From a glacier-adorned village in Alaska to a picture-perfect mountain town in the Pacific Northwest, a new list has identified the 20 most picturesque small towns in America.
Published by Travel + Leisure, this ranking highlights small towns across the United States with populations under 20,000, showcasing stunning natural beauty combined with charm, character, and a more relaxed pace of life.
Claiming the top spot is Girdwood, Alaska, a former gold-mining supply camp turned outdoor recreation haven about 30 miles from Anchorage.
With approximately 2,500 residents, this town hosts Alyeska, the largest ski area in Alaska, attracting visitors throughout the year for skiing, hiking, and viewing glaciers.
Coming in second is Sedona, Arizona, a desert city of around 9,700 known for its striking red rock formations and so-called energy vortexes believed by some to promote healing and spiritual awakening.
While scientists remain skeptical, the mystical landscape draws millions of visitors each year for hiking, stargazing, and wellness retreats.
Avalon, California takes third – a pastel-hued town on Santa Catalina Island, about 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles.
With a population of around 3,400, Avalon is known for its Mediterranean-style buildings, palm-lined harbor, and golf carts that outnumber cars due to strict vehicle limits.
The economy is driven almost entirely by tourism – arts, entertainment, accommodation, and food services make up around 38 percent of local employment.
From a glacier-fringed village in Alaska to a postcard-perfect mountain town in the Pacific Northwest, a new ranking has revealed the 20 most beautiful small towns in America (Pictured: Joseph, Oregon, also known as ‘Little Switzerland’)
Coming in second is Sedona, Arizona , a desert city of around 9,700 known for its striking red rock formations and so-called energy vortexes believed by some to promote healing and spiritual awakening
Avalon, California takes third – a pastel-hued town on Santa Catalina Island, about 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles
In fourth place is Palisade, Colorado, a peach-farming, wine-sipping gem of about 2,500 people tucked between the Rockies and the Colorado River.
Known as the ‘Peach Capital of Colorado,’ it boasts sunny orchards, over 30 wineries, and a laid-back vibe perfect for sipping rosé with mountain views.
Visitors come for its annual Peach Festival, riverside adventures, and crisp Western Slope air that makes everything taste, and feel, sweeter.
Rounding out the top five is Little St. Simons Island, Georgia – a 10,000-acre, privately owned barrier island only accessible by boat.
With seven miles of untouched beaches, dense maritime forests, and sprawling marshes, it’s a haven for wildlife, including over 300 bird species, sea turtles, and plenty of alligators.
The island hosts just 32 guests at a time, offering a remote, all-inclusive escape into nature.
Lanai City, Hawaii lands at number six – the only town on the tiny island of Lānaʻi, once known as the ‘Pineapple Island’ for its massive Dole plantation.
With a population of around 3,300, the town is centered around leafy Dole Park and features charming plantation-era buildings, boutique shops, and no traffic lights.
Claiming the top spot is Girdwood, Alaska, a former gold-mining supply camp turned outdoor recreation haven about 30 miles from Anchorage
In fourth place is Palisade, Colorado, a peach-farming, wine-sipping gem of about 2,500 people tucked between the Rockies and the Colorado River
Pictured: Locals gather for the Palisades Peach Festival in Palisades, Colorado
Rounding out the top five is Little St. Simons Island, Georgia – a 10,000-acre, privately owned barrier island only accessible by boat
Wallace, Idaho takes the seventh spot – a storied mining town of under 800 residents in northern Idaho’s Silver Valley, once dubbed the ‘Silver Capital of the World.’
Its entire brick-lined downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving ornate 19th-century architecture and saloon-style charm, while offering access to biking trails, ski slopes, and offbeat attractions like the Oasis Bordello Museum and the Sierra Silver Mine Tour.
Other on the list include Bardstown, Kentucky; Camden, Maine; Fishtown (Leland), Michigan; Taos, New Mexico; and Medora, North Dakota.
But the list also shines a spotlight on a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest: Joseph, Oregon, a tiny alpine town with just over 1,100 residents, nestled beside Wallowa Lake and surrounded by the snowcapped Wallowa Mountains.
Often dubbed the ‘Little Switzerland of America,’ the town earns its nickname thanks to its dramatic glacier-carved peaks, crystal-clear lake, and annual Alpenfest celebration complete with yodeling and alphorns.
With scenic tram rides, bronze art galleries, and access to the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Joseph is a postcard-perfect escape for hikers, artists, and anyone craving a taste of the Alps – without leaving the U.S.
More stunners on the list include Leavenworth, Washington; Bayfield, Wisconsin; Cody, Wyoming; Edenton, North Carolina; Galena, Illinois; Herman, Missouri; and Cape May, New Jersey.
