This Gorgeous Outdoor Adventure Paradise Was Just Named the Most Peaceful Vacation Destination in the U.S.

A moment of quiet reflection. A slow morning where you can sip your coffee or tea as slowly as you want. An afternoon spent lounging with nothing at all to do but enjoy. We all dream of days like this. And if you vacation in one very special northern town, your odds of having a peaceful day like this go way up. 

In July, the research team from The Green Band (which, yes, is an all-in-one cannabis shop, so some real relaxation experts right there) unveiled their list of the most peaceful cities in the U.S. 

To find out which cities offer the best sense of zen, the team considered factors like noise pollution, commuting times, population density, alternative transportation options like biking and walkability, construction activity, and parks accessible to locals. It then gave each city a normalized score out of 100. 

After looking at all the data, it named Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, the most peaceful. 

“No surprise there — the city has the lowest population density of all the cities considered, plus a whopping 307,594 acres of parkland per 100,000 people (that’s way more than Honolulu in second place, with just 17,144 acres),” the team shared in its findings. “Anchorage scored a total of 85.87, making it the clear winner for peace and quiet.” 

Following not too far behind in second place is Lincoln, Nebraska, which the team stated “boasts some of the shortest commutes in the nation, averaging just 12.22 minutes, making running late one less problem to think about all day.” 

Rounding out the top three is Boise, Idaho, which ranked highly thanks to its walkability score (the second-best in the nation) as well as its cycling score, which is No. 1. “Visitors can get going to explore the city at their own pace,” the team said. “Fewer cars on the road often translate to lower noise levels, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. With a score of 70.27, Boise is third on the list of peaceful cities.” 

There are more peaceful spots around the country to enjoy, too, including Corpus Christi, Texas, which ranked fourth, followed by Lubbock, Texas; Louisville, Kentucky; Bakersfield, California; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Portland, Oregon; and Richmond, Virginia.

If you’re looking to go even further on your relaxation, here are 14 magical destinations around the world that promise you total peace.