This Is The Most Relaxing Tourist Destination In Every State In America, According To An Avid Traveler

Some folks need nothing more than a satisfactory meal and clean, fresh air to feel rejuvenated, while others favor shopping excursions and theatrical performances. On the other hand, others find that hiking for days on end is the best way to shed the stress of everyday life. This guide is meant to help all types of personalities get the TLC they need to return from vacation more relaxed than ever. Based on my experience traveling to all 50 states, these suggestions include resorts, mountain ranges, parks, and nature reserves that will leave lasting impressions on you for many years.

Dauphin Island is dubbed the "sunset capital of Alabama," and there's no disputing that this is a wonderful destination to watch the sky turn brilliant shades of pink and red over the Gulf of Mexico. You can play golf, SUP, fish, and stroll through Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary.

Saunas are all the rage right now — a little heat can go a long way in the relaxation department for many people. Take a day trip from Anchorage, Alaska, to visit the Alyeska Nordic Spa, where you can alternate between hot saunas and cold plunge pools while drinking in views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains.

Sedona is located in Arizona's Verde Valley, just north of Phoenix. It is a land of red rocks, towering cairns, and refreshing rivers. Whether you choose to hike, bike, or embark on a spiritual retreat in this oasis of peaceful energy, you'll surely come home refreshed and ready to take on the excitement of everyday life.

Hot Springs, Arkansas, is great for history buffs and TLC advocates. Shopping, hiking, biking, fishing, and, of course, spa facilities abound in this town located in the gently rolling Ouachita Mountains. Make sure to visit Buckstaff Bathhouse, which has been operating since 1912.

Lake Tahoe is an idyllic destination during all four seasons, especially if you enjoy athletic, outdoorsy endeavors. Skiing and snowboarding are top attractions in winter. However, as soon as flowers bloom in spring, you'll want to exchange your ski boots for hiking boots and hit the trails. There are routes for all levels. Beginner hikers should take Lake Tahoe's stunning Emerald Point Trail.

Tucked into Colorado's impressive Collegiate Peaks, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is the perfect place to relax after hiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, or shopping in nearby Buena Vista. Soak in the geothermally heated river or the resort's tubs, which can reach up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Day passes and overnight accommodations are available.

Mayflower Inn & Spa is a boutique, 4-star hotel in Washington, Connecticut. It is perfectly suited for those whose idea of relaxation involves strolling in gardens, rejuvenating facials, and gourmet dining. Rooms are decorated with tasteful furniture in soothing pastel hues. Each is an inviting place to read a book or sip tea alongside a loved one. For added adventure, hike along the Shepaug River, which is especially beautiful in the fall.

Delaware's Bethany Beach is a coastal destination beckoning you to choose your adventure, whether reading a book or grabbing a surfboard. The town's Nature Center is an excellent place for birdwatching and learning about the town's local flora and fauna. If you visit on Independence Day, you are in for a treat with the local parade.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park is an underrated park with blue waters that are perfect for tubing. Grab a float and gaze at the graceful tree canopy as you float down a river with eight stunning springs. Then, dive into Blue Hole Spring to take a peek at the cave system underlying its cyan waters.

Savannah, Georgia, is a relaxing destination for couples, families, and solo travelers. Indeed, the city truly has something for everyone. You can take a Black history tour, peruse the SCAD Museum of Art, tour old forts, dine on exquisite southern food, or take a trip to Tybee Island for a relaxing beach day. Stay for a few days because you may want to do it all!

Catching a sunrise from the pinnacle of Haleakalā National Park will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Sunrises here are so incredibly beautiful that it can often be difficult to get a reservation for your car. Once the world has illuminated around you, stay for a while to hike along the park's otherworldly trails.

Coeur d'Alene is a lakeside mountain town in Idaho with scenic hikes and a floating green golf course – but it's also so much more. From savoring craft beers to watching Broadway musicals, there is plenty to do in this four-season vacation destination. If you're traveling with kids, they will have a blast at Raptor Reef Indoor Waterpark (and so will you!).

If a historic downtown with top-tier art and shopping is what you are interested in, look no further than Galena, Illinois. You'll be transported back to the time of Ulysses S. Grant, whose home you can still visit in Galena. You'll also walk among the town's restored 19th-century buildings. Cool pubs and festivals add more intrigue to this unique destination.

Catering to couples yearning for a bit of privacy and fresh air, Serenity Springs is an 85-acre resort in La Porte, Indiana, featuring a large swathe of woods and an eye-catching lake. Kick up your feet and sip on a glass of wine during your stay, but also check out the nearby lakes, restaurants, casinos, and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Campers, birdwatchers, and hikers will love Hitchcock Nature Center in Iowa's Pottawattamie County. At almost 1,500 acres in size, it is home to flora and fauna that thrive in prairie, woodland, and savanna environments. Feel free to bring Fido for a day visit, as long as you'll use a leash.

A hidden gem in Pleasanton, Kansas, Cedar Crest Lodge is an award-winning bed and breakfast where you can unwind with your boo. Over 100 acres are yours to explore, including hiking trails, ponds, and forests. Enjoy farm-to-table food and, depending on the season, the hot tub, pool, and sauna.

Berea, Kentucky, is the perfect place to shop for handicrafts like pottery, glass, and jewelry. Additionally, the area offers plenty of hiking, kayaking, and biking opportunities. Young folks will especially delight in the company of a vivacious student population from Berea College.

For immersion in Louisiana French culture — plus cultures with Native-American, Caribbean, African, and European origins — make your way to the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. Take a swamp tour to learn how local life has been shaped by the surrounding environment.

Depending on the time of year, outdoor activities in Harpswell, Maine, include snowshoeing, kayaking, biking, swimming, and hiking. Some trails are easy and feature charming fairy houses for children, while others are more challenging. When you are not getting exercise, relax by listening to a concert at Bandstand by the Sea.

Susquehanna State Park offers superlative mountain biking trails and fishing. Take it easy by camping at the park for a night or two, allowing you to explore the historic flour mill, 14-room stone mansion, and flint furnace stack. Boaters should visit the Sand Islands for an afternoon picnic.

From art shops and galleries to theatrical performances and summer festivals, Stockbridge is an enchanting blend of old and new. The town is home to the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and the Norman Rockwell Museum. Since Stockbridge is nestled in the Berkshires, you'll never run out of exhilarating trails and outdoor activities.

Stretching along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the place for you if relaxation means hiking, biking, paddling, camping, and climbing on sand dunes. Pitch a tent on one of the Manitou Islands for a quiet overnight experience. Or, visit during the winter if you'd like to cross-country ski or sled on the Dune Climb.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Minnesotan town of Biwabik, which offers Bavarian vibes and abundant activities during all four seasons. Stay in a condo at the Lodge at Giants Ridge for easy access to golfing, mountain biking, paddling, inline skating, snowshoeing, skiing, or snowboarding. You should also check out the 150-plus mile-long Mesabi Trail.

You don't need to know how to spell Mississippi to appreciate the many virtues of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Shared between two states — Florida and Mississippi — this natural area is renowned for its seashores and bayous, forests, and forts. Grab a snorkel and a tent for camping on the beach; it's an experience not to be missed.

Missouri's St. Francois Mountains are humble and yet worthy of your attention. Geology buffs will appreciate that their igneous rocks were deposited more than one billion years ago. Visit Taum Sauk Mountain State Park to learn more as you hike, camp, and picnic on the Ozark Plateau.

If you've never visited a dude ranch, the luxurious Mountain Sky Guest Ranch in Montana will set a high benchmark and keep you coming back for more. Since 1929, the ranch has entertained visitors with activities like horseback riding, golfing, fly fishing, hiking, and whitewater rafting. Women should check out the Wild West Women Adventure retreat.

If overnight cycling trips are your jam, hit up Nebraska's Cowboy Trail for its railroad trestles, welcoming trailside towns, and scenic river views. It is currently around 300 miles in length. Walkers, joggers, and horseback riders are also invited to use the Cowboy Trail.

Nevada is more than casinos, as Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge demonstrates. The Mojave Desert surrounds this wetland oasis, It boasts a greater concentration of endemic species (or species only found in one place) than anywhere else in the country. Explore the refuge's springs and tree groves from the vantage point of idyllic, wheelchair-accessible boardwalks.

New Hampshire's White Mountains lie at the northern end of the greater Appalachian mountain range. Tall, rugged peaks beckon hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers. Similarly, gourmet food, scenic drives, and the Mount Washington Cog Railway summon those looking for stillness in their vacations. Indeed, the heart of the White Mountains boasts New Hampshire's largest ski area. This site also offers zip-lining and gondola rides in all four seasons.

Somerset County promises informative conversation, leisurely play, marvelous shopping, and enlightening cultural experiences. A few centuries ago, the area played a central role in the Revolutionary War — discover the fascinating details by taking the Middlebrook Five Generals Bus Tour. Or, if your heart is set on a more modern adventure, head to Sourland Mountain Preserve for fresh air and wonderful trails.

Soak in natural, primitive hot springs. Explore the ruins of historic Spanish missions. Camp under the stars. With all these alluring activities, how could you say no to a place like Jemez Springs, New Mexico? Several retreat centers cater to those looking to focus their vacation more on specific themes like music or Zen Buddhism.

Ulster County is a fantastic home base to rejuvenate in the Catskills and the Hudson River Valley. Towns like Kingston, New Paltz, and Woodstock are dispersed throughout this beautiful area, each replete with shopping opportunities and charming bed and breakfasts. Make use of the various rail trails for well-organized outdoor fun.

Asheville, North Carolina, is the perfect small city for yoga, hiking, shopping for antiques, and chowing down on southern and international cuisine. Indeed, you should consider visiting one of its hotels for your next romantic weekend getaway. Stay in a bed and breakfast outside of town for even more mountain vibes.

As you soak in the vast wilderness of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, imagine our 26th president standing in the same place, appreciating the prairie and badlands that stretch as far as the eye can see. His experiences here inspired him to protect an enormous amount of public land during his presidency. Who's to say what might come of your time in the park?

Hocking Hills State Park is located about an hour southwest of Columbus, Ohio. It is a lovely place to hike and camp, filled with waterfalls, caves, stone tunnels, and unique rock formations. There are even night hikes and thrilling ghost hunts for those who don't mind a bit more adrenaline.

Experience the magnetism of country living by booking a suite or cottage at Shiloh Morning Inn. Stroll along the walking paths, fish in the pond, and keep an eye out for hummingbirds in the spring. You can also explore the nearby Turner Falls, Lake Murray State Park, and Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Fly fishing, trail running, concerts, and breweries. Skiing, disc golf, art galleries, and coffee shops. Get acquainted with the beguiling character of Bend, Oregon, by pursuing indoor and outdoor activities. With the Cascade Mountains as your backdrop, you'll be treated to many breathtaking views, so have your camera ready.

There is no shortage of small-town charm in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Start your visit at the Lititz Historical Foundation to learn about the area's history before visiting attractions like the Wolf Sanctuary of PA and the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, which was the first commercial pretzel bakery in the country.

Newport, Rhode Island, is an all-around great city, but its downtown is especially relaxing. Here, you can decompress over clam cakes at a local restaurant, take a sailing excursion from the harbor, and peruse various art galleries. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) will help you avoid massive crowds.

South Carolina's barrier islands are nothing short of spellbinding. They help safeguard the mainland from the damaging effects of major storms and hurricanes, giving them a handsome, ruffled aesthetic. Visit the unique beaches and see the resilience of the flora and fauna by experiencing places like Bulls Island or Edisto Island.

With iconic rock formations and peaceful prairies, Badlands National Park offers the most stunning sunrise and sunset views. These buttes comprise many types of rocks, including sandstone, limestone, and volcanic ash. You could easily spend an afternoon marveling at the geologic phenomena around you from a campsite, then savor stellar stars once the night falls.

Do you love aquariums, railroads, and hiking trails? Head to Chattanooga, Tennessee, for all of the above, plus a generous dose of southern charm. With the Tennessee River running right through town and gently rolling mountains surrounding you, you'll relish the slow pace of life in this historic destination.

If a glass of wine goes hand in hand with your idea of a relaxing vacation, check out the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail. Just an hour or so away from Houston, the trail features seven wineries that host a wide range of events, including themed dinners and concerts. Just be sure to have a designated driver!

Moab is a well-known paradise for hikers and mountain bikers who take advantage of the area's countless trails and gorgeous views. But there are other reasons why you should visit this southwestern city. For instance, the Moab Giants dinosaur museum is charming, informative, and entertaining for kids and adults.

Maple syrup, Ben & Jerry's, apple cider, Cabot cheese, and Lake Champlain chocolate — what more could you want in life? You'll find each of these mouthwatering treats in the Burlington area. You'll surely have an appetite for them after hiking, skiing, rock climbing, or biking to your heart's content.

A paradise for hikers, Shenandoah National Park is brimming with waterfalls, wildlife, and wildflowers, with each season looking vastly different from the other. While it's not far from Washington, D.C., you might elect to instead stay in Front Royal, a mountain town dubbed the scenic gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

Located off the coast of Washington and accessible primarily by boat, the San Juan Islands are peaceful and picturesque. Lopez Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island are the three most commonly visited islands of the bunch. Pass your time by eating ice cream, watching for whales, shopping, and bicycling.

Stay in a cabin or go camping for the weekend at Lost River State Park, an alluring destination for hikers, bikers, geocachers, and horseback riders. The stunning vista from the Cranny Crow overlook is not to be missed. You can rejuvenate in the pool during hotter months.

You're in for an awe-inspiring vacation if you visit Wisconsin's Apostle Islands, located on the western side of Lake Superior. Learn about the Ojibwe culture while you experience the sea caves and beaches, possibly from the perspective of a boat cruise or kayak.

Get ready for an enthralling, horse-filled adventure at Diamond 4 Ranch. With a multitude of themed retreats, each one promising delicious food and incredible scenery, you might find yourself coming back year after year. Whether you take a guided camping trip into the Wind River Mountains or return to a log cabin at the end of each day, you won't be disappointed.

I have traveled to all 50 states in the United States and visited many of the destinations on this list. For those I have not experienced firsthand, I based my suggestions on the advice of other travelers and thorough research, aiming to include places that cater to a wide range of interests.