2025's 9 Best Small Towns To Visit In The United States
With around 19,500 incorporated cities, towns, and villages across the United States, there is no shortage of places to explore. In fact, if you visited a different US town every single day, it would take more than 53 years to see them all! If you need help narrowing down the best places to visit this year, these nine towns are a great place to start. From lakeside towns and sandy beaches to European-style villages and long-standing art colonies, each destination offers a bit of everything you could hope for in an American getaway.
Skaneateles, New York
Situated in the Finger Lakes region, along the northernmost shores of Skaneateles Lake, travelers will find Skaneateles, known for its pristine waters and calm atmosphere. There are plenty of places to appreciate the great outdoors in town, such as Clift Park, a lakeside park with a swimming area, picnic tables, grills, volleyball courts, soccer fields, picnic tables, and grills. Travelers hoping to get out on the water can reserve an excursion with Mid-Lakes Navigation, which offers public cruises, private cruises, and themed specialty trips. In the evening, relax with a glass of wine at Anyela’s Vineyards, a local winery in the hillside that has been planting vines since 2001.
Tarpon Springs, Florida
With more than one out of every 10 residents having Greek descent, Tarpon Springs is one of the most Greek towns in the United States. As a result, the town is filled with Greek culture, which visitors can experience in places like Hellas Restaurant & Bakery, which has been serving traditional Greek pastries and cuisine for over 50 years. Travelers hoping to soak up some of Florida’s famous sun can head to Sunset Beach, a favorite spot for picnicking, swimming, and boat launching. Also known as the “Sponge Capital of the World,” this town is the perfect place to grab a spongy souvenir before heading home. The Spongeorama Sponge Factory, which boasts the “World’s Largest Selection of Natural Sponges,” offers plenty of unique products to browse.
Coupeville, Washington
On the extreme opposite side of the country, on Washington’s Whidbey Island, sits the quiet community of Coupeville. Although this town is just an hour and a half from Seattle, it couldn’t feel more different from the city. Visitors can kick off their trip with a stroll along the Coupeville Wharf, which offers picturesque views of Penn Cove along with picnic tables, a cafe, kayak rentals, and a gift shop. If you are craving some seafood by the water, grab dinner at Front Street Grill, which also offers views of the Cove and serves dishes like mussels, salmon, burgers, and more. Unwind for the evening at one of Coupeville’s cozy inns, like the Coupeville Inn, set in the downtown district in an adorable French Mansard-style inn.
Jackson, Wyoming
If you are looking to visit some of the country’s most incredible national parks this year, Jackson should be on your travel list. This town, often considered a base camp for both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, has so much to explore outdoors. In fact, in just 10 minutes, travelers can reach Grand Teton National Park from Jackson, having access to 310,000 acres of mountain meadows, lush valleys, alpine lakes, and the Grand Teton Mountains. To see some of the region’s iconic wildlife, consider a tour with a local agency like Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris. Operating in both Grand Teton and Yellowstone, they offer opportunities to spot bears, moose, and other native species. For an even more immersive experience in the wilderness, stay at Flat Creek Ranch, an all-inclusive resort offering trail rides, guided hikes, canoeing, fly fishing, and hearty meals to enjoy.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Founded in 1845 by 15 German colonists, Frankenmuth, rich in German heritage, is quite possibly the last town you would expect to find in Michigan. Upon arriving in town, travelers are welcomed by Bavarian-inspired architecture, including the Glockenspiel Tower, a 35-bell landmark that plays short tunes and features figurine performances several times a day. Several restaurants also offer authentic German cuisine, such as the Bavarian Inn, which serves Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, and beloved chicken dinners. If you visit Frankenmuth between September 18 and 21 this year, you can join its annual Oktoberfest celebration, complete with German-style food, drinks, dancing, and even wiener dog races!
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Located at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is one of the oldest continuous art colonies in the country, home to a thriving art community and scenic coastlines. Travelers can appreciate its local art scene at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, which features a variety of rotating art exhibits year-round that range from historic pieces to contemporary works. Afterward, take a stroll down Commercial Street, which is lined with galleries like The Schoolhouse Gallery, which primarily showcases contemporary fine art. If you prefer an afternoon on the beach, Race Point Beach is a great option, featuring lighthouses, dunes, whale watching spots, and a 360-degree observation deck.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Located in a high valley of the Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte is arguably one of the most gorgeous towns in Colorado. It has over 150 summer trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration. Trail 401 is one of the world’s most beloved mountain biking trails, offering views of the state’s red peaks, Crested Butte Mountain, wildflower meadows, and an aspen grove. Winter brings prime skiing opportunities, and Crested Butte Mountain Resort delivers with more than 1,500 acres of terrain, 162 trails, and 15 lifts. Travelers can finish their adventure with a cold beer at Zuni West Brewing, which offers tremendous mountain views and an extensive menu of tap and canned beers.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Towns along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts get plenty of attention, but Great Lakes towns are also excellent travel destinations, with Grand Marais being a prime example. Sitting on the northwestern shores of Lake Superior, there are plenty of ways to appreciate the area’s surrounding nature. Travelers looking to explore the lake can book a boat ride or fishing charter with Grand Marais Charters, run by a captain with more than 30 years of experience. Angry Trout Cafe is a great spot for a meal, offering views of Grand Marais Harbor and a menu featuring fish and ingredients sourced from the lake and surrounding area. About 15 minutes up the coast, you’ll find Judge C.R. Magney State Park, best known for Devil’s Kettle, where a river splits, with half flowing downstream into a pool and the other plunging into a massive pothole.
Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
Rounding out the list is Carmel-By-The-Sea, a charming beach town along California’s central coast. This town has been repeatedly ranked as one of the best beach towns in the country, offering scenic beaches, coastal trails, and cozy inns. Carmel Beach lies in the heart of town, sitting along Ocean Avenue with white sands and ample opportunities for surfing, sunbathing, and bonfire making. Travelers looking to get some exercise can follow a seaside path along Scenic Drive, where cypress trees and wooden staircases line the route. Experience all that the coast has to offer by spending the night at a local inn like Normandy Inn, a European-style accommodation with a generous continental breakfast each morning.
Choosing just nine of the best towns in the United States is certainly a challenge. There is so much more to explore beyond these selections, whether it is a Revolutionary War site, a desert town, the rolling prairies, or a historic gold rush community. However, these nine towns provide a starting point for exploring the country’s diversity and might even inspire you to consider which towns you would add to your own list!
