The Most Beautiful Small Towns In Every State

There's always something to see in a big city, but sometimes, you want a slower pace. Thankfully, the United States boasts some incredible small towns. Whether you want to brush up on history or go where everyone will know your name, these charming towns offer residents plenty to love (and visitors plenty to enjoy).

Magnolia Springs is the definition of a small town named after mature magnolia trees that create a beautiful canopy along the Magnolia River. The Southern town has a rich history dating back to the 1800s, when it was a settlement for the Spanish.

It doesn't get any smaller than Mooresville, which has a population of about 50. As you can expect, everyone knows everyone here. You can grab a coffee and chat with the town's unofficial record keeper (who runs the town's cafe, JaVa.Mooresville) or visit Lyla's Little House, where owner Lyla Peebles offers up nostalgic candies and curiosities.

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Sitka residents enjoy some of the most majestic scenery in our country. And guess who else does? Their pups, who are welcome in the Sitka National Historical Park.

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The secluded small town of Unalaska is only accessible by plane or boat, but it offers activities for nature lovers and history buffs. Choose to explore the beautiful hiking trails and whale watch or learn World World II history at the Museum of the Aleutians.

You can't help but expand your horizons in Bisbee, a town that happily embraces the arts and a generally free-spirited vibe. Local artists display their works at the many galleries in town and can be found teaching open workshops at Bisbee Craft School.

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To live in Eureka Springs is to be surrounded by natural beauty 24-7. Even the town's most famous place of worship, the Thorncrown Chapel, ensures that you can still take in the gorgeous Ozark mountains scenery via 6,000-square-feet of windows.

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A walk down any street in Carmel-by-the-Sea gives the feeling you're in a movie, thanks to storybook architecture and one of the most scenic stretches of beach in the state. It also doesn't hurt that Clint Eastwood is the honorable mayor of the town.

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Though it's smack dab in the middle of California's Santa Ynez wine country, Solvang feels more like like you've been transported to Europe. Located a short 45-minute trip from Santa Barbara, this charming Danish town of 5,909 is so worth a day trip, pit stop while road tripping through the state, and full-on vacation. In fact, you'll probably want to move there full time.

Life's a little more relaxed in Ouray, which is perhaps due to the non-sulphur hot springs that are popular with locals and visitors alike. The beauty of the surrounding mountains might also inspire a new perspective on life, especially when viewed on a drive on the San Juan Skyway, one of the most scenic in the country.

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Manitou Springs is just a quick trip away from Colorado Springs and is everything you'd want in a quaint mountain town. When you're not soaking in the charm down, you should check out the cliff dwelling ruins in the Mesa Verde National Park.

Even its name is enchanting! Mystic, Connecticut, is one of those adorable New England towns you think only exists in picture books. As you stroll down the main road, you'll encounter idyllic summer scenes like ice cream shops, sailboats on the harbor, and a certain pizza shop made famous by one Julia Roberts. There are great dining options, beautiful waterfront views, and even a famous aquarium.

This classic New England village is the less-crowded alternative to Mystic. Tree-lined streets and marina views give a quaint feel, especially as you do your weekend shopping in the many small shops. Don't feel like cooking? Head to the famous Abbott's Lobster for a great meal.

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Though it's only 10 minutes to a city (Wilmington), New Castle seems like a world away. Originally settled in 1651, the town is filled with extraordinarily well-preserved architecture. Even the town's coffee shop, Traders Cove Coffee Shop, is in a building that dates back to 1682!

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If you love the architecture of Miami but prefer a less-crowded atmosphere, head up to Surfside, known as the city's "uptown beach town." Residents enjoy such perks as yoga on the beach thanks to the Surfside community recreation center, and fun events like First Fridays (a monthly communal beach picnic).

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Senoia is famous for being a filming location for The Walking Dead, with plenty of tours catering to fans. (There's also Nic & Norman's, a restaurant owned by The Walking Dead star Norman Reedus and director/producer Greg Nicotero.) But before that huge hit, residents have been attracted to this adorable town for its historic architecture and quaint shops. The town planned for "smart growth" without sacrificing character with the help of Historical Concepts.

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Hanalei is another town on our list that has a famous pop culture connection: Its bridge was featured in South Pacific. The buildings and scenery are as gorgeous as you'd expect in Hawaii, too. It's also a town where you can fulfill your fantasy of opening a gallery, surf shop, or restaurant, with a steady stream of visitors looking to take in the picture-perfect landscape.

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You can't help but be an outdoorsy type in McCall, with activities ranging from cross-country skiing to fishing filling the calendar depending on the time of year. The town also offers plenty in the way of indoor fitness activities too.

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Another scenic town rich in history, the town of Galena boasts well-preserved buildings. On weekends, the town comes even more to life with weekend day trippers seeking excellent antiques shopping, but what you may not know is that the town is surrounded by a few notable vineyards.

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Nope, not the one in Tennessee. This artist's colony is one of those places you visit on day trip and then make it your goal to live there. While the town is filled with galleries and fine restaurants, you don't have to spend a dime to enjoy a day here — just visit any park in the 170,000 acres of forested land nearby for a great afternoon.

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You might already know about Winterset — it was the inspiration for the setting of The Bridges of Madison County. In the town square, you'll find a circa-1876 limestone courthouse and 83 commercial buildings that were designated historic. It all makes for a great backdrop for the town's wine walks and lawn chair nights.

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You can't help but know a lot about history when you live in Abilene, the hometown of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and home to five museums ranging from The Greyhound Hall of Fame to the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad.

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This teeny town of under 400 is a haven for leisure. Nicknamed the "village between the lakes," Grand Rivers offers unique shops, good restaurants and all the lakeside fun you want. Don't miss the yearly Festival of Lights, a magical Christmas celebration.

Flickr photo via Brenda

There's always a beautiful home around the corner in this small town of about 1,700. Residents have an action-packed social calendar, thanks to the unusual array of festivals, saluting everything from hummingbirds to the writer Walker Percy (which includes walking bourbon tastings). Out-of-towners will love staying at the gingerbread-trimmed St. Francisville Inn.

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Camden is the quintessential Maine getaway but it's also a fantastic place to live. The seaport town doesn't shut down after the tourist season. Take in a performance at the Camden Opera House, or pick up a great book at the exquisite Camden Public Library (located right on the harbor).

Don't let the historic buildings make you think that Berlin is a sleepy little town: It was once named the "Coolest Small Town in America." The Main Street shopping district has over 50 retail shops, with plenty more bakeries, restaurants, and antique stores adding to that count. Plus, how could life ever be dull with Ocean City a mere 10 miles away?

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This handsome western Massachusetts town inspired Norman Rockwell's artwork ... and perhaps hundreds more families to settle down here. The town is simply magical during the holiday season, with old-fashioned decor trimming the streets.

This charming beach town and famed art colony has been a favorite summer destination for decades. The main draw is the lovely Oval Beach of course, but there's plenty to do in town, like sampling local wines at Fenn Valley Tasting Room.

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Another classic summer destination, Grand Marais is nestled close to the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior. However, plenty call this lovely town "home" year-round, from artists to otters. Grand Marais has also been inspiring young creatives to settle down, resulting in a boom of interesting shops, restaurants and businesses.

Though the downtown has the kind of old buildings that give plenty of character, it's the area near New Albany that makes this town even more special. There's the recently-completed Rails to Trails conversion cycling trail, which runs 44 miles in length. Prefer to walk? The New Albany Arboretum "Park Along the River" weaves your way through and over the Tallahatchie river.

Flickr photo by Matthew Nichols

Weston is a classic weekend daytrip destination, a town where the main street is lined with restored historic buildings that once outfitted wagon trains. Today, it's all about antiques and artisan shops.

Flickr photo by Randy Lane

In the 19th century, Philipsburg was a thriving mining town. Today, it's a place where you can find treasures of the antique variety. (Okay, you can also pan for sapphires here, too.) If all that searching has you parched, there's no better way to quench your thirst than at the Philipsburg Brewing Company, housed in the historic Sayers building.

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Set along the beautiful Missouri River, Nebraska City has a population of around 7,000 people), but it certainly feels like a small town. Interestingly, the town has one museum for every 800 people.

Flickr photo by Jan Tik

Minden isn't necessarily the kind of place you think of when you hear "Nevada small town." Its residential neighborhood boasts (relatively) leafy tree-lined streets due to its location bordering the forest and the desert. This being Nevada, you can gamble at the Carson Valley Inn — or just take in the beauty of the Topaz Lake State Park.

Flickr photo by Jasperdo

Life revolves around the mirror-like Lake Winnipesaukee in this laid-back town. Resorts dot the shores, giving residents a good excuse to play tourist for the day. However, the most fun way to explore might be the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.

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The southernmost beach town along New Jersey's shore, Cape May has a distinctly different feel than other towns: It's elegant yet offers a lot of options for a great night (or day) out. Tour the area vineyards, indulge in fine dining, or just enjoy the Victorian architecture while taking a stroll.

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Adobe buildings and the Sangre de Cristo mountains provide plenty of inspiration in this longtime arts colony. Here, history goes way, way back. The town is home to a UNESCO Heritage Site, Taos Pueblo, a Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. There's also an interesting quirk throughout Taos that some residents have noticed: There's a "Taos Hum," a low-frequency background noise that has lead to some creative theories, but no explanation exists currently.

Cold Spring has long been a favorite of day trippers — we can imagine that many might have decided to put down roots after a particularly picturesque glimpse of the darling downtown. The recipe for a peaceful afternoon is to get a cone from the artisanal Moo Moo's Creamery, then sit by the waterfront and watch the boats cruise the Hudson River. (And then, of course, picking up some antiques at the many shops on Main Street.)

This slim island in North Carolina's Outer Banks is home to just under 1,000 people. Only accessible by boat or plane, much of the island is the undeveloped Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you can find wild ponies (believed to be descendants of Spanish Mustangs) roaming. You can explore the island on foot, bike, or horseback, then head back to the village for a meal at a laid-back waterfront restaurant. Since the population is so small, it's kind of like Cheers: Everyone knows your name.

Garrison comes to life in the summer, when anglers and their families make their trips to enjoy the "Walleye Capital of the World." Life here is all about simple pleasures: Fishing, movies at the charming KOTA theater. But, the town dazzles in the winter — Garrison's the official "Christmas Capital of North Dakota." The most magical event is the annual Dickens Village Festival, when entire town turns into a Victorian community right out of a Dickens work.

Flickr photo by Andrew Filer

Not to be mistaken for the Georgia town of the same name, Marietta was once the first permanent settlement in the US north and west of the Ohio River. Today, the town offers plenty of opportunities to experience the arts, with a number of venues that host local and national acts. But the best way to take in a performance may be on a picnic blanket in a park, where you can catch a jazz, bluegrass or rock concert.

Davis is best experienced outdoors — and they couldn't be greater here. This small town boasts one of the state's tallest waterfalls at Turner Falls Park. Indoor person? Then a visit to Bedré Chocolates belongs on your to-do list.

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Portland gets all the attention, but Oregon's small towns are jewels. A favorite is Jacksonville, a historic town that's in the heart of the state's wine country. Every summer, the sounds of Britt Music & Performing Arts Festival fill the town.

New Hope is the classic town with deep roots to the arts community. It's long attracted artists (since the early 20th century) who loved the scenery along the Delaware River. Actors also loved the town — and still do. The Bucks County Playhouse has been the stage for performers ranging from Grace Kelly to Audra McDonald and is an excellent spot to catch a show. Though many residents are from New York City (or even commute there), they find no reason to leave the town in search of a great night of entertainment.

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This island town is across the bridge from the famous mansions of Newport, but has a decidedly more down-to-earth feel. Residents never tire of the sweeping views of the Narragansett Bay, or the small community feel (the East Ferry Market & Deli is the place to catch up with friends).

Beaufort has a population of 13,130, making it the biggest entry on our list, but it's so lovely that we had to include it. Situated on Port Royal Island, it's a town where every an Instagram-worthy view is around every corner.

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Deadwood may be a popular destination for casino gambling, but it offers much, much more. The town's surrounded by the famed Black Hills area, where you can find secluded forests, snowmobile trails and ski resorts. Deadweird, a celebration of all things odd that takes place around Halloween, is a favorite new tradition.

The gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a rustic charm that makes it an attraction in itself. There's the usual cute shopping you'll find in a tourist hot spot, but there are also a few unusual things to do: You can take a trip up the 407-foot Space Needle observation tower or take in views from the Sky Lift.

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This tiny desert town has become an oasis for the arts, with works by Donald Judd dotting the landscape. A favorite for visitors and locals is the Hotel Paisano, where Rock Hudson, James Dean, and Elizabeth Taylor filmed the movie Giant. However, most of the beauty of this town comes from its remoteness — it's a place where you might be the only person walking the streets after dark, depending on the time of year. (And the nearest other town is 20 miles away.)

Midway's stunning scenery and chalet-style architecture attracts visitors year-round, with thousands coming for the annual Swiss Days (a multi-day celebration of the town's Swiss founders) in the summer and the prime skiing in the winter. No matter when you visit, a must-see is the Homestead Caldera, a geothermal hot pool that's a hot 90 degrees all year.

This shire town has long attracted shoppers and visitors who want to take in the year-round-gorgeous scenery and shop the area's charming small businesses. It's home-y feel embraces visitors while retaining local character, with plenty of events where you can meet neighbors (or make a new friend). The second annual Lobster on the Green is sure to attract a crowd.

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Known as the "Horse and Hunt" capital, Middleburg also packs a lot of luxury in a small town. Residents have their pick of top-rated restaurants and high-end boutiques. The famed Salamander Resort & Spa offers an incredible escape in an exquisite setting.

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Running errands is a charming experience in Friday Harbor, a town where you won't find a chain store. Want a change of pace? It's as easy as hopping on one of the many ferries that stop at Friday Harbor.

It's not every day that you find a town nicknamed "America's First Spa," but Berkeley Springs is just that. Washington bathed in the warm mineral springs — and so can you, in the baths at Berkeley Springs State Park.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Mineral Point is the third oldest city in the state, with well-preserved buildings that make you feel as if you're back in time. You'll find antiques shops and other creative businesses downtown. Restaurants also often pay homage to the Cornish founders of the town with pasties and figgyhobbin.

The "Best Little Town" in the state has a population of 400 who enjoy incredible views of Devils Tower (America's first National Monument). However, that populations balloons to over 100,000, with bikers en route to annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. Whether you decide to explore the area on a motorcycle or horseback, you'll definitely want to make time on your schedule for a meal at the Ponderosa Cafe, a place that fits the Old West vibe of the town.