22 Cute-As-Hell Small Towns In The US That Are Amazing In The Summer

Perfect for a long weekend or road-trip stop.

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1. Cannon Beach, Oregon

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Best for: Exploring nature.

We all know that nature lovers should head to the Northwest, and Oregon is full of small towns that come alive during summer. One of the best is Cannon Beach, which is surrounded by state parks and is an under-two-hour drive from Portland. The scenery is stunning; most people visit to see the famous sandy beach dotted with giant rock formations. The town itself has cute eateries and lodging and is a perfect base for exploring.

2. Ocean City, Maryland

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Best for: Old-timey summer-vacation vibes.

If "summer vacation" for you means the seaside, a pier with amusement rides, saltwater taffy, and riding a bike alongside the beach, then you've gotta head to Ocean City in Maryland. This is the quintessential seaside resort town, complete with bright-colored hotels facing the water that just scream beach getaway.

3. Los Olivos, California

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Best for: Food and wine.

For a wine-drenched summer vacation, there's no place like California. The Santa Ynez Valley is all rolling hills, quaint vineyards, and paddocks studded with horses and cows. It's more low-key than other wine regions, so you can really lean into enjoying the local produce without jostling for space in crowded restaurants. Hit up S.Y. Kitchen for farm-to-table dining, rent a bike and make the most of the quiet roads, and check out the antique horse-drawn carriage collection at the local museum.

4. Greer, Arizona

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Best for: Hiking.

Yes, most of the towns on this list offer great hiking opportunities. But if you're going to Arizona, chances are high that you're there to be active. Many people flock to Sedona or Flagstaff, but these places can get pretty stinking hot in the summer. In the White Mountains, a much cooler part of the state, you'll find Greer, a small town that sits at an elevation of 8,356 feet. It's quiet and calm, with a handful of hiking trails and small lakes.

5. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

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Best for: A welcoming community vibe.

Eureka Springs is one of the most open and friendly small towns in all of America, according to the many people who have visited and fallen in love. The town has passed some of Arkansas's most progressive LGBT policies, and its downtown is made up of small mom-and-pop shops that are perfect for exploring on foot. It's right near Beaver Lake, which is a summer hotspot for boating, swimming, and fishing.

6. Monroe, Wisconsin

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Best for: Cheese lovers.

The whole state of Wisconsin is heaven for anyone who likes cheese. That's a bit vague, so if you've got limited time you should head straight for the town of Monroe. It's in the heart of Green County and known as the "Cheese Capital of the USA." There are plenty of cheesemakers to visit and sample their wares, including the award-winning Emmi Roth. Stop by the National Historic Cheesemaking Center to learn the history of cheesemaking in the region, and then hit up Baumgartner's for one of their famous cheese sandwiches and beer.

7. Ambler, Pennsylvania

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Best for: City energy in a small town.

For a town with a population under 7,000, Ambler sure has a lot going on. The local theatre, situated in an old school building, regularly shows old flicks and cult classics. There's a microbrewery right in town, plus restaurants galore, cozy pubs, and friendly coffee shops. In summer, they host a music and arts festival and a farmers' market stocked with local produce.

8. Lewes, Delaware

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Best for: Surprising people with how good the beach is.

You wouldn't think Delaware is home to one of the country's best beach towns, but once you visit Lewes, you'll have to agree. It's quiet and friendly, with great restaurants serving local produce (try Heirloom and Matt's Fish Camp). There's even an inn run by local craft brewery Dogfish Head.

9. Driggs, Idaho

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Best for: Unpretentious small-town energy.

Jackson Hole has long been a favorite destination in both summer and winter for exploring the mountainous area on the Idaho/Wyoming border. Meanwhile, Driggs is like its low-key, laid-back sibling. First off, it's a lot cheaper, while still being in the perfect spot for exploring Grand Teton National Park. The old-fashioned downtown area has cozy cafés and boutiques. Be sure to try the huckleberry milkshake at the 100-year-old Corner Drug Soda Fountain.

10. Sitka, Alaska

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Best for: Seeing wildlife.

Unless you're a big fan of the cold, summer is the best time to visit Alaska. Sitka is an island community that's home to an incredibly diverse array of native wildlife. Go salmon fishing, take an eco-friendly whale-watching tour, spot birds of prey, and see rescued orphan bear cubs at Fortress of the Bear. Hikers will revel in the views of the bright-blue ocean surrounded by towering forested hills.

11. Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

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Best for: Filling up on Southern food.

Breaux Bridge's claim to fame is as the "Crawfish Capital of the World," and it's believed to be the birthplace of the dish crawfish étouffée — so you know the food here is going to be good. This tiny town, two hours northwest of New Orleans, is right near Lake Martin where you can spot birds and gators.

In town, be sure to try the sausage and smoked rib po' boys at Acadiana Jerky Co., and treat yourself to a seafood boil at Cajun Claws.

12. Paia, Hawaii

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Best for: Surf culture.

Paia, a small town on the north coast of Maui, is generally regarded as one of Hawaii's coolest little towns. It's steeped in classic surf culture, and was home to many hippies in the '70s who loved the cheap rent and proximity to great surf. Nowadays it's grown into a bustling little village that's the perfect mix of trendy and chill. Instead of souvenir shops and resorts you'll find elsewhere on Maui, Paia is all about small eateries and boutique stores.

13. Virginia City, Nevada

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Best for: Soaking up history.

This little town, home to less than a thousand people, gives off real Wild West vibes. From the old Victorian homes lining the streets and their haunted museum to the hillside burial yards and mining tours just outside of town, Virginia City is like going back in time. Stay at the Tahoe House Hotel, which has been open since 1859, and request one of the balcony rooms for extra grandeur.

14. Crested Butte, Colorado

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Best for: A mountain getaway.

Colorado is chock-full of cute high-altitude towns that are incredible to visit in the summer. The weather is pleasant, the fields are full of wildflowers, and there are hiking and biking trails all over the place. Crested Butte is one of the best, with great coffeehouses and boutique accommodation. Time your visit to coincide with their open-air concerts held throughout summer.

15. Helen, Georgia

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Best for: Pretending you're in Europe.

If a Euro trip isn't in the cards for a while, you can still get a taste of Germany by taking a trip to Helen, Georgia. The second you turn onto the main street, you'll swear you're in the Alps. There are beer gardens, inns, chocolatiers, and boutiques, all housed in typical Bavarian architecture. Just outside town are a few cute wineries, and the Chattahoochee River is great for outdoor activities on sunny Georgia days.

16. Bozeman, Montana

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Best for: Rugged adventures without actually having to rough it.

Montana is a paradise for adventurers, but if you want a taste of the action without having to compromise on comfort, head to Bozeman. It's a vibrant and lively town with incredible mountain views. Stroll the main street to check out their boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries, or head out of town for hiking, fly fishing, and mountain biking.

17. Traverse City, Michigan

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Best for: Local beer and booze.

Not only is Traverse City set on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, but it's also one of the country's best small-town beer destinations and has a blossoming vineyard scene. There are more than a dozen breweries in the area, including Filling Station, inside an old train depot. There's also vodka produced at the Grand Traverse Distillery, and the Old Mission wine region, which is one of the best in the country.

18. Bryson City, North Carolina

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Best for: Water sports.

Right on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is a favorite spot for water lovers. Here you can jump into whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing adventures on the nearby lake, or take a horseback ride along leafy trails past waterfalls. If you're up for camping, there are some excellent spots around here too.

19. Perdido Key, Florida

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Best for: Relaxing on the beach.

Florida can get pretty packed in the summer, with bars and beaches overflowing with vacationers. If you want the Florida vibe without the people, head to a small town like Perdido Key in the far west of the state. There are clean, quieter beaches, great weather, and a general feeling of ~island living~.

20. Dorset, Vermont

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Best for: A wholesome weekend.

New England is all about exploring cute small towns and embracing the rural atmosphere, and Dorset is probably one of the best places to do that. Set in a valley surrounded by lush green mountains, filled with white clapboard buildings and leafy trees, it could be one of the cutest towns in the state. Visit Mad Tom Orchard for apple picking (starting around Labor Day) and a picnic, drive up Darby Mountain Road for spectacular views, and be sure to swing by Dorset Bakery in town for apple cider donuts and stellar coffee.

21. Damascus, Virginia

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Best for: Hitting your daily step goal.

This small town in Virginia is known as Trail Town, because seven nationally known trails run through the area. It's a favorite rest point for hikers doing the Appalachian Trail, which goes right through Damascus's Main Street. Spend your days exploring the forest and mountain trails on foot or on bike, connecting with nature, and enjoying the chilled-out mountain vibes. The town also has a microbrewery, cute B&Bs, an Irish-ish pub, and a good café — what more do you need?

22. Shipshewana, Indiana

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Best for: Bargain hunting.

This cute town, home to a big Amish community, is an absolute goldmine. During summer, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it's home to the Midwest's biggest flea market with over 700 booths. Browse through antiques, fresh produce, locally made arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, books, and heaps, heaps more. Taste Amish home-style cooking at Blue Gate Restaurant, hit up Heritage Ridge Creamery to sample their cheese, and then get up close with camels and zebras at Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park.

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