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Every summer everyone flocks to some of the most popular cities and towns in the United States. But what if instead of spending time in Boston, New York or San Francisco, you tried somewhere new? There are so many incredible hidden gems in the USA you might never have even thought about visiting. Or maybe haven’t even heard of. So read on to find some new ideas and recommendations of some of the best small towns in the United States for your next weekend away or stop on a long road trip.
Best small towns in the United States to see this year
Small mountain towns, charming coastal areas and rural places close to National Parks and forested trails. The great thing about the USA is that there are so many varied climates and different regions that all have their fair share of adorable hidden gems.
And while you may have heard of some of these best small towns in the United States, there are bound to be some new ones for you here too.
La Conner, Washington
Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest is the small historic town of La Conner. With less than 1000 residents, this tiny town along Skagit Bay is relatively unheard of. Unless you go during tulip season. In April La Conner hosts the popular annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
But tulip festival or not, there are a lot of things to do in La Conner. Start by visiting the free Museum of Northwest Art to see works from local artists. La Conner also has dozens of cute shops: homeware and interior décor, locally made crafts and clothing.
Walk the Swinomish Park Boardwalk and watch the boats go past – don’t forget to look out for eagles. Then head back to the main street for some refreshments. La Conner Brewing make some delicious local craft beer, and the Calico Cupboard Old Town Cafe has a fabulous bakery and amazingly huge breakfasts.
A short drive from La Conner is the equally cute town of Anacortes, gateway to the San Juan Islands. Perfect for a few days of solitude on beautiful unspoiled coastal areas. Along the way, stop at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge for a few hands of blackjack or try your luck at the slots.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Contributed by Tegan & Alex from Why Not Walk Travel Guides
Chapel Hill, North Carolina is best-known for being the home to the flagship campus of the University of North Carolina. It is a fantastic day trip if you’re visiting larger cities such as Raleigh or Durham.
UNC is the oldest public university in the U.S., founded in 1789. It has gorgeous neoclassical architecture, some of which dates back to the founding of the school. Definitely set aside some time for a walking tour of campus, culminating in a visit to the Ackland Art Museum and the acclaimed Morehead Planetarium, both on campus.
Chapel Hill also has a fantastic culinary scene, featuring everything from mouth-watering Southern food at Crook’s Corner or Mama Dip’s to quick bites at Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen, Merritt’s, or Mediterranean Deli. If you’re seeking to splurge on lodging, definitely consider staying at the Carolina Inn, which sits on the foundations of the town of Chapel Hill and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
There’s definitely a reason why Chapel Hill is called “the Southern part of Heaven,” and you’ll get small-town charm, gorgeous historic architecture, and year-round beautiful weather in spades here. Go Heels!
Bishop, California
Contributed by Carol from California Crossings
Bishop, California is definitely an off-the-radar destination, and one of the best small towns in the United States. It sits in the foothills of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The steep mountains of the Sierras drop off sharply to a spare desert valley floor. There is a 147-mile corridor along the Eastern Sierras, which is one of the most scenic drives in California.
Bishop sit squarely in the middle of that scenic byway. The town itself has some cool offerings with the annual Mule Days rodeo, the Laws Railroad Museum (which is a replica town from the 1920’s), the Shoshone Interpretive Museum and Schaat’s Bakery (which is the best European bakery this side of Atlantic).
But Bishop also makes a great base of operations for exploring the Eastern Sierra’s many natural wonders. You can take a hike around nearby Convict Lake, do a scenic up Bishop Canyon to Lake Sabrina and see cool geology like the Hot Creek Geologic site.
Plan to spend at least 3-5 days exploring the area. There is a lot of nearby camping, but if you want a bed, try the Creekside Inn in Bishop.
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Contributed by Martin from Travel Explorator
Manitowoc is a medium-sized city in Wisconsin. It’s located right by Lake Michigan and the Manitowoc River. Due to its location, it offers many beautiful views of the lake. There are plenty of activities to do for every type of traveler. Lone travelers, couples, and families can find something everyone will like with the numerous restaurants, museums, and outdoor landscapes found here.
One of the most visited attractions in Manitowoc is the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. It’s located right on the coastline of Lake Michigan. It’s nearly 60,000 square feet in size and offers exhibits on everything related to the sea. Apart from the one above, you also have the Rahr West Art Museum. Art enthusiasts will like this one as it has various pieces of art from all around the world.
Another unique spot in the area to visit is the Sputnik crash site. It’s the exact spot where a piece of the Sputnik IV Russian satellite crashed more than 60 years ago. There is even an annual Sputnikfest festival that is dedicated to the event. You can learn more about space and the event at the site.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Contributed by Elena from The Carry-On Chronicles
The island gem of Massachusetts, Nantucket is one of the most beautiful places in all of New England. And also houses one of the best small towns in the United States. Located off the southern coast of Cape Cod, this picturesque island is highly sought out – particularly by East Coasters – for its remote nature, scenic coastal views, and historic charm.
While exploring Nantucket, travelers should pay a visit to at least one of the island’s three beautiful lighthouses. Brant Point Lighthouse is closest to the ferry, while Sankaty Head Light is located on the eastern end of the island. Alternatively, Great Point Lighthouse is only reachable by Jeep. Although Nantucket is moderately walkable, visitors should definitely consider renting a car to get around while on the island, as opposed to bringing one over on the traditional ferry.
Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing afternoon with a cold brew in hand at Cisco Brewers, the island’s popular craft brewery. After a fun day exploring the island, travelers will love relaxing at the beloved White Elephant, Nantucket’s top luxury hotel.
Hilo, Hawaii
Everyone knows the popular tourist hot spots in Hawaii on Oahu and Maui, but the Big Island is a little lesser known. One of the nicest small towns in Hawaii, if not one of the best small towns in the United States, is Hilo.
Right on the ocean front there are wonderful beach parks and scenic walks. But Hilo is also home to many farming areas including sugarcane and cacao plantations, an important industry in Hawaii. In fact, you can visit a cacao plantation in Hilo and take a farm to bar chocolate tour that ends with some delicious tastings.
Hilo has a beautiful Japanese Garden complete with teahouse and ornate bridges. Well worth a relaxing afternoon stroll. As are the quaint streets of Hilo with heritage buildings and beautiful street art murals dotting various corners.
About a 45 minute drive from Hilo is Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Possibly the most unique national park in the USA, it’s a seriously interesting place to explore.
Eugene, Oregon
Contributed by Jan from Leisurely Drives
Just two hours from Portland in Oregon, Eugene is one of the best small towns in the United States. Full of parks, greenery, waterways it is popular for hiking, walking and bicycling options. It is the perfect town for overnight or a weekend stopover, especially while on long drives between Seattle and San Francisco.
The top trails and biking paths are along both sides of the beautiful Willamette River that passes through Eugene. There are many pedestrian footbridges connecting north and south banks of the trail and photo opportunities along these paths.
Eugene is also a University town with the popular University of Oregon located here. The 78-acre Hendricks park, the oldest city park is located south to the University of Oregon campus. Popular with tree lovers and botanists, it has a mature forest, a 12-acre rhododendron garden and a native plant garden.
Mount Pisgah and Alton Park are two other places ideal for hiking and walking. In addition, the McKenzie river and waterfalls loop connects with the McKenzie River Trail – a beautiful 2.5 mile hike with multiple viewpoints for the waterfalls. Stay at Best Western New Oregon or Graduate Eugene – two good choices just minutes from the Alton Baker Park and Downtown Eugene.
Matlacha, Florida
Contributed by Lori from Naples Florida Travel Guide
There are many quaint towns along the Florida coast, but one that really stands out is Matlacha, Florida (mat-la-shay) on the southwest Gulf coast. This tiny island surrounded by water and nestled between north Cape Coral and Pine Island is one of the most colorful places in Florida.
Along either side of the two lane road running through Matlacha are shops, art galleries, antiques, and a few excellent places to grab a bite and a cold one. Find a place to park and slip into the very cool and colorful vibe. Everything is painted in bright neon colors, even the telephone poles. It’s all part of the laid back artsy style.
This is a great place to spend an afternoon browsing shops and unique art galleries like Leoma Lovegrove’s colorful shop. Matlacha boasts some of the best saltwater fishing in the world, from a boat, kayak, or from “The World’s Fishingest Bridge”.
The waters around the island are teeming with shore and wading birds, and often manatees grazing in the shallows.
The salty laid-back vibe of Old Florida and lots to do make this quaint fishing village a very unique place to visit.
Ocean City, Maryland
Contributed by Denise from Chef Denise
Tucked away on the Delmarva peninsula, Ocean City, Maryland is less than a 3 hour drive from the closest metropolitan areas of Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia.
Besides being the While Marlin capital of the world, this summer resort town offers 10 miles of sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean, with all of the usual water sport activities available.
If that’s not exciting enough, 3 miles of beach boardwalk provides amusement park rides, souvenir shops, and lots of bars, restaurants, and snacks. Don’t leave without trying the local’s favorite: Thrasher’s French Fries. The other must-eat food is Maryland Blue Crab. The best Ocean City restaurants for a traditional crab feast are Waterman’s and Hopper’s.
Just 8 miles away, get back to nature on Assategue Island and search for wild horses and over 200 species of birds on the trails, dunes, and beach. On the way back to Ocean City, visit the charming town of Berlin where they filmed the movie Runaway Bride. Pop into a gallery, shop for antiques, or just take a relaxing stroll.
Golden, Colorado
Only a 30 minute drive from downtown Denver, the town of Golden, Colorado is like heading back in time. The mid-19th Century gold-rush really made the town boom – and it has retained that old western charm.
So many people who visit Denver unfortunately overlook it. But the town has many fun activities to fill a day. Visit unique stores to buy local crafts, or explore the Golden History Museum if you want to learn more about the area.
Stop for a bite to eat in one of the city’s cute cafes, or sample some local craft beer at one of the city’s breweries. Golden is famous for being home to the Coors Brewery – you can also take a tour of it.
Golden is a great place if you love the outdoors. Lots of hikes in the nearby Rocky Mountain national park, or try some water sports along Clear Creek which runs through town. Tubing is really popular, as are some more energetic water sports along the white water rapids.
If you don’t have a car, you can still get to Golden from Denver by the light rail system, but make sure you add it to your Colorado itinerary.
Santa Cruz, California
Contributed by Ale from Sea Salt & Fog
Santa Cruz is a small California beach town with perfect weather. Located about an hour and a half south of San Francisco, the town is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and redwood forests.
There’s many things to do in Santa Cruz, but one of the most iconic is visiting the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This beachfront amusement park has roller coasters, funnel cakes, and easy access to the water. In the summer months, the town puts on classic movies at the boardwalk beach!
From the boardwalk, walk to the Santa Cruz wharf to see sea lion lounging around. If you keep walking up the road, you’ll hit Westcliff drive, a beautiful, scenic walk where you get ocean views and sandy beaches.
To get off the beaten path, visit Wilder Ranch to get stunning ocean views. Continuing a few miles north of Santa Cruz on highway one, you’ll find secluded beaches perfect for relaxing.
If you want to stay by the water, plan to stay at the Dream Inn – the only hotel directly on the beach. Plan to dress in layers when visiting the central California coast, the sunny weather can quickly get cold when the fog rolls in!
Blanding, Utah
Contributed by Megan from Red Around The World
Blanding is a tiny little town in Utah, not too far from the outdoor paradise that is Moab. Most people just drive through it between Moab and Monument Valley. But it’s worth spending a day or two there because the surrounding area is amazing, especially for history buffs.
The Prospector Motor Lodge is a good budget-friendly hotel option but if you want something a little fancier, try the Stone Lizard Lodge. Food options are fairly limited here, but breakfast at Yak’s is a must.
There are tons of things to do in Blanding, especially for outdoors and history lovers. One of the best hikes, for sure, is to House on Fire. It’s just a mile long to an Anasazi ruin site that, in the right light (10-11AM) looks like it’s on fire.
The Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, Butler Wash Ruins, Valley of the Gods, Five Kiva Pueblo, and Natural Bridges National Monument are some other great activities. If you visit any ruin site, just please visit respectfully. Don’t remove any artifacts or rock art, don’t touch rock art, and don’t squeeze into any structures.
Blanding may not seem like a lot at first drive-through. But it is so central to so many great outdoor adventures and really is one of the best small towns in the United States.
Jackson, Wyoming
Contributed by Utkarsh from Journeys From Heart
Jackson Hole is one of the lesser known paradises in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Valley whose popularity is growing by the day. Due to its proximity to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks it throws huge opportunities to all the adventure enthusiast.
One can reach here via Jackson International Airport. There are 3 ski stations that have been developed which has made the place a great attraction for all snow related adventure activities like skiing and snowboarding, dog sledding tours and snowshoeing.
Also due to a mountain valley one can also find opportunities for trekking, witnessing wildlife, enjoying hot springs, rafting, camping, fishing and many more. The plethora of adventure activities and vacation experiences is making Jackson a popular choice both for summers and winters.
There are many accommodation option available including hotels, resorts etc. Hotel Terra Jackson Hole would be one nice recommendation. The best time to visit would be April, May, September and October. However if you’re looking for skiing, winter is the time for you.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Contributed by Joseph from The Culture Portrait
The town of Bethlehem is located in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, in the heart of the Lehigh Valley. One of the best small towns in the United States, be sure to visit during Bethlehem’s two flagship events.
In the summer, a lively music festival called Musikfest, is the United States’ largest free music festival.
In winter, the town becomes no less special. Bethlehem has been dubbed “Christmas City” because of the beautiful decorations around the town during Christmas and its unique Christmas market. The Christkindlmarket, one of the best Christmas markets in the U.S., features lovely hand-made crafts from around 150 artisans.
An added perk of visiting Bethlehem is a college called Lehigh University, which has a wonderful campus that is nothing short of beautiful.
If you love Christian history, you’ll also enjoy visiting Historic Moravian Bethlehem, a newly designated National Historic Landmark District. The Moravian Bookshop, the oldest bookstore in America and the Moravian Museum, which showcases the history of Christian Moravian settlers who came from Germany, are also incredible activities.
Overall, the Christmas City is a perfect addition to your bucket list of lesser-known towns to visit in the US, and a great holiday destination.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Contributed by Erin from Sand Sun And Messy Buns
Blowing Rock is a small mountain town in NC, located 2 hours northeast of Asheville. The town got its name from a legend about two star-crossed lovers who were separated when the young male leapt from the “Blowing Rock” to the valley below – where he then disappeared into the woods. The girl prayed daily for his return until a strong gust of wind finally blew him back onto the rock and into her waiting arms!
The area has plenty of activities to suit a variety of age groups. There are beautiful hiking trails along the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, and Grandfather Mountain features a wildlife habitat and one of the highest suspension bridges on the East Coast.
Downtown Blowing Rock is known for its beautiful gardens, a thriving art scene, and lots of unique local shops and restaurants. Families traveling with kids can take them to visit Mystery Hill, where they can defy gravity, or to hunt for real gold nuggets at Doc’s Mine.
Riding the train at Tweetsie Railroad is another fun activity. You won’t easily run out of things to do in Blowing Rock! One of the most popular hotels in the area is Chetola Resort.
Watkins Glen, New York
Contributed by Kelly from Girl With The Passport
Without a doubt one of the best small towns in the United States is Watkins Glen, NY. Not only is it one of the most romantic getaways in upstate New York, but there are a ton of fun things to do there.
I mean, it sits along stunning Seneca Lake with picturesque cruises and is home to the amazing Watkins Glen State Park. So, if you can only do one thing while you’re here, definitely go for a beyond scenic hike along the Gorge Trail so that you can marvel at the ever-awesome, Rainbow Falls. If you can, also try to arrive early and just in time for New York’s stunning fall foliage for the ultimate USA getaway.
Afterward, take advantage of of this tiny town’s epic location in the Finger Lakes region. Because believe it or not, Watkins Glen is within close proximity to thirty-one different vineyards and wineries, with the family-run, Lakewood Vineyards being one of my personal faves.
Finally, enjoy some authentic BBQ at Nickel’s Pit before unwinding for the night inside one of the rooms at the always amazing, Idlewilde Inn. Trust me, the staff are amazing and the rooms ooze historic charm with lovely four-poster beds and private decks.
Hood River, Oregon
Contributed by Matt & Alysha from West Coast Wayfarers
Hood River is just an hour outside of Portland, but the small town along the Columbia River Gorge feels like a whole different world. Trade Portland’s tall buildings and never-ending network of highways for apple orchards and wineries.
There are a couple of things to do in Hood River that should be on everyone’s list for their visit.
Drive the fruit loop scenic drive through the fertile Hood River Valley. Make stops for u-pick cherries and other fruit in the summertime, wine tasting (Stave and Stone Winery has a great view of Mt. Adams), and blooming lavender fields in July or August.
Also the Columbia River Gorge is known as a top windsurfing destination. Never tried it before? Take a lesson! You can also rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards for a more relaxing trip out on the water.
Hiking around the Columbia River Gorge is also incredible. Hike to Latourell Falls, towering Multnomah Falls, and Dry Creek Falls, some of the best waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. And in late spring you’ll find the hills of nearby Dog Mountain covered in wildflowers of all colors.
Whatever you choose to do in Hood River, make sure to grab a locally brewed beer at one of the many breweries in town such as pFriem or Full Sail.
Holland, Michigan
Contributed by Kris from My Michigan Travel
Located on the west side of Michigan, Holland is a dreamy town most popular in spring and summer. Founded by Dutch settlers, the city is very proud of its heritage with many of the top things to do in Holland focused around that.
It’s home to the United States’ only real, working Dutch windmill. Purchased in the Netherlands, it was shipped to its present park location, Windmill Island Gardens. The city comes to life annually when the Tulip Time festival celebrates the blooming of millions of the flowers all over the city, but most spectacularly in this park.
For a different kind of attraction, head to the west side of town to lounge on the beaches at Holland State Park. You’ll find a wide stretch of sand with perfect Lake Michigan waves washing up along the shore with a beautiful red lighthouse to enhance the scene.
Downtown Holland has several boutique and chain hotels, but the most coveted lodging is found in the state park’s campgrounds due to their proximity to the beaches and the gorgeous Great Lakes sunsets. Weekend reservations can sell out as soon as they are released.
Top Tip: Visit late April to early May to see the city at its most beautiful during peak tulip bloom.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Contributed by Constance from The Adventures Of Panda Bear
Kona, Hawaii is one of the best places to visit on the Big Island. With its small town charm in the middle of tropical paradise, there is so much to do there aside from enjoying the beaches. Be sure to visit the Kona Farmers Market as well as a renowned coffee farm.
Practically an all-day affair, Kona Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays through Saturdays between 7am and 4pm. During those times, you’ll catch a glimpse of stalls lining Ali’i Drive with various goodies including local produce, flowers, and handmade art. Typically there are over 40 vendors throughout the market, you’ll be sure to find something that strikes your fancy.
Known worldwide for its namesake coffee, visiting Kona provides one of the best opportunities to visit a coffee farm. There are a few well known farms throughout the area including Hula Daddy, Kona Joe, and Kona Coffee History Living Farm. During your visit you’ll get a chance to sample various coffees as well as learn about the coffee growing process. It’s a great way to learn about Hawaii’s most famous crop.
Jacksonville, Oregon
In Southern Oregon just outside of the city of Medford is picturesque Jacksonville. It could arguably be one of the best small towns in the United States for anyone who loves boutique shops and antiques. And there are more than enough friendly neighborhood restaurants.
A stroll up and down the streets looking at some of the beautiful buildings and houses is a great afternoon activity. Or consider taking a historic trolley tour. The town has been around since the mid 1800s when gold was found nearby, and the town was incorporated. Which means there’s plenty to learn about Jacksonville.
Wine lovers will appreciate the 7 fantastic wineries around Jacksonville. Sample locally made wine at the tasting rooms and enjoy the views while you’re at it. More of an outdoors fan? There are numerous trails and hikes in and around Jacksonville Oregon. Forest Park is somewhere you’ll really want to check out.
Why these are some of the best small towns in the United States
Of course there are so many more unique places to visit around the USA than just these 20 towns. But with ideas from coast to coast (and beyond) these captivating destinations are worthy of adding to your list. Enhance your city itineraries with a trip somewhere a little more off the beaten path. Or plan your summer road trip around some of these less frequented spots where small-town charm is as abundant as delicious bakeries and delightful architecture.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Which of these do you think looks like the best small towns in the United States? Can you think of any others?
Thank you for introducing me to so many of these amazing small towns! I’m surprised how unfamiliar most of these were. Holland and Matlacha both look so beautiful, and I’ve heard great things about Golden. So many places in the US to discover!
Such a great list! But you had me at Nantucket. I definitely want to visit that pretty coastal town. Jackson has long been on my radar for those gorgeous landscape vistas.
I love visiting small towns and have yet to explore the USA! Jackson looks like it’s straight out of “Little House on the Prairie” & Matlacha looks so colourful! I’ll save this for later!
Thank you for sharing so many small towns in the US. It is the places like these that have all the charm and beauty. I can’t wait to visit one of thee towns and spend some days there.
WOW, Matlacha looks incredible! I used to spend winters nearby at Marco Island and never even heard of it. Thanks for sharing!
When I’m travelling I love to visit as many little towns and villages as well – I usually prefer them to bigger cities. This is a great list you’ve put together and some of these ones in the states really appeal to me!
I have friends in Washington State and they have never mentioned La Connor when I visit them. I must get them to show me around it. They did take me to the Hood River area and it was wonderfully green and unspoilt. Love the mural for Chapel Hill.
I have passed through Eugene but never stopped – I clearly missed a lot there. Great collection of places, remnded me that beauty is not always in just the famous, huge places.
While I love living and basing myself in big cities, I do really enjoy visiting small towns. There is quite a few on this list that I have never heard of. Chapel Hill sounds really interesting with the architecture and the food scene. I always find the college towns are fun too.
I loved this guide! So handy for when I can come to explore the states. Definitely saving this for later!
I’m so honored to have been included in this awesome post! It’s given me so much inspiration for another US trip. I think I have my eye on Blowing Rock!
Eugene, Oregon sounds like such a dream! I visited Oregon a couple years back and miss it immensely!
Wow that’s an awesome list ..this was what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing.saving for my next trip
Love this post! so nice to see Matlacha included! It is such an adorable and colorful town, and a lovely place to visit!
Fab post Emma! I totally agree. I almost always have more fun in the less obvious small towns rather than the normal tourist sights.
From this, I am in love with the look of Golden (those mountains!?), and wooow for Watkins Glen – it looks like somewhere in a fairytale!
We do love our big city visits. But a small town visit gives us such a different view of any area. We love to stop in small towns on road trips around the USA. We are driving across the country this fall and will keep some of these great ones in the northern zones for planning purposes.
Such a great post, Emma! These are some really cute looking towns. The only one I’ve been to is Jackson and can confirm, it is really nice! This is really making me want to embark on another US road trip. Matlacha looks so pretty, and I love the look of Holland too!
What an interesting post. I’d not heard of any of these as I’ve not travelled much in the USA – Holland looks good!
We love visiting small towns. Our favorites so far have been in the Midwest. Although some of these you mentioned here did catch my attention and I’ll be adding them to our list of must visit locations. Thanks for the inspiration.
Great list here, I will have to stop by La Conner the next time I am in Washington state. Colorado is one of my favorite states to visit, and Golden, CO is a great place to visit in the summer.
I live in California and didn’t know about Bishop and now I want to visit!! Thank you!
Glad to see Wisconsin make the list! Great article, just in time for the fourth! We have outstanding sites, from sea to shining sea.
I have been to a number of these towns and agree that I would rank them among the best small towns in the USA. I have not been to Nantucket or Eugene and would really like to see them.
I’d love to see some of the small towns in the US on my next visit! They look so diverse and so interesting! Nantucket looks adorable! I love that lighthouse! And Watkins Glen looks incredible! I hope I get an opportunity to visit some of these small US towns! Thanks for the great guide!
Cute post! I’ve only been in the US for a road trip to some main cities, but would love to return one day to see more of these type of locations!
Great list with lots of towns I’ve never even heard of! Thank you for compiling & I look forward to checking a few of them out when I’m next in the US.
Love exploring small towns and United States has many that I would love to visit. Hopefully one day!
Such charming little towns! I can easily spend a week at each one to enjoy the relaxing vibe.
I’m a huge fan of travel off the beaten path, so this gives me a lot of inspiration for when I next visit the US! I can’t even pick one that is a favourite, so I just might have to check them all out on a road trip!
Thanks to a lot of cross-country pet sitting, I have been to most of these small towns and you’re right – they’re definitely worth visiting. Two on your list – Blanding and Watkins Glen – are now on my Petsitting Bucket List, so thanks for that inspiration!
I love finding small towns to visit! Pinning so I can visit some of these on my road trip this summer!
So many good ideas here… I’d love to visit Nantacket 🙂
Small towns are awesome to drive through. They typically have the best food!
Can’t wait until the border reopens to I can visit all these adorable towns!
I literally couldn’t decide which place to visit if I had to choose only one of these – there are so many cool, and very unique towns in the US clearly! Anything with show-stopping scenery I guess but not sure how much that narrows it down haha!
This is such a cool list! Love exploring small towns and lesser known places, they offer a traveler so much! And Bethlehem, PA is about an hour from me and it’s a cute little place! I went there a few years ago with my boyfriend and it was lovely.
Great list of small towns to visit! We love going off the beaten path and visiting places away from the big cities! Thanks for the recs!