12 Off-The-Beaten-Path US Towns for a Quiet Retreat

Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.

If you want to unwind in a peaceful place, head to one of these undiscovered US towns. From California or Colorado to Utah or West Virginia, hidden gems are scattered everywhere. Whether you prefer Arizona or Washington State, get to one of these secret retreats before the crowds do.

Redding, California

Save this!

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

Attractions including Lassen Volcanic National Park, Shasta Lake, and Mount Lassen await when you visit Redding in northern California. The town also boasts half a dozen waterfalls, caves, and a couple of volcanoes. Things to do include boat trips on the lake, hiking to the waterfalls, and discovering the caverns.

Kanab, Utah

Most Scenic Hikes in the U.S. for Nature Lovers The Wave, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona — © Sean Xu / Adobe Stock

Tucked in southern Utah is the outdoor destination of Kanab. Apply for a permit in advance from the local Bureau of Land Management Office so you can hike to the Wave, a striking rock formation. The town is also known as Little Hollywood due to the number of Westerns filmed there. Kanab has a vibrant foodie scene, too.

Sedona, Arizona

Though it’s fairly close to Flagstaff, Sedona remains refreshingly off-the-radar. It’s a desert town with an artistic vibe and a pleasantly mild climate. Come here for art galleries, alternative lifestyle stores, spas, and easy Red Rock State Park access. The latter offers hiking trails, picnicking, and birdwatching.

Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Broken Bow in Oklahoma is the gateway to Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake. There are fabulous cabins to rent in the area, so you can explore the beaches and islands of the lake, hike through fragrant pine forests, and spot native wildlife, including bald eagles and black bears. Local museums also allow you to delve deeper into Native American culture and the history of forestry.

Frederick, Maryland

The town of Frederick has been significant since the colonial age and remains rich in history. Gambrill State Park is located to the northeast, and the elevation means sweeping views over the town and surrounding area. In Frederick, you’ll find some fascinating museums, including the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Rose Hill Manor Park and Museums, and the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, housed in a 1750s colonial building.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

If you’re into food or craft beer in a big way, then budget-friendly Chattanooga in Tennessee could be your destination. It’s set among the Appalachian foothills by the Tennessee River and also makes a great weekend away for outdoor types, nature lovers, and history fans. Appealing places to visit include the Bluff View Art District, a clutch of craft breweries, and significant sites relating to the Civil War.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Solvang, California

Not only is Solvang much more peaceful than other Californian towns, it’s also pretty unique. Situated in the Santa Ynez Valley and settled by Danes, the buildings and businesses of the town have a Scandinavian flavor. In Solvang, you can see Danish-style architecture, including a sizable windmill, sample authentic Danish pastries, and dive into Scandinavian heritage.

Whitefish, Montana

While Glacier National Park might be packed with visitors in summer, the nearby town of Whitefish can be peaceful, particularly out of season. This mountain settlement offers a weekly farmer’s market, craft breweries, and tempting restaurants. The mountains also offer summer hiking and winter sports, while the Middle Fork Flathead River is one of the top spots for whitewater rafting in the US.

North Bend, Washington

The town of North Bend, in Washington state, lies on the fringes of the Seattle area. The Snoqualmie Valley here is ideal if you want to get off the beaten tourist track and onto the trails. This area is abundant in rivers, scenic landscapes, and a wide range of hiking and biking paths.

Morgantown, West Virginia

West Virginia is relatively undiscovered, making Morgantown a real hidden gem. For many residents, life in this attractive college town is centered on West Virginia University, which has a football team, a sculpture garden, an art museum, and the WVU Core Arboretum on the Monongahela River. Cheat Lake also lies east of the town, offering waterside trails and beaches.

Stanley, Idaho

This unspoiled Idaho town is ideal for you, whether you want to unwind in the hot springs, take to the trails, or discover the local museums. Iron Creek Trail, leading to Sawtooth Lake, is one of the best-known, and also in the area are Sawtooth National Forest and Stanley Lake. Authentic local dining and rustic-chic accommodations are also available in Stanley.

Breckenridge, Colorado

For colorful buildings, Gold Rush history, and mountain activities all year round, head to Breckenridge in Colorado. The town is located at the base of the Tenmile Range, part of the Rocky Mountains. It’s a popular area for road cycling, hiking to the peaks, and paddle boarding on Dillon Reservoir. The charming, nearby town of Frisco is also worth a visit.