Summary

• Girdwood, Alaska: Majestic surroundings of the Chugach Mountains create a breathtaking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Perfect for skiing and snow adventures in the winter, and hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in the summer.
• Avalon, California: Captivating coastal vistas, crystal-clear waters, and a quaint downtown make Avalon the ideal getaway on Catalina Island. Enjoy iconic landmarks like Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens and Catalina Casino while still embracing a laid-back island lifestyle.
• Carmel-by-the-Sea, California: With its European charm, dramatic cliffs, and renowned galleries, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts art and history lovers. Immaculate white sand beaches and cobblestone streets enhance its magical atmosphere, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing cities in California.

The US is definitely brimming with quaint little towns that are picturesque and inviting. In fact, more than a few places have it all—gorgeous scenery, rich history, incredible attractions, and ample touristy activities. Yet, often travelers overlook these places because they want to experience all the glitz and glam of the major cities nearby.

But, at some point, everyone needs a relaxing and beautiful respite away from the hustle and bustle of city living. So to help, here are the 18 most picturesque towns in the USA that are sure to make your charming little getaway one for the books.

UPDATE: 2023/11/06 00:26 EST BY REENA JAIN

Even More Most Beautiful Towns In The USA

This list has been expanded to include two more of America's most picturesque towns, Girdwood, Alaska, and Avalon, California. Choose one or more, and enjoy a great vacation!

18 Girdwood, Alaska

Girdwood is noted as one of the most beautiful towns in America because of its majestic surroundings of the Chugach Mountains, some of the best mountain ranges in Alaska, and its refreshing environment. The town is Alaska's only year-round resort, and it is known for its outdoor activities, such as skiing and snow adventures in the winter and hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, and wildlife viewing in the summer. The famous Alyeska Resort, the best skiing destination for both experts and beginners, aerial tram, Bore Tide Deli and Bar, and Seven Glaciers restaurant are just a few of the major attractions that offer not only delightful experiences but also magnificent views of Alaska's breathtaking wilderness.

• Best Time To Visit Girdwood: June to August for summer outdoor activities; December to March for skiing and other snow activities
• Places To Visit In Girdwood: Alyeska Resort, Crow Creek Mine, Winner Creek Trail, Chugach State Park, Portage Glacier

17 Avalon, California

Avalon is unquestionably the ideal location to get away from the daily grind and take in the beauty of Catalina Island, one of the most stunning offshore destinations in California. The town captivates visitors with its stunning coastal vistas, crystal-clear waters, quaint downtown, and laid-back island lifestyle. The town's car-free streets and welcoming community add to its charming ambiance, making it one of the most beautiful places to live in the US. Boasting iconic landmarks like Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens, Catalina Casino, Avalon Theatre, and Lovers Cove, the town makes visitors feel like they are on a different continent while still enjoying Los Angeles County life.

• Best Time To Visit Avalon: May to September
• Places To Visit In Avalon: Descanso Beach, Catalina Island Casino, Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, Catalina Island Museum, Avalon Harbor

16 Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all over the world for its European charm, breathtaking coastal setting, and creative atmosphere, and it is known as the most aesthetically pleasing city in California. The town's dramatic cliffs, immaculate white sand beaches, and captivating sunsets add to its picturesque appeal, while its cobblestone streets and antique stores exude a magical atmosphere. Its illustrious past, European-inspired architecture, and renowned galleries make the town a popular vacation destination for people who enjoy art and history. The refreshing ambiance and the picturesque natural surroundings make Carmel-by-the-Sea one of the most charming towns in America.

• Best Time To Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea: September and October
• Places To Visit In Carmel-by-the-Sea: Carmel River State Beach, Asilomar State Beach, Chalone Vineyard, Point Lobos State Park, Ocean Avenue

15 St. Augustine, Florida

This seaside city, founded in 1565, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States. It has some of the nation's earliest examples of Spanish colonial architecture as well as numerous historic structures built over the centuries, reflecting the Spanish touch and appeal. The town's distinctive blend of historic architecture, a thriving cultural scene, gorgeous beaches, and a picturesque waterfront has earned it a reputation as one of the most beautiful towns in the USA.

• Best Time To Visit St. Augustine: March to May
• Places To Visit In St. Augustine: Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Lightner Museum, Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, St. Augustine's Historic Old Jail, Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Distillery, St. George Street

14 Cordova, Alaska

Yet another seaside paradise and town that awaits travelers is Cordova, Alaska. A truly stunning place located between Eyak Lake and Hawkins Island, this town has some of the best untamed and breathtaking scenery. From snow-covered mountain peaks and larger-than-life icebergs to vast vistas teaming with wildlife, Cordova is the perfect spot for anyone who wants to feel like they've stepped into a beautiful landscape painting. Unsurprisingly, visitors can enjoy a wealth of outdoorsy activities, historical museums, and first-rate lodgings and resorts.

• Best Time To Visit Cordova: June to August
• Places To Visit In Cordova: Prince William Sound Museum, Cordova Historical Museum, Eyak Lake, Sheridan Glacier, Childs Glacier, Copper River Delta, Sheridan Mountain, Cordova Center, Million Dollar Bridge

13 Sedona, Arizona

A trip to the desert oasis known as Sedona, AZ, might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning an alluring small-town getaway, but it definitely should be. Besides the enchanting must-see red rock formations, spiritual healing vortexes, and Western-style downtown, this lovely little place also has more than a few spa resorts. Sedona visitors can enjoy Native American cultural sites, first-rate restaurants, wineries, and acres of forested land. So if you're looking for desert beauty abound, starry nights, lavish spa treatments, relaxation poolside, and more, Sedona is your town.

• Best Time To Visit Sedona: March to May and September to mid-October
• Places To Visit In Sedona: Montezuma Castle National Monument, Oak Creek Canyon, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona Wetlands Preserve, Verde Valley, Mayhew Lodge, McDonald’s arches

12 Cannon Beach, Oregon

Located just north of Portland, OR, Cannon Beach is a lovely coastal town with remarkable sandy beaches, ocean views, and more. One of the leading local attractions is Haystack Rock, a towering 235-foot-tall monolith that protrudes from the water. Here, visitors can kick back and relax beachside for a while. After some fun in the sun, guests can enjoy a pleasant stroll through this beachy town full of microbreweries, art galleries, chocolate shops, and fine dining establishments. There are also a wealth of vacation rentals and a few B&Bs in this beautiful town.

• Best Time To Visit Cannon Beach: June to August
• Places To Visit In Cannon Beach: Haystack Rock, Ecola State Park, Oswald West State Park, Hug Point State Recreation Site, Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site, Downtown Cannon Beach

11 Haleiwa, Hawaii

Just about anywhere travelers visit in Hawaii is simply stunning. But Haleiwa, Hawaii, is next-level beautiful. Referred to as the cutest town in Oahu, this Hawaiian slice of heaven has pristine beaches, nature parks, crashing waves, island vibes, and a genuinely serene landscape.

Visitors can enjoy the views from Rainbow Bridge, world-class surfing, tours of Waimea Valley, sacred mythology, art galleries, and more. This is such a delightful place to visit that it might become a recurring getaway for you by this trip's end.

• Best Time To Visit Haleiwa: April through June
• Places To Visit In Haleiwa: Wyland Galleries, Waimea Valley, Sunset Beach Park, North Shore surf lessons, Dat Cajun Guy, USS Arizona Memorial, Iolani Barracks

10 McCloud, California

A lesser-known California town, McCloud has majestic waterfalls, lush nature parks, plus heavenly scenery for miles and miles. This is an excellent option for nature lovers, outdoorsy folk, and avid hikers/explorers. Here, visitors can literally spend days immersed in the natural beauty of this place. This former logging town definitely played to its strengths when it embraced its dense surrounding landscape. With Shasta Lake, Lake Shasta Cavern, stunning mountain summits, and outdoor recreation galore, you might just forget to explore the actual town when visiting.

• Best Time To Visit McCloud: May to October
• Places To Visit In McCloud: McCloud Falls, Mount Shasta, McCloud River Mercantile Company, McCloud Outdoors and Gear Exchange

9 Port Townsend, Washington

Port Townsend, Washington, is one of the most beautiful US towns. Thanks to its rich maritime history, classic Victorian vibes, and refreshingly modern twist on it all, this small town in Washington definitely knows how to attract visitors. A multi-generation getaway spot, visitors can enjoy everything from sailing and kayaking to oceanfront picnicking and camping. Plus, the downtown area is just about as charming as it can get.

• Best Time To Visit Port Townsend: Mid-May to September
• Places To Visit In Port Townsend: Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend Historic District, Rothschild House, Rose Theatre, Galatea Fountain, Sequim Bay State Park, Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve

8 Chautauqua, New York

Chautauqua, New York, is another fantastic small town that is absolutely easy on the eyes. Adorned with historic mansions, a sparkling lake, and the most delightful downtown area, this is the ideal getaway for history, wine, and lake resort lovers. In addition to all the outdoor recreation, an abundance of wineries, and gorgeous turn-of-the-century architecture here, visitors can spend their evenings enjoying a Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra performance. This quintessential town also has more than a few pristine nature areas that you can easily explore via a hike or mountain adventure.

• Best Time To Visit Chautauqua: June to August
• Places To Visit In Chautauqua: Dunkirk Lighthouse, National Comedy Center, Lake Chautauqua, Lily Dale Museum, Grape Discovery Center, Midway State Park, Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, Smith Memorial Library

7 Woodstock, Vermont

With its forested land, endless miles of foliage, and easy access to the Green Mountains, Woodstock, Vermont, was always going to be a shoo-in. Visitors here come for the breathtaking scenery, but more than likely stay for the delicious cheese—like, who doesn't think cheese is a beautiful thing? Of course, there's more to Woodstock than just cheese. This famed US town has a lovely downtown area, antique shops, picturesque historic B&Bs, cute covered bridges, seasonal festivities like the Classic Woodstock Vermont Christmas extravaganza, and more.

• Best Time To Visit Woodstock: Mid-May to September
• Places To Visit In Woodstock: Woodstock History Center, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Billings Farm and Museum, Quechee Gorge, Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon, Sugarbush Farm Maple & Cheese Farm

6 Telluride, Colorado

Telluride, Colorado, is just one more amazing mountain town to make this year's list. At first glance, this tiny winter wonderland of a city looks like one of those fancy Christmas cards Grandma used to send. But besides a welcomed dose of nostalgia, Telluride is simply an excellent choice for cold-weather activities. In the warmer months, though, this town becomes extra lively with ample bluegrass and film festivals, plus there's the sweet smell of wildflowers in the air.

Of course, no matter the season, Telluride is a beautiful place with a vibrant downtown area, art galleries, mountain resorts, hearty cuisine, and an overall welcoming vibe.

• Best Time To Visit Telluride: June to September
• Places To Visit In Telluride: Telluride Ski Resort, Jub Wiebe Memorial Trail, Town Park, Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride Historical Museum, Bear Creek Trails, San Sophia Overlook, Mount Sneffels

5 Camden, Maine

Forever captured as the seemingly idyllic town in the 1957 classic movie Peyton Place, Camden, Maine, is absolutely stunning. This small seaside New England town is the place to be if you want to enjoy phenomenal mountain and sea views as far as the eye can see. With lovely boutique hotels, a lively harbor, an impressive downtown area, plus top-tier dining and entertainment, you'll likely have a hard time leaving this place upon check-out. Overall, Camden is truly a dazzling US gem perfectly placed "where the mountains meet the sea" that truly has a little something special for everyone.

• Best Time To Visit Camden: July and August
• Places To Visit In Camden: Camden Hills State Park, Farnsworth Art Museum, Harbor Park and Amphitheatre, Merryspring Nature Center

4 Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is an old silver mining town that was fortunate enough to reinvent itself as a high-end alpine resort town. It is famous for being the retreat of the rich and the famous. Aspen is one of the premier destinations for skiing in the United States and a great place for those who can afford it. But afford it is the question - Aspen is infamously expensive.

In the summer, Aspen is a great destination to enjoy some of Colorado's most stunning landscapes. In the winter, it is one of the top ski resort destinations in the country.

• Best Time To Visit Aspen: December and February
• Places To Visit In Aspen: Maroon Bells, Independence Pass, Aspen Art Museum, Wheeler Opera House

3 Tombstone, Arizona

Tombstone gets on this list for being one of America's most iconic Wild West towns and for being the site of the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Today, it is a significant destination to experience the Old West, see reenactments of the gunfight, and experience the wild frontier. At Tombstone, visitors are greeted with horses, carriages, saloons, and much more.

Tombstone was one of the last great boomtowns, founded in 1877. At this time, rivalries between the North and South were still fresh (part of the backstory of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral), and the country was still working to establish law and order in the towns along the Mexican border.

• Best Time To Visit Tombstone: March to May and September to November
• Places To Visit In Tombstone: OK Corral, Boothill Graveyard, Bird Cage Theatre, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, Tombstone Epitaph Museum, Big Nose Kate's Saloon, Tombstone Historic District, Schieffelin Hall

2 Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg took over as the capital of the Colony of Virginia after it moved from Jamestown (Jamestown was the first successful English settlement in North America). Later, the capital moved on to Richmond, which remains the capital today. Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living museum in the country and preserves a fantastic amount of old colonial structures (although some are rebuilt).

Colonial Williamsburg really is a must for anyone traveling through Virginia who would like to learn about the history of the Commonwealth.

• Best Time To Visit Colonial Williamsburg: April, May, and October
• Places To Visit In Colonial Williamsburg: Governor’s Palace, The Capitol, The Courthouse, The Magazine, The Gaol

1 Wawona, Yosemite, California

Wawona is perhaps a strange settlement to make the list, but it really is a stunning little village. It is nestled in the forests of Yosemite National Park, close to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and just after the main entrance to the park. It is quiet and full of cabins for rent (most of the homes are rental cabins). It is within easy reach of the famous Yosemite Valley and is one of the most relaxing places to enjoy a retreat far from the hustle and bustle of life.

• Best Time To Visit Wawona: May, June, and September
• Places To Visit In Wawona: Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, Pioneer Yosemite History Center, Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona Covered Bridge, The Redwoods In Yosemite, Valley View Yosemite