Top Small Towns in America for 2023

As adventurous travelers, we've explored vibrant cities and vast regions worldwide, discovering something to appreciate in each. Yet, it’s the tiniest towns right here in the U.S. that have truly captured our hearts. They might lack upscale shopping, popular dining chains, or even traffic lights, but what they lack in urban flair, they compensate with genuine hospitality, unique local businesses, and distinct charm. It’s time to celebrate these hidden gems.

We introduced America’s Best Small Towns to highlight lesser-known destinations that we believe deserve your attention this year, whether for their stunning landscapes and outdoor activities (think beaches, mountains, lakes, and deserts) or for specific interests like exceptional dining, vineyards, rich culture, and rejuvenating wellness experiences.

We’ve chosen winners and runners-up across seven categories of small towns to share our travel discoveries with you. We hope these selections inspire you to explore and appreciate the remarkable places quietly enhancing our nation’s charm.

In Tribute to Lahaina, Hawaii

We must acknowledge Lahaina, Hawaii, a quintessential small town on Maui rich in culture and history, as we discuss small towns this year. This beloved community was tragically affected by wildfires earlier this month. Learn more about Lahaina and its significance to Hawaiians. Also, be sure to explore ways to support Maui on its journey to recovery.

What categories are included?

• Best Small Beach Town
• Best Small Mountain Town
• Best Small Lake Town
• Best Small Desert Town
• Best Small Food + Culture Town
• Best Small Wine, Beer, + Spirits Town
• Best Small Spa + Wellness Town

What are the criteria?

To be considered among America’s Best Small Towns, a town must be situated in the U.S. and have a permanent population of fewer than 25,000 residents, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. It should also shine in its category and provide a range of activities, lodging options, and compelling reasons to visit — such as a noteworthy new festival, hotel, restaurant, attraction, or tourism initiative.

How were the winners selected?

We consulted with our colleagues and contributors, trusted travel advisors, and a network of experts from across the U.S. Our team of travel editors carefully reviewed all the insightful feedback and handpicked the destinations we believe will resonate most with our readers right now.

Interested in nominating a town for next year?

We’d love to hear from you! Please share your nomination here.

America’s Best Small Beach Town

Boca Grande, Gasparilla Island, Florida

Although Florida attracts nearly 140 million visitors annually, only a select few venture to the peaceful Gasparilla Island and its main town, Boca Grande, a charming yet upscale community on the Gulf of Mexico that embodies a perfect mix of tranquility (except for its reputation as the “Tarpon Capital of the World”).

Rebounding after the impact of Hurricane Ian in 2022, Boca Grande continues to be a delightful destination — a soothing escape from the hectic rhythm of modern life (and many areas of Florida) with its own unique, beachy small-town charm.

— Skye Sherman

Port Aransas, Texas

Nestled on a stretch of North Padre barrier island, just 40 miles east of downtown Corpus Christi, Port Aransas has long been a beloved retreat for Texans seeking relaxation and fishing adventures. The devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, with its 130 mile-per-hour winds and 12-foot storm surges, was particularly hard-hitting, leaving an estimated $1 billion in damage. However, six years later, Port A is thriving once more. New spacious beachfront family-style casitas at the Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Club offer full resort amenities. The newly established Patton Center for Marine Science Education provides free education on local wildlife. For the perfect getaway, try your hand at professional sandcastle lessons, sail out to the tranquil San José Island, and zip along the beach in a rented golf cart. On weekends, don’t miss a quirky local tradition: belt sander races at The Gaff, where a rusty truck once bore the message “Nice try, Harvey.”

— Cynthia J. Drake

America's Best Small Mountain Town

Highlands, North Carolina

According to local lore, Highlands, North Carolina, was established in 1875 when developers in Kansas drew two lines on a map: one from New Orleans to New York and another from Chicago to Savannah. They believed these routes would soon be vital for trade, and the intersection would become a commercial hub. While Highlands didn't turn into a bustling city, those early predictions were not entirely off—Atlanta is just over two hours away.

Nestled within the Nantahala National Forest, at the peak of the Western North Carolina plateau, Highlands was originally a Cherokee hunting ground. However, in the late 1800s, settlers from both the North and South, along with Scotch-Irish communities from nearby valleys and mountains, began to populate the area. Conveniently located within driving distance of major Southeast cities like Charleston, Nashville, and Charlotte, Highlands has evolved into a summer getaway for those wishing to avoid the humidity and serves as a year-round destination for hiking, waterfall viewing, art, music, and exceptional dining and hospitality.

— Lydia Mansel

Red Lodge, Montana

Red Lodge is not just a mile-high mountain town devoid of stoplights and Starbucks; it serves as a gateway to the lesser-known northeast entrance of Yellowstone. Whether you're navigating the winding curves of the Beartooth Highway—one of the most picturesque drives globally—or planning a ski trip at a resort where lift tickets remain under $100, visitors often find themselves browsing real estate listings, even if just out of curiosity. The town hosts various annual events, including renaissance fairs, rodeos, rallies, and races—such as the highest foot race in America. If tackling the altitude isn’t for you, consider renting an e-bike or a Polaris slingshot from the newly opened Red Lodge Adventure Center. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely stroll down Main Street, taking in the boutiques and restaurants run by the friendly locals who embody the spirit of every great mountain town.

— Katie Jackson

America’s Best Small Lake Town

Grand Marais, Minnesota

Two hours north of Duluth may not seem like the ideal location for anything, let alone America’s best small lake town. Yet, a visit to Grand Marais reveals just that. Savvy travelers are drawn here for its increasingly rare vintage seaside charm, adventures in the famed Boundary Waters, and exceptional local art. Nestled along the forested shores of Lake Superior, on Minnesota’s North Shore, it proudly holds the title of the state’s most artistic town.

With that unique Goldilocks appeal—imagine more food trucks and art galleries than stoplights (in fact, the entire county has only one)—we enthusiastically declare Grand Marais the nation’s top small lake town. With a wave of new establishments, eclectic makeovers, and a wonderfully hip embrace of local culture, Grand Marais is a delightful exploration of America’s “Fresh Coast.”

— Jacqueline Kehoe

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Imagine this: wooden Chris Craft speedboats gently rocking at the docks in summer, vibrant ice-fishing shacks scattered across the lake in winter, and trees ablaze with golden and red hues against the charming New England village backdrop in autumn. The small town of Wolfeboro, NH — known as “the oldest summer resort in the U.S.” — is nestled between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Wentworth, attracting visitors since the days when New Hampshire was still an English colony. Stay at the Pickering House Inn (voted by T+L readers as one of New England’s finest stays in this year’s World’s Best Awards), a transformed 1813 estate turned luxurious 10-room boutique hotel, serving as your launchpad for sunny mornings at Brewster Beach and leisurely afternoons along Main Street, just a block from Winnipesaukee. For a relaxed brunch or lunch, head to the newly expanded Burnt Timber Brewing and Tavern — don’t miss the Korean fried chicken sandwich paired with a pint of the kaffir lime-infused Always Summer Saison. And make sure to dine at Pavilion, a fine dining establishment established three years ago, now led by chef Chris Viaud, a Top Chef alum and James Beard semifinalist, whose vibrant farm-to-table dishes draw from his New England upbringing and Haitian heritage.

— Lila Harron Battis

America’s Best Small Desert Town

Kanab, Utah

The charming town of Kanab, Utah, is ideally situated near the most iconic landmarks in the southwest. Three renowned national parks — Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon — are just a one- to two-hour drive away, with Kanab serving as the gateway to The Wave, a striking red rock formation resembling a wave, nestled in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

While Kanab is an excellent base for discovering these famous destinations (and more), it remains relatively under the radar — its motto is 'Magically Unspoiled.' This quaint town, home to about 5,000 residents, is filled with adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore the incredible experiences right at their doorstep.

— Evie Carrick

Yucca Valley, California

Defying the typical perceptions of desert towns, Yucca Valley is a vibrant mix of quirkiness, history, and creativity. Located 20 miles north of Palm Springs in Southern California’s San Bernardino Valley, this city often serves as a brief stop for those en route to Joshua Tree Park or Pioneertown, yet it boasts a unique identity of its own. Over the years, a flourishing artist community attracted by the desert’s mystical landscapes has given rise to distinctive art venues like The Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum, showcasing over 100 sculptures made from recycled materials across 10 acres just a short drive from town. The annual Highway 62 Art Tours allow visitors to purchase works directly from local artists. The newcomer Tiny Pony Cafe embraces vintage Western charm with framed cat-themed velvet art and elevated bar snacks, while the revamped Copper Room, originally established in 1957, offers classic cocktails and Asian-influenced dishes at its Yucca Valley Airport location (boarding pass not required). This November marks the 5th year of the Yucca Valley Film Festival, and in 2024, a new Aquatics and Recreation Center will open in response to climate change and drought concerns.

— Kristin Braswell

America's Best Small Food + Culture Town

Los Olivos, California

Los Olivos doesn’t really come alive until after 6 a.m. This year, with the opening of The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection featuring a cafe that begins serving espresso shots bright and early, the hours of Felix Coffee Shop became a hot topic among locals. Or rather, the buzz resonated throughout this 2.5-square-mile unincorporated community in California’s Santa Ynez Valley.

With 27 wineries in Los Olivos, you’re practically stepping into a tasting room every .01 square mile. But don’t fret about driving; the main thoroughfare, Grand Avenue, is just two blocks from the new hotel. To help guests enjoy the local wines—predominantly pinot noirs and chardonnays that thrive in the valley’s cool microclimates—several outstanding new restaurants have emerged, earning Los Olivos the title of Dinogo’s inaugural best food and culture town in the U.S.

— Maya Kachroo-Levine

McCook, Nebraska

With a population of just 7,500, McCook, Nebraska, is a small prairie town that punches well above its weight in culinary and cultural offerings. It is home to the state’s only James Beard Award-winning restaurant, Sehnert’s Bakery, which was recognized as an American Classic in 2019 for its famous bierocks—German-style pockets filled with sauerkraut or cabbage. The local contemporary art scene is thriving, highlighted by a newly completed community mural in downtown. Additionally, the 6th Floor Project serves as a unique gallery on the top floor of the Keystone Business Center, providing a bird's-eye view of the town while showcasing the works of underrepresented artists from around the world. On the festival side, the Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival recently celebrated its 26th year, offering a charming cowboy-themed experience.

— Katy Spratte Joyce

America's Best Small Wine, Beer, + Spirits Town

Dahlonega, Georgia

Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, this charming Georgia town conceals a delightful secret: award-winning wineries and tasting rooms featuring local, regional, and international selections. With a vibrant wine culture set against stunning mountain scenery, Dahlonega offers an unexpectedly lovely getaway.

Home to eight wineries, numerous tasting rooms, and a recent influx of craft breweries and distilleries, Dahlonega is a burgeoning hotspot for discerning wine and spirits aficionados, all without the frills. While its wineries attract many visitors, recent hotel upgrades and local business enhancements, along with breathtaking views of the North Georgia mountains, reveal that this quaint town has a lot to offer in terms of big-city comforts.

— Karen Ruffini

Greenport, New York

Situated on Long Island’s picturesque 30-mile North Fork peninsula, Greenport is a delightful seaside town featuring historic buildings, trendy eateries, and a bustling scene for beer, wine, and spirits. It draws weekend visitors looking for a laid-back alternative to the upscale Hamptons across the bay and is celebrated as a wine lover's paradise, home to over 60 distinctive vineyards. Among these is Kontokosta, which offers stunning views alongside its viognier. One Woman Wines, managed by Italian transplant Claudia Purita, has a tasting room in nearby Southold and is featured at Greenport’s First & South, a farm-to-table restaurant known for its locally sourced offerings. The area also boasts numerous craft breweries and small-batch distilleries; beer enthusiasts can sample an IPA flight at Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., while cocktail lovers enjoy spiced rum, vodkas, and grappa from Greenport Distilling. The hospitality scene has flourished as well, with three new hotels opening this season: Hotel Moraine, Silver Sands, and ZEY Hotel, owned by restaurateur and reality TV personality Zach Erdem.

— Amy Louise Bailey

America's Best Small Spa + Wellness Town

Aurora, New York

In the realm of small towns with notable acclaim, the lakeside village of Aurora, New York, stands out. With a population of 724, this charming community nestled along the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake is best recognized as the home of MacKenzie-Childs, the renowned homewares retailer that continues to hand-paint its signature serveware amid the tranquil beauty of Cayuga County.

Additionally, it’s emerging as a wellness hotspot thanks to the Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa, which includes six charming lodgings and a breathtaking hilltop retreat that T+L readers have recently voted as one of New York's finest resorts. With gorgeous hiking trails, local tap rooms, farm stands, and relaxed beaches dotting this section of the Finger Lakes, Aurora is shaping up to be not only the best small town for wellness but also an ideal destination for anyone seeking a laid-back lifestyle.

— Paul Brady

Girdwood, Alaska

The recent opening of the Alyeska Nordic Spa in September has transformed the quaint Alaskan village of Girdwood into a wellness haven amidst the mountains. Previously known for its thrilling winter activities such as heli-skiing, ski touring, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing at Alyeska Resort—a quintessential northern ski destination now included in the Ikon Pass—visitors can now blend their outdoor adventures with rejuvenating spa experiences. Just a short stroll from the European-style Alyeska Hotel, the 50,000-acre spa grounds feature a series of open-air hot and cold pools designed to enhance hydrotherapy benefits, along with an exfoliation cabin, an essential oil-infused steam room, a traditional Finnish sauna, and a halotherapy sauna with salt-lined walls. Indoors, guests can enjoy massage services and a bistro that serves locally-sourced cuisine, completing the restorative experience.

— Cassidy Randall