We can't always control what makes us overwhelmed, stressed and anxious, but we maintain a responsibility to ourselves to address the feelings when they come. Sometimes the antidote is an escape.

Traveling is a powerful form of self-care. Removing ourselves from our daily grind can reset our brains and recharge our spirits, if we do it mindfully. If you're a fill-the-itinerary-to-the-brim kind of traveler, it might be time to change your perspective. In Madison, there's plenty of ways to explore the city without the pressure and exhaustion of a packed schedule. 

If you're looking to escape reality for a weekend, or even longer, these Madison experiences are for you.

Relax

The most obvious way to unwind on vacation is to seek relaxing experiences. Madison has a reputation for prioritizing wellness, making it easy to find experiences that force your mind, body and spirit to rest.

Amor y Asana

Yoga is one of the world's oldest methods of relaxation combining movement, breathwork and mindfulness to make a getaway of the mind and body. One of yoga's greatest benefits is it can be done anywhere and requires little preparation or equipment. Amor y Asana hosts yoga classes entirely in Spanish throughout the community, including outdoor and rooftop classes during warmer seasons.

Pro tip: Check out our events calendar for an updated lineup of Amor y Asana classes. 

The Edgewater Spa

Cut back on travel time by booking your hotel stay and relaxing experience in one place. The Edgewater Spa inside the hotel of the same name is open to hotel guests and the public alike. Their impressive lineup of spa services includes massages, body treatments, nail packages and more. Specialty treatments like couples stress relief massages and custom circadia facials provide personalized treatments to get to the root of your relaxation needs.

The Edgewater sits on the lakeshore of Lake Mendota, adding to the serene vibes of staying in this historic venue. 

Pro tip: Edgewater runs seasonal spa and overnight stay packages to help you spend less and relax more.

Kosa Spa

One visit to Kosa Spa could help you go home with a system to curb stress and anxiety long term. Kosa uses Ayurvedic practices, an Indian art of medicine that translates to the “science of life” or “the art of longevity.” Ayurveda takes a seasonal healing approach and when used holistically involves body treatment, diet, skincare and more. 

Kosa offers facials, massages, scrubs, a sauna and more that are perfect for those wanting to embrace Ayurveda or just looking for a one-time relaxing experience. The space is designed to encourage you to take your time and enjoy community or quiet moments alone while sipping on tea, reading a book, chatting with friends or whatever else helps you unwind.

Pro tip: Tuesdays are Community Spa Days where you have access to the space and detoxifying contrast therapy for a discounted price.  

Mala Yoga Studio

Those turning to yoga for relaxation can find a bevvy of offerings at Mala Yoga Studio in Monona. The studio takes a comprehensive approach to yoga and its properties offering events, workshops, massages, Reiki, Ashtanga and more. Owner Kat McMullin's mission is "to hold space for authentic self-expression and healing for people of all identities—embracing diversity in race, gender, age, orientation, culture, ability, religion and more." She uses the mission and the studio to support social justice causes and offers an allyship program to help people join the studio who cannot afford the standard pricing. 

Pro tip: Book a private group retreat for a full or half day of relaxation with your closest pals.

Float Madison

Our lives are filled with near constant stimulation, which can contribute to feeling overwhelmed, stressed and anxious. Float Madison offers a complete reprieve from all the sights, sounds, notifications, conversations, headlines and noise coming at us at all times. Sensory deprivation and flotation therapy offers your body 60 minutes of relief from pain, tightness and mental noise. 

Pro tip: Check out Float's FAQs before going to learn more about the dos and don'ts of float therapy.

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Immerse

Losing yourself in a new environment is a great mental and physical escape. These experiences will immerse you in something new and let you block out the distractions of reality.

Bolz Conservatory

You can explore a tropical paradise all year long, right in Madison. The Bolz Conservatory at Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a 100 square-foot pyramid filled with more than 475 different species of plants and kept balmy at temps between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You're welcome to take your time exploring the hundreds of plants and meeting some animals along the way. Peek behind leaves to find canaries, quails and waxbills and look into the flowing ponds to find colorful koi.

Pro tip: Bring a book or a quiet activity to enjoy while surrounded by stunning scenes.

Ed-Ventures

We believe the best souvenir you can get is something you make with your own hands, or a skill you can bring home with you. Taking a class, workshop or educational event while you travel is an unique (and very fun) way to see the world. We call these experiences ed-ventures. Madison offers ed-ventures in art, cooking, rock climbing, ice fishing, mustard tasting, gin making and way more. 

Pro tip: Ed-ventures make for great experiential gifts.

Museums

Getting lost in the wonders of a museum isn't unique to Madison, but the accessibility to museums in our city is one of a kind. The capital city is home to four free museums, three of which are within one mile of each other. The Madison Children's Museum has a small admission fee and is a wonderful escape for families to play and learn. Let art, history and maybe a bit of mustard take you on a journey away from your worries.

Free museums

Pro tip: Come back in 2026 to visit the brand new Wisconsin History Museum, which is currently under construction.

Taliesin

Amid the rolling scenic hills of Wisconsin's Driftless region sits the home of one of history's greatest architects. Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin is a stunning 800-acre estate with buildings from nearly every era of Wright's career including his home, studio, the Hillside School, Unity Chapel and more. Go back in time and dive into Wright's mind as you learn about his philosophies, inspirations and complicated personal history.

Pro tip: See more of Wright's designs in Madison at Monona Terrace and the Unitarian Meeting House.

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Unplug

Hard as it might be to believe, there are still some places you can go totally analog. It's difficult to fully escape while still tethered to our devices. Here are some experiences where you can unplug and get away from the world's chaos.

Lakes

There's a magical feeling of calm that washes over you when leave the shoreline and head out to open water. Madison is home to five lakes where you can row, paddle, swim or float away your worries. Put your phone in a wet bag and say "c'est la vie" to whatever you need time away from.

Pro tip: You don't need your own equipment to enjoy the lakes. There are multiple watercraft rental spots throughout the Greater Madison Area.

La Brioche

Madison's culinary scene is home to many restaurants that have joined the slow food movement, but perhaps none are as committed as La Brioche True Food. Their mission says it all: "Our intention is that you find a space here for yourself, removed from the hustle-bustle outside, that you breathe and relax into yourself, connecting with loved ones, remembering what is true in your life."

In line with this mission, La Brioche has signs around the restaurant discouraging you from using your phone while in the space. This makes for a perfect retreat for silent moments of joy or great conversations with friends.

Pro tip: The restaurant is split into three areas; fast chi, medium chi and slow chi. These areas reflect the energy that surrounds it, so be intentional where you sit for the maximum benefits.

Game halls and cafes

Analog entertainment like books, arts and crafts, vinyl collecting and board game are becoming increasingly popular, especially for those looking to limit screen time. The perfect venue to escape into games of fantasy, mystery, puzzles and more are gaming spaces like Roll Play at Garver Feed Mill and Noble Knight Games.

Roll Play is a board games cafe serving southeast Asian dishes and treats like taiyaki, bibimbap, milk tea and more. They offer dozens of board games to enjoy while you hang out with friends or play a one-player game while snacking. 

Noble Knight Games is a new and pre-used game-selling mecca with a retail store and gaming hall in Fitchburg. The gaming hall hosts regular themed nights for people who play specialty games like Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer, Magic the Gathering and more. The space is also open for free play and has dozens of board games available to try out with friends.

Pro tip: If you don't know where to begin, ask the staff for game recommendations. The teams at Roll Play and Noble Knight are knowledgeable and passionate about the games they love.

Trails

Walk, bike, hike or roll your stress away on more than 200 miles of scenic trails in the Greater Madison Area. Routes like the Lake Monona Loop, Picnic Point and the trails within the UW Arboretum are well-loved by visitors because of their accessibility and beautiful scenery. 

Pro tip: You don't need to bring your own bike to ride in Madison. Check out BCycle electric bike rentals throughout the city for a fun and easy way to get around.

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