An Unplugged Summer Vacation: 4 Places to Go When You Want to Disconnect

Hello, natural beauty and good-bye, digital distractions! Sometimes, the best thing you can do is power down. And an unplugged summer vacation is the perfect excuse to do just that. Don’t worry; you don’t have to go totally off-grid. Destinations that prioritize nature, fresh air, and slowing down make it easy to leave your phone behind and truly be present.

Ready to disconnect from the digital and reconnect with real life? These spots make it easy!

• Block Island, RI

  Quaint and quiet, for a double win!

  Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, charming Block Island offers 17 miles of beaches, bluffs, and bike paths. Mohegan Bluffs is a gentle but gorgeous hike, where the dramatic landscape frames gorgeous coastal views.

  Bringing the kids? Town Beach offers food, chairs, and umbrellas for a perfectly planned family beach day! Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are also popular outdoor activities. That waterfront vibe carries over to local eateries, where fresh seafood, especially oysters and lobster rolls, is a must.

  And with the island’s notoriously spotty Wi-Fi, you won’t even have to put your phone in airplane mode.

  Best Unplugged Summer Vacation for: coastal charm and calm

• Hanalei, HI

  Where the only connection you need is to nature!

  You’ll forget all about your phone at this lush North Shore surf town.

  In the summer, smaller, gentler waves make Hanalei the ideal spot for beginner and intermediate surfers. Rent a board, paddle out, and you’ll be hanging ten with the locals in no time! Other activities are also focused on the water. Try paddleboarding the river, snorkeling in the bay, or hiking to the nearby waterfalls.

  There’s definitely a focus on wireless wellness in Hanalei. Yoga studios offer sunrise classes on the beach, while juice bars and food trucks feature locally grown ingredients.

  Best Unplugged Summer Vacation for: presence with a tropical twist

• Joshua Tree, CA

  Ready to head off-grid?

  You might be surprised that such a disconnected spot exists in California. But Joshua Tree’s surreal, almost stark landscape is the perfect antidote to L.A.’s uber-connectivity.

  The town borders Joshua Tree National Park, with its distinct trees and rock formations. You’ll enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation. Hiking and bouldering keep you active outdoors. But when you’re ready to relax, the wellness scene takes over. Sound baths, open-air yoga, and boutique spas offer peace and grounding.

  The Joshua Tree vibe is definitely screen-free. Off-grid Airbnbs and artist-built homes have spotty Wi-Fi. But with sunset walks among the cacti and silent nights under the Milky Way, we’re betting you won’t even notice!

  Best Unplugged Summer Vacation for: wide open skies

• Mackinac Island, MI

  So unplugged, you can’t even drive!

  Yes, you read that right. Mackinac Island is one of the few places in the country where cars are banned.

  Instead, you’ll be getting around by foot, bike, or (most charmingly!) by horse-drawn carriage. But you’ll quickly discover that Mackinack is well worth a bit of walking.

  Surrounded by Lake Huron’s fresh waters, you’ll find miles of scenic shorelines perfect for quiet strolls. Or go for a sunrise hike along the bluffs, where the fresh lake air and peaceful views are the ultimate reset button.

  With no cars, historic hotels, and sweet ice cream parlors, a visit to Mackinac is like stepping into another century!

  Best Unplugged Summer Vacation for: wandering without Wi-Fi

Does your ideal summer vacation mean less screen time and more sunshine? These destinations give you all the reasons you need to log off—and stay logged off.

And to make your trip feel as effortless as your digital detox, ship your bags to your final destination with LugLess. No worrying about bags, no stress at baggage claim. So your peaceful getaway can start even before you board the plane!