The US is a big country, and even if you’ve done your fair share of domestic traveling, chances are you still haven’t seen much of it. So redditor u/Ekaj__ asked, “What’s the coziest town in the US you’ve been to?” Here are some small cities and quaint towns that belong on your bucket list, according to those Redditors (and some members of the BuzzFeed Community).
1.
“Ouray, Colorado is a beautiful place tucked into a rock canyon. I stayed at a delightful little inn with a private hot spring, which was incredibly cozy.”
2.
“Cumberland Island, Georgia is otherworldly. It’s full of lush oak forests draped with moss and sprawling, undeveloped beaches. The setting is really stunning.”
3.
“Hermann, Missouri. I’m a Missouri girl, and Hermann is one of my favorite cozy places to spend a weekend. It’s a German town in the heart of Missouri wine country with lots of history, tons of wonderful wineries, cute cottages, and quaint hotels. There are many shops and restaurants within walking distance of downtown and a trolley that will transport you to wineries.”
4.
“Saint Augustine, Florida, is the cutest historic town. It feels like you’ve taken a trip back in time, but you’re still spoiled by the modern-day amenities. Saint Augustine is a great choice if you love architecture, history, and lovely scenery. There is a beautiful beach, too.”
5.
“Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. They call it Christmas City. You’ll find holiday decorations everywhere in the winter. The trees are wrapped with lights so the lampposts light up and reflect onto the fresh snow.”
6.
“Duluth, Minnesota. It was so beautiful in the summertime. Lake Superior is a sight to behold.”
7.
“Escanaba, Michigan. It’s about three hours from Milwaukee on the coast of Lake Michigan, with white sand and nearly teal water during the summer. Those looking for activity will find access to lots of winter sports.”
8.
“Dubuque, Iowa. I drove here from Chicago on a road trip and was surprised by the town and the landscape. I expected everything west of Chicago to be cornfields, but this small town tucked away in rolling hills was a welcomed surprise.”
9.
“Galena, Illinois. I’m biased because I grew up there, but it is pretty darn charming. It’s got a walkable downtown with parks, a river, and tons of history.”
10.
“Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. It’s stunning, plus nearby Big Sur is beautiful, too. If you’re headed to Monterrey during the right time of year, make sure to see the monarch butterflies take flight.
11.
“Mendocino, California. I grew up here, and it’s a beautiful town to visit. It’s absolutely the coziest place. Stay at a cute bed and breakfast, soak in some hot springs, hike local trails and go mushroom hunting, hit up some little cafes, and try local homemade ice cream from Cowlicks. It’s idyllic.”
12.
“Anacortes, just north of Whidbey Island in Washington State. We took a day trip to a brewery there, and it was one of my favorite days. I swooned all day at the setting.”
13.
“Port Townsend, Washington, is probably my favorite small town. It’s very special between the Victorian architecture and the location on the Puget Sound with views of two mountain ranges.”
14.
“I love Annapolis, Maryland, and the nearby little historic towns on the eastern shore, including St. Michaels, Rock Hall, and Chestertown.”
15.
“Terlingua, Texas. It is impossible to describe its charms and quirks, but it’s a blend of hippies, hipsters, off-the-gridders, musicians, and hikers. It’s in the middle of nowhere near Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande. It’s surreal, friendly, wild, Texas.”
16.
“Mackinac Island, Michigan. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the island going back to 1898. It’s easy to navigate, beautiful, and full of history.”
17.
“Burlington, Vermont. It’s a really small city, so it’s easy to see most of it in one day. I’d say start on Church Street and make your way down to the lakefront. There are lots of great shops and restaurants everywhere. When you want a change of pace, there are plenty of scenic drives to nearby towns.”
18.
“I love Leavenworth, Washington. It’s a beautiful place to visit, especially at Christmastime. There’s sledding, lights, and cute little shops on every corner. 100/10 would recommend.”
19.
“Troy, New York. There are events in the streets almost every day: a massive weekly farmers market, a vegan festival, live music, and more. You’ll also find great restaurants and coffee shops. The city itself boasts beautiful historic architecture and old brownstones.”
20.
“Roanoke, Virginia, has the cutest downtown area and lots of local restaurants and bars with a very fun scene!”
What’s a small city or quaint town in the US that is often overlooked by travelers but really deserves a visit? Tell us in the comments or drop yours into this anonymous form.
