12 Off-The-Grid The United States Towns To Visit In 2025
Often, when people think of top places to go in the United States, their minds might immediately jump to famously bustling cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Or, perhaps, they envision iconic vacation destinations like Cape Cod, Orlando, and the Grand Canyon. However, there’s a whole lot more to the U.S. beyond these go-to destinations.
In fact, the U.S. can also boast of quaint mountain villages in New England, wild and free-flowing beach towns along the Eastern Seaboard, surprisingly rugged and colorful landscapes in the Midwest, and beautifully lush rainforests in the Pacific Northwest. Basically, when you venture off the grid, you might just land on your new favorite hidden gem. To help you along the way, here’s a handy guide to 12 delightfully off-the-grid United States towns to visit in 2025.
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Perched on Maine’s Atlantic coast, about 50 miles northeast of Portland, Boothbay Harbor is a lovely maritime village where time-honored traditions remain alive and kicking… Or, in this case, sailing. To better understand Boothbay’s backstory, head over to the Hendricks Hill Museum to tour an 1810 house chock-full of historic artifacts like wooden boats, carpenters’ tools, and period furniture. To dive into the contemporary aquatic scene, head to the Maine State Aquarium and meet local wildlife like moon jellies, starfish, and lobsters. And when you really feel the urge to get out there, do a scenic sailing excursion with Cap’n Fish’s Cruises to spot whales, seals, puffins, and other animals out in the wild.
Back in town, taste some fantastic local flavors at restaurants like Harborside 1901, a waterfront restaurant sporting great harbor views and even better Maine seafood (including lobster rolls and clam chowder). For even more local hospitality, check into the Topside Inn to enjoy bright, airy, and casually luxurious rooms and suites with incredible views and hearty breakfasts every morning.
Middlebury, Vermont
Is it a college town or a mountain town? Actually, yes, Middlebury is both. This Vermont town is the home base of Middlebury College. In this highly acclaimed educational and cultural institution, you can go stargazing at Mittelman Observatory and peruse a vast collection of historic and contemporary art at the Middlebury College Museum of Art. In addition, you can stroll around town, stop at the oldest community museum in the United States, the Henry Sheldon Museum, and try your hand at creating art at the Middlebury Studio School.
Once you’re ready to get out and appreciate natural beauty, hit the Long Trail for 272 miles of backcountry hiking from the Massachusetts state line to the U.S.-Canada border. For even more outdoor adventures, make your way to Green Mountain National Forest for some 400,000 acres of Appalachian wilderness and many more hiking trails.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
The village of New Hope may only be about 40 miles north of Philadelphia, yet this Pennsylvania town has its own independent spirit and revolutionary artistry. Long hailed as an artists’ village, New Hope shines with creative gems like the Bucks County Playhouse that’s been staging its own award-winning productions since 1939. Also, check out the New Hope Arts Center, which has regular exhibits featuring local artists’ sculptures, woodworks, paintings, and other special crafts. And for an intimate view of the workspace for one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary architects and furniture designers, register for a tour of the George Nakashima Woodworkers Complex.
If you crave a more delicious kind of local creative energy, head over to Ferry Market and try everything from Dubai Chocolate-inspired brownies to coconut shrimp curry. For even more handmade goods, pop over to Eight Hands Farm and Bee Co. to pick up craft soaps, soy wax candles, fresh local honey, and more. And for exceptional accommodations, regional cuisine, and Delaware River views, book a stay at Ghost Light Inn and enjoy some meals at their excellent Stella restaurant.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
About 120 miles east of Washington, D.C., Rehoboth Beach is “the nation’s summer capital” that reigns supreme with effortlessly laid-back attitude and beauty. Start at the boardwalk for easy strolls by the shore, access to the town’s main beach, and plenty of shops and restaurants along the way. For more good times at the beach, try Poodle Beach at the south end of the boardwalk for a clean and friendly LGBTQ+-inclusive beach. And for wide open spaces by the sea, go north to Cape Henlopen State Park, a 5,000-acre preserve with some of Delaware’s most pristine beaches, extensive hiking and biking trails, the Fort Miles Artillery Park and Battery 519 Museum that pay homage to the region’s military history, and a chance to meet some local wildlife at the Seaside Nature Center.
Back in town, enjoy some vintage vibes, family-friendly rides, and games at the Funland theme park by the boardwalk, or enjoy some adult refreshments at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats. Whatever you decide to do, cap off your day in epic style at The Bellmoor Inn & Spa, a historic and luxurious boutique hotel that’s only two blocks from the boardwalk yet feels very relaxing with its full-service spa and spacious rooms and suites.
Brevard, North Carolina
Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Brevard is a fairytale-like “Land of Waterfalls.” Certainly come for the wondrous waterfalls, including one of the United States’ most photographed cascades at Looking Glass Falls, the tallest multilayered waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains (at about 400 feet) at Whitewater Falls, and the “natural waterslide” you can ride and swim at Sliding Rock. Yet while Brevard abounds in gorgeous waterfalls, you can discover even more signature Appalachian beauty by hitting Pisgah National Forest’s bike trails.
Once you return to town, try a stop at Silvermont Mansion to tour this 33-room early 20th-century Colonial Revival mansion, wander the grounds’ magnificent gardens, and let the kids play at the on-site playground. Then, check into Deerwoode Reserve and spread out in your own cabin that’s part of a larger 175-acre preserve complete with a swimming hole, fishing ponds, and walking paths.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, about 40 miles west of Grand Rapids, Saugatuck anchors Michigan’s Art Coast and looks like a lovely masterpiece come to life. Just to the north of town, Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area has plenty more scenic beaches, along with hiking trails, designated fishing areas, and prime birdwatching with opportunities to spot gulls, plovers, sandpipers, and terns in the wild. A little farther north, Saugatuck Dunes State Park has two and a half miles of pristine beaches, sand dunes towering as high as 200 feet above the lakeshore, some 13 miles of hiking trails, and a two-mile mountain bike path.
In town, there’s more to explore at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, a comprehensive community arts institution featuring visual art exhibits, music concerts, and theatrical productions. If you want to get more hands-on, sign up for art classes and get an intimate view of the artist-in-residence program at Ox-Bow School of Art. Finally, make your way to the Wickwood Inn and stay to enjoy some artfully casual luxury near the center of it all.
Medora, North Dakota
Seemingly hidden in the western badlands of North Dakota, Medora’s landscapes are so precious that they compelled a U.S. president to lead efforts to protect this region and other public lands. Right by town is Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a park named for President Theodore Roosevelt because he quickly fell in love with this land during his first hunting trip in 1883, then returned to establish two ranches here. Some two decades later, Roosevelt’s love for these beautiful North Dakota badlands drove his environmental conservation agenda. And in 1978, it officially became a national park. If you’d like to try walking in Roosevelt’s footsteps and understand why this land moved him so much, do some hiking at Painted Canyon Nature Trail and Wind Canyon Trail. And for an otherworldly time travel experience, head over to the Petrified Forest and find remnants of the lush wetlands that existed here over 60 million years ago.
Beyond the national park, there’s more to experience in and around Medora. Every summer, you can catch “The Greatest Show in the West” at the eclectic, country-western Medora Musical. You can also book a backcountry horseback ride with Medora Trail Rides to see the badlands like Roosevelt did during his ranching days. Whenever you’re ready to call it a day, retire to the warm hospitality of Diamond Bar Bed & Breakfast near the national park.
Ouray, Colorado
While Colorado has plenty of great places for outdoor recreation, the town of Ouray stands out with its grand expanses of rugged wilderness in the San Juan Mountains. All around Ouray, you can hit the trails and do some incredible hikes, whether to the curious rock formations at Box Cañon Falls or the striking waterfall at Cascade Falls. For something more challenging, try a hike deeper into the mountains along the Oak Creek Trail.
While Ouray abounds in opportunities for epic excursions, this town also lets you kick back and relax at the natural hot spring-fed pools at Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs. You can also get some home-brewed refreshment at Ouray Brewery with its array of tasty local craft beers. And then, head over to Beaumont Hotel & Spa, where you can indulge in sumptuous spa treatments, retreat to an “Old West” style bar at Roosevelt’s Tavern, and stay at this hotel that’s graced Ouray’s historic downtown for nearly 140 years.
Lamoille, Nevada
Usually, when travelers talk about Nevada, they discuss the bright lights of Las Vegas, or maybe they will mention the sparkling shores of Lake Tahoe. Yet about 20 miles east of Elko, you will discover perhaps the Silver State’s finest hidden gems at Lamoille. Even when simply driving the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway, it becomes easier to understand why this region is called the “Swiss Alps of Nevada.” But if you want a deeper exploration of the Ruby Mountains, try hiking on the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail for a 43-mile journey into this beautiful, rugged wilderness.
If you’d rather have an easier day in the mountains, drive towards the end of the Scenic Byway and stop at one of the ponds to go fishing for tiger, rainbow, and wild brook trout. If you’re visiting during the weekend, drive down to town to catch the Saturday Lamoille Farmer's Market featuring locally grown produce, meat, and special artisan goods. Finally, check into The Hotel Lamoille for a cozy, comfy boutique inn with picture-perfect mountain views.
Neah Bay, Washington
Perched near the northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, where the Salish Sea flows into the greater Pacific Ocean, Neah Bay is a unique Washington town that overflows with stunning coastal scenery and vibrant indigenous culture. In town, stop at the Makah Cultural & Research Center to learn about Makah history. For more history, spot artifacts from the Ozette Archeological Site, where a community thrived for about 2,000 years before a mudslide destroyed the town around 1560. If you crave a taste of local culture, enjoy some great local seafood at Calvin’s Crab House along Bayview Avenue.
To discover more of Neah Bay’s natural beauty, go northwest to Cape Flattery to reach the most northwesterly tip of the U.S. mainland and take in the spectacular ocean and rainforest views. Also, consider a little road trip to Hobuck Beach and try surfing, swimming, birdwatching, beachcombing, and many other beach activities. And for even more quality time at the beach, book a stay at Hobuck Beach Resort and relax at your own oceanfront cabin.
Hood River, Oregon
Nestled on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River is a playful town that’s always growing something good. For an intimate view of the area’s farm-to-table culture, drive or ride the Hood River Fruit Loop to see what’s available at Draper Girls Country Farm and Hood River Lavender. Even outside the farms, Hood River has a lot more going on. When you’re ready for some epic adventures in the mountains, head up to Mt. Hood to hike the trails on this active volcano and catch the Pacific Crest Trail for even more hiking through the Pacific Northwest wilderness. Back in town, hit Hood River Waterfront Park to embark on kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing excursions on the Columbia River. Whatever you end up doing, wrap up your day with a lovely stay at the remarkably gorgeous Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa.
Cambria, California
Located about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California’s Central Coast, Cambria is no ordinary California beach town. A short drive north sits the world-famous Hearst Castle, first commissioned by media tycoon William Randolph Hearst in 1919 and brought to life by architect and designer Julia Morgan over the next 28 years. Tour this grand estate where Spanish Colonial, Neoclassical, Neo-Gothic, and other global influences all combine to make an estate like no other. Then, head down to the San Simeon coast to spot some illuminating inspiration at Piedras Blancas Light Station and meet the local community of elephant seals who call this beach home.
Returning to town, hit Moonstone Beach to walk the pleasant boardwalk, explore the pretty tide pools, and keep your eyes out for migrating whales and birds. A little way south, Fiscalini Ranch Preserve has a network of hiking trails to take for panoramic coastal views, a rare native Monterey pine forest, and plenty more opportunities for birdwatching and spotting other native wildlife like sea otters, western pond turtles, and monarch butterflies. And just across the street from Moonstone Beach, Cambria Beach Lodge is a charming boutique hotel with recently refurbished rooms and suites that will help you feel right at home here.
Get Off the Grid, and Get On with an Epic Vacation
While the United States abounds in famous destinations where travelers flock to gawk at legendary landmarks. Yet once you get off the grid, a whole new world of possibilities emerges. Go to Middlebury to experience a ruggedly beautiful college town, and check out New Hope for a country-style artsy village that’s surprisingly close to the big cities. Go out, chase some waterfalls in Brevard, and ride a horse into the sunset at the badlands of Medora. Navigate your way to the land’s end at Neah Bay, and discover the wilder side of the California coast in Cambria. With so many options across the nation, it’s hardly ever a bad idea to go off the grid and find great new treasures in these small towns.
