50 Tiny Towns That Attract Hordes of Tourists Every Year
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When vacation rolls around again, forget about those big cities with their stress-inducing crowds and hubbub. Instead, consider spending your time off in one of these little gems, towns that are small in size yet big in appeal—and not one has a population greater than 5,500.
Avalon, California (Population 3,723)
You’ll need to take a helicopter or boat to get to Avalon, California; it’s the only incorporated town on the island of Santa Catalina, just 22 miles off the coast of Long Beach. Once there, visit the striking 1920s Catalina Casino, tour the inner island to catch sight of a herd of wild bison, enjoy a boating excursion, scuba dive, or just bask on the sunny beach.
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Virginia City, Montana (Population 221)
Want a taste of life in a 1860s gold rush town? Then consider taking a trip to Virginia City, Montana. This ghost town is an open-air living history museum and National Historic Landmark that offers gold panning lessons, the longest-running summer live theater company in the western United States, ghost tours, and authentic Wild West-era saloons, bawdy houses (family-friendly, of course!), and other entertainments.
Ligonier, Pennsylvania (Population 1,515)
Ample amusements await tourists in this western Pennsylvania borough that hosts Idlewild Park, one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. After you’re finished making a splash in the park’s Soak Zone, dry off at the Summer in Ligonier Arts and Crafts Show or at Fort Ligonier Days, a three-day festival of food and fun commemorating the Battle of Fort Ligonier during the French-Indian War.
Depoe Bay, Oregon (Population 1,483)
The tiny town of Depoe Bay on the Oregon coast is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves all things sea mammal. With a (nearly) year-round resident pod of gray whales, it’s one of the best locations for whale watching along the Pacific Coast. Nature lovers can also spot plenty of sea lions and seabirds along the craggy coastline.
Chincoteague, Virginia (Population 2,879)
Chincoteague, Virginia, is on the island of the same name, right off the Virginia coast. This resort town offers hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and just plain relaxing, but it is nearby Assateague Island—a bridge connects the two islands—that’s the real draw. Every year more than a million visitors travel to Assateague to admire the famous herds of wild ponies that call the island home.
Put-in-Bay, Ohio (Population 136)
Visitors travel by ferry to reach Put-in-Bay, Ohio, which is located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie. Once there, tourists can grab a bus, walk, bike, or rent a golf cart to take in the island’s many amusements, including an antique car museum, an aquatic center, a butterfly house, the chocolate museum, wineries, restaurants and bars, and all types of water sports.
Talkeetna, Alaska (Population 876)
Not far from Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Alaska, offers easy access to a variety of hiking, camping, and mountaineering spots as well as more unexpected fare like a pedal-powered bus tour and a zip line that glides over trees and captures splendid mountains views.
Grand Marais, Minnesota (Population 1,340)
Grand Marais, Minnesota, doesn’t just offer beautiful views of Lake Superior—it’s also a renowned art colony. Visitors can spend their days hiking, mountain biking, or fishing, or opt for less outdoorsy pursuits like admiring local art and picking up a sugary snack at local favorite World’s Best Donuts.
Hana, Hawaii (Population 1,235)
The remote town of Hana on the island of Maui is reached via the winding, 52-mile Hana Highway that passes waterfalls, rainforests, and spectacular coastline. Visit the Hana Cultural Center and Museum to bone up on Hawaiian history, and then hit the beach to surf, swim, kayak, or just relax.
Strasburg, Pennsylvania (Population 2,983)
Founded in 1693, Strasburg, Pennsylvania, is full of old-time charm and centuries-old log and brick houses. Visitors who want to explore Amish country can take a ride on an authentic Amish horse and buggy. Those who prefer to embrace technology—of the mid-1800s, that is—can head to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania or hop on the Strasburg Rail Road, a heritage steam train. Other family-friendly amusements include ghost tours or the nearby Cherry Crest Adventure Farm.
Ogunquit, Maine (Population 1,181)
Ogunquit means “beautiful place by the sea” in the language of the Abenaki tribe who once resided in this lovely spot on the coast of Maine, and the town still lives up to its name today. Tourists can experience the beauty of Qgunquit by visiting the Marginal Way seaside walking path, the summer theater, the art galleries, and the miles of beaches in this easy-going yet vibrant coastal town.
Rehoboth Beach, Deleware (Population 1,520)
All the fun of a seaside boardwalk but without the crazy crowds—that’s Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The mile-long boardwalk is loaded with activities for kids and adults alike, and has loads of restaurants, hotels, shops, and amusements. There’s even a museum and a free summer concert series.
Bandera, Texas (Population 901)
Billing itself as “the cowboy capital of the world,” Bandera, Texas, is the place to go if you want to channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl. Dude ranches, horseback riding trails, museums, and barbecue joints all pay homage to the spirit of the Old West.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas (Population 2,091)
With its entire downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places, tiny Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is as charming as ever. It attracts tourists throughout the year for a trolley tour of the town’s many Victorian buildings, and in May through October for performances of the Great Passion Play. And that’s just for starters.
Related: 18 Victorian Homes We Love
Mentone, Alabama (Population 368)
Imagine a combination art colony, mountain retreat, and historical small town, and you’ll come up with something like Mentone, Alabama. Its nostalgic look and feel is imbued with today’s sensibilities, and its many delights include farm-to-table eateries, stunning hiking trails, and winter skiing facilities.
Related: 18 Small Towns That Changed America
Navarre Beach, Florida (Population 995)
Florida has many crowded tourist-friendly cities, but the small town of Navarre Beach isn’t your typical vacation spot. Here you’ll find a beach with snowy white sand, great restaurants, a fishing pier, and all types of water sports. What you won’t find are big crowds or high-pressure sales pitches.
Lambertville, New Jersey (Population 3,797)
If antiquing is your thing, Lambertville, New Jersey, is your destination. There are antiques shops aplenty in this charming town founded in 1705, but not everything here is old: You’ll also find contemporary art galleries and modern dining.
Cooperstown, New York (Population 1,762)
It’s best known for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, but there’s more to Cooperstown, New York, than America’s favorite pastime. Visit the Fenimore Art Museum for a fine collection of folk art, traipse over to the Farmers’ Museum to learn about life on an 18th century farm, or head to the local brewery for a cold craft beer.
Galena, Illinois (Population 3,183)
About 160 miles away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago is the slower-paced city of Galena, Illinois. Once a mining town, today Galena is filled with great restaurants, wineries, golf courses, antiques shops, and historical homes. You can also hike, or head over to the Galena River to boat, kayak, or canoe.
Related: 18 American Towns Every Old-House Lover Needs to See
Pentwater, Michigan (Population 854)
On the edge of Lake Michigan, Pentwater has volleyball-court-lined beaches, hip and happening bars, a downtown with an everyday-is-summer vibe, and a plethora of boutiques, art galleries, and just-plain-fun shopping. There are also several nearby campgrounds for those who prefer to rough it.
Stearns, Kentucky (Population 1,260)
flickr.com via Allen Forest
Take a ride on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, visit the Barthell Coal Camp mining museum, learn about local history at the McCreary County Museum, and do some hiking in the Daniel Boone National Forest. That’s just a small sampling of the activities you can enjoy in the scenic town of Stearns, Kentucky.
Ridgway, Colorado (Population 1,016)
Mountain vistas, abundant wildlife, world-class fishing, and a wide range of water sports? Check. Outdoor concerts, authentic Mexican food, breweries, and hot-air ballooning? Check. A creative district full of art galleries, theaters, and festivals? Check. Small though it may be, Ridgway, Colorado, has so much on tap that tourists keep coming back for more.
Dyersville, Iowa (Population 4,225)
flickr.com via jcsullivan24
“If you build it, he will come,” said the prophetic voice in the iconic Kevin Costner film. And if you visit the small town of Dyersville, Iowa, not only will you see the actual cornfield turned baseball diamond from “Field of Dreams,” you can also check out the National Farm Toy Museum and the impressive Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, a Gothic Revival-style church built in the late 1800s.
Ajo, Arizona (Population 3,525)
Once a mining town, Ajo, Arizona, is becoming a quaint historical destination for artists. Located just 43 miles from the Mexican border and close to the Tohono O’odham Nation, Ajo reflects the region’s many cultural influences in its art galleries, restaurants, and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
Franconia, New Hampshire (Population 1,081)
For those who yearn for spectacular hiking and outdoor adventures in New England, Franconia, New Hampshire, is just the ticket. A bit beyond the town limits, tourists have their pick of some of America’s most beautiful traversable wilderness—the Appalachian Trail, White Mountain National Forest, and the waterfalls of Flume Gorge.
Ashland, Nebraska (Population 2,588)
flickr.com via Chris Devers
Little Ashland, Nebraska, with rows of historical buildings on its brick-lined main street, packs plenty of nostalgic charm. But this friendly town is also home to the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, which houses a unique collection of aircraft and artifacts, as well as the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, which gives visitors an intimate look at some of the region’s most