A trip that combines wellness with relaxation should be one thing: calming. And sometimes, that means staying somewhere appropriately chill—and perhaps a bit closer to home. Choosing a U.S. town or city that’s off the beaten path—as in, not dominating the travel trend circuit—can help ensure you’re getting a meaningful experience without the crowds, high price points, and undue stress.

So, what makes someplace a wellness destination? When applied to these towns, the description translates to an ability to be outdoors, including proximity to soothing water (rivers, geothermal hot springs, lakes, bays), and a general want of quietude. These are places that people go for a true reset. And given their under-the-radar status, certain amounts of real-deal solitude are actually possible.

Sprinkled with whimsy and even some surprising history, you’ll find that some of these spots for self-care are hiding in plain sight all around the United States.

5 Wellness Destinations That are Off the Beaten Path

Dreamy views, historic origins, and plenty of opportunities for soaking make these wellness destinations prime places to visit.

1. Hot Springs, Arkansas

(Photo: Getty Images; Thomas Faull)

A town built around natural hot springs, and in close proximity to harvestable crystals, lends itself to wellness. The city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, sprung up around 47 natural thermal springs, which humans have sought out to experience restoration for thousands of years. These waters have been federally protected since the 1800s, attracted celebrities, and can still be accessed via the nine Gilded Age bathhouses that adorn the downtown area.

When not your spending your days soaking in ancient waters, check out local yoga classes or search for sparkle on nearby Mount Ida, a quartz haven that offers opportunities for crystal foraging via public rockhounding areas or guided tours.

Where to Stay: Forest Tiny Cabin with Cedar Hot Tub

(Photo: Courtesy of the Airbnb Community)

Why We Love It: Proximity to bathhouses is an important part of the Hot Springs experience. But if staying in a downtown area isn’t quite your thing, this woodsy cabin is a place to rest your head.

Price: From $200 per night; 2 guests

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2. Bayfield, Wisconsin

(Photo: Getty Images; Chris Kelley)

Your peace of mind just might be hiding somewhere along Lake Superior. Charming small-town vibes, area orchards, and outdoor activities—namely kayaking to and around the majestic Apostle Islands— make Bayfield, Wisconsin, a heart-stealing sort of vacation spot.

Getting out on the water is a beloved and sought-after endeavor and provides the best views of the unique sandstone arches, caves, and cliffs. Land lovers will also find plenty of lakeside hiking trails that offer an alternative perspective, along with 13 farms and orchards (known as the Bayfield Fruit Loop) that invite you to pick berries, apples, and more. In short, opportunities for grounding abound.

If you’re looking for a more structured take on wellness, aka an actual retreat, Wild Rice Retreat hosts creative and yoga retreats year round.

Where to Stay: Romantic Vineyard Cabin

(Photo: Courtesy of the Airbnb Community)

Why We Love It: This picturesque cabin comes with a sauna and a plunge pool, allowing the restful spa feels to infuse every part of your getaway.

Price: From $285 per night; 3-night minimum; 2 guests

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3. Whidbey Island, Washington

(Photo: Getty Images; BackyardProduction)

Whimsy, spirituality, and general wellness await throughout the islands of the Pacific Northwest. The region’s blend of stunning natural landscapes and rural chill lend well to retreats of all sorts.

Soak up the sun (or mist) at West Beach, explore more than 60 miles of coastal and forest hiking trails, hop on a boat tour or kayak—all in a single day. The area’s energy feels slow and steady, encouraging you to pause and take in your surroundings with the kind of awareness that makes introspective experiences possible.

For a culturally inspired spiritual experience, swing by Earth Sanctuary. The nature reserve and sculpture garden features sacred stones, stupas, and more, all inspired by spiritual sites around the world.

Where to Stay: A Quiet Whidbey Cabin + Creative Studio

(Photo: Courtesy of the Airbnb Community)

Why We Love It: This cabin and art studio are cozy and eclectic—and the outdoor soaking tub gives forest bathing a magical new meaning.

Price: From $330 per night; 2 night minimum; 2 guests

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4. Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

(Photo: Getty Images; davelogan)

Don’t let the intense name fool you: this is a relaxing place. In fact, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, was once known as Hot Springs, which does a slightly better job at describing the vibes you’ll find there.

This Chihuahuan Desert town has a land-lost-in-time air about it, with Wild West-era buildings co-mingling with an artist population and bohemian funk. There’s not a whole lot going on here, which means that you’ll have plenty of time for deep breathing, reflection, and hot springs soaking.

Enjoy a float down the Rio Grande or just enjoy one of the 10 commercial hot springs located downtown. If privacy is more your style, a selection of rentals (like the one below) boast hot springs of their very own.

Where to Stay: Riverside Hot Springs Private Retreat

(Photo: Courtesy of the Airbnb Community)

Why We Love It: There’s nothing quite like soaking in your own personal restorative waters (or enjoying a yoga practice) while enjoying a rushing river view.

Price: From $282 per night; 2 night minimum; 4 guests

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5. Berkeley Springs (Bath), West Virginia

(Photo: Getty Images; AWYeager)

Who wouldn’t want to sojourn in the same town that George Washington once preferred? Berkeley Springs, West Virginia (formerly known as Bath), is considered the first spa in the United States. The mineral springs were used by Native Americans prior to settlers, including the first president, whose tub you can see—beginning to visit the area in the 1700s.

The hot springs here are a very manageable 74 degrees, an ideal temperature for a healing natural bath. If your personal wellness plan includes more woods than water, you can find a wide variety of hiking and mountain biking trails in both Cacapon Resort State Park and Eidolon Nature Preserve.

Where to Stay: River Cabin in Bath

(Photo: Courtesy of the Airbnb Community)

Why We Love It: A woodsy river home replete with hot tub, outdoor shower, personal swimming hole, and plenty of opportunities for introspection.

Price: $413 per night; 4 guests

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