Summary

• These scenic small towns in the US are great vacation spots for a relaxing, peaceful, and even an affordable getaway in some cases.
• Truckee, California, is a historic slice of the Golden State with beautiful nature and ski resorts.
• Sedona, Arizona, is another one of the bucket list small towns America has in store, with stunning red rocks, hiking trails, and a walkable downtown area.

The smaller towns in the United States are ideal for those looking for underrated vacation spots. Everyone knows about busy cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, where the tourism numbers always remain high.

The desire to visit the bigger cities is often strong, but not everyone wants to deal with the hustle and bustle on a vacation. Instead, a more relaxing, peaceful, and even a more affordable vacation can be had in any of the abundance of beautiful small towns in America.

To celebrate the charm of small dots on the US map (and inspire travelers to visit them, of course!), this article will look at some of the small town destinations in America that have smaller populations but a world of fun and beauty. From budget-friendly small towns in the South to coastal locales and scenic small towns right next to major national parks (or within them, in some cases - hello, Gatlinburg!), there's truly a tiny American town for every taste.

Perhaps most entertaining of all, these small areas won’t typically attract big groups of visitors, which makes them even more appealing for those wanting a quiet retreat. What's more, each of the following small American towns has its own standout attractions that will make for a good bucket list trip.

UPDATE: 2024/01/30 11:08 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Explore Even More Charming Towns In The USA This Year!

This article has been refreshed with additional small charming US towns to add to the American bucket list, plus a refresh of all existing spots. Population figures have been included, all from official Census/city websites. Have fun, and try something new!

15 Truckee, California

This town has around 17,000 residents and a lake, with a history dating back centuries

For anyone wanting to explore the Sierra Nevadas and visit an iconic lake in Northern California, Truckee is an amazing stop and easily earns is place among the small towns in America that should be on a travel bucket list. Here, visitors can experience a truly historic slice of the Golden State, as well as get out in nature.

Visitors here close to the Nevada state line in Truckee, making cities like Reno also readily available. While in town, it may be worth walking the historic downtown district, stopping in the local shops, and trying a scenic hike around Donner Lake.

Moreover, there are amazing ski resorts here for winter travelers, plus great hotels near the lake during warmer seasons. There's no 'bad' time to see Truckee!

• Population: ~17,000
• Things to do: Northstar California Resort, Sugar Bowl Resort, Boreal Mountain California, Donner Lake, Donner Memorial State Park, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort, Donner Ski Ranch, Soda Springs Mountain Resort, Donner Pass

14 Sedona, Arizona

Nearly 9,700 people and red rocks scenery that leaves visitors speechless

Sedona, Arizona, is one of the most recognizable towns in Arizona, as well as being a global destination for travelers. With red rocks for miles, stunning resorts, delicious food, and spas galore, this rocky town is not only charming but iconic.

Sedona is not home to many people, with this number floating closer to 9,700. Visitors have hiking and rock climbing here, as well as a walkable downtown area filled with things to do. Sedona, although smaller, is mighty in appeal.

Any time of the year here will be stunning, although spring or fall specifically are recommended seasons to visit Sedona.

• Population: ~9,700
• Things to do: Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Rock Trail, Sedona / Red Rock Country, Sedona Heritage Museum, Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, Broken Arrow Trail, Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art

13 Casey, Illinois

~2,300 residents and a town full of "big things" (literally!)

Just a few thousand residents call Casey in Illinois home. Situated just off Interstate 70, the town could be missed as another small speck in The Prairie State, but visitors will notice something peculiar about the place when they enter its center.

Indeed, this town takes its motto, "big things in a small town," very seriously; it's peppered with larger-than-life "things" - yes, literal giant objects. That may sound bizarre, but it's true; Casey's big things make it one of the most unusual towns in America, yet one overflowing with personality and a ton of cool photo ops with said gigantic features. Moreover, the tiny Illinois town of Casey has over 10 "huge" world records of giant objects!

Of course, Casey has plenty of excellent eateries, cute shops, and local attractions to enjoy as well. Still, the most eye-catching items are, naturally, the massive fixtures - eight of which so far are official Guinness World Record holders for being the planet's "biggest" such-and-such.

From the world's largest rocking chair and the planet's biggest mailbox to the most humongous wind chime and truck key on the planet - and more - Casey is a tiny town with a big persona, with tons more astronomical attractions to scope out via treasure hunt during a visit. It may even make a whimsical stop-off as part of a 'unique Illinois roadside attractions' hunting road trip!

• Population: ~2,300
• Things to do: World's Largest Rocking Chair, World's Largest Mailbox, World's Largest Pitchfork, World's Largest Wind Chime, World's Largest Golf Tee, World's Largest Teeter Toter, ASA Softball Hall Of Fame

12 Williamsburg, Virginia

Around 15,400 people, coupled with old world charm, the largest living history museum, and more

Although Williamsburg in the Virginia Peninsula is a town steeped in American history, it is actually a relatively new one. The downtown area was restored in the twentieth century, attracting visitors to discover its enchanting atmosphere as they walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers.

The town boasts numerous olden establishments rooted in stories of the past, including the largest living history museum in the US and even America's first psychiatric hospital, among plenty of other old-time buildings.

Furthermore, Williamsburg even has talented people in costumes acting as these important historical figures and telling their stories.

However, as novelty as this may sound, these acts are an authentic part of the town's culture and history, as Williamsburg and its nearby locales, including Yorktown and Jamestown, are monuments to some of the most famous historic figures in the US, such as George Washington and Patrick Henry, as well as John Smith, Pocahontas and many more.

• Population: ~15,400
• Things to do: Williamsburg Winery, Ltd., Water Country USA, Patrick Henry Square, West Duke of Gloucester Street, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Williamsburg, Haunted Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg

If you need food recommendations for Williamsburg, there will be plenty to snack on here.

11 Moab, Utah

Red rocks, 5,300+ residents, and clear starry skies make Moab shine

Acting as a glorious gateway to the unearthly rock formations of Arches National Park and the canyons in Canyonlands National Park, the picturesque eastern town of Moab in Utah may be small. Still, it packs in everything guests would desire from a quintessential vacation in the Beehive State.

Sure, one of the main reasons Moab is so famous is that it's close to the legendary national parks nearby, where outdoor thrills and adventures attract wannabe Indiana Joneses to trek Martian paths and marvel at majestic rocky creations of nature.

However, the town on its own is also a treasure trove of fun and fascination, with top Moab attractions including the town's Moab Giants dinosaur museum and park, offering guests the chance to discover these parts' incredible history. What's more, the town also hosts lots of festivals, such as the Moab Folk Festival, the Moab Music Festival, and Moab ArtWalk.

• Population: ~5,300
• Things to do: Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hell's Revenge, Corona Arch

10 Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Nearly 3,600 people, family attractions, and access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Gatlinburg town in Tennessee is not one that instantly stands out since the population only features a little over 3,600 in the area. However, it's one of the most interesting small towns in Tennessee for travelers looking for a blend of national parks, local fun, and attractions worthy of a tiny-town getaway bucket list.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in Gatlinburg and has been around for a long time as a historical attraction. Other fun attractions include the 400-foot-tall Space Needle, the unique Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, and the Hollywood Star Cars Museum. There are also quite a few free things to do in Gatlinburg, making it perfect for families on a budget.

• Population: ~3,600
• Things to do: Ober Mountain, Anakeesta, Gatlinburg Space Needle, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum, Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, Crockett's Breakfast Camp

9 St. Augustine, Florida

14,300 residents, stunning coastal views, and a charming historic downtown

Florida is a top tourist attraction for theme parks, beaches, and, officially, the best sunsets in the world. However, St. Augustine town is not a place most instantly think of as an ideal destination because it's quite different from many of the typical bustling modern cities and beach destinations in Florida. That makes it quite underrated, especially considering the variety of things to do when taking a trip there.

St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the US with lots to see, with particular emphasis on its tons of old-school architecture, making it look like a throwback visually.

The Lightner Museum is another top attraction worth making a full-day experience out of during one's trip. Most people would enjoy just soaking in the beautiful décor of the area along with the usually relaxing weather of this part of Florida.

• Population: ~14,300
• Things to do: St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Lightner Museum, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

8 Cooperstown, New York

Nearly 2,000 people, art museums, and the Baseball Hall of Fame

New York City is among the top tourist destinations in the US, but there are some fun towns outside of the Big Apple that provide a different experience. Cooperstown is an underrated part of New York State, with a few different attractions giving it relevance.

A small population of just under 2,000 residents gives it a small town allure, but it also has the perk of the Baseball Hall of Fame continuously updating its presence, making it a must-see town for anyone into baseball. The Fenimore Art Museum is one of the most underrated museums in town. Overall, Cooperstown gives a lot to do in a generally quiet area for a relaxing getaway.

• Population: ~2,000 people
• Things to do: National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Fenimore Art Museum, The Farmers' Museum, Leatherstocking Golf Course, Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum, Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard

7 Mystic, Connecticut

~4,500 people, coastal charm, museums, aquariums, and cool weather give Mystic its name

The film Mystic Pizza is what most people associate with Mystic town in Connecticut. Only about 4,000-or-so people reside in the area, to show just how small of a town it is. Despite the smaller size and fewer residents, it’s a great place to visit, with more attractions than you’d expect.

The Mystic Seaport is an impressive place with a museum of old ships and the setup of an older village. There’s even the local Mystic Aquarium with sea animals like beluga whales and rare penguins worth checking out.

• Population: ~4,500
• Things to do: Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport Museum, Olde Mystic Village, Mystic Museum of Art, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Mystic Pizza

6 Ketchum, Idaho

About 3,500 people live in this old mining town with seasonal festivals, hiking, and skiing

Anyone with a passion for outdoor activities may be won over by the town of Ketchum in Idaho. Despite only about 3,500 people living in the area, there are quite a few fun things to indulge in. Many people in the area love to take advantage of the scenery with hiking or skiing trips.

Labor Day marks an annual celebration for the Wagon Days festival. Ketchum is an old mining town that pays tribute to its history along with having enough fun experiences to make it worth checking out. Visitors will never have to feel overcrowded during a vacation in this small charming town.

• Population:
• Things to do: Sun Valley Museum of Art, Visit Sun Valley, Gail Severn Gallery, Bald Mountain, Gilman Contemporary, Living With Wolves

5 Taos, New Mexico

6,500 people, old-school pueblos, and over 80 galleries call this town home

The artistic appeal of Taos, New Mexico (also known as the Soul of the Southwest), makes it another strong choice for an ideal small town worth visiting. Taos is populated with about 6,500 people and a few attractions to give a fun trip without an overbearing crowd of people to take away from it.

There are plenty of things worth doing in Taos during one's vacation in this sublime little dot on the map of New Mexico, from visiting churches and engaging in snow sports in the valley to checking out the famous pueblos on the reservation - and so much more.

In fact, old-school pueblo houses already give the town a unique look, but there are many art museums to check out some incredible pieces of work. This is actually one of the best small art towns in the US; Taos has over 80 art galleries in the town despite the smaller number of people living there. This is clearly the art capital of New Mexico!

• Population: ~6,500
• Things to do: Harwood Museum of Art, Taos Art Museum at Fechin House, Kit Carson Home & Museum, Wilder Nightingale Fine Art, Couse-Sharp Historic Site, Millicent Rogers Museum, Ernest L. Blumenschein House

4 Camden, Maine

~5,200 people, scenic beaches, and hiking trails make up this weekend's getaway town

Maine is one of the most underrated destinations in America, which makes it less surprising there are a few great smaller towns in the area. Camden stands out as an ideal destination based on the fun offered during a short trip there.

Camden is one of the many beautiful small towns in the USA to visit on the East Coast, home to beautiful beaches, impressive hiking trails, and many other destinations plush with nature.

Plus, fans of opera music can check out the Camden Opera House for incredible performances in the area. Only 4,850 people reside in Camden, but that is part of the appeal of visiting.

• Population: ~5,200
• Things to do: The Camden Snow Bowl, Camden Hills State Park, Mount Battie, Mount Battie Trail, Mount Megunticook, Curtis Island Lighthouse, Laite Memorial Beach

3 Breckenridge, Colorado

5,000 friendly faces and top-rated ski resorts make this little town an attractive spot

Breckenridge town in Colorado is home to 5,000 people, which is a relatively small population, given that it's quite hot spot for outdoor adventure and the arts. The art scene here features many art museums and galleries

Skiing is extremely popular in the state, and this little dot on the Colorado map is a highlight. In fact, some of the best ski resorts in Colorado near Denver are found here, attracting slope sliders both seasoned and new to the sport.

The town’s Victorian flair gives it a standout look, too, with the architecture paying tribute to the past with enough modern appeals for the best of both worlds.

• Population: ~5,000
• Things to do: Main Street, Boreas Pass Road, Breckenridge Nordic Center, Sapphire Point Overlook, Breckenridge Distillery

2 Traverse City, Michigan

15,678+ people, wineries, museums, and the National Cherry Festival make this town charming

Traverse City definitely deserves a place among Michigan's top-rated attractions. Although it's one of the bigger US small towns to visit on this list, it is still relatively small compared to ta lot of towns and cities.

The annual National Cherry Festival brings in big crowds, as this town is well known for producing the most tart cherries in the United States. It's also famous for wineries, much to vino lovers' delight!

Denos Museum Center is a highly respected art museum that adds some culture to the area. There is also the City Opera House, designed in the old-school Victorian style. Traverse City gives a lot of options to spend many days there while having a big city experience without the crowds. Again, Michigan is filled with fun stuff to do, so visitors can easily extend their trip beyond Traverse City if they decide they love it.

• Population: ~15,700 people
• Things to do: Dennos Museum Center, Clinch Park, City Opera House, Left Foot Charley, Boardman Lake Trail, Clinch Park Beach, Great Lakes Children's Museum

1 Jacksonville, Oregon

3,020 people, scenic hikes, and the arts modernize this old Gold Rush town

Jacksonville is a town in Oregon that is among the most unique and underrated places to visit in the United States. Only about 3,000 people reside in the area, making it quite empty, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to explore.

The Woodland Trails and Forest Park provides great hiking trails along with a generally beautiful atmosphere. Jacksonville used to be a Gold Rush town in the 1800s, but it is known for its modern fun today. The Britt Music and Arts Festival is another attraction with the locals and visitors getting to appreciate great music along with works of art.

• Population: ~3,000
• Things to do: Red Lily Vineyards, Quady North Winery Tasting Room, Jacksonville Cemetery, Applegate River Lavender Farm, Nunan House