There are several Best Small Cities to Visit in the USA, and this is where adventure resides. The big cities such as New York and Chicago might have the best opportunities, modern amenities, and high-end entertainment, but they can also be exhausting.
10 Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA: #7 Will Surprise You
You need to take a break occasionally and visit the pretty small town where you enjoy beautiful scenery, intriguing cultures, and unique dining experiences. These hidden gems are found in almost all states, and while visiting, you might be inspired to move away from the big cities.
Most of these small towns have a population of around 5000 people. People living in such small communities are mostly friendly unless you misbehave, then word will go around the town very fast.
Include these small towns in your travel and adventure bucket list; you might never want it any other way.
The Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
Sedona in Arizona
A view of red rock park from Sedona
Sedona is a favorite destination because of its moderate weather. The upside of the town is that it is relatively highly populated and has modern amenities such as shops, art galleries, and spas. On the other hand, the outskirts host hiking trails leading to the Red Rock State Park.
Sedona is home to some of the most famous annual festivals, such as the Run Sedona and Sedona Mountain Bike Festival. Because of the favorable weather, you can plan camping and backpacking trip any time of the year.
There are hundreds of activities that you can enjoy here, ranging from fishing on the Oak Creek Canyon to touring the fine art galleries and camping at the designated camping grounds. You could also take a helicopter tour above the red rocks or watch the sunrise at close range in a hot air balloon.
Carmel-by-the-sea in California.
The seashore at Carmel-by-the-sea
When you need a breather from the fast-paced life in California, you can take a detour to Carmel –by the sea, the classy little town with approximately 100 art galleries.
This small town is the real definition of charm, owing to its whimsical architecture, tucked-away courtyards, and hidden tunnels. The city is pet friendly as you can walk in with your dog in almost all establishments.
You will find amazing eateries, bakeries, and coffee shops in almost all corners of the city, and despite the small size, this town is home to some of the most exquisite restaurants and wine-tasting rooms. The white sandy beaches offer you the best sunset views and an opportunity to go surfing.
Grand Marais in Michigan
A spectacular view of Northern lights in the evening
Grand Marais is a small village tucked in at the shores of Lake Superior, with a population of about 1000 people or slightly more. Tourists love to come here and relax because it gives the slowdown vibes.
Plan your visit to Grand Marais during summer and enjoy excellent activities such as canoeing, hiking, sailing, and biking. You could also play golf on the well-manicured golf course. You could also sit and relax on the beach, reading your favorite book or gazing beyond the horizon.
If you intend to get a glance at the Northern lights, make a trip to the Grand Marais in winter when the skies are dark. The Northern lights are phenomenal, and this is an experience that you should endeavor to experience at least once.
Whitefish in Montana
Sky rides at the Whitefish overlooking Glacier National Park
The small town of Whitefish is located close to the Glacier National Park. This tiny paradise is the home of adventure since it hosts visitors headed to the Mountains, lakes, glaciers, and meadows in the Park. The town itself offers activities such as hiking, biking, and zip-lining.
You will get most of the services that you need on your way to the hiking and camping excursion here, including repairs to your camping van, fuelling, and packed food.
You could also visit and enjoy the beauty of the resort town if you didn't intend to go for a wild and rocky adventure.
Taos in New Mexico
The buildings in Taos, New Mexico, are ancient
Taos is a small town that the Native Americans still inhabit. One of the places that you must visit is Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO world heritage site and historical landmark, to experience the ancient buildings that are still standing and occupied.
If you are tired of the fast-paced city life, Taos is the place you can retreat to and enjoy a slow life with clean air and uncontaminated water. Art exhibitions occur frequently, whereby renowned artists display their pieces.
The people living in this town are hospitable and always ready to welcome visitors. You will feel a sense of trust, which is rare in the big cities.
You cannot visit Taos and not dip in the hot springs believed to be a cure for the soul. People travel far and wide for this one experience.
Mackinac Island in Michigan
Beautiful architectural buildings overlooking the sea
Mackinac Island is such a small town that you can explore on foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage. This island town's unique feature is that cars are not allowed unless they are emergency response vehicles.
This luxurious town offers the most exquisite accommodation options, from antiquated bed and breakfast cabins to lavish resorts and grand hotels. Horse-drawn tours attract more visitors because it is uncommon in most places.
Spare some time to go golfing on one of the two iconic golf courses on the island. Most people come here to relax, but you can ride a bike or hike for some adrenaline rush.
Stowe in Vermont
Stowe Town during winter
Stowe is another small mountain town located in Northern Vermont. Visitors are welcome here throughout the year for different activities. You enjoy different cultures paraded in festivals during the sunny and warm seasons, while the winter season gives you a chance to go skiing on the Alpine.
This spectacular town is famous for relaxing spas, hiking, Mountain biking, and Nordic recreation. If you choose to hike, go on the Sunset Rock trail, a short and easy hike that will allow you to view the city's beautiful architecture.
Ensure you book a sky-ride ticket at Stowe Mountain Resort to enjoy an aerial view of the beautiful landscape. You could also go on a Kayak and Canoe ride on the Lamoille River, which will take you to the other side of the mountain through Smugglers' Notch.
Crystal River in Florida
A small town along the seashores
Crystal River is one of the most spectacular small towns, with aquatic thrills and outstanding natural features. Most people visit Crystal Rivers to swim or go snorkeling with the magnificent manatees. It is the only place in the world where you can have such an experience.
Besides the Manatees, you will encounter more endangered species, such as alligators, turtles, dolphins, otters, and different bird species.
The people here are fun to be around. Enjoy the art and culture displayed in the galleries and museums on days when you want to relax. There are also several outdoor activities that you can engage in when you need the thrill. These include cycling on the trails, hiking in the forests, and participating in water sports.
Look out for special events and festivals where you are guaranteed mad fun.
Waialua in Hawaii
A surfer at the North shore in Waialua, Hawaii
Waialua is a small town in Hawaii with a small population of slightly more than 4000 people. Despite the size, this town is famous for sugar plantations and milling factories. The few people living here make it the best place to escape solitude.
As you visit, do not skip taking their coffee, they have the best baristas, and the coffee shops are designed to perfection. You could also try out the pastries made by local bakers; they are authentic and will leave you wanting more.
Spare a day to tour the sugar mill, which has been transformed into a community market. The stuff sold here is mainly handmade, ranging from soaps to surfboards. You can also head to the beach and enjoy some alone time, as the highest chances are you will only find a bunch of people minding their business.
Ennis in Montana
Grazing cows are a common sight in Ennis Town
Ennis is a small town sandwiched between three mountain ranges: the Tobacco Root Mountain, Madison Range, and Gravelly Range. From the moment you set foot, everything around you will be cowboy, from the signage on the streets to how the people are dressed.
Book your stay or visit the 320 Ranch, a homestead of more than 100 years. It has been transformed over time into an extensive ranch that offers the sweetest cowboy cuisines, comfortable accommodations in the log cabins, and lots of fun activities for both adults and kids.
The outdoor recreational activities you can enjoy in Ennis include trout fishing, hiking, swimming, boat riding, and water skiing, among others.
Conclusion
The common thing with these Best small towns to visit in the USA is the sense of community. If you are tired of city life where you do not even know your next-door neighbor, pack your bags and find one of these small towns.
I hope this article will provide you with the proper guidance when choosing your small-town destination. Everyone knows each other here, and so your presence will be noticed. They are majorly friendly communities unless you start trouble.
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