The Best Small Towns to Visit Across America

Big cities are often hyped as the best tourist destinations, but many of the nation's small towns are gems worth visiting. From coast to coast and north to south, cute small towns represent much of what is great about each state or region, just on a smaller scale than larger cities — and typically at a lower price. With lots of charm, natural beauty, history, and great food, small towns often make the best trips. Here are some of the best ones to visit.

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Hippie culture still thrives along the streets of the Midwestern town of Yellow Springs. Its quirky and brightly colored Main Street features bookstores, local artists' shops, and small restaurants. Be sure to stop in the Village Artisans gallery and Epic Book Shop. After shopping, check the Glen Helen Nature Preserve to explore waterfalls, natural springs.

Don't miss: The preserve's Raptor Center offers educational programs and rehabilitates birds of prey, such as owls, hawks, and falcons.

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Head to the Runestone Museum, home of the Kensington Runestone, which was exhumed by a Minnesota farmer in 1898 and purportedly dates to the 14th century. The museum also offers Native American and Norse history exhibits and a Minnesota wildlife display. Admission is currently $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for students.

Don't miss: Travelers who enjoy odd tourist spots will love Alexandria's "Big Ole" statue, a symbol of this cute small town's Viking pride and a piece of American kitsch.  

The biggest draw for visitors to Bar Harbor is nearby Acadia National Park, with outstanding scenery created by receding glaciers many millennia ago. Bar Harbor offers its own diversions, including bookshops, galleries, gift shops, and more. And no visit to Maine would be complete without lobster, served in various ways at many local restaurants.

Don't miss: In summertime, Maine is known for wild blueberries, which can be found in July and August all over the region. Drink your fruit at the Atlantic Brewing Co. by ordering a pint of their Bar Harbor Blueberry Ale. 

St. Augustine is a small seaside town with charm to spare. Enjoy a day at St. Augustine Beach or take in the sights from historic St. Augustine Lighthouse ($15 for adults), or take a guided tour of Flagler College, an architectural highlight of the town ($13 per person).

Don't miss: St. Augustine Distillery Co. offers free self-guided tours and tastings of house-made spirits, including gin, vodka, rum, and bourbon starting at $15. 

Park City is home to about 8,300 residents (not to mention the annual Sundance Film Festival) and some of the most beautiful mountain views in the country. About a 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City airport, Park City has a world-famous annual film festival and a lively Main Street. 

Don't miss: The Egyptian Theatre, built in 1899, is worth a visit to see a show or simply marvel at its distinct decor.

The city of Durango offers visitors unparalleled natural beauty with easy access to several national parks and landmarks, including Four Corners National Monument, the only place in the United States where four states intersect. Enjoy a day of hiking in the San Juan National Forest, or hop a train to Silverton, a former mining town with rustic charm. Downtown Durango features numerous antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

Don't miss: The historic 88-room Strater Hotel, built in 1887. Even if you're not staying the night in this Victorian gem, the hotel's restaurant and two bars are fine places to pass the time and treat yourself.

Related: Top 20 Old Western Towns You Can Still Visit

Kentucky is famous for producing bourbon, and the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown has been in operation for more than 130 years. The distillery sits on 196 acres in the heart of bourbon country and features 29 barrel-aging warehouses. Complimentary tours of the facility are available Monday through Saturday. 

Don't miss: The Bardstown Art Gallery, which showcases works from regional artists, is a must-see.

The narrow tree-lined streets of Beaufort's historic district are a big draw for visitors in search of Southern charm. Guided tours are available by foot, horse-drawn carriage, or van, but the visitors center also hands out maps for self-guided tours of local churches and other historical sites. Coastal Beaufort also offers plenty of cruises, fishing charters, kayaking, and more. 

Don't miss: Bibliophiles will want to check out the McIntosh Book Shoppe, which specializes in books about the Civil War and hard-to-find or out-of-print titles.

Berlin once played host to Julia Roberts and Richard Gere for the filming of "Runaway Bride," which is no surprise given the charm of the town. Picturesque, tree-lined Main Street, on the National Register of Historic Places, is lined with antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and much more. Home to about 4,500 residents, Berlin has been designated a state Arts & Entertainment District for promoting and encouraging local artists.

Don't miss: Discover Berlin's spooky past as you drift past historic (and possibly haunted) homes on the two-hour Berlin Ghost Walk. Tickets are $20 and $25.  

Bisbee may have a population of fewer than 6,000 people, but a thriving arts scene makes this historic community worth a visit. Rolling red hills surrounding the town combine with brightly painted buildings and homes to create a unique landscape. Look forward to checking out the Bisbee Restoration Museum ($5);  its artifacts tell the story of mining and ranching in Bisbee. There are other historic sites as well, including the Copper Queen Library.

Don't miss: The "Iron Man" sculpture by native son Phillip Sanderson, which commemorates the town's copper-mining past. Unveiled in 1935, it was commissioned by the Federal Relief Administration during the Depression.

Related: 22 Small Towns with Vibrant Art Scenes

Known to some Louisianans as the crawfish capital of the world, Breaux Bridge has lots to offer beyond regional Cajun cuisine. Nature lovers will want to visit Atchafalaya Basin to check out the wide variety of flora and fauna. There's also Lake Martin (really, a swamp), where visitors may be able to spot alligators, birds, and turtles, depending on the season. 

Don't miss: In the evening, the La Poussiere dance hall hosts live bands playing Cajun-style music late into the night.

Carlisle has historical roots dating to the Revolutionary War, giving the town a charming feel of the colonial era. Lovers of antiques will enjoy perusing Carlisle's numerous antique shops, each with its own set of interesting pieces to discover. 

Don't miss: For a lunchtime or evening thirst-quencher, try Molly Pitcher Brewing Co. The local brewery and taproom serves more than a dozen different local brews. 

Dahlonega, a cute small town of just under 7,500 people, was the site of the first major gold rush in U.S. history, and much of the town is dedicated to telling the story of that historic time. Visitors can tour gold mines and pan for gold in local creeks. The downtown area is bustling with enough contemporary local shops and restaurants to easily fill an afternoon or an entire day.

Don't miss: Take a trip back in time at the Dahlonega Gold Museum, inside the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse. Admission is $8.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, and $6 for kids ages 7 to 17.  

Fairhope has some 25,000 people, but its bustling boutiques and restaurants are more than enough to keep visitors busy. Fairhope also boasts sweeping views of Mobile Bay and a quarter-mile pier perfect for a scenic stroll day or night. The Eastern Shore Arts Center often sponsors an art walk the first Friday of the month. 

Don't miss: Bookworms will want to browse the shelves of Page & Palette, Fairhope's go-to bookstore since 1968. Grab a book and a coffee at Latte Da, their coffee shop, or catch a reading and grab a drink downstairs at the Book Cellar. 

Falls Church is a quaint Southern town with a rich history and just under 15,000 people, including a sizable Vietnamese population. The Eden Center mall teems with Vietnamese restaurants and markets. In the evening, check out the State Theatre for live music, comedy nights, and laser shows set to rock music.

Don't miss: Beer lovers should check out Audacious Aleworks or Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. to sample their brews. 

Gatlinburg is a scenic, small town inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Gatlinburg Scenic Outlook showcases the mountainous terrain. Visitors who enjoy a stiff drink should stop by Sugarlands Distilling Co. to see where moonshine and whiskey are made. A tour of the facility and a tasting costs $12 a person.

Don't miss: Fans of oddities will delight in the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum, which houses more than 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from around the world. Admission is $3 for adults.

Harrison's location in the heart of the Ozark Mountains makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. At Buffalo National River Park, families can spend a fun-filled day canoeing, swimming, camping, and fishing. Visitors who prefer the indoors might want to browse the Rust, Dust & Wanderlust antique mall's many booths.

Don't miss: Sample craft beer at Brick & Forge Brew Works or chow down on ribs or brisket at T's BBQ. 

About an hour west of Manhattan, Madison is known for its picturesque Main Street, with numerous shops and restaurants. It is also home to the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey, one of the top classical companies on the East Coast. Tickets for kids 17 and younger are free. 

Don't miss: The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts showcases the way Americans lived in the 1800s. Admission prices set before the pandemic were $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and kids, and a top price of $15 for families.

Located on the Columbia River, the city of Hood River offers scenic beauty and a wide variety of activities. A visit to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area will delight any outdoor enthusiast. Hikes bring visitors to gorgeous waterfalls and breathtaking mountain views. 

Don't miss: Check out one of the local breweries or Evoke Winery.  

With a population of around 3,800, Chester fits the very definition of a charming small town, but this unique destination still offers plenty of diversions. Chester's picturesque Main Street is a shopper's delight, offering gifts crafted by local artists and an assortment of eateries. 

Don't miss: Hop on the Chester/Hadlyme Ferry for a view of Gillette Castle, a must-see destination, which sits high above the Connecticut River.

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Situated on crystalline Lake Tahoe, Incline Village is one of the most scenic spots to visit in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. For an exquisite view of the lake, check out Sand Harbor beach in Lake Tahoe State Park, where admission costs $10 per vehicle with Nevada license plates and $15 for out-of-state plates. Although often a ski destination, the area offers plenty of summer recreational activities, including mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking.

Don't miss: In winter, hit the slopes at Diamond Peak, which offers a good mix of trails for beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders alike. 

The National Mustard Museum in Middleton (population nearly 23,000) claims to be home to the world's largest collection of mustards and mustard memorabilia, and it's free seven days a week. 

Don't miss:  Beer lovers will want to stop at Capital Brewery and sample its distinctive brews like Maibock and Dark Doppelbock. Its beer garden is open April through October, and its indoor Bier Stube and Grain Room are open approximately from November to April.   

For those who like to hike, the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve in Grand Teton National Park is home to well-maintained trails, pristine creeks, and lots of wildlife. Access to the park costs $35 a vehicle for seven days. Skiers and snowboarders from the world over flock to mountain resorts such as Snow King in winter. 

Don't miss: Jackson Hole's town square has four towering antler arches made of elk horns and worthy of a picture or two. 

Kailua-Kona, on the big island of Hawaii, features white sand beaches and several historic spots, including Hulihee Palace, a former summer home for Hawaiian royalty, and Ahuena Heiau, once the residence of King Kamehameha and a sacred religious site. Ahuena sits on a public beach that features calm waters ideal for snorkeling.

Don't miss: Once you've worked up a thirst, head over to the Kona Brewing Co., where you can sample a brew at the U-shaped bar.  

Buckhannon is a serene small town beside the river of the same name, with a population just a bit over 5,000. Visitors can pick up fresh pastries or pepperoni rolls at the Donut Shop, then take a stroll in historic Pringle Tree Park, site of the first permanent colonial settlement west of the Alleghenies.

Don't miss: Audra State Park occupies land once owned by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and a 4-H camp. Today, you can picnic, camp, or hike along picturesque Alum Creek. 

Historic Jamestown sits on an island in Narragansett Bay. At its southernmost tip is Beavertail Lighthouse, in a state park with picturesque seascapes and ideal conditions for kite flying. Also be sure to check out Fort Wetherill State Park, a former training camp with sweeping views of Newport Bay. Visitors can go for a stroll, fish, or explore the waterfront rocks and cliffs.

Don't miss: The Jamestown-Newport ferry shuttles pedestrians across the bay, with stops at Rose Island and Fort Adams State Park, with special packages for events like the Newport Jazz Festival and Octoberfest. 

Jefferson City is home to the state government, and visitors should know that construction on the state capitol finished early last year. Visitors can also take a free tour of the ornate governor's mansion, built in 1871, given by guides dressed in period costume. Reservations for the tour are required.

Don't miss: For some outdoor fun, visit the free Runge Conservation Nature Center and explore the nature trails.

With roots dating to the mid-18th century, Lebanon is an archetypal New England town built around a common green. The city features many small and charming shops, and anyone with a penchant for antiques should save time to browse the Colonial Antique Market in the West Lebanon neighborhood. 

Don't miss: For more invigorating and nature-based fun, take a walk or bike ride on the Northern Rail Trail.

Lovers of all things Swedish will be intrigued by Lindsborg. In addition to hosting numerous festivals celebrating its Swedish heritage, the city is home to the castle at Coronado Heights Park, a unique historical site set on a 300-foot promontory. Panoramic views make it an idyllic spot to picnic.

Don't miss: The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum ($10 general admission, $5 for students, free for 5 and under) offers a peek into Lindsborg's past, showcasing the flour-milling days that once defined the town.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find several attractions worthy of exploration around Lisbon, including Dead Colt Creek and Sheyenne National Grasslands, both of which offer numerous year-round recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, camping, and biking. 

Don't miss: In town, check out the Lisbon Opera House (free by appointment) and the Scenic Theater, built in 1911 and said to be the oldest continuously operating movie theater in the U.S. 

Although perhaps best known for its role in the development of nuclear weapons, Los Alamos is also renowned for its sweeping desert landscapes and numerous recreational activities. Bandelier National Monument offers a variety of scenic and well-maintained hiking trails and campgrounds for anyone wanting to pop a tent and get a glimpse of the stars. A weekly pass costs $25 a vehicle and $15 for visitors on foot or bicycle.

Don't miss: Take a self-guided walking tour of Los Alamos and stop at the Bradbury Science Museum to learn about the city's atomic legacy. Admission is free. 

Located in south-central Indiana, Madison offers up beautiful sights and a bustling Main Street. The Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, overlooking the Ohio River and operated by the National Park Service, is open for tours that cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for kids. 

Don't miss: Visitors will also want to pay a visit to Clifty Falls State Park to enjoy scenic views and rolling trails, for a daily entrance fee of $7 for vehicles with Indiana license plates and $9 for vehicles with out-of-state plates.

Set along the Wichita Mountains, the historic resort town of Medicine Park features a wealth of cobblestone architecture found nowhere else in the nation. Nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a chance to view buffalo, longhorn cattle, prairie dog towns, and more.

Don't miss: The Plantation Inn, which stands on the grounds of the Oklahoma Press Association's former clubhouse, first opened more than a century ago. 

Montpelier has the smallest population of any state capital (fewer than 8,000). The Vermont History Museum explores all things Vermont, from the native Abenaki to the present day ($25 for families, $9 for adults, and $7 for students, seniors, and kids). There's no visiting Vermont without indulging in a locally made maple treat. Montpelier's Bragg Farm Maple Sugar House sells syrup, maple candy, and maple ice cream.

Don't miss: Vermont's State House has been the seat of state government since it opened in 1859. Free guided tours are available June to October, or you can tour the building yourself any time of the year. 

With its quaint brick streets and colonial architecture, it's not hard to see why tiny Mount Carroll (population 1,400) is nicknamed the New England of the Midwest. Ten miles from the Mississippi River, this northwest Illinois town looks much like it did 50 years ago. Shop for antiques, check out arts and crafts from numerous local artisans, and catch live music by local and traveling musicians.

Don't miss: Stock up on fresh Illinois corn, tomatoes, and other yummy local produce at the town's farmers market, from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday from May to October. 

The tiny city of Seward boasts unparalleled natural beauty. Visitors can take a kayak out on scenic Resurrection Bay or go for a hike in Kenai Fjords National Park. Seward also offers numerous boat tours, giving tourists beautiful views of the mountains and sea that define the area, which lies about 130 miles south of Anchorage.

Don't miss: The Silver Salmon Derby, held in August, offers prizes for the biggest fish caught. In 2023, the $10,000 grand prize went to a lucky angler who caught a 13.98-pound salmon. 

Nestled among mountain ranges on Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint has lots to offer outdoor enthusiasts and fans of arts and culture. Take a hike or mountain bike ride on the Gold Hill Trail, then head out to City Beach for an afternoon in the sun. 

Don't miss: Wind up the day with a show at the Panida Theater, which was built in 1927 and today hosts live events, music, and films.  

Settled by Dutch immigrants in 1847, Pella calls itself "America's Dutch Treasure," and offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Dutch culture. The city of about 11,000 hosts an annual tulip festival in May and a harvest fest in September, along with other seasonal events. 

Don't miss: The Vermeer Windmill is an ideal spot for photos, while music lovers can take in a performance at the historic Pella Opera House.

The 9,000 residents of Whitefish enjoy some of the most splendid views of the Rocky Mountains anywhere. Whitefish Mountain Resort offers gondola rides, hiking, an alpine slide, and more. Diversions in town include the Alpine Theater Project, which produces musicals and plays. 

Don't miss: Whitefish Depot, a restored and still operational rail station and museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

No trip to Oxford would be complete without a visit to one of the town's beautiful nature areas. Bailey's Woods Trail brings walkers on a short and enjoyable loop through the woods. Keep an eye out for grazing deer and an open ear for birdsong. On Saturdays and Wednesdays, visit the local farmers market to pick up all the fresh produce needed to create a tasty meal.

Don't miss: Rowan Oak, an 1844 mansion and longtime home to Oxford's most famous son, author William Faulkner. Entry to the landscaped 29-acre estate is free, but admission to the home is $5. 

Situated on Lake Michigan, Traverse City offers visitors sweeping water views and no shortage of beaches for whiling away the hours. This charming small town is also at the center of Michigan's sweet cherry industry. With that in mind, visitors may want to plan a visit to the Grand Traverse Pie Co. and give the local delicacy a try.

Don't miss: Michigan is home to plenty of well-known microbreweries, and many of them will be in town for the annual Beer Week in November. Sample your favorite brews or take part in the “Great Beerd Run.” 

Nebraska City is home to the Arbor Day Farm, a fun destination for families that features trails, trees for climbing, rides, and a market. History buffs will enjoy the Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting, which displays an original collection of antique firefighting vehicles and gear. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for school-age children.

Don't miss: Catch the latest blockbuster at the Art Deco three-screen Pioneer Theater. 

Set in bucolic Westchester County, Mount Kisco is less than 40 miles north of Manhattan but a world away from the city's infamous hustle and bustle. Established in 1875, the village describes itself as the shopping capital of northern Westchester, with small shops and restaurants worth exploring along quaint downtown streets. 

Don't miss: Leonard Park offers ample space for families to picnic, play, and enjoy the calm and tranquility of a classic small town.

Southern Pines and neighboring communities are known as a golfers' paradise, featuring more than three dozen courses for enthusiasts to check out. The quaint downtown shopping district features boutiques, galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants. A short walk away, the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities features musical and literary performances and offers free, self-guided tours of the Boyd House, a historic mansion that hosts writers in residence.

Don't miss: The Sunrise Theater has been entertaining locals with movies and live entertainment since the 1940s. Check out its calendar of events for the latest. 

A trip to Pacific Grove combines beaches, history, and classic charm. Check out Point Pinos Lighthouse, a must-see lighthouse in the state. Have lunch at the Beach House restaurant and enjoy an afternoon swimming or surfing at Lovers Point Park and Beach. The various small shops along Main Street invite leisurely shopping.

Don't miss: Explore the biodiversity of coastal California at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. From November to March, catch a glimpse of regal monarch butterflies as they migrate. Admission is $10 for grownups, $6 for kids. 

The small town of Spearfish has more than 13,000 residents and a laid-back, community atmosphere. The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, which was used as a location for "Dances With Wolves," is also a top draw. In summer, visitors can see canyon waterfalls and multicolored limestone palisades. 

Don't miss: The Termesphere Gallery showcases the work of local artists.

The seaside village of Rockport features some of the most scenic beaches on the East Coast, with views that have inspired artists since the days of Winslow Homer. Take a trip to Front Beach to look for sea glass and take a quick dip. 

Don't miss: On Saturdays during summer and fall, the town hosts a farmers market brimming with locally grown produce and other delicious goods. 

Stephenville is a laid-back town of about 21,000 residents southwest of Fort Worth. History buffs should check out the Stephenville Historical House Museum, which features 19th-century log cabins, a rock house, a Victorian home, and a two-hole outhouse. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Don't miss: Barbecue is king in Texas. Have a tasty meal at Hard Eight BBQ, and finish your meal with a slice of whiskey buttermilk pie, or try R&R BBQ across town for their pulled pork.  

In Smyrna, home to under 14,000 residents, lovers of craft alcohol can get their fill. For beer, try Brick Works Brewing & Eats. Make reservations at Painted Stave Distilling for a cocktail too, and get your Delaware Bay fix on the shores of Woodland Beach, a few miles east of Smyrna on State Route 6. 

Don't miss: The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, also on Delaware Bay, is prime territory for birders, anglers, and hunters, as well as nature lovers of all ages.  

Related: Bird Watchers Flock to These 15 Prime Spots Across America

Port Angeles, home to about 20,000 residents, sits right outside Olympic National Park, where visitors can enjoy ocean views, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Entrance to the park costs $30 a vehicle for a weekly pass. Visitors can also head to the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center to visit Webster's Woods Art Park, an outdoor area where artworks are hung from trees and hidden in the foliage. Admission is free.

Don't miss: Salt Creek Recreation Area offers dramatic views of Crescent Bay and the Strait of Juan De Fuca, plus camping year round. 

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