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- 14 Most Beautiful Towns In America
The United States is brimming with some of the most charming cities in the world, but an array of its enchanting small towns deserves mentioning. Every state and region in the country boasts beautiful towns worthy of exploring. Each of these towns possesses unique features, from historical to cultural to natural, welcoming millions of tourists every year.
Travelers won't run out of things to explore, as these towns come with a bunch of activities for all types of vacationers. From locally owned colorful boutiques to outdoor opportunities to incredible restaurants, these towns are full of charm. Here are the ten most beautiful towns in America.
UPDATE: 2023/01/20 13:09 EST BY TYLER GOLEC
14 Most Beautiful Towns In America
The United States is the third-largest country in the world, with an incredible variety of terrain and cities too. The most beautiful cities in the US have their own unique settings and details that make them beautiful. To help out travelers looking to discover the most stunning cities in the US, this article has been updated to be up-to-date and to have even more content.
14 Taos, New Mexico
The diversity of things to experience in this beautiful town is incredible. Once the best arts colony, Taos is home to some of the most impressive artwork and culture. For decades, this town has been a haven for artists from different corners of the world, attracted by the magnificence of the cultural heritage of the town. Painters, writers, and sand sculptors have been visiting Taos since 1899. Located about three miles from the town center, Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the country’s most ancient occupied communities. Other than its long, fascinating history, Taos boasts rock canyons and stunning mountains, inspiring tourists from across the globe.
13 Bar Harbor, Maine
Known for being among the best spots for whale watching in the United States, Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park is one of the most visited in the country. The town has been a major draw to visitors since the mid-1800s, mainly as a summer paradise for the wealthy. It used to be a playground for the rich and famous, the likes of the Vanderbilts and Morgans. Its position in the shadow of Acadia National Park makes it an excellent destination for hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and biking.
12 Beaufort, South Carolina
Packed with numerous historic sites, there are many reasons to vacate Beaufort rather than big cities like Charleston. Mounted on Port Royal Island, this town features narrow streets lined with breathtaking historic homes and oak trees covered with thick moss. With a beautiful downtown designated as a historic district, Beaufort is a perfect place for strolling, discovering the unique buildings and shops, and having delicious cuisine. With plenty of museums and historical sites to explore, this charming town is a history enthusiast’s paradise.
11 Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most visited towns in the U.S., and it’s easy to understand why. Located on the Monterey Peninsula, the town has a lot to offer. Whether into hiking, beach life, shopping, arts, or looking for an incredible food scene, there is never a shortage of things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. With incredible coastlines, scenic driveways, gorgeous beaches, and lavish hotels, the place is nothing if not fantastically Intagrammable. The place has a charming, laid-back atmosphere, making it perfect for relaxing.
10 Big Sur, California
Big Sur is incredibly stunning and features a long artistic history, top-notch restaurants, and beautiful resorts, taking visitors to a whole new world, thanks to the breathtaking coastal views they offer. From spectacular cliffs to rocky coves, people perceive this town as the most dramatic stretch of coastline anywhere on earth. The town has some of the most spectacular parks, epic hiking trails, and incredible redwoods, making it an adventurous paradise. Surrounded by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this town's scenic beauty is unmatched!
9 Bristol, Virginia
Mounted in the Appalachian Mountains, Bristol is considered a haven for outdoor lovers. Bordered by the beautiful South Holston Lake, this charming town is home to stunning biking trails, beautiful waters for fishing, and hiking routes suitable for vacationers of all ages and interests. Its surrounding South Holston Lake is one of the most popular in the region and is a major swimming spot for locals and vacationers. Other activities to enjoy in the region are skiing, boating, and dining at one of its top-notch restaurants.
8 Magnolia Springs, Alabama
With huge oak trees lining its beautiful streets, a long, fascinating history, and charming locals, Magnolia Springs is one of the best American tourist destinations. Situated on the Magnolia River near the beaches of Alabama, this town has stories dating back to the 1800s. It is the only town in the U.S. where mail can be delivered by riverboat. One of the top places to dine when visiting Magnolia Springs is Jesse's Restaurant, serving fresh seafood and other dishes on its extensive menu.
7 Galena, Illinois
Nestled in the rolling hills of Illinois's northwest side, Galena is a bustling town with a long, fascinating history dating back to the 1800s when it first became a charming town. Mining was the town's first industry, thanks to the discovery of lead. Located on the Galena River, a few miles from the Mississippi River, the town was once the largest port in the late 1800s. Other than the historic buildings spread across the town, Galena is known for its stunning bed and breakfasts, offering visitors a different kind of feel. It has a popular golf course, the General Golf Course, which is among the best in the country. Kayaking and paddling are other activities to enjoy on the Galena River.
6 Florence, Oregon
Florence is definitely worth visiting. From incredible outdoor opportunities to gorgeous beaches to fantastic state parks, Florence is full of surprises. Its historic downtown is enchanting and has a bit of everything to offer vacationers. Unlike Astoria and other most popular places in the state, Florence is a hidden gem and comes with a relaxing vacation experience with fewer crowds to deal with. The town's major draw is the Historic Siuslaw River Bridge, which is a must-see!
5 Madison, Georgia
Madison boasts beautifully oak-lined streets, some of the most ancient National Historic Districts, incredible restaurants, colorful shops, and many historic sites for history buffs to explore. The Southern charm in this town is second to none. There are numerous events and festivals held across its town square throughout the year. The town also hosts an amazing culture and artwork. The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is a perfect place to take in some local history and get entertained by the many performances offered throughout the year.
4 Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is famous for Colonial Williamsburg - one of the best-preserved examples of a colonial city in the United States. Williamsburg took over from the first settlement of Jamestown and was the colonial capital for many years.
Today Colonial Williamsburg is a living museum with scores of attractions and re-enactors. Williamsburg was founded in 1632 and today has a population of around 15,000. Next time in Virginia, go back in time and stay in Williamsburg in a world dating from around the Revolutionary Period.
3 Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is famous for its stunning landscapes and views up in the Rocky Mountains' Sawatch Range and Elk mountains. It is located at 8,000 feet above sea level and was founded as a mining camp during the 1880s Colorado Silver Boom.
Today it is known as a magnet for celebrities and the wealthy. It is one of the most expensive towns to live in or buy a home anywhere in the United States. For those who can afford it, it is a great place for skiing. It is remarkable how the boom town became one of the most expensive resort towns in the world.
2 Savannah, Georgia
It's hard to find a more aesthetically pleasing city than Savannah, Georgia. Its cobblestone streets lined with haunted architecture takes travelers on a wondrous journey to the city's past all the way back to the early 1700s.
Some of the most incredible locations in Savannah that make it the beautiful city that it is included Forsyth Park, First African Baptist Church, and the Historic District. Travelers can take a moment to experience walking through Forsyth Park and enjoy the views of First African Baptist Church, and it's hard to beat exploring the Historic District.
1 Seattle, Washington
Looking out from a hill in Issaquah, Seattle sits in the distance on its slender strip of land that separates the Puget Sound from Lake Washington. To the city's west, the Olympic range dominates the horizon. To the city's east, the Cascades isolate it from eastern Washington.
Walking through the city, even in the rain, which is frequent here, the city is lovely. Walking by the statue of Jimmie Hendrix, heading towards Pier 57 and its iconic Ferris wheel, this city is beautiful even when it rains. Perhaps travelers leave the center of town and walk through the green neighborhoods of Capital hill and the numerous hipster shops that travelers will love.