These 11 Towns In The United States Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2025
The United States stretches from sea to shining sea, but there are a lot of magnificent landmarks and destinations in between. From mountainside lakes to colorful deserts, there's so much to see in the United States that it would be impossible to see it in one trip. However, for those who want a greatest hits highlight of the best towns in the United States, these have regularly been named as favorites in 2025. From prosperous immigrant communities to quirky holiday destinations and everything in between, one can also find unique attractions, such as the deepest lake in North America, located atop a mountain; a Pueblo settlement; a vast network of natural arches; Bavarian-style villages; and a rail bike adventure.
Whitefish, Montana
This Northern Rocky Mountains town is a hiker's paradise. Whitefish, Montana, is 26 miles from Glacier National Park, which features numerous majestic glacier lakes and trails, including the 4.8-mile Iceberg Lake Trail and the 6.4-mile Cracker Lake Trail. Travelers have noted that the water of this lake is a crystal-clear blue hue. For indoor activities in Whitefish, there's plenty to do, such as taking in a show at the Alpine Theatre Project or Glacier Symphony & Chorale, or going ice skating at the Stumptown Ice Den, which is open all year.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico, is famous for having the only Native American community that is both a World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark: the Historic Taos Plaza. The Taos Pueblo people have lived here for more than 1,000 years. Within this Plaza, visitors can see the multistory adobe structures or the San Francisco de Asis Parish Church, built in the 1700s for the Spanish and Native American community in the area. Taos is also popular among rock climbers due to the majestic basalt, granite, and conglomerate cliffs in places like the Rio Grande Gorge. Lastly, Taos is close to several natural hot springs that visitors can take a dip in, like Black Rock Hot Springs and Stagecoach Hot Springs.
Fredericksburg, Texas
For anyone looking to experience German American culture, Fredericksburg, Texas, is the place to be. Founded in 1846 by German immigrants, the town was named after then-Prince Frederick of Prussia. One of the first buildings they set up is Vereins Kirche, designed in the Carolingian style of Germany, which served countless purposes, from a church to a school and a meeting place. Today, it's within the larger Fredericksburg Pioneer Museum, which hosts living reenactors to explain how these pioneers lived in the countryside. This town was also the home of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, which you can visit at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, which houses the LBJ Ranch, birthplace, family cemetery, and other sites. Fredericksburg also sits in the heart of the Texas wine country, with wineries like Augusta Vin Winery offering tastings.
Santa Claus, Indiana
Santa Claus, Indian, is one of the quirkiest destinations in America, allegedly got its name when children thought they heard Santa Claus arriving at the church, where residents were debating what to name the town. That church is still intact within the Santa Claus Village, which also contains an 1856 post office where the young and young at heart can send letters to St. Nick. Santa Claus is also a favorite destination spot among Hoosiers(the nickname for Indiana residents), thanks to the Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. This locally owned amusement park offers wooden roller coaster rides, thrilling water slides, and complimentary soft drinks. For anyone wanting a taste of the holidays, the Santa Claus Christmas Store is stocked all year long with ornaments and Christmas goodies. Lastly, history buffs have a good reason to come to Santa Claus, Indiana, with the nearby Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home and National Museum offering artifacts and information on how the man who would become the great emancipator and winner of the U.S. Civil War grew up.
Pella, Iowa
Many American towns have a unique character due to the immigrant communities that settled there. In Pella, Iowa's case, the Dutch presence can be felt throughout the entire towcommunity. First settled in 1847 by Dutch immigrants, today one can find all kinds of tulips, windmills, and other Dutch-style attractions. The Pella Historical Museum is home to both a 150-year-old school, where you can experience a 1930s school day and see the Vermeer Windmill, the tallest of its kind in North America. There are several places to see tulips, like Sunken Gardens Park, which has tulip beds and a sunken pond in the shape of a Dutch shoe. After exploring these cute attractions, try out Dutch Gouda at the Frisian Farms Cheese House or a pastry from the Vander Ploeg Bakery.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
One of the most popular small towns to visit in Tennessee is Gatlinburg for several reasons. The first is it acts a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the other is its large arts and crafts community. Hikers from around the U.S. travel to this park to backpack on the Appalachian Trail and explore the many charming vistas, like the Andrew Bald Trail, which goes up to a grassy spot home to azaleas, or the Alum Cave Trail, which takes you through Arch Rock. Hikers can also see historic pioneer structures within the Cades Cove valley, like the Cable Mill Historic Area. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is one of the most celebrated areas in Gatlinburg, with all manner of shops to visit, like the Licklog Hollow Baskets or the Firefly Glass Studio.
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Klamath Falls, Oregon, is the perfect place to see one of the greatest natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest: Crater Lake. This volcanic crater lake is the deepest in the United States, with a depth of 1,949 feet, and is renowned for its dark blue color. Also within the Crater Lake National Park are several beautiful waterfalls trails, such as the 44-foot Plaidni Falls and the 113-foot Toketee Falls. Within downtown Klamath Falls, there are several museums you won't find anywhere else, like the Favell Museum, which collects a large amount of Native American and Western Art, and the Train Mountain Museum, which has the largest collection of cabooses in the world.
Helen, Georgia
Helen, Georgia, greets guests with an authentic Bavarian village experience with its alpine climate in the Blue Ridge Mountains and its Bavarian-style buildings. In the 1960s, Helen revitalized its infrastructure to transform itself into a Bavarian Alps getaway in the middle of Northern Georgia. These include the Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen, which sells traditional German treats, and the Helen Arts and Heritage Center, which houses local artwork like pottery, acrylic painting, jewelry, and more. With Helen's location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors can explore multiple trails from the vast Appalachian Trail, which runs for 2,100 miles, and the 2.7-mile Mt. Yonah Trail for a moderate hike up a mountain summit. Of course, a Bavarian-style town means great drinks as well. You can try out local wine from the Creekstone Winery & Vineyards.
Lake George, New York
In the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George, New York, is an ideal base for spending your time in the larger Adirondack region. As one might expect from the name, Lake George offers a wide range of water activities. For example, there's the 51-acre Lake George Beach, a free location featuring a bathhouse and on-site lifeguards for your safety. You can also get out on the water with Adventure Boat Tours & Watersports or rent a kayak via Kayak Lake George. By traveling to nearby North Creek, you can jump on a rail bike on Revolution Rail Co., which you pedal down old rail lines through the mountains. If you're looking for a hike, try The Pinnacle or Prospect Mountain Hiking Trail, both of which have great views of the lake.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
This Atlantic beach destination is a hidden treasure in the Carolinas. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, offers a mixture of majestic beaches, historic structures, and fun dinner activities. First off, there are 60 miles of coastline to choose from and two state parks. The first is Myrtle Beach State Park, close to the main strip, and the second is Huntington Beach State Park. This beach is a bit of a drive, but it is quieter than Myrtle Beach proper and has a historic structure: the Atalaya Castle, a 1931 Moorish Revival structure built to resemble a castle from the Spanish coastline. Another historic location is Hobway Barony, a former plantation turned wildlife refuge, which also has a 1930s mansion on the site, which is open for tours. Lastly, Myrtle Beach has top-notch dinner shows like the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at House of Blues or the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show.
Moab, Utah
In Eastern Utah, Moab is a highly popular destination for those who want to get lost in a national park. There are two main parks: Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. At Canyonlands, hikers can weave in and out of the canyon landscape and see awe-inspiring views, such as at Mesa Arch, which faces the La Sal Mountains, or at the Upheaval Dome, a geological feature that some believe is a salt dome or others a crater from a meteorite. Arches National Park has thousands of intriguing formations, with more than 2,000 natural stone arches. The most famous is the Delicate Arch, which can be seen via the Viewpoint Trails. Another great outdoor activity in Moab is white water rafting, especially the Class V rapids where the Colorado meets the Green River within Canyonlands. For things to do outside of the parks, try out the Moab Arts & Recreation Center, which regularly offers art classes and theatrical productions.
America’s Beloved Small Towns
These towns exemplify the diverse character of the United States, from alpine getaways and desert outposts to coastal retreats and cultural enclaves. Each offers a distinct glimpse into regional history and local life, showing why they continue to attract travelers year after year. Whether it’s Whitefish’s mountain trails, Taos’s ancient Pueblo heritage, or Pella’s Dutch influence, these destinations stand out for their authenticity and sense of place.
