The Best Small Town to Visit in Every State for a Charming Weekend

Tourists flock to this southern Alabama enclave for its white sand beaches and unbelievably blue waters. Explore Orange Beach's bountiful trails and award-winning restaurants when you’re not taking a dip along the Gulf shore.

This town, located 200 miles south of Anchorage, is known as the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World, and the City of Peonies. With awe-inspiring volcanoes and majestic mountains peppering the landscape, its spectacular views make it a snapshot-worthy destination. Be sure to stroll down Homer Spit, a popular strip for shops and restaurants like the Chartroom.

This geological wonderland is a remarkable sight for visitors and residents alike. The city's red rock formations are a main draw, but thanks to its year-round sunny weather, it's also home to annual festivals like the popular Sedona Mountain Bike Festival and the Run Sedona 5K & 10K. Head to Sedona Real Inns & Suites for a relaxing stay that's near hiking trails.

With Victorian homes flanking the winding mountainside streets, this secluded city is brimming with historic flair: In fact, its entire downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places. Outdoor activities abound at Beaver Lake, where you'll find water sports, camping, fishing, and mountain biking.

This European-style town is in a class all its own. With nearly 100 art galleries, including Erin Hanson Gallery and Travis Hall Fine Art, it's a cultural haven. The city's attractions also include premium shopping, exquisite dining, and, of course, access to beautiful beaches along the coast.

This old mining town in the heart of the San Juan Mountains offers historic sites, abundant outdoor activities, and mesmerizing scenery.

In the winter, it's a recreational paradise where visitors can sled, ski, or hop on a snowmobile. Fishing, hiking, rafting, and biking rule in hotter weather. Book a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to relive the "Golden Age" of mining.

Settled in 1654, Mystic was once a shipbuilding seaport village and a safe harbor for tall ships to weather a storm. The city honors its rich past, while embracing its quintessential New England charm, and colorful local shops and homey restaurants line the streets. In the fall, visitors and locals line up at B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill, the only steam-powered cider mill in the U.S., for a taste of its famous cider and fresh donuts.

Just 10 minutes south of downtown Wilmington, New Castle is known for its numerous historic structures. Stroll along cobblestone streets or sandy beaches in this quaint city overlooking the Delaware River. Thanks to its preservation efforts, it remains one of the most important colonial and federal villages in the country.

As the only place in the world where people can legally experience swimming with manatees, Crystal River is a gem of Florida's Nature Coast. In addition to providing access to this beloved endangered species, the city offers a variety of attractions like the Florida Tree Top Adventure and a local escape room.

Just an hour northwest of Atlanta and one hour south of Chattanooga, Adairsville is an often-overlooked slice of paradise. Dotted with a handful of mom-and-pop shops, the 1902 Stock Exchange & Public Square Opera House and Maggie Mae's Tea Room, this bespoke town is ideal for an off-the-beaten path getaway. The charming Barnsley Resort is chock full of various outdoor activities, and offers individual cottage accommodations.

With stunning ocean views and ample wide-open spaces, Waialua is the perfect locale for those seeking serenity and breathtaking natural beauty.

This scenic rural Central Idaho mountain town is situated along the Salmon River, better known as the "The River of No Return." A hotbed for whitewater rafting, it's ripe with opportunities for outdoor thrill-seekers.

Galena is an ideal getaway from Chicago, as it's a three-hour drive from the city. From snowshoeing at Casper Blugg Land & Water Reserve in the winter to watching hot air balloon races in the summer, this midwestern town offers plenty of fun to enjoy all year round.

Brown County is dubbed the "Artist Colony of the Midwest" thanks to its flourishing art scene, with murals, public installations, and eye-catching sculptures at every turn.

Known for its famous covered bridges, Winterset is a picturesque town with down-home charm that inspired the revered love story The Bridges Over Madison County. The novel-turned-movie isn't the town's only pop culture association; as the birthplace of John Wayne, it's home to the only museum dedicated to the legendary actor.

From greyhound racing to Wild West re-enactments, Abilene offers an array of unique experiences to explore. Known for its friendly community, it's also home to the C.W. Parker Carousel, the oldest operational Parker carousel known to exist.

Situated on the northeastern edge of Lake Cumberland just west of the Daniel Boone National Forest, this bluegrass city is bustling with activities. Locals love the myriad of outdoor events featuring local eats and music, including the annual Foodstock and Moonlight festivals.

Craving crawfish? Breaux Bridge is full of Cajun restaurants serving the mouth-watering specialty. Every May, thousands of seafood lovers come for a taste of the state's world-famous crustacean at their annual festival. After grubbing, take a walk downtown to shop for antiques and one-of-a-kind fashions.

Camden is a four-season community on Penobscot Bay, dotted with stunning 19th-century homes. Situated between the mountains and the sea, it boasts gorgeous scenery, award-winning cuisine, cultural hubs, and outdoor adventures to suit all tastes.

Oakland hosts popular festivals in all four seasons. Stop by Winterfest to see marvelous ice sculptures, or witness the beauty of changing leaves during the annual Autumn Glory festival in the fall.