When life gets a little hectic, it’s essential to make time for yourself. Escaping to a new place can help you recharge and feel happier in your day-to-day life. A relaxing destination is one that offers the space, activities and attractions you need to reset, relieve stress and get away from it all. In this study, we looked at destinations with the highest number of top-rated parks and spas, levels of noise pollution and air quality, crime indexes and walkability to get a full picture of what each city is like. These factors contribute to the ease of finding comfort and feeling refreshed in a new city. After combining those factors, we curated a list of the most relaxing places to visit in the United States.
1. Tampa, Florida
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Our second Florida destination is the third-most populated city in the state and a neighbor to Clearwater. Tampa visitors benefit from some of the accommodations one would expect in a big city while retaining the leisurely spirit of a relaxing destination. Enjoy sunny waterfront views along the 2.5-mile Tampa Riverwalk as you walk or bike to many local attractions. Rent a bike from stations all over the city. Or ride the rails — the TECO line streetcar connects downtown with historic neighborhoods.Tampa has over 30 top-rated spas to keep your body loose and your mind free, plus 2,286 acres of beaches and parkland for lounging to your heart’s content.
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Virginia Beach, our second relaxing destination in Virginia, has less of the relaxed professionalism of Alexandria and more of an East Coast surfing vibe. This oceanfront city is well-known for its resorts, with hundreds of hotels filling its coast. Virginia Beach is in the Guinness Book of Records for the longest pleasure beach in the world, at about 35 miles. The Resort City has one of the best park systems in the country, with over 4,000 acres of green space. In 2013, the park system was ranked eighth in the nation by the Trust for Public Land. The city is served by two international airports for ease of access. Although the city has the lowest walkability score out of our top ten cities, it has comprehensive bus and train services to ease travel during your stay.
3. Providence, Rhode Island
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Providence is one of the most densely populated cities in the country, which helps explain why it has the highest walkability score among our top 10 cities. At one time, the city boasted the eighth-highest percentage of pedestrian commuters in the country, making it the perfect vacation spot for visitors without cars.The city has roughly 1,200 acres of parkland. Roger Williams Park alone has about 472 acres and houses a zoo, planetarium and botanical center. Staying true to its New England roots, it has cobblestone paved walkways giving it a quaint charm.It was one of the first cities established in the U.S., so it is teeming with historical buildings that are prime for a walking tour.
4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Pittsburgh regularly ranks high in lists of the most livable cities — and many of those livability factors also make it one of the most peaceful places to visit in the U.S.The city has a great mixture of urban density, making it easy to get around, while also having spacious neighborhoods and parkland to offer mental release. Frick Park contains 664 acres of woodland that bird watchers visit to spot more than 100 species of birds. The City of Bridges even has a program underway that converts former railroad tracks to recreational trails. Pittsburgh’s inland location means it faces little risk of natural disasters in the form of hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes and wildfires. This provides stability to the businesses in the area and the families that visit it.
5. Honolulu, Hawai’i
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Branching away from the continental U.S., we find our final top 10 city in Hawai’i. The state’s largest city, Honolulu, is complemented by beautiful tropical weather, serene beaches and breathtaking natural beauty.The city received up to 15,000 visitors per day pre-pandemic, so it is well-equipped to accommodate your dream vacation. Whether you are a land or water lover, Honolulu has something to offer, from playing golf to snorkeling in the stunning Hanauma Bay. It has the highest number of top-ranked spas of all the cities in our study, with 92. The city currently lacks a train network, but it ranks among the highest in per-capita bus use in the country.
6. Scottsdale, Arizona
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Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is a popular getaway for those chasing the sun, and has a vibe that’s all its own. The heart of Scottsdale is its historic Old Town, where you’ll discover a charming Western-inspired town with a wide range of shops, restaurants, art galleries and nightlife that’s walkable from many neighborhoods. Beyond Old Town, you’ll find more than 200 golf courses, plenty of hiking trails (including Pinnacle Peak), the Desert Botanical Garden and even an authentic southwestern ranch to spend worry-free afternoons.Scottsdale is also a prime wellness destination, with over 50 luxury resorts and day spas, most of which offer desert-inspired treatments to help you clear the mind and re-energize the body.
7. Huntington Beach, California
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Known as the “Surf City,” Huntington Beach is an evergreen vacation destination, thanks to its sunny weather and 10 miles of pristine coastline. You’ll have beautiful local beaches for epic surfing, picnics and sunbathing. Plus, it’s a pet-friendly destination for you and your best furry friend to relax. After a day of frolicking on the beach, try some fresh coastal seafood, or experience the California classic In-N-Out Burger. With Huntington Beach’s many hotels, restaurants and overall relaxed vibes, you’ll easily find a spot to recharge and reset in this Southern California beach town.
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