6 The United States Towns That Rival Europe's Best

If you conjure up a perfect holiday destination, is it by chance in Europe? The history, the architecture, the diverse cuisine—European countries have dreamy environments. However, the settlements of Europeans in the US, who essentially sought a new life in places that reminded them of home, are festooned with locales reminiscent of cities across the Atlantic, for example, places like New England's collection of British towns.

Yet the nation swoons at every European-inspired landmark, romanticizing the atmosphere of the old continent when they could also experience a similar vibe at home! These six enticing towns could rival Europe's best; each has a unique backstory, including the first, newest addition, a vision of Greek island charm.

Alys Beach, Florida

Established in 2004, it is clear from the first moment one enters that this is a Mediterranean-inspired town. Driving through two minaret-style towers, Aly's appeal draws you in with blinding white architecture, gleaming with easy elegance under the towering palms. The secluded courtyards and a curated collection of small businesses seem plucked from overseas along the cobblestoned paths of a Greek isle. Splurge on a resort with poolside cabanas, or stay affordably nearby at the Village of South Walton Beach.

Though the beach is private, meandering beautiful stucco-home-lined streets is transcending enough along the bikable paths through designer 'hoods and public spaces. In addition to welcoming shops and eateries, Inlet Beach offers public access, minutes away, with clear waters lapping up pristine sands and amenities. The town's northern portion of a 20-acre nature preserve beckons for serene morning pedaling along the wooden boardwalk, with elevated views and a scenic pond to break for pictures.

Holland, Michigan

It is easy to guess this picturesque western Michigan city's European lineage. Surrounded by wild beauty, Holland does not hold back in terms of attractions, lining Macatawa Lake and River just a hop east from Lake Michigan. Starting along the Window on the Waterfront, a beautiful park with lake and town views amid a sea of tulips, every curated detail and Dutch-inspired attraction catches your eye—in the spring—along the streets, parks, and nearby fields with rows upon rows of colorful tulips.

Having grown from log sheds in a forested area, the earliest homes gave way to an entrepreneurial vision. In addition to the downtown galore of shops, authentic architecture enhances the fantasy feel, like the traditional De Zwaan windmill shipped overseas to a small island park. From lakeside concerts to culture fests like the annual springtime Tulip Time, no visit is complete without the extensive Dutch art collection at the Holland Museum on a tour with pieces from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Leavenworth, Washington

Among the nation's many authentic Germantowns, no other lures visitors from far and wide like Leavenworth in the Cascades. Thanks to the accurate views and a little play-up on culture, Leavenworth is a dead ringer for a mountain village from the German Alps, transporting you into a Bavarian fantasy with its Alpine-style shops and biergartens. Despite the town's omnipresent appeal in the state, it was a real touch-and-go when gold dwindled in the foothills in the mid-20th century.

Turning to its roots for salvation, Leavenworth revitalized with a German flair in the 1960s. Whether you hit up the upcoming Oktoberfest or the next-in-line Bavarian Christmas, the Bavarian-style Nutcracker Museum is a real crowd-pleaser with thousands of modern and antique nutcrackers, a hop from Riverside Park for strolls and relaxation by the Wenatchee. No summer goes by without the alpine "Enchantments" hiking and backpacking area at the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Ouray, Colorado

Encompassed by the 13,000-foot peaks of the San Juan Mountain range in southwestern Colorado, this former mining boom town is the thriving "Switzerland of America." Ouray left the bustle in the heyday and paved its way into a new era, welcoming adventure and scenic relaxation with views reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. Year-round activities range from natural hot springs and wildflower hikes to world-class ice climbing and scenic drives along the Million Dollar Highway.

Whether you're chasing snowmelt waterfalls right in town at the Cascade Falls Park or the 85-foot cascade along trails through Box Cañon Falls Park, the scenery follows you into downtown. Relax sore muscles while soaking in the snow-capped peaks at Ouray Hot Springs Pool. Dressed to the nines in 1800s Victorian splendor, everything is within ambling distance along stunning architecture. Recharge on hearty fare and soak in the historic charm at the museum in a late 19th-century hospital.

Poulsbo, Washington

Initially settled in the 1820s by Norwegian immigrants on the Suquamish people’s land, the views along the Dogfish Bay (Liberty Bay) reminded immigrants of the fjords back home. As a Scandinavian destination for generations, "Paulsbo" retained its Nordic motif in more than just the name of an early immigrant's hometown in Norway. Drawing hundreds of thousands in the warmer seasons, the unique architectural charm complements the one-of-a-kind views on the water and the cute downtown.

Strolling along the bay, Poulsbo's Fish Park is an idyllic bayfront with walking paths, bird watching, and public art. Sailboats and a giant wooden gazebo enhance the storybook atmosphere. In addition to street murals and Scandinavian flags, the seasonally changing Scandinavian art on the rose-malled windows of buildings makes it hard to pull away from the historic downtown. Take the boardwalk at Liberty Bay Waterfront Park with kids directly to the SEA Discovery Center.

Solvang, California

Founded by three men seeking a Mediterranean climate to start a Danish colony, Solvang is a European gem in the Santa Ynez Valley. Settled by an influx of Danes at the turn of the 20th century, this SoCal town is the missing Denmark puzzle on the map of the US. The only difference is that the relentlessly sunny skies power your adventures in town and nearby wineries galore. Delights line the streets around every corner, with half-timbered architecture, windmills, and odes to a great storyteller.

Hans Christian Andersen Park is a shady green space where you can relax and enjoy a box of traditional treats from one of the bakeries. In addition to contemporary design imports at the Copenhagen House, Sunstone Winery is more than world-class wine tastings. This kid—and dog-friendly French-modeled estate is ideal for families to explore, with romantic, lavender-filled courtyards and wine caves. Check out the elegant circa-1804 Mission Santa Inés, with a museum, tours, and a gift shop.

Get ready for more than your imagination can conjure up; these are some of the US's most eclectic, welcoming towns. Each offers European-style architecture, traditions, food, and cultural events for an express Eurotrip, no passport, where touristic appeal only adds to an authentic experience of visiting Europe's best.

Dotted throughout the nation, there's no reason to settle for anything less magical. The best ones take it up a notch. There's nothing like the Christmas Town of America in Washington's Cascades, then 130 miles east into the authentic vibes of Little Norway along the fjord-like Liberty Bay, which reminded first settlers of home.