Most charming small towns in the USA

With the excitement of the hustle and bustle, world-class cuisine that can be enjoyed at any time of day or night, endless shopping, museums, and more, big cities have a lot to offer. Small towns, on the other hand, have a lot to offer. Many, in fact, offer just as much in terms of culture and historical attractions, although with a more relaxed atmosphere and friendly, welcoming people. If you want to visit the most charming places, the top picks in each state, from Magnolia Springs, Alabama to Buffalo, Wyoming, may serve as inspiration for your next trip.

Magnolia Springs, Alabama

Most people simply pass through Magnolia Springs on their way to the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, but it’s well worth a visit on its own. It’s nestled along the Magnolia River in southern Alabama, just a short drive from the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores. Because of the abundance of magnolias and natural springs, the name Magnolia Plantation was changed. It’s often referred to as the state’s prettiest town, with many homes featuring magnolia trees in their yards and historic buildings adding to the appeal. While you’re here, don’t miss out on Jesse’s Restaurant, a steakhouse that also serves seafood fresh from the Gulf waters down the road.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, located at the southernmost point of the Inside Passage, is a historic fishing village with a picturesque harbor where salmon frequently leap out of the water, surrounded by sparkling lakes, streams, waterfalls, and dense forest. Explore a multitude of fun shops, dine at outstanding eateries serving fresh fish and seafood, immerse oneself in an award-winning arts scene, and enjoy live music and theater right in town. There are numerous opportunities for outdoor adventure, including whale watching tours and fishing charters, as well as zip-lining through towering trees over salmon streams, flightseeing over the Misty Fjords and hiking to the top of Deer Mountain.

Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee has to be Arizona’s coolest and oddest town. It is surrounded by natural beauty, has an interesting history, and has fantastic street art. It’s a mile high in the Mule Mountains, not far from the Mexican border, and its streets are lined with Victorian-era homes and buildings nestled precariously on the steep hillsides.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs, founded in 1879 as a spa town, is a picturesque Ozarks town built into steep hillsides and surrounded by more than 60 natural springs. It is well-known for its arts scene, which includes a thriving community of independent art galleries, and the downtown area is a historic district filled with magnificent Victorian architecture.

Murphys, California

Murphys is known as the “Queen of the Sierras” and is located in California’s Gold Country. It is one of California’s most charming towns, with a historic Main Street lined with wine bars and tasting rooms, enticing eateries, independent shops and boutiques, and a shamrock painted on the pavement revealing its Irish roots. There are intriguing historic sites from its Gold Rush days as well as numerous opportunities for outdoor adventure nearby, such as cave exploration, scenic hikes, and zip-line rides.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride, Colorado’s most picturesque town, is tucked into a box canyon in southwestern Colorado and is surrounded on three sides by 14,000-foot-high mountain peaks. It was the first town in the world to have electric street lights, yet strolling through the historic district with its Greek Revival and Victorian architecture feels like stepping back in time, with no neon signs, billboards, or even stoplights.

Essex, Connecticut

Essex will be familiar to fans of “The Gilmore Girls,” as it serves as Stars Hollow in the show. Many historic buildings, including the Egyptian Revival First Baptist Church of Essex, one of only three in the country, add to its allure. A ride on the vintage Essex Stream Train, a scenic waterfront, and opportunities to play on the Long Island Sound or Connecticut River are also available to visitors.

Bethany Beach, Delaware

Bethany Beach, a tranquil beach town with a boardwalk, offers a mile-long stretch of sand and a boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions. Explore the vintage atmosphere, watch Monday night movies on the beach, and listen to live music during the fantastic summer concert series. Relax in one of the oceanfront vacation rentals for a peaceful getaway.

Matlacha, Florida

Matlacha is located just off the coast of Cape Coral on a speck of land between Pine Island and Pine Island. It is a waterfront community of fishermen and artisans with unique homes and buildings painted in a vibrant color palette. Matlacha, a lovely town in Florida, has an enchanting atmosphere without the gated retirement communities, high-rise condos, or crowds. There is plenty of fresh seafood to be found, as well as history and art to be discovered.

Helen, Georgia

Helen, located in northern Georgia, is a recreation of a Bavarian alpine village. Its downtown buildings are all built in the Bavarian style, including restaurants that serve delicious authentic German cuisine. Visitors can try their luck panning for gold at Outpost Gold & Gem Mining Co., a former mining town, while the surrounding area offers vineyards for wine tasting and recreational activities such as hiking and tubing. Helen’s cozy cabin rentals provide a natural retreat.

Hawi, Hawaii

Hawi is located on the northern tip of the Big Island and is best known as the bicycle turnaround for the annual IRONMAN World Championship. However, it is also a hub for artists, with some fantastic eclectic shops selling artisanal products such as handcrafted jewelry. There are organic food markets, excellent local restaurants, and a candy and ice cream shop that doubles as a kava bar at night. Furthermore, a stay or visit here puts you just minutes away from one of the most beautiful spots on the island: Waipio Valley.

Wallace, Idaho

Wallace, a historic mining town in northern Idaho’s stunning Silver Valley, is located halfway between two ski and recreation areas. The spectacular surrounding mountains make it a popular base for outdoor adventure, but it’s also a joy to return to afterward with its many historic buildings, each of which is on the National Register of Historic Places and houses shops, restaurants, bars, museums, and hotels.

Galena, Illinois

Galena, one of the best small towns in the Midwest, offers a trip back in time with historic buildings dating from before the Civil War. There’s plenty of history to discover, including museums, the Ulysses S. Grant Home, and even ghost tours if you’re hoping to see some of the lingering residents from the past. There are unique mom-and-pop shops, delicious restaurants, and charming inns and B&Bs. It also hosts some fun events worth planning a trip around, such as the Great Galena Balloon Race and the Midwest Garlic Fest.

Shipshewana, Indiana

Shipshewana, located in the heart of Indiana’s Amish Country, is particularly charming and offers the opportunity to learn more about the Amish. There is a museum dedicated to both the Amish and the Mennonites, and visitors can take buggy rides to experience the lifestyle. Aromatic bakeries, craft shops, furniture workshops, art galleries, and restaurants serving Amish cuisine can all be found in historic buildings.

Pella, Iowa

Pella, which was founded by Dutch immigrants, has an interesting history, including being the hometown of Wild West lawman Wyatt Earp. A popular Iowa destination, it retains a Dutch flavor, with Dutch treats available at Jaarsma Bakery, a historic windmill, and even a picturesque canal. In the spring, it also hosts an annual Tulip Festival, which is worth planning your visit around.

Dodge City, Kansas

Dodge City, once considered the wildest town in the Wild West, with a colorful cast of characters including gamblers, cowboys, and prostitutes, offers plenty of historic charms. Boot Hill Museum celebrates its history with entertaining historical exhibits, trolley tours of historic sites, and mock gunfights complete with costumed cowboys. A drink in one of the saloons is an excellent way to soak up the atmosphere.

Paducah, Kentucky

Paducah is a mecca for quilters and other fiber-based artists, as well as a picturesque Kentucky town on the banks of the Tennessee and Ohio rivers. Quilt enthusiasts will enjoy the National Quilt Museum, while history buffs will enjoy exploring the 20 downtown blocks that are on the National Register of Historic Places and feature fine examples of 19th-century architecture. Lower Town, the city’s oldest neighborhood, is an artsy district filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques, antique stores, and indie art galleries. After dark, take in some live music, theater, independent film, or improv comedy.

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Natchitoches, one of the best places to visit in Louisiana, is a small university town with a 33-city-block area. It’s a National Historic Landmark, with buildings in Queen Anne, Spanish Revival, Art Deco, Federal, Victorian, and French Creole styles. Front Street is cobblestoned, and storefronts have wrought iron decor, giving it an old-world feel. The grand mansions and elegant townhomes overlooking Cane River Lake may look familiar because they were used in the filming of “Steel Magnolias” in 1989.

Camden, Maine

Camden, Maine’s crown jewel, is a small seaside town with sailboats filling Penobscot Bay and waterfront seafood eateries. It’s enjoyable just to stroll through the High Street Historic District, with its classic New England architecture, but there are also opportunities to get active, such as hikes in Camden Hills State Park. Not surprisingly, it has served as the setting for several films, including 2001’s “In the Bedroom” and 1957’s “Peyton Place.”

Berlin, Maryland

Berlin was named the “Coolest Small Town in America” by Budget Travel, and we agree that it has a lot to offer. A stroll down Main Street with its historic buildings is worth bringing your camera for, and there are some fantastic venues for a cold brew, glass of wine, or a delicious meal. The Assateague Island National Seashore is nearby and offers sandy beaches, coastal bays, forests, and a community of wild ponies.

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Oak Bluffs is located on Martha’s Vineyard’s northeastern shore and is known for its distinctive, brightly colored gingerbread cottages that give the town a storybook feel. It’s also known for the Flying Horses Carousel, the country’s oldest, which has been spinning since 1876. One can easily walk off the ferry and spend the day exploring the area and visiting the beaches along Vineyard Sound. The water is ideal for wading or swimming on most days because there is little surf.

Marquette, Michigan

Marquette is an Upper Peninsula town with a rich history and an appealing downtown, but the surrounding scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities are the main draws. There are numerous picturesque lighthouses, 300 miles of forest, waterfalls, and countless hiking and biking trails. The Harlow Lake Recreational Area is ideal for a picnic with a postcard-perfect view of the lake. If you go in autumn, it will be framed by brilliant gold, orange, and red hues.

Winona, Minnesota

Winona has an 11-block downtown area filled with National Register of Historic District buildings from the nineteenth century. Visit the Winona National Bank with its magnificent stained glass and the Polish-designed Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka in America’s stained glass capital. During the warmer months, take a river cruise to see the sights of town, or get out on Lake Winona and paddle around in a canoe or kayak. Lake Park, which runs alongside it, has a beach, walking and biking trails, a rose garden, and a disc golf course.

Port Gibson, Mississippi

Port Gibson, located halfway between Vicksburg and Natchez, offers spectacular beauty and a rich history to explore. Indeed, its beauty is what prompted General Grant to spare it during the Civil War, claiming it was “too beautiful to burn.” Although the Windsor Ruins are the most famous attraction in this charming Mississippi town, you’ll also find impressive historic architecture, old-fashioned storefronts, battlefields, and historically significant Civil War sites.

Hannibal, Missouri

Visitors to Hannibal can tour Mark Twain’s boyhood home, take a sightseeing cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat, and visit the Mark Twain Cave and Cave Hollow Winery. Non-Twain attractions include the Molly Brown Birthplace Museum, Hannibal History Museum, Big River Train Town & Museum, historic Rockcliffe Mansion, and Sawyer’s Creek Family Fun Park. Those interested in the paranormal flock to Haunted Hannibal’s Ghost Tours.

Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish, located on the shores of beautiful Whitefish Lake in Flathead County, is an outdoor adventure hub that National Geographic named one of the Top 25 Ski Towns in the World. Whtie Mountain Resort offers affordable skiing with breathtaking views, but once the snow melts, there are opportunities for scenic hikes, bike rides, and boating. Following that, there are numerous options for outstanding dining as well as a live professional theater.

Ogallala, Nebraska

Ogallala was once a wild cowtown, and today visitors can explore its history by visiting Tri-Trails Park, where the Great Western Trail, the Oregon Trail, and the Pony Express Trail all intersected. The Front Street Steakhouse has can-can shows, and Boot Hill is an early cemetery where one can see the graves of unfortunate cowboys who died at the end of the trail during the Texas cattle drive era and were buried with their boots. Lake McConaughy is nearby and offers white sand beaches and watersports.

Virginia City, Nevada

The discovery of the Comstock Lode in the late nineteenth century transformed Virginia City into a thriving metropolis with a population of over 25,000 people. When you visit today, you’ll discover a one-of-a-kind and authentic Wild West town that’s like stepping back in time. You’ll find authentic boardwalk sidewalks, Old West saloons, and opportunities to join mine tours or take a historic train ride in one of Nevada’s most charming small towns.

Hancock, New Hampshire

Hancock is a small town in southern New Hampshire that serves as a virtual time machine. The majority of the buildings along its main street are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with the 1820 meeting house serving as its focal point. The meeting house is home to an original Revere & Son’s bell, which chimes every hour, day and night.

Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May, the country’s oldest seaside resort town and a National Historic Landmark, is a popular beach getaway destination. Swimming, surfing, kayaking, and sunbathing are all popular activities at The Cove and Sunset Beach. It’s also a great place to enjoy local entertainment, art shows, and tasty craft brews.

Silver City, New Mexico

Silver City, located in New Mexico’s remote southwest corner, is a high-country gateway to the beautiful Gila Wilderness and a popular base for soaking in the area’s geothermal hot springs or exploring the famous Gila Cliff Dwellings. You’ll enjoy the town’s Old West charms and a historic district with eateries serving eclectic fare, coffee shops with a fun bohemian vibe, and the Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery, which has a tasting room and tavern producing house-crafted beers and spirits.

Hudson, New York

Hudson, a popular New York getaway, offers picturesque views of the Hudson River as well as a charming downtown area filled with antique stores, boutiques, and shops selling artisan goods. It also has an excellent culinary scene, with many farm-to-table establishments, and history buffs can visit the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. Just a few miles across the river, it includes painter Thomas Cole’s home and studio, as well as breathtaking mountain views from the porch.

Boone, North Carolina

Boone is steeped in history and nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, and walks across the High Swinging Bridge to Grandfather Mountain. The Hickory Ridge Living History Museum in Daniel Boone Park recreates 1700s homestead life. Mast General Store’s Old Boone Mercantile, a 1913 emporium with creaky wooden floors, a candy barrel, and a variety of goods, including old-time housewares and quality outdoor gear, is located in the lively downtown. You’ll find art to explore as well as plenty of places to enjoy a cold brew or a glass of wine with a delicious meal.

Medora, North Dakota

Medora is the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which features tranquil prairies, painted canyons, and abundant wildlife such as bison and prairie dogs. The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Harold Schafer Heritage Center, and the famous Pitchfork Steak Fondue, which offers an interactive dining experience that includes a unique dish served by chefs in cowboy hats, are all located in town.

Yellow Springs, Ohio

The small town of Yellow Springs was named after a mineral-rich spring nearby. Matador Network, a publication that named it the coolest small town in the country, described it as a “post-utopian bubble in the middle of Ohio.” It was founded as a utopian community in 1825. While it is no longer a commune, residents are still open-minded, and the community is dedicated to fostering harmony among people from all walks of life. It has the most LGBTQ+ residents of any town in Ohio, as well as interesting architecture, a brewery, and an art-centric pizza joint.

Pawnee, Oklahoma

Pawnee is located in a lush, hilly region of Oklahoma and is best known as the home of world-famous Wild West Show entertainer Gordon William “Pawnee Bill” Lillie’s showplace. The Pawnee Bill Ranch, which spans 500 acres and includes the Lillie family’s 14-room mansion, is open to visitors. It is fully furnished with its original belongings, such as family memorabilia, photos, and original artwork. A museum houses exhibits about the Pawnees and their shows, and the grounds include the ranch’s original blacksmith shop, a 1903 log cabin, a large barn, and 40 buffalo. A large Dick Tracy mural in town reveals that this was also the hometown of the comic strip’s creator, Chester Gould.

Yachats, Oregon

The tiny village of Yachats sits at the foot of Cape Perpetua on Oregon’s northern coast, which is one of the world’s most breathtaking coastlines. It’s a great place to explore tide pools and spot migrating whales, but it’s best known for Thor’s Well, a gaping sinkhole and natural wonder in the sea that never seems to fill despite the constant flow of water into it. It’s especially impressive at high tide or during storms, when the waves violently wash over the rocks before falling back through the hole, and it’s a great Instagram photo opportunity.

Lititz, Pennsylvania

Lititz is a small town gem in Pennsylvania with a lot to offer, including a lively downtown and beautiful neighborhoods with historic homes and buildings dating back to the 1720s. The Lititz Historical Foundation & Museum can tell you more about its past. Many visitors come to see the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery and learn how to twist pretzels, as this was the country’s first commercial pretzel bakery. When your sweet tooth calls, go to Wilbur Chocolate, which is well-known for its delectable treats.

New Shoreham, Rhode Island

New Shoreham, the only town on Block Island, has a ferry dock right in the center, making it easy to get off and explore shops and restaurants. Spend a lazy day sipping your favorite beverage while people watching, go swimming at one of the beaches, or climb to the top of Mohegan Bluffs for an incredible ocean view. There are also lighthouses to visit for a true New England experience, such as the Southeast Lighthouse and North Lighthouse, where you can learn about the region’s maritime history.

Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort, one of South Carolina’s oldest towns, was named the “Small Town We Love” by Southern Living Magazine, and it’s frequently named among the most charming places in the country, with inland rivers that meet the sea, a historic downtown with waterfront eateries, and the Spanish Moss Trail. There are walking tours available to explore the area, as well as tranquil streets lined with live oak trees and antebellum mansions, dolphin-watching cruises, and restaurants serving sea-to-table cuisine.

Deadwood, South Dakota

Deadwood, located in the Black Hills, is one of the country’s most famous Old West towns. It is surrounded by stunning scenery, and its historic streets are lined with homes and buildings dating back to its founding. Thousands arrived in the 1870s, hoping to strike it rich or profit from those who did. There are many historic attractions, including the hand that Wild Bill Hickok was holding when he was shot in the back by Jack McCall during a poker game in the summer of 1976. Explore the exhibits at Adams Museum, pan for gold at the Broken Boot Gold Mine, and watch old-fashioned shootouts with a cast of talented entertainers reenacting historic events on Main Street throughout the summer.

Jonesborough, Tennessee

Jonesborough, a small town with a lot of charm, is located near Johnson City, just west of the Cherokee National Forest. It has a lovely tree-lined downtown with a main street lined with historic red brick buildings that house shops, cafes, restaurants, and other businesses. There are also numerous opportunities to enjoy the arts, such as the repertory theater, the McKinney Center, and Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts. Jimmy Neil Smith Park also has peaceful walking paths.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Fredericksburg, located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, is famous for its surrounding landscape, which is bursting with colorful wildflowers in the spring. Its historic district reveals its impressive heritage while offering opportunities for wine tasting, shopping, dining, and more. It is one of the most popular small towns in Texas for a reason. It has a strong German flavor, with the Altdorf Biergarten and the Auslander serving delicious German fare. The Fredericksburg Brewing Company also offers tours and samples to visitors.

Kanab, Utah

Kanab, located on the southern border of St. George and Lake Powell, bills itself as a “western classic,” and it lives up to the billing, with its dramatic red rock backdrop. Hollywood fell in love with the surrounding landscape, which has appeared in over 100 films and TV shows, and its history is revealed at the Frontier Movie Town & Museum, which houses old movie sets. The town is also a great starting point for exploring unique rock formations and ruins while engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, rafting, and 4-wheeling.

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Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock, located on the banks of the Ottauquechee River, exudes charm and is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque towns in New England. Autumn brings brilliant color to its winding streets, iconic covered bridge, picturesque parks, old country farms, and restored Greek Revival, Federal, and Georgian homes, making it beautiful in every season. During the winter, it transforms into a magical snow globe, complete with a postcard-perfect Christmas town.

Culpeper, Virginia

Culpeper is full of Victorian and colonial-era homes, antique shops, art galleries, and retailers selling one-of-a-kind and handcrafted goods. You’ll find world-class restaurants and classic diners to fuel your adventures, and if you like wine, Main Street even has wineries, as well as the state’s only legal moonshine distillery, Belmont Farm Distillery. The Museum of Culpeper History, battlefields, and numerous other sites all have a rich history to explore.

La Conner, Washington

La Conner, a historic waterfront town in the Skagit Valley, is famous for its annual tulip festival, but there are many other reasons to visit. Even though it has a population of less than a thousand people, there is plenty to do. There are numerous art galleries and museums to visit, including the Museum of Northwest Art and the Skagit County Historical Museum, as well as culinary hotspots and wine tasting venues. Discover endless photo opportunities, including views of the Swinomish Channel. On a clear day, you can get a great view of Mount Baker by walking across the Rainbow Bridge.

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

The history of White Sulphur Springs can be traced back to the 1770s, when a woman’s arthritis was said to be miraculously cured after bathing in the local springs. Since then, presidents, royalty, celebrities, and members of the general public have come to enjoy the healing waters. The luxurious Greenbrier Resort, which has been here for nearly 250 years, is now an iconic landmark, providing striking manmade beauty while the gorgeous surroundings are popular for activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing.

Osceola, Wisconsin

Osceola, located along the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, is known for its falls, with Cascade Falls flowing through the heart of town, providing beauty while supporting the local mill and brewery. The downtown buildings date from 1880 and were built in the mid-nineteenth century, providing historic charms as well as shops to browse. Visitors can also ride in a vintage car on the Osceola & St. Crois Valley Railway, which travels 20 miles along the St. Croix River’s sandstone bluffs.