Here are the small towns to visit in the USA, chosen for American travellers. America’s small towns pack charm, history and great food into a walkable Main Street.
Small towns to visit in the USA
1. Savannah
Savannah is a romantic Southern city of 22 leafy squares, Spanish moss, historic houses and a relaxed riverfront. Read our Savannah travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and October to November
- Getting there: About 2 hours to Charleston
- Don’t miss: Historic squares, Forsyth Park and River Street
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
2. Sedona
Sedona is surrounded by red-rock buttes, canyons and trails, known for hiking, jeep tours, spas and spiritual retreats. Read our Sedona travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Getting there: About 2 hours to the Grand Canyon South Rim
- Don’t miss: Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge and Bell Rock
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
3. Key West
Key West is the southernmost point of the continental US, a laid-back island of pastel houses, sunset celebrations and turquoise water. Read our Key West travel guide.
- Best time: December to May
- Getting there: About 3.5–4 hours from Miami
- Don’t miss: Mallory Square sunset, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and Southernmost Point buoy
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
4. Santa Fe
Santa Fe, founded in 1610, is the oldest state capital in the US, known for adobe architecture, art galleries and New Mexican cuisine. Read our Santa Fe travel guide.
- Best time: September to October; December for festive luminarias
- Getting there: About 1 hour from Albuquerque
- Don’t miss: Santa Fe Plaza, Canyon Road and Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Road trip essentials
- Dash cams worth buying VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - 12V car fridges for road trips VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Best portable power stations VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
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5. Stowe, Vermont
Mountain charm and cider.
6. Bar Harbor, Maine
Gateway to Acadia.
7. Fredericksburg, Texas
Hill Country wineries.
8. Galena, Illinois
Victorian Main Street.
9. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Storybook cottages.
10. Taos, New Mexico
Adobe pueblo and art.
Visiting small towns
Go midweek, support local businesses and stay in a historic inn.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Plan a trip around it
Acadia National Park
Acadia protects the granite coast of Mount Desert Island, with Cadillac Mountain, carriage roads and lobster shacks nearby in Bar Harbor. Read our Acadia National Park travel guide.
- Best time: June to mid-October; early October for foliage
- Getting there: About 1 hour from Bangor; 3 hours from Portland
- Don’t miss: Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road and Jordan Pond
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Asheville
Asheville is an artsy mountain city on the Blue Ridge Parkway, known for the Biltmore Estate, craft breweries and fall colours. Parts of the area were badly damaged by Hurricane Helene in 2024, and recovery continues. Read our Asheville travel guide.
- Best time: April to June and October
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours to the Great Smoky Mountains; 2 hours from Charlotte
- Don’t miss: Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway and River Arts District
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel in style
- Fine jewellery gifts Opulique
Mark an anniversary or honeymoon with something lasting. - Best weekender bags Opulique
A refined weekender is perfect for two-night escapes. - Luxury gift ideas Opulique
Gifts for the traveller in your life.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Savannah is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Most of these destinations are best in spring and fall, when crowds are lighter and prices lower.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend $250–$400 per person per day.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Savannah Travel Guide: Squares, Food and Day Trips
- Sedona Travel Guide: Red Rock Hikes and Vortex Sites
- Key West Travel Guide: Things to Do, Where to Stay and Tips
- Santa Fe Travel Guide: Art, Adobe and New Mexican Food
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips