The best and worst places in the USA for a peaceful vacation

If the stress of 2023 has left you yearning for a serene vacation, you're not alone. Recent data from Park Holidays indicates a surge in Google searches for grounding meditations, exercises, and retreats, signaling a potential trend in travel preferences.

For those prioritizing their health on vacation, considering noise pollution becomes crucial. Studies have revealed the adverse health effects of noise exposure, ranging from hearing loss to heart disease. Deseret News offers insights into the quietest places to visit in the United States.

Noisiest Cities in the US

A study by Retirement Living magazine identified Los Angeles, Houston, and New York as the top three noisiest cities in the United States. Factors considered in this ranking include overall noise pollution, car accidents, and noise complaints. The top 10 loudest cities, as per the study, are:

Los Angeles, Calif.

Houston, Texas.

New York, NY.

Phoenix, Arizona.

Memphis, Tennessee.

Newark, New Jersey.

Chicago, Illinois.

Anaheim, California.

Santa Ana, California.

Jersey City, New Jersey.

These findings align with a study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which produced a visual map showcasing noise pollution levels across the United States. Most cities have an average background noise between 50 and 60 decibels, whereas the quietest areas register less than 20 decibels.

Quietest cities in the US

Retirement Living lists Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Santa Clarita, California, and Lincoln, Nebraska, as the quietest cities in the United States. However, these are still urban areas, not ideal for silent meditation. For a truly tranquil experience, venturing off the beaten path is recommended.

Acoustic ecologist Gordon Hampton contends that only 10 to 12 places in the United States remain free from noise generated by human activity. Hampton specifically mentions three such locations: Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park, Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota, and Haleakala National Park in Hawaii.

Remarkably, two of these noise-free havens are within national parks. Protected ecological zones, including national and state parks, typically exhibit lower noise pollution due to restricted human activities. This observation aligns with a noise pollution map from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, citing Yellowstone and Great Sand Dunes National Parks as two of the quietest spots in the country.

Escaping noise for nature

For those seeking moments of calm, meditation, or a break from urban chaos, retreating to nature becomes a compelling option. While metropolitan areas and amusement parks offer excitement, exposure to elevated noise levels may hinder meditative experiences and solitude.