There is nothing quite like a serene vacation to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, especially for those who live in busy cities. The sights and sounds of urban life, as well as the nonstop demands of day-to-day responsibilities, can overwhelm anyone.
If you’re on the lookout for small and quiet but still beautiful and vibrant towns for your next vacation, here are some good places to start:
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Also widely known as Carmel, this city is renowned for its fairytale-like cottages, beautiful beaches, and art galleries; Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a serene atmosphere perfect for a calming vacation.
Popular attractions: Carmel River State Beach, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Popular activities: Wine tasting, walking tour, lounging by the beach, and museum-hopping
Sedona, Arizona
Famous for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual energy, Sedona provides a tranquil setting for outdoor activities like hiking. Even if you’re going on a long walk, you can still relax or meditate!
Popular attractions: Verde Canyon, Cathedral Rock, Sedona Wetlands Preserve
Popular activities: Hiking or biking, jeep tours, camping, and more
Stowe, Vermont
Nestled in the Green Mountains, Stowe is a picturesque town renowned for its charming ski resorts, vibrant fall foliage, and cozy atmosphere. This place is perfect for those who love skiing and other winter sports!
Popular attractions: The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Stowe village
Popular activities: Skiing, winter sports, sightseeing, and more
Mackinac Island, Michigan
With no cars allowed on the island, Mackinac offers a peaceful retreat filled with historic charm, horse-drawn carriages, and breathtaking lake views. Ideal for those who want to experience a bygone era!
Popular attractions: The beach, Blacksmith Shop, and American Fur Company Store
Popular activities: Water sports, island tours, sightseeing in the town, and restaurant-hopping
Asheville, North Carolina
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville boasts a laid-back vibe, a thriving arts scene, and numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Popular attractions: Pisgah National Forest, Great Wolf Lodge, Cabarrus County
Popular activities: Whitewater kayaking, watching plays and shows, sightseeing, golf, and more
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Famous for its iconic Haystack Rock and pristine coastline, Cannon Beach is a tranquil seaside town ideal for beachcombing and relaxation. This town is a must-see for those who love the calming atmosphere of untouched beaches.
Popular attractions: Haystack Rock, Ercola State Park, Arcadia Beach, Hug Point
Popular activities: Beach tours, swimming
Sausalito, California
Situated across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Sausalito features waterfront views, charming houseboats, and a serene ambiance perfect for unwinding.
Popular attractions: Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Area
Popular activities: Scenic driving, fishing, ferry service, and more
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor offers scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and a quaint downtown area with boutiques and galleries. It’s a gorgeous fishing town that feels like it’s worlds away.
Popular attractions: Acadia National Park, Thunder Hole, Cadillac Mountain
Popular activities: Hiking, water activities, and more
Savannah, Georgia
Known for its historic architecture, oak-lined streets, and southern charm, Savannah provides a leisurely pace and plenty of opportunities for strolling and enjoying local cuisine.
Popular attractions: Forsyth Park, The Olde Pink House, The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
Popular activities: Historical tours, tiki boating, restaurant-hopping, and more
Taos, New Mexico
Surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is celebrated for its vibrant art scene, Native American culture, and rejuvenating hot springs, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and cultural exploration.
Popular attractions: Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Taos Pueblo, Ancient Ruins
Popular activities: Museum-hopping, hot springs, hiking, hot air balloon rides, and more
St. Augustine, Florida
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, offering a blend of history, beautiful beaches, and a charming downtown area with cobblestone streets and Spanish architecture.
Popular attractions: Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, and St. George Street
Popular activities: Relaxing on the beach, ghost tours, and scenic boat tours
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Nestled at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Harpers Ferry is known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking along the Appalachian Trail.
Popular attractions: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters, Jefferson Rock
Popular activities: Hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting
Cape May, New Jersey
With its well-preserved Victorian buildings, pristine beaches, and charming bed and breakfasts, Cape May is a delightful seaside town perfect for a leisurely getaway.
Popular attractions: Cape May Lighthouse, Cape May County Park & Zoo, Emlen Physick Estate
Popular activities: Beachcombing, whale and dolphin watching, trolley tours
Mendocino, California
Located along the rugged Northern California coast, Mendocino is renowned for its stunning ocean views, art galleries, and quaint bed and breakfast inns, providing a tranquil escape from city life.
Popular attractions: Mendocino Headlands State Park, Mendocino Art Center, Kelley House Museum
Popular activities: Wine tasting, hiking, kayaking, picnicking, and more
Telluride, Colorado
Tucked away in a box canyon surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, Telluride offers world-class skiing in the winter and abundant outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing during the warmer months, all amidst breathtaking natural scenery.
Popular attractions: Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride Historic District, Bridal Veil Falls
Popular activities: Hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing
Beaufort, South Carolina
With its antebellum architecture, scenic waterfront, and southern hospitality, Beaufort exudes charm and tranquility, allowing visitors to relax and explore the Lowcountry’s rich history and coastal beauty.
Popular attractions: Historic Downtown Beaufort, Hunting Island State Park, Penn Center
Popular activities: Kayaking, Gullah tours, sunset cruises
Sisters, Oregon
Situated in the shadow of the Cascade Mountains, Sisters is a charming Western-themed town known for its outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as its vibrant arts community and annual festivals.
Popular attractions: Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, Three Sisters Wilderness, Cascade Range
Popular activities: Horseback riding, art gallery tours, fly fishing
Galena, Illinois
Steeped in history and surrounded by rolling hills and scenic countryside, Galena features beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, boutique shops, and cozy bed and breakfasts, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful retreat.
Popular attractions: Ulysses S. Grant’s home, Galena Historic District, Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum
Popular activities: Trolley tours, wine tasting, and other outdoor recreational activities