Where Time Slows Down and the Wi-Fi Can’t Find You
The Best Outdoor Spots to Relax and Rejuvenate in North America - Because Sometimes the Best Therapy Is Fresh Air
You know that feeling when work’s nonstop, your friends bail on plans, and life just piles on? Suddenly, you get hit with an “I need to GTFO” vibe…not a vacation, a reset. Somewhere your nervous system can finally unclench.
We mean places where you can really breathe. Time slows down, no one’s elbowing you for a table, and trying too hard feels...cringe. Fresh air, wide-open spaces, maybe a hammock with spotty Wi-Fi, and zero pressure to share unless you want to flex your peace.
These spots are just far enough from cities to feel like a true escape but easy enough to get to. Once you arrive, the only plan is doing nothing. And honestly, that’s the whole point.
If you’re craving a place where wandering and deep breaths are the main events, these spots deliver. Sometimes the best itinerary is no itinerary at all.
Bermuda
Seen Score: 9.3
Recommended length of stay: 1 week.
Last Seen: Summer 2023.
Bermuda has some of the clearest turquoise water in the world—seriously. It rivals, and might even beat, the beaches of the Philippines, Sardinia, or any other tropical island paradise you’ve been dreaming about. The best thing to do here? Not much—and that’s the magic. Rent a moped, cruise the island, relax on pink-sand beaches, sip a rum swizzle, and let island time take over.
Where to stay depends on your vibe. For nightlife and dining, stay in Hamilton Parish—the Hamilton Princess Hotel is a top pick. Prefer quiet charm? Book a B&B in St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage town known for pastel buildings and laid-back coastal energy. Want luxury and privacy? Try Rosewood Bermuda or St. Regis near Fort St. Catherine, both offering five-star hospitality and private beaches.
While exploring, head to St. David’s or Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve for peaceful coves and scenic walking trails. Snorkel at Tobacco Bay Beach Club, relax on Elbow Beach, or rent a boat or jet ski to explore Bermuda’s famous shipwrecks in the Bermuda Triangle. Don’t miss lunch or cocktails at The Loren at Pink Beach, or a classic fish sandwich and rum swizzle at the Swizzle Inn.
For dining, 1609 Bar & Restaurant offers sunset views over the water, Harbourfront serves fresh seafood, and Wahoo’s or The Wharf in St. George’s deliver authentic local flavors. For craft cocktails and people-watching, stop by Devil’s Isle Café. With its pink sands, clear water, and laid-back luxury, Bermuda is the perfect place to reset, recharge, and remember how to slow down.
Maine Coast
Seen Score: 8.5
Recommended length of stay: 1+ week.
Last Seen: Summer 2024.
If you’re looking for a trip that pairs lobster rolls with coastal air crisp enough to snap you out of your routine, the Maine coast delivers. From Ogunquit to Bar Harbor, every stop brings charm, chowder, and plenty of nautical-themed tchotchkes (We think that’s how you spell it?).
Start in Ogunquit, a postcard-perfect beach town on Maine’s southern coast. Walk the Marginal Way, a scenic cliffside path with sweeping ocean views that practically force you to pause and breathe. Back in town, wander through art galleries, boutiques, and general stores full of things you absolutely don’t need but will probably buy anyway—like lobster-shaped bottle openers and artisanal blueberry jam in 12 varieties. For food, go straight for the lobster—try Cornerstone Artisanal Pizza for lobster pizza, or keep it classic with a roll and some drawn butter.
Next stop: Portland, Maine’s effortlessly cool coastal city. The food scene is a lobster-lover’s dream, but there’s much more: oysters at Eventide, small plates at Central Provisions, and legendary rolls at Bite Into Maine, served from a food truck parked next to a lighthouse. For a sit-down seafood fix, try Scales or DiMillo’s. Craving beer? Head to Allagash or Shipyard. Wine more your vibe? Check out Regards (formerly Drifters Wife) or UnWINEd.
Between meals, wander the cobblestone streets of Old Port, ferry over to Peaks Island for a tandem bike ride (you can pretend you're pedaling), or take in the harbor views on the Eastern Promenade. If you’re in the mood for cliffs and lighthouses, drive out to Cape Elizabeth—you’ll get wide-open skies and the full Maine postcard experience.
Heading north? Make a pit stop in Wiscasset for a lobster roll at Red’s Eats, or hit Boothbay Harbor for boat tours and a quieter pace.
End strong in Bar Harbor, gateway to Acadia National Park. Hike the Beehive Trail, drive the Park Loop Road, or just grab a drink and another lobster roll by the water. No itinerary needed—just show up, breathe deep, and let Maine do its thing.
Lake Placid, NY
Seen Score: 7.6
Recommended length of stay: long weekend.
Last Seen: Summer 2020.
Want to be surrounded by towering peaks, alpine lakes, and fresh mountain air that makes your lungs feel brand new? A trip to the Adirondacks, with Lake Placid as your home base, is the kind of escape that resets everything. This small mountain town packs big energy—think epic hikes, scenic paddles, and plenty of places to recharge.
Start with a hike. Jay Mountain offers panoramic ridge views with fewer crowds, Whiteface Mountain lets you hike or drive to the summit (no shame in the shortcut), and Cascade Mountain is a great intro to the famous 46 High Peaks of the Adirondacks—a bucket-list challenge for many hikers seeking to conquer them all. Tackling any of these is a solid way to experience the region’s rugged beauty.
When you’re ready to refuel, head to Big Slide Brewery & Public House for comfort food and house-brewed beers, or try Lisa G’s for fresh, local dishes. Grab a drink at Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, sip small-batch IPAs at Black Pond Brews, or sample wine flights at Adirondack Winery.
Mornings start strong with coffee and pancakes from The Breakfast Club, Etc. or Green Goddess Café. Then stroll Main Street, where you’ll find outdoor gear shops, cozy boutiques, and enough balsam-scented candles to make your suitcase smell like a forest.
Don’t miss the Olympic Center, home to the iconic “Miracle on Ice” rink. Ride the gondola to the Olympic Jumping Complex for sweeping views—and a newfound respect for fearless ski jumpers.
Still got energy? Rent a bike and cruise the Olympic Bike Path, or paddle across Mirror Lake or Saranac Lake for a peaceful, postcard-worthy float.
Where to stay? Book a cozy cabin or lakeside inn for classic Adirondack vibes. Want to upgrade? Treat yourself to the Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, where you can kayak before breakfast and book a massage before dinner—no flannel required.
The Adirondacks are where time slows down, nature does the heavy lifting, and stress doesn’t stand a chance. Whether you’re summiting a peak or sipping something cold by the lake, it’s a reminder of how good it feels to just be.
Burlington, VT
Seen Score: 7.6
Recommended length of stay: long weekend.
Last Seen: Summer 2024.
Burlington, Vermont is where fresh mountain air, scenic Lake Champlain, and a relaxed pace come together—making it a top spot for outdoor lovers and foodies alike. The best time to visit is summer or fall, when the weather is crisp, the lake sparkles, and Vermont’s foliage is at its best.
Start your trip with a walk or bike ride along the Burlington waterfront on Lake Champlain, perfect for people-watching, photos, or just soaking in the views. For dining, try The Farmhouse Tap & Grill for classic farm-to-table dishes or Honey Road for Mediterranean-inspired small plates. Pair your meal with a local brew from Zero Gravity, Foam Brewers, or Switchback Brewing Co. Prefer cider? Head to Citizen Cider for fresh, fruit-forward pours. Don’t miss Philo Ridge Farm for local produce or Shelburne Farms for cocktails by the fire pit and panoramic lake views.
Explore Church Street Marketplace, Burlington’s open-air shopping district filled with indie boutiques, bookstores, and artisan shops. And of course, no trip to Vermont is complete without a scoop from the original Ben & Jerry’s factory.
Get outside with a bike ride on the Island Line Rail Trail, a scenic route stretching onto Lake Champlain via a narrow causeway—perfect for photos and fresh air. For something special, rent a sailboat for a sunset cruise and take in the spectacular waterfront views.
When it’s time to rest, choose from downtown hotels near the lake, cozy cabins and Airbnbs in Charlotte or Vergennes, or splurge on the luxurious Basin Harbor Resort for kayaking, tennis, and porch-side relaxation.
Lake Michigan, WI
Seen Score: 7.2
Recommended length of stay: long weekend.
Last Seen: Summer 2023.
Lake Michigan vibes just hit different, especially in the summertime. We like to enjoy them from the Wisconsin side—specifically Milwaukee—which offers skyline views, sandy beaches, bike trails, beer gardens, and cheese curds, all within a few miles.
Start at South Shore Beach for calm city views, or head to Grant Park, where forest meets shoreline for a quiet escape. For a local feel, Bay View Park offers green space, shade, and plenty of dogs to admire (or dodge).
Ride the Oak Leaf Trail, a breezy waterfront path lined with marinas and shady parks. Refuel at Lakefront Brewery, a lively riverside favorite, or try MobCraft and Broken Bat Brewing nearby.
Keep coasting through Lakeshore State Park for skyline views and lake air, then grab dinner at DanDan for spicy modern Chinese, Odd Duck for creative small plates, or Harbor House for oysters and wine by the water.
Milwaukee’s lakefront has all the good stuff: nature, craft beer, great food, and Midwest chill—proof you don’t need to be anywhere else.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Seen Score: 7
Recommended length of stay: long weekend.
Last Seen: Summer 2018.
Just a short ferry ride to Block Island from the mainland—about an hour from Point Judith, Rhode Island—this tiny island feels like a complete reset. With rugged bluffs, rolling green hills, a car-free vibe, and long stretches of nearly empty beaches, Block Island invites you to slow down and breathe easy from the moment you arrive. You won’t find big crowds, luxury resorts, or overpriced beachfront brunches here. Instead, expect dirt roads, surprisingly pristine beaches, charming mom-and-pop shops, and endless horizon views.
Stay at a cozy B&B in Block Island town, ideally one with a wraparound porch that offers front-row views of island life. Don’t miss the Exotic Animal Farm & Zoo, our favorite stop on the trip, home to alpacas, camels, and even zeedonks (yes, zebra-donkey hybrids). For a slower pace, grab a drink on the lawn at the historic Spring House Hotel, where Adirondack chairs overlook the ocean and time seems to stop.
Rent a bike and circle the island at your own pace. The full loop takes only a few hours, with plenty of scenic stops along the way. Visit Mohegan Bluffs for sweeping ocean views, and if you’re up for it, take the 141 steps down to the secluded beach below. Don’t miss Southeast Light, a red-brick lighthouse perched high above the cliffs.
The beaches here are refreshingly low-key—no blaring top 40 music or fights over lounge chairs. Ballard’s Beach has a livelier atmosphere, while Mansion Beach and Scotch Beach are quieter and more peaceful.
Expect classic New England seafood, from lobster rolls to a cup of clam “chowda” served with unbeatable ocean views. Stop by Dead Eye Dick’s for lunch, sip sunset cocktails at The Oar, or settle into a breezy patio and let island time take over.
With spotty cell service and no set agenda, Block Island is the perfect place to unplug, unwind, and remember what it truly means to breathe easy.
Honorable mentions:
Woodstock, NY
Last Seen: Fall 2024.
Charlottesville, VA
Last seen: Fall 2024.
Boulder, CO
Last seen: Fall 2018.
Marco Island, FL
Last seen: Spring 2025.
Kiawah, SC
Last seen: Spring 2022
Excellent choices, sometimes all you need is a short vacation to recharge.