9 Best Small Towns to Visit in the Western US

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a charming Maine town offering B&Bs, boat and culinary tours, and outdoor fun. It s the gateway to Acadia National Park. Enjoy fresh seafood, especially lobster, from local eateries.

Telluride

This Colorado town lures visitors with stunning scenery and a charming European-style resort. Enjoy Telluride s 2,000 acres of ski terrain, numerous festivals, and year-round activities like hiking and zip lining.

Monterey

Monterey, California, boasts stunning coastal scenery. Enjoy the 17-Mile Drive, hike Point Lobos, golf at Pebble Beach, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and explore candy shops at Old Fisherman's Wharf.

Nantucket

For a tranquil beach escape, head to Nantucket. Known for its small-town charm and three picturesque lighthouses, you can relax on Surfside or Jetties Beach, explore the Whaling Museum, or enjoy the Sconset Bluff Walk.

Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole, known for 400 inches of annual snowfall and 2,500 skiable acres, offers more than skiing. Enjoy mountain biking, paragliding, rafting, and wild elk viewing near Grand Teton National Park.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe, on the CA-NV border, offers skiing at Palisades Tahoe, sunbathing at Kings Beach, kayaking, scuba diving, and paddleboarding at Sand Harbor, hiking at Emerald Bay, and Nevada casinos.

Steamboat Springs

Nestled by the Yampa River, Steamboat in northern Colorado boasts great skiing, friendly locals, and geothermal hot springs. Enjoy fall foliage, spring waterfalls, rafting, and hiking trails.

Sedona

Discover adventure and relaxation in this unique Arizona town with 200+ hiking trails, vortexes, luxe spas, Tlaquepaque shopping, Red Rock Scenic Byway, wineries, and romantic dining.

Breckenridge

Enjoy stunning mountain vistas year-round in Breckenridge. Ski in winter, hike and bike in summer. Explore historic Main Street's boutiques and cafes, and relax at local breweries and a distillery.