After years of juggling screen time and fast-paced living, the widespread craving for peace and quiet has grown louder than ever. Nature-based getaways, with their promise of simpler, slower days surrounded by stunning landscapes, have become the ultimate antidote to our everyday grind. With 2025 on the horizon, the US is brimming with picturesque retreats that combine serene surroundings, sustainable travel, and a chance to truly unwind. Whether you're craving a hike through rugged trails, a glamping escape under the stars, or an eco-conscious wellness retreat, there’s something for every nature lover.
Here are some of the best nature-based getaways to explore in 2025.
1. Adventuring in National Parks
The allure of national parks never fades, and 2025 is the perfect time to explore these natural marvels with new initiatives focused on sustainability and accessibility.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Yellowstone remains a timeless destination, famed for its geothermal wonders like Old Faithful and the rainbow-colored Grand Prismatic Spring. New wilderness hiking tours, designed to educate about geothermal science and wildlife conservation, are a must-try in 2025. Adventure seekers can enjoy guided snowshoe treks during the winter months or paddle along the crystal-clear rivers in spring.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
America’s most-visited national park continues to enchant with verdant forests, mist-shrouded peaks, and cascading waterfalls. New rustic cabins tucked away from the crowds offer the perfect blend of comfort and solitude. Take in sunrise views from Clingmans Dome or unwind with a serene tubing session down the pristine rivers.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
For a less crowded, off-the-beaten-path experience, Lassen Volcanic National Park is perfect for exploring bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and quiet alpine lakes. The park’s new stargazing tour invites visitors to witness some of California’s clearest night skies.
2. Glamping Escapes for Comfort and Adventure
For those who love nature but prefer a touch of luxury, glamping continues to thrive in 2025, offering unique accommodations without sacrificing comfort.
AutoCamp in Zion National Park, Utah
This chic campground features modern Airstreams and cozy canvas tents surrounded by Utah’s dramatic red rock landscapes. Guests can enjoy luxury touches like heated blankets after returning from a day of hiking through Zion’s famed Narrows or climbing Angel’s Landing.
Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Located just outside the Great Smoky Mountains, Under Canvas offers safari-style tents with plush furnishings and on-site dining. The glamping site embraces sustainable practices, including reducing single-use plastics and conserving water, making it a great choice for eco-conscious travelers.
Dunton River Camp, Colorado
For an ultra-secluded riverside retreat, Dunton River Camp pairs plush canvas tents with breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. Activities like fly fishing, horseback riding, and private yoga sessions provide the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
3. Wellness-Focused Eco-Lodges
If rejuvenating both your mind and body is a priority, wellness retreats surrounded by nature offer the ultimate escapes.
Amangiri, Utah
Set amid the sweeping canyons of the Utah desert, Amangiri is synonymous with luxury and serenity. The resort specializes in wellness, offering guided meditation, sound baths, and sunrise yoga overlooking the luminous desert landscape. When you're ready for adventure, guided hikes reveal hidden slot canyons and ancient petroglyphs.
Treebones Resort, Big Sur, California
Perched on the rugged California coast, Treebones is known for its sustainability and healing atmosphere. Guests can stay in yurts or even a “human nest” perched high above the Pacific Ocean. Whale-watching, hiking through towering redwood forests, and organic cooking experiences are just a few of the offerings.
Winvian Farm, Connecticut
Tucked away in the tranquil Litchfield Hills, Winvian Farm is an enchanting escape blending luxury with rustic charm. With private cottages, farm-to-table dining, and rejuvenating spa treatments, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with yourself and nature.
4. Off-the-Beaten-Path Hidden Gems
Go beyond the well-known attractions to explore some of the lesser-traveled yet equally magical destinations in 2025.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
This cluster of islands on Lake Superior is perfect for kayaking enthusiasts. Paddle through sea caves, explore rare sandstone formations, and spend the night under star-studded skies at cozy lakeside cabins.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort, New Mexico
Nestled in New Mexico’s high desert, Ojo Caliente offers a rejuvenating experience through its natural mineral hot springs. Complement your visit with nearby hikes or a quiet afternoon admiring the region’s distinctive desert landscapes.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska
For an unforgettable Alaskan adventure, Glacier Bay beckons with its ethereal glaciers, abundant wildlife, and secluded trails. Take a kayak to explore glacier-carved fjords, spot humpback whales up close, and enjoy the striking natural beauty this part of the world has to offer.
5. Trends to Watch in 2025
- Sustainable Travel: Eco-conscious practices remain a major focus, from carbon-neutral lodges to zero-impact tours. Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that prioritize conservation and responsible tourism.
- Digital Detox Escapes: With constant connectivity dominating our lives, 2025 is seeing a rise in nature retreats designed to disconnect entirely, encouraging visitors to trade tech for books, board games, and meaningful conversations.
- Forest Bathing & Nature Therapy: Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, retreats offering guided forest bathing hikes and nature-connection practices are becoming a staple for wellness travelers.
- Stargazing Experiences: Destinations with dark-sky certifications are on every traveler’s radar, with stargazing lodges creating awe-filled experiences for amateur astronomers.
Planning Your Nature Getaway
2025 offers a wealth of opportunities to unplug and reconnect with the natural world. Whether you’re seeking thrills on a rugged hiking trail, looking to indulge your senses at an eco-lodge, or craving unique wildlife encounters, these getaways offer something special for every traveler.
Mother Nature is calling, and there’s no better time to answer than now. Pack your bags, leave the noise behind, and step into a year of connection, rejuvenation, and awe-inspiring travels.
