A proper setting is often needed to properly meditate, center yourself, and finally, do some soul searching. It is hard to do all of this in the middle of a busy city, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. As such, a trip is definitely in order, as one of the best ways to shift your perspective, relax and explore! To help you plan it, here are the 10 best soul-searching destinations in the USA.
1. Calistoga, California
The first on our list of best soul-searching destinations in the USA is Calistoga. What makes this special and one of the perfect places to travel is how idyllic it is. It is still a small city, a town, but it is so peaceful, and the lifestyle here seems so slow that it’s of no consequence.
Besides, it would be hard to enjoy the area’s natural hot springs without a slightly urban setting! In addition, the city is also rather well known for its wineries. You can enjoy a relaxing day of wine tasting, followed by a luxurious dip in warm water and a massage afterward. It will relax you, empty your mind, and allow you to do much-needed soul-searching.
2. Sedona, Arizona
If your ideal soul-searching destinations in the USA are the more secluded and lonely places, then you should consider making a trip to Sedona. Of course, not the town itself. While picturesque in its own right, the town is, in this case, to be only your springboard and base of operations for your forays into the nature surrounding it. The unique coloring of the local rock formations.
The stark natural beauty. And even the loneliness you can experience if you step foot onto some less popular hiking trails. They will all allow you to feel as one with nature and perfectly alone with your thoughts.
3. Florida Keys, Florida
Sometimes, a careful mix of soul-searching and good company is needed for the best effects. And Florida Keys, with its easy access to water activities and its relaxed atmosphere, provides a perfect setting for something like this. The perfect setting for some time alone is Little Palm Island, a nearby private island resort.
Or set out on a long boating trip in the wonderfully calm and clear water. You will fully appreciate the effects of meditation, which lets you keep a clear mind and boosts recovery. While also getting to soak in the presence of other tourists and soul searchers when the solitude of your mind gets a bit too much.
4. Lake Placid, New York
Following our theme of enjoying soul searching on water, we have Lake Placid, located in New York. If you feel an overwhelming urge to leave your city and just give yourself some time to recover, this is the ideal location. After all, its name is not just a bad joke! The crystal clarity and stillness of the Lake’s water make it seem like the world has stopped around you.
The nature walk available here will also let you take full advantage of the scenery and the refreshing crispness of mountain air. The best part once you’re done recharging? The local inns and spas will provide full access to massages that can melt stress out of your muscles all on their own!
5. Zion National Park, Utah
Forested trails, stunning waterfalls, energetic rivers, plateaus to conquer, and cliffs and canyons to navigate past; Zion National Park has it all and more. Of course, the physical toll of exploring too much is considerable.
That means you want to prepare well and take some equipment to take comfort breaks. One thing is sure: you will feel at peace with yourself and nature here, making the Park one of the best soul-searching destinations in the USA without question.
6. Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is the right place for those who want to work off their frustration and achieve the right state of mind for some soul-searching through hiking and physical exertion. The Eldorado Canyon State Park and Chautauqua Park alone provide perfect locations to lose yourself in nature and just walk for hours. And the city is excellent for relaxing at the end of your day!
7. Naples, Florida
If what you’re looking for in a soul-searching destination is warm water, some company, and plenty of activities that let your mind wander, then you should consider Naples. That is a small community in Florida and is considered one of the safest places to visit and live in the USA. As experts at Bright Futures Treatment Center like to point out, a feeling of safety is crucial for soul searching.
If it is meant to be part of a recovery process, few things will let you feel at peace and put a smile on your face as quickly as drifting off into calm waters. Or perhaps you should consider booking a dolphin cruise for some easy pick-me-up.
8. Page, Arizona
Where should we even start when discussing Page? Let’s do it by admitting that the town of Page itself is not the centerpiece this time. The town is full of greenery and is a rather picturesque place. However, it is surrounded by so many of nature’s wonders that any beauty and appeal is put firmly in second place.
The first such example is the Antelope Canyon. The stunning earth formations, the way light filters down into the canyon, and its almost alien atmosphere all are downright mesmerizing. You can, of course, take the time to explore and view the place at your leisure. Or, you can take a guided tour of the Navajo Nation, which is a splendid experience.
The second thing you must see here is the Horseshoe Bend. This stunning piece of geography, with its unusual look, unique composition of scenery, and sheer beauty, will have you snapping photos for a while before you’re happy with your results.
And these two are not even the only places worth visiting! There’s the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Tower Butte and the Vermilion Cliff National Monument. There are so many locations you can use Page to access easily, and it serves as a perfect base of operations!
9. Big Sur, California
If you are looking for one of the best soul-searching destinations in the USA which offers a slightly more guided experience, then Big Sur in California should be your choice. The location, all by itself, is starkly beautiful. Something about the clash of water and cliffs can put even the most restless of minds at rest. And then allow them to slip into a meditative state.
If that’s not enough to convince you to pack your luggage and head for Big Sur, then maybe the Esalen Institute there will. The Institute is in a lodge that offers mindfulness workshops and guided soul-seeking meditation. A perfect setting not only to get into meditation but to get actual, professional guidance on how to do it!
10. Bayfield, Wisconsin
The final of the best soul-searching destination in the USA we have to offer is Bayfield, Wisconsin. And this little city is unique on our list for one fact: it is just as worth visiting solely for the city as it is for the activities and locations you can find around it. So far, all the cities and towns on our list have served as the backdrops to the locations they let you access, but not so with Bayfield.
The city, stretched over rising hills and wreathed in nature, is a scenic experience. But what if you visit during autumn when the entire city is painted in the season’s colors? You will have an even more unique experience well worth the trip there! And, of course, the city’s location allows you to take full advantage of all its amenities for the duration of your stay.
If you do choose to step foot outside this beautiful city, however, there’s a lot you can choose to pursue. Water sports and sailing are chief activities that can put your mind to rest and let you do some soul-searching in peace, especially since the Apostle Islands are very close to the city! Alternatively, you can visit the orchards in the vicinity and maybe even get to partake in the harvest if you time your visit right.
Final comment
With our list of the 10 best soul-searching destinations in the USA, you will easily find one that appeals to you. If you pack correctly and anticipate what you’ll need to enjoy yourself fully, you will have an unforgettable experience visiting these places.