23 Small Towns in the USA we love to visit

Are you someone who likes to explore the road less travelled? To get off the highway and explore the back streets? Then you’ll want to get out of the city and explore America’s small towns.

There’s a certain magic in the small towns of America that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a quaint charm that can’t be bottled, barcoded, or bulldozed into a strip mall.

On our road trip across the U.S., we stopped by many cute small towns in the USA, and fell in love with the community atmosphere, the laid-back vibes, the way time slows down and where the corner coffee shop serves a hot brew served with a side of conversation as warm as the pie.

While the big cities may hog the headlines, it’s rural small town America that offers a more intimate, authentic view of U.S. culture.

They’re like a patchwork quilt stitched across the country, each square boasting its own flavor, folklore, and front porch charm.

In this guide, we share the cutest small towns in the USA that we personally visited on our year-long road trip, from coastal towns to mountain towns, and everything in between.

Whether you want that faint smell of farmlands waking you up or the feel of the sea breeze across your face, or the rural adventure offered by desert outposts, these towns are proof that sometimes less really is more.

1. Apex, North Carolina

Starting with one of our favorite small towns, which is only 20-minutes down the road from where we live in Raleigh – Apex.

Apex has me saying every time we visit, “Oh, this main street is so cute. It has so much to offer.”

Founded in the 1860s, Apex in North Carolina is considered one of the most intact turn-of-the-century railroad towns in the country.

The Downtown Historic District is centered around Salem Street and is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.

The town got its name from a location at the highest point on the old Chatham Railroad and is the reason for its slogan “the peak of good living.”

Downtown Apex is home to colorfully restored antique shops, specialty stores, and restaurants. On weekends, the sidewalks are abuzz with people enjoying the weekly farmer’s markets and the Salem St scene.

We have written a guide on our Raleigh website sharing our favorite things to do in Downtown Apex (check that out), but if you only have a short time there, Apex Lake is good for an afternoon stroll, Peak of the Vines Wine Bar is awesome, as is Scratch Kitchen & Taproom with their Southern fusion food, craft drinks, and outside seating area.

Speaking of towns near us, Craig and I debated over whether Cary should be included in this list. It’s also a cute historic small town that, over the past few years, has blossomed from a sleepy ghost-like town to a thriving place with a main street full of farm-to-table restaurants, wine and cocktail bars, one of the USA’s best breweries, and the magnificent Downtown Cary Park. Cary would make for a nice day trip from Apex.

2. Gruene, Texas

Are you ready for a little boot-scooting fun in one of the coolest small towns in America? It may only be a three-street town, but Gruene, Texas oozes historic charm.

The center of community life – back when it was a thriving cotton industry town, and now, that it has been lovingly restored – is the Gruene dance hall.

Since 1878, Gruene Hall has been putting on live music and dance gatherings. Legends such as George Strait, Hal Ketchum, Willie Nelson, and Lyle Lovett have played, and even current superstars like Maren Morris.

There is nothing fancy about this place, which is what makes it one of the trendiest places in the US to visit. Bring your copyboy hat and boots, let your hair down, mingle with the local residents, and have fun.

You can sit down and listen, dance up the back, or even hang outside in the beer garden. Kids will love the space to paly corn-hole or climb some trees.

The streets are filled with boutique and antique stores in old homes, a general store with a soda and ice cream bar, and restaurants.

Watching the colors light up behind the water tower and sunset from your fire pit seat in the Grapevine Winery outdoor garden is something special to enjoy. Even better if there is live music in the background, which in Gruene is a certainty.

Read More: Things to do in the Texas Hill Country in three days

3. Franklin, Tennessee

When you visit the USA, we highly recommend you visit Tennessee. We love Nashville, and only a short 30-minute drive away is the gorgeous Southern town of Franklin, Tennessee.

This small, charming Southern town is full of history, good boutique shopping, and a vibrant music lifestyle.

Downtown Franklin is known as America’s favorite street. This 16-block National Register district has more than 70 local shops and restaurants in gorgeous Victorian buildings along brick sidewalks.

It’s a quieter version of Nashville with a happening live music scene and open mics, but without the crowds and crazy party scene.

Many famous musicians live out this way and at nearby Leiper’s Fork; their palatial homes nestled in the rolling green hills surrounding Franklin.

We also visited for an evening of open mic at Puckett’s Groceries – an iconic musical experience in the Nashville region.

Read more: Things to do in Franklin, TN on a day trip and places to visit on a mountains & music road trip.

4. Port Townsend, Washington State

I’m not sure what drew me to Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, perhaps it was the cockatoo on a friendly local’s shoulder saying G’day!

Whatever it was, I knew I wanted to come back and explore more. I wish we had longer than just a night or two.

Port Townsendis a pretty and charming historic Victorian seaport bordered by Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and quite close to the Olympic National Park (one of our favorite USA national parks).

It’s also only a short ferry ride over to Seattle.

Separated by a flight of stairs, Uptown is filled with beautiful Victorian homes, and the historic Downtown area has large, ornate brick buildings that house shops, hotels, local restaurants, and museums.

You could visit on a day trip from the Hurricane Ridge area of Olympic National Park, or park your RV at the state fairground, or the historic Fort Worden State Park has beautiful campsites on the water.

Read More: Incredible things to do in the Olympic National Park

5. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, VT, is a charming town in the northern part of Vermont and is the gateway to Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak.

We spent three nights in Stowe on a New England road trip in the Fall, and we can clearly see why this is one of the best places to visit during the Autumn. The colors did not disappoint.

Around town, you have unique shops and family-owned restaurants, and the architecture of church steeples and colonial-style houses bursting through foliage dense with reds, oranges and yellows.

Stowe’s proximity to the mountains means it offers endless opportunities for nature lovers to enjoy hiking trails, biking, and cross-country skiing adventures. So you can enjoy the outdoors any time of the year!

We enjoyed hiking to the top of Mount Mansfield and the bike riding Stowe Recreation Bike Path.

6. Monticello, Florida

I fell in love with the Southern charm and hospitality of this small town in Florida. I think we knew everyone’s name and background by the end of our two-night stay.

Monticello is in the heart of Natural North Florida and has a population of just over 2,700 people.

This charming, historical town, located 24-miles east of the state capitol, Tallahassee, was founded in 1827 and is the seat of Jefferson County.

Jefferson is known as the Keystone County for its unspoiled beauty and mild climate, offering the ‘keys to quality living’ and year-round good weather.

The surrounding region is simply spectacular and offers quiet rural experiences and outdoor adventures.

We experienced one of our favorite adventures in the USA in the Monticello region: kayaking the Wacissa River.

Read More: Fantastic Things to do in Monticello, FL

7. Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort, South Carolina, is an exquisite and serene small town that’s simply charming. It’s immersed in history and in a forest of ancient live oaks and surrounded by marshlands, islands, waterways, and the Atlantic Ocean.

One of the most beautiful Southern neighborhoods I’ve seen is The Old Point neighborhood, just to the east of downtown Beaufort.

It was the residential summer enclave of the wealthy plantation owners, as their island marshland homes became too hot and buggy.

Live Oaks with their dripping Spanish moss drape together to form a canopy over the streets and a cooler place for you to walk and admire the stately antebellum mansion.

Beaufort in South Carolina has a fascinating Civil War History, as it was one of the only towns not burned by Sherman’s advancing army.

After the locals all fled their antebellum mansions in fear, Sherman decided to take them over for their troops and turn them into Union hospitals.

He freed the slaves, who far outnumbered the locals, and hired them to work in the hospitals.

Many were able to buy their master’s homes as they owed large sums of taxes when they finally returned. They didn’t pay them as they felt they would not have homes to return to.

Beaufort is rich in the Gullah culture of emancipated African-American slaves who have preserved much of their distinctive language, food, and customs.

Read More: Essential Things to do in Beaufort, South Carolina and a review of the historic Beaufort Inn (worth a stay)

8. Stuart, Florida

Stuart, Florida, has a sublime location on the St Lucie River with 22 miles of undeveloped Atlantic Coast beaches just a short drive away.

That means you have access to endless water activities, delicious seafood, and a laid-back Florida charm.

Downtown Stuart is charming with art galleries, boutique stores, and riverfront restaurants.

We can understand why it was named Coastal Living’s 2016 “Happiest Seaside Town” as well as several other acknowledgments for being a beautiful American small town.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Stuart and the surrounding Martin County and Treasure Coast region.

Read More: A perfect winter vacation in Martin County, Florida,and a unique houseboat vacation rental on the Treasure Coast.

9. Wallace, Idaho

Wallace, Idaho, is an intriguing town with its unusual mix of American Colonial revival, Queen Anne, and Art Deco buildings and English-style cottages.

It’s one of the few small towns in the USA entirely listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The historical town of Wallace started in 1884 to accommodate the influx of people to the Silver Valley in search of its namesake shiny promise.

For over 100 years, it’s been the world’s largest silver producer – over 1.1 billion ounces — making it the richest mining town still in existence.

You’re sure to find your own take-home treasure with its antique and specialty stores focused on Idaho silver products and collectibles.

Not only is it an enchanting small USA town, but it’s surrounded by the Bitterroot Mountains and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

We LOVED our 15-mile bike ride on the Route of the Hiawatha and skiing at the nearby North Idaho Ski resorts.

Read More: Outdoor adventures to love in Idaho and Surprising Idaho: reasons we love it!

10. Jackson, Wyoming

Wowzers! That was my word arriving at the resort town of Jackson, located in the Jackson Hole Valley in Wyoming.

I knew it was good for skiing, but I never realized how strikingly beautiful this area was with its majestic Teton Mountains rising sharply out of the valley floor and the Snake River winding through the yellow grasslands and cottontails that line its bank.

Jackson is the main town in Jackson Hole (the valley) and is a unique cowboy town with a modern Hollywood style.

I loved the vibe of Jackson and want to return to explore more. It offers much in the way of restaurants, cafes, breweries, and shops.

Don’t miss The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, established in 1937. It is a landmark watering hole famous for its Western Swing Dance lessons and live music. The décor will intrigue you.

Jackson Hole is close to many fantastic outdoor experiences and ski resort towns, like ski runs right in town, to the Grand Teton National Park. It’s also not too far from Yellowstone National Park.

11. Ferndale, California

Ferndale is a town where time stands still. Meander down the main road to find lamppost-lined blocks of historic Victorian-style architecture that house various artisans from artists to blacksmiths; I would dub this small town Americana.

Its location, sandwiched between the Lost Coast and ancient redwood forests, makes for a beautiful and tranquil base to explore this Humboldt County region.

You can see why this charming town has been the setting for a few Hollywood movies.

There’s an eclectic mix of independent stores alongside small cafés and fine dining. A few we loved browsing: Ferndale Arts Gallery, Farmer’s Daughter, Sweetness and Light, and the Golden Gait Mercantile.

Five minutes from the town of Ferndale is a long, wind-swept beach, which is great for walking and playing.

Ferndale offers a more authentic, laid-back feel compared to the other popular small towns in California like Carmel by the Sea and Ventura, which is a great place to visit if you want to see the Channel Islands.

Read More: A Lost Coast California Road Trip

12. Leadville, Colorado

We passed through Leadville briefly for lunch whilst driving on the Independence Pass, a scenic drive from Snowmass to Denver, Colorado.

It is one of the most spectacular drives in the USA passing clear rivers, beautiful valleys, steep peaks, and extensive aspen forests.

At 10,512 feet above sea level is the old mining town of Leadville, the highest incorporated city in North America.

Downtown Leadville has preserved its old wild lawless reputation well with its museums and mining-era buildings that now house galleries, boutiques, and shops.

Of course, with its location, Leadville offers an incredible amount of outdoor beauty and adventure. It’s on my Colorado bucket list to return and spend more time exploring this cute small mountain town.

13. Leavenworth, Washington State

Leavenworth is a tastefully done tourist town which looks like it was uprooted from Bavaria and dumped in a forest in Washington State.

It has a lot of soul and plenty of reasons to enjoy a little taste of Bavaria – enjoy a few pretzels, bratwurst, and steins – you are welcome to wear lederhosen while doing so!

Leavenworth was once a thriving logging village. When that took a turn for the worst, instead of letting it die, the community decided to use its beautiful setting and turn it into mini-Bavaria.

It’s now one of the most popular places in Washington State.

In the town, visitors will find Bavarian-style architecture that houses restaurants, bars, breweries, cideries, and local retail stores. Basically, enjoy shopping, eating, and drinking in Leavenworth!

We certainly enjoyed doing that, especially after a tube float down the river!

Its location at the base of the Cascade Mountains and on the Wenatchee River means it’s also a hot spot for outdoor recreation like hiking, skiing, whitewater rafting, or gentle tube floating.

Read More: Fantastic Pacific Northwest road trip ideas and a Guide To Visiting North Cascades National Park + Things To Do

14. Sedona, Arizona

If you’re looking for a rural town with an incredible desert landscape, then you’ll want to head to Sedona in Arizona.

The town is known for its luxury resorts and spas, but it also has incredible landscapes and red rock formations, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock.

The locals here believe the town has natural vortexes with healing qualities. Whatever you believe, no one will argue that the natural beauty of Sedona is incomparable to anywhere else in the world.

With 300+ miles of hiking and biking trails nearby, as well as stunning mesas and canyons, a small-town charm, and numerous other outdoor activities to explore, such as jeep rides, Sedona is a wonderful little town to make a stop in.

15. Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

Taos Pueblo is a tiny town in New Mexico, located just north of the city of Taos. The last census was in the year 2023, and during that time the popular stood at 1,294 people.

The town is famous for being one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the USA and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was built in the 14th century by a Native American community, who built their homes out of the rock from the landscape.

The town has no running water or electricity, and the homes you see here are the original homes built all those centuries ago.

The town is only visitable by a guided tour, and is closed during times when the locals hold tribal ceremonies and in the winter.

16. Marfa, Texas

Another small desert town in Texas is Marfa, known for being an artist’s playground. It was founded by Donald Judd, who created the Chinati Foundation, and displays huge pieces of artwork on an old army base.

The installations are both indoors and outdoors, and you can even see exhibitions and concerts.

The town is best seen from a viewing platform outside the town.

It is said that in this spot, mysterious orbs can be seen across the town. The orbs are known as the “Marfa Lights” phenomenon, and people say they belong to ghosts, UFOs, or will-o’-the-wisp.

Scientists believe they are reflections of car headlights and campfires, but many believe it could be something paranormal.

17. Sitka, Alaska

Sitka is probably the most rural small town on this list, as it’s only accessible by boat, plane, or cruise ship. It’s a small town just outside Juneau, the state capital.

The town is nestled on Baranof Island, which is part of the Chichagof Islands. It’s a naturally stunning town with lots of wildlife, especially marine life such as whales and seals, which migrate through its waters.

The town was once part of Russia until 1867, when it was conquered by the indigenous Tlingit people.

Today, the town is a reserve, known as Sitka National Historical Park, and is still home to the residents of the Tlingit people. You can see many traditional homes and a trail dotted with totem poles.

If you love fishing, then you’ll enjoy it here. It has the 6th largest port by value of seafood in America. You can fish for the Alaskan favorites, such as Salmon, Trout, Halibut, and Rockfish.

18. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Oregon is a state of outstanding natural beauty and should not be missed on any trip around the West Coast of America.

The small town of Cannon Beach is a coastal town you must make sure you visit if you’re passing through on an Oregon road trip.

It’s known for its pristine beaches and Haystack Rock, an epic rock formation that stands tall off the coast of the beautiful beach. The most popular beach near here is Arcadia Beach, which has impressive tide pools and a picnic area. It is also a seasonal home for tufted puffins.

Many visitors come here to hike the trails in Ecola State Park, which have incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. You can also find sea caves near Hug Point.

Inside the town, you’ll find the main street with boutique stores and coffee shops. It’s got a laid-back vibe and is all about relaxing by the ocean.

19. Grand Marais, Minnesota

Grand Marais is a small town of approximately 1,300 residents and is famous for its artistic atmosphere and creative energy.

It was named as America’s Coolest Small Town by Budget Travel Magazine, as well as the Next Great Adventure Town by National Geographic.

It’s a picturesque harbor village and is surrounded by gorgeous nature spots and wildlife. It’s nestled between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior, which is perfect for any nature lover looking for a small town to relax in.

It’s said that many musicians and artists come to Grand Marais to find inspiration, and they never leave without it. In fact, it has the oldest art colony in Minnesota, and you’ll find many painters practicing their craft at the aptly named Artist’s Point. It’s probably the most vibrant arts scene in the USA.

Because of its northern location, it’s also possible to see the Northern Lights here under the right conditions.

20. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is a small coastal town in Maine that’s well known for its seafood – specifically lobster.

Since it’s located on Mount Desert Island, a small island in the Maine Frenchman Bay and Cranberry Islands, it’s the perfect small town in America to relax in and be by the water.

It has a town pier, which is the perfect place to fish from or catch a boat over to the Porcupine Islands. Head over to the scenic Sand Beach, which is surrounded by mountains.

It’s also the gateway to Acadia National Park, a stunningly scenic area off the Atlantic coast with dense woodlands, rocky beaches, and glacier-scoured peaks such as Cadillac Mountain.

See if you can spot some of the local wildlife whilst meandering around the nearby hiking trails. It’s possible to see moose, black bears, whales, and many species of seabirds.

21. Moab, Utah

Moab is a town so small you probably won’t even notice you’ve visited it. It’s known for being the gateway to the incredible national parks of Utah, including the famous Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

Moab is surrounded by massive red rock formations, canyons, gorges, mesas, and buttes, as well as Native American rock art. You can also find dinosaur tracks in some of the rural sites, such as Bull Canyon Overlook and Copper Ridge.

Many people visit Moab for adventurous mountain biking trails and jeep safaris, which are one of the best things to do in Moab.

Downtown Moab is pretty cool. It has a small collection of museums that feature dinosaur bones and findings from archeological sites.

Moab only has a population of just over 5,300 residents and has a charming vibe and small-town charm.

22. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Another small town that you’ve probably never paid much attention to is Eureka Springs, which is nestled in the Ozark Mountains.

It’s famous for its well-preserved Victorian buildings in the Historic District. We even stayed at one of them on a mother-daughter trip, which was the famous Crescent Hotel.

As the name suggests, the town is built on natural hot springs. If you’re looking for a spa weekend away, this is a great place to visit.

As well as being surrounded by natural beauty, such as the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, the area is known for having some thriving wildlife. You may even spot some big cats and bears nearby.

23. Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish is a small resort town, nestled in the Rocky Mountains and near Glacier National Park. It’s most well-known for being a skiing and snowboarding hot spot in the winter, and great spot for mountain biking in the summer.

Whitefish Lake State Park is a great place to go swimming or boating in the summer.

The downtown area is pretty cool too, with many boutique stores and eateries on Central Avenue. You’ll find that many of the stores here are locally owned, so you can find some unique gifts and souvenirs to take home.

Although Whitefish is a small town of around 10,035 people (2025 stats), it’s growing in popularity because of its winter sports. Definitely make sure you visit here while it’s still small and still has an authentic, homey charm.

What makes a small town worth visiting?

When we’re looking for small towns to visit, we’re looking for uniqueness, main street charm, historical relevance, close proximity to outdoor adventures, and a respite from big-city life. Those are the characteristics that define a great small town in my eyes.

In terms of size, we’re mostly looking at towns from one main street to a few city blocks wide, with a population of probably no greater than 50,000.

We have not been everywhere, and since there’s no hard and fast definition of a small town, it’s not possible to say you’ve seen them all (it’s estimated there are almost 20,000 “small” towns in America).

But, in our years of travel, we’ve visited quite a lot. The towns in this guide are based on our own experiences of traveling the USA in-depth for years.

We also have this guide on cool destinations to visit in the USA to check out if you need more ideas for destinations to visit.

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