13 Charming Small Towns in America Perfect for a Summer Getaway

Scattered throughout our 50 glorious, wonderful, and unique states are small towns that often don’t receive the attention they deserve. These destinations are places full of natural beauty, bucket-list-worthy attractions, history, friendly faces, and warm hellos. While all year long these small towns deserve your attention, there’s something about visiting in the summer, when the grass is green, the festivals are in full swing, and the list of indoor and outdoor attractions is both long and exciting. Today, we want to celebrate only a few of the best small towns in the USA to visit in the summer. These are destinations where memories can easily be made, and you need to place at the top of your bucket list this year.

Best Small Towns in the Northeast to Visit in the Summer

There are certainly some surprising summer destinations worth visiting in the Northeast, including the following small towns that are popular for a reason.

Boothbay Harbor, Maine

• Population: 2,100
• What It’s Known For: Boothbay Harbor is known for its location along the coast and near breathtaking forests.
• Where To Stay: A waterfront retreat for the entire family

In the summer, Boothbay Harbor draws people from around the country, and it’s easy to see why. This small town in Maine allows you to spend time right on the coast or head into the forest — you get the best of both here. This town is a paradise for artists as you’ll find studios and galleries around every turn, as well as performance venues that will keep you entertained every night. Take the time to browse the locally-owned shops and businesses downtown, try all the incredible restaurants, and visit several of the lighthouses or museums. This town may be small, but it offers a bit of something for everyone.

Cape May, New Jersey

• Population: 2,742
• What It’s Known For: As one of the most charming small towns to visit in summer in the US, Cape May is known for its incredible Victorian architecture and pristine beaches.
• Where To Stay: Romantic beachfront cottage

There’s something about spending your summer sinking your toes in the sand, and the beaches at Cape May are some of the best. This small town in New Jersey is known for its nearly 3 miles of beautiful, soft beaches, where you can spend your days relaxing on the sand or swimming in the beautiful water. If you love history, Cape May will immediately capture your heart as this city is a National Historic Landmark, and you’ll find more than 600 historic, beautifully-preserved Victorian buildings around town. Of course, there’s also the historic Cape May Point Lighthouse, built in 1859, where you can climb the 199 steps to receive some incredible views.   

Best Small Towns in the Southeast to Visit in the Summer

Escape the heat and humidity of the Southeast and plan a getaway to one of the most charming small towns for summer vacation.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

• Population: 2,500
• What It’s Known For: Visit this town in Arkansas for its natural mineral springs and the beautiful Victorian architecture throughout town.
• Where To Stay: Historic 1897 Cottage

Eureka Springs is a small, picture-perfect town tucked away in the Ozark Mountains. The minute you arrive, you’ll recognize its charm and immediately fall in love with the community. Eureka Springs is known for its well-preserved Victorian buildings, art galleries, and incredible outdoor recreational opportunities with activities for the entire family. I recommend you plan your visit to this small town in Arkansas wisely during the summer months so you can participate in one of its many events. It’s always a good time here!

Tybee Island, Georgia

• Population: 3,100
• What It’s Known For: Tybee Island features five miles of public beaches and a relaxing atmosphere. Ever heard of Tybee Time? If not, you need to!
• Where To Stay: The Solomon House Airbnb: An entire home just steps from the beach.

Tybee Island is a beautiful, small community located on a barrier island approximately 18 miles south of Savannah. Tybee Island is best known for its beautiful beaches, but there’s so much more here. Throughout the years, many people have come to Tybee Island for the saltwater air, which was believed to provide healing benefits for respiratory issues. Tybee Island is also where the term "Tybee Time" originated. This is a calming state where you simply slow down, relax, and disconnect from daily stresses — you become fully engrossed in the slower beach life. We all need a little Tybee Time in our summer schedules this year.

Edenton, North Carolina

• Population: 4,500
• What It’s Known For: Edenton is the first colonial capital of North Carolina. It’s also known for its countless activities along the water and the Edenton Steamers, a summer collegiate baseball team.
• Where To Stay: A waterfront cottage just outside of town

Edenton, North Carolina, is a waterfront town full of history, beauty, and plenty to see and do. Here, you can enjoy relaxing summer days along the water, fishing, boating, or paddling. Don’t forget to walk around town, visit the local shops, enjoy a game of golf, or watch a baseball game at historic Hicks Field, one of the oldest wooden grandstands in North Carolina. And, there’s nothing quite like a summer night at the Sounds of Summer Concert series, where you can enjoy live music, community, and tradition.

Abingdon, Virginia

• Population: 8,300
• What It’s Known For: Abingdon is known for its countless adventures. This is a popular town for outdoor recreation, foodies, and art lovers.
• Where To Stay: The historic Martha Washington Inn and Spa

If you are looking for a summer adventure, there is nothing quite like Abingdon, Virginia. This is an outdoor lover’s paradise and a small town in Virginia where a one-day visit will not be enough time. This small town is tucked away in the Blue Ridge Highlands and is near bucket-list-worthy hiking trails, as well as the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34-mile Rails-to-Trails route that starts right in town. View wild ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park, and experience the beauty found at the Channel's Natural Area Preserve. Make sure you also spend time in town by visiting the many shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Best Small Towns in the Midwest to visit in the summer

You'll be charmed by these quiet communities in the Midwest, along with their scenery, when booking a summer getaway.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

• Population: 600
• What It’s Known For: This is one of the few car-free destinations in the country.
• Where To Stay: The Grand Hotel

No list of the best small towns to visit in America would be complete without Mackinac Island, Michigan. In fact, this is one of the country’s most popular summer getaway destinations, and for good reason — it’s truly a place where you can escape life’s worries. Mackinac Island is car-free, and you can get around via a horse-drawn carriage, on a bicycle, or on your own two feet. Here, you can enjoy life at a slower pace or stay busy hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and more. I strongly recommend that, during your visit, you sample Mackinac Island’s world-famous fudge. Your sweet tooth will thank you. The best way to get to the island is by ferry or private boat. Visit the Mackinac Island website for more on how to get t one of the most remote small towns in the U.S.

Chagrin Falls, Ohio

• Population: 4,200
• What It’s Known For: Chagrin Falls is best known for its scenic views and unique summer events.
• Where To Stay: The Inn of Chagrin

Chagrin Falls is a beautiful village located near the Chagrin River, not far from Cleveland. This town is best known for its scenic views of Chagrin Falls and the nearby paths where you can easily spend a few hours on a summer day. In town, there are delightful locally-owned shops that specialize in everything from popcorn to ice cream, and unique events happen all summer long, like Yoga by the Falls and Art by the Falls. If you want to spend as much time as possible outdoors during the warmer months of the year, you can always venture to Beartown Lakes Reservation or Frohring Meadows.

Best Small Towns in the Northwest to visit in the summer

From the Pacific Coast to mountain towns, these are among the top small towns to visit in the Northwest during summer.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

• Population: 1,500
• What It’s Known For: Cannon Beach features beautiful, sandy beaches and the remarkable Haystack Rock.
• Where To Stay: Driftaway: an Airbnb with beach access and Haystack Rock views

Cannon Beach is one of my favorite summer destinations. I try to visit this small town on the Oregon Coast every summer, and I simply cannot get enough of this breathtaking destination. While I love Haystack Rock and the Oregon Coast views, there’s something charming about walking around the many locally-owned shops in town (the candy stores are my family’s favorites!). I always recommend a visit to Ecola State Park as well. Hike, spend time on the beach, and watch for whales — it’s a fabulous Oregon park to spend your time. Just remember to check the tides before you go!

Jackson, Wyoming

• Population: 10,600
• What It’s Known For: Jackson offers incredible outdoor recreational opportunities and is close to two national parks.
• Where To Stay: These family-friendly geodomes are just outside of Jackson

Many people venture to Jackson during the winter months for its incredible skiing and snowboarding opportunities, but I love visiting this Wyoming town in the summer. Head to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, where you can ride the aerial tram to access incredible hiking trails and overlooks. You are also just a short drive from Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks if you want a little adventure. This is also a fabulous destination for fishing and whitewater rafting if you wish for a heart-racing experience.

Island Park, Idaho

• Population: 200
• What It’s Known For: This mountain town is known for its multiple state parks, outdoor opportunities, and wildlife sightings.
• Where To Stay: This rustic cottage, which was crafted by a local artist

I grew up spending my summers in Island Park, and for me, summer means time in this small town that’s known as the home to the longest main street in America. There are multiple state parks here to explore (Harriman State Park and Henry’s Lake State Park), and you are near outdoor wonders like Quake Lake, Mesa Falls, and Yellowstone National Park. Spend an afternoon floating the river or go fishing for a few relaxing hours. I also recommend exploring Big Springs. It’s a fabulous spot for a quick adventure on a warm summer day.

Best Small Towns in the Southwest to visit in the summer

Escape the summer heat of the Southwest deserts and head to higher elevations for some relief. Here are a few of the best summer towns in America get a bit of relief from the scorching temperatures this time of year:

Taos, New Mexico

• Population: 6,500
• What It’s Known For: Taos is home to a World Heritage Site and is known for its rich Native American history.
• Where To Stay: Bali Spirit Earthship

Taos is a small town in New Mexico that has it all — history, beauty, and a long list of summer activities. This bucket-list-worthy destination is home to Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and mountain landscapes that will inspire you in every way. During the summer,  you can lace up your hiking boots to explore the many trails in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, check out the incredible Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and spend a day at Taos Ski Valley, where mountain biking, UTV tours, and scenic lift rides are just a few of the available activities during the summer months.

Pinetop–Lakeside, Arizona

• Population: 4,200
• What It’s Known For: This area in Arizona is near 65 lakes, rivers, and streams, and hosts a summer hot air balloon festival.
• Where To Stay: A charming cabin with a small pond, and next to Rainbow Lake

One of the best places to escape Arizona’s harsh summer heat is at Pinetop–Lakeside. Located in the White Mountains, this is an outdoor paradise with countless opportunities for fishing, boating, and paddling. Plus, if you wish to stay on land, there are dozens of trails as well to explore. Pinetop–Lakeside also hosts several summer events designed for the entire family, from a farmers market and art walk to a hot air balloon festival.  

We realize there are dozens of incredible small towns in the U.S. to visit in the summer months, and our list above just barely scratches the surface. What are your favorite small towns across the U.S. for summer fun?