Too much noise isn’t just irritating, it can have a profoundly negative impact on your physical and mental well-being. Studies have shown that prolonged noise exposure can impair sleep, increase your risk of stroke and heart disease and increase cortisol and stress levels. You may not even be aware of how much noise is interfering with your health, yet it’s all around us, from honking cars to ambulance sirens to barking dogs. That’s why taking time away in a serene environment can work wonders for your mind and body. Here are five destinations in the U.S. where you can get some peace and quiet, relax and soak in the healing power of nature this summer and fall.
Spring view of the front of The Claremont HotelA beautiful view of Otter Cliffs in Acadia National Park, Maine
Hiking in Maine
Acadia National Park is a breathtaking destination that can get very busy in the summer, so to avoid the crowds, head to its quiet side, the Schoodic Peninsula. This lesser-known part of the gorgeous, rugged park gets only around .4 percent of the park’s visitors, so it’s ideal if you want to commune with nature, not other tourists. Once you’ve biked or hiked your way around the Peninsula, relax and unwind at Salt Cottages in Bar Harbor or indulge in understated elegance at The Claremont Hotel, located in Southwest Harbor, Maine.
Wild turkeys outside the front of the Ramsey Canyon Inn
Bird Watching in Arizona
Listening to birdsong can have significant mental health benefits, so if you’re feeling anxious and stressed out, spending time among our feathered friends might be worth a try. Nicknamed the “Hummingbird Capital of the U.S.,” Sierra Vista’s San Pedro National Riparian Conservation area has approximately 300 species of birds and is an ideal destination for those who want to experience the calming benefits of birdsong. Lodging options near the conservation area include the 10-room Casa de San Pedro B&B, rustic Ramsey Canyon Cabins and the Ramsey Canyon Inn.
Sunset view from the porch of Big Sky Yoga Retreat
Meditation and Yoga in Montana
Unplug and enjoy a quiet respite at Feathered Pipe Ranch in Helena, Montana. Set amidst millions of acres of forest and mountains, the retreat offers the Mindful Unplug Experience, where participants spend seven days away from the noise and frenetic pace of regular life and take time to enjoy guided meditation, yoga, drumming circles, forest bathing, and more. During the Dude Ranch Cowgirl Yoga retreat in Bozeman, Montana, guests can deepen their yoga practice and “explore the magical horse-human connection in and out of the saddle.”