Travelers are naturally drawn to these charming communities, appreciating history, character, and a genuine sense of local culture.
And who can resist the gorgeous beaches, majestic mountains, lush forests, attractive main streets, and amazing architectural splendor of these small towns?
Without further ado, these are the best towns to visit in 2023
Bisbee, Arizona
The southeastern Arizona town of Bisbee, once a thriving Victorian copper mining town, has been transformed into a vibrant arts colony thanks to the hippie creatives lured to this once rugged Wild West area. The town center is still lined with old brick houses, while miners’ cabins perch perilously on the steep slopes.
The real Copper Queen Mine, the Copper Queen Hotel, and the historic district’s quirky galleries and boutiques are still open to visitors.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
The Bohemian artistic community of Carmel-by-the-Sea is unquestionably one of the most exquisite examples of harmony between man and nature. Carmel is located about five miles south of Monterey, where Monterey cypress, pine and oak trees meet the white sands of the beach.
You will not find another village with such a cute, thatched-roof cottages that seem to have stepped right out of a Grimm Brothers fairy tale. Fairy-tale eateries and quaint, artistic stores abound in the streets. And to this day, there are no fast food restaurants, retail chains, neon signs, streetlights, or residential and commercial addresses.
Sitka, Alaska
Anyone who has ever been to Sitka has fallen in love with the city. This remote and distinctive Alaskan community welcomes tourists with a grand celebration of its vibrant culture, breathtakingly beautiful scenery, and the best wild-caught seafood you’ll ever tried.
Downtown Sitka is the only Inside Passage village located directly on the Pacific Ocean and is home to a variety of art galleries, historic monuments and fantastic restaurants. The area is teeming with native wildlife, and hiking, whale watching, and fishing are just a few of the outdoor activities that locals and visitors alike enjoy.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Just 40 miles from Philadelphia, in Bucks County, on the banks of the Delaware River, lies a tiny community known for its unique small-town charm and more than 250 years of history.
The area is filled with quaint bed and breakfasts, quaint riverside restaurants, fascinating boutiques, and our favorite, the New Hope Railroad – a fantastic mode of transportation that offers chilly adventures of Santa Claus at the North Pole in addition to the usual excursions from the 1891 Witch’s Hat Train Station.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
At Harper’s Ferry, the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers converge, creating “perhaps one of nature’s most amazing views,” according to Thomas Jefferson.
Today, the town, located an hour from Washington D.C. and in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains, still has impressively preserved small streets, famous pubs and charming eateries. This quaint, storied town emerged during a complicated but interesting period in early American history.
Bryan, Texas
This lovely village is near College Station, the campus of Texas A&M. But Bryan is also a unique destination in its own right
Strolling through the pretty downtown, you’ll hear “howdys” very often. The famous Messina Hof Winery and the preeminent maker of custom cowboy hats Catalena Hatters, both true Texas legends, are located in Bryan, a city full of genuine Texas energy and welcoming residents.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Although there are many wonderful ski towns in Colorado, Breckenridge is voted by us as the best small town. And why? Because Breckenridge has it all.
It’s a close-knit neighborhood that welcomes visitors with open arms, and a breathtaking, four-season vacation spot that’s rich in history. One of the area’s gold mines can still be visited, and you can learn more about Breckenridge’s fascinating past at the Welcome Center Museum. You can also meet the town’s many local artists and stroll through downtown, which is truly a feast for the eyes.
Helen, Georgia
This settlement in northern Georgia, once associated with Georgia’s gold mining and forestry industries, has recreated itself as a German town straight out of the Bavarian Alps, complete with gingerbread-style stores, beer gardens and German restaurants. The location could not be more fitting – it’s tucked away in the mountains of North Georgia. It’s no surprise that the annual Oktoberfest is very well attended.
The Chattahoochee River is ideal for tubing, while the wild and scenic Chattooga River winds through the forest and part of town, offering some of the best whitewater rafting in the country.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Beautiful harbors, breathtaking mountains and towering cliffs on the coast offer photographers the perfect shot opportunities. With its boats moored at the pier and lively homes on the rocky shore, Bar Harbor provides the ideal Americana setting.
And to top it all off, the town, where you can vacation any time of year, is the entrance to stunning Acadia National Park, popular with hikers and nature lovers across the country.
Taos, New Mexico
The breathtaking landscape of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is surrounded by a mixture of many ethnicities, ancient history, world-class art and wonderful New Mexican culture. This is just a small part of Taos’ unique qualities.
The sacred ground of Taos Pueblo, more than 1,000 years old, is a true Native American settlement surrounded by towering peaks and arid plains. It is essentially locked in time, as there is no running water or electricity. A visit to El Monte Sagrado is the best way to experience the magnificent natural beauty and spiritual energy of the region.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is a hidden gem of Arkansas you should not miss out in 2023! For those who are familiar with an Ozarks Netflix show, it might not be as hidden.
It’s surrounded by nature, miles of lakes & rivers, and amazing hot springs. The town was rediscovered and put on the map by the hippy community in 1970 and today it has all the small town needs.
Stowe, Vermont
The last on the list of these charming U.S. towns is Stowe in Vermont State. It’s famous for its hospitality, nature, and covered bridges. You can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities such as climbing, skiing, and zip lining.
In town, you can find many local breweries, family-owned businesses and boutique shops.