Foreign visitors often think of the US in rather narrow terms. This means that the most famous and popular destinations to visit are the big cities on the coasts. There’s an attraction to it and a reason why this is the case.

However, that’s not all the US has to offer. There’s a lot of beauty in small towns across the country. These are also the best places to explore the unique and complex history of the country.

How to Visit a Small Town in the USA?

Unlike other more popular destinations, visiting small towns across the US can be a bit more challenging. The best way to do so is rent your own car. That way you can spend as much time in each town as you wish and explore it at your own pace.

You’ll need an international driving permit, a document issued by the International Drivers Association. This document is easy enough to obtain and it’s only valid if you have a national driving license issued by your own county with you.

Once you have your international driving permit, we recommend visiting these small towns:

1. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is often talked about as the most beautiful small town in the US and one that should be added to the top of your bucket list or even for a classic New England honeymoon. It is rather scenic and beautiful to spend your vacation in. It combines all that is great about Maine and offers it to tourists in one delicious trip.

The coastline is its main selling point since soothing water and beautiful landscapes can be found anywhere you look. Local food, consisting mostly of seafood is also a good reason to spend some time in Bar Harbor and visit the restaurants.

There’s no reason to try to save money while visiting Bar Harbor but you should keep in mind that it’s less expensive to do so in the “shoulder season”. It’s also possible to skip the guided tours and explore the city on your own.

Bar Harbor is a very small town. It has about 6,000 occupants. It’s also rather cold so pack accordingly. The temperatures can go below 50 and this is especially noticeable when you take a boat ride.

Acadia National Park is nearby and Bar Harbor is a great place to start your whale watching tour.

2. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Another New England town to add to your bucket list is Nantucket. It is located on a small island with less than 15,000 permanent residents. Yet, this small town still has so much to offer to the tens of thousands of visitors and vacationers who arrive via ferry or plane every summer. 

Nantucket has the highest concentration of fastidiously preserved or restored historic buildings, lighthouses, homes, and streets. In fact, you will feel like you have stepped back in the pre-civil war times when you walk the cobblestone streets Downtown.

One thing that makes Nantucket so desirable as a vacation spot is its stunning flora and fauna. All 80 miles of beaches are free to access, and nearly half of the island's land is conserved and remains untouched.

Once considered the "whaling capital of the world," the charm of those glorious years that inspired the novel "Moby-Dick" is still very much palpable everywhere, especially in the famous Whaling Museum.

It is an upscale vacation spot. But during the shoulder season, you can find a beautiful short-term rental house or lodging there at a reasonable price.

3. Telluride, Colorado

If you’re looking for a beautiful town to ski in, you won’t find one that’s less expensive and more welcoming than Telluride, Colorado. The origin of that strange name remains unknown and some say it came from “to hell you ride”.

The town offers more than 2,000 acres made for skiing. These are acceptable to both experts and those with experience, and novices that are trying the sport for the first time. You can also visit if you don’t plan to ski at all and just want to enjoy the winter scenery.

The best time to visit is from June to November. The prices will be higher during that time, but that’s also the time to experience the town when it’s filled with guests and when local festivals take place. If you plan to visit during the off-season, you may find some local shops closed.

Booking in advance is also a good way to save on vacation expenses in Telluride. There’s no need for rental cars, at least not for most visitors since the city is rather small. About 2,500 people live in the city year-round.

4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is placed right between a large swath of national forest and Grand Teton National Park. Beautiful and scenic nature is, therefore, the most important reason to visit this small town. The town depends on logging, ranching, and other local industries, with tourism being just a part of its economy. The town is known for being a favorite destination of the former VP Dick Cheney and Harrison Ford.

If you’re visiting the town for skiing purposes, it’s best to come during the winter, when it’s filled with guests. If you’re here for hiking and enjoying the vastness of its wilderness, you can come at any time during the year.

Grand Teton and Yellowstone are nearby and many visitors start their trip in Jackson Hole and end up exploring the beautiful American national parks further. Keep in mind that local temperatures range from low 30s to low 60s, depending on when you visit.

Local food mostly consists of steak houses and saloons that seem to be a bit out of time. If you want to experience the town as locals do, it’s best to stick to those dining options. The oldest brewery in the state is located right here in Jackson Hole and you’ll make a mistake if you don’t pay a visit to it, at least once.

5. Lake Tahoe, California / Nevada

Lake Tahoe is probably the most famous destination on our list and there’s a reason why it’s already found its way to tourists from the US and abroad. The lake is located right on the border between California and Nevada and 2.7 million visitors are welcomed here each year.

It’s a mixture of both states it's located in and you’ll feel as if you’re in California when it comes to shopping, lifestyle, and dining. At the same time, there are also gambling establishments Nevada is known for.

The best time to enjoy Lake Tahoe is from March to May and from September to November. However, tourists are coming to the lake all year round. The accommodations are less expensive south of the lake and there are ways to save when visiting during the week.

Keep in mind that Lake Tahoe is rather big and crowded and that it’s one of the most expensive destinations on our list. It’s also rather cold unless it's visited in the summer and you’ll need to pack with that in mind, especially if you want to rent a boat.

6. St. Augustine, Florida

If you’re interested in local history and its complexity, St Augustine is the place to visit since it’s filled with historic significance. The town was founded by Spain in the 16th century and it’s the oldest European settlement in the US that’s been continuously inhabited.

There are numerous landmarks to visit and admire while visiting St. Augustine. The city also has a pirate museum and a wildlife reserve. There’s also a Lighter Museum, which is one of the largest and most eclectic art collections in the country. A tourist should also take the time to visit and enjoy the local shops and restaurants.

It’s best to visit the town somewhere between March and May. There will be fewer visitors there and the temperatures are more pleasant. During the winter months, the town can get quite cold, and sometimes it can even be affected by the hurricane season.

Chances are that you’ll come back from St. Augustine with more items than you came with. That’s why it may be best to pack an extra bag with you. Use the guided tours to visit all the sites with the help of an expert knowledgeable about its history. It’s also a way to save when compared to individual site visits.

Final Thoughts

This list barely scratches the surface of the must-visit small towns in America. From the oceans to the mountains, there is a place for everyone to explore.

Kelly’s favorite small town is Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts and Jeremy’s favorite is Point Reyes Station, California. Let us know your favorite in the comments below!

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