From New York and L.A. to Chicago and Miami, the United States is home to some of the buzziest big cities in the world. But anyone who’s enjoyed a quiet afternoon swinging on a front porch or hiking up colorful mountains knows America’s small towns are, in their own way, just as appealing.
It’s here where you’ll find people who welcome you like family, in addition to some of the most astonishing landscapes in the U.S. While America’s larger cities are definitely worth a visit (or multiple), this list focuses on lesser-known towns with 10,000 residents or fewer.
From a Colorado mountain resort to a bayside beauty in Maine, keep these small towns — ranked from most to least populated — in mind the next time you want to go somewhere new, unexpected and totally charming.
Here are the best small towns in America to live in or visit.
98. Sitka, Alaska
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Population: 8,458
Where to stay: Aspen Suites Hotel Sitka
Why it’s a great small town: Located 95 miles southwest of Juneau, remote Sitka is the place to go if you want to get far away from it all. Indeed, to follow you here, your worries will have to either take a ferry or a plane, both of which are subject to the mercy of the weather.
Like many Alaskan towns, Sitka is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and teeming with wildlife, including bears, whales and eagles. Compellingly, it also features monuments, like the formidable Orthodox Cathedral, that nod to its past life as part of Russia.
Fun fact: From 1733 to 1867, Sitka was the capital of Russian America.
95. Doylestown, Pennsylvania
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Population: 8,300
Where to stay: Hampton Inn Doylestown
Why it’s a great small town: Located in Bucks County, outside of Philadelphia, Doylestown is a horse farm community with acres and acres of pastures just outside of its thriving town. But within the town, which serves as the county seat, Main and State Streets often fill with residents to enjoy the patio dining, old-time movie theater, shops and festivals.
The town also hosts the country’s oldest Memorial Day parade, where the streets are lined with red-, white- and blue-wearing participants honoring the fallen.
Fun fact: Doylestown was home to anthropologist Margaret Mead and American lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II.
94. Whitefish, Montana
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Population: 7,751
Where to stay: Grouse Mountain Lodge
Why it’s a great small town: If you’ve ever seen pictures of Glacier National Park, then you won’t need anyone to convince you that a visit to Whitefish, one of its main gateway towns, is worthwhile. Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains and blessed with the expansive Whitefish Lake, sometimes it’s hard to believe this town is actually real.
Though it’s mostly known for its world-class skiing, there are also plenty of other attractions, including microbreweries, lake paddling, fine-dining and hiking. Of course, spending a day at the shore of the lake with a picnic and a book is a must-do when the weather allows for it.
Fun fact: Whitefish used to have a far more unfortunate name — Stumptown, because of how many tree stumps were left behind when trees were felled to make way for the city.
89. Aspen, Colorado
Population: 7,004
Where to stay: Aspen Meadows Resort
Why it’s a great small town: A small town with a giant reputation, Aspen’s ski slopes bring in the masses as soon as the snow starts falling. However, Aspen’s charm is seasonless, as its location in the Rocky Mountains guarantees year-round trails and hikes.
Although the town had an affair with counter-culture back in the day, it now draws in those seeking pampering in the form of sophisticated cuisine and luxe lodging.
Fun fact: Hunter S. Thompson, the famed author of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” ran for county sheriff in 1970 as part of the “Freak Power” movement. Alas, he didn’t win.
78. Stowe, Vermont
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Population: 5,223
Where to stay: Sun & Ski Inn And Suites
Why it’s a great small town: Nature and hospitality are Vermont’s biggest draws, and you’ll certainly find them in Stowe.
This valley town is flanked by mountains including the largest in Vermont, Mount Mansfield. Not surprisingly, outdoorsy activities, from hiking and skiing to rock-climbing and even zip-lining, fill many tourist itineraries. Looking to explore the town instead? Stowe has a variety of local breweries and numerous family-owned shops to pop into.
Stowe is perhaps best known, though, for serving as refuge for the Von Trapp family. That’s right, this is where the clan made famous in “The Sound of Music” settled down after escaping the Nazis.
Fun fact: Randomly and delightfully, Stowe plays host each fall to the British Invasion, a British car show and culture fest.
76. Bar Harbor, Maine
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Population: 5,089
Where to stay: The Primrose
Why it’s a great small town: Mountains, harbors and sheer seaside cliffs make Bar Harbor a place where bringing the camera is mandatory. Colorful houses line the shore and boats dot the pier to create the quintessential picture of seaside Americana. Even better, the town is an entry point to Acadia National Park, where hikers come to conquer rocky trails that lead to views of neighboring islands.
Bar Harbor is a town for any season, with mild summer for swimming and boating, spring and fall for hiking, and winter for skiing.
Fun fact: Until 1913, the town was named Eden, an apt moniker considering the idyllic setting.
69. Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
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Population: 4,507
Where to stay: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lehighton
Why it’s a great small town: If someone were to tell you to visit a former coal-mining town, you might imagine a drab block of houses in the middle of nowhere. In Jim Thorpe, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
The town is colorful and quaint, with locals who treat visitors like family. Its location in the Lehigh Gorge State Park guarantees unbelievable views of mountains that change colors throughout the seasons, and Victorian houses are complemented by old trains that still operate for tourists, a thoroughly charming throwback touch.
Fun fact: The town is where Jim Thorpe, the first Native American to win a gold medal for the U.S., is buried — hence its memorable name.
53. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
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Population: 3,220
Where to stay: Carriage House Inn
Why it’s a great small town: Almost impossibly charming, Carmel-by-the-Sea features cottages that look like they were plucked from a Brothers Grimm tale, tree-lined streets, urban wineries, seafood restaurants and art galleries, all set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
Explore the town, then head to the sea for snorkeling, scuba-diving or whale-watching.
Fun fact: Clint Eastwood loves this town so much, he spent two years as its mayor.
48. Hanapepe, Hawaii
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Population: 2,678
Why it’s a great small town: Hanapepe preserves the spirit of Aloha, with no tall buildings or traffic congestion to be found.
One of the best things to do is to stuff yourself with the local food, which includes Native Hawaiian staples and dishes inspired by the numerous immigrant communities that call the area home.
Burn off those calories by exploring Kauai’s impossibly dramatic landscapes, which have been featured in several movies, including “Jurassic Park.” Then make your way to a local beach for some sun-kissed R&R (this is Hawaii, after all). Don’t leave your snorkeling gear behind, as this is your chance to see several endemic species.
Fun fact: Hanapepe was the inspiration for the Hawaiian town in the Disney animated flick, “Lilo & Stitch.”
42. Big Sky, Montana
Population: 2,308
Why it’s a great small town: Big Sky is big in many ways. For starters, it literally has a big sky, as the relatively low light pollution makes for incredible star-gazing opportunities. It also boasts big opportunities for skiing, with four mountains of downhill and nordic trails.
When people aren’t hitting the slopes, they are heading to nearby Yellowstone National Park to take in its natural wonders, including its otherworldly geysers. You can also head to the Gallatin Canyon, visit waterfalls, hike, fish, and smell the wildflowers that bloom in the spring.
Fun fact: Big Sky is a celebrity hot spot, with the likes of Ben Affleck, Tom Brady and Justin Timberlake buying property here.
40. Lake Placid, New York
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Population: 2,269
Why it’s a great small town: This town in the Adirondacks was put on the world map when it hosted the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. Since then, snow-sports enthusiasts have flocked here in even greater numbers to enjoy cross-country skiing, hockey, ice skating and even dog-sledding. There are also numerous spas where you can relax and recover from the day’s activities and get away from the cold for a bit.
Not a fan of snow? Come in any other season and you won’t be disappointed. Fall, when the mountains are set ablaze in reds, yellows and oranges, is especially lovely.
Fun fact: In the 19th century, this is where New York City’s elite would spend their time each summer after “vacating” the city, giving rise to the term “vacationing.” So you could say this is where the vacation was invented!
38. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
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Population: 2,114
Why it’s a great small town: Eureka Springs is a slice of historic America that’s very much living in the present. Its historic downtown is at once part of the National Register of Historic Places and the site of progressive events like LGBTQ pride festivals, and it pairs beautifully preserved Victorian houses with innovative, modern street art.
As if its cool personality wasn’t enough, the town is also nestled into the Ozark Mountains, considered one of the best spots in the U.S. for fall leaf-peeping. From canoeing to hiking, wine-tasting to taking in live music, Eureka Springs has you covered.
Fun fact: The town is home to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, which you enter through its bell tower — a feature so unique and bizarre, it’s been featured by Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
