These Are The 10 Most Laid-Back US Towns
Every so often, travelers feel the pull to step away from daily routines, take a breath, and savor life’s quieter pleasures. Across the United States, countless destinations invite that sense of calm; places where the pace slows, the scenery opens up, and the small details suddenly matter again. From the golden glow of autumn leaves in the Appalachians to the snow-dusted trails of the Rockies and the endless-summer light of Southern California, relaxation takes many forms. Some of these laid-back escapes even surprise with architectural icons like Frank Lloyd Wright’s mountain masterpieces tucked deep in the wilderness.
For those ready to trade rush for repose, these are the ten most laid-back towns in the United States for 2025.
Edgartown, Massachusetts
On the shores of the Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard is the vibrant village of Edgartown. A key highlight here is Edgartown Harbor Light, the historic grandeur of this 19th-century lighthouse (relocated in 1939), and the panoramic views of the main island and the nearby isle of Chappaquiddick. Speaking of Chappaquiddick, it's just across the bridge from the main island, and East Beach is a fantastic spot for surf fishing and quiet walks on the shore.
Back on the main island, Rockfish is a delectable choice for local seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and other tasty culinary creations. And for accommodations, the Harbor View Hotel is always a solid option for timeless New England-style luxury and picturesque coastal views.
Farmington, Pennsylvania
About 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh is Farmington, a town in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands that’s full of dazzling gems. For fans of Frank Lloyd Wright’s classic architecture and design, Farmington has some major historic treasures, including Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob. Right in between the historic homes are the stately public lands of Ohiopyle State Park, a gorgeous expanse of Appalachian wilderness featuring waterfalls, prime whitewater rafting rivers, and world-class hiking and biking trails that make for breathtaking journeys during the fall foliage season.
To complete the Farmington experience, there's the incredible and expansive resort that is Nemacolin. Not only is Nemacolin the region’s premier luxury resort, but it also offers three distinct hotels with their own unique aesthetics, along with the highly acclaimed Woodlands Spa, the amazing Hardy Family Art Collection, and year-round activities (including skiing and ice skating in winter) at The Peak.
Lovettsville, Virginia
In the hills of Northern Virginia’s Loudoun Valley, only about 56 miles from Washington, D.C., is the lovely wine country village of Lovettsville. Wine lovers will likely want to come for the great local wines, including the award-winning Petit Verdots of Creek’s Edge Winery and the fascinatingly complex white wines of Hiddencroft Vineyards. However, those looking for other adult beverage options can also rejoice, as Lovettsville is home to Flying Ace Distillery & Brewery with their high-flying bourbons and funky craft beers at Loudoun County’s only combination brewery and distillery.
Stay to experience the country-style hospitality of Georges Mill Farm, a bed-and-breakfast set on a working farm that also happens to produce some delectable farmstead cheeses and sweet treats.
Boone, North Carolina
Boone may be around 103 miles northwest of Charlotte, yet this North Carolina college town also makes for a surprisingly colorful mountain town getaway. The Boone Greenway trail is a solid choice for an easy hike or bike ride into an autumn wonderland full of vibrant fall foliage. Yet if one craves a more challenging journey into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grandfather Mountain State Park has trails to the 5,946-foot summit of Calloway Peak and a daring path across the Mile High Swinging Bridge.
Even for those who miss the autumn leaf peeping season, they can rest assured that there’s plenty more to see and do around Boone in winter, including skiing and ice skating at the family-owned and operated Appalachian Ski Mountain resort. Whenever one makes it to Boone, it's possible to make a stay extra special at The Horton Hotel, a local historic landmark that’s been reimagined as a hip and urbane boutique hotel with sleek guest rooms and a snazzy rooftop lounge.
Logan, Ohio
Around 53 miles southeast of Columbus is Logan, a surprisingly beautiful Ohio town surrounded by lush woodlands that only become more scenic during the autumn season. A short drive south of town is Hocking Hills State Park, an increasingly internationally acclaimed destination for stunning waterfalls, dramatically shaped cliffs and gorges, and amazingly colorful fall foliage. In addition, there's John Glenn Astronomy Park for incredible nighttime stargazing and a calendar full of fun astronomy-centered events. And closer to town, Lake Logan State Park offers plenty more to do, including fishing at the lake and hunting on the grounds during fall and winter.
For maximum rest and relaxation in the Hocking Hills, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls makes a fantastic choice. They have cabins, cottages, lodges, and yurts on site, along with two restaurants and a full-service spa.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
One only needs to venture about 56 miles north of Madison to reach the town of Wisconsin Dells, a uniquely scenic riverfront town that truly must be seen to be believed. While one would expect “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®” to be more of a family-friendly summertime destination, Wisconsin Dells still makes quite the splash later in the year with indoor parks like Kalahari Resort staying open year-round. Meanwhile, the Dells of the Wisconsin River is a great outdoor park for hiking, fishing, and seasonal hunting and cross-country skiing by an incredible gorge that was formed here some 510-520 million years ago.
To discover even more amazing Wisconsin scenery, Devil’s Lake State Park is a short drive south, and this park sports spectacular views of the 500-foot quartzite bluffs, the namesake 360-acre lake, and gorgeous fall foliage from some 30 miles of hiking and biking trails. And for the full Wisconsin Dells experience, Cedar Lodge has some beautiful river view cabins available to book.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
While New England is usually seen as the epicenter of autumn leaf peeping, don’t sleep on the Rocky Mountains, especially when it comes to the Colorado ski town of Steamboat Springs. If one is eager to spot some epic fall foliage, the Buffalo Pass forest road leads to prime stretches of forest and woodlands on the route to Summit Lake and the Continental Divide. Meanwhile, for a prime opportunity to stretch out and embark on a more exciting adventure, the Three Island Lake Trail offers a wonderful six-mile round-trip hike amidst colorful aspen groves, coniferous forests, and glacier-fed lakes.
Can there ever be too much fall foliage? For anyone who answers, "No!," Strawberry Park Hot Springs is nearby, and it's a delightfully relaxing oasis with natural spring-fed thermal pools while taking in the lovely aspen grove views. Once one feels ready to call it a day, Trappeur’s Crossing Resort provides various cozy and comfy lodging options for groups large and small.
Leavenworth, Washington
On the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, about 117 miles east of Seattle, is the curious town of Leavenworth, one that brings Bavarian-style charm to Washington State. Close by is Lake Wenatchee State Park, a great place to witness the vibrant colors of the larches turning orange (they’re among the few conifers that are deciduous) and the clear blue hue of the lake. For some more autumn scenery, Icicle Ridge Trail is another inviting hiking path closer to town.
Back in town, it's never a bad idea to wander through Leavenworth’s historic downtown and admire its classic Bavarian flair, then pop inside Icicle Brewing Company for a fun mix of German-style beers and West Coast IPAs that are all locally made. Also in town is Icicle Village Resort, a lovely family-friendly lodge with delectable restaurants and a full-service spa on site.
Sedona, Arizona
At the rugged edge of Arizona’s Verde Valley is the enchanting village of Sedona, a town that overflows with relaxing, ethereal beauty all around. One can begin to experience this magic with a scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon to Slide Rock State Park, where it's quite possible to catch some prime fall foliage well into October. From there, it's a dazzling journey back to town and Tlaquepaque Village, which is a great location to catch a little more fall foliage, along with plenty of great works by local artists.
No trip to Sedona feels complete without checking out the local vortexes that locals cherish for what they believe is the high concentration of spiritual energy. Perhaps the most beautiful vortex can be found at Boynton Canyon, a unique high desert preserve with sandstone red rock formations towering over cypress and manzanita trees. And for some extra quality time at Boynton Canyon, Mii amo and Enchantment Resort are fabulous wellness-focused Relais & Chateaux boutique resorts located in the heart of the canyon.
Solana Beach, California
Named for the bright sun that often pops out year-round, Solana Beach is a wonderful Southern California destination for anyone seeking to escape the autumn chills falling upon most of the rest of the country. Still, the cooler weather makes this a prime time to hike through the sandstone slot canyon of Annie’s Canyon Trail. Or, for a more laid-back day outside, Lomas Santa Fe Executive Golf Course offers 18 holes of beginner-friendly golf with pretty ocean views.
Speaking of the Pacific Ocean, Fletcher Cove is a bright and inviting surfing beach that’s great to visit even when not planning to hop on a surfboard. Whatever one ultimately decides to do in town, it’s worth the short detour to the nearby Inn at Rancho Santa Fe to soak up the classic Hollywood vibes, the spectacular San Diego North County scenery, the new and glowing Mila Moursi Spa, and a posh collection of bungalows, cottages, and villas.
Where to Slow Down and Breathe
No matter how one prefers to kick back, settle down, and unwind, the United States has a number of small towns that make a big getaway extra relaxing. If anyone craves a beautiful beach vacation, there's Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. For those seeking some pretty autumn scenery, Farmington in the Laurel Highlands most certainly delivers. Meanwhile, high up the Rocky Mountains, it's possible to soak up some healing waters and vibrant autumn leaves in Steamboat Springs. And for those travelers searching for something that’s pleasantly different, the Bavarian village of Leavenworth really knows how to provide a warm welcome. With so much to see and do in these U.S. towns, it’s totally understandable if anyone feels the urge to slow down to take in the laid-back vibes properly.
