The 7 Can't-Miss Towns In The United States
Tourist numbers are almost back to pre-pandemic levels worldwide, and the US is typically at or near the top of the list when it comes to tourist attractions. America is unmatched in many respects, including natural beauty, culture, and diverse landscapes. People are drawn to the rolling hills, majestic mountains, evergreen valleys, serene lakes, and vast stretches of golden beaches. The best part is that these attractions are not only found in big, busy cities. The most beautiful hidden treasures often belong to smaller towns, where visitors don't always have to dodge consistent throngs of people. Let's make sure to visit these seven can't-miss US towns.
Ithaca, New York
If you're a nature lover, Ithaca is a must-visit town. Located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Ithaca offers spectacular gorges, waterfalls, and lake views. Buttermilk Falls State Park is home to a cascade of water formed by Buttermilk Creek. The water flows down to Cayuga Lake, creating a stunning spectacle in the process. At the upper park, you will find a smaller lake, gorge trails, and several picnic spots.
If gorge trails are what you are after, the Cascadilla Gorge Trail is particularly beautiful, running from downtown Ithaca to the Cornell campus. The gorge itself is only three-quarters of a mile long, but there are eight waterfalls to admire along the way.
On a rainy day, the Johnson Museum of Art is ready to pull out all the stops when it comes to entertainment. This free museum boasts over 40,000 works and is conveniently located near Cayuga Lake, offering panoramic views as you explore the art.
When it comes to food, Moosewood Restaurant offers excellent vegetarian fare, while Franco's brings slice after slice of pizza right to your table.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Should you prefer seafood over pizza, Bar Harbor in gorgeous Maine is the place to be. Havana offers fine dining, and their menu includes organic meats and lobster, alongside the freshest seafood.
Bar Harbor is a small town of 5,000 that balloons to 18,000 during the tourist season. Even so, you likely won't have to fight your way through crowds on Mount Desert Island to enjoy Frenchman's Bay and Cadillac Mountain. The mountain is the highest point on the eastern seaboard, and from this vantage point, you can watch an incredible sunrise.
The town is also the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of America's most popular parks. Here, you will find rocky beaches, the above-mentioned Cadillac Mountain, and you may even catch a glimpse of a bear or moose.
Frenchman Bay also offers some of the best whale watching spots. While you keep an eye out for humpback and minke whales, you can enjoy authentic Frenchman Bay lobster rolls.
St. Augustine, Florida
In St. Augustine, you'll find more than migrating whales in winter and good food. This part of Florida is renowned for St. Augustine Beach, located on a barrier island just a short drive from the town. Here, you can go swimming, fishing, kayaking, or just relax on the warm sand.
If you prefer a beach frequented by fewer people, Vilano Beach north of St. Augustine Beach offers a great fishing pier as well as several kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities.
St. Augustine is also home to the oldest masonry fort in the continental US. It lies on the western shore of Matanzas Bay and was designed by a Spanish engineer. You can visit the fort (for a small fee) and explore its history, spanning over 327 years.
After a fun day soaking up the sun and historic atmosphere, you can cool down at The Ice Plant Bar with a hand-crafted cocktail. If you're in the mood for Southern-style food, you'll find The Floridian a great restaurant option.
Sonoma, California
On the other side of the country, in gorgeous Sonoma, you'll find a traditional Northern California wine valley, among other great attractions. Sonoma is one of the principal towns in California Wine Country and the best starting point for exploring more of Sonoma County.
In Sonoma Plaza, a charming city hall and town park are surrounded by excellent restaurants and shops. There is more wine to be had here, at Bump Wine Cellars. For a proper farm-to-table meal, stop in at The Girl & the Fig, and for dessert, indulge in a swirl of pecan bacon ice cream at Sweet Scoops.
There are several historic buildings around the Plaza, including the Sebastiani Theater, which opened in 1934. The theater was meticulously restored and sports magnificent chandeliers and intricate ceilings.
At the Sonoma State Historic Park, near the Plaza, are many more historic buildings to see, including the Mission San Francisco Solano and the Servants' Quarters, which is all that remains of La Casa Grande.
Friday Harbor, Washington
Washington state is smaller than California, but the towns here are big on nature and entertainment. Friday Harbor on San Juan Island offers a glimpse into the state's history as well as ferry rides and gourmet restaurants. Many visitors make a beeline for Spring Street, where Deer Hazel's jewelry is on display. Deer Hazel is situated near the water and also offers a selection of clothing and beauty products.
If you're an avid reader, stop by Griffin Bay Bookstore, where you'll find a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction titles. You can even place an order for a book if it is not in stock. At the Spring Street Landing Aquarium, you can admire a collection of ocean flora and fauna. Or you can take a walk down to the docks to watch the boats. The Friday Harbor waterfront is also a good place for whale watching. If you want to get closer to these wonderful marine creatures, take a boat tour along the shorelines of the island.
Whitefish, Montana
If you want to get back to nature during your time off, Whitefish, Montana, should be on your small-town bucket list. The Whitefish Trail offers seven trailheads, which are very appealing to both mountain bikers and hikers. The town also lies at the edge of the expansive Glacier National Park, where lakes, rivers, and forests abound. When snow levels are low, you can take the Going-to-the-Sun Road in the park, which winds past several peaks and valleys.
Whitefish Lake State Park offers the opportunity to boat, fish, kayak, and swim in Whitefish Lake. The Whitefish Mountain Resort provides more activities, especially during the summer months. Here, you can mountain bike, go alpine sliding, ziplining, or go on a gondola ride.
During winter, there is more than enough snow for skiing at the resort, 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. Other snow activities include ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
For food, there is Loula's Café, known for scrumptious homemade pies and omelets. Or you can buy the essentials from Markus Foods and go on a lake picnic.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield has the smallest population in Wisconsin, with fewer than 600 residents, according to the last count. But the town goes very big on charm and tourist attractions. Bayfield serves as a gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This national lakeshore comprises 21 islands and a shoreline that spans nearly 70,000 acres. It sits on the northern tip, along the shore of Lake Superior, and is known for its sea caves, old-growth remnant forests, and historic lighthouses.
Bayfield is also the berry capital of Wisconsin. You will find all kinds of berries growing here in the summer. You can go berry-picking and apple-picking in several orchards throughout the town.
In the town center, you will find Victorian homes lining the streets and the Maritime Museum. The Old Rittenhouse Inn, for example, was built in 1890 and was once the summer home of General Allen C. Fuller. Today, it is a very successful bed and breakfast. The Maritime Museum is filled with seafaring artifacts and exhibits that portray Wisconsin's shipping history.
Each of these small towns captures a different part of the American spirit, which pulses through main streets and runs with the rhythm of tranquil lakes. These destinations provide experiences you will remember for the rest of your life. So, when you plan that next vacation, put these towns at the top of your must-visit list and wait for the adventures to unfold.
