest cities are surrounded by remote wilderness, where you can spend a weekend (or longer) filled with outdoor adventures.
Rustic campgrounds and lakefront cabins offer much-needed comfort after a day of exploring hiking trails, rolling hills, and winding rivers. Even if you’re vacationing in a capital city, you’ll find pockets of seclusion in the form of parks, historical districts, and quaint museums. Check out our guide of underrated yet great American destinations for your next secluded escape.
1. Newport, RI
A New England summer resort town
Good for: History, Photo
Newport is a great weekend getaway for those looking to enjoy some fun in the summer. This New England port town is on the Aquidneck Island’s southern tip, about 84 miles (135 km) south of Boston and 180 miles (290 km) southwest of New York.
Newport is known for its sailing history, having hosted the America’s Cup sailing regatta from 1930 to 1983. Besides yachting, there are many things to do in this seaside town. Must-sees include 19th- and 20th-century mansions once owned by industrialists like the Vanderbilts, Morgans, and Astors. If you’re up for a scenic hike, the Cliff Walk takes you past several lavish mansions (like The Breakers and Marble House) and Newport’s shoreline.
Newport, RI
2. Albuquerque, NM
A remote desert retreat in New Mexico
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Albuquerque appeals to those who want a remote getaway with plenty of outdoor thrills. The Sandia Mountains are within an hour’s drive east of the city, attracting skiers during winter and hikers in summer. You can also ride the Sandia Peak Tramway for a 2.6-mile-long (4-km-long) ride over the desert landscape.
This New Mexico desert city also honors its Native American culture, which you can experience at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Along with exhibits on daily life and ceremonial traditions, you can enjoy traditional dance performances on weekends. Albuquerque’s Old Town is highly walkable, with important museums, adobe buildings, art shops, and quaint cafés lining its streets.
Albuquerque, NM
3. Raleigh, NC
North Carolina’s underrated capital city
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Raleigh is one of the most family-friendly capital cities in the USA. It hosts many notable schools, including Duke University, North Carolina State University, and Meredith College. As a result, most of the city’s attractions lean towards science and education. Bring the kids to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, which features the world’s only complete Acrocanthosaurus skeleton.
Other notable landmarks in the city include the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens, North Carolina Museum of Art, and the North Carolina State Capitol. If you want to escape into nature, a short drive out of Raleigh takes you to the William B. Umstead State Park, the Neuse River Greenway Trail, and the Historic Yates Mill County Park.
Raleigh, NC
4. New Orleans, LA
Antebellum architecture and unspoiled bayous
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Unusual
New Orleans is widely known for its annual Mardi Gras celebration, but there’s more to this city than parades and parties. Those looking for a remote getaway can drive out to Fontainebleau State Park, where they can spend several nights in lakefront cabins and unwinding on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.
Within the city of New Orleans, explore the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge or enjoy a walk through Couturie Forest. Fans of the macabre can tour antebellum buildings and haunting cemeteries, all of which have grisly and spooky tales.
New Orleans, LA
5. Branson, MO
Missouri’s family-friendly town with a great music scene
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Branson appeals to families with its amusement parks, kid-friendly dinner shows, and natural wonders. You can enjoy Wild West-themed rides at Silver Dollar City or extreme rides at Bigfoot Fun Park and Shepherd of the Hills. The city has a proud history of live music, hosting over 100 concerts every year. Country music is its main draw, but you’ll find rock music, comedy, theater, and acrobats among the line-up.
Outdoor lovers should head to the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area, which has 4 miles (6.5 km) of hiking trails and ample picnic areas. Just a short drive outside downtown Branson, you can find campsites and forest trails in Table Rock State Park and the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area.
Branson, MO
6. Boise, ID
Idaho’s greenery-filled capital city
Good for: Adventure, Families, History
Boise offers a great getaway in natural surroundings. While this Idaho capital city is rather populous, many recreation areas and state parks are within a short drive from downtown. Hulls Gulch Reserve offers 150 miles (241 km) of trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking. The Bogus Basin area is a popular skiing destination, thanks to its downhill and Nordic runs.
Within the city itself, you can enjoy a stroll along the Boise River Greenbelt. The tree-lined path spans 25 miles (40 km) along the Boise River, passing Kathryn Albertson Park and Julia Davis Park. If history interests you, the Idaho State Capitol Building, Basque Museum and Cultural Center, and the Old Idaho Penitentiary are must-visits in Boise.
Boise, ID
7. Nashville, TN
Country music and Southern charm
Good for: Adventure, Nightlife, Photo
Nashville is widely known as the country music capital of the world, which means you’ll be immersed in Southern tunes and honky-tonk culture. Live bands and artists perform throughout the day (and night) at the city’s many music halls and rustic bars. Visit in June and you can enjoy four days of live country music during the CMA Music Festival.
Nashville has many quiet spots that are great for escaping crowds. You can enjoy the great outdoors with a hike around Radnor Lake or kayaking out on the Harpeth River. At only 9 miles (14.5 km) from downtown Nashville, the Warner Parks cover over 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) of woodlands and equestrian trails.
Nashville, TN
8. Asheville, NC
Off-the-beaten-path camping awaits you
Good for: Food, Photo, Shoppers
Asheville is a combination of artsy vibes and outdoor adventures. Start the day by exploring the River Arts District’s many art studios or downtown’s museums and galleries. There’s diverse creativity throughout the city, including handmade jewelry, sculptures, and paintings. For a bit of history, the Biltmore Estate is a well-preserved American castle with gorgeous gardens and a winery.
Looking for a remote getaway in Asheville? You’ve got acres of lush farms and campsites in the countryside. Some lodging options give you access to hiking and biking trails on the Blue Ridge Mountains, while others are right along the Swannanoa River, where you can enjoy swimming and tubing.
Asheville, NC
9. Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Endless adventure at Missouri’s lakefront paradise
Good for: Families, Adventure
Lake of the Ozarks is a massive reservoir spanning more than 1,000 miles (1,610 km) of shoreline and wilderness. At 146 miles (235 km) southeast of Kansas City, this Missouri lake resort is excellent for a remote getaway, thanks to its many rustic cabins, campgrounds, and RV parks.
Fishing trips are popular in Lake of the Ozarks, as several species of catfish thrive in the area. Families can enjoy boating, canoeing, and kayaking, and can have fun at Big Surf Waterpark or Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park. Back on land, grab a torch and head into the maze of underground tunnels known as the Ozark Caverns.
Lake of the Ozarks, MO
10. Port Charlotte, FL
A beachside town on the Gulf Coast
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Port Charlotte on Florida’s Gulf Coast offers a wide range of water-based activities for all ages. A highlight of this rather underrated beachside town is the Port Charlotte Beach Park, a bayfront recreational area that has a boardwalk with a fishing pier and boat ramps. There are also basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, as well as picnic tables overlooking the beach.
Nature lovers can enjoy camping, hiking, and spotting wildlife in the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park and Audubon-Pennington Nature Park. Port Charlotte is also a golfer’s paradise, hosting several world-class venues, including Kings Gate Golf Club.
Port Charlotte, FL
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