The 10 Best Towns in America to Visit, According to CNN Travel
Published by FareCompare on July 1, 2024
Visiting big cities and seeing the bright lights is great – NYC, we're looking at you – but sometimes you need a dose of something a little more laid back. If you've grown tired of dealing with the hustle and bustle of big cosmopolitan destinations, you'll love the roundup by CNN Travel of the best towns across America.
After consulting with an extensive network of experts and insiders, the inaugural list of America's 10 best towns to visit is ready for your enjoyment – and future travel planning. The winners cover the entire United States (of course), from New England down to the South, across America's heartland and out West. If you're craving lots of small-town magic, quirky personality, and local culture, you've come to the right place. The best part? All of these top-notch destinations are going to be easier on your wallet than the its big city counterparts.
The list also serves as a reminder that the United States is an increasingly attractive destination for tourism, and that its small towns have more than enough to offer visitors from far and wide.
The 10 Best Towns to Visit in America
1. Richmond, VA
Virginia's capital city is often overlooked, with visitors staying two hours north in Washington, DC. However, this eternally creative hub is ready to face its history through a new lens as it continues to uplift artists of all kinds. Its food scene is better than ever, with a high concentration of Black-owned businesses, cool craft breweries, small wineries, and specialty coffee purveyors. When it comes to street art, over 150 murals can be found throughout the city's different neighborhoods; more traditional museums and historic churches provide even more to learn, see, and explore. The influx of creative energy provided in part by university and art school students is complemented by sprawling parks and Botanical Gardens that offer a tranquil refuge in a natural setting. Richmond is without a doubt one of the most exciting places to visit right now, so what are you waiting for?
2. Providence, RI
New England's creative capital, Providence is truly enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. It's where history and innovation intertwine to create a dynamic destination that is celebrated for its outstanding culinary scene, legendary architecture, thriving art community, and esteemed educational institutions. However, it hasn't sacrificed its fierce independent spirit. Its stunning downtown riverfront is a result of a three-decades long relocation project, that revitalized the area without losing historic buildings in the process. Visitors come from all over to enjoy WaterFire, a public art spectacle with over 80 stunning bonfires that blaze across the water. Dozens of options for outdoors activities keep both residents and tourists busy and connected to the beautiful natural surroundings. A diverse and multicultural culinary history means there's a plethora of mouthwatering restaurants to try as well.
3. Tacoma, WA
Just 35 miles from Seattle, Tacoma does resemble its 'big sister' city in many ways. Thriving coffee and brewery scenes, hipster arty vibes, and cool neighborhoods are signature Pacific Northwest indicators. However, Tacoma remains more laid-back and enjoys a slower pace, making it ideal for people searching for a little peace. Close to both Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Parks, it's a dreamy destination for outdoorsy types, too. Art buffs will love learning about the city's connection to glass art in particular; it's the hometown of famed artist Dale Chihuly, one of the first Studio Glass artists to import techniques from Venetian glass factories in Murano. With an abundance of scenic views, opportunities to get outside and explore, and reasons to appreciate the city's evolution through ups and downs, Tacoma is a real West Coast gem.
4. Portland, ME
Maine – Wow. Just wow! Portland is one of the country's most stunning destinations, that's for sure. And its incredible food scene, impressive natural beauty, and myriad outdoor activities make for a top-notch travel experience. It might be Maine's largest city, but it's home to just 68,000 residents – small enough to fit inside an NFL stadium. Its rich maritime history is present on nearly every corner; a push for vibrant urban revitalization has breathed new life into this seaside locale. Foodies will go crazy for its impressive array of award-winning restaurants, and everyone will find something to love at the Portland Art Museum. Of course it wouldn't be a trip to Portland without visiting the iconic L.L. Bean flagship store.
5. San Luis Obispo, CA
Small town charm wrapped up in the California dream: that's San Luis Obispo. With plenty of history and culture set against a laid-back backdrop, it's the ideal place to visit to soak up the Golden State charm. Rolling green spaces and natural mountain beauty coexist with a buzzing and diverse downtown area; beautiful beaches along the coast make for a perfect viewpoint or spot to bask in the sunshine. Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, SLO is more than just a place to pass through. Its a community with deep roots that are opening up to new arrivals as the city enters its next chapter. New hotels, restaurants, and galleries keep the social calendar interesting without abandoning the slowed-down pace of life. What's not to love?
6. Flagstaff, AZ
From pit stop to hot spot, Flagstaff has it going on. It remains a gateway to the Grand Canyon, but there are dozens of reasons to linger in a city surrounded by the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest at the base of the snowcapped San Francisco Peaks. Flagstaff also offers cooler temperatures, fresh mountain air, and a growing reputation for outdoor recreation. A revitalized downtown area means there are tons of new spots to eat, drink, and sleep. Skywatchers will go crazy knowing that it was named the world's first official "International Dark Sky City" back in 2001. Did you know? Pluto was discovered at the city's Lowell Observatory on February 18, 1930. Flagstaff is a fascinating and fabulous place to discover, learn, and explore. Its rich history, cultural exchange with native populations, and evolving creative offering offer something for everyone.
7. Macon, GA
With its musical history considered the town's "backbone," Macon is a comeback story unlike any other. By connecting with its history and multifaceted past, Macon is on the verge of experiencing a true renaissance. The city may be on the verge of having Georgia’s first national park at Ocmulgee Mounds, which would further protect the ancestral homeland of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, whose members were forcibly removed to Oklahoma nearly two centuries ago. When it comes to music, Macon has got it going on. Little Richard was born here, and the "King of Soul" Otis Redding moved to the town at a very young age. Museums, foundations, and other cultural spaces are the perfect places to visit to learn more and connect with these legendary artists. An emerging culinary scene rounds it out to make Macon a dreamy small town to visit.
8. Grand Rapids, MI
The second largest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids is nestled in the heart of the Great Lakes state’s fruit belt, an area rich with orchards and gardens, lakes and fishing streams, all within an easy drive of Lake Michigan. However, the city is also one of crafters, designers, innovators, and artists. A mix of natural green beauty and industrial design aesthetic make it for an exciting and engaging visit. With over 100 breweries it's no wonder that Grand Rapids is also known as "Beer City, USA," but before that it was a town known for its high-end furniture design. With dozens of cultural offerings at your fingertips, Grand Rapids truly has something for everyone.
9. Knoxville, TN
This university town is brimming with local history, young creative energy, and exciting cultural happenings. From the Tennessee Theatre to the Gay Street Historic district, there's plenty from which to learn and get inspired. There's also dozens of premium restaurants and craft beer breweries, exciting enough to compete with the food scenes in better-known locales like New York or Chicago. Of course it wouldn't be a visit to Knoxville without enjoying some live music; the city is where the greats like Dolly Parton got their start. Finish it off with a moment in nature, enjoying one of the many trailheads a hop, skip, and jump from downtown.
10. Duluth, MN
"It's cooler by the lake." This destination, which caters to to history buffs, foodies and families alike, boasts a thriving culinary, arts, and cultural scene. The bonus? Its privileged location on the shores of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. That means even when summer temps are sweltering everywhere else, Duluth remains cool as a cuke. The pristine freshwater supply also makes for fabulous craft beer, just saying. Duluth is a dream for anyone looking to escape the typical summer sludge, connect with a vibrant local community of craftspeople and outdoor enthusiasts, and take a minute to just chill out.
