Top 15 Most Beautiful Towns in America Today
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| Illustrated picture. Photo: Mixi |
For a traveler, there are many options when it comes to the United States of America. Some of the most beautiful cities in the US boast diverse cultures, picturesque landscapes, and rich histories that make this land so interesting and enjoyable. Beauty in the form of lakes, historic main streets, forests, architectural splendor, and beaches are what the lucky residents of these 50 towns call home. From Kennebunkport in Maine to Washington’s San Juan Islands—plush inland communities along lakes and within forests
The List of 15 Most Beautiful Towns in America Today
1. Asheville, North Carolina
2. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
3. Taos, New Mexico
4. Lake Placid, New York
5. Cape May, New Jersey
6. St. Augustine, Florida
7. Bayfield, Wisconsin
8. Bend, Oregon
9. Custer, South Dakota
10. Idaho Falls, Idaho
11. Sitka, Alaska
12. Paia, Hawaii
13. Camden, Maine
14. Telluride, Colorado
15. Whitefish, Montana
Which are the Most Beautiful Towns in America Today?
1. Asheville, North Carolina
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| Photo: Bent Creek Lodge |
You’ll probably have a view of the Blue Ridge Mountain from anywhere in Asheville, but this town is more than its beautiful backdrop.
Asheville is also known as a foodie heaven, with fantastic restaurants helmed by award-winning chefs. Before or after you have enjoyed the food, plenty of interesting sights await.
You can spend hours exploring the picturesque North Carolina Arboretum. There’s the grand Biltmore Estate or the stunning Omni Grove Park Inn if you’re after historic buildings.
2. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
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| Photo: WV Tourism |
Harpers Ferry has a lot going on, geographically speaking. After all, it's where West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland meet, and where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers combine. The scenic junction and surrounding Harpers Ferry National Historical Park make for one very picturesque townscape, especially during those leafy autumn months. Meanwhile, the town offers constant historical tours (it was the site of John Brown's raid) and the occasional ghost tour. There's more than enough here for adventurers, as well, like kayaking, rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, and hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
3. Taos, New Mexico
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| Photo: Taos Ski Valley |
The lovely high-desert town of Taos has a long and fascinating history. The Taos Pueblo, which is three miles from the center of town, has been home to native peoples for nearly a millennium, making the community one of the oldest continually occupied places in the U.S. (it is also an UNESCO World Heritage site). Today, the town is known for its culture: Painters, sculptors, and writers began to come here in 1899, and Taos now has a thriving artists' colony. The town's natural beauty—with red-rock canyons, clear blue desert skies, and snow-capped mountains on the horizon—inspires creative people of all palates.
4. Lake Placid, New York
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| Photo: Forbes |
This small village in the Adirondacks is stunning year round, thanks to its combination of rolling mountains and the clear, spring-fed, 2,173-acre lake. Home to just over 2,500 people, it is a rustic getaway that's popular with hikers, fishermen, and skiers (it was home to two Winter Olympics, in 1932 and 1980). But it also excels on the luxury front, and three of Lake Placid's hotels have previously landed on Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards list of the top resorts in the region: Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid Lodge, and Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa.
5. Cape May, New Jersey
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| Photo: Airbnb |
Known for its collection of well-restored Victorian gingerbread homes that hug the Atlantic Ocean where it meets the Delaware Bay, Cape May has a balanced mix of beach-town nostalgia (such as a boardwalk) and cutting-edge entertainment (like annual jazz and film fests).
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6. St. Augustine, Florida
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| Photo: Beacon Lake |
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, as evidenced by its cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and historic structures like the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos. If you’re a surfer, catch some waves at Vilano Beach before sunset cocktails at The Reef; for dinner, you can't beat the oysters and extensive wine list at Preserved Restaurant. For a good night's sleep paired with deep history, book a room at Casa Monica Resort & Spa. Built in 1888, it's one of the buildings that put St. Augustine on the map as a vacation destination in the 19th century.
7. Bayfield, Wisconsin
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| Photo: Check-it-Off Travel |
Bayfield might as well be synonymous with its top attraction: the breathtaking Lake Superior. The rugged coastline boasts of dramatic, unforgettable sights that’s perfect for a weekend trip at least.
Check out the Apostle Islands, which is both a national park and an archipelago. A must visit any time of the year, it is reachable by kayak from Lake Superior’s sandstone shores. A visit during summer lets you enjoy the islands’ old forests, rock formations, and lighthouses.
During winter, explore the ice caves that can be reached by ice bridges or dog sled. If you’re lucky and you happen to be by the Lake Superior on a clear night, you just might see the Northern Lights, too!
8. Bend, Oregon
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| Photo: Northwest Self Storage |
Surrounded by the Cascade Mountains, Bend is a go-to destination for outdoor enthusiasts. As a part of the High Desert region, this scenic town has a rich and fascinating local history.
Some great places to see if you want to know more about Bend are the Deschutes Historical Museum or the High Desert Museum.
If you enjoy nature walks, head on to the spectacular Newberry National Volcanic Monument or the picturesque Tumalo Falls.
Ready for a one of a kind adventure? Explore the otherworldly Lava River Cave, the longest in Oregon.
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9. Custer, South Dakota
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| Photo: Full Suitcase |
For a taste of the Old West, Custer gives you buffalos and more. Established in late 1874, the town still just has a population of 2,000.
Stroll along the town center and marvel at beautiful centuries-old buildings. Depending on what time of the year you visit, you just might chance upon some unique local event or festival.
There’s the Buffalo Round-Up during fall, the Arts Festival or the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Custer is also a perfect base to explore some of America’s best attractions such as the nearby Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and the iconic Devil’s Tower National Monument.
10. Idaho Falls, Idaho
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| Photo: Group Tour magazine |
Idaho Falls gives visitors a taste of small-town life with opportunities for wild adventure thrown in.
Once you have your ESTA and planning your itinerary, consider this thriving Idaho town. It is often listed as one of the best places to live in the US, and one of those outdoor adventure hubs.
Apart from the rich cultural scene and arts community, Idaho Falls is home to waterfalls along the Snake River. It is also within easy reach of natural forests, the Craters of the Moon and Yellowstone National Park.
11. Sitka, Alaska
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| Photo: Pixels |
Sitka is widely considered the most beautiful town in Alaska—mountains known as the "Sisters" serve as a backdrop, and spruce trees grow almost down to the sea. The harborside town is quaint and compact, with the look of a Wild West enclave, complete with flat-fronted wooden buildings that wouldn't look out of place in a John Wayne film.
The natural beauty and remote location of Sitka makes it a beloved destination for hikers, climbers, hunters, and fishermen; head just a few miles out of town and you'll feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, in the best possible sense.
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12. Paia, Hawaii
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| Photo: Realtor |
It's all about indulging your castaway fantasies in this small village on Maui's North Coast. Sure, the town center is sweet, even a little hip: It boasts a tattoo parlor and boutiques selling stylish, locally made beachwear. However, insiders know that Paia is all about the beach—namely, Ho’okipa Beach Park, beloved by locals for its white sand and by surfers, wind-surfers, and kite-surfers for its near-perfect breaks.
Tip: Grab a plate lunch at the Paia Fish Market to fortify you before a big day on the water.
13. Camden, Maine
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| Photo: Hawthorn Inn |
This classic New England seaside town is so picture-perfect, it was the primary filming location for the 1957 movie Peyton Place (a film about—surprise!—a seemingly idyllic town.) The motto of Camden has long been "Where the mountains meet the sea," and indeed, Mount Battie and Bald Mountain rise up above the harbor and the village; a hike to the top of the former will reward you with a stellar view.
Though most of the village's commerce is aimed squarely at tourists, there are some gems, like boutique hotel Whitehall.
14. Telluride, Colorado
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| Photo: Colorado. |
With its pristine snow and quirky mountain town vibe, it’s no secret that Telluride is a cold-weather paradise for downhill skiing and other winter adventures. But the mountain town also shines during the spring and summer, whether you're looking for bluegrass and film festivals or vibrant wildflower hikes.
In addition to outdoor recreation, downtown Telluride is home to art galleries and independently owned shops selling perfect souvenirs, like belts and wallets at Crossbow Leather and your next favorite plane read at Between the Covers Bookstore.
15. Whitefish, Montana
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| Photo: Whitefish, Montana |
Whitefish may be most famous for its ski resort, but the Rocky Mountain town has a lot to offer in every season. (Case in point: It was one of Airbnb's top trending destinations for summer 2021.) Warm-weather activities include hiking, biking, and zip-lining, plus strolling along Central Avenue—the wood awnings and locally-owned shops will make you think you've stepped onto the set of a classic Western remake.
Another perk: The town is located near Glacier National Park, making it an excellent access point for travelers wanting to experience some seriously beautiful lakes, glaciers, and mountains.
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