Hidden Gems
So you’re traveling throughout America? It’s not just the cities that have something to offer. Many small towns are great for tourists, and have a lot of entertaining attractions that you’ll be remembering fondly for years afterwards. Let’s take a look at 35 of the best places to stop off at, and what it is that makes them so great.
Harrison, Arkansas
Harrison is a pretty town surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, making it a great place to embark on outdoor adventures. Buffalo National River is nearby for hiking, kayaking, and scenic drives. The town also hosts a hot air balloon festival, which is a gorgeous photo opportunity.
Durango, Colorado
Durango is a taste of the Wild West, something that’s exciting to Americans and overseas tourists alike. And the place is built to cater to those tourists, with not one but two historic hotels. The city also hosts the Durango Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival and a bike race called the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.
Chester, Connecticut
Chester may be tiny, but it’s got a charm that tourists love. Its downtown is full of art galleries, cozy cafes, and unique shops, giving it a creative, welcoming vibe. And the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, one of the oldest in the country, is definitely something you don’t want to miss.
Bisbee, Arizona
Once a booming mining town, Bisbee is now a funky artsy getaway tucked into the Mule Mountains. Its fascinating history attracts multiple tourists every year. If you’re one of them, you can tour the Queen Mine, browse art galleries, or catch live music at a local bar.
Fairhope, Alabama
In 2019 the New York Times declared Fairhope to be, "A Southern Town That’s Been Holding On to Its Charm, for More Than a Century" and they were absolutely right. Fairhope sits right on Mobile Bay, offering gorgeous sunsets and a calming vibe.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is considered the oldest city in the USA, so it’s definitely one for history lovers. There are countless landmarks and museums to check out, with local tour guides more than happy to show you round. Outside of that, you can relax on the beaches and enjoy great food.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Kailua-Kona is a laid-back Hawaiian town on the Big Island’s west coast, and it has so much stuff to do. You can snorkel with manta rays, go dolphin watching from a boat, or sip fresh Kona coffee right where it’s grown.
Mount Carroll, Illinois
Mount Carroll is one of those towns that feels like a step back in time. Its historic downtown is filled with 19th-century architecture that’s great to photograph. But there’s more! If you love to be scared, check out Raven’s Grin Inn, a haunted house attraction.
Madison, Indiana
Madison is a historic river town with a lively Main Street full of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Its location along the Ohio River provides beautiful scenery, and Clifty Falls State Park is just minutes away for hiking alongside waterfalls.
Lindsborg, Kansas
Nicknamed “Little Sweden USA,” Lindsborg celebrates its Scandinavian heritage in style. The town is dotted with Dala horse statues, and the Svensk Hyllningsfest brings traditional music, dancing, and food. If you want a glimpse of a different culture, Lindsborg may be just the place for you.
Bardstown, Kentucky
If bourbon’s your thing, Bardstown is the place to be - it’s proudly called the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” You can tour iconic distilleries like Willett or Heaven Hill, then explore the charming downtown filled with antique shops and historic buildings.
Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
Known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World,” Breaux Bridge is all about Cajun culture. If you’re into that, you really won’t want to miss this place. The annual Crawfish Festival is the highlight for a lot of people, but you can also enjoy swamp tours on Lake Martin to spot alligators and birds.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is beautiful, friendly, and the gateway to Acadia National Park. You can spend the day hiking, trying fresh lobster at waterfront restaurants, or devouring sweet treats at the famous Mount Desert Island Ice Cream. It’s also great for video game fans as it’s a location in Fallout 4!
Berlin, Maryland
Berlin may be small, but it’s super cool. Its downtown is filled with indie shops, art galleries, and historic buildings, giving it an old-meets-new vibe. Lovers of all things spooky can take a ghost walk, and film fans can check out the locations used in Runaway Bride and Tuck Everlasting.
Alexandria, Minnesota
Alexandria is home to the famous Kensington Runestone, an inscription that dates back to 1362. Beyond that fascinating find, there’s lots of other things to do in Alexandria. There’s a maritime museum and there’s also Big Ole, a giant Viking statue.
Jefferson City, Missouri
Jefferson City is another place you’ll really want to visit if you’re interested in the history of the United States. There are all sorts of tours you can take around the city’s historical landmarks, including some where the guides get dressed up in period-appropriate clothes.
Lebanon, New Hampshire
Lebanon (not to be confused with the country, of course) is a cozy Upper Valley town with plenty of things to do. The Lebanon Opera House and local galleries are great for culture lovers, while adventure lovers aren’t left out with a variety of nearby hiking trials.
Madison, New Jersey
Known as the “Rose City,” Madison is a charming New Jersey town with a vibrant arts scene and historic architecture. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey brings in lovers of culture, and they stick around for the great restaurants, shops and cafes.
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Famous as the birthplace of the atomic bomb, Los Alamos has a fascinating mix of science and natural beauty. The Bradbury Science Museum tells its World War II story, but if you’re not into that sort of thing, there’s plenty of outdoor adventure to be had as well.
Incline Village, Nevada
Nevada isn’t just Las Vegas and gambling, there’s so much more to the state. Incline Village is a gorgeous mountain town with endless photo opportunities and so much stuff to do. You can ski in the winter and golf in the summer.
Lisbon, North Dakota
Lisbon is a friendly town surrounded by scenic countryside. Sheyenne National Grassland is nearby for hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. Downtown Lisbon has historic buildings to explore, including the oldest continuously operating cinema in America.
Yellow Springs, Ohio
This artsy little town is packed with character, known for its colorful murals and quirky shops. Glen Helen Nature Preserve is perfect for a scenic hike, while nearby Clifton Gorge has beautiful waterfalls. It’s a great place to be to let go of the stresses of modern life.
Medicine Park, Oklahoma
Medicine Park is a cobblestone resort town at the edge of the Wichita Mountains. Its stone buildings are something everyone wants to photograph, while Bath Lake is there for swimming and relaxing. The nearby wildlife refuge offers views of animals such as bison and longhorns.
Hood River, Oregon
Hood River is all about outdoor adventure, thanks to its location on the Columbia River Gorge. Windsurfers and kiteboarders flock here, while hikers explore trails with waterfalls and mountain views. But art lovers aren’t left out. The town has six fantastic art galleries.
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Carlisle is a history buff’s dream with Revolutionary War and Civil War roots. It also hosts car shows, so automotive lovers flock to the place every year. While there, they enjoy great restaurants and breweries, plus fabulous old shops.
Jamestown, Rhode Island
This island town is all about beauty and relaxation. Jamestown has stunning lighthouses, quiet beaches, and charming seafood restaurants that feel worlds away from your everyday life. And history lovers flock to the place, because it has so many landmarks of interest.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is great whether you want to be on land or on the water. You can take a boat out, then come back to dry land and explore the historic district. It’s also a great place to be for film buffs, as it hosts the Beaufort International Film Festival and many films were shot there, including The Big Chill and Forrest Gump.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it an outdoor lover’s paradise. Beyond hiking trails and breathtaking mountain views, the town itself is full of fun attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium and SkyLift Park. And let’s not forget the Salt and Pepper Museum, which showcases unusual salt and pepper shakers!
Park City, Utah
Park City is great all year round. In the colder months, there’s skiing and snowboarding, then in summer there’s hiking and mountain biking. There’s also art galleries, shops, and great restaurants – and let’s not forget the city was the birthplace of the Sundance Film Festival.
Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier is the smallest state capital in America, but that’s not all that’s interesting about it. There’s so many things to do – you can tour the State House, visit a museum or art gallery, and of course try some of the famous maple syrup.
Falls Church, Virginia
Located just outside Washington, D.C., Falls Church offers history and plenty of things to do. You’ll find cozy boutiques and coffee shops tucked into pleasingly walkable streets. The city also is a hotspot for Vietnamese culture, with countless Vietnamese eateries available.
Buckhannon, West Virginia
Buckhannon is a charming Appalachian town that loves to celebrate community. Its downtown features historic buildings, unique shops, and the annual Strawberry Festival, which brings the whole town to life. Come for the beauty and fun, and leave having made countless friends.
Middleton, Wisconsin
Middleton is known as the “Good Neighbor City,” and it does its very best to live up to that. Its downtown is filled with local shops, cafes, and breweries, there are nature trails all around, and don’t forget the National Mustard Museum!
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is a dream for outdoor lovers, as it’s surrounded by the Tetons and close to Yellowstone. In winter, it’s a top ski destination, while summer brings in crowds to hike and photograph the beautiful scenery. Downtown has an artsy vibe with its incredible antler arch.
Dahlonega, Georgia
Gold put Dahlonega on the map - it was the site of the first major American gold rush. Today, you can still pan for gold or tour the Consolidated Gold Mine. It’s also a great base for hiking and exploring waterfalls, and it goes without saying it has great natural beauty.
