5 Quiet Winter Destinations to Soothe the Soul

Slow down, take a breath, and allow yourself to find the calm in nature’s embrace

Winter’s slower pace and tranquil beauty offers the opportunity for self-care and mindfulness. In winter, uncrowded beaches encourage peaceful strolls in Brookings, Oregon.

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Erin Gifford,

AARP

Published December 19, 2024

If you’ve been feeling out of sorts, it might be time to take a pause – to quiet the noise and reset your mind. Winter, with its slower pace and tranquil beauty, offers the opportunity for self-care and mindfulness. Unplug, reset, and make room for positivity and joy.

A recent survey by Booking.com found that more than half of respondents (54 percent) aged 60 to 80 use technology to find uncrowded travel destinations, and one-third (34 percent) are eager to explore lesser-known spots. These preferences highlight a growing interest in mindful, intentional travel, an approach that complements winter’s quiet allure.

Whether you’re soothed by the rhythmic crash of ocean waves, the stillness of snow-covered forests, or the wonder of a star-filled sky, we’ve got you covered. Here are five destinations to help you find clarity and calm.

The lighter crowds in Joshua Tree, California, can add a sense of solitude.

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1. Joshua Tree, California

Joshua Tree National Park is home to iconic Joshua trees, monzogranite boulders, and endless blue skies. In winter, this arid escape sees daytime highs in the 60s, making it ideal for exploring the park’s mostly unshaded hiking trails. Nights can be chilly, however, so dress in layers.

Start with an easy hike on a scenic park trail, like Barker Dam or Hidden Valley, when winter’s lighter crowds can add to a sense of solitude. Nancy D. Brown, 63, of Eugene, Oregon, explored the park in early 2024 and reveled in quiet hikes to Arch Rock and Heart Rock. “You felt like you were a million miles away … in the winter time, because there were really no crowds,” says Brown.

For Joshua trees, Brown recommends Park Boulevard, Morning Star Mine Road, and Black Rock Canyon, areas she describes as rich with these whimsical trees. “It was definitely a place where you could get off the road and pick a spot and be surrounded by beauty and meditate,” she adds.

Winter also brings the promise of early wildflowers in lower-elevation areas like Pinto Basin and Cottonwood. Keep an eye out for vibrant poppies, Arizona lupines, and the royal-blue desert Canterbury bells, which may start blooming as early as January.

Assateague Island’s iconic wild horses roam freely year-round and can be seen across Assateague Island National Seashore, both in the marshes and along the shoreline.

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2. Assateague Island, Maryland

Assateague Island, famous for its wild ponies, provides a refreshing sense of solitude in winter. With fewer visitors, you’ll find quiet beaches, windswept dunes, and gentle walking trails – perfect for a tranquil retreat. The iconic wild horses roam freely year-round and can often be seen across Assateague Island National Seashore, both in the marshes and along the shoreline.

Winter’s cooler temperatures, ranging from the 20s to the 40s in January and February, can mean fewer bugs and more comfortable hikes. Two trails to explore are the Life of the Marsh Nature Trail, a mild 0.5-mile boardwalk loop, and the Life of the Forest Nature Trail, a 0.5-mile path that offers stunning views across Sinepuxent Bay.

Birdwatching in winter is a highlight as Assateague’s marshes and beaches attract a variety of species, including yellow-rumped warblers, snowy owls, and flocks of brant, a sea goose that migrates from Northern Canada. Bring binoculars and listen for their soft calls.

Pack layers for a beach picnic or a contemplative stroll along the shoreline, where the crisp air and soothing waves can help ease away stresses of daily life. Afterward, warm up at the Assateague Island Visitor Center, which is open year-round. Don’t miss the park film, which explores the history of the island’s wild horses.

Visit Presque Isle Park for towering pine forests and frozen lake vistas in Marquette, Michigan. Here, Presque Isle River as seen in winter.

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3. Marquette, Michigan

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) transforms into a winter wonderland, with Marquette serving as the perfect base for embracing winter’s quiet side. Set on Lake Superior, Marquette offers a blend of accessible conveniences and calming stress relief that only nature can provide.

Start with a snowshoe trek or a hike across snow-covered trails at Presque Isle Park for towering pine forests and frozen lake vistas. At Al Quaal Recreation Area, the Baby Lake Trail offers an experience just for those on snowshoes. No snowshoes? No problem. Rent them in-town at Down Wind Sports or MooseWood Nature Center. You also can rent them at Wilderness Sports in nearby Ishpeming.

In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, you also can explore snowy landscapes on fat tire bikes. Extra-large tires make it easy to navigate trails through snow-covered forests. The Noquemanon Trail Network features more than 30 miles of groomed trails across its south and north trails. Fat tire bike rentals, including e-bike options, are available by the hour or the day.

After a day spent outdoors, relax with a warm drink at one of Marquette’s cozy cafes, such as Contrast Coffee Co., Dead River Coffee, or The Crib. It’s a great way to relax and plan your next winter outing in Marquette, whether it’s snowmobiling across thousands of miles of groomed trails or seeing whether the northern lights will light up the sky over Lake Superior.

Connect to nature while roaming Harris Beach State Park, which is a prime spot for whale watching and tide pooling for sea stars and anemones.

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4. Brookings, Oregon

On Oregon’s southern coast, Brookings offers natural beauty, mild winter temperatures, and a relaxed coastal charm. Wide, uncrowded beaches encourage peaceful strolls, shell collecting, and hunting for colorful sea glass. In the evening, breathtaking sunsets paint the sky in vibrant hues.

“When I am by water, and there’s hardly anybody around, … my mind really clears,” shares Gaylene Ore, 60, of Granby, Colorado. “Seeing the sun set over [the] horizon of the water is mesmerizing. It’s like you can’t get enough pictures.”

Connect with nature by wandering Harris Beach State Park, which is a prime spot for whale watching, tide pooling for sea stars and anemones, and birdwatching. Bird Island, a national wildlife sanctuary visible from the beach, is a nesting site for tufted puffins.

Whether you choose a leisurely walk or simply take a seat on the sand to listen to the waves, the ocean’s rhythm can help clear your mind. “The water is so therapeutic, just hearing it crash against the rock walls,” adds Ore. “Walking and hearing it, to me, is beyond soothing.”

From December to January, migrating whales pass south through Oregon’s waters, though around 200 gray whales stay off the coast year-round. Watch as these gentle giants slap their tails, breach out of the water, and send sprays of mist into the air. Chetco Point Park is another top spot to watch gray whales and spot seals basking on nearby rocks.

Great Basin National Park, about an hour from Ely, Nevada, boasts some of the darkest skies in the U.S.

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5. Ely, Nevada

In Ely, Nevada, the Milky Way isn’t just visible, it’s kind of a show-stopper. An hour from Ely, Great Basin National Park boasts some of the darkest skies in the United States, earning its designation as an International Dark Sky Park. Winter’s crisp, dry air sharpens the view, making the stars even more brilliant and the night sky truly unforgettable.

Though ranger-led astronomy programs pause in winter months, the park offers opportunities for self-guided stargazing. For the best views, head to the Astronomy Amphitheater near the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

To maximize your stargazing experience, check the moon phase before you go. Great Basin’s skies are nearly free of light pollution, but a full moon can make it hard to see the stars. A new moon is ideal for catching sight of the Milky Way, along with planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.

While much of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is closed to vehicles in winter, it’s open to visitors on snowshoes or skis. The park also offers a free snowshoe loan program. Additionally, ranger-led tours of Lehman Caves, Nevada’s longest cave system, are available year-round. Winter visits mean smaller groups on these hour-long guided tours.

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Erin Gifford is a travel and outdoor writer based in northern Virginia. She has written for The Washington Post, Parents, Thrillist and The Wall Street Journal.

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5 Quiet Winter Destinations to Soothe the Soul

Slow down, take a breath, and allow yourself to find the calm in nature’s embrace

1. Joshua Tree, California

2. Assateague Island, Maryland

3. Marquette, Michigan

4. Brookings, Oregon

5. Ely, Nevada

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