quiet places to do hw

Places to Do Homework

The majority of students are unaware of the significance of finding the right places to do homework . They don’t always know that they aren’t as productive as they should be.

As you already know, doing homework in a crowded and noisy setting is not a good idea. It’s impossible to do when your friends call you on the phone, or your Facebook account is open on your computer in front of you. 

The best places to do homework aren’t always where you’d expect to find them. You’re in luck if you can spot one. You will be able to increase your speed, grades, and GPA . 

What is the reason for this? And you will be able to maintain your concentration.

You’ll make it even more exciting if you can find many such locations. Going to the same location over and over again will not bore you. That is why so many students use Google to look for “places to do homework near me.”

Why are you looking for a place to do your homework?

Table of Contents

Do you wish there were other Places to Do Homework where you could do your homework to keep things interesting? When you need peace, you may want to go somewhere else. 

Other times, you can need more room or simply a change of environment to boost productivity. Personal preferences play a role in determining where to go to complete schoolwork assignments. 

When it comes to space, you’ll have to think about what you like and hate. In today’s blog, we share some suggestions to help you decide when you can do your schoolwork.

Explaining why you need to find great places to do homework because you avoid using the screen, TV, or PlayStation as a diversion source, You’ll find the calm you need to concentrate on your work. Gradually, the grades should rise.

Why Finding Good Homework Locations is Important

Encourage your child to try a different place if he has trouble concentrating in a specified homework area. Because

• Productivity has increased
• Boredom is broken
• Friends, stay away
• There are fewer distractions
• Make your homework more effective

The most serious thing for high school, graduate, and college students is not getting to class. It’s not even about doing homework; it’s about finding the right places to do homework in comfort, satisfaction, and without feeling rushed. Most students, especially those pursuing MBAs and PhDs, prefer to complete their homework assignments in pleasant surroundings. It’s the same thing about homework – finding areas conducive to learning.

It’s just not about searching for the perfect place to do your homework; it’s about finding a spot where you can rest, innovate, relax, and finish your work on time. It’s insane to do coursework anywhere. For example, you can’t compose an essay at a railway station, a cafe, or a picnic. For obvious reasons, doing homework at home may be off your checklist.

Features That Make a Place Great for Doing Homework

• It is well lit
• There is silence
• Distraction-free
• It’s relaxing

Best Ideas For Places to Do Homework

At Home, the Best Place to Do Homework

There are several other places to do homework now, some of which might be just around the corner from your house.

Here are a couple of the best Places to Do Homework at home to do work.

• Kitchen 

The kitchen may be an outstanding study spot if so many distractions do not exist. Most kitchens have good lights and seats so you can sit up.

• Your Bedroom

Due to its convenience and comfort, this can be an excellent study spot. All your study materials can also be provided easily. However, a bedroom is not always the best place to study if there is too much entertainment or comfort.

The Best Nearby Places to Do Your Homework

These are the following places to do homework near me, it is such as;

Public Library

Teachers constantly remind students to visit the library and do further study. If you can’t concentrate at home, the library can help you learn. Yeah, it may sound cliche, but there’s a reason why even professionals go to public libraries when they need to concentrate. 

You can find books, free Wi-Fi, and research materials in libraries . And, with everyone else preoccupied with their affairs, you will find the motivation to complete your homework without interruption. 

Social networking and phone calls would be unaffected because libraries have a phones-off or silent mode policy. 

There are also printing rooms where you can print your reading materials for a low price.

Coffee Shop

Coffee shops are well-known haunts of authors for a cause. Though caffeine will help you write page after page of excellent fiction, coffee shops often sell snacks, meals, and juices to keep you fueled and efficient.

Learners also turn to this staple of studying for a caffeine boost when preparing for an exam or getting through a report. While a coffee shop has more background music than a library, it can be a pleasant substitute for a radio or TV sound for certain people.

These can be relatively quiet areas, similar to libraries. For inspiration, sit on a bench in front of your favorite painting or sculpture.

On a break, sitting on a bench near inspirational paintings or taking in the natural history will refresh your mind and provide an opportunity to get some work done in a different environment.

Try buying an annual membership and using the museum as your office from time to time if you enjoy a local museum.

While it may seem to be an unusual location for doing homework, the point is to remind you that time is money. As you wait for your laundry to finish, you will undoubtedly have some free time, which you will rarely use productively. Think about it: you can shoot two birds with one rock, then why not?

Quick Link: Pay someone to do my homework for me

Book Stores

Consider working in a bookstore if you like the library atmosphere but don’t want to be completely alone. Many bookstores offer free Wi-Fi and a calming atmosphere where customers can read and work. In contrast to libraries, bookstores normally have cafes where you can get some snacks or a cup of coffee. In New York, several bookstores have a cafe where beer and wine are served.

If the teacher is okay with you sitting in their empty classroom, go ahead. This environment may be ideal for studying. Since class sessions are based on schoolwork, merely being in the classroom can cause your mind to adopt a studied attitude automatically.

Try sitting in an empty classroom if you’re having trouble concentrating on work in other ways.

As a result, if your brain immediately moves to a research mentality, you will learn more effectively.

Coe Library

Coe Library is the most visible research spot on campus. The library has plenty of comfortable seats, couches, and countless tables and computers and a range of reservable study spaces . 

These study rooms are ideal for obtaining an empty, quiet space to study for a test or simply complete homework. 

The library’s other best research spot is by the windows on a quiet study level. Working by a window with natural daylight makes things seem more accessible and less crowded, and working on a quiet study floor helps people work in peace.

Friend’s House

Cooperating spaces are becoming more popular, and you can get some of the same benefits by simply visiting a friend’s house. 

It’s a strong desire to accomplish tasks for someone else, regardless of whether the partner is from a different social class. This also has the added advantage of masking your flaws. 

For example, you might ask a friend who studies math to help you understand your math homework. Remember to bring something with you everywhere you go. You’d have to be a good house guest in general.

A little sunshine and a gentle breeze will work wonders. It clears your mind and gives you more focus, and it’s a perfect caffeine substitute. 

Your performance will benefit from studying in such a calming and relaxing environment. Clear your mind of all your concerns and focus solely on the task at hand.

Bookshops are ideal for study since they are relatively quiet and focus on school work. Moreover, everyone in the shop reads, learns, and educates himself. Consequently, when you are learning and doing work, you feel better concentrated.

These shops allow you to rest and maybe read a book or two. This not only helps you read, but it also encourages you to research and learn new knowledge. Be sure that this action is encouraged in the bookstore.

The park can be a great place to write or read a few chapters, particularly if you’re doing some creative writing . It’s unlikely that you’ll be completely silent, but the sounds you do hear will be calming. You’ll be listening to natural noises like the waves on the beach and the wind in the trees.

More Extra Sites to Learn and Complete Homework

• Shopping Malls
• Hotel Lobby
• Your Local Library
• Botanical Gardens
• Bus or Train Station
• Local Universities
• Co-Working Spaces
• Public Park

Conclusion (Places to Do Homework)

In conclusion, there are many different good places to do homework. It ultimately depends on an individual’s personal preferences and needs. Some people prefer quiet, isolated places like libraries, bedrooms, or coffee shops to minimize distractions. Others prefer the social atmosphere of a study group or a co-working space. It’s important to find the right balance between comfort and productivity when choose places to do homework. Additionally, having a designated study area can help create a routine and improve focus, leading to better results. Whatever the choice, it’s crucial to establish a comfortable and organized workspace to get the most out of studying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do your homework at starbucks.

People can go to Starbucks to do their homework, whether students or adults. Starbucks is also a great third meeting place to catch up on homework, projects, presentations, etc.

Can I pay someone to do my homework for me?

Yes, it is 100% legal to pay people to do your homework is just like asking a parent or guardian for help.

How much is homework per credit hour?

Research suggests that students should spend 2-3 hours per credit hour studying to be successful in their courses.

Similar Articles

Top 19 Tips & Tricks On How To Improve Grades?

Do you want to improve your grades? If yes, then don’t worry! In this blog, I have provided 19 tips…

How To Study For Final Exam – 12 Proven Tips You Must Know

How To Study For Final Exam? Studying for the final exam is very important for academic success because they test…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• How it works
• Homework answers

8 Best Places to Do Homework

You reach home after school, greet your parents, and head over to your room—all while thinking of the pile of homework your teachers just left you. You gather yourself and promise to stay focused until everything is done.

As if by cue, the TV blares in the background, the vacuum makes annoying noises, and your parents keep insisting that you do household chores. What’s a good student like you to do?

Thankfully, there’s a simple solution to these common after-school woes. By picking up your stuff and getting out of the house, you’ll find the peace and quiet you need to focus on your assignments. Here’s a list of the 8 best places to do homework outside your home.

If your place has several public parks, you may want to visit one. Sure, plenty of people are taking a stroll and children may be shouting at each other while playing games. But you’ll find the ambient noise somewhat soothing, especially relative to all the noise you hear at home. More interestingly, you’ll listen to the sounds of nature such as the waves on the sand and the wind in the trees. Wi-Fi might be a problem, though, but a park is still an excellent option if you need to knock out a few chapters or do some creative writing.

The Public Library

Teachers never fail to remind students to go to the library and do some extra research. If you just couldn’t focus at home, then it pays to heed the advice finally. The library inspires learning. Yes, it sounds cliché, but there’s a reason why even professionals visit public libraries from time to time when they need crystal clear focus. You’ll have everything you need—from your own little corner and a power outlet to plug in your devices to a secure Wi-Fi and loads of books to use as a reference. And if you need to print anything, doing it at the public library will save you a lot of money.

The Coffee Shop

Now here’s a popular place for students and professionals alike. College students, in particular, love going straight to coffee shops after classes. If you need a quick energy boost, caffeine is always at your fingertips. Nearly everyone around you is busy doing their thing, which might inspire you to focus on yours. While the door never seems to close, there’s just the right amount of ambient noise, so you’re not always distracted. Of course, not all coffee shops are the same. Try to find a less popular shop if you want a quieter place.

The Laundromat

What do you do while waiting for your laundry to finish at the laundromat? If you’re just swiping away at your smartphone, then you’re wasting precious time which you could you to complete some schoolwork. The laundromat is an odd place to do your homework, but you might surprise yourself at how much work you could finish in such a white-noise filled environment. Not to mention, you’re killing two birds with one stone.

A Friend’s House

Co-working spaces have increased in popularity, and you can experience the same benefits they offer by merely visiting a friend’s house. It’s a great feeling to get things done with another person, even if your friend comes from a different class. This also offers the advantage of covering your weaknesses. For example, you can visit a friend who majors in math to help you understand your math assignments. Just don’t forget to bring something whenever you visit. You’d always want to be a good house guest.

Even if you’re not into arts, you now have a reason to visit the museum. It can serve as a fantastic place to study. The good news is that most museums offer free admission and free Wi-Fi. Just find a corner where you can do your work. And if you need to take a break, you can bet that you’ll have plenty to see. Appreciating the masterpieces and enjoying the breathtaking views allows your mind to wander a bit, a welcome break from all the school stuff to be done.

The Classroom

Many students will raise their eyebrow upon hearing this advice. After all, students can’t wait to leave the classroom as soon as the bell rings. But you may want to stay for an hour or two. The classroom is always associated with learning, and you may use the momentum of your previous classes to get you to work. Yes, you have nobody to see and nothing else to do, but that’s precisely the point. Staying in the classroom after school hours may be just what you need to finish your homework and head back home with nothing but rest in your mind.

Somewhere in Nature

It’s always peaceful and relaxing when you become one with nature. This practice does wonders for stress relief, freeing your mind from all your worries and focusing your attention on what needs to be done. This doesn’t entail going to the woods for a hike. It can be as simple as going to the park or doing your homework on the patio. It’s easy to forget what a little bit of sunlight can do for you. It clears your mind and boosts your energy, an excellent alternative to caffeine especially if you’ve already had a cup too many.

Start Doing Your Unfinished Homework

Now that you have a list of the best places to do your homework, the next step is to act and see which places works best for you. And in case you find yourself still unable to finish everything, there’s no reason to feel ashamed. It happens to the best of students. Instead of pushing on and forcing yourself to do your homework, just head back home and let professionals take care of your assignments.

Assignment Expert is an online homework assistance service that helps students complete their homework on time. With a diverse team of real professionals, you can rest easy knowing that an expert will work on your assignment based on your unique specifications. Submit your instructions, specify the deadline, and let the pros do the rest.

• More Networks

6 Best Places to Study and Do Homework That AREN’T the Library

Are you ready to take your academic journey to the next level? We've got just the thing for you: UPchieve, your ultimate homework help companion! Sign up today for free!

Introduction

Let’s face it. Doing homework in your room or at your kitchen table gets boring! The same can be said for studying as well–hours on end in the library alone is so 90’s and early 2000’s.It’s so important to acknowledge that space and place plays a huge part in focusing on your homework in order to get it done effectively and efficiently. 

Here are 6 places to study and get your homework done (that aren’t the library 🙃)!

Our 6 Best Places to Study That AREN’T the Library

Coffee shop.

 This is probably one of the most popular places to go and get some work done. Professionals and students alike find coffee shops to be a great place to work because you get a little bit of everything at your fingertips. 

From a quick bite to the smell of freshly ground coffee beans, coffee shops can offer a “home away from home” feeling. Being in an environment where everyone around you is busy and doing their own thing may inspire you to stay focused on your studies. 

While all coffee shops aren’t the same, some may be louder or busier than others. Try to find a shop that aligns with your preferences!

Similar to a coffee shop, the park can offer a sense of community and is a great place to seek inspiration. From hearing children playing on the swings to watching people jog, you'll find that the slight bustle can be soothing. Pick a spot on the grass that’s right for you and get to work! 

While it is outdoors, it may be difficult to source Wi-Fi, so this option may be great for those who want to knock out a few chapters of a book or want to get some writing done. 

Not sure where to find any parks near you? Find Your Park is a great resource to use. It helps you filter parks in your community based on activity, state, and more!

3. A friend’s house

Let’s make coworking more personal! Visit a friend and do your work together. It’s always a great feeling when you can turn to your friend and ask for their opinion on an essay , or to just share that common space with them. 

Studies show that it's easier to learn from your peers than from books or lectures, so you'll be able to understand the material better. Plus, if you get stuck on a problem, it's more likely that your friend will have the solution than that you'll just magically know it.

More importantly, though, working with a friend is more fun . You can take breaks and talk or play games in between homework assignments, and maybe even get some exercise when you go outside to grab snacks or throw the ball around.

4. An empty classroom

Some people enjoy doing their homework in a more school-like setting, and that’s perfectly fine! An empty classroom is the perfect place for those people who need to be productive. Try finding an empty classroom after or before school hours! 

When there aren't any other people around, you can make it your own little space. There's a particular feeling when you're in an empty high school classroom after the work is done. 

The silence that remains is a rare kind of quiet—the kind that comes at the end of a job well done!

5. In nature

There are many other places to get work done outdoors that aren’t a park! You could sit on a patio, by a creek, on a rooftop, or even in your own backyard! Nature has a way of freeing your mind and making the space a little less stressful . 

Try turning off your notifications, too! Leave no room for anyone to pressure you or ask you questions, or even tell you what they think! 

Don’t let anything pull your attention away from your work when you’re in nature. Bask in your thoughts, words, and ideas! 

6. A bookstore

Bookstores are also a really great place to go to feel inspired to do your work. Just like a library, you’re surrounded by books! The only difference is that you don’t have to stay quiet. You get all the benefits of having (seemingly) endless knowledge at your fingertips, without all the pressure that silence can bring. It’s the best of both worlds!

Plus, the bookstore is a great communal space to get things done while also exploring other work. You can start by working on a solo homework activity, and then have classmates join you to finish up your big group project. Bookstores are great, multipurpose places to work, and bonus: they sometimes have great snacks !

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Study

Is studying in a new location still not enough for you? Need more help with your homework? Learn more about UPchieve and how working with our on-demand online tutors can help you succeed!

@upchieve I think my couch is a magnet 😐 #studentlife #studytok #exams ♬ toma tussi - key 💋

The Ultimate Productivity Areas to Do your Homework

The biggest issue for high school, university, and college students is not attending school. It is not even homework; it is finding the best places to do homework peacefully, satisfactorily, and without a hurry. Most students, especially those doing MBAs and PhDs, always prefer handling their homework assignments in conducive places. It is the same when studying – you must find conducive places to study.

Getting the best places to do homework is among the answers to the question of, “how can I do my homework more effectively.”

One of the top searches, especially when mid-term and final exams are nearing, is, “what are the best places to do homework near me?” In this article, we go through some of the best places you can find it worth to complete your essays, homework, and assignment. The same places are great for studying. Doing homework counts towards the final grade. Therefore, you should focus your attention and free yourself from distractions when attempting homework.

You do not have to stay in one place, it soon gets boring, and your performance on your homework reduces. Use these tips in this article to nominate the best place to do homework. Our homework doers also find them worthy when doing homework for money, and so chances are they will work for you too!

The Best Proven Places to do Homework

There is great significance in finding the best places to do homework. Like when you find the best place to study for exams, these places double or triple your productivity, recall capacity, and alertness. Homework in distracting areas such as children at home, crowds in classrooms, or noises in the background can affect the final grade. You can miss a detail only due to a distraction from Facebook or other social media or the doorbell. However, if you manage to get the best place to do your essays, you will type your homework faster, improve your scores, and revamp your GPA. If you are looking for a place to focus and do your homework, here are your options.

1. Parks near You

If you live in cities or places with the best park systems such as Chicago, New York, Cincinnati, San Francisco, or Minneapolis, you can visit one and do your homework unbothered. Even though many people visit, stroll with children, or do activities in the park, you can always find conducive and ambient places that are hidden gems. Compared to working at home, parks are a better alternative. The only downside of parks is the fact that WI-FI could be a problem, but there are cafeterias where you can find access to the internet. Besides, you can tether your phone for the internet. Parks are a pretty relaxed and calm place to study or spark your creativity, and they surely are great for a homework doing.

2. Public Libraries

Libraries are a wonderful place to conduct research, meditate, and indeed to do homework. If there is a distraction at home, a public library can be a great escape place to do homework. The ambiance in libraries is meant to inspire learning, creativity, and promote peace of mind. It is no wonder that most professionals studying or researching will often stay in libraries. In libraries, you can access books, free Wi-Fi, and study materials. And, with everyone else down to their respective business, you can get the inspiration to do your homework undistracted. Still, since libraries have a phones-off or silent mode phone policy, social media and phone calls won’t be a bother. There are also printing rooms, where you can cheaply print your assignments or reading materials.

3. The Coffee Shop/Café

Both professionals and students alike love coffee shops, and it is for the obvious reason that they are ambient, relaxing, and calm. A café or a coffee shop presents a quiet environment from where you can do your homework undistracted. Most college and university students prefer going to café and coffee shops after their classes. If you are among that statistic, why not use it as a place to complete your homework. As you take that latte or espresso down your throat, you could be researching on some scholarly sources to us, formatting your essay, writing an outline, or even proofreading an essay. With caffeine all pumped up in your body, your concentration level further increases. The modern café and coffee shops have adequate lighting, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. The noise is also just as friendly as it is in some study halls.

4. Virtual Offices

If you are looking for a place where you can study and do homework, a virtual office can also be a great place. It is one of the best places where professionals and college students prefer doing their homework. Unlike traditional offices, virtual offices are places where you pay per needs basis. It could be hourly, weekly, or daily. Depending on the length of your homework, you can choose to book a virtual office and comfortably do your homework. Renting flexible office workspaces is the in thing these days. A quick search online would yield some of the best virtual office options near you so rake advantage.

5. Favorite Rooms

It is okay to do homework in bed if your bedroom is your favorite room the same way you can do homework from the living room. As long as it is free from distractions, it is as good a place to do homework as anywhere else. It would help if you took care not to get too comfortable to do your homework. If you leave school to get to your room to do homework, it is the best place. However, working on your homework from home requires sustained discipline. Once you choose the best spot at home, it can serve the purpose. The lounge, kitchen table, or the dining room can be a great spot as well. The best thing about doing your homework at home is that you can multitask during the breaks and it is cheap too.

6. Great Outdoor Spaces

The backyard, picnic site, the camping grounds can be quiet sites to do your assignments. When a man gets himself entangled with nature, there is excellent productivity, concentration, and peace of mind. As your mind wanders, you are always clear from distractions. At that time, you can deeply think, act, and reason. Other than the park, it is also useful if you find a place where you can interact with nature while doing your homework. For instance, your patio can be a wonderful place. You can carry with you some water, wine, or juice

7. School Libraries

Doing homework at school can be boring but the best decision. School libraries are the best because you can loan some books for the short term. Besides, you can also coordinate with the librarian to acquire materials that you cannot find online. Moreover, when you want to access some of the peer-reviewed databases, the librarian can help you. The collections in the school library can help you complete and hand in your homework in time.

8. Book Stores

While presenting as the best place to study for college students, bookstores are also an excellent place to do homework. First off, they have thousands of perfectly arranged books, revision materials, and papers that you can look at to get the best homework answers. Secondly, such places are also calm and conducive for organizing your creativity and thoughts. Some bookstores have café where you can gobble some coffee as you work on your assignments. The fact that there are not so many people in book stores further makes it the best place to do your homework in public.

9. At your Homework Buddy or Study Partner’s Place

Although you can argue that your study partner or homework buddy’s place can be a distraction, it sometimes counts among the best places to do homework undistracted. When you work on your homework with homework helper by your side, you gain the confidence and morale to complete the homework. Both of you can ask for homework help online and find samples you can use when revising for exams or subsequent homework. Your study mate or homework buddy will also brew some homemade coffee to pass the caffeine to your brains as you do the homework.

Importance of Finding Good Places to do homework

It is never just about the best place to do your homework; it is about finding a place you can sit, brainstorm, relax, and complete your homework on time. It is crazy just to do homework assignments at any location. For instance, you cannot write an essay at the train station, club, or party. Sometimes, considering doing your homework at home can also be off your list for the obvious reason – distractions. Here are some benefits of looking for a conducive place to do your homework:

1. Improved Productivity

A calm, ambient, and conducive place breaks the boredom of writing endlessly, researching, and proofreading papers. With such a place, your productivity increases two or trifold compared to when doing homework at home.

2. Fewer Distractions

At home, you have various distractions such as food in the fridge, children, TV, PlayStation, and friends. However, when you find the best place, you will do your homework without being distracted. It also gives you room to immerse yourself in research, recalling, and reasoning totally.

3. Do your Homework Faster

With all the distractions kept at bay, you can find yourself writing an essay faster than usual. For instance, you can end up writing a 500-word essay in just under 3 hours or a 1000-word essay in under 6 hours. Since nobody bothers you, all your attention will be elevated to completing the assignments.

4. Breaks Boredom

Sitting in one place to research and write homework assignments becomes monotonous eventually. As an alternative, you can find a place that suits your concentration and do your homework there. It could be the coffee shop or library near you, as long as it gets you active, it is the best place to do your homework.

5. Keep off Friends

When you finally find a place you can go to when busy with assignments, you can completely shut yourself away from the world and commit time to your homework. For instance, when you get a place to do homework, you can switch off social media without being afraid of your nagging friends coming to find out where you are.

Now you understand the benefits of finding the best place to do your homework

Features that Make a Place Great for Doing Homework

1. well lit.

A place with just the right lighting is excellent for both studying and doing homework. Choose a site with natural light, mostly. Alternatively, go for a place that has excellent artificial lighting. Areas that have direct light shining into your face can cause you stress and fatigue due to too much straining.

Students and professionals get to the peak of their creativity in ambient environments. If you could have noticed, most coffee shops, Café, and delis have a unique touch of the interior. The colors, lighting, and background noise is meant to keep you relaxed. The same applies to the libraries; the study areas are arranged in a manner to avoid any distractions and promote deep thinking and reflection. When doing homework, try to use ambient noise such as orchestras, classical music, or study sounds.

3. Free from Distractions

Never choose a place where there are distractions to complete your homework. A great homework doing area or study place must have a minimal disturbance. Choose a place where friends, siblings, parents, and any third parties do not have direct access. It gives you time, space, and place to concentrate and focus on your homework.

4. Comfortable

Not too much, but moderate comfort is all you need to complete an assignment. Homework can get tough, and you can be fatigued if you do not ensure some comfort. You can choose a place with a comfortable workspace, table, chairs, or benches, as long as you get comfortable while on your homework.

Doing your homework in a quiet place makes you focus. It also makes you read the essays, research papers, or academic papers aloud in your mind and possible spot an error. Professional writers, too, like working in quiet places that inspire creativity. If not so quiet, go for a place with ambient noises. Distractive noise can affect your attention, focus, and productivity, which is not best when completing homework.

Our Final Words

As a college student, you try to avoid some places when doing homework. Being too choosy can affect your choices, yet some places are the best. We hope that the areas we have covered will count as the best places to do homework. You can also do homework at the house of your homework buddy or study partner. The beauty of that is that you will get help; we have excellent homework helpers who can help you with writing school homework . Besides, when in your best study place, you can pay someone to do your homework online without feeling guilty of being judged. It is now your turn to get a wonderful place to do your homework.

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

Put a stop to deadline pressure, and have your homework done by an expert.

Great Places To Do Homework: Tips for School And College

Nowadays, students are stressed out. Most of them are outright depressed. The homework piles up and there are a lot of tests and exams you have to pass each and every semester. You don’t seem to get a good night’s sleep. A free weekend is already something long forgotten. This is why you will be thrilled to learn about a quick and simple solution to all your problems: excellent places to do homework. Yes, there are still many good places to study when you have too much homework. Simply by changing the place, you can instantly become more focused and more productive. Learning in a stressful environment is something you should avoid – at all costs!

Here Are the Best Places to Do Homework

Now, there are many other places to do homework that may be just around the corner from where you live. And in most cases, you will be able to find places to do homework with WiFi fairly easy. Nowadays, it looks like free WiFi is everywhere. You can take advantage of this or use your own mobile data plan on your phone. As you probably know already, you can hook your smartphone to your laptop and get Internet. The phone acts like an access point and the laptop will use your data plan to connect to the Internet. And if you’re still interested, here are some of the best places to do homework in NYC:

• The campus library or the public library. Most students who are trying to find good places where to do homework completely overlook the library. It’s quiet and it’s free. Perfect!
• The park. You don’t want to sit on a bench though. Get a blanket and go somewhere secluded where nobody can disturb you. Learning in the middle of nature is extremely soothing.
• An empty classroom. You can find plenty of them at any hour of the day, and they also have free WiFi.
• A coffee shop (or a Starbucks). These all have free WiFi, but you may need to order something every now and again.
• On top of a tall building. You didn’t expect this one, did you!? The noise of the city will be mostly gone and there will be nobody around to disturb you for hours.

You probably didn’t think about going to a bookstore. It’s actually one of the most effective places to study. And in many cases, it’s one of the few places open late to study. You also get access to books that may help your with your school chores. Maybe you just need professional homework help , if the task is too complicated. Don’t waste your time and get in touch with experts.

Why You Need Good Places To Do Homework

Actually, we need to make your understand why you need to find good places to do homework. Here are the basic benefits of finding some good public places to study:

• You will avoid all the problems at home. Your parents will no longer be able to insist that you do your house chores.
• You stay away from distractions such as the computer, the TV and the PlayStation.
• Your friends won’t be able to disturb you anymore. They won’t find you at home and you can simply ignore their messages on social media platforms.
• You will avoid getting bored by the same place. You now have various choices, so you can go and study somewhere else every day.
• You will find the peace and quiet you need to focus on your assignments. Your grades should start to improve pretty quickly.
• You can stay there for as long as you want. Do you need to write an essay in 5 hours? Nobody will bother you for 5 hours!

Any Jobs Where You Can Do Homework Out There?

Now this is something you definitely didn’t expect! If you are looking for places to study at night, did you ever consider taking a night job? You will not only make some money, but will also be able to learn in peace and quiet during the night – if you pick the right job. Here are some of the best jobs where you can do homework:

• You can be a desk assistant at a university dorm.
• You can be a computer laboratory monitor. (one of the best places to do homework)
• You can be a desk worker at the campus library.
• You can be a night auditor for a hotel.
• You can work security at a quiet, small hotel.
• You can be a radio monitor.
• Lifeguards have a lot of down time, even though you may be asked to clean the pool. You can work overnight at a 24 hour gas station. (one of the best places to study during the night)

So stop searching for “jobs where I can do my homework” and try to find any of the jobs listed above. You will be able to work on your school assignments for at least 4 hours during your shift.

Any 24 Hour Places to Study Near Me?

Any public places to study near me? What about 24 hour places to study near me? There are definitely plenty of them around your location. The obvious choice would be parks. During the night, there is nobody around to bother you. There are also libraries that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Still looking for “places to study near me”? You can try a coffee shop that is open 24/7. Just make sure you get a good pair of ear muffs. And the last solution for students who are looking for “quiet places to study near me” on Google would be…the basement. You can make your own study room in the basement, tell everyone you are studying, and then lock the door. Simple, yet effective!

Bottom line, no matter where you find good places to study, it is important to remember that you are going there to study. Avoid using your phone, listening to music, or drinking a beer. Studying should be your primary concern, otherwise finding a nice, quiet spot to study will not help you – at all!

No time to deal with upcoming assignment? Don’t worry – our geeks can help! Enter promo “ mygeek20 ” and get a 20% discount off your next writing assignment!

Get on top of your homework.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Top 3 Best Places To Do Homework (And Where To Avoid)

In this post, we, together with an expert paper writer from a top  write my college paper  writing service for students, will outline  our top 3 choices for best places to do homework , along with some areas we recommend you avoid.

Are there actually best places to do homework? It depends…

Now let’s start off by saying, even though we’ll outline some good choices for homework spots, each child has their own particular learning preferences.

This means that although the kitchen table might bit a great choice for one kid, it might be loud, distracting, and not conducive to focused work for another.

So first things first, recognize that your child may already have their favorite places to do homework in mind, and involve them in the process of making it a regular habit to work in the most productive spots. And the research actually supports this idea.

Metacognition: Self-aware students do better

Metacognition is defined as, “awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes.” This term’s origins are in the field of psychology, but a study out of Vanderbilt University  actually ties metacognition or self-awareness to college success.

The study looked at college freshman and found  that those who were more effective in choosing their study habits (and locations) were much more successful in the classroom.

In other words, the students who knew themselves and the way they learn best performed better and got better grades. It’s important to note that these successful students didn’t all use the same study habits; but rather, they were able to identify what worked best for them and stick to those strategies . This is because every person takes in, processes, and learns information a little differently.

Keep this in mind when choosing the ideal homework location.

Best Homework Spot #1: The Kitchen Table

If you’re like me, when you grew up your parents expected all homework to be completed at the kitchen table. For some kids, this is a great option. It allows them to spread out all their books in the hum of a busy area, which for some kids who hate the quiet, is absolutely perfect!

But for others, like me, this isn’t a great spot because it’s in the center of the house and there are so many distractions. Every time someone walks by to the fridge, sink, or garage is yet another opportunity to lose focus.

Best Homework Spot #2: The Couch Lap Desk

While this won’t work for some due to the temptation of the TV (or the ability to slowly sink into napping mode) we’ve found that some students are really successful on the couch with a lap desk.

Comfortable, quiet, and free from distractions, this is usually a good spot if your child likes the ability to “sink in” and focus from the lounging position.

Best Homework Spot #3: The Outside Deck Dweller

A lot of students prefer the nice, cool, air conditioned indoors over going outside for homework time, because there’s less of a chance of discomfort (or your papers being blown away!).

But we do come across those few students who just absolutely love being outside. For these kids, you can blend the best of both worlds, and have them do their homework outside on the deck.

Hey, maybe they’ll even get some much needed Vitamin D in the process!

The ONE homework location to avoid…

As we said before, much of your child’s choice of homework location depends on their personal preferences. But there is one place that’s generally regarded as a “no-no.” And thats… the bedroom.

Because this is the one place in the house your son or daughter are most likely to be distracted by toys, phones, computers, and all other forms of impulse to NOT study or do homework. So you should probably keep that one off the list.

How to help your child figure out what their ideal learning environment is

First of all, you want to give your child the flexibility to try a few different places.

If you find that your child is having a hard time focusing in a designated homework area, encourage him to try a different location and then ask leading questions such as:

“How focused did you feel in the ____?”

Or  “did you feel like you got a lot done when you were studying in the ___?”

You want to avoid asking the question “which did you prefer?” because many times students will choose the convenient location over the one that leads to productivity.

If there’s a lot going on and you still find that your student is having a hard time focusing, encourage her to find outside locations. This could be a public library, or staying after school for a homework club or a teacher’s office hours. Sometimes there’s just too many distractions in the home for a student to get a lot done.

Finally, if you find yourself caught up in arguments with your child over where she is doing her homework (e.g. she insists on doing her homework in her bedroom though she’s not getting a lot done), try bringing in a neutral third party  such as a tutor . Many times, this third party will eliminate the stress between the parent and the student while working with the student to figure out what learning environment they perform best in.

What study locations have your kids found to be most productive?

Take a moment to share in the comments! We’d love to hear some new creative ideas.

If you live in the Washington DC Metro area and would like to learn more about our tutoring services, please fill out the contact form below: 

Error: Contact form not found.

My Homework Done

Expert Writing Services

• How It Works
• Buy homework
• Ace my homework
• Homework writers
• Homework help
• Assignment writing
• Homework Solutions
• Homework Answers
• No Need To Study
• High school
• McGraw-Hill Connect
• Myaccountinglab
• Precalculus
• Word Problem
• Computer Science
• Language arts
• Engineering
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology

Homework is easy with expert tips and advice. And even easier when you have an expert to do it for you.

5 Best Places to Do Homework

Many students are having a serious problem these days. It’s not school per se. It’s the homework. You may think that many students are unable to finish their homework on time because they get too much of it and it’s too complex. While this may be the case sometimes, often times the problem is different: students can’t find quiet places to do homework. You may think that finding a good place to do your homework is simple. But you can’t believe how many times we hear this question: “what are the places to do homework near me?” Let’s talk about why this is so important. How important? Keep in mind that if you don’t finish your school chores on time, you will get penalized by your teacher. And if you don’t do a good job, you will, of course, get a low grade.

Table of Contents

Why search for places to do homework, the advantages of finding good places to do homework, the top 5 best places to do homework, bonus: where to do homework in public.

Most students don’t understand the importance of finding the best places to do homework. They sometimes don’t even realize that they are not as efficient as they could be. As you probably know, homework is not something you do in crowded and loud places. It’s not something you can do when your friends are calling you on your phone or when you have your Facebook open on your PC right in front of you. Great places to do homework are not your usual places. If you manage to find one, you are in luck. You will manage to improve your speed, your grades, and your GPA. Why? Because you will be able to stay focused. And if you can find several such places, you will keep things even more interesting. You won’t get bored going to the same place over and over again. This is exactly why so many students are searching for “places to do homework near me” on Google.

Let’s talk a bit about some of the benefits of finding some good places to do homework. Because you may not understand why this is an important matter. Or you may not believe that good, quiet places help you improve your grades. Here is how some great places to do homework help you:

• You will be away from your computer, your stereo, and your family. You need to be aware that your family can easily disrupt you from doing your homework.
• You will be away from friends who want to hang out. They won’t come to visit if they don’t know where you are.
• You will be in a quiet place. Nobody will bother you. You will be able to focus as hard and as much as you want.
• You will be able to go to your quiet place as often as you want. And if you use some of the places on our list, you will get some well-deserved relaxation.

So, now that you know why you want some good places to study and do homework, it’s time to show you our top 5 picks. Here are our best ideas:

• The library. This was, of course, an obvious place. But we had to mention it because college college students don’t really appreciate it. The library is quiet and is free for all students. Also, there are people who make sure that the environment remains quiet and peaceful.
• The park. Of course, we are not talking about sitting on a bench in the park. Take a picnic basket, take a blanket, and then go somewhere secluded in your favorite park. This works perfectly during the warmer months of the year.
• Are you thinking about “places to do homework with WiFi near me”? If you need Wi-Fi, go to an empty classroom. You can find plenty in your school at almost any hour of the day.
• Also, if you need Wi-Fi, you can go to a coffee shop. And this means you can enjoy a good coffee or tea whenever you wish.
• This last idea is a bit unusual, but it works. Go on top of a building. You will enjoy the peace and quiet, and you will ensure that nobody bothers you.

College students sometimes want to avoid secluded places. They want to have people around. If you are searching. Do you know where to do homework in public? A good idea would be a bookstore. And as a bonus, you gain access to books which you may find quite useful. Another great idea is to go to the house of a study partner. If you have a good friend who you know studies, go visit him and study with him. You can help each other, so you will both win. Of course, you may also lose some time chatting, but it shouldn’t be a problem. And of course, you can always study online in your own room. You have plenty of resources online, and all of them are at your fingertips.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Student Login Spring 2024 Registration is Now Open: ENROLL NOW 317-988-8400

ACHIEVE VIRTUAL BLOG

Spring 2024 Registration is Now Open Get Started

Home > online presence > Places To Go When Home Distractions Keep You From Studying

Places To Go When Home Distractions Keep You From Studying

If the home life is full of distractions, whether they’re interruptions from siblings, roommates, or parents or your own desire to reach for the remote, you may need to just head out the door.

Libraries. The go-to place for most students is the campus or local public library, where they can be assured of the quiet because, well, they’re libraries. A look through the stacks also might lead you to informational treasures that can kick your work up a notch.

Recommended quiet spots. Many colleges will provide a list of quiet places on campus that are ideal for studying. Do a Google search on your own school or ask other students for their top choices.

Coffee houses. The need to cram for a test or push through a paper often leads students to this staple of study time for a boost of caffeine. More background noise than the library, but for some people, a coffee shop provides a nice alternative to the noise of a television or radio.

A friend’s house or apartment. Sometimes, it’s just about getting away. If a friend is known to be quiet or will be away from home, this might provide a place that has the comforts of home without all the distractions.

Local parks. When the weather is nice, a park can be a great place to write a paper or complete homework, especially when all the research already has been completed. Just plant yourself on a bench or bring a blanket and spread out.

Museums. Like libraries, these can be relatively quiet places. Plant yourself on a bench in front of your favorite painting or sculpture for inspiration or find a spot in the coffee shop or restaurant.

Cabin or inn. If you can, renting a cabin at a state park with its spare furniture and ready access to nature may be just the thing you need to get that paper written. Depending on the time of year and location, a cabin may be had for less than $50 per night.

These places may offer good environments for working – but keep your Internet needs in mind because not all places may provide WiFi.

• The Ultimate List of Virtual Field Trip Opportunities and Learning Resources
• 7 Ways Virtual Education Helps with Mental Health
• Listening to Parent’s Concerns to Meet Student’s Needs
• Virtual Learning: What Is It?
• Enrolling in Achieve Virtual Education Academy
• 2022 Spring Online High School Registration Open Dec 1st
• Honing Time Management Skills
• Are Virtual High Schools as Effective as Traditional Ones?
• How Do Colleges View Online High Schools?
• The Coolest Places to Study Near Indianapolis

Connect with us

Years of Indiana Virtual schooling

Graduates to date

Current Enrollment

10 Naturally Quiet Places Around the World

• Boston University

Pakawat Thongcharoen / Getty Images

• Conservation

To be somewhere that is free of human-made noise is an increasingly rare occurrence in modern life, but such quiet places do still exist. Some locations, like Haleakalā Crater in Hawaii, are literally quiet—little to no noise whatsoever is observed there. While other places, like Zabalo River in Ecuador, are quiet in the sense that they are relatively free of human-made noises, like planes, cars, and other machinery, allowing for the sonic beauty of nature to permeate one’s entire being. 

Here are 10 naturally quiet places around the world that bring tranquility to those who visit.

Hoh Rain Forest

Kgrr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0

On Earth Day 2005, acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton designated the One Square Inch of Silence project to preserve the quiet of Hoh Rain Forest, located within the 922,000-acre Olympic National Park. Hempton’s project is built upon the premise that in order for one inch of space to be truly free of noise pollution, miles of space surrounding that inch must be free of the sources of unwanted noise. As part of the project, Hempton persuaded three airlines to reroute training and maintenance flights around the airspace overhead, significantly reducing sound infiltration to the area. The quiet of Hoh Rain Forest is further maintained by the abundant and absorbent moss that grows throughout the park.

Kronotsky Nature Reserve

Anton Petrus / Getty Images

In the Russian Far East lies a vast expanse of land full of mountains, volcanoes, geysers, and lakes known as Kronotsky Nature Reserve. Despite its awe-inspiring landscape, the 4,240-square-mile area is restricted to only 3,000 tourists per year and the scientists who study there—making the reserve a haven for natural quiet. The sheer size of Kronotsky Nature Reserve, and the lack of human interference on its grounds, allows for minimal sonic disruptions but for the occasional sounds of geysers bursting skyward, the slight rustling of the wind, and hungry bears pawing for a meal.

Haleakala Crater

lamoix / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Haleakalā Crater on the island of Maui in Hawaii sits atop a 10,023-foot-tall, dormant volcano known as Haleakalā, and is among the quietest places on Earth. The crater floor is made of dried lava and, due to lack of vegetation, is void of noise-making animal life. Other factors, like elevation-induced cool temperatures, which slow the movement of sound, and the crater’s wind-blocking bowl shape, are also responsible for the shocking silence experienced on Haleakalā Crater.

Yangmingshan National Park

Frank Chen / Getty Images

With over 4 million visitors per year, Yangmingshan National Park in Taiwan might not seem like a likely candidate for the world's quietest places. However, the 43-square-mile park provides a dose of tranquility for tourists and residents of the nearby city Taipei with its beautiful cherry blossom trees and scenic walking trails up into the dormant volcano Seven Star Mountain. In 2020, Quiet Parks International , along with the Taiwanese government, designated Yangmingshan National Park as the first ever Urban Quiet Park.

Kelso Dune Field

H Ji / EyeEm / Getty Images

Although the Kelso Dune Field in California’s Mojave National Preserve is a majestic hiking destination, visitors to the park can expect to find solitude in the sand. The 45-square-mile area consists of countless rolling sand dunes, some as tall as 600 feet, that dampen the ability of sound to travel. Not only do the dunes create a natural sound barrier, but relatively few planes fly overhead. With such little noise pollution and few avenues for sound to move long distances, the Kelso Dune Field is an ideal location for peace and quiet among the desert landscape.

Zabalo River

Anthony Patterson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

The lush, tropical rainforests and pristine rivers of the Amazon basin are under constant threat of destruction, but some places there have managed to hold onto their natural splendor and remain free of invasive, human interference. Home to the indigenous Cofán tribe, Zabalo River was designated as the First Certified Wilderness Quiet Park by Quiet Parks International in 2019. QPI awarded Zabalo River this esteemed designation for its “healthy balance of bioacoustic activity” and “average noise-free intervals lasting several hours.”

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

George Paters / Getty Images

Located on the United States-Canadian border in Superior National Park in Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area covers more than 1 million acres of pristinely beautiful and naturally quiet landscapes. The great expanse of land and water is popular among wildlife enthusiasts for its recreational canoeing, fishing, and hiking opportunities, but because motorized vehicles are restricted, the area is largely free of aggressive sound disturbances.

Doñana National Park

O. Alamany & E. Vicens / Getty Images

Along the bank of the Guadalquivir River in Andalusia on the southern coast of Spain sits the 209-square-mile Doñana National Park. The expansive nature reserve is best known for the many biomes contained within its boundaries—from marshlands and dunes to woodlands and lagoons. A UNESCO Heritage Site since 1994 and a partially protected area, the Doñana National Park has all of the elements necessary for experiencing natural quiet, like its relatively few visitors in proportion to its size, its sound-restrictive geographical features, and lack of busy roads and other modern infrastructure. Visitors will marvel at the many migratory birds , like the booted eagle and the whiskered tern, which are part-time residents of the park.

Marconi Beach

FrankvandenBergh / Getty Images

Part of Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts, Marconi Beach is adequately isolated from obtrusive automobile noise by the steep, 40-foot sand cliff that runs alongside it. Guests to the famous beach can take in the gorgeous ocean views in relative quiet from the elevated observation deck at Marconi Station.

Wadi Rum Protected Area

Ratnakorn Piyasirisorost / Getty Images

Wadi Rum Protected Area (also known as Valley of the Moon) in southern Jordan is a 280-square-mile natural and cultural site that affords residents and visitors alike the chance to experience blissful natural quiet. Home to the Zalabieh tribe, who provide eco-tours and accommodations to tourists, Wadi Rum features mountains, caverns, gorges, cliffs, and other rocky desert landscapes with ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions found throughout. Despite the popularity of Wadi Rum, its massive size allows for folks to find their own quiet solitude among its majestic red sand and rock.

• New Zealand Aims to Become World's Largest 'Dark Sky Nation'
• Explore Dinosaur Fossils, Wildflowers, and Dark Skies at Big Bend National Park
• 9 Stunningly Picturesque Oases
• 8 of the Best Secluded Beaches in North America
• 8 of the Best Places for an Arctic Adventure
• 10 of the Most Romantic National Parks
• 8 Incredible Rainforest Destinations Around the World
• 15 Awe-Inspiring National Forests in the United States
• 10 Mind-Boggling Facts About Arches National Park
• 10 Extraordinary Places to Visit in Central Asia
• National Monuments Designated By President Obama
• 16 of the Most Surreal Landscapes on Earth
• 10 Enticing Oregon Coast Trail Facts
• Where Are Earth's Largest Nature Reserves?
• 18 International Dark Sky Reserves Where Stars Run Riot
• 15 of the Most Remote Places on Earth

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

The Quiet Parks movement - where to experience pure silence on your travels

May 5, 2022 • 5 min read

There are only a few places you can get to these days where the noise of other humans fades away and you're left only with the sounds of nature; a potential quiet park at Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park, Utah © Hero Images / Getty Images

Most of the time, travel is about adventure, excitement and new experiences. But sometimes all you really want is a bit of peace and quiet.

You might've heard about dark sky parks : remote locations with little if any light pollution, ideal destinations for stargazers. But what about the auditory equivalent? The answer isn’t so simple. Finding a place free of man-made noise is a challenge, even in places that seem like the middle of nowhere.

The adverse effects of noise pollution on wildlife

A 2017 study by researchers at Colorado State University shows noise pollution – caused by things like nearby roads, air traffic, logging, mining and urban settlements – is pervasive across the United States, including in designated wilderness and protected areas. And if this is bad for us, it’s even worse for wildlife, who rely on the sounds of their environment for survival.

But there may be hope. A movement started by Gordon Hempton, author of the book “One Square Inch of Silence,” and his organization Quiet Parks International (QPI), seeks to preserve those few places left where it’s possible to experience relatively pure silence – just the sounds of nature. The hope is that travelers will seek them out, just as they seek out dark sky parks, to take a short break from the constant human presence.

These are the best places in the world to go to find your own solace. 

The serenity of a Wilderness Quiet Park: only the sounds of nature 

Most quiet parks are well off the beaten path – and even so, many are still threatened by intrusive noise pollution. For instance, the remote, mysterious, moss-laden Hoh Rain Forest on Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula, where Hempton initially set up his “One Square Inch” experiment, remained relatively free of noise pollution for years – until US Navy training flights recently started rumbling over a corner of the park. That change, and his inability to stop it, is what led Hempton to launch Quiet Parks International , hoping a global effort would have a greater impact.

How many Wilderness Quiet Parks are there? 

The first (and so far only) official “wilderness quiet park” certified by QPI is along the Zabalo River in Ecuador . The area demonstrates “a healthy balance of bioacoustic activity with … noise-free intervals lasting several hours,” according to the organization’s website. (Even that description tells you how hard it is to find a place completely undisturbed by the sounds of human activity). QPI hopes quiet-park status will eventually be enough of a tourism draw to benefit the local Indigenous Cofán tribe, which owns the land.

Future, potential Wilderness Quiet Parks

QPI has also identified several other potential wilderness quiet parks around the world. Most of them are in designated natural areas with minimal artificial light sources (there’s a lot of overlap with dark sky parks). They tend to be located far from established flight patterns and other major sources of traffic noise, in places where land use is unlikely to create frequent noise (eliminating most agricultural and mining areas, for example).

In the United States, these potential new quiet parks include Idaho’s otherworldly Craters of the Moon , Utah’s Canyonlands National Park and Hovenweep National Monument  and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

In Europe, potential quiet parks are found in places from Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons in Wales to Pirin National Park in Bulgaria and everywhere in between.

There are dozens of other potential sites around the world, including the Skeleton Coast of Namibia, Garajonay National Park in the Canary Islands, Manu National Park in Peru and the aptly named Silent Valley National Park in Kerala , India. All of these could potentially become designated quiet parks if QPI’s site visits show that they meet the right criteria. The project is still in its early stages, so part of the certification process will be to establish just how quiet is quiet enough.

Urban Quiet Parks: an oasis in the middle of a city

Your best chance of escaping man-made noise is to head out into the wilderness. But if all goes as planned, you won’t have to go that far to get a taste of natural silence. QPI has been working to establish and certify urban quiet parks , places near or within major cities that have been set aside as quiet, noise pollution-free spaces.

As of 2022, there are 4 urban quiet parks in the world:  Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan ;  Hampstead Heath, London, United Kingdom ; Parque del Montnegre y el Corredor, Barcelona, Spain and Dender-Mark Quiet Area, Flanders, Belgium . 

A pilot program in Stockholm , Sweden, has identified 65 “calm places” within the city and its surroundings, as well as 11 walking paths signposted with the “quiet trails” icon; the routes are described in brochures visitors can find in tourist offices or online . All the walks are easily reachable by metro, bus, bicycle or on foot from the city center. Similar experiments are taking place in Taiwan , New York City  and Portland , Oregon.

There are also efforts to create quiet communities, quiet marine trails and hiking trails and even quiet hotels. All of which indicates that gradually, just maybe, we’re beginning to recognize the value of a little peace and quiet in a busy world.

You might also like:  Which US Dark Sky Park is right for you? Is this the quietest place in the USA? Considering a solo trip? Here are the 20 things you need to know before you go

This article was first published November 2019 and updated May 2022

Explore related stories

Nov 17, 2023 • 5 min read

Start 2024 with epic adventures, cultural experiences, foodie forays and wildlife encounters. Here are the best places to visit in January.

Oct 25, 2023 • 19 min read

Oct 19, 2023 • 3 min read

Oct 15, 2023 • 6 min read

Oct 3, 2023 • 7 min read

Sep 22, 2023 • 9 min read

Aug 16, 2023 • 6 min read

Mar 23, 2023 • 12 min read

Jan 29, 2023 • 7 min read

Jan 26, 2023 • 7 min read

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

Discover the planet’s last few ‘naturally quiet’ places

From Taiwan to Washington state, peaceful places remind us that quiet has the power to heal, especially in these pandemic times.

Quiet may be making a comeback. “As a result of COVID-19 lockdowns, something unique has happened: Many people now know quiet,” says acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton . His One Square Inch of Silence project in Olympic National Park spotlighted in 2005 what he then considered the quietest place in the United States.

Hempton is a co-founder of Quiet Parks International (QPI), a nonprofit dedicated to putting natural quiet within reach of as much of the world’s population as possible by certifying and protecting peaceful places.

In early June, QPI certified the world’s first Urban Quiet Park in one of the most densely populated places on the planet. Just north of Taipei, Taiwan , Yangmingshan National Park is a 43-square-mile area known for its relaxing hot springs, mountainous terrain, and endemic birds.

“Urban Quiet Parks offer natural beauty and inner stillness on a daily basis, and they offer it to a target set of people who desperately need quiet,” says Vikram Chauhan, president of QPI.

Rather than complete silence, natural quiet is defined as the sounds of nature without human-made noise. QPI’s aim is to certify roughly 50 Urban Quiet Parks around the world in coming years, in addition to Wilderness Quiet Parks.

The certification of Yangmingshan National Park as the first of its kind feels particularly poignant during pandemic times, when many people on lockdown—particularly those living in cities where noise pollution usually dominates the soundscape—may have experienced relative quiet for the first time in their lives.

(Related: These charts show how coronavirus has ‘quieted’ the world.)

Last year, QPI certified the Zabalo River in Ecuador as its first Wilderness Quiet Park. The organization is eyeing potential Urban Quiet Parks in places including New York City , Miami , and Stockholm .

While there are no naturally quiet places left on Earth—according to Hempton, human-made noise, usually in the form of transportation (by highway, rail, air, and boat) pervades every corner of the planet—QPI uses varying standards of stillness to certify its wilderness and urban quiet parks.

(Related: Nat Geo Travel’s editor in chief goes on a quest for quiet.)

Regular acoustic studies are carried out after a park’s certification to ensure it’s held to QPI’s standards.

Natural sounds, of course, register increased decibels—imagine the pound of surf on a beach or a chorus of singing frogs—but the goal, explains Ulf Bohman, executive director of Urban Quiet Parks, is for the background noise to be no higher than 45 decibels. That’s akin to library-level chatter.

Where hush is healing

The effects of noise pollution on humans have been widely studied and attributed to health issues that range from stress and sleep disturbances to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Places with natural quiet are important to animals, as well, says Jesse Barber, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Boise State University.

“Human-caused noise is known to interfere with animals’ abilities to hear important sounds, like birdsong, and to fundamentally alter where animals live and their reproductive fitness,” he says.

“Even U.S. national parks experience significant noise exposure at levels known to impact wildlife,” says Barber. In a noise reduction study at Muir Woods National Monument in California, where signs urged visitors to turn down the volume in one area of the park, he says, the result was an increased number of birds near the trails.

In the U.S., the areas with the most potential for tranquil experiences are those with the least flyover traffic from airplanes and remoteness from other transportation noises, according to Les Blomberg, executive director of the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse , a nonprofit organization that has mapped out the last remaining places of natural quiet in the continental U.S.

The organization’s research indicates that places including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of northern Minnesota and Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex in western Montana are among the country’s last remaining natural quiet areas. The northernmost U.S. states are generally more likely to have spaces of natural quiet, says Blomberg.

Hempton points to Haleakalā National Park in Maui (the crater of which he considers the quietest place on Earth), Glacier National Park , and Big Bend National Park among the U.S. parks embarking on initial certification as Wilderness Quiet Parks with QPI.

Internationally, Elk Island National Park in Canada, Białowieża National Park in eastern Poland, and the Río Clarillo National Reserve in Chile are in varying stages of the process, he says.

Learning how to listen

“Once you certify a place as a quiet park, it eventually changes behaviors, much in the same way people have learned about the importance of recycling through education and awareness, ” says Kenya Williams, who is finishing his doctorate in urban planning and acoustic ecology at Portland State University. Williams, an advisor for QPI, believes a cultural shift is necessary to help people value and steward quiet in urban areas.

In Taiwan, Laila Chin-Hui Fan, one of the country’s preeminent environmental journalists and the founder of the Soundscape Association of Taiwan , points to the power of people to support the effort. Fan, who got to know Hempton during his One Square Inch of Silence project, was instrumental in drawing QPI’s attention to the park on her native island, where she recorded Yangmingshan’s soundscape across three districts in the lead-up to certification.

“We have a very painful and complicated history, which taught us a lot,” Fan says. “Our voices are not allowed to be heard in the world because of the diplomatic dilemma [stemming from Taiwan’s push for sovereignty], so we decided to be an island of listening. I’m expecting more and more people in the world will come to my country and hear the natural quiet of Taiwan.”

For QPI, the hope is that by certifying a few places in every country, people who wish to access natural quiet will be able to find it.

“We aren’t saying that quiet is for everyone and that everyone should experience it,” says Hempton, “but I do feel the choice is essential to quality of life.”

Read This Next

4 wild and wonderful places for outdoor adventures in canada, 7 of the best autumn walks in britain, 10 best things to do in texas, planning an australian campervanning adventure.

• 2023 in Review
• Photography
• Domesticated
• Environment
• Paid Content for Advertiser

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

Where to Find the World's Quietest Places, According to an Acoustic Ecologist

The founder of Quiet Parks International is on a mission to preserve nature (without the noise).

Shawn Parkin

“Our goal is to save quiet for the benefit of all life,” says Gordon Hempton, co-founder of the nonprofit Quiet Parks International . A self-proclaimed terrible listener turned scholar of soundscapes, Hempton has spent four decades searching for the planet’s rarest natural sounds, from the harmonic vibrations inside a Sitka spruce log to the echo of western meadowlarks through a canyon.

“Originally, my aim was simply to listen more carefully to the world around me,” Hempton says. “It quickly evolved into a lifelong campaign to preserve natural areas free of noise pollution.” He and an all-volunteer team seek out remote stretches where nature still reigns sonically supreme, making recordings and measuring levels of human-made noise. By designating these areas as Quiet Places , the organization hopes to preserve them — and encourage visitors to keep it down. Travelers can tread lightly on QPI-hosted tours, including a hike in Hong Kong ’s Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve or a meditation retreat in Tuscany .

Here, Hempton shares some favorites among the planet's quietest places .

Zabalo River, Ecuador

Courtesy of Quiet Parks International

“Deep within the Ecuadorian Amazon, this river basin , stewarded by the Cofán nation, became QPI’s first Wilderness Quiet Park in 2019. It’s my church. It’s so wild, so free of noise pollution. And it has some of the Earth’s greatest biodiversity — there’s so much life going on there.”

Olympic National Park, Washington

The Hoh Rain Forest is a fairyland. The hum of the trees isn’t something you’d notice — just as you wouldn’t notice the ventilation system in an indoor space — unless you stop and listen. There really is a hum created by the conifer needles. You can also hear the flutelike bugle of Roosevelt elk. As it travels through the rainforest, the sound becomes sweeter, and so ethereal.”

Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii

Ursula Jernberg/Courtesy of Quiet Parks International

“The Haleakalā Crater , a dormant volcano on Maui, is known as the quietest place on the planet. I don’t think you can walk into the crater and not be changed. At QPI, we define quiet as the absence of noise pollution and the dominance of natural sounds. But in the crater, there are such low decibel levels that whispers sound like shouts. You’ll hear your own nervous system.” 

Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka

Vincent Ko Hon Chiu/Courtesy of UNESCO

“ This UNESCO World Heritage site is the place I most long to return to. In my estimation, it has the most peaceful night sounds imaginable. A myriad of insects and frogs create a sonic tapestry that dreams are made of.” 

A version of this story first appeared in the April 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "Sounds of Silence."

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Explore the world with Singapore Airlines

Sightseeing

5 of the world’s quietest places for a dose of calm

From Taipei’s Yangmingshan National Park to Washington state’s One Square Inch of Silence, plan your escape when the everyday gets too noisy

Story By Tamara Hinson

Published On June 21, 2023

Coping with the cacophony of city living can be challenging, especially as life adjusts back to pre-pandemic rhythms. Things often aren’t any better when we’re on vacation in other cities, and travellers must go out of their way to find respite. As silence becomes an increasingly rare commodity – especially for urbanites – organisations such as Quiet Parks International and Noise Pollution Clearinghouse are stepping in to identify and preserve places of peace and quiet around the world.

Here are five places that you can find respite in when everyday construction and crowds get to be too much: 

1. Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei

The world’s first urban quiet park.

Acoustic appeal:  Though Yangmingshan National Park isn’t entirely silent, its sounds are almost entirely natural despite it being just 10 kilometres north of Taipei. The Soundscape Association of Taiwan has worked with park authorities to preserve both the low noise levels and so-called bio-acoustics, creating designated Quiet Trails where visitors can enjoy the chorus produced by frogs, birds and cicadas (which rarely exceed 30dB, the equivalent of a low whisper). The park’s quietest spot is perhaps Menghuan Pond , whose lush landscape is as much a sight for sore eyes as it is a balm for the ears. But don’t just take our word for it: Quiet Parks International, which designates Urban Quiet Parks around the world, certified Yangmingshan as the world’s first Urban Quiet Park in 2020.

Stay at: The W Hotel Taipei in Taipei’s Xinyi District. You’ll have easy access to both the city centre and the Hushan Mountain Trail , a short walk from the hotel. 

While you’re there:  Stop by Cama Coffee Roasters , a gorgeous café with a lovely Japanese-style garden a short drive south from Yangmingshan – the perfect pit stop before heading back to the city.

2. Zurich, Switzerland

The quietest city in the world .

Acoustic appeal: When it comes to cities, it doesn’t get quieter than Zurich. That’s according to German company Mimi Hearing Technologies, which compiled statistics from the World Health Organisation as well as data drawn from 200,000 participants in 50 locations worldwide to find the city with the least incidence of noise pollution. Recently, new speed limits were introduced in Zurich’s centre to reduce noise levels, and noise-reducing asphalt and sound barriers can now be found throughout this city, with its mediaeval old town, forested parks and backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Stay at: Book a room at the Dolder Grand , a five-star hilltop hotel surrounded by forests where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Swiss Alps.

While you’re there: Pair your peace with a dose of serenity at the city’s beautiful  Grossmünster church , which was built in the 1200s and is famous for its stained glass and Romanesque crypt.

3. Hampstead Heath , London, United Kingdom

Where peace and quiet is enforced by the police.

Acoustic appeal: Hampstead Heath became Europe’s first Urban Quiet Park in 2021. This sprawling expanse lies just kilometres from London’s bustling city centre and was once Henry VIII’s hunting grounds. Thanks to the Hampstead Heath Act of 1871, which decreed that “the Board shall forever keep the Heath open, unenclosed and unbuilt on,” it’s an idyllic grazing ground that Londoners have enjoyed for centuries. Its most famous fans have included writer CS Lewis, for whom the park was inspiration for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Covering 320 hectares of meadows, woodland, hills and ponds, it’s home to several rare species (including the iridescent jewel beetle). It’s also large enough to have its own police force, which is tasked with enforcing various noise-reducing laws, including bans on drones and motorised vehicles.

Stay at: Cosy La Gaffe Hotel , a charming family-run guesthouse mere minutes away from Hampstead Heath that’s also well connected to central London. 

While you’re there: Indulge in some quiet reflection at Kenwood House , an English Heritage property in the heart of Hampstead Heath. Head inside to admire masterpieces by big name artists the likes of Vermeer, Rembrandt and Constable.

4. Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor , Barcelona, Spain

The ultimate forest bathing destination.

Acoustic appeal: Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor is best described as quiet, with a hint of animal acoustics, courtesy of the wildlife which lives in this 15,000-hectare chunk of greenery wedged between two massifs in the Catalan coastal mountain range. The trees in Spain’s first Urban Quiet Park, 30 kilometres north of Barcelona, can take some of the credit – 95 percent of the park is forested, and these vast swathes of cork oaks and stone pines muffle noise. Not convinced about trees’ sound-smothering qualities? Consider this: researchers at North Carolina State University recently placed a 30-metre-long row of 13-metre-tall trees alongside a highway. The result? Noise levels were reduced by 50 percent. 

Stay at: Barcelona’s El Palace Hotel , which features a gorgeous rooftop garden full of secret hiding spots and a solarium from which to take in a stunning view of the city. 

While you’re there: Take the time to explore Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor’s hiking trails. For something easy, we recommend the 2.1-kilometre Les Planes del Corredor circular route, which has stunning mountain views. For hardcore hikers, there’s the 9.8-kilometre Can Bosch route, lined with ancient fountains and mediaeval ruins. 

5. Olympic National Park , Washington, United States

The most silent square inch in the world .

Acoustic appeal: Olympic National Park is so quiet that sound recording specialist Gordon Hempton, who travelled around America recording noise levels, declared it to be America’s quietest place. The exact location, dubbed One Square Inch of Silence, is marked with a red stone. You’ll find it in the centre of the park, which is an easy two-hour drive from Seattle. Hempton created the One Square Inch of Silence project to raise awareness of our need for silence, and to ensure the park stays free from noise pollution. And it’s working – aeroplane pilots whom Hempton spoke to shared that they’ve made minor increments to flight routes in order to avoid flying over the One Square Inch of Silence. 

Stay at:   The Olympic National Park Log Cabin Resort . You’ll avoid the crowds and have easy access to the park’s best bits.

While you’re there:  Keep an eye out for the park’s Roosevelt elks. Named in honour of President Theodore Roosevelt, they are North America’s largest elk subspecies. 

To learn more about Singapore Airlines flights to the abovementioned destinations, visit the official website .

More on peace and quiet

10 relaxing wellness retreats for a new you

Beaches & Islands

Off the radar: The offbeat charms of New Zealand’s Ripiro Beach

A walk through Wellington's sights reveals its storied past

12 min read

• Advertise With Us
• Singapore Airlines
• SingaporeAir Mobile App
• Privacy Policy
• Conditions of Access
• New York City
• Inspiration

Really Need To Relax? These Are Some Of The Quietest Destinations On Earth

Sometimes, you just want to take a trip somewhere you can truly relax — and there's no better place to do so than the quietest places on Earth! There's plenty of information on the web about where to go to have a relaxing vacation. But, what many of these think pieces don't always cover is that these spots (resorts, beach destinations, etc.) are full of things — unlimited alcohol, sunny beaches, and a certain aesthetic that gives the illusion of tranquility, while in reality, are far from it. According to a 2021 study published in Nature Reviews Cardiology, heightened noise can lead to increased stress and more negative health impacts down the line.

According to Noise Awareness , most places we spend the day (offices and home) range from 40 to 60 decibels. In comparison, most destinations we suggest tovisit for a quiet getaway are, on average, 30 decibels or below. Also, not by chance, most are located in beautiful natural spaces, but we've included a balanced round-up. So no matter your weather, climate, or geographical preferences, you'll find somewhere to relax on this list for your next vacation.

Hoh Rainforest, Washington, USA

All of Olympic National Park provides an ideal nature soundtrack, from water dripping in the old-growth rainforest to waves crashing on ocean beaches and the peaceful solitude found in the alpine peaks. This is why local, Gordon Hempton , an award-winning acoustic ecologist who traveled the world in search of quiet, awarded a tiny spot in the Hoh Rainforest (located in Olympic National Park) the title of " quietest place in the U.S ." The noise-control project, One Square Inch of Silence, is part of a series protected by a foundation Hempton created to prevent noise in many parks around the world.

It is marked by a red stone on top of a log, just over a 3-mile hike from the Hoh's Visitor Center along the Hoh River Trail. However, it's not just that small spot that stays quiet, protecting it from noise benefits the rest of the park. You can certainly feel that whilst hiking, camping, or swimming throughout the park. The rainforest itself is expansive, stretching from the ocean beaches next to the Hoh, through the rainforest along quiet trails and natural hot springs perfect for a relaxing soak post-hike in the Olympic mountains. You can camp on the beach or in the forest, not far from the One Square Inch. All sans urban noise polluting your zen.

Explore wants to acknowledge that this is the traditional territory of the Hoh.

Most Scandinavian Countries

The majority of this list consists of national parks and wild locations. However, if you dream of a European getaway, don't fret. You can still find tranquility in the land of croissants, espresso, and no tipping. Your best bet will be to head north, to the continent's most sparsely populated countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The low population density and transport infrastructure contribute to less man-made noise and allows for natural sounds like bird chirps, rustling leaves, and crashing waves to flourish. All of this, according to a 2016 EEA report, is conducive to creating a quiet space. 

Additionally, Scandinavian cities are some of the quietest places in Europe, according to Expatriate Group . For example, in Bergen, people opt to cycle or walk due to its smaller size, which adds very little noise pollution from traffic. Stockholm has a lot of green space, which provides calm areas. It's also surrounded by nature and the coast, which helps cut down on urban noise. Reykjavik's smaller population means quiet is the norm. 

Explore wants to acknowledge that this is the traditional territory of the Sàmi People (Northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland)

Switzerland

The only non-Scandinavian country in Europe to be located in a quieter zone, thanks to lower population density and unique topographical situation, is Switzerland. Per a 2016 EEA report on noise pollution, the high slope gradients and its numerous mountain peaks are favorable environments for quiet areas. The Swiss Alps are a haven for nature lovers of all types. Whether you want to ski in winter, hike in summer, or paraglide in the fall, do it in relative silence compared to other noisy mountain areas around the globe. 

If you're simply looking for a more peaceful city break, head to Zurich, which beats out even the northern neighbors in this 2017 study for the top spot as the city with the least amount of noise pollution. This can be attributed to the nearby lake and mountains, which help dissipate societal sound. Additionally, like the rest of the country, Zurich has a lower population density than comparable cities on the rest of the continent.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

Despite being one of the most popular parks, Yellowstone has noise levels that are akin to stepping back in time — before colonization. According to a 2015 noise level map displayed in Science Magazine, most cities are well over 40, most often 50 to 60 decibels, but Yellowstone is often below 20. The nature sounds many species use varies over the seasons from spring bird songs to spring elk migrations and the quiet of winter hibernation. No matter what you fancy, Yellowstone is the place to be. Per High Country News , many initiatives in National Parks are encouraging people to be mindful when visiting of how they contribute to noise — phone calls, cars, and voices. 

Sure, public transport isn't well-known in the American wilderness, but instead of driving to all the sights, enjoy some of the best nature and wildlife viewings in the U.S. from the trail and hike one (or more) of the numerous paths in Yellowstone. You'll appreciate the geysers, wolves, rainbow hot springs, and bears even more after a bit of effort. Not to mention that reducing the noise level (being out of cell service for most of the park will also help with that) and putting in some physical exercise is almost always a recipe for reducing stress, according to Harvard Health . 

Explore wants to acknowledge that this is the traditional territory of the   Blackfeet, Bannock, Cayuse, Coeur d'Alene Nez, Crow, Perce, Shoshone, and Umatilla, among others.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA

According to the same map published in 2015 in Science Magazine that deemed Yellowstone a silent area, the Great Sand Dunes National Park is also magnitudes quieter than most cities. Just like that well-known neighbor to the north,  efforts are being made to preserve the Great Sand Dunes' quiet. So make sure to leave the phone silenced or in the car during your hikes, stargazing quest, or overnight camp adventure. 

You'll appreciate the beautiful Alpine lakes, clear skies, and 750-foot namesake dunes even more amongst the lack of intrusive ruckus. It's already been designated as an International Dark Sky Park to fight light pollution. Thus, many are pushing for the same limitations for noise pollution, so be a mindful visitor. 

Explore wants to acknowledge that this is the traditional territory of the   Cheyenne, Diné Bikéyah, Ute, and Jicarilla Apache, among others.

Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan

While Taiwan is certainly a dream destination for many, it doesn't always come to mind when you think of a place you go to relax. According to a 2020 study published in Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science , the quiet found here is likely thanks to the island's small size and population density. However, just north of Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park is a surprisingly calm and quiet destination and is actually classified as the world's first Urban Quiet Park by Quiet Parks International (QPI), a nonprofit founded by Gordon Hempton whose goal is to preserve the world's quiet space. 

Thanks to a government decision that aimed to limit noise pollution (by prohibiting acts such as shooting off fireworks, blasting music, etc.), the quietest parts never exceed 30 decibels, per the  Taiwan Times . It's now held up as a shining example of how governments can improve the quality of their parks and make them more enjoyable for visitors, even close to major cities. You can now enjoy the sounds of native birds, frogs, and insect life less than 30 minutes from the capital city!

Zabalo River, Ecuador

The Brazilian Amazon may be the most famous, but the Ecuador portion is where you should head if you're in search of some zen. Not only is it one of the Designated Quiet Parks by Quiet Parks International (QPI), a nonprofit founded by Gordon Hempton that hopes to preserve quiet areas around the world, but as the world's first Wilderness Quiet Park , Zabalo is truly a peaceful escape. It's one of the most relaxing destinations in the world for adventure enthusiasts. The first place of its kind to be so protected from noise pollution, along with Yangmingshan in Taiwan, Hempton's goal is to pave the way for more global protection. The Amazon is the heart of one of the largest natural wonders on the planet. Often referred to as " the lungs of the world ," it is now, more than ever, threatened by wildfires and deforestation.  Per Vox , this threatens places like Zabalo and is a huge motivator for Hempton.

For the moment, the lack of man-made noise means things like howler monkeys and the namesake Zabalo River come to sound like never before. Nature is at the forefront of the park's soundtrack. You can relax in the World's First Wilderness Quiet Park with native Cofan guides and stay at their EcoLodge  to trek, fish, canoe, or just enjoy the native flora and fauna with guides who have generations of knowledge. 

Explore wants to acknowledge that this is the traditional territory of the Cofan Nation.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota, USA

According to the Mesa Tribune , after the First World War, many soldiers and pilots wanted to escape the noise of the city that reminded them of the conflict they'd just left. Combined with the ceasing of logging, the opening of roads in northern Minnesota and southern Ontario made the area attractive to those looking for a wilderness escape. They developed fly-in fishing camps and resorts. However, various wilderness and environmental groups pushed, and finally in 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the Endangered American Wilderness Act which granted Boundary Bay wilderness status and consequently added 50,000 acres to the park. 

The act also forced logging to cease, outlawed mining, banned motors on the water, and restricted most snowmobile use, save for a couple of connective routes between the U.S. and Canada. This makes the region, which spans two countries, the perfect off-grid destination for anyone who wants to get away. A lot of recreation is banned or restricted, but you can still canoe, hike, and camp in one of the few truly wild places left in America. 

Explore wants to acknowledge that this is the traditional territory of the Anishinabewaki and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

The inspiration for many adventure movies, this protected area is a perfect place to camp, enjoy the night sky, and feel a world away from the noise and light pollution of the city. In the small country of Jordan, it can often feel like you're never far from the lights of Amman, one of the best-kept destination secrets in the world. 

But just a four to five-hour drive away, per Jordan Traveler , is Wadi Rum, where you can have a truly unforgettable and zen experience. The sandstone and red rock desert are like another world, which is why it's been a popular destination for movies. You can hike, bike, or ride horses or camels in this bucket list destination with native Bedouin guides. There's even the Wadi Rum Quiet Village Camp , dedicated to peaceful visits for all their guests.

Haleakala National Park, Hawaii, USA

Hawaii is known as one of the most relaxing destinations for retirees, but there's plenty of tranquility to go around for those of us yet to hit our golden years. Haleakalā, on the island of Maui, is, according to Gordon Hempton , home to one of the quietest places on Earth — the park's crater. Tropical islands and beaches might fit traditional labels of places to relax, but this park is so much more than quintessential dreamy white beaches and crashing waves. The crater, unlike much of Hawaii's landscape which was formed by volcanic activity, is the result of erosion that now just happens to sit at the base of the Haleakalā volcano. As explained by IFL Science , the crater creates a unique pocket of silence, which clings to the sides of the giant hole.

Keep in mind a visit to the crater requires effort in the form of hikes through varied terrain. You have the choice of short or long hikes (depending on your preference), to reach the summit, just above the visitor center . You can also spot endangered species like the Maui parrotbill, Hawaiian hoary bat, and Blackburn's sphinx moth. Additionally, like Sand Dunes on the mainland, Haleakalā is absent of light pollution, thanks to a protection ordinance put in place by the State of Hawaii . This makes it popular for star gazing as well as scientific study. If you'd like to explore the surrounding area more, spend a weekend camping, or stay a night to stargaze in the pristine skies.

Explore wants to acknowledge that this is the traditional territory of the Kānaka Maoli.

Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada

The prairie provinces are often thought of as "flyover country," but if you're looking for some peace, Grasslands National Park makes for a beautiful location to experience it. The aforementioned Gordon Hempton measured the noise level  here at just above 20 decibels, unheard of in even the most remote prairies and grasslands elsewhere on the continent. This is due to the lack of industry and transport. These aforementioned major noise polluters do stretch across a lot of similar terrain in the U.S. Grasslands National Park is also one of Canada's  least-visited National Parks , with the annual visitors topping out at the tens of thousands as opposed to the millions that head to Banff and Jasper each year. 

This is great for you, as you'll be able to enjoy the peaceful sound sans crowds. However, it's not devoid of life. Prairie dogs, buffalo, and foxes among other creatures roam the area. Oh, and if a part of you is a little remorseful for trading a beach vacation for the prairies, take solace in knowing it's part of Canada's " sun belt ."

Explore wants to acknowledge that this is the traditional territory of the Blackfoot/Niitsítapi, Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney), Métis, and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ.

Negev Desert, Israel

This large desert isn't always on visitors to Israel's radar, even though according to Israel Travel , it covers a little over 60% of the country. Maybe it just doesn't hold the same appeal as cosmopolitan Tel Aviv or historic Jerusalem. However, as with many on this list, the lack of popularity or overlooking means a tranquil visit for those who do make the trip. The towering geological formations and red dirt mirror the nearby and fellow quiet space, Wadi Rum. Thus, many of the same experiences are on offer, with this one offering a bit more water in the form of waterfalls. 

The Negev Desert has varied terrain with a mix of a lot of the places already mentioned on this list — sand dunes to the north, east looking more like the Sahara with sprawling savannas and red desert to the south resembling Wadi Rum, all with the Ramon Crater at the center. As detailed in Elal Magazine , native Bedouins still inhabit the area and, for those looking for tranquility, you can hike to waterfalls, explore their villages, or relax in solitude at one of the many water holes.

Tak Be Ha Cenote, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Natural swimming holes are popular all over Mexico and dot the Yucatan peninsula, drawing ever-growing crowds in recent years. However, as explained on Mexico Cenote and Ruins'  website, Tak Be Ha Cenote is particularly good for those looking to get away from it all, as it's quieter than other locations, with the drip of water often the only sound you'll hear while visiting. If it's important to you, the area is also climate controlled, which is not a common feature at other locations. Just half an hour from Tulum and Playa del Carmen, you can swim, snorkel and dive in a quiet enclave managed by the local community. Although we should warn you that there are bats, which perhaps explains why this cenote has remained one of the quietest places on Earth.

Explore wants to acknowledge that this is the traditional territory of the Maya.

 / 

Luisa Rivera / Yale Environment 360

Listening to Silence: Why We Must Protect the World’s Quiet Places

As more people push into once-remote areas, truly quiet spots — devoid of the noise of traffic or crowds of tourists — have become increasingly scarce. Now, a coalition of activists, scientists, and park officials are trying to preserve the last quiet places on the planet.

By Jenny Morber • June 30, 2020

It is a frosty March morning in the Hoh Rainforest, deep within Olympic National Park in Washington state. The forest is full of Jurassic ferns, hanging moss, and towering spruce and cedars, but what I hope to find is an absence. I seek a spot known as the “One Square Inch of Silence” — one of the quietest places in the contiguous United States, free from chattering people, humming power lines, and the whoosh of cars.

When I find the moss-covered log surrounded by a collection of red stones marking the spot, I listen. I hear the roar of the river and maybe a waterfall. There is an occasional bird song. And nothing else. I had worried that something would ruin it — that there would already be someone there, a plane would rumble overhead, or I would hear kayakers yelling on the river nearby — but as I sit and close my eyes I can’t hear a single human sound. It feels amazing. I needed this quiet. We all do.

As the global population soars, cities and towns sprawl out, and roads stretch into even the most remote parts the world, quiet is becoming increasingly scarce. The noise of buzz saws and trucks infiltrate deep into the Amazon rainforest. The blast of ship horns ring out over the Arctic Ocean. The U.S. has become a highly developed landscape, with just a fraction of its original wilderness remaining, split up into parks and protected areas. Now, even in these refuges, cars, planes, motorboats, helicopters, and crowds contribute to the growing din.

A 2017 study by scientists at Colorado State University and the National Park Service found that human noise doubled background sounds in 63 percent of U.S. protected areas. In 21 percent of parks, human noise increased background sounds 10-fold, “surpassing levels known to interfere with human visitor experience and disrupt wildlife behavior, fitness, and community composition.”

Part of the problem is simply numbers. U.S. national parks received over 327.5 million visitors in 2019.

In popular spots like Zion National Park in Utah, music blares in campsites and on trails. Hiker Erica Langston from Wilmington, North Carolina recalls the end of a Zion backcountry hike in 2017: “We converged with a popular trail and could hear the human traffic from it well before we reached it,” with people playing music or yelling to be heard over the din,” she says. “The last few miles felt more like standing in line at Disney World than walking out of the woods.”

Part of the problem is simply numbers. National parks received over 327.5 million visitors in 2019 , up 9 million from the year before. Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, Joshua Tree, Acadia: tourism is surging. While Covid-19 closures provided rangers and wildlife a temporary respite, federal parks are starting to reopen. In addition, people flocked to local parks and trails during the pandemic, raising noise levels in previously out-of-the-way spots. “If you want to go hiking on a weekend, be prepared to stand shoulder to shoulder,” says Laurabeth Roundy, a member of the Facebook group PNW Hiking with Kids who lives in Washington state.

There are still some quiet places left, however, where the sounds of humanity give way to the natural world. A 2019 study pinged both the noisiest U.S. national parks and monuments — including parts of the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park in Utah, and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado — and also the quietest places, which included Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, Lassen Volcanic National Park in California, and El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico.

Now, a growing coalition of environmental organizations, scientists, and grassroots activists are working to protect and restore quiet places. Scientists at Colorado State University and the National Park Service are working to document where quiet has been lost and the most prominent drivers of noise in the places people go to escape it. Local activists in Hawaii and Washington state are petitioning policymakers to reduce or stop helicopter and plane flyovers near wilderness areas. And the nonprofit Quiet Parks International is turning public attention to the fragility of quiet by flagging remaining quiet areas as worthy of special protection.

The Hoh Rainforest, located within Olympic National Park, Washington. Jenny Morber

Human-created noise is more than annoying. Decades of research has implicated it in a host of chronic health conditions , including low sleep quality and high blood pressure, as well as increased risk of heart attack or stroke, diabetes, and even cancer . “Noise is a known psychological and physiological stressor,” says Marie Pedersen , an epidemiologist at the University of Copenhagen who studies how environmental exposures affect pregnancies and children. Wildlife is affected too: Studies show that the auditory landscape is a key component of habitat , and human noise masks critical sounds. Animals listen for prey, predators, and territorial alarm calls, to locate group members, and find sexual partners.

“The absence of noises, replaced in parks by sounds of leaves crunching under shoes or birds creating their own symphonies, is what draws so many of us to them,” says Rob Smith , Northwest Regional Director of the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). “Yet, even these values are under threat. There is definitely a growing awareness of the importance of protecting parks’ sounds… so they can continue to be useful places of refuge.”

The movement in the U.S. follows an almost two-decades-long effort in Europe to protect quiet areas. In 2002, the European Union approved an Environmental Noise Directive that set out goals for determining noise levels and exposures across Europe, making this data publicly available, and working to prevent and reduce environmental noise. In 2014, the European Environment Agency recommended the creation, identification, and protection of “quiet areas.” As of this year, 85 percent of reporting EU countries have established “criteria for designating quiet areas in their territories,” and 60 percent have “designated at least one quiet area.” They include places like Blessington Basin in Ireland, Lake Bäcksjön in Sweden, and Tondiloo Park in Estonia.

Protecting quiet in wilderness spaces “is why national parks exist,” says one activist.

In Washington state, the NPCA is working to protect the natural quiet of Olympic National Park, where starting in 2008 a nearby Navy base began sending noisy Growler jet training flights over it. “These Growler fighter jets are among the loudest jets in the sky and fly frequently over the park, disrupting visitors and wildlife,” Smith says. The NPCA is petitioning the Navy’s Northwest commander to stop the flyovers, developing a Growler Tracker app to build a noise map with visitor input, and suing the Navy over failing to comply with a Freedom of Information Act request for the Navy’s research on the impact of Growler noise in the park.

In Hawaii, the largest threat to quiet is helicopters. More commercial air tours fly over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park than any other protected area in the U.S., with reported flights totaling 8,333 in 2018 ; Haleakalā National Park ranks fourth, with 4,757 reported flights. But citizens are pushing back. In 2017, HICoP (Hawaii Island Coalition Malama Pono) — a Hawaiian advocacy nonprofit formed to restore “serenity free from tour copter noise pollution” — and a group of federal workers anonymously represented by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility sued the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to limit air tours over seven protected areas, including Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakalā. Protecting quiet in wilderness spaces “is why national parks exist,” HICoP founding board member Bob Ernst says.

Quiet Parks International (QPI) is a nonprofit working to establish certification for quiet parks to raise awareness of and preserve quiet places. The fledgling organization — whose members include audio engineers, scientists, environmentalists, and musicians — has identified at least 262 sites worldwide , including 30 in the U.S., that it believes are quiet or could become so with management changes. Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado and Haleakalā Crater in Hawaii are two of them. According to the Great Sand Dunes resource manager, Fred Bunch, the dunes are so quiet that when the Park Service monitored sounds in the area, noise levels often fell below their equipment’s measurement threshold. Other places flagged by Quiet Parks for certification are Doñana National Park in Spain, Ballycroy National Park in Ireland, and the Wadi Rum Protected Area in Jordan.

Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado is so quiet that noise levels often fall below acoustic equipment's measurement threshold. NPS/Kris Illenberger

QPI has no regulatory authority, but like the International Dark Sky Association’s Dark Sky Parks initiative, the nonprofit believes its certification — granted only after a detailed, three-day sound analysis — can encourage public support of preservation efforts and provide guidelines for protection. “The places that are quiet today… are basically leftovers — places that are out of the way,” Quiet Parks co-founder Gordon Hempton says.

The group’s biggest success so far is the April 2019 certification of its first Wilderness Quiet Park , Zabalo River, in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest. The designation has helped to boost tourism to the region, bringing travelers who seek the experience of a pristine auditory environment. QPI organizes limited tours to the area guided and hosted by local Cofán people.

While Quiet Parks is focused on preserving natural quiet in its most pristine form, the National Park Service must balance competing goals of resource protection and public access. “It’s really hard because in the National Park Service we take public access very seriously,” says Karen Trevino , chief of the agency’s Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division. Natural Sounds assists the parks in monitoring and modeling noise, developing best practices, and creating mitigation strategies to reduce noise impacts, Trevino says.

In the busy summer months, Zion, Denali, and Rocky Mountain national parks now run shuttles, which reduce vehicle traffic inside the parks. Other parks, such as Canyonlands in Utah restrict numbers with permit-only visitation. The Park Service is working with the FAA to reduce airline noise over some areas. Drones are prohibited in all but a few national parks, and there are limits on snowmobile tours in winter, following public outcry in the late 1990s about snowmobile noise pollution in Yellowstone.

Like the planet’s visual gems, people are beginning to understand that sounds also matter.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area nature preserve in Minnesota is a place of continued conflict between those who prioritize auditory solitude and those who favor motorized recreation. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act of 1978 enacted a compromise, restricting snowmobiling and mining, but allowing motorboats on 16 of the refuge’s 1100 lakes. Today, permits are required, with daily and weekly restrictions, and no more than nine people and four watercraft are allowed together in the wilderness.

In California’s Muir Woods, staff put up signs asking people to be quiet as part of a study by the Park Service. “And people listened!” says Rachel Buxton, a researcher focused on noise pollution at Carleton University who was not involved in the research. “All it took was putting up a couple of signs in the middle of the forest grove and sound levels dropped.” The findings indicate people are willing to accept trade-offs, like limiting conversations, staying off of certain trails, and having signs and rangers present, to preserve the auditory experience of nature, Barber says.

QPI says the response to its work has been overwhelming. “We’re being flooded by people asking where can they go for quiet,” says Hempton. “And we’re being flooded by management of locations who wish to be recognized for their quiet.”

I think of that spot in the Hoh Rainforest, where I sat aware of the crack of each twig under my feet, and the sound of my own breath. Like the planet’s visual gems, people are beginning to understand that sounds also matter, that the experience of natural sounds — wolves howling in the distance, the dawn chorus of birds, or steam hissing from the earth — is worth protecting too.

Related Articles

How mounting demand for rubber is driving tropical forest loss.

By Fred Pearce

As Temperatures Rise, Dengue Fever Spreads and Cases Rise

By Vaishnavi Chandrashekhar

Shifting Political Winds Threaten Progress on Europe’s Green Goals

By Christian Schwägerl

More From E360

To fight plastic waste, an indonesian campaign aims high, biodiversity, clearing skies: opening a new path on climate and the future, food & agriculture, after the storm, malawi’s farmers face a precarious future, uncounted emissions: the hidden cost of fossil fuel exports, can ‘immortal’ sequoias survive the ravages of climate change, ecosystems as infrastructure: a new way of looking at climate resilience, as climate talks near, calls mount for a ‘phaseout’ of fossil fuels, without warning: a lack of weather stations is costing african lives, as bird kills from buildings mount, cities look for solutions.

FinanceBuzz

14 Great U.S. Small Towns to Retire if You Want Peace and Quiet

Posted: December 5, 2023 | Last updated: December 6, 2023

As you think about your future, where do you see yourself? Do you find yourself  dreaming about retiring early ? Or maybe you just like to plan ahead. One thing anyone should consider is the type of community you hope to live in once you no longer have to worry about your work commute.

You may want a smaller town, perhaps someplace quiet with less traffic. At the same time, you don’t plan to sit at home watching TV, so you want the town to offer fun things to do and local experiences.

These are some of the best U.S. small towns for retirement that offer a quiet place to live with plenty to do.

If you’re within 10 years of retiring, here's 9 ways to help grow your wealth

Franklin, Tennessee

Population: 83,454

Cost of living: $42,999 per year

Often cited as one of the best towns to live in, Franklin is about 30 minutes from Nashville. While you can easily travel to Music City for entertainment, this smaller town, with local golf courses and a few art galleries, will keep you busy.

It’s a more affluent community, which means saving for retirement may mean putting aside a bit more. However, the 16-block historic district, beautiful parks, and low state taxes help to make it well worth consideration.

Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.

Coolidge, Arizona

Population: 13,218

Cost of living: $39,077

If the thought of warm weather throughout the year, incredible golf courses, and a quiet lifestyle sound perfect, explore Coolidge, a small town about 60 miles away from Phoenix.

It’s certainly warm here, but it’s also a good place for those who want to hike in the desert, tour a few archaeological sites at the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, and spend some time supporting the local community. There are lots of community events here, including Calvin Coolidge Days and Cotton Days.

Cedar Key, Florida

Population: 687

Cost of living: $33,061

You want the Florida retirement experience (for so many reasons), but you seek a quieter lifestyle. Consider Cedar Key, a community noted for its retirement lifestyle on the Gulf Coast.

It’s perfect when you want to be in a true small town while also being near the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge for hiking and exploring, as well as within a short drive to the waterfront for beaches and sailing. It’s also just about an hour outside of Gainesville.

Without a state income tax, your money is likely to go further here, especially if you hope to spend most of it in warm year-round weather.

8 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially

Caldwell, Idaho

Population: 59,996

Cost of living: $32,995

Caldwell is a peaceful place to live outside the big city and surrounded by natural areas. It’s a growing community with a lot of new development, and boasts a planetarium, a number of wineries, and Indian Creek Park, which winds through the town.

It’s only about 28 miles from Boise, which provides easy access to the airport and other amenities.

Liberty, Missouri

Population: 30,167

Cost of living: $33,212

Liberty is a fantastic place to call home for those who want to remain very active within their community, attending sporting events and entertainment and exploring parks. The city is home to the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, the ideal place for a walk.

It’s easy to find good food and small shops in the downtown area of the city, too. You can take in a show at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts or head off to one of the golf courses nearby. Being just outside of Kansas City means you have access to a wide range of amenities.

Burlington, Vermont

Population: 44,743

Cost of living: $44,953

Burlington is a fantastic smaller community located in the northern portion of this New England state. If you want to live in an upscale community that’s only a few hours from Boston, consider the value of this community.

As the home of the University of Vermont, there are coffee shops, art galleries, and smaller shops in the downtown area. You’ll also find plenty of hiking and biking options. Its location on Lake Champlain means fishing and sailing, and kayaking for those who want to remain active. There are also fantastic wintertime activities nearby, including downhill skiing.

Discover the best high yield savings accounts

Paso Robles, California

Population: 31,759

Cost of living: $46,187

Let’s say you love the thought of living in California and being close enough to the big cities, but want a quieter location to call home. Check out Paso Robles, a community that’s tucked in between Los Angeles and San Francisco with a fabulous farmer’s market, wine tasting rooms, art galleries, and high-end dining.

The downtown area is quite walkable for an evening stroll. There are also several bike paths nearby, golf courses, and fishing.

Sitka, Alaska

Population: 8,458

Cost of living: $46,259

If a remote town is the level of quiet you’re looking for, Sitka is a good choice. It’s 95 miles outside of Juneau and certainly quiet, with the mountains wherever you look.

The community is fabulous for retirement if you want to remain active. There are waterfront sailing opportunities and plenty of wildlife around every bend. It’s certainly the type of community for those who want a cabin in the snow-covered woods.

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Population: 5,927

Cost of living: $38,862

Quiet is the perfect word to describe the community of Stroudsburg, which is nestled in the Pocono Mountains. It’s the perfect place for those who want to be close enough to outdoor adventures, like hiking and skiing, but also want their own slice of peace.

The downtown area is quite charming, with several small stores, a farmer’s market, and antique shops, but it is also home to some fantastic small restaurants and coffee shops.

8 ways seniors are throwing away money

Hamilton, Montana

Population: 4,659

Cost of living: $38,147

Hamilton is simply beautiful, a rural town that’s tucked into the mountains with beautiful sunrises every morning. It’s the type of community where you’re far removed from the busy lifestyle and easily able to get to know your neighbors (if you want to do so).

Missoula is the biggest nearby town, and that’s about an hour’s drive. Hamilton has a few shops and restaurants, a number of historic buildings, and its home to Bitterroot College. If you want small-town living in retirement in a ranch environment, check out this area.

Population: 4,831

Cost of living: $34,002

The town of Luray is the quintessential small community. It sits on Lake Arrowhead, providing lots of fun water activities, and is just a short drive from the Shenandoah National Park.

Though the summers can become a bit busier, thanks to the tourists who come to explore the Luray Caverns and Appalachian Trail, it’s still quite a small, peaceful place to live.

Mequon, Wisconsin

Population: 25,142

Cost of living: $36,121

If cold weather doesn’t bother you, consider retiring in Mequon, a small town located just outside of Milwaukee on Lake Michigan. There are dozens of parks nearby, several golf courses, lots of fishing and boating opportunities, and a farmer’s market.

The city itself has locally owned shops and restaurants, too. There’s a strong Lions Club present and lots of smaller community organizations if you want community activity.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

Dillsboro, North Carolina

Population: 213

Cost of living: $38,157

When you say small, how about choosing a city to retire in that is home to just a couple hundred people? Dillsboro has much to offer even as a small community, including 100-year-old buildings, small shops, and a few artisan restaurants and coffee houses.

It’s also a very artistically charming community, hosting various events throughout the year that draw tourists and nearby residents. Spend your days hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or head to Asheville for more modern shopping.

Greer, South Carolina

Population: 35,308

Cost of living: $34,279

Greer has seen some growth in recent years, but still has a small-town feel, thanks to the various community events it hosts, including a farmer’s market, festivals, and lots of holiday-themed programs. Greer has dozens of local parks and is close to lakes and parks for weekend trips.

The city is a short drive to the Greenville-Spartanburg airport and an Amtrak station. Or you can drive to Charlotte in less than two hours.

Bottom line

Choosing the wrong place to retire is one of the more common ways retirees can get into financial trouble. But you can stop throwing money away if you spend time planning ahead. There's no need to retire in the big city or to deal with the noise of endless suburbia. Why not plan a retirement that’s focused on a quiet, higher quality of life? Any of these locations could be a good option. Don’t forget to consider international destinations for retirement, too.

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 7 things to do if you're scraping by financially.
• 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

More for You

Inside $100 billion ghost city with abandoned skyscrapers and empty malls

Donald Trump's Repeated Attacks on Mother and Daughter Could Be His Undoing

One in four who had Pfizer Covid jabs experienced unintended immune response

Social Security Rules Could Result in Pension-Eligible Recipients Having Benefits Taken Back — How To Plan for Overpayments

Taco Bell has brought back one of its most beloved items

Massive weekend storm to pack a punch for millions in eastern half of US

Billionaire Robert Kraft Pledges $100 Million Matching Donation To Foundation To Combat Antisemitism, Report Says

Two Putin Allies Killed Within Hours of Each Other

Anti-woke beer company teams up with Riley Gaines to launch 'Real women of America' calendar

NFL sends memo to all 32 teams on heels of 49ers-Eagles sideline scuffle

12 Most Dangerous Places in the World

Container ship crashes in Suez Canal

Charles Barkley reacts to Trump’s comments

Weight-Loss Drugs Pose Risks for People Over 65, Experts Say

CosMc’s: McDonald’s finally reveals menu, details about spinoff restaurant

IRS Demands 20,000 People Pay Back Money They Got During COVID

With ‘conversion switch’ devices, machine guns return to U.S. streets

Putin is close to victory. Europe should be terrified

Kash Patel tells members of media, government: 'We're going to come after you'

That Bizarre ‘Obliterated’ Sex Scene, Explained

Discover the planet’s last few ‘naturally quiet’ places

From taiwan to washington state, peaceful places remind us that quiet has the power to heal, especially in these pandemic times..

Located just outside bustling Taipei in Taiwan, Yangmingshan National Park is the world’s first Urban Quiet Park.

Quiet may be making a comeback. “As a result of COVID-19 lockdowns, something unique has happened: Many people now know quiet,” says acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton . 

Hempton is a co-founder of Quiet Parks International (QPI), a nonprofit dedicated to putting natural quiet within reach of as much of the world’s population as possible by certifying and protecting peaceful places.

In early June, QPI certified the world’s first Urban Quiet Park in one of the most densely populated places on the planet. Just north of Taipei, Taiwan , Yangmingshan National Park is a 43-square-mile area known for its relaxing hot springs, mountainous terrain, and endemic birds.

“Urban Quiet Parks offer natural beauty and inner stillness on a daily basis, and they offer it to a target set of people who desperately need quiet,” says Vikram Chauhan, president of QPI.

At Washington’s Olympic National Park, visitors can revel in nature’s soothing sounds. Here, Kalaloch Beach hums with waves washing logs ashore and the chatter of western gulls.

Rather than complete silence, natural quiet is defined as the sounds of nature without human-made noise. QPI’s aim is to certify roughly 50 Urban Quiet Parks around the world in coming years, in addition to Wilderness Quiet Parks.

The certification of Yangmingshan National Park as the first of its kind feels particularly poignant during pandemic times, when many people on lockdown—particularly those living in cities where noise pollution usually dominates the soundscape—may have experienced relative quiet for the first time in their lives.

Last year, QPI certified the Zabalo River in Ecuador as its first Wilderness Quiet Park. The organisation is eyeing potential Urban Quiet Parks in places including New York City , Miami , and Stockholm .

While there are no naturally quiet places left on Earth—according to Hempton, human-made noise, usually in the form of transportation (by highway, rail, air, and boat) pervades every corner of the planet—QPI uses varying standards of stillness to certify its wilderness and urban quiet parks.

Regular acoustic studies are carried out after a park’s certification to ensure it’s held to QPI’s standards.

Natural sounds, of course, register increased decibels—imagine the pound of surf on a beach or a chorus of singing frogs—but the goal, explains Ulf Bohman, executive director of Urban Quiet Parks, is for the background noise to be no higher than 45 decibels. That’s akin to library-level chatter.

Where hush is healing

The effects of noise pollution on humans have been widely studied and attributed to health issues that range from stress and sleep disturbances to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Places with natural quiet are important to animals, as well, says Jesse Barber, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Boise State University.

“Human-caused noise is known to interfere with animals’ abilities to hear important sounds, like birdsong, and to fundamentally alter where animals live and their reproductive fitness,” he says.

“Even national parks experience significant noise exposure at levels known to impact wildlife,” says Barber. In a noise reduction study at Muir Woods National Monument in California, where signs urged visitors to turn down the volume in one area of the park, he says, the result was an increased number of birds near the trails.

In the U.S., the areas with the most potential for tranquil experiences are those with the least flyover traffic from airplanes and remoteness from other transportation noises, according to Les Blomberg, executive director of the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse , a nonprofit organisation that has mapped out the last remaining places of natural quiet in the continental U.S.

The organisation’s research indicates that places including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of northern Minnesota and Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex in western Montana are among the country’s last remaining natural quiet areas. The northernmost U.S. states are generally more likely to have spaces of natural quiet, says Blomberg.

Hempton points to Haleakalā National Park in Maui (the crater of which he considers the quietest place on Earth), Glacier National Park , and Big Bend National Park among the U.S. parks embarking on initial certification as Wilderness Quiet Parks with QPI.

A woman treks through Yangmingshan National Park’s subtropical forest. Peaceful areas like this can be a balm to people and animals.

Internationally, Elk Island National Park in Canada, Białowieża National Park in eastern Poland, and the Río Clarillo National Reserve in Chile are in varying stages of the process, he says.

Learning how to listen

“Once you certify a place as a quiet park, it eventually changes behaviours, much in the same way people have learned about the importance of recycling through education and awareness, ” says Kenya Williams, who is finishing his doctorate in urban planning and acoustic ecology at Portland State University. Williams, an advisor for QPI, believes a cultural shift is necessary to help people value and steward quiet in urban areas.

In Taiwan, Laila Chin-Hui Fan, one of the country’s preeminent environmental journalists and the founder of the Soundscape Association of Taiwan , points to the power of people to support the effort. Fan, who got to know Hempton during his One Square Inch of Silence project, was instrumental in drawing QPI’s attention to the park on her native island, where she recorded Yangmingshan’s soundscape across three districts in the lead-up to certification.

“We have a very painful and complicated history, which taught us a lot,” Fan says. “Our voices are not allowed to be heard in the world because of the diplomatic dilemma [stemming from Taiwan’s push for sovereignty], so we decided to be an island of listening. I’m expecting more and more people in the world will come to my country and hear the natural quiet of Taiwan.”

For QPI, the hope is that by certifying a few places in every country, people who wish to access natural quiet will be able to find it.

“We aren’t saying that quiet is for everyone and that everyone should experience it,” says Hempton, “but I do feel the choice is essential to quality of life.”

Florida-based writer Terry Ward covers travel, scuba diving, family adventures, and profiles. Find her on her website , Instagram , and Twitter .

• Environment and Conservation
• Mental Health
• National Parks
• Physical Geography
• Physical Sciences
• Protected Areas
• Travel and Adventure

SoundPrint, Find A Quiet Place 4+

Soundprint llc.

• 4.6 • 367 Ratings

Screenshots

Description.

Want to find your quiet place in a restaurant, bar, coffee shop or venue where you can actually hear your date, colleague, or partner? SoundPrint’s own decibel (noise) meter allows you to measure the loudness of the venue and submit (crowdsource) that data to the database. You then can search for venues based on how quiet or noisy they are. Features + Measure and submit the decibel, sound, or noise level of a venue + Search for venues based on their noise level (i.e. quiet, moderate, or noisy) + Simple to use + Help practice safe hearing health + Wide international coverage + Apple Watch/Healthkit integration to analyze your atmospheric noise data on the submissions screen (Apple Watch users only) Please note that SoundPrint is not a replacement for a professional device and should be used for general sound measurement purposes only as it measures the approximate decibel level.

Version 4.1

- Improved measurement tips - Delete Account feature added in Settings

Ratings and Reviews

367 Ratings

Brilliant. I hope it really catche on.

Brilliant. I really hope it catches on and spreads wildly. I just found out about it, downloaded it, and already I love it. Restaurant noise levels are ludicrous. I'm one of those folks who already has an excellent noise level app (by Digital Six), but there's no crowdsourcing there. Now there is! A few months ago I met a friend at a restaurant/bar with good Yelp reviews in Midtown (NYC) for dinner where the noise level was over 90 dB! Borderline permanent hearing damage! We left. But there was no way to report this to others, apart from typing a note in Yelp that no one would ever get around to actually reading. I love this app.

Wildly Inaccurate

The idea behind this app is an excellent one, and desperately needed. But it doesn’t measure accurately. Either it’s programmed to ignore human voice frequencies, or smartphone microphones can’t do the job. SoundPrint consistently “measured” a man yelling at the top of his lungs into a loudspeaker as quieter than an air conditioner. It repeatedly told me that the inaudible click of my home button was TWICE as loud as the man yelling into the loudspeaker! It’s clearly drastically off and miscalibrated, to the point of uselessness. The submissions also only record average decibels, not the maximum. This can help if it recorded you sniffling or sneezing at 90 dB, but it makes records of loud but intermittent noise totally useless. The restaurant ratings are a perfect example: “quiet “ restaurants are still way too loud for anyone with a sensitivity disability, which are the people who need this app the most. I don’t expect miracles from a free app, but I expect SOME functionality.

Test it on an iPad

I gave the app only 3 stars because it runs on an iPad, but seem not to have been tested on one. The “start” button covers the line saying that samples must be at least 15 seconds. And if I try to submit with name and email, the pop up keyboard covers up the boxes I want to type in. Either fix the UI (probably straightforward) or mark the app as iPhone only. I tried to get a top 10 list and it said there weren’t enough submissions. I would like to be able to request a top-10 list for another location than my current one. Another location-related issue. I am in Mountain View, and I want to find a quiet restaurant in Palo Alto. I can’t set my location of interest in any way, so for every search I have to move the map from Mountain View Palo Alto again. This is going to be painful if I am looking for quiet restaurants farther away, like San Francisco.

App Privacy

The developer, Soundprint LLC , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• User Content
• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

You Might Also Like

NIOSH Sound Level Meter

dBMeter - Decibelmeter

Decibel : dB sound level meter

Permission Slip by CR

Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter

InnoCaption: Call Captioning

EXPLORE CALIFORNIA

Travel Alerts

Highway One’s Most Scenic Stops

Pull over along California’s classic road trip route—also known as the Pacific Coast Highway—for these essential spots

California’s coast-hugging Highway 1 is what dream drives are made of. The iconic roadway—which extends for more than 650 miles from  Dana Point  north to  Leggett —offers endless vistas overlooking the Pacific, with plenty of redwood trees and wildlife sightings along the way. The most well-known (and photographed) stretch runs along California’s Central Coast from  Santa Barbara  to  Monterey , passing by the unspoiled coastline of  Big Sur . Be sure to pull over at these must-see spots along the way, listed in order of south to north—which keep the panoramic ocean views on your left.

Regardless of where you start and end your Highway 1 journey, be sure to be a responsible outdoor recreationist. Though region-specific in name, the principles set forth in the Big Sur Pledge apply anywhere. It offers guidelines for respecting property, protecting natural resources, camping only where permitted, being mindful of fire risks, and driving safely on coastal roads.

Santa Barbara Mission

Old Mission Santa Barbara , established in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans and nicknamed “Queen of the Missions,” is a serene retreat from downtown Santa Barbara. Take time to stroll through the mission’s lovely gardens, including a collection of plants important to native Chumash Indians, and visit the historic cemetery. But do it quietly: this is still a practicing mission, with Franciscan friars in residence. For more background, consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the mission’s art and architecture. Another tour lets you visit the Huerta Historic Garden, which contains plantings that mimic those of the Mission Era (1769-1834). Plants here were gathered from those found at other mission sites, then cloned, grafted, or planted from cuttings and seeds. (More:  Santa Barbara Mission )

Pismo Beach

Whether you’re driving from the north or south on U.S. Highway 101, there’s an unforgettable moment as you reach  Pismo Beach . The coastal hills open up to reveal shimmering turquoise waters and long stretches of the  San Luis Obispo County  coastline, with glimpses of this classic beach town hugging the shore. Work your way toward the sands, through streets of beach cottages, surf shops, and clam chowder joints. Once you get there, the historic 1,200-foot-long Pismo Beach Pier beckons; built in 1928, it serves as a kind of town square for the community. Take a walk out over the waves to watch the surfers, or maybe try your hand at fishing (no license required) then stroll along the oceanfront boardwalk. Or just make tracks in the sand along what is one of the most walkable beaches in all of California. (More:  Pismo Beach )

Wildlife Watching In San Luis Obispo County

From flittering monarch butterflies as light as a feather to elephant seals that tip the scales at more than 5,000 pounds, San Luis Obispo County has an incredible variety of wildlife—and ways to see it. For starters, head to the rugged strip of coastline known as Piedras Blancas , roughly seven miles north of San Simeon. From observation areas above the sands, watch bellowing bull elephant seals as large as minivans battle for territory, while quieter, smaller females nurture their plump, cigar-shape pups. Knowledgeable docents are usually on site.

From late October into February, monarch butterflies migrate to the groves at  Pismo State Beach ; at Morro Bay, watch busy sea otters. Also in Morro Bay, scan the skies and waters for herons and egrets while also keeping one eye on the water for migrating blue, gray, and humpback whales. (More:  Wildlife Watching in San Luis Obispo County )

Hearst Castle

Mansions are a dime a dozen in California, but nothing comes close to  Hearst Castle . Completed in 1947, this extraordinary temple to opulence served as the private residence of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Now one of California’s most visited  state historical monuments , the 165-room castle is an eye-popping extravaganza with 127 acres of terraced gardens, sparkling fountains, and wraparound views of the sunny  Central Coast . Start your visit with one of Hearst Castle’s  daily tours  of the main house, or special tours of the  cottages ; come in November or December to see the estate dressed up in its very-festive holiday decor. Every tour provides visitors with an opportunity to spend time marveling at the residence’s  two lavish pools . (More:  Hearst Castle )

Just 11 miles down the  San Luis Obispo County  coast from Hearst Castle , charming  Cambria is an irresistible destination in its own right. The village’s commercial area is divided into two distinct sections along Main Street. With some buildings dating to the 19th century, Cambria’s East Village is the oldest part of town; in both West and East Villages you’ll find art galleries and eateries such as Linn’s Restaurant (get a slice of the famous olallieberry pie) and Madeline’s Restaurant & Wine Tasting Room , where Central Coast wines are poured by day and, in the evening, are paired with such favorites as lamb shank and a pan-seared duck breast. Across Highway 1,  Moonstone Beach  is lined with hotels; walk across the road and you can stroll above the surf on a bluff-top boardwalk. 

Limekiln State Park

Monterey County

As the name suggests,  Limekiln State Park  was once the site of a thriving limekiln operation, and short walks let you not only explore the ruins of four towering limekilns but also visit the park’s adjoining sandy beach. Fueled by felled redwoods and an integral part of cement production, the 19th-century kilns were eventually closed. Slowly, the forest around them recovered, and the second-growth redwood stands that thrive in this park today make for a pleasant and shady escape. Enjoy a hike to Limekiln Falls, take the easy jaunt to the park’s sandy beach, or pitch a tent in one of the 28 campsites—you can  reserve a site  up to six months in advance. (More:  Limekiln State Park )

With  Big Sur  views that can only be beaten if you’re a seagull, this cliff-topping restaurant rightfully makes it onto everyone’s bucket list. At  Nepenthe , located on  Highway 1  between Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge and Castro Canyon, the views stretch down the coast and the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge in fog-cloaked majesty to the deep blue Pacific. Take it in from a seat on the patio, a wide-open space that is the epitome of unfussiness (one of their Famous Ambrosiaburgers makes for the perfect accompaniment). Linger to also admire the main building, which was designed by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright’s, and hints at that master architect’s style of creating structures that are striking, yet at one with their environment. (More:  Nepenthe ) 

Bixby Bridge

Welcome to  Bixby Bridge , Big Sur’s version of the  Golden Gate —a must-see road trip spot for many and probably the most Instagrammed feature along the Highway 1  coastline . And rightly so. Pull over only at legal turnouts to get amazing views. From the bridge’s south end at sunset, the mind reels at not only the natural beauty, but the engineering feat in front of you. One of the highest bridges of its kind in the world, the concrete span soars 260 feet above the bottom of a steep canyon. A staggering 45,000 sacks of cement had to be hauled up the framework during its construction—and this is in 1932, before advanced heavy machinery could help do the lifting. Today (as always), the bridge is a favorite attraction for photographers, from professionals to those in search of the ultimate depth-of-field selfie. Use proper pullouts for photo ops and respect private property. If the turnouts north of the bridge are full then drive a couple minutes more to the turnouts on the southern side. (More:  Bixby Bridge )

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Want a short hike with a huge reward? The half-mile round-trip Waterfall Overlook Trail at  Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park  could be the biggest-bang-for-not-much-work hike on the planet. The almost-flat stroll ends at an oceanfront overlook with flawless views of McWay Falls, a favorite spot of Big Sur pioneer woman Julia Pfeiffer Burns, for whom the park is named. If you’re up for more of a leg stretch, also hike the one-mile round-trip  Partington Cove Trail . The steep but short hike leads over a wooden bridge down to a 60-foot tunnel. Walk through and emerge onto the rocky beach. A few of the trails at this picturesque state park are closed due to erosion—check the  trails section  of the park’s website for the latest information before traveling. (More:  Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park )

Carmel-by-the-Sea

The charms of this diminutive Monterey County town are many: Carmel Beach , a crescent of pale sand that gives way to turquoise Pacific, is only the beginning. Garden cottages here look plucked from the Brothers Grimm; they sit next to Mediterranean estates and modern ranches. Exceptional dining , wine-tasting rooms , boutiques , and nearly 100 art galleries line the town’s orderly grid of streets, and a Spanish mission sits at the southern end of it all. But it’s the greater environs that best represent this stretch of California, and that means venturing out. Navigate  17-Mile Drive  by car or bike, play a round at  Pebble Beach , book a surf lesson , or make for  Point Lobos State Reserve , where scuba divers and kayakers share the water with harbor seals and sea otters. When the day is almost done, hit the sand to admire the sunset over the Pacific with your  canine companion , and ponder why it is you don’t live here. (More:  Carmel-by-the-Sea ) 

Related Articles

Wildlife Watching in San Luis ...

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State ...

Traveler photos.

Tag #VISITCALIFORNIA on Instagram to have your trip featured on our page.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Sign up and get weekly travel inspiration and ideas.

I agree and consent to receive emails from Visit California and its partners with special offers and exclusive content and that I am at least 18 years old

Thank you for signing up

Get ready to Dream Big!

Shh...These Are The Quietest Places On Earth You Can Travel To

From plane re-routing to destinations so remote that not even its nature sounds overwhelm it, these destinations have the peace & quiet we're seeking.

On a planet with over seven billion human inhabitants, it can be challenging to find a quiet place to get away from it all. Those seeking solace have a lot to contend with—honking cars, planes flying overhead, forks clanking against teeth, toilets flushing, elevator music, and the list goes on and on. Even the forceful pressure of fingers in the ears isn't enough to drown out all the noise. These notably quiet places on earth offer relief from the chorus of everyday life in a way even the most top-of-the-line noise-canceling earplugs cannot.

10 Haleakala Crater - Hawaii

The dormant Haleakalā Volcano makes up most of the Hawaiian island of Maui , a travel destination that draws hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. The peak of Haleakalā rises over 10,000 feet above sea level, its crater a bed of dried lava void of vegetation.

Sound moves slower at higher elevations, though there is little sound to be moved here. The otherworldly landscape has little to offer wildlife, so visitors will feel a sort of aloneness that's at once peaceful and uncomfortable - like they are the only surviving creatures in an expanse of barren beauty.

9 Antarctica

It takes a brave soul to explore Antarctica, but those who do will be met with a quiet they never knew existed. The southernmost continent has remained mostly untouched by civilization. The ice-encased wilderness has a few settlements for the scientists who intermittently brave the cold in the name of research. Expedition vessels take eager tourists on multi-day adventures to explore the frozen wonderland, with plenty of opportunities to hike across the ice and find silent spots to appreciate a part of the world left to exist in its impressive natural state.

Related:  20 Mysterious Facts About Antarctica We Keep Ignoring

8 Hoh Rainforest - Olympic National Park, Washington

The Hoh Rainforest may be the most beautiful place in the world to find some peace and quiet. Thick moss blankets the trees and forest floor, providing an enchanting feel and working as a natural sound absorber. Dewdrops twinkle atop the leaves of ferns that look as though a fantasy author dreamed them up. Airlines have been rerouted to avoid passing overhead, saving Olympic National Park's magical rainforest from unnecessary sound pollution.

7 Kelso Dunes - Mojave Desert, California

Much like Antarctica, the harsh climate of the Mojave Desert keeps visitors at bay, which means those who don't mind a little heat are in for a treat. The collection of impressive rolling sandhills known as the Kelso Dunes makes it difficult for sound to travel long distances. With all the strength the legs can muster, hikers make their way to the tops of the dunes, some over 600 feet tall, and admire the silence of the desert.

6 Tak Be Ha Cenote - Tulum, Mexico

Those looking for quiet underground might be able to find it in Tulum if they make it to Cenote Tak Be Ha before the crowds arrive. It's only natural for people to be drawn to the planet's beauty, but with people comes noise, and one of the most beautiful things about Tak Be Ha is its silence.

Cenotes are natural wells formed by collapsed limestone bedrock, creating magical swimming holes filled with crystalline water and interesting rock formations. Neither light nor sound can penetrate the cave walls at Cenote Tak Be Ha, making it one of the quietest spots on the planet when one is lucky enough to experience it alone.

5 Landmannalaugar - Iceland

Like Hawaii, volcanoes are responsible for large portions of Iceland's landscape. Landmannalaugar is a region located within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, known for its stunning scenery and array of outdoor activities.  Adventurers travel through an environment shaped by volcanic eruptions, the landscape a spectacular smear of unbelievable colors. The volcanic craters in the Highlands provide ample opportunity for quiet isolation, and natural geothermal hot springs only enhance the relaxation of utter solitude.

4 Kronotsky Nature Reserve - Russia

Only 3,000 tourists are permitted access to Kronostky Nature Reserve a year, so it's unlikely travelers lucky enough to gain entry will be met with the sounds of other humans. The reserve is not without sound, but the noise is peaceful in its own right, echoing the power of nature with an occasional geyser eruption and the gentle whisper of a calming breeze.

3 Zabalo River Wilderness Quiet Park - Ecuador

The Amazon Rainforest is under constant, heartbreaking threat at the hands of humans thirsting for its land and resources. However, preservation is the goal at the Zabalo River Wilderness Quiet Park in Ecuador. Quiet Parks International named the park an oasis from noise pollution, with co-founder Gordon Hempton stating that "natural quiet has become an endangered species without people knowing it." Eco-tourist opportunities exist for those who'd like to witness the serenity of the Amazon unhindered by the buzz of modern life.

Related:  Stay Green: Best Eco-Friendly Destinations For 2022

2 Wadi Rum Protected Area - Jordan

In recent years, the Wadi Rum Protected Area has seen a rise in eco-tourism, the expanse of desert home to luxury camps focused on honoring the area's natural beauty. The UNESCO world heritage site boasts an astonishing number of prehistoric carvings in multiple languages, incredibly red rock formations used as natural backdrops for movies set on Mars, and colorful sunsets that give way to star-studded night skies. The quiet comes from the sheer size of the reserve, and visitors will have no problem finding their personal slice of natural silence.

1 Orfield Laboratories - Minnesota

Though Microsoft's Building 87 recently claimed the Guinness World Record for the quietest place on earth, it's worth noting that Orfield Laboratory is home to one of the most popular anechoic chambers on the planet. Though it's been said the longest anyone can stand to stay inside is 45 minutes, it seems this is more myth than fact. However, after a certain amount of time in the chamber, people can hear the sounds of bodily processes usually drowned out by other sounds, including the pumping of blood through the veins and gurgles of digestion.

Next:  20 Go-To Destinations For People Looking For Peace And Spiritual Growth

• Las Vegas Shooting
• Warming Arctic
• Taylor Swift
• CBS News Live
• Managing Your Money
• Newsletters

Watch CBS News

Could quiet soon go extinct? Meet the group working to preserve the world's remaining quiet places

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Stunning guesthouse in a zen garden downtown san jose ♥ of silicon valley, photo gallery for stunning guesthouse in a zen garden downtown san jose ♥ of silicon valley.

Overview of Stunning Guesthouse in a Zen garden Downtown San Jose ♥ of silicon valley

Exceptional, popular amenities.

• Barbecue grill
• Air conditioning
• Outdoor Space

Explore the area

• Popular Location SAP Center at San Jose 18 min walk
• Popular Location San Jose Center for the Performing Arts 3 min drive
• Popular Location San Pedro Square 3 min drive
• Airport San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) 8 min drive

Space details

About this property, entire place, property manager, property amenities.

• Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

• Parking on site
• Coffee/tea maker
• Cookware, dishware, and utensils
• Electric kettle
• Kitchenette
• Paper towels
• Refrigerator
• Bedsheets provided
• Bathtub or shower
• Toilet paper
• Towels provided

Entertainment

• TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

• Outdoor furniture
• Coin laundry
• Washing machine
• No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

• Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

• Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

• In the city center
• Near a hospital

Things to do

• Cycling nearby
• Golfing nearby
• Hiking/biking trails nearby
• Mountain biking nearby
• Swimming nearby

Safety features

• Carbon monoxide detector
• Deadbolt lock
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Smoke detector
• Property does not allow children
• Unit size: 400 square feet

Similar properties

Wonderful Place To Stay! Short Drive to Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

Visit Winchester Mystery House! Available Free Shuttle to San Jose Airport!

Great Pick! Unit with Kitchen, Free Breakfast, Outdoor Pool, Pet-friendly!

SJ Landmark Victoria Historic Building 1bd Unit 5

Brand New! Guest House - Modern Stylish & Central

SJ Landmark The Hensley House Master Suite with Bathtub Unit 1

Charming Hidden Cottage

Special check-in instructions, children and extra beds, important information, you need to know, property is also known as, about this area, what's nearby.

• SAP Center at San Jose - 18 min walk
• San Jose Center for the Performing Arts - 3 min drive
• San Pedro Square - 3 min drive
• San Jose Convention Center - 3 min drive
• San Jose Civic Auditorium - 4 min drive

Getting around

• San Jose Diridon Tram Stop - 13 min walk
• San Jose Diridon Station - 16 min walk
• Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

• McDonald's - 13 min walk
• The Breakfast Club - 15 min walk
• Luna Mexican Restaurant - 10 min walk
• Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen - 16 min walk
• Starbucks - 7 min walk

Frequently asked questions

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Located in Shasta-Hanchett Park, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and SAP Center at San Jose. San Jose Convention Center and San Jose State University are also within 3 mi (5 km). San Jose Diridon Tram Stop is 13 minutes by foot and San Fernando Station is 20 minutes.

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative. More information Opens in a new window

10/10 Excellent

Depeche mode concert stay, kristin s., pittsburgh, pa, san jose home, grace’s gotta go getaway, john, vancouver, expedia's latest trends, additional information about expedia group.

• Tour Account ›
• Travel Forum ›
• Travel Forum
• To the North
• Dingle, Ventry, o...

Dingle, Ventry, or Inch?

We're trying to decide where to stay for a couple of days on the Dingle peninsula. Part of me would like to stay on the water in Ventry or Inch, but I worry about missing parts of the Dingle experience (eg, the music). What was your favorite town on the peninsula? (Formal restaurants are not important to us... we're more interested in scenery and the experience of the area.) Your thoughts? Thanks!

Inch is only a short drive from Dingle. An amazing surf beach. We had lunch there overlooking the beach and then moved on to Dingle. Personally I would stay in Dingle. We stayed 3 nights at the lovely Lighthouse B & B which overlooks Dingle Bay. Make Dingle your base and head out from there every day.

Agree with Judy... stay in Dingle and drive from there, but whatever you do, don't miss Inch Beach... from what I remember there were some scandlous rumors about a vicar and an affair... really can't remember the details, but it doesn't matter... beautiful place. I took one of my all time favorite images there of a very old man taking a photograph of the completely empty beach except for one person walking..(I was there in Feb. a few years ago)

We also agree. Stay in Dingle - travel out from there - return at night an enjoy the local music. In addition to the pubs, at times there are fine local concerts in the churches, etc.

I agree also, stay in Dingle. It is awesome! We also stayed at the Lighthouse B&B and LOVED the views of Dingle Bay from so many of the rooms. Denis and Mary were also very interesting to talk to. Dingle was my favorite town and The Lighthouse my favorite B&B of the whole trip. Don't miss the Slea Head Drive around Dingle Peninsula.

Thanks so much for the guidance! It sounds like Dingle it is, and I'll check for availability at Lighthouse B&B.

100% agree with everyone, Dingle is a perfect place to stay, it's small and easy to navigate, a great jumping off place for day tours, and has some fantastic live music and great pubs. Dingle is my favorite place in all of Ireland. In terms of where to stay, I highly recommend Emlagh Lodge Maggie was wonderful, and it was by far the cleanest place we stayed in our entire trip. The breakfasts are fantastic, views amazing, and a short walk into town by two different paths (a footpath along the water, or the main street in town). It's a little way out of town, so it's extremely quiet, but an easy walk into restaurants and bars. Enjoy!! Erin

Dingle!! We stayed at the Milestone House and loved it. They provide you with a hand-drawn map of the peninsula and another of the town, both with great recommendations of what to see. They also serve an awesome breakfast! We stayed in room #1, with a very nice view of the water.

We just got back from Dingle and also had a wonderful stay at the Milestone House- the breakfasts were amazing and the hosts were just lovely people and so helpful. You mentioned wanting to experience the area- we booked a 4 hr tour of Slea Head with Denis Ryan of Dingle Tours and it was the highlight of our time in Dingle. Getting to know a local, hearing history and folklore of the area, just made us appreciate and connect with Dingle so much more. Enjoy your trip!

I vote for Dingle and I loved Heaton's B&B. Beautiful B&B and wonderful, kind host. The breakfast was the best we had in all of Ireland.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.