Top US Spiritual Destinations for Solo Travel In 2026

If you’re looking for spiritual places to visit in the USA that can spark growth, clarity, or renewal, you’re in good company—especially when you’re traveling solo. As someone who studied both religion and archaeology, this kind of travel has always felt like a calling to me.

There’s something profound about standing in a place where spiritual seekers have walked before—where the land carries memory, mystery, and meaning. Some locations are tied to Indigenous creation stories or ancient healing traditions. Others are vortexes of natural power, or sites where communities have practiced ritual and reverence for centuries.

In many ways, travel has always been a spiritual act—a way to cross thresholds both physical and internal. The kind of travel I’m talking about is less about sightseeing and more about soul-seeking.

Whether your journey is about reconnecting with yourself, letting go of something old, or moving through a season of transformation, the right place can meet you where you are—and open something new within.

Keep reading to explore some of the most powerful spiritual destinations across the United States—from wild, sacred landscapes to healing towns and mystical hideaways.

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Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, AK

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Alaska is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and is located on the traditional homelands of the Iñupiat and Gwichʼin peoples. It’s pure, unadulterated nature in a protected natural area the size of South Carolina, free of streets, trails and other facilities.

The lands and waters are open to the public so you can find peace, ponder spirituality through nature, and enjoy outdoor activities with no entrance fee. Just be sure to research and prepare responsibly so you can ensure your safety. It’s recommended to go with a guide and/or tour for safety.

Where to stay: Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, Fairbanks, Alaska

Sedona, AZ

Sedona, Arizona is one of the most iconic spiritual travel destinations in the US—and for good reason. Its vivid red rock formations, wide-open skies, and palpable energy have drawn seekers, healers, and solo travelers for decades.

While the popular “vortex” spots like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Boynton Canyon are often mentioned, it’s worth knowing that these locations were popularized by a tourist in the 1980s—not from ancient traditions.

That said, Sedona absolutely has a strong spiritual pull. The land was long considered sacred by Indigenous peoples, and their presence is still felt today.

On my own visit, I took a Pink Jeep tour to Honanki Heritage Site, where we explored ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs—a powerful glimpse into the spiritual life of the region’s original inhabitants. It was one of the highlights of my trip.

Beyond hiking and meditation, Sedona is full of meaningful experiences: you can walk a labyrinth, visit the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, take a sound bath, or join a group retreat. Sedona’s Metaphysical Spiritual Association offers everything from energy healing to intuitive readings and workshops.

Where to stay: Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas (I stayed here, and the location in Uptown is ideal, especially if you don’t rent a car. They have hot breakfast and you get access to the sauna, pool & hot tubs at the neighboring timeshare without the sales pitch, too.)

Hot Springs National Park, AR

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is a destination that has thermal natural springs that have been in use for hundreds of years and historic bathhouses in town.

You can relax and reconnect with nature in the mountains, hiking and biking in the forest as well as seeing the unique geology. There’s a campground as well as a town to explore and stay during your visit.

Where to stay: The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Big Sur, CA

Another possible spiritual vortex (there is some debate), Big Sur, California attracts many people for spiritual retreats and healing. The land is located on the traditional homelands of the Esselen, Rumsen, and Salinan peoples, who believed that creation began at the Pico Blanco peak (and that it’s where people survived the great flood).

You can visit on your own and drive the coastline, as well as visiting a spiritual retreat center like the historic Esalen, a nonprofit that offers scholarships.

Where to stay: Hidden Valley Inn – about 15 miles from Big Sur and has Air Conditioning (mid-tier & budget range).

LX3 Renaissance Carmel Valley villa Pool and Spa – closest to Big Sur and has a spa, pool and fitness center (luxury pricing).

Mount Shasta, CA

Mount Shasta, California is a 14,179-ft volcano and spiritual vortex that is on the traditional homelands of the Wintu, Achomawi, Atsugewi, and Modoc peoples, who believed the location to be the center of the universe and the place where the Creator resides. There is also a sacred stream where, to this day, the Wintu tribe holds ceremonies.

In addition, there is the legend of Telos, a crystal city inside of the volcanic mountain where Lemurians (beings from a higher dimension) reside. The belief is that they went to live inside the mountain after a battle with Atlantis. The legend, and the idea of extraterrestrials visiting the volcano, comes from the lenticular clouds that surround the summit.

Mount Shasta has attracted other spiritual movements as well, not all of them good, plus it has inspired many authors and other well-known people. Today, you can visit on your own or attend a retreat, like the Mount Shasta Spiritual Adventure Retreat.

Where to stay: Mount Shasta Resort

Joshua Tree, CA

Joshua Tree National Park in California is full of Joshua Trees, a type of tree considered highly spiritual by indigenous tribes including the Serrano, Chemehuevi, Mojave Cahuilla, and the Mojave, as well as by Christianity as it was the type of tree that led Joshua to Jericho. It’s also considered to have multiple spiritual vortexes.

A visit to the park offers peace with the stillness and nature – be sure to ask where to watch the sunset when you arrive, and it’s an International Dark Sky Park, so it’s perfect for stargazing.

I’ve been to the park with a group, and it’s amazing. You feel like you’re on another planet, and you’ll be in awe of the rock formations and landscapes, the Joshua Trees, the sunsets and more. I definitely want to go back sometime!

The Joshua Tree Retreat Center is one place you can go for a spiritual getaway. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and home to the Institute of Mentalphysics. The building was designed in part by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Where to stay: Coyote Tracks – A Modern Desert Experience

Manitou Springs, CO

Manitou Springs, Colorado is located at the foot of Pikes Peak, and “Manitou” is a Native American word meaning “great spirit”. It is on the traditional grounds of the Cheyenne, Mountain Ute and Arapaho tribes. The mineral springs in the town have been popular for healing since the 19th century.

You can go to the springs today, which are open to the public, and there are also multiple spas in the area to add to your visit. SunMountain Center is a retreat center with walking trails, farm-to-table meals and more. Manitou Wellness Center is has multiple natural healing modalities as well as spiritual healing options like Reiki, Sound Therapy and more.

Where to stay: Cliff House at Pikes Peak

Mesa Verde National Park, CO

Mesa Verde National Park is a truly unique UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Pueblo people built their homes on the mesas and cliffs, which you can see today on a cliff dwelling tour. The area is home to many indigenous species, ones that cannot be found anywhere else on the globe. In addition, it’s an International Dark Sky Park.

While there are 4,500 archaeological sites preserved in the park, there are no written records from the people who built the cliff dwellings, so it’s difficult to know exactly what their spiritual practices were. However, a visit here will take you into more than nature; the ancient civilization that will inspire you.

There are more Colorado vortexes you can visit as well while you’re in the area, such as the Garden of the Gods.

Where to stay: Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde-Cortez, an IHG Hotel

St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest city in the US and is known as the site of the first Catholic Mass in 1565, and has become a Mecca of sorts for Catholicism, as well as a spiritual destination for other visitors.

You can visit Marywood Retreat and Conference Center, or go on your own or with a group and one of the many special events that take place throughout the year.

Where to stay: DoubleTree by Hilton St. Augustine Historic District

Big Island, Hawaii

Hawaii’s Big Island is full of places to experience spiritual energy, including volcanoes, many of which are in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; petroglyphs, and more.

The indigenous tribes here had sacred meanings and ceremonies connected with some of the summits, including Mauna Kea, the highest point in Hawaii and where only the high-ranking chiefs could climb, and today you can hike or drive to the summit, viewing ancient temple sites, and use the telescopes to stargaze that have been used for multiple discoveries about space. Pu’ukoholā Heiau is another one, where in ancient times a civil war took place and the site became known as a place of lasting peace.

Hawaiians have various stories and gods/goddesses connected to these sacred sites, which are believed to contain mana, a spiritual energy.

Where to stay: Kona Bali Kai

New Orleans, LA

I lived in New Orleans for many years, and it’s one of the oldest US cities with all kinds of spiritual practices, from Catholicism to Voodoo. You can also experience the spiritual here through the community atmosphere during festivities like Mardi Gras (which has floats influenced by mythology, and traditions influenced by Native American culture.).

In addition, you can visit St. Louis Cathedral and learn about the Catholic history here, as well as Voodoo sites and tours connected to West African spirituality. You can also go on cemetery, ghost and vampire tours and more to experience tales of the supernatural. You can find all kinds of alternative things here like tarot readings and more, too.

Where to stay: Roami at Factors Row

Glacier National Park, MT

Montana’s Glacier National Park is located on the traditional homelands of the Blackfeet, Kootenai, and Salish peoples, and is home to more than 200 prehistoric sites that date back to 10,000 BC. There are multiple areas that are spiritually and ceremonially significant to the various tribes; for example, the Chief Mountain and Two Medicine areas are significant for the Blackfoot Nation.

The US National Park is also part of the world’s first international peace park, and has many unique geological features to discover, and you can get in touch with the spiritual through the protected natural landscapes here, having a wilderness experience, driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road and more.

Where to stay: Glacier International Lodge

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, Nevada is known for more than entertainment; it’s another spiritual energy vortex and is home to many spiritual retreat centers, such as the Las Vegas Center for Spiritual Living.

The vortex is thought to be located at the the MacDonald Highlands community and is called the “DragonRidge Vortex”.

Where to stay: Las Vegas Center for Spiritual Living

Hotel option with a pool and fitness center (away from the strip): Desert Rose Resort

Taos, NM

Taos, New Mexico is one of multiple spiritual vortexes in the state (others include Santa Fe, Ruidoso and Chaco Canyon). There’s a reason New Mexico is known as the “Land of Enchantment” – it’s because people are drawn to its energy and landscapes. This is another place with many Native American tribal lands, where various tribes recognized the spiritual energy and practiced ceremonies and rituals.

The Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where, according to Native American belief, the earth and sky originally met.

The Lama Foundation is near Taos and has retreats, and there are Vortex yoga retreats and wine tours here as well.

Where to stay: Adobe and Pines Inn Bed and Breakfast

Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe is another spiritual vortex area in New Mexico that’s a great spot to visit on a solo trip. The city itself is the oldest capital city in the US and a designated UNESCO site, and its known for its arts and crafts scene as well as Native American pueblos, art galleries and mountain ranges.

The red rocks’ high iron content is part of the explanation for the energy vortex in Santa Fe, where many people come to relax and experience calm.

There are multiple spas and places to enjoy the mineral springs in Santa Fe, such as the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa.

Where to stay: Earthship Retreat (with two spas + incredible views)

Howes Cavern, NY

Howes Cavern is a giant cave in Upstate NY that began to form 6 million years ago, and was discovered by humans in 1842. Although this one is a bit touristy, it’s unique – so while you might not be alone (as tours will most likely include a group and definitely a guide), you’ll get to experience this one-of-a-kind journey into the earth to connect with its energy.

You can do cave yoga here as well as going on a tour that includes an underground boat ride. Tours include traditional tours, spelunking tours, escape room tours and more.

Where to stay: Quiet Country House

Asheville, NC

I’ve lived in Asheville and visited many times, and can attest that this destination is spiritual in its own unique way – it’s why the phrase is “keep Asheville weird”. There’s a lot of New Age spirituality, and even a Wiccan community in the area, as well as Christianity – it is in the Bible Belt, after all.

The Blue Ridge Mountains and Asheville area have attracted people for natural healing for longer than New Age beliefs have existed, due to the hot mineral springs, Blue Ridge Mountains and mountain air.

There is a lot of quartz in the mountains as well (I grew up finding quartz everywhere, and adding it to my rock collection!). Places like Pisgah mountain and Mt. Mitchell are known for their spiritual energy.

Check out Asheville Wellness Tours, where you can create your own retreat and find things like goat yoga, sound baths and more.

Where to stay: The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa – Asheville

Crater Lake, OR

Crater Lake National Park, located in Oregon, has more spiritual vortexes because of the geology of the Earth here, as well as being the sacred site of the Klamath tribe. According to Native American mythology, Crater Lake was created after a battle between the sky god, Skell, and the god of the underworld, Llao, when Mount Mazama was destroyed, which was due to the collapse of the volcano.

The lake was also used in vision quests, and remains a sacred site to this day, and is also known for its stunning blue water clarity.

Where to stay: Lodging and Camping in the park or Eagle Crater Lake Inn

Watuppa Reserve, MA

Watuppa Reserve in Massachusets is part of a larger Bioreserve and provides 8,500 acres of protected land around North Watuppa Pond, which is the source of the drinking water in the area (which means there are no activities allowed on or in the pond, as well as no horseback riding or dog walking). It is also a sacred site for Native American tribes.

You can still go hiking, biking and skiing to explore this vast expanse of pure nature, and shore fishing is allowed on Copicut Reservoir. This is a great spot to go to contemplate your spirituality through nature.

Where to stay: Hampton Inn Fall River/Westport (about a 10-minute drive from the Reserve).

Badlands National Park, SD & ND

Badlands National Park in South Dakota and North Dakota is huge, and was originally inhabited by Native American tribes like the Lakota, who believed animal spirits inhabited the buttes and also took vision quests here.

While the weather can be extreme, you can also go when it’s mild so be sure to check. The Badlands are known for their influence on well-known people like Frank Lloyd Wright and Theodore Roosevelt.

What makes the Badlands so special and spiritual is that it is completely untouched, a vast area of prairie, rock formations and amazing landscapes with long, beautiful sunsets to watch while you ponder life. There are hiking trails as well as a few roads for scenic drives.

The highest peak is White Butte, which stands 3501 ft. You can also head to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see ancient geological formations here, as well as the nearby Wind Cave National Park.

Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary — Black Hills, South Dakota

Tucked away near the town of Lead in the northern Black Hills, Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary offers a peaceful, contemplative space for visitors seeking stillness and reflection. This privately created sanctuary invites solo travelers, writers, spiritual seekers, and anyone needing restoration to walk quietly through nature, sit in solitude, and reconnect with themselves in the heart of a sacred landscape.

The Sanctuary is also home to the Seven Sacred Horses, a powerful symbol of healing and unity connected to the seven Lakota nations. These life-size horse sculptures honor the deep spiritual and cultural ties of the Lakota people to the land. Open daily from mid-May through late October, the space is free to visit and designed to foster healing, connection, and inner peace without distraction or crowds.

Where to stay near Badlands National Park: Spirit of the Badlands, Badlands Frontier Cabins

Moab, UT

Moab, Utah is located on the traditional homelands of the Navajo, Hopi, Pueblo, and Ute peoples and has cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and more. It’s best known for Arches National Park, as well as being an International Dark Sky Park – one of the best in the US. More parks include Capitol Reef National Park, home to a giant geological rift as well as petroglyphs; and Canyonlands National Park, which has one of the most remote areas in the US.

Many people attest to experiencing deep and profound spiritual experiences while exploring nature, camping and watching sunrises and sunsets here. There are also retreats and experiences focused on spirituality with things like sound baths, yoga and more.

Where to stay: Red Moon Lodge and Retreat

Lincoln, VT

Lincoln, Vermont is a small town that attracts many spiritual seekers. The Quakers came here and there’s a historic Christian presence as well as a Tibetan Monastery; Sunray Peace Village, which is based on Cherokee peace villages; a Tibetan Buddhist practice group; and the Metta Earth Institute, which is a holistic retreat center based on ecology.

The Abenaki, Mohegan, Narragansett and Wampanoag peoples originally came here for Mount Abraham, which was a sacred mountain also called Hope Mountain. The lines of geography here, including the land and river, are thought to contribute to its spiritual pull (a study known as geomancy).

Where to stay: Bristol Suites

Big Horn County, WY

Big Horn County, Wyoming is known for multiple spiritual practices and sites including the Medicine Wheel, Plains Sun Dance Lodge, Yoga and Meditation and more.

The Medicine Wheel and Medicine Mountain is a National Historic Landmark near the Bighorn Mountains that sits at an elevation of 9,642 ft. The Wheel is a prehistoric archaeological landscape made of limestone that was a significant place of spirituality for Native American tribes, which continues today. There are many Native American oral traditions of people being healed at the Medicine Wheel, and today, Native Americans can spend a year preparing for their pilgrimage to the Wheel.

Make sure to practice respect during your visit (read this guide before visiting the Medicine Wheel; only Native Americans are allowed inside the wheel itself). There is a 1.5-mile hike to reach the wheel. This one is the best known out of many found in the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains.

Where to stay: Creekside Downtown Vacation Suites, Only Adults 25 or older or The Boho Buffalo Inn

Spiritual & Energy Vortexes – What Are They?

Many places on this list have spiritual and energy vortexes, which are popular places to travel to experience spirituality more fully because they’re thought to have a thinner veil between earthly and spiritual realms, a belief that comes from Native American traditions.

Places that are considered to have spiritual and energy vortexes have some things in common. These include natural phenomena as well as Indigenous creation myths and more. Read more about vortexes and how they can aid in spiritual and personal growth in this post.

🌿 Spiritual Travel Isn’t Just a Trip—It’s a Practice

The most powerful spiritual destinations aren’t always the most famous—they’re the ones that meet you where you are. Whether you’re soaking in sacred hot springs, standing on Indigenous land, or simply catching your breath under a desert sky, these places can reconnect you with something deeper.

Solo travel offers the space to listen—to the land, to your body, to your spirit.

If you’re drawn to healing waters, check out my post on the Best Hot Springs in the USA for Solo Travelers, or learn more about the spiritual and health benefits of hot springs here.

And remember: the energy you’re seeking might not be found in a guidebook. Sometimes, it’s waiting for you in stillness, silence, or a single moment of awe.

👉 Read next: Top Spiritual Destinations In The World for Solo Travelers

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