9 Best Small Towns In The United States For A Crowd-Free Summer
As we near the end of summer 2025, it can be tricky to decide where to spend your final road trips, beach days, and weekends away. However, if you are looking to avoid the irritation of crowd congestion, long lines, and sardine-packed spaces, look no further than these 9 uncrowded US towns. Home to alpine lakes, remote island beaches, and geological wonders as far as the eye can see, these communities offer the perfect way to end your summer with a bang. Underrated, but no less breathtaking, these US towns also invite you to embrace the bliss of a relaxing, crowd-free summer.
St. George Island, Florida
Serene and unspoiled by carnival boardwalks or high-rise hotels, St. George Island is the perfect place to escape Florida’s infamous crowds. A 22-mile barrier island and census-designated place, St. George Island promises pristine Gulf shores without having to fight for a spot in the sand. With an emphasis on preserving Florida’s wild side, visitors can enjoy white sands and clear waters without the tourist traps and elbow-to-elbow crowds.
The 9-mile beach at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is “a little strip of paradise,” whether swimming, lounging, or hunting for shells. Beachfront picnic shelters are the only obstructions in sight, and even the park’s 2 boat ramps are unpaved to preserve a natural feel. Afterward, beachgoers can head back to town for a sweet treat at Aunt Ebby's Ice Cream. Nearby, make sure to stop by the St. George Island Lighthouse, open 7 days a week in the summertime.
Idyllwild, California
High in the San Jacinto Mountains of California, Idyllwild is another nature-focused town with plenty to see and do in the summer. The village may be small, home to just a few thousand residents, but its backyard is colossal. As a result, it is easy to avoid other travelers and rare to see crowds. Plus, at an elevation of 5,300 feet, Idyllwild is cooler than much of the Golden State, making recreation more enjoyable in the summertime.
The Idyllwild Nature Center is great for families and solo travelers alike, with something exciting for everyone. The center features a picnic area, over 5 miles of scenic mountain trails, and various gardens showcasing native flora. For even more to explore, Mount San Jacinto State Park also boasts over 50 miles of wilderness trails. Routes range from kid-friendly hikes like the Panorama Point Trail to strenuous but rewarding paths like the Deer Springs Trail to San Jacinto Peak. Alternatively, driving to the Indian Vista Scenic Overlook offers panoramic views without the challenging trek.
Carefree, Arizona
For travelers chasing laid-back fun this summer, the town of Carefree, Arizona, is the place to be. Much like Idyllwild, this Sonoran Desert town boasts a higher elevation, with mellowed temperatures as a result. While Carefree still gets hot in the summer, it is comparatively cooler than nearby Phoenix. Accordingly, Carefree visitors can “experience Arizona’s desert magic” with smaller crowds and milder heat.
Exploring the Carefree Desert Gardens is an absolute must, located right downtown on Easy Street. Here, visitors can encounter Arizona’s signature plant life, including barrel cacti and succulent species, along with the enormous and iconic Carefree Sundial. Afterward, Cave Creek Regional Park is a great follow-up to see the postcard landscapes Arizona is famous for. Offering over 11 miles of multi-use trails, the park showcases dramatic views of the surrounding terrain and desert flora, from saguaro cacti to mesquite trees.
Holland, Michigan
If you know about Holland, Michigan, you might raise a brow to see the town on a list of uncrowded destinations. The Dutch-inspired community famously draws hundreds of thousands to its iconic Tulip Time Festival every year, with millions of tulips brightening the town. However, with its flowers peaking from late April to mid-May, spring shines as Holland’s peak tourist season. Summer, on the other hand, sees thinner crowds, ideal for enjoying the town at a slower pace.
While Holland’s tulips are long gone in the summertime, visitors can still experience the town’s heritage with sites like Nelis' Dutch Village. Attractions like Windmill Island Gardens also remain open in the summer, showcasing an authentic, centuries-old Dutch windmill. Alternatively, for fun in the sun and sand, Holland is also a gateway to beautiful Lake Michigan. Instead of busy spots like Holland State Park Beach, opt for lesser-known shores like Riley Street Beach, a serene, hidden gem further north.
Fenwick Island, Delaware
Easygoing beach days are also a hallmark of Fenwick Island, one of Delaware’s “Quiet Resort” towns. Home to under 400 people as of 2023, the barrier island community is close-knit and cozy, but far from sleepy or boring. The Mid-Atlantic town is perfect for introverted travelers and beachgoers seeking relaxing shores, and it is best experienced at underrated spots like Fenwick Island State Park.
Despite being one of Delaware’s lesser-known parks, Fenwick Island State Park is an East Coast darling. Home to the state’s southernmost beach, the park offers 3 miles of sandy oceanfront, including access to beautiful Little Assawoman Bay. Visitors can enjoy lifeguarded swim areas in the summer, along with beach chair and umbrella rentals. Afterward, local attractions like the Seaside Country Store and Discoversea Shipwreck Museum offer a fun break from the sun.
Woodland Park, Colorado
For fun beyond the sand this summer, Colorado invites visitors to explore Woodland Park, “The City Above the Clouds.” Perched at an elevation of 8,500 feet, this towering town exceeds Colorado Springs by a whopping 2,000 feet. The result is more seclusion and milder summer temperatures, making it easier to enjoy the town’s natural surroundings. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, this rugged Colorado town is the perfect place to unplug.
A gateway to the wonders of Pikes Peak and Pike National Forest, Woodland Park is heaven on earth for nature lovers. The town is known for its remote mountain retreats, including the Pikes Peak Paradise B&B. Alternatively, those passing through can use Woodland Park as a home base for attractions and activities like paddling the Rampart Reservoir or hiking the Manitou Park Recreation Area. Back in town, Woodland Park also offers its own charms, like the Friday Farmers' Market held from June through September.
Overton, Nevada
For a different kind of outdoor escape, Overton is a gateway to desert adventures in Nevada, without overwhelming Las Vegas crowds. The remote community is mainly known for its proximity to Valley of Fire State Park, a vast and breathtaking 46,000-acre area in the Mojave Desert. The park is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, geological wonders, and ancient remains, making it a bucket list destination for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Characterized by its vibrant red Aztec sandstone, Valley of Fire State Park is a marvel worth exploring. While some of its trails are closed from May through September due to extreme heat, there is still plenty to explore in summer—just make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water. Routes like the Rainbow Vista Trail and Prospect Trail remain open, showcasing a range of vibrant boulders, arches, and vistas. Unique rock formations and ancient petroglyphs can also be explored on the Mouse's Tank Trail. Alternatively, the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway offers jaw-dropping views of the park’s wind-carved formations from the comfort of your air-conditioned car.
St. Marys, Georgia
If desert heat is off your radar, consider a cool ocean breeze in St. Marys, your home base to barrier island bliss. While this charming southern town is part of mainland Georgia, it also offers access to Cumberland Island. The largest and southernmost barrier island in the state, Cumberland Island, is a remote and relaxing place to get away from the stresses of everyday life.
Offering over 17 miles of secluded, white-sand beaches, the Cumberland Island National Seashore offers beachgoers a private-resort feel. Beachcombing is a popular activity here, with fossilized shark teeth making unique souvenirs. Additionally, summer is a popular time to hike the island’s 50+ miles of trails, winding through wetlands, forests, and marshlands. For history enthusiasts and animal lovers, wild horses can also frequently be spotted grazing along the Dungeness Historic District, which spotlights the ruins of a 19th-century mansion.
Wallace, Idaho
History and nature also intertwine in Wallace, an Idaho town known for its mining heritage and mountain views. Situated in the rugged Silver Valley, many know Wallace as the “Silver Capital of the World,” having produced 1.2 billion ounces of silver since 1884. Visitors can learn more about this heritage at the local Wallace District Mining Museum or on the Sierra Silver Mine Tour. However, the best place to avoid summer crowds in Wallace is by exploring its vast and picturesque natural surroundings.
Not far from downtown Wallace, the 2-mile Pulaski Tunnel Trail blends nature and history. The forested route follows part of the path once taken by locals escaping a century-old fire, marked by signs detailing their thrilling escape. Wallace is also a gateway to Idaho's scenic Route of the Hiawatha bike trail, as well as the nearby Silver Mountain Resort. While the resort is primarily a ski destination in winter, summer is when its Scenic Gondola Rides take center stage, offering panoramic views of the Silver Valley.
Ditch Summer Crowds In These Charming US Towns
Oftentimes, the better the destination, the more crowded it will be. However, a lack of popularity does not always mean a place is less worth visiting. These 9 US towns, while frequently located off the beaten path and less well known, are no less spectacular than their mainstream counterparts. In many cases, their lack of popularity even adds to their allure, letting visitors embrace a slower pace without the pressure of crowds. Whether lounging on a remote beach in St. George Island, exploring a desert garden in Carefree, or hiking to remote peaks in Woodland Park, these towns are some of the best spots in the country to savor the bliss of a crowd-free summer.
