There are plenty of pretty towns in America overflowing with charm, boasting quaint streets and beautiful landscapes. But where are the prettiest? That’s a difficult question to answer, but we’ll try our best; here are the 19 prettiest small towns in America!
Cape May, New Jersey
As one of the oldest vacation resorts in the US, Cape May is the essence of a nostalgic seaside destination. At the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, the waterfront is lined with idyllic Victorian homes that add a vintage touch to the landscape.
Meredith, New Hampshire
A charming destination in the New Hampshire Lakes region, Meredith is located in the White Mountains. Lakes Region Tourism Association recommends hiking, cycling, and canoeing in Meredith, making it a haven for adventure seekers. If that’s not your thing, Departing Meredith, the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, is the best way to admire the scenery.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Renowned for its mile-long scenic boardwalk along the beachfront, Rehoboth Beach is a popular summertime destination. While the beach attracts visitors, Downtown is the true highlight. Park your car up and walk or cycle the picturesque streets to find countless quaint independent stores.
Pawleys Island, South Carolina
Divided from the mainland by a beautiful salt water barrier, it’s hard to believe that the 4-mile long Pawleys Island is in the US. It’s literally just wide enough to fit a house, making the landscape of Pawleys Island reminiscent of a tropical vacation resort. There’s tons of historic architecture, too!
Houghton, Michigan
Houghton is the definition of small-town America. On the southern edge of the Keweenaw Waterway, the town experiences all four seasons, each casting a unique beauty over it. With 180 inches of snowfall in the winter, Houghton transforms into a winter wonderland that looks like a Christmas greeting card!
Mystic, Connecticut
Home to the largest maritime museum in the US, Mystic is a tranquil waterfront town on the shores of the Mystic River. It features every seaside town cliche you can imagine: tall ships bobbing on the water, boardwalks lining the river banks, and a whole host of unique characters.
Marfa, Texas
This Texan desert town is one of the most breathtaking artistic hubs of the state. Nestled between the iconic architecture are vibrant art galleries and fascinating outdoor installations. With low light pollution, Marfa is also known for the Marfa Lights, an extraordinary natural phenomenon that Live Science says has mystified people for generations.
Galena, Illinois
A town popular for romantic weekend breaks from Chicago, Galena is the scene of love novels. With the Mississippi River traveling along the edge of the town, Galena’s 19th-century buildings have an exquisite waterside backdrop. The funicular offers the most captivating views of the town from above.
Madison, Georgia
Boasting one of the state’s largest historic districts, Madison is a popular stop on Georgia’s antebellum trail. Downtown features classic American architecture and with the streets lined with seasonal flowers, there is no doubt that Madison is one of the prettiest small towns in America.
Ketchum, Idaho
Ketchum is a truly pretty small town, ideal for nature lovers. Idaho holidaymakers can ski in the winter, fish in the summer, or simply enjoy the views in the spring and fall. There are four hot springs surrounding the town, making it perfect for relaxing and unwinding after a day of adventure.
Leadville, Colorado
A former mining town, Leadville is a classic American destination. Once home to the largest population in the state after Denver, It now has less than 2,700 residents. Don’t let that scare you off, though; it’s tucked away in the shadows of Colorado’s tallest mountains, so we think its population feels just right.
Deadwood, South Dakota
With a new interest inspired by the HBO series Deadwood, its namesake town is one of the most fascinating places to visit in the US. The town has barely moved on from the Gold Rush and retains a Wild West vibe, granting it status as a National Historic landmark.
Sitka, Alaska
The state capital of Alaska is one of the most jaw-dropping parts of America. The City of Sitka features a staggering 22 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, abundant wildlife, and unique scenery. It’s a wonderfully alluring town bursting with both beauty and heritage, so don’t pass on visiting!
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Berkeley Springs is famous for, you guessed it, its natural hot springs, as well as its thriving art scene. If you’re looking for a small, pretty American town to unwind in, the town’s Old Roman Bath House is tourism gold, known as America’s first spa!
Chimayo, New Mexico
Chimayo is a desirable place to visit, offering the perfect melting pot of American and Mexican culture. It’s located just 40 minutes from Santa Fe, so the architecture is reminiscent of Spanish Colonial villages. It’s also home to El Santuario de Chimayo, one of the finest Spanish colonial churches!
Big Sky, Montana
If you’re searching for the perfect stargazing spot, Big Sky in Montana is the small American town you should visit. The low light pollution provides ideal conditions for exploring the sky while on land, and the city is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world. What could be better than stargazing and skiing?!
Celebration, Florida
Believe it or not, Florida’s Celebration is a community developed by The Walt Disney Company! This means the town is overflowing with the charm and character you would expect from Disney. Forbes named it one of America’s prettiest neighborhoods, thanks to its Southern-inspired architecture, tree-lined streets, and horse-drawn carriages.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is one of the country’s most beautiful historic spots, nestled into the Ozark mountains. Downtown is peppered with preserved Victorian buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, all of which are built around the town’s natural springs.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Finally, with legend Clint Eastwood as the town’s former mayor, you know this place is something special. Tucked away in California’s attractive wine region, Carmel-by-the-Sea looks like somewhere straight from a storybook with its fairytale homes and buildings. It totally deserves the number-one spot on this list!
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