The 31 Most Beautiful Towns in America
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While the US has some of the best cities in the world (both large and small), the most beautiful towns in America showcase an entirely different, more idyllic side to the country. From coast to coast, you’ll find tiny hubs overflowing with charm and friendly locals, all with walkable downtown areas and mom-and-pop shops that put any Hallmark rom-com setting to shame. And these towns aren’t just great for the people who live there—they’re also standout travel destinations with plenty of things to do (and quaint hotels for days). Whether you want New England weekend getaways, Southern islands lined with oak trees, or Western ski resorts next to national parks, there’s a small town just waiting for you to visit. And once you realize that the restaurant-to-people ratios lean way in your favor, you may never want to leave. While we wouldn’t dare tell you to skip New York City or Charleston, we encourage you to consider one of these smaller alternatives for your next domestic trip. The slower pace of life—and refreshing lack of crowds—may be the exact relaxing respite you’re looking for.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Sean Pavone/GettyWoodstock, Vermont
Population: 3,025
For a dose of absurdly quaint New England appeal, it’s tough to do better than this town in the Green Mountains. With a perfect village green with a white steepled church, this is just the destination for NYC weekenders, antique shoppers, and history buffs (almost all of the town’s buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places). Be sure to drop in at the 1886-era general store F.H. Gillingham & Sons for some souvenir maple candy, and book a stay at the Woodstock Inn & Resort—easily one of the most picturesque properties in the entire state.
Jumping Rocks/GettyMagnolia Springs, Alabama
Population: 844
Magnolia Springs is the epitome of Southern charm, with oak tree-lined streets, historical churches, and friendly locals. Located at the beginning of the Magnolia River, it also happens to be one of the only remaining towns in the US that has mail delivered via riverboat. Book one of the five cozy rooms at Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast, which was built in 1897 and retains its original stained glass and woodwork.
EJJohnsonPhotography/GettyCamden, Maine
Population: 3,665
This classic New England seaside town is so picture-perfect, it was the primary filming location for the 1957 movie Peyton Place (a film about—surprise!—a seemingly idyllic town). The motto of Camden has long been “Where the mountains meet the sea,” and indeed, Mount Battie and Bald Mountain rise up above the harbor and the village; a hike to the top of the former will reward you with a stellar view. Though most of the village’s commerce is aimed squarely at tourists, there are some under-the-radar gems, like boutique hotel Whitehall.
MargaretW/GettyJekyll Island, Georgia
Population: 866
Jekyll Island is a small but mighty resort town—just seven miles of sand, marshes, and moss off Georgia’s Atlantic coast. The island has two main attractions: First is the prehistoric-looking Driftwood Beach, an appropriately named stretch of sand dotted with gnarled and weathered trees (visit at low tide for the best photo ops). Second is Jekyll Island Club Resort, a historic and exclusive property that once housed the likes of the Vanderbilts and the Rockefellers.
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Jackson, Wyoming
Population: 10,639
This is the main city in the wider Jackson Hole valley, so it’s easy to only think of Jackson as a place to sleep between ski runs. And while the town is a great home base for greater exploration—it’s also within an hour of both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park—it boasts an excellent dining scene, a crop of boutique hotels, and enough vintage stores and galleries to make you consider hanging up your skis for the day. Be sure to reserve a table at Snake River Grill in advance, as well as a room at Hotel Jackson, which seamlessly combines Old West decor with modern amenities.
David Olsen/GettyPaia, Hawaii
Population: 2,629
It’s all about indulging your castaway fantasies in this small village on Maui’s North Coast. Sure, the town center is sweet, even a little hip: It boasts a tattoo parlor and boutiques selling stylish, locally made beachwear. However, insiders know that Paia is all about the beach—namely, Ho’okipa Beach Park, beloved by locals for its white sand and by surfers, wind-surfers, and kite-surfers for its near-perfect breaks. Tip: Grab a plate lunch at the Paia Fish Market for fortification before a big day on the water.
S. Greg Panosian/GettyCarmel-by-the-Sea, California
Population: 3,104
Though it’s become more of a tourist hot spot in the past decade or so, Carmel-by-the-Sea is still undeniably one of the most beautiful small towns in America. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and city charm—within a day, you can go surfing off Monterey beaches, sip your way through multiple wine tasting rooms, and pick up some antiques and handmade jewelry in the downtown area that feels like an Old Town transplant from Europe.
Silver and Chalk Images/GettyBeaufort, South Carolina
Population: 13,850
If you picture a perfect Southern town, it would probably look a lot like Beaufort, a South Carolina stunner complete with coastal views and 18th-century mansions. Check out the Beaufort Historic District to snap photos of classic architecture framed by Spanish moss, then get ready to eat. A lot. (This is Lowcountry territory, after all.) Try the wasabi deviled eggs at Old Bull Tavern, shrimp and grits at Saltus River Grill, and lamb meatloaf at Breakwater Restaurant & Bar.
- Francesco Vaninetti Photo/Getty
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Population: 1,503
One of our favorite towns on the West Coast, Cannon Beach is a rock-studded enclave located just 1.5 hours away from Portland. While it’s hard to tear yourself away from this stretch of sand (those views of Haystack Rock alone…), the adjacent village of the same name is well worth checking out. Spend a day dining on seafood and checking out some art galleries and sculpture gardens, then head to Stephanie Inn for some oceanfront Z’s.
Photography by Deb Snelson/GettyRockport, Massachusetts
Population: 4,795
About 40 miles north of Boston, Rockport is a lovely coastal town loved by lobster fishermen and artists. You can find both industries along Bearskin Neck, a peninsula of old fishing shacks that has been turned into a stretch of shops and galleries. (Main Street is another tourist-friendly option.) Other hot spots include the highly swimmable Front Beach and Halibut Point State Park, a former granite quarry where, on clear days, you can spot Maine in the distance. But if you really want to rack up some Instagram likes, snap a few photos of Motif No. 1, a red, buoy-covered fishing shack known as “the most often-painted building in America.”
Sean Pavone/GettyGatlinburg, Tennessee
Population: 3,701
Of all the towns on this list, Gatlinburg boasts one of the best natural settings—the Smoky Mountains, to be exact. It’s often referred to as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which means you’re always a stone’s throw away from dense forests, hiking trails, and waterfalls. As for the town itself, expect to find old-school Southern restaurants, moonshine distilleries, and log cabins galore. And did we mention that Dollywood is just a 20-minute drive away? That’s reason enough to plan a weeklong visit.
ronniechua/GettyWhitefish, Montana
Population: 9,163
Any national park-adjacent town is always going to catch our attention, but there’s something extra special about Whitefish. Sure, its location near Glacier National Park makes it an excellent access point for travelers wanting to experience some seriously beautiful lakes and glaciers. But it’s also home to its own namesake ski resort, as well as tons of summertime activities like hiking and ziplining; and its mountain-backed, saloon-lined downtown has more than enough Old Western vibes to fill an entire vacation.
Kim Karpeles/AlamyLake Geneva, Wisconsin
Population: 8,684
One of our favorite day trips from Chicago, Lake Geneva has managed to stay at the top of many travel recommendation lists—mainly for its year-round resort-like atmosphere and attractions. In the warmer months, you can enjoy everything from fishing on the lake to golfing; and if the water is a little too cold, you can view the town from above on a hot air balloon ride. To lean into the town’s Long-Island-meets-the-Midwest vibe, book a table at The Baker House, a Gilded-Age mansion with a garden terrace, Champagne brunches, and an in-house piano player.
Timothy Eberly/UnsplashKetchikan, Alaska
Population: 8,079
Just a two-hour flight north of Seattle, Ketchikan deserves to be on every traveler’s radar. The town is surrounded by incredibly beautiful vistas and an abundance of wildlife—most famously, salmon. The town is known as the “salmon capital of the world," and summer is the season to witness Alaska’s annual salmon migration, in which millions of fish return to the state’s freshwater rivers from the ocean to spawn. It’s a natural event you really have to see to believe.
Danita Delimont Creative/GettyLake Placid, New York
Population: 2,275
This small village in the Adirondacks is stunning year-round, thanks to its combination of rolling mountains and a clear, spring-fed, 2,173-acre lake. Home to just over 2,200 people, it is a rustic getaway that’s popular with hikers, fishermen, and skiers (it was also home to two Winter Olympics, in 1932 and 1980). But it also excels on the luxury front, and three of Lake Placid’s hotels have previously landed on Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards list of the top resorts in the region: Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid Lodge, and Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa.
Esteban Bernal/UnsplashSedona, Arizona
Population: 9,819
You can’t talk about Sedona without talking about its location. Surrounded by red rocks and canyons that epitomize the American Southwest, this Arizona town is stunning from every angle—and that includes the views straight up, where dark skies at night afford some of the area’s best stargazing opportunities. Aside from its nature and outdoor activities, Sedona is famous for its artsy vibes and great hotels, namely L’Auberge de Sedona.
DenisTangneyJr/GettyPortsmouth, New Hampshire
Population: 22,733
Less than 60 miles north of Boston, this coastal city is the perfect place to sample the best of New England. It has enough historic architecture and riverscapes to fill a camera roll, and a wealth of outdoor activities (like hiking and kayaking), museums, and kitschy restaurants. Don’t leave without checking out the Black Heritage Trail, an educational tour that chronicles the long and often untold history of Black and African Americans in New Hampshire.
Dennis Frates/AlamyTaos, New Mexico
Population: 6,427
The lovely high-desert town of Taos has a long and fascinating history. The Taos Pueblo, which is three miles from the center of town, has been home to native people for nearly a millennium, making it one of the oldest continually occupied places in the US (Taos is also a UNESCO World Heritage site). Today, the town is known for its culture: Painters, sculptors, and writers began flocking here in 1899, and Taos now has a thriving artists’ community. Its natural beauty—with red-rock canyons, clear blue desert skies, and snow-capped mountains on the horizon—continues to inspire creative people of every stripe.
Courtesy Grand HotelMackinac Island, Michigan
Population: 592
The city of Mackinac Island encompasses the entire eponymous island, though most of the protected land is managed by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission. It’s long been a beloved vacation spot for midwesterners, thanks to its famous fudge shops, horse-drawn carriages, and gorgeous natural surroundings, not to mention its iconic Grand Hotel with its sprawling, 660-foot front porch. If everything feels a little quieter and more peaceful than back on the mainland, that’s no illusion—the island has been car-free since 1898.
Josh Hild/GettySnowmass Village, Colorado
Population: 3,011
If we could get inside a snow globe, we imagine it would look a lot like Snowmass Village. This resort area outside of Aspen is a true winter wonderland with its varying ski slopes and snow-dusted chalets, but the town has plenty to offer in warmer seasons as well. Visit in the summer to enjoy hot-air ballooning and hiking, or in the fall to photograph the Maroon Bells in all their foliaged glory.
kschulze/GettyFriday Harbor, Washington
Population: 2,736
This beautiful hamlet sits in the farthest northwest reaches of Washington, perhaps most popular for being a jumping-off point for exploring the San Juan Islands. No surprise that it draws in so many outdoor explorers (sea kayaking and orca-watching cruises top the list of things to do), but Friday Harbor itself has all the makings of a quintessential Pacific Northwest town—think plenty of boutique shops, waterfront cafes, and art galleries.
Visit Florida/Danny FulgencioSt. Augustine, Florida
Population: 15,596
This self-proclaimed oldest city in the United States oozes with historical charisma, from its brick streets to its Spanish colonial architecture and 17th-century fortresses. St. Augustine is one of those rare Florida cities that offers a little bit of something for everyone, whether you’re after surfable waves, waterfront cocktails, or fine art museums. For a good night’s sleep paired with deep history, book a room at Casa Monica Resort & Spa, a 19th-century, skyline-defining hotel with unrivaled views of the historic district.
Dan RegionHudson, New York
Population: 5,790
With its quiet atmosphere and surrounding nature, it’s hard to believe Hudson is just two hours north of sleepless Manhattan. The picturesque downtown area has an excellent array of vintage and antique furniture stores—not to mention restaurants and breweries—while its proximity to the Hudson River and adjacent hiking trails also makes it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts (especially during leaf peeping season). Whenever you decide to visit, be sure to book a room at The Maker—ever since opening its doors amid the pandemic in 2020, the hotel has been impressing guests with its artwork-filled rooms and well-stocked library.
diane39/GettyBlock Island, Rhode Island
Population: 1,410
Accessible via ferry from mainland Rhode Island (plus nearby towns in New York and Connecticut), Block Island is an excellent New England alternative for folks wanting to summer without the Hamptons or Nantucket crowds. The island’s sole town, New Shoreham, is tiny and easy enough to explore in one day, meaning you can spend most of your time here walking along seagrass-lined beaches and biking past lighthouses.
larrybraunphotography.com/GettyEureka Springs, Arkansas
Population: 2,190
Tucked away in Arkansas’s Ozark Mountains (it’s an easy drive from Kansas City, St. Louis, and Tulsa), the tiny town is full of so many juxtapositions that they start to blur together: Churches and Christian bookstores line one street, while New Age crystal shops and self-proclaimed haunted hotels line the other. Passing bikers dressed in camouflage and leather throw back drinks at bars adorned with rainbow Pride flags. Busy Victorian homes and B&Bs hug the sides of cliffs, the views from which will make you feel like you’re miles away from civilization. It’s that “can’t quite pin it down” quality—not to mention incredible views of the Ozarks—that makes us love this tiny town so much.
Dana Dagle Photography/GettyLewes, Delaware
Population: 3,604
Southern Delaware is something of a hidden trove of beach communities, with Lewes standing out as one of the most attractive and action-packed. Perhaps the town’s biggest draw is Dogfish Inn, a boutique hotel run by Dogfish Head Brewery (which is just a quick drive away). But there are plenty of other noteworthy spots here, including Edie Bees for penny candy, Biblion Books for paperbacks, and Matt’s Fish Camp for fried clams and fresh fish.
Jeffrey D. Walters/GettyHarpers Ferry, West Virginia
Population: 268
Harpers Ferry has a lot going on, geographically speaking. After all, it’s where West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland meet, and where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers combine. The scenic junction and surrounding Harpers Ferry National Historical Park make for one very picturesque townscape, especially during those leafy autumn months. Meanwhile, the town offers constant historical tours (it was the site of John Brown’s raid) and the occasional ghost tour. There’s more than enough here for adventurers, as well, like kayaking, rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, and hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
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Bar Harbor, Maine
Population: 5,089
This picturesque town on Mount Desert Island is as pristine as small towns come. It’s hard to ignore the fact that Bar Harbor sits in the shadow of Acadia National Park, making it a great place to indulge in some outdoor fun: We’re talking bicycling, boating, hiking, fishing, climbing, bird-watching, swimming, horseback riding, and leaf peeping. (It also happens to be one of the country’s best spots for whale watching.) When you need to refuel, choose from one of the town’s dozens of great restaurants. We’re fans of the triple-stacked pancakes at 2 Cats Restaurant.
Carolyn Hebbard/GettyDeadwood, South Dakota
Population: 1,343
Few towns give a frozen-in-time glimpse at the Old West as much as Deadwood. Even if you weren’t a huge fan of the HBO series of the same name, you’ll feel a tingle of excitement as you stroll down the town’s main street, complete with saloons, casinos, and brick restaurants. You can also visit the graves of Wild West icons like Calamity Jane at Mount Moriah Cemetery, then venture out to explore the Black Hills.
Courtesy Inn at Perry CabinSt. Michaels, Maryland
Population: 1,061
The towns and countryside of the Chesapeake Bay are pretty glorious, and you can’t do much better than St. Michaels (about a 90-minute drive from Washington, D.C.). Maritime life looms large at the town’s namesake museum and gorgeous harbor, while the assemblage of brightly colored shops and Victorian homes makes the downtown area feel like a movie set. We wouldn’t blame you, however, if you spent your entire stay at the Inn at Perry Cabin, a nautically-themed hotel with upholstered sleigh beds, a brick-walled garden, and fresh seafood served right on the grounds.
Sean Pavone/GettyMontpelier, Vermont
Population: 7,991
Montpelier is the least populated of all the state capitals, which gives it the same amount of small-town appeal as any other city on this list. In lieu of Walmart and Starbucks, you’ll find maple syrup farms, traditional European architecture, and a bustling downtown area lined with independent shops and cozy cafes. As with most other spots in Vermont, the town bursts with color during the fall months, while wintertime brings about fun outdoor activities like ice fishing and skiing. No matter which time of year you visit, be sure to stop by the Vermont State House and Vermont History Museum.
