We know that everyone’s itching to get out of the house and travel after covid has calmed down, so we’ve made a list of some of our favorite destinations where it’s easier to social distance. Whether you want to get out in nature or just enjoy a scenic road trip, we’ve got options for you. Once it’s okay to travel again, any of these destinations make for perfect social distancing trips!
Of course, as with any travel after covid, please follow all local and national regulations regarding travel, social distancing and so on. Be sure to also check that places you may be considering a trip to later this year will be open. Closures and regulations vary widely from state to state.
Big Sur
One of the best road trips in the US would definitely have to be the drive down the Pacific Coast of California. Not only is it an epic road trip, but the miles and miles of coastline offer the perfect opportunity to see some beautiful views while also being careful with social distancing. Start in San Francisco or Los Angeles and pack your car full of all the road trip essentials before setting off. Make stops along the way at Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, and Limekiln State Park. Need a rental car? We’ve got you covered.
Bonneville Salt Flats, UT
The miles and miles of salty desert at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah will transport you to somewhere that feels totally otherworldly. Located only 1.5 hours outside of Salt Lake City, the Salt Flats are great for social distancing trips once it’s okay to get out of the house again. With miles of flats to explore, you shouldn’t have a problem social distancing while visiting. Visit in the late summer or fall for the best conditions and get ready for some insta-worthy views.
Big Island, Hawaii
If you want to get away from it all, consider a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. While some places, like Honolulu, may be pretty crowded in high-tourist season, there’s ways to avoid the crowds too. Travel to the Big Island and visit Hawaii’s Volcano National Park, go snorkeling, hike to ʻAkaka Falls or just drive around the island and soak in the sunshine and scenic views.
Denali National Park, AK
If you want to really get out into the wilderness, Denali National Park is a great place to do so. The park covers over 6 million acres of wilderness in Alaska’s interior. For scale, that’s bigger than the entire state of New Hampshire! You’ll find Denali, the highest peak in North America, as well as forests, mountains, lakes and glaciers. There’s plenty of hiking and camping options. Even more, with so much space, you’ll also probably spot lots of wildlife—just make sure you keep your distance from the wildlife too!
Sedona, AZ
Sedona is an overlooked destination in Arizona, which makes it a great place to go when you’re ready to see somewhere new. From giant red rock canyons to sheltered forests, there’s plenty of space to explore without running into too many people. Although some of the most popular trails can be crowded in the summer, planning a trip here for the winter season will almost certainly guarantee you fewer crowds for your social distancing trips (and cooler temperatures, too!).
Olympic National Park, WA
Although Olympic National Park is located relatively close to Seattle and Portland, it’s still a great place to get out of town. Plus, you can avoid some of the hectic pace and crowded streets of city life. From beaches and lakes to rainforests and mountains, there’s something for everyone—and space for everyone too. In fact, the Hoh Rainforest is considered one of the quietest places in the US. One tiny spot in the forest—aptly named, “One Square Inch of Silence” is designated as possibly the quietest spot. Hurricane Ridge and the Hall of Mosses (cooler than it sounds!) are two incredible places to enjoy the scenery.
100-mile Wilderness, Maine
The name tells you pretty much everything you need to know. The 100-mile Wilderness refers to the final section of the Appalachian Trail. It’s a pretty isolated section of Maine’s backcountry. If you’re ready for a backpacking trip that’ll challenge you and keep you distanced from other people, start planning your trip to this section of Maine.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a famous road trip that crosses through North Carolina and Virginia. It starts in Shenandoah National Park and ends in the Smoky Mountains, with plenty of scenic views throughout. Go hiking on the seemingly-endless mountain trails or head to the Luray caverns. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the gorgeous views along Skyline Drive.
Need some more inspiration? Check out our list of top cheap destinations for your first trip post-quarantine.
