21 Unique Small Towns to Visit for Your Next Vacay
Flocking to beaches or the bright lights of a big city are typical choices for vacation spots. True enough, places like that offer much in terms of relaxation, fun, and memories.
But what about our country’s smaller towns? The kind where charming little shops line the streets. The kind where the waters aren’t crowded with scores of people, boats, or floaties. The kind where you can grab a bite of food that can’t be duplicated anywhere else in the world. And the kind where quirkiness is the norm.
Towns that like exist. Natural beauty, cool attractions, and tasty cuisine are beckoning you from the quietest corners of America. We’ve plucked some examples from around the web of small towns that deserve your attention for your next getaway. Get ready to pack!
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Pella, Iowa
Settled by Dutch immigrants in the mid-1800s, Pella is where Wyatt Earp grew up. The town is close to the state’s largest lake, Lake Red Rock, but is known for its annual Tulip Festival, which lasts for 3 days. The festival celebrates thousands of blooming tulips, along with Pella’s Dutch roots, with a parade, themed attire, and food.
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Galena, Illinois
This old midwestern mining town is situated near the Mississippi river and was once home to Ulysses S. Grant. Named after a mineral, Galena used to be a hotspot for mining lead ore. For tourists, it offers historical attractions, hiking, vineyards, boutique shops, and water activities.
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Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
A summer destination for eons, Wolfeboro is nestled by Lake Winnipesaukee and its population more than quadruples in the summer. This town boasts a slow pace with beaches, boats, a World War II museum, shops, and hiking. If you want to visit during the winter, there’s plenty of skiing activities for you!
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Dahlonega, Georgia
Close to Appalachian trails, Dahlonega is a Blue Mountain town that’s also become a booming wine hub. Explore the hiking trails or enjoy shopping, river fun, or its Gold Rush history. Its array of bed and breakfasts also make it a sweet honeymoon spot or romantic getaway.
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Franklin, Tennessee
A charming town square and actual Main Street are part of this tiny town that’s a few miles from Nashville. It’s a diverse community where visitors can enjoy shopping, natural springs, beautiful architecture, and live music every night.
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Woods Hole, Massachusetts
A Cape Cod gem with quiet beaches, lighthouses, and waterfront dining where you can binge eat oysters, Woods Hole is teeming with activities. The marine aquarium is perfect for kids, where they can experience the country’s oldest aquarium of its kind for free.
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Corning, NY
With a reputation as being one of America’s most fun small towns, pedestrian-friendly Corning has something for everyone. New York pizza, local brews, cool restaurants, charming shops, and a festival scene keep folks coming back. Don’t forget to check out the Corning Museum of Glass (yes, that Corning) where you can make glass wares to take home.
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Bell Buckle, Tennessee
Although this town has a population of 500, it’s still famous. Why? It’s the birthplace of the Moon Pie, and the town throws a big festival each year in honor of the yummy snack and another classic, RC Cola. Traditions and homes dating back to the 1800’s have helped this town make the National Register of Historic Places. Stop by to go antiquing or for a sundae in its old-fashioned ice cream parlor.
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Carbondale, Colorado
Carbondale is the definition of picturesque. Besides offering awesome views from Mushroom Rock, the town will have you rolling down two rivers – Crystal and Roaring Fork – for fun. Fly fishing, kayaking, and bustling arts and food scene await you.
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Fredericksburg, Texas
This small town was founded by Germans in 1846. You’ll love the old world biergartens and local German fare, but this town is famous for its Magic Mile, its Main Street shopping strip that boasts over 150 stores.
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Paia, Hawaii
Paia is located on Maui, and is equal parts hip and rustic with boutiques, surf shops, and casual local eats. Away from the more touristy parts of Hawaii, this cool spot also attracts pro and amateur surfers from all over for its huge waves. Windsurfers welcome too!
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Traverse City, Michigan
Sitting on the banks of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is a magnet for nature lovers. Kayaking, birdwatching, windsurfing, and biking are just a handful of things you can do. One of the city’s biggest draws is its National Cherry Festival which honors the town’s rep for being the country’s largest producer.
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Capitola, California
Take a free shuttle to the beach or rent a boat at Capitola’s wharf for fun in this seaside town. Spend an entire weekend surfing, swimming, biking, or eating in this little slice of sunshine heaven. You won’t be able to help yourself when it comes to taking pictures of its colorful homes!
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Beaufort, South Carolina
Founded in early 1700 by the British, Beaufort is the second oldest town in the state and its antebellum architecture remains intact. A historic district attracts loads of tourists, as does its waterfront and island action. Beaufort is also steeped in Gullah culture, whose African roots have been kept alive through slave descendants with music, food, art, and language.
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Beaufort, North Carolina
A romantic haven for couples, this quaint coastal retreat has lots to offer for water lovers. You’ll get plenty of seafood, boating, a maritime museum, and a history that includes pirates.
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Sedona, Arizona
Mesmerizing desert landscapes are one of Sedona’s best features and it’s where you can experience Red Rock. But don’t think that’s all, as the town also offers trolley tours, wine tastings, spas, and much more.
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Hood River, Oregon
Outdoor adventurers will love kayaking, kiteboarding, hiking, or biking through the mountains in Hood River. Take in the beautiful scenery or make a local restaurant your new foodie obsession. You also won’t be disappointed in the craft beer or winery scene.
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Eureka Springs, Arkansas
If it’s relaxation you’re looking for, head out to Eureka Springs for its healing spring waters, cave and mountain scenery, and no-traffic light atmosphere. The downtown district is a must-see for kids, hipsters, and families with its ghost tours, live music, and shows!
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Ferndale, California
Located in Humboldt County, the Victorian village of Ferndale lures visitors with tall California Redwoods, museums, period architecture, and events for everything including motorcycle enthusiasts, old cars, and arts and crafts.
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Grand Marais, Minnesota
The choice is yours whether you want to try canoeing, sailing, or one of Grand Marais’s many festivals that happen year-round. Music, art, and outdoor fun abound through this Lake Superior town where you can also attend a ski fest, beer fest, music fest, or its Fishermen’s Picnic.
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Fort Myers, Florida
More than just the home of Disney World and wild nights in Miami, Florida has a number of alluring small towns for you to see. One of them is Fort Myers, which will keep you busy with the beach, a planetarium, fishing, art festivals, golfing, food, and its Music Walk festival.
Which of these small towns would you add to your travel list? How many have you seen already?
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