The United States is full of fantastic places to visit. From stunning national parks to epic beach destinations, there is truly something for everyone in this huge country. In between coastlines some of the best small towns in America grace the land.
Some prefer to venture into small towns and maybe even travel back to another era. For those people, we have narrowed down the best small towns in America. We’ve included our favorite small town from each state – alphabetically!
Best Small Towns in America
Alaska – Sitka
Located in Southeast Alaska, Sitka has a rich history that includes its once close ties to Russia, and this history and the cultural influences are still evident today. The town is mostly known for its abundance of outdoor activities. Popular backpacking trails include the Baranof Cross-Island Trail, Mount Edgecumbe, and Peak 5390.
If a day hike is more your pace, there is a series of well-maintained trails, or you can just go kayaking on beautiful Crescent Lake. Other noteworthy attractions include Sitka National Historical Park, Alaska Raptor Center, Sitka Sound Science Center, Tongass National Forest, and Baranof Castle State Historic Site.
Alabama – Mentone
If you’re seeking a relaxing, natural environment to escape to while touring Alabama, look no further than Mentone. This small town is situated on Lookout Mountain and is most widely known for its healing mineral springs.
A must-see in Mentone is the 104-foot DeSoto Falls. It takes two hours to hike to these waterfalls, but that’s all part of the adventure! Other top attractions include DeSoto State Park and Old Union Crossing Covered Bridge. Fishing and boating are popular on Lake Lahusage and Republic Lake.
Arizona – Sedona
Sedona is a beautiful Arizona desert town almost smack dab in the middle of the state, 120 miles north of Phoenix. It is one of the best small towns in America, and makes for a great stop on any Arizona road trip. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Arizona and has people traveling from around the country to stand in awe of its beauty.
Sedona is nestled perfectly amidst stunning Red Rocks. The town is famous for its arts scene with nearly 100 art galleries. There are impressive festivals throughout the year, including the Sedona Jazz Festival and Sedona Arts Festival.
There is something for everyone in Sedona: great hiking opportunities, mountain biking experiences, off-road jeep tours, a great shopping scene, and wonderful restaurants to enjoy. We never have enough time for all the things to do in Sedona.
Arkansas – Hot Springs
Hot Springs is a beautiful little town in the Ouachita Mountain region of Arkansas. As the name suggests, is home to natural hot springs that are located in the nearby national park and features bathhouses that date back to the 1800s. This serene mountainous environment and the city’s upbeat nightlife make it easy to enjoy a relaxing day at the spa and an evening of fun.
Magic Springs Amusement Park, Garvan Woodland Botanical Gardens, the Mid-America Science Museum, and the Gangster Museum of America are some other attractions in Hot Springs.
California – Carmel-by-the-Sea
A natural, scenic, historic, and quintessential California beach town. This is how one could describe the lovely village of Carmel-by-the-Sea on California’s Monterey Peninsula. The quaint downtown area with historic buildings and little galleries is a nice place to explore, but if adventure is on your mind, The Scenic Bluff Path is a 3.5-mile hiking trail where many bird species are observed.
Warm, sunny days are best spent on the white sand of Carmel Beach. Other attractions nearby include Monterey Bay Aquarium and Point Lobos Nature Preserve.
Colorado – Aspen
Aspen is well known for being the ski destination for the rich and famous and is a world-class skiing destination. In the winter, ski bums and the wealthy flock to ski at one of the four ski resorts in the area. If you aren’t into skiing, there is plenty of shopping in Downtown Aspen.
In Aspen, you’ll find fur-clad socialites walking alongside duct-tape-clad-ski-bums. It is also the only ski town where you can shop at Gucci, Prada, Dior, and Ralph Lauren. Remember that you don’t always have to ski to enjoy a ski town. There are plenty of non-ski snow activities to take part in Aspen!
Connecticut – Mystic
Mystic, Connecticut, is your typical New England seaport village and one of the best small towns in America. It has the charm, the scenic waterfront, and a long and intriguing history that dates back to the 1600s. The village has many interesting attractions, including the Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport Museum, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, and the Mystic Museum of Art.
Make sure to leave some time aside to take an exciting journey. The sailing ship Argia is a journey on the sea at sunset is your idea of a perfect evening in Mystic.
Delaware – Bowers Beach
Situated in Kent County Delaware, Bowers Beach is both an outdoor lover’s and history buff’s paradise. Swimming and kayaking are popular activities in the Murderkill and Jones Rivers but if land-based activities are more your pace, beachcombing, kite flying and exploring the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve are popular.
Immerse in local history with visits to the Air Mobility Command Museum, John Dickinson Plantation, and Barratt’s Chapel and Museum.
Florida – Islamorada
Islamorada is easily one of the best small towns in America! Who says you must go all the way to the Caribbean islands to kick back in a tropical location? The village of Islamorada in the Florida Keys is about as close as you can get without traveling very far from the mainland.
You can easily stop here when driving between Key Largo and Key West or stay a few days! Imagine snorkeling around coral reefs, sailing on a sparkling blue bay, exploring a tropical forest in Lignumvitae Botanical Park, lying on a white sandy beach, or sipping margaritas at sunset.
Some must-see attractions include the History of Diving Museum, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, and the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center.
Georgia – Blue Ridge
The Chattahoochee National Forest in Northern Georgia is home to the beautiful mountain town of Blue Ridge that combines art, culture, and history with outdoor adventure. Spend an afternoon exploring the downtown area, where you’ll find boutique shops and galleries, or embark on an adventure on the Appalachian Railway Train.
A series of hiking trails, including one that leads to Fall Branch Waterfalls, wind through the National Forest, and some of the top attractions in the village include Blue Ridge Adventure Park, Blue Ridge Lake, Fannin County Heritage Foundation, and Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery Inc.
Hawaii – Hanalei Bay
Located on the Hawaiian Island of Kaua’i, Hanalei Bay is an absolute paradise! In summer, the large bay, lined with mountains and beautiful beaches, is perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, sailing, and snorkeling.
In the winter it’s one of the best surf spots on the planet. You can learn about some of the area’s history at the Wai’oli Mission House, and Queen’s Bath is a fascinating natural sinkhole teeming with marine life. When planning a trip to Hawaii, you must put this on your bucket list. If you can afford the high cost, Hanalei is one of the best small towns in America to retire!
Idaho – Wallace
Known as the largest silver producer on earth, Wallace, Idaho, is also a great place to explore for a few days. The town’s history can be explored at the Oasis Bordello Museum, Wallace District Mining Museum, and the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum.
Immerse in the area’s natural landscapes with a hike along the Pulaski Tunnel Trail or soar through the air on a zipline adventure with Silver Streak Zipline Tours. You can even go on a tour of a mine with a Sierra Silver Mine Tour. If you visit in the winter, check out Silver Mountain for great skiing nearby.
Illinois – Galena
One can easily escape to a time when the world wasn’t so fast-paced in Galena, Illinois. With its laid-back lifestyle and beautifully-preserved buildings dating back to the 1800s, there’s much to see and do in this quaint little place.
Venture up to Horseshoe Mound, where you can see three surrounding states, or explore the town’s history at the Ulysses S. Grant Home, U. S. Grant History Museum, Jo Daviess County Historical Society, and Belvedere Mansion.
Other noteworthy attractions include West Street Sculpture Park, Galena Cellars Winery, and Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
Indiana – Aurora
Situated along a river in southeast Indiana, Aurora is a town steeped in history most evident in the historic downtown area. Hillforest House Museum, Veraestau Historic Site, USS Sachem Ruins, and Dinsmore Homestead are where you’ll learn about the area’s past. If you’re up for something exciting and outdoorsy, head to Screaming Raptor Zip Lines.
Iowa – Pella
Pella, Iowa, is where you can immerse in Dutch culture without leaving the country! The town was founded by immigrants from the Netherlands, and today, it’s home to several attractions, including Vermeer Mill, the tallest working windmill in the country.
Explore the town’s history at the Pella Historical Village and Scholte House Museum. Catch some live entertainment at the Pella Opera House or spend a day outdoors at Lake Red Rock, where you can enjoy fishing, hiking, and boating.
Kansas – Abilene
Located in Dickinson County, Kansas, Abilene is the perfect getaway for relaxation and exploration. One of the most popular activities is to take a journey on the scenic Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad.
Other popular attractions include the Eisenhower Presidential Center, A. B. Seelye House, Lebold Mansion, Heritage Center of Dickinson County, and Greyhound Hall of Fame. Be sure to check if there are any shows you’d like to see at the Great Plains Theatre while in town!
Kentucky – Augusta
Augusta is a lovely little town along the Ohio River in Kentucky steeped in history and culture. Explore the past and present with a visit to Rosemary Clooney House, 1811 Historic Jail, Augusta Welcome Center and Rotary Museum, and the National Underground Railroad Museum.
Other notable attractions in the area include Baker-Bird Winery and Vineyards, O’Neil Landing, and Ark Encounter, where you can visit a zoo and see a replica that tells the story of Noah’s Ark.
Louisiana – Breaux Bridge
Known for crawfish harvesting and cuisine, Breaux Bridge hosts an annual Crawfish Festival that draws many people from around the country. However, there’s still much to see and do any time of year, including taking a swamp adventure tour and hanging out lakeside at Lake Martin.
Other popular attractions include Cypress Island Preserve and Cash Magic Breaux Bridge Casino.
Maine – Rockland
Rockland is a coastal town in Maine widely known for its lobster shipping industry and is one of best small towns in America to visit. It’s small but vibrant and there’s never a shortage of things to see and do! Spend a day in the sun at Sandy Beach followed by an evening of delicious food and drink at one of the fabulous restaurants.
The Center for Maine Contemporary Arts, Maine Lighthouse Museum, Project Puffin Visitor Center and Sail Power and Steam Museum are some of the popular museums in the town. Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse and Georges River Land Trust are also amazing places to explore.
Maryland – Ellicott City
Ellicott City in Maryland has everything including history, art, outdoor fun and ghosts. It has a long history dating back to the late 1700s so one would expect many museums, such as B&O Ellicott City Station Museum and Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum.
Many visitors like to learn about the city’s history by embarking on a ghost tour. Nice days are best spent exploring Patapsco Valley State Park, Centennial Lake and Gwynns Falls Trail.
Massachusetts – Salem
Salem, Massachusetts, is one of the country’s most intriguing and mysterious places to visit. Much of that intrigue comes from the infamous 1692 Salem Witch Trials that saw innocent people killed for the following witchcraft.
As you explore the town, you’ll see many beautiful old homes and museums,, including the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Peabody Essex Museum, House of the Seven Gables, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and Salem Witch Museum. For an outdoor escape, head to Salem Willows Park, where there’s a beach and walking paths.
Michigan – Petoskey
Petoskey is in northwestern Michigan and sits right on Lake Michigan. It’s about three hours away from the capital of Lansing, one and half hours away from Traverse City, and three hours from Grand Rapids. Making it a wonderful destination for a romantic weekend in Michigan.
It’s a popular vacation destination and one of Michigan’s most charming small towns. Great for heading here with families to enjoy the beach, searching for Petoskey Stones, or going out to eat in Down Petoskey at one of the best Petoskey restaurants!
Minnesota – Two Harbors
Two Harbors in Minnesota is home to many parks and outdoor recreational areas if you’re seeking a relaxing outdoor escape. Situated along Lake Superior, the town is home to Gooseberry Falls State Park, Temperance River State Park, Grand Portage State Park, Agate Bay Beach, Sonju Hiking Trail, and Gitchi-Gami Trail. Split Rock Lighthouse, The Duluth and Iron Range Depot Museum, and Two Harbors Lighthouse Museum are also great places to explore.
Mississippi – Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis, located along the Gulf Coast in Mississippi, is mostly known for its many miles of sandy beaches that make it one of the best beach destinations in the country. The town’s top attractions include Buccaneer State Park, Hancock County Historical Society, Bay St. Louis Historic L & N Train Depot, and Alice Mosely Folk Art & Antique Museum.
Missouri – Hermann
Founded by German settlers in the mid-1800s, German culture is still alive and well in Hermann, Missouri. If you happen to be around in May or October, you can catch the lively activities of Maifest and Oktoberfest.
The town is also known for being the heart of the state’s wine country, which is home to many wineries and vineyards, including Stone Hill Winery and Adam Puchta Winery. Other interesting attractions include Deutschheim State Historic Site, Historic Hermann Museum, and Hermann Farm Museum.
Montana – Whitefish
Easily one of the coolest places to visit in the US, Whitefish, Montana, is a resort town in the Rocky Mountains of northwest Montana. It’s surrounded by mammoth peaks, valleys, and beautiful lakes and is a well-known summer and winter destination. Whitefish Ski Resort is one of the top places to ski in Montana in the winter, and during the summer, it’s a popular place given its location near Glacier National Park.
The Kootenai Native American tribe lived in the area for over 10,000 years. Throughout the 19th century, trappers, traders, and immigrants passed through the area.
In 1904, the Great Northern Railway was built through town, sparking the town’s development. Whitefish was originally known as “Stumptown” due to the amount of cleared timber to develop the town, leaving plenty of tree stumps behind. It’s one of the best small towns to visit in America.
Nebraska – Harrison
Steeped in history but also a great place to immerse in natural surroundings, Harrison, Nebraska, is a small village that makes for a perfect weekend escape. Although it’s home to only several hundred people, Harrison has a long and fascinating history on display at local attractions such as the Sioux County Historical Museum, Fort Robinson State Park, and Agate Springs Ranch.
The natural side of Harrison can be explored at Toadstool Geologic Park, where you’ll see unique rock formations and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, which is home to well-preserved Miocene mammal fossils.
Nevada – Caliente
Situated in Lincoln County in southeastern Nevada, Caliente is a small, peaceful place known for its railroad history, which is displayed at the Union Pacific Caliente Railroad Depot. Nearby, you’ll find Kershaw-Ryan State Park with hiking trails, horseshoe pits, a swimming hole, and volleyball courts.
Cyclists enjoy 30 miles of trails that snake around the town and through the remote desert landscape, while rock climbers are in their element in Rainbow Canyon and Big Rocks Wilderness. If fishing or kayaking is more your pace, Eagle Valley Reservoir is a lovely place to spend a day.
New Hampshire – Portsmouth
Only 60 miles from the bustling city of Boston there’s a lovely place with stunning waterfront vistas, quaint downtown streets, buildings that date back to the 1600s and an abundance of historical and cultural attractions. Welcome to Portsmouth, a port city situated on the Piscataqua River in New Hampshire.
The town’s most notable attractions include the Strawberry Museum, USS Albacore Museum, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Water Country Water Park, Buckminster House and Discover Portsmouth Center.
New Jersey – Clinton
The most notable features of the town of Clinton, New Jersey are the two picturesque mills situated on opposing river banks. That being said, the town is home to many other intriguing attractions including the Red Mill Museum Village, Beneduce Vineyards, Hunterdon County Arboretum and Hunterdon Art Museum.
On nice days, go hiking on the Landsdown Trail or spend the day participating in a range of outdoor pursuits at Spruce Run Recreation Area, Round Valley Recreation Area, or Voorhees State Park.
New Mexico – Taos
No matter what time of year you travel to Taos, New Mexico, you’ll find endless things to see and do. The high desert location surrounded by mountains offers an abundance of outdoor pursuits. During the warmer months, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, rafting and biking are enjoyed in the many park areas, including Carson National Forest and Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
There are lovely hot springs along the Rio Grande and in the nearby mountains. During the winter months, it’s skiing that draws visitors. Taos is also home to three art museums, 80 art galleries and many museums including E. L. Blumenschein House Library, Governor Charles Bent House, Couse-Sharp Historic Site and Millicent Rogers Museum. The historic downtown district is home to beautiful adobe buildings.
New York – Sleepy Hollow
There’s an air of mystery in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Perhaps it’s the movie of the same name set in the town that gives it this mysterious feel, or maybe the old carriage roads that travel across woodlands, meadows, and streams and are sometimes shrouded in mist. Either way, it’s a great place to spend a few days.
Learn about local history at the Philipsburg Manor or Old Dutch Reformed Church which dates back to the 1600s. Visit the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse or spend a day outdoors at Rockefeller State Park Preserve or Kingsland Point Park. Be sure to find out what’s playing at the theaters on Broadway Street if you’re seeking something fun to do in the evening.
North Carolina – Carolina Beach
We have a special connection to Carolina Beach as it’s where our family lives and nearby to Wilmington where we met in college, so we consider it best small towns in America to live. Carolina Beach has a lot to offer vacationers and locals alike as you can be on the beach in under 5 minutes from just about anywhere on the island.
There are some fantastic Carolina Beach restaurants, tiki bars, and even some great hiking opportunities in Carolina Beach State Park. However one of the best things to do is head down to Fort Fisher for a little bit of history!
North Dakota – Walhalla
Located along the Pembina River in North Dakota, Walhalla is a lovely little place where you can escape outdoors and enjoy pristine nature and stunning scenery. Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area Frost Fire Park and Riverside Park are home to hiking and biking trails.
During the summer months, you can catch a live performance at the Frost Fire Summer Theater. Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site is where you can learn more about the town’s history.
Ohio – Geneva-on-the-Lake
Situated along the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio, Geneva-on-the-Lake is a lakeside resort village home to antique shops, wineries and a wide variety of restaurants. Fishing and mini-golf are just some of the activities available and you can learn about the area’s history at Jennie Munger Gregory Museum.
There’s fun for all ages at Adventure Zone where you’ll find go-karts, bumper boats, a zipline, climbing walls and batting cages.
Oklahoma – Medicine Park
Once a retreat for the rich and famous, today, Medicine Park, Oklahoma is an outdoor-lovers paradise in the Wichita Mountains. Visitors enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing at Lake Lawtonka, Elmer Thomas Lake, Bath Lake and Lake Jed Johnson. Hiking in the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuse is also popular and there are mountain biking trails located around the town.
On rainy days or days when you want to take a break from the outdoor activities, visit the Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center, which is home to many fascinating exhibits.
Oregon – Cannon Beach
Located on the northwest coast of Oregon, Cannon Beach is most famously known for its long, sandy shoreline. A prominent offshore feature is Haystack Rock. If you look closely at this rock, you might spot some tufted puffins. Ecola State Park is home to hiking trails where you can enjoy the ocean vistas and Hug Point has sea caves.
Other outdoor recreation areas include John Yeon State Natural Site and Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site. Many art galleries and boutique shops line the downtown streets and you can learn about local history at the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum.
Pennsylvania – Jim Thorpe
Located in the Pocono Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe is a Victorian-inspired town with a long and interesting history. That history is highlighted in various museums including the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center, No. 9 Mine and Museum, Asa Packer Mansion Museum, Old Jail Museum and the Stabin Museum.
Jim Thorpe is also known as the Switzerland of America because its mountain scenery and unique architecture look similar to what you’d see in the Alpine country. You can enjoy more of the scenery by taking a picturesque loop ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.
Rhode Island – Narragansett
Beautiful and historic Narragansett, Rhode Island has been a summer retreat since the 1800s. Today, people still come to enjoy the lovely sandy beaches with warm waters and the laid back ambiance of the place.
Biking, surfing, Kayaking, hiking and just soaking up the sun are the most popular activities in the town and they can be enjoyed in several park areas including Beavertail State Park, Fishermen’s Memorial State Park and Yawgoo Valley All Season Recreation Area.
South Carolina – Beaufort
One of the best small towns in South Carolina is Beaufort. It’s the second-oldest town in the state has its industrial origin as a ship-building center for the new world. Nowadays, visitors flock to the small town to enjoy the beach and the history!
Various barrier islands offer day trips galore, highlighted by the Hunting Island State Park. The park is one of the most popular state parks in South Carolina, and visitors can see why. The area is an entirely natural refuge with one human-made building, a lighthouse, where visitors can clamber to the top and look out towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Back in town, you’ll find a thriving dining and art scene to keep the activities rolling all weekend long. Out of so many beach towns in America, we consider Beaufort one of the best in the USA.
South Dakota – Keystone
There’s more to Keystone than Mount Rushmore although that’s what it’s most widely known for! This little town in the Black Hills area of South Dakota is also known for its history that is on display in the town’s museums including the Keystone Historical Museum, National Presidential Wax Museum, Big Thunder Gold Mine and Borglum Story.
At Rushmore Tramway Adventures, there are ziplines and chairlift rides. The 1880 Train – Keystone Depot offers scenic rides in old steam trains.
Tennessee – Gatlinburg
When it comes to mountain towns, it doesn’t get much better than Gatlinburg Tennessee. That’s because the town borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to spectacular scenery and endless outdoor pursuits.
One of the top things to do in Gatlinburg is to visit the Space Needle where you can take a ride on a two-mile aerial cable car to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park.
Explore the arts with a tour around the eight-mile loop that features over 100 artists including potters, painters, soap makers and silversmiths. Other attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium, Hollywood Star Cars Museum and Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery.
Texas – Port Isabel
Port Isabel is a town located in Cameron County, Texas. The most prominent feature of the town and likely the first thing you’ll notice is the picturesque Port Isabel Lighthouse, which is a Texas Historical Commission State Historic Site. Learn about the town’s history at the Port Isabel Historical Museum and Treasures of the Gulf Museum, or embark on an educational boat tour with Sea Life Center.
Spend a day at Isla Blanca Beach followed by an evening of fishing on Pirate’s Landing Fishing Pier. Immerse in the area’s natural landscapes at Boca Chica State Park and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
Utah – Moab
Situated in Eastern Utah, Moab is known for its stunning desert scenery and for being the gateway to Arches National Park, which features unique red rock formations, and Canyonlands National Park, which is where you can see ancient Native American rock art.
Mountain biking is popular along the town’s biking trails and you can learn about local history at the Moab Museum. At Bull Canyon Overlook and Copper Ridge, you can see dinosaur tracks. Want to head out on an ultimate desert adventure? Book a UTV tour with Moab Cowboy Off-Road Adventures.
There are plenty of hiking options around Moab – one of our favorites is the hike to Delicate Arch!
Vermont – Stowe
The town of Stowe in northern Vermont holds the title of Ski Capital of the East but it’s a great place to visit all year round. In the warmer months, hiking is popular, particularly along the five-mile Stowe Recreation Path and at Mount Mansfield and Cady Hill Forest.
Other notable attractions include Moss Glen Falls and the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum. Autumn is a beautiful time because the leaves turn color to display some of the best foliage around.
Virginia – Woodstock
Woodstock, Virginia, which is situated along the Shenandoah River, is a pretty little town with parks and museums. You can learn about the town’s history at the Woodstock Museum, Shenandoah County Courthouse, Hottle-Keller Memorial Inc and Shenandoah County Historical Society.
Wine lovers head to Muse Vineyards and North Mountain Vineyard and Winery, while outdoor lovers head to Seven Bends State Park and W. O. Riley Park.
Washington – Leavenworth
For a taste of Europe in America, Leavenworth, Washington makes for a fabulous weekend getaway. With a touch of Bavarian flare in the Cascade Mountains, this beautiful little town has something for everyone. For foodies and wine lovers, there’s Icicle Ridge Winery and the restaurants and bars of Front Street.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s Waterfront Park, Front Street Park, Leavenworth Reindeer Farm and Enchantment Park. For history buffs, there’s the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum and the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center.
West Virginia – Harpers Ferry
Situated in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is in a strategic location at the intersection of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers that allows spectacular views of Maryland and Virginia. The town is home to many attractions including Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, John Brown Wax Museum, Jefferson Rock, John Brown’s Fort and an enchanting downtown district with historic buildings and little shops.
The town is also home to the Appalachian Trail Visitor Center where you can check out exhibits dedicated to the famous long-distance trail.
Wisconsin – Bayfield
Bayfield is a small town in Wisconsin known for its proximity to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which is said to have some of the best kayaking in the world. The pretty downtown area is where you’ll find boutique shops, bed and breakfasts and restaurants.
The Bayfield Maritime Museum Bayfield Heritage Association Inc is where you can learn about the town’s history. Hiking is popular along the Big Ravine – West Rim Trail and in Big Bay State Park.
Wyoming – Jackson
Located in the Jackson Hole Valley in Wyoming, Jackson is located close to many of the country’s top national parks including Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
Some of the top attractions in the town include the National Museum of Wildlife Arts and Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum. The National Elk Refuge is home to one of the biggest elk herds in the United States.
If you are a ski and snowboard enthusiast you really can’t miss the chance to ride at Jackson Hole. They get some of the most epic powder dumps in the world!
Best Small Towns in the USA – FAQ
Where are the Best Small Towns in America to Live?
Determining the “best” small towns to live in can be subjective and depend on individual preferences and priorities. However, there are several small towns in the United States that are often praised for their quality of life, community atmosphere, natural beauty, and amenities such as Whitefish, Boulder, Saratoga Springs, Sedona, and Park City.
What are the Best Small Cities to Live in USA?
Some of the best small cities to live are Bozeman (Montana), Asheville (North Carolina), and Charlottesville (Virginia).
What is the Prettiest Town in the US?
Out of all the small towns in the USA that we have visited we consider Sedona, one of the prettiest towns in America.
TRAVEL THE USA
Of course there are plenty of other best small towns in America, but to list them all would mean this list would never end! Where is your favorite small town in America? For more travel around the USA, see below.
- 23 Best Whitefish Restaurants to Try (Montana)
- 30 Facts About Michigan to Share With Friends
- 26 Cheapest Places to Travel in the USA
- 32 Amazing Places to Visit in the Southwest USA
- 26 Epic Things To Do In Page
- The Ultimate 7 Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
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- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds! Check them out on their site!
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