I’ve been to all 50 states — most several times — and the places that stay with me aren’t the big cities.
Rather, they’re the small towns I stumbled into on long road trips, the places locals insisted I “had to see,” and the destinations I only meant to pass through but ended up daydreaming about long after I left.
After years of crisscrossing the country, I’ve realized that much of America’s real magic lives in its small towns. Here are five I can’t stop thinking about.
Telluride, Colorado, is my favorite mountain town.
As a Colorado local, Telluride remains my favorite mountain town. Nestled in a stunning canyon surrounded by towering peaks, it combines dramatic scenery with a laid-back, small-town vibe that’s hard to beat.
The free gondola ride offers stunning views of the town (and the San Juan Mountains) from above, and makes getting around town effortless. Plus, in my opinion, the nearby hiking trails are some of the best in the state, ranging from alpine trails to hidden waterfalls.
The restaurants are top-notch, and the town’s remoteness only adds to its charm.
I often find myself returning to Bayfield, Wisconsin.
Bayfield, Wisconsin, is the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where I’ve spent hours hiking forested trails and wandering quiet, wild islands.
In town, a visit to Copper Crow Distillery, the first Indigenous-owned distillery in US, is a must-visit. And dinner downtown at the stylish and historic St. James Social is the perfect way to end a day exploring this charming lakeside town.
The landscape in Abiquiu, New Mexico, is unforgettable.
Abiquiu is a small town with a big personality — where art, history, and adventure converge in unexpected ways.
The landscape in Abiquiu, New Mexico, inspired many of Georgia O’Keeffe’s works, and I can definitely see why. For example, hiking or taking a horseback riding tour at Ghost Ranch is unforgettable, with red cliffs and sweeping mesas around every turn.
I love starting my morning with a breakfast burrito from the historic Bode’s General Store, and ending the day with dinner at Café Abiquiu.
Homer, Alaska, feels peaceful and welcoming.
Homer, Alaska, is a beautiful four-and-a-half-hour drive from Anchorage. Although it’s easy enough to travel to, visiting feels like being worlds away.
I love wandering the harbor and the “Homer Spit,” a long, thin stretch of land reaching into Kachemak Bay. Here, I enjoy watching the fishing boats come and go, and hiking the nearby trails.
Staying right on the water makes mornings feel slow and calm, and the town’s laid-back charm shows up in every coffee shop and gallery I visit.
From fresh seafood to iconic local spots like the Salty Dawg Saloon — which is famously covered with dollar bills on the ceiling and walls — Homer somehow feels wild and welcoming at the same time.
Kennebunkport, Maine, is a charming coastal town.
Kennebunkport, Maine, is one of those coastal towns I keep returning to, no matter how many new places I visit.
I’ve been several times, and each trip reminds me why it’s such a favorite — wide, sandy beaches, peaceful inlets that are perfect for kayaking, and that unmistakable Maine charm.
And of course, no visit is complete without a classic lobster roll from Mabel’s Lobster Claw.
This story was originally published on February 24, 2026, and most recently updated on September 4, 2026.
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