Share The Article
Major cities are cool and all with iconic attractions and world-class eats, but it’s no secret small towns can leave a lasting mark, even more so than the bright lights of Broadway or neon glow of the Vegas Strip.
Given spring has nearly sprung, that means it’s the perfect time to book that getaway you may have been iffy on during the frigid cold winter.
While places like Cancun and Punta Cana are year-round perfection, others are more seasonal, including many of America’s delightful small towns.
The folks at Yardbarker just released a carefully compiled list of the world’s top small towns to visit, but surprisingly only 3 American destinations made the cut.
Even more shocking is none of them are in the South, where “southern hospitality” is practically a religion.
Ranging from the Southwest to the West Coast to America’s ‘last frontier’, these 3 U.S. small towns are must-visits this spring.
Sedona, Arizona: Warm Up In Red Rock Country
Anyone who has done a road trip through Arizona may think this vibrant state of vast desert landscapes is a bore, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
While I’m personally not a huge fan of Phoenix, Scottsdale is another story, and the same goes many of Arizona’s rustic villages, especially before the sauna-like temperatures take over summer.
Sedona meets the mark for multiple types of travelers ranging from those whose enjoy perusing local boutiques and galleries, digital-detoxing at a remote wellness retreat, or going full-blown “van life” into the heart of Red Rock Country (no offense to Utah, of course).
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock is the ultimate place to cash out your points for an epic stay backdropped by Arizona’s renowned blushing mountains and vibrant sunsets.
But, circling back to Sedona’s famed wellness retreats, there’s certainly no shortage if that’s your jam.
Whether it be sound baths, yoga, meditation, you can surely find these amenities in Sedona’s thriving new-age scene, or what most tourists do, simply venture out into the great outdoors to embrace solitude and reconnect in nature among some of the Southwest’s most scenic landscapes.
Sitka, Alaska
You might have had Alaska on your 2025 Bingo card, especially a small town, but Sitka is easier to reach than you might think and will rock your socks off when you arrive.
Alaska is one of the top U.S. destinations to book a cruise as you pass astounding scenery and stop in charming small towns such as Sitka.
But Alaska Airlines offers faster travel time with direct flights from Seattle in May, otherwise you’ll have to connect through other Alaskan cities.
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by what was a winter wonderland transforming back into a lush green townscape backdropped by staggering snow-capped mountains and a rustic town full of shops, delicious restaurants, and historic buildings and sites like Sitka National Historical Park.
A trip to Sitka without exploring the wild should be a crime, but just know wildlife begins to emerge again come spring, so packing bear spray is never a bad idea.
One of the best places for hiking, kayaking, and fishing is Tongass National Forest (free admission), but if you’d like to truly rough it, you can book a cozy cabin.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea, or as most simply know it as “Carmel”, is California’s most whimsical town and exudes European vibes.
Part beach town, part architectural wonder, this unsuspecting hideaway under 2 hours from San Francisco is one of the West Coast’s most unique vacation destinations.
The town center is lined with renowned eateries, galleries, and local boutiques, including popular watering hole Hog’s Breath Inn, once owned by former mayor Clint Eastwood, to add to the weirdness of this quirky little town.
Throughout downtown you’ll discover numerous homes and storefronts that look straight out of Lord of the Rings, and this was intentionally done by local builder Hugh Comstock, who wanted to bring Hansel and Gretel to real life.
But just as captivating as the architecture is the coastline. Stretching from one of California’s most underrated cities, Monterey, to globally recognized golf destination Pebble Beach, visitors will forget all about San Diego and L.A.’s shores in favor of dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor