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The 50 Most Beautiful Towns to Visit in Each US State

Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Concept. USA flag
Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Concept. USA flag | Billion Photos / Shutterstock

Whether you’re living in the States or just travelling through, here are 50 beautiful small towns – one in each state – which you really shouldn’t miss.

Alabama

Absolutely charming, Fairhope is labelled ‘the jewel of the Eastern Shore’ for a reason.

Alaska

Alaska, United States
Rod Long / Unsplash
It may not be the easiest town to get to (only accessible by air or sea), but it sure is worth the effort!

Arizona

Museum

Prescott, AZ, USA
Jordyn Dickens / Unsplash
Full of historic landmarks and home to The Phippen Museum, Prescott is perfect for any culture lover.

Arkansas

Beautiful autumn scenery at Eureka Springs Arkansas.
Jeff Morgan / Shutterstock
Eureka Springs has been named one of AmericanStylemagazine’s Top 25 Small Cities for art four years in a row. If you love music festivals, the town is a must-visit, as it hosts events such as the annual Opera in the Ozarks.

California

Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States
meric / Unsplash
Easily explored by foot and home to the Carmel Bach Festival, Carmel is the ideal place to visit for a relaxing, cultured getaway.

Colorado

Mountain and Meadows Near Crested Butte Colorado
michaelkirsh / Unsplash
From hiking to skiing and mountain biking to climbing, Crested Butte is the ultimate playground for the adventurous.

Connecticut

Restaurant

Cruising up the Mystic River, southeast Connecticut, toward The Mystic Seaport
rustyct1 / Unsplash
This town is home to one of the country’s largest maritime museums, has a street full of Colonial period houses and is even famous for its Mystic Pizza restaurant!

Delaware

Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA, United States
Bob Bowie / unsplash
With plenty of shops, restaurants and hotels right by the beach, this is the perfect town for a relaxing seaside escape.

Florida

Manatee Spotting in the Three Sisters Springs at Crystal River, Florida
Nicki Derrick / Shutterstock
The ultimate destination for kayaking, snorkelling, and even swimming with manatees! A great destination for water sports, as temperatures are high all year round.

Georgia

buildings nestled among the trees and powerful clouds at sunset at Etowah River Park in Canton Georgia USA
Marcus E Jones / Shutterstock
Canton’s location was once the heart of the Cherokee Nation. Explore the surrounding Heritage Trails and make the most of the beautiful nature and outdoors.

Hawaii

Oahu, Hawaii, USA
sandyjiang_ / Unsplash
This town is known as the surfing capital of the world. The crystal clear water and local shops offer the ideal setting for any kind of traveller.

Idaho

Natural Feature

The Heart of Idaho Falls over the Snake River Waterfront at Sunrise in Bonneville County, Idaho, USA
NayaDadara / Shutterstock
Idaho Falls

This town is surrounded by beautiful forestland, but the most spectacular sight is the gushing waterfalls located on Snake River, which cuts through the area.

Illinois

Galena, IL, USA
rosemarysview / Unsplash
For those who prefer to sit back, relax, and enjoy stunning French colonial and Greek revival architecture, Galena is the town for you.

Indiana

Scenic Overlook at Brown County State Park in Autumn
Steven Van Elk / Unsplash
A must-see for any food and art lover. Craft studios, galleries and farm-to-table dining establishments are dotted all around this town, known as the ‘Art Colony of the Midwest’.

Iowa

Museum

Okoboji, United States
Drew Dau / Unsplash
Enjoy water sports, the Higgins Museum, shopping, and dining at this popular summertime destination!

Kansas

Dodge City, Kansas Cow Farm on a cold dreary Day.
This town, once known as ‘The Wickedest Town in the American West’ is an absolute must-see for any history lover.

Kentucky

Turkey Creek Road, Murray, Kentucky, USA
natehutty / unsplash
There is no shortage of Southern hospitality in Murray, which has actually been voted the ‘Friendliest Small Town in America’ by Rand McNally and USA Today.

Louisiana

Cane River Creole National Historical Park in Natchez, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana.
EWY Media / Shutterstock
This is one of the most popular destinations in Louisiana – maybe this has something to do with the famous Natchitoches meat pie?

Maine

Historical Landmark

The Bush Family estate on the shore of Kennebunkport, Maine
rustyct1 / Unsplash

See the most amazing views of the harbour from Dock Square and Cape Porpoise!

Maryland

Historical Landmark

Two wild horses relax in the sun with their foal at Assateague Island National Seashore
https://unsplash.com/photos/two-horses-standing-next-to-each-other-in-a-field-Kif97lr6mDo

You can’t miss the town that was voted America’s ‘Coolest Small Town’ by Budget Travelin 2014. It was used as a set location for the 1999 film Runaway Bride, and is just as quaint in real life.

Massachusetts

Historical Landmark

Edgartown, Massachusetts, États-Unis
raph_asln / unsplash

The idyllic summer destination. Take a stroll along the rows of historic whaling captains’ houses, or just relax on the beautiful beaches.

Michigan

Mackinac Island, MI, USA
leah hetteberg / Unsplash
Horse riding, kayaking, and biking are a few of the outdoor activities on offer at Mackinac Island. It is also well known for its delicious food, candy and fudge shops, perfect for a well balanced vacation!

Minnesota

Grand Marais, MN, USA
Jamie Cooper / Unsplash
It’s close to the Sawtooth Mountains, Lake Superior, Gunflint Trail, and even has festivals all year round.

Mississippi

A private dock with rock jetties on the beach on the Bay of Biloxi in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
glenrichardphoto / Shutterstock
Wildlife, history, culture, galleries, and quaint cafes – there’s something for everyone in Ocean Springs.

Missouri

Historical Landmark

Weston, Missouri, USA
mattkc / Unsplash

Take a break from the big city and get a dose of fresh air. Florissant has 20 city parks, adding up to almost 400 acres of parkland.

Montana

Historical Landmark

Whitefish, MT, USA
rpnickson / unsplash

A must-visit location, especially for those who love to ski, due to its location near the Glacier National Park.

Nebraska

Nebraska, USA
Jason Bonnicksen / unsplash
Full of local history, culture, and beautiful scenery, Aurora is often ranked as one of the best places to live in Nebraska.

Nevada

Bar

Nevada, USA
Paulius Dragunas / Unsplash
During your visit here, make sure to stop by the Genoa Bar – the oldest Saloon in Nevada.

New Hampshire

Museum

Keene State College, New Hampshire in winter
Mark F Lotterhand / Shutterstock
During your visit, go back in time at the Horatio Colony House Museum and Nature Preserve – here you’ll find furniture and interior decor dating back to 1806.

New Jersey

Lambertville New Jersey,New Hope,Pennsylvania bridge.
Jim Bogosian / Shutterstock
Nicknamed the ‘Antiques Capital of New Jersey’, this town showcases beautiful Victorian houses, quaint antique stores, and hosts plenty of craft festivals and food fairs.

New Mexico

Boardwalk in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico in fall
M.M.PHOTO / Shutterstock
Artists such as Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe have visited this beautiful town to admire its spectacular scenery.

New York

New York Saratoga springs Mountains
Austin Corn / Shutterstock
Visit the town ranked one of the top 10 places to live in the New York State, known for its horse races and picturesque views.

North Carolina

Historical Landmark

new bern north carolina town riverfront scenes
digidreamgrafix / Shutterstock

Aside from its rich cultural background as the second town to be founded by European immigrants, New Bern is also the birth place of Pepsi Cola…

North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA
alexmoliski / Unsplash
It may be mostly known for it’s fishing, but Garrison is also home to amazing museums and events, such as the Dickens Village Festival, which transforms the town into a Victorian parade, complete with horse-drawn carriages.

Ohio

Natural Feature

OH, USA
Star of the Sea / Unsplash

Charming, arty and colourful, Yellow Springs is a paradise for creatives and free thinkers.

Oklahoma

Medicine Park in the fall, Lawton, Oklahoma
YuniqueB / Shutterstock
Visitors to Medicine Park quickly fall for the charms of the cobblestone streets, which are considered a phenomenon in the town.

Oregon

Oregon, United States
everett mcintire / Unsplash
Indulge in Hood River’s award-winning craft breweries, restaurants, and insanely photographic views!

Pennsylvania

Beautiful autumn scene at Cuttalossa barn mill in Bucks County Pennsylvania with colorful fall foliage.
Little Vignettes Photo / Shutterstock
A great location for antique shops, beautiful stores, wildflower preserves, and sightseeing tours.

Rhode Island

Late afternoon sunset over the Great Salt Pond New Shoreham, Block Island, Rhode Island
SEALANDSKYPHOTO / Shutterstock
A travel destination bound to please the whole family, Block Island offers hiking, fishing, biking, sailing, swimming, and relaxing on its beautiful beaches.

South Carolina

Historical Landmark

Greenville, South Carolina at Falls Park on Reedy Creek at dusk.
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the area is forested and hilly – perfect for enjoying the beautiful landscapes.

South Dakota

Park

South Dakota, USA
yapici / unsplash
As the area’s oldest town, Custer is full of activities for adventure seekers and history buffs alike. Due to its surrounding landscape, you can even find free-roaming buffalo and other wildlife at the Custer State Park.

Tennessee

Historical Landmark

Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
Nathan Anderson / Unsplash

This campus town bustles with restaurants, galleries and festivals, amid the beautiful natural environment of the Great Valley of East Tennessee.

Texas

Port Isabel overlooking to South Padre Island
luckyluke007 / Shutterstock
Take part in a variety of water sports including kayaking, parasailing and boating tours. You might even catch a glimpse of dolphins if you’re lucky.

Utah

Historical Landmark

Stunning rock mountains in Springdale, Utah, USA.
datingscout / unsplash

The famous red rocks you’ll find here are a haven for adventure-seekers and scenery enthusiasts.

Vermont

Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vermont
Robert Harding Video / Shutterstock
The perfect place for a relaxing vacation. Enjoy the peaceful landscape, explore the historical scenery, swim in the quarry, and partake in the Dorset Theatre Festival.

Virginia

Virginia, USA
Nathaniel Villaire / Shutterstock
The beautiful streets lined with homes dating back to 1779 make Abingdon the ideal spot for a weekend getaway.

Washington

Hot Air Balloon floating near horse heaven hills during The Great Prosser Balloon Rally.
Nestor Salgado / Shutterstock
This is a must-visit destination for any wine lover! Known as ‘the birthplace of the Washington wine industry’, you’ll be spoiled with lush vineyards to sample wine, and delicious food to go with it.

West Virginia

Historical Landmark

West Virginia
tuannguyen728 / Unsplash

History buffs cannot miss out on visiting what is likely the oldest town in the entire state, founded all the way back in 1762.

Wisconsin

Fish Creek, Wisconsin located in Door County on the bay of Green Bay.
John Touscany / Shutterstock
Find some peace and quiet in a town that has less than one thousand inhabitants.

Wyoming

Wyoming, USA
_bad_llama_ / Unsplash
Be sure to stop by the dude ranches, where they host year-round events including the Pioneer Days Rodeo, the world’s oldest paid rodeo, and the Wyoming State Winter Fair. Immerse yourself in the culture of the West!
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