10 Best Remote Getaways in the US

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 south of Boston and 180 miles 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 19^th- and 20^th-century mansions once owned by industrialists like the Vanderbilts, Morgans, and Astors. If you're up for a scenic hike, the 3.5-mile-long Cliff Walk takes you past several lavish mansions (like The Breakers and Marble House) and Newport's shoreline. A wide range of events takes place in the summer, such as the Newport Jazz Festival and the Newport Folk Festival.

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 ride over the desert landscape.

This New Mexico desert city also honours 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. READ MORE…

Raleigh is one of the most family-friendly capital cities in the USA. It hosts many notable schools, such as 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, where the world’s only complete Acrocanthosaurus skeleton is on display.

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.

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, you can spot alligators in the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge or around 40 bird species in Couturie Forest. The 1,400-acre City Park has plenty of oak-shaded canopies and manicured gardens, great for a quiet respite from the bustling French Quarter. Fans of the macabre can tour historic mansions and haunting cemeteries, all of which have grisly and spooky tales. READ MORE…

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, theatre, and acrobats among the line-up. 

Outdoor lovers should head to the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area, which has 4 miles 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. READ MORE…

Boise is a great place for a getaway in natural surroundings. While the city is rather populous – it’s the capital of Idaho, after all – many recreation areas and state parks are within a short drive from downtown. Hulls Gulch Reserve offers 150 miles of trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseriding. The Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation 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 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.

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 4 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 from downtown Nashville, the Warner Parks cover over 3,000 acres of woodlands and equestrian trails. READ MORE…

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 jewellery, 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. READ MORE…

Lake of the Ozarks is a massive reservoir spanning more than 1,000 miles of shoreline and wilderness. At 146 miles 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.

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 – this bayfront recreational area 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 7 world-class venues like Kings Gate Golf Club and Port Charlotte Golf Club.