From Miami to Las Vegas, the city’s in the United States are the first destinations to pop into travellers’ heads. But, the country is also riddled with quaint towns that are an important part of the nation’s history and culture.
These beautiful small towns range from remote villages in arid deserts to quaint coastal retreats with white sand beaches on their doorstep.
They are the perfect escape for those looking to get out into the country’s most impressive natural landscapes.
Embrace the laid-back atmosphere and slow pace of life in these enchanting small towns.
15. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
This centuries-old town has a unique history. It was put on the map when in October of 1859 John Brown and 21 other men raided the town’s arsenal in an attempt to supply a slave uprising.
It was amongst the uprisings that sparked the Civil War a year later.
Now, the town has a sleepy feel to it and still conserves much of its 19th-century history. A visit to the 1859 John Brown’s Fort and the True Treats Historic Candy shop is a must.
14. Beaufort, South Carolina
Characterized by an unhurried pace of life and friendly locals, Beaufort is a cute waterfront town like no other.
Stroll along the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park where you can soak in the views of the bay.
Next visit the elegant home of Robert Smalls, a former slave who freed himself and others before becoming a war hero, purchasing the home of his former owner, and serving in the House of Representatives!
Other buildings of note are the First African Baptist Church founded in 1863 and the Tidalholm.
13. Stowe, Vermont
Built beside Vermont’s highest peak, Stowe is a gorgeous small town surrounded by rolling hills and vibrant forest.
The town is famous for its picturesque autumn season when the valley comes alive in hues of reds and oranges.
Try out fly rod fishing in the nearby rivers, then spend the evening at one of the town’s charming microbreweries. You can also explore the village and learn about its history on a unique nighttime lantern tour.
12. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Nestled amongst the lush forest greenery of the surrounding Ozark Mountains in northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs is a charming small town famous for its natural mineral springs.
The town has a Victorian-era city center and is surrounded by more than 60 mineral springs. Sadly the springs aren’t hot!
You have to visit the Thorncrown Chapel whilst you’re there. Commissioned by Jim Reed, the church has more than 425 windows and was designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
11. Mackinac Island, Michigan
This quiet village on the island of the same name is a haven for those looking to escape their busy lives. The island has been car-free since 1898, so there really isn’t a quieter holiday destination.
Famous for its horse-drawn carriages and cute fudge shops, Mackinac Island feels stuck in time.
The island has over 70 miles of paved bike trails to explore. Make your way to the historic Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes which were captured by the British in the War of 1812.
10. Telluride, Colorado
A paradise for winter sports and mountain walks, Telluride is nestled between 14,000-foot peaks. The town is a mix of Victorian-era homes and European ski hotels.
Once a mining town, this tiny village is now a gateway into the surrounding landscape. Walk to the nearby Alta Lakes or follow the breathtaking Bear Creek Trail to a gushing waterfall.
If you’re not outdoorsy, enjoy a relaxing day at the Dunton Hot Springs or visit the ruins of the Alta Ghost Town.
9. Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is New Jersey’s finest beach town. Although many visitors come for the white sand beaches and tranquil sea, the town is a year-round destination.
It has the country’s largest concentration of Victorian architecture, with some 600 restored structures!
Legend has it many pirates and smugglers docked at Cape May throughout the 18th century, and some even say there is still unfound buried treasure.
To find out more about the lives of the rich Victorians who once called the town home, head to the Victorian House Museum at Emlen Physick Estate.
8. Nantucket, Massachusetts
This quaint and picturesque village on the island of the same name sits some 30 miles south of the Cape Cod peninsula. A haven of summer holiday homes, the town has long been known as one of the country’s most desirable getaways.
Walk along the narrow streets lined with wood-paneled houses. Some of these have changed very little since their construction in the 18th and 19th century.
Ride out to the island’s lighthouses and explore the varied terrain surrounding the small village.
7. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Built in 1957 on the shores of the iconic Cannon Beach, the village is a haven of cute cafes, craft shops, microbreweries, and quaint art galleries.
If you’re looking for a coastal destination with a small-town feel, Cannon Beach is where you need to go. The views of the beach from your cozy holiday rental will leave you in awe.
Walk along the glistening sand and marvel at Haystack Rock, the famous 235-foot monolith that protrudes out of the sea.
6. Ketchikan, Alaska
This little town along Alaska’s Inside Passage on the western coast of Revillagigedo Island is the state’s southernmost settlement.
Colour and quaint, the town is a gateway into the Misty Fjords National Monument just 40 miles away.
The town is most known for its famous salmon migration, which has given it a reputation as the ‘salmon capital of the world’. Flocks of people visit Ketchikan in the summer months to witness the fish’s extraordinary journey.
5. Taos, New Mexico
This mystical desert town offers its visitors the chance to delve into the indigenous history and culture of the area. The Taos Pueblo which is just three miles from the town’s center is home to an indigenous community that have been there for close to a millennium.
After the 1890’s artists of all kinds began to settle in the town of Taos, attracted by the peaceful landscape and isolated feel of the place.
The surrounding red-brick canyons contrast beautifully with the snow-capped mountains in the distance, a view you won’t forget in a hurry.
4. St. Augustine, Florida
Apart from being picturesque, the town of St. Augustine is a hotspot for history. It’s the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the US.
Amongst the city’s most architecturally significant relics is the oldest masonry fort in the country, the Castillo de San Marcos, situated along the waterfront.
Wander into town and sip from The Fountain of Youth at the Ponce de Leon’s Archaeological Park. You can also find out about the history of the Timucuan people and Spanish colonists who have lived in St. Augustine at the park.
Stroll along St. George’s Street to see the town’s oldest buildings that date as far back as the 16th century.
3. Bar Harbor, Maine
This gorgeous coastal town on Mount Desert Island is built in the shadow of the picturesque Acadia National Park.
From the town, you can go cycling, climbing, bird watching, fishing, and boating! For adventurous types of travelers, Bar Harbor is a no-brainer.
Walk around the town’s little harbor and soak in the slow pace of life. As you look out into the horizon, keep an eye out for whales in the distance! The village is also one of the country’s best whale-watching destinations.
2. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Dotted with European-style cottages, this little coastal town is a unique destination. The town has a countryside feel to it that contrasts with the rocky coastal cliffs and pristine waters that surround it.
Spend the morning window shopping in the town’s quaint art galleries and chic boutiques before lazing the afternoon away on the town’s famous California beaches.
Visit the quaint Carmel Mission Basilica before heading to one of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s famous wine tastings.
1. Sedona, Arizona
Surrounded as far as the eye can see by my red-rock monoliths and a vast arid landscape, Sedona will capture the heart of any nature lover.
There are countless canyons, spires, and buttes in the region waiting to be explored. Take on legendary trails through the desert landscape, like the Bear Mountain Trail and Cathedral Rock Hike that lead to panoramic views.
You can’t skip a hike up to the Devil’s Bridge, a natural bridge-like rock formation that stretches over the valley below.
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