
Alabama Hills, California
Explore the iconic, rugged landscape of Alabama Hills, where rounded rock formations frame majestic views of Mt. Whitney and the Eastern Sierras, a famed backdrop for countless movies.
Your adventure starts here. Explore our curated list of 115 unique towns, hidden gems, and fascinating roadside wonders across the U.S. and beyond.
Explore the iconic, rugged landscape of Alabama Hills, where rounded rock formations frame majestic views of Mt. Whitney and the Eastern Sierras, a famed backdrop for countless movies.
Step into historic Apalachicola, a charming Gulf Coast fishing village known for its delicious oysters, antebellum homes, and serene maritime atmosphere in Florida's Forgotten Coast.
Brave the dramatic Bealach na Bà pass to discover the remote and breathtaking beauty of the Applecross Peninsula in the Scottish Highlands, offering stunning coastal views and rugged landscapes.
Immerse yourself in world-class theater at the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, wander the enchanting Lithia Park, and discover Ashland's vibrant arts scene nestled in scenic Southern Oregon.
Discover Astoria's rich maritime history at the mouth of the Columbia River, explore 'Goonies' film locations, and soak in panoramic views from the iconic Astoria Column.
Explore the enchanting historic district of Beaufort, with its antebellum mansions, moss-draped oaks, and rich Gullah culture, all set along the picturesque South Carolina coast.
Experience a world-class art scene at Crystal Bridges Museum, hit the extensive mountain biking trails, and explore the dynamic, rapidly growing cultural hub of Bentonville in the Ozarks.
Discover Berea, the 'Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky,' renowned for its vibrant artisan community, Berea College's unique labor program, and Appalachian traditions.
Step into the quirky, historic mining town of Bisbee, nestled in the Mule Mountains, featuring vibrant art galleries, Brewery Gulch, and tales of its rich copper-mining past.
Venture into the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, a surreal badlands landscape in New Mexico, featuring otherworldly hoodoos, petrified wood, and stark, captivating beauty for hikers and photographers.
Discover the natural allure of Blue Spring, offering serene parklands, extensive hiking and biking trails, and a peaceful escape into Missouri's outdoor beauty near Kansas City.
Explore the quirky, post-apocalyptic charm of Bombay Beach on the shores of the Salton Sea, a once-thriving resort now a haven for artists and a testament to eccentric resilience.
Explore historic Boonville on the Missouri River, with its rich antebellum architecture, Katy Trail access, and charming glimpses into Missouri's early frontier and Lewis & Clark history.
Experience the lively entertainment capital of Branson, offering a dazzling array of live shows, family attractions, Ozark Mountain scenery, and three pristine lakes for outdoor fun.
Chase waterfalls in the 'Land of Waterfalls,' enjoy a vibrant music scene, spot unique white squirrels, and explore the charming mountain town of Brevard in the Blue Ridge.
Descend into the magnificent underground world of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, home to over 100 limestone caves, stunning formations, and spectacular bat flights in southeastern New Mexico.
Discover Casey, a small town famous for its collection of 'World's Largest' items, including a rocking chair, wind chime, and mailbox, offering quirky fun for all ages.
Wander through the quintessential New England village of Chester, known for its historic Stone Village, charming village green, and unique artisan shops nestled in Vermont's scenic landscape.
Step back into the Wild West in Chloride, Arizona's oldest continuously inhabited mining town, known for its historic main street, quirky charm, and striking high desert Purcell Murals.
Escape to the cool mountain village of Cloudcroft, nestled high in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico, offering scenic beauty, historic charm, and year-round outdoor recreation.
Explore the otherworldly volcanic landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve in Idaho, featuring vast lava flows, cinder cones, and unique cave systems.
Discover the historic Cumberland Gap, a natural passage through the Appalachian Mountains, pivotal in American westward expansion, now a National Historical Park offering scenic views and trails.
Explore Decorah, a charming town in Iowa's Driftless Area, known for its Norwegian heritage, the Vesterheim Museum, beautiful trout streams, and the famous Decorah Eagles.
Witness the awe-inspiring Devils Tower National Monument, a colossal igneous intrusion rising dramatically from the Wyoming prairie, sacred to Native American tribes and a haven for climbers.
Journey back in time in Dinosaur, Colorado, the gateway to the Dinosaur National Monument's Quarry Exhibit Hall, where you can see thousands of Jurassic-era dinosaur fossils embedded in rock.
Explore the picturesque peninsula of Door County, Wisconsin, famed for its charming small towns, stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, cherry orchards, lighthouses, and vibrant arts scene.
Discover the unique topography of Wisconsin's Driftless Area, untouched by ancient glaciers, featuring rolling hills, deep river valleys, and charming towns perfect for scenic drives and outdoor pursuits.
Experience adventure in Durango, a historic Colorado mountain town known for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, access to Mesa Verde National Park, and world-class outdoor recreation.
Explore the vibrant border city of El Paso, rich in culture and history, offering stunning Franklin Mountains views, delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, and a unique blend of American and Mexican influences.
Discover Ely, a historic railroad and mining town in eastern Nevada, home to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, Great Basin National Park gateway, and stunning high desert landscapes.
Explore the rugged beauty of Escalante, Utah, a gateway to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, offering incredible slot canyons, scenic drives like Hole-in-the-Rock Road, and remote hiking.
Discover Eureka's stunning Victorian seaport architecture in Old Town, explore the wild Redwood Coast, and experience the unique culture of this historic Northern California lumber town.
Wander the winding, Victorian streets of Eureka Springs, a unique Ozark mountain town known for its historic charm, natural springs, vibrant arts scene, and quirky character.
Discover Fairfield, Iowa, a surprisingly cosmopolitan small town known for its entrepreneurial spirit, vibrant arts and culture scene, and as a center for Transcendental Meditation.
Embark on a challenging hike to witness the spectacular Falls of Glomach, one of Britain's highest waterfalls, cascading through a remote and wild glen in the Scottish Highlands.
Experience the vast, serene beauty of the Flint Hills in Kansas, one of North America's last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems, offering scenic drives and a glimpse into pioneer history.
Discover Floyd, a vibrant small town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, famous for its lively traditional music scene, artisan shops, and the iconic Floyd Country Store.
Explore historic Fort Davis and the surrounding Davis Mountains in West Texas, offering stunning landscapes, the McDonald Observatory, and a unique high-altitude desert environment.
Dig for your own fossils in Fossil, Oregon, home to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (Wheeler High School's public fossil beds), and explore a region rich in paleontological history.
Experience 'Michigan's Little Bavaria' in Frankenmuth, famous for its German heritage, Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, family-style chicken dinners, and charming Bavarian architecture.
Step back in time in Galena, a historic Illinois town with beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, charming Main Street shops, and the former home of Ulysses S. Grant.
Explore the ancient Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in New Mexico, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Mogollon people who inhabited these remote canyons centuries ago.
Witness the majestic 'Crown of the Continent' at Glacier National Park, featuring pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, spectacular lakes, and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Discover the artistic charm of Grand Marais, a picturesque harbor village on Lake Superior's North Shore, offering stunning natural beauty, a vibrant arts scene, and access to the Boundary Waters.
Explore the diverse landscapes of Great Basin National Park in Nevada, from the ancient bristlecone pines on Wheeler Peak to the stunning Lehman Caves, under some of the darkest night skies in the US.
Marvel at North America's tallest sand dunes nestled against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Great Sand Dunes National Park, offering unique opportunities for sandboarding and exploration.
Hike to the 'Top of Texas' at Guadalupe Peak in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, explore rugged canyons, and discover ancient fossil reefs in this stunning West Texas wilderness.
Step into history at Harpers Ferry, a picturesque town at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, known for John Brown's raid and its pivotal role in the Civil War.
Experience Missouri's wine country in Hermann, a charming German settlement on the Missouri River, known for its historic wineries, traditional festivals, and beautiful rolling hills.
Escape to the upscale mountain retreat of Highlands, offering stunning vistas, breathtaking waterfalls like Dry Falls, boutique shopping, and fine dining in a lush Appalachian setting.
Explore the stunning natural beauty of Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio, featuring dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests perfect for hiking and photography.
Discover why 'Ithaca is Gorges!' Explore stunning waterfalls, vibrant gorges, Cornell University's beautiful campus, and a unique counter-culture vibe in the Finger Lakes region.
Experience the dramatic Teton Range in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, offering world-class skiing, access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and a vibrant, upscale mountain town atmosphere.
Explore Jerome, a historic copper mining town precariously perched on Cleopatra Hill in Arizona, known as 'America's Most Vertical City' and a 'wickedest town in the west' with a quirky, artistic vibe.
Discover Jim Thorpe, the 'Switzerland of America,' a charming Victorian town nestled in the Pocono Mountains, offering historic architecture, scenic train rides, and outdoor adventures.
Explore the surreal desert landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, where unique Joshua trees meet rugged rock formations and stark desert beauty, perfect for hiking, climbing, and stargazing.
Discover Kalispell, a vibrant city in the Flathead Valley, serving as a gateway to Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and numerous outdoor adventures in northwestern Montana.
Experience the stunning beauty of Lake Tahoe, North America's largest alpine lake, straddling California and Nevada, offering year-round recreation from skiing to boating amidst breathtaking scenery.
Explore the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, known for its beautiful beaches like Sand Harbor, upscale casinos, stunning East Shore Drive views, and diverse recreational opportunities.
Experience the dazzling spectacle of Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, offering world-class shows, casinos, dining, and unique attractions beyond the famous Strip.
Experience a slice of Germany in Leavenworth, a Bavarian-styled village nestled in the Cascade Mountains, offering year-round festivals, outdoor adventures, and charming old-world ambiance.
Explore 'Little Sweden, USA' in Lindsborg, celebrating its rich Swedish heritage with Dala horses, traditional festivals like Svensk Hyllningsfest, and charming art studios on the Kansas prairie.
Venture into the remote Nevada desert to discover Little Finland's otherworldly landscape of fantastically eroded red sandstone, a photographer's dream of surreal, fragile beauty in Gold Butte National Monument.
Visit Lubec, the easternmost town in the United States, and explore its rugged Downeast coastline, the iconic West Quoddy Head Light, and nearby Campobello Island (Canada).
Explore Madison, Wisconsin's vibrant capital city built on an isthmus between two lakes, known for its lively State Street, farmers' market, university culture, and beautiful Capitol building.
Explore the quirky, artistic village of Makanda, with its historic boardwalk of shops nestled in the lush Shawnee National Forest, known for its natural beauty and creative spirit near Giant City State Park.
Discover Manistee, a historic Victorian port city on Lake Michigan, offering beautiful beaches, a scenic riverwalk, access to Manistee National Forest, and a charming downtown.
Journey to Marblemount, a small community nestled in the Cascade Mountains, serving as a key gateway to the wild beauty of North Cascades National Park and the Skagit River.
Experience the enigmatic allure of Marfa, a minimalist art mecca and quirky cultural oasis set in the high desert of West Texas, famous for the Marfa Lights and Chinati Foundation.
Discover Matlacha (mat-la-SHAY), a vibrant and quirky fishing village and artists' enclave in Southwest Florida, known for its colorful buildings, art galleries, and laid-back island vibe.
Venture into the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park to McCarthy, an end-of-the-road town offering access to the historic Kennecott Mines, stunning glaciers, and true Alaskan wilderness.
Visit Metropolis, Illinois, the official 'Hometown of Superman,' and explore its larger-than-life Superman statue, Super Museum, and embrace the fun of this unique comic-themed town.
Explore Mineral Point, one of Wisconsin's oldest cities, known for its preserved Cornish stone cottages, vibrant arts scene, and rich lead-mining history in the Driftless Area.
Discover Mineral Wells, a town famed for its historic 'Crazy Water' and grand Baker Hotel, offering a glimpse into its past as a renowned health spa destination in North Texas.
Experience the 'City of Lakes' in Minneapolis, exploring the Chain of Lakes Regional Park with its beautiful urban waterways perfect for biking, walking, kayaking, and year-round recreation.
Experience the vibrant energy of Missoula, a cultural hub at the confluence of three rivers, offering craft breweries, outdoor recreation like fly fishing, and a gateway to Glacier National Park.
Embark on thrilling adventures in Moab, Utah, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, offering world-class mountain biking, off-roading, and stunning red rock landscapes.
Witness the surreal beauty of Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, an ancient saline lake in California's Eastern Sierra, famed for its dramatic tufa tower formations and unique ecosystem.
Step into the antebellum charm of Monticello, a historic North Florida town known for its beautiful old homes, moss-draped oaks, and a peaceful atmosphere reminiscent of the Old South.
Visit Mount Airy, the charming real-life inspiration for Mayberry in 'The Andy Griffith Show,' and explore its nostalgic attractions, including Floyd's Barbershop and the Snappy Lunch.
Discover the 'New England of the South' in Mount Dora, a charming lakeside city in Central Florida known for its antique shops, historic inns, beautiful Lake Dora, and annual festivals.
Explore the majestic Mount Hood, Oregon's highest peak, offering year-round skiing at Timberline Lodge, stunning alpine scenery, numerous hiking trails, and the scenic Historic Columbia River Highway nearby.
Visit Mount Horeb, the 'Troll Capital of the World,' and explore its charming downtown adorned with life-sized troll sculptures, Norwegian heritage, and unique local shops.
Explore historic Nauvoo on the Mississippi River, a significant site in early Mormon history, featuring restored 19th-century buildings, beautiful gardens, and live performances.
Discover North Adams in the Berkshires, home to the massive contemporary art museum MASS MoCA, surrounded by scenic mountains like Mount Greylock, offering a blend of culture and nature.
Explore the rugged, alpine wilderness of North Cascades National Park, featuring jagged peaks, vibrant blue Diablo Lake, glaciers, and pristine forests with minimal crowds.
Embark on thrilling whitewater rafting adventures on the Youghiogheny River, hike to stunning waterfalls like Cucumber Falls, and explore the natural beauty of Ohiopyle State Park in the Laurel Highlands.
Escape to Oracle, a high-desert community near Tucson, home to Oracle State Park, the unique Biosphere 2 research facility, and opportunities for hiking and stargazing.
Discover Paducah, a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, renowned for the National Quilt Museum, vibrant artist studios, and its historic downtown on the Ohio River.
Wander through the Paint Mines Interpretive Park, a unique geological wonderland of colorful clay formations, hoodoos, and spires shaped by eons of erosion on the Colorado plains near Calhan.
Experience the desert oasis of Palm Springs, known for its mid-century modern architecture, stylish resorts, golf courses, aerial tramway, and stunning mountain backdrop.
Journey through Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, showcasing vast deposits of colorful petrified wood, the vibrant badlands of the Painted Desert, and ancient petroglyphs.
Escape to the tranquil mountain town of Pine, offering a peaceful retreat with access to hiking in Staunton State Park, fishing in the South Platte River, and the scenic beauty of Pike National Forest.
Step into the rugged history of Pioche, one of Nevada's most notorious and well-preserved 19th-century mining towns, known for its 'Million Dollar Courthouse' and tough reputation.
Discover Port Orford, a scenic fishing town on Oregon's rugged southern coast, known for its unique dolly dock, stunning Cape Blanco Lighthouse, and windswept coastal beauty.
Explore Port Townsend, a charming Victorian seaport on the Olympic Peninsula, known for its beautifully preserved architecture, maritime heritage, vibrant arts scene, and stunning water views.
Discover Prescott, 'Arizona's Christmas City,' known for its historic Whiskey Row, charming downtown square, surrounding Prescott National Forest, and cool mountain climate.
Venture to Rachel, Nevada, the self-proclaimed 'UFO Capital of the World,' located along the Extraterrestrial Highway near the infamous Area 51, a quirky stop for alien enthusiasts.
Stand in awe amongst the world's tallest trees in Redwood National and State Parks, a magnificent coastal region offering majestic groves, scenic drives, and rugged Pacific coastline.
Discover the coastal charm of Rockport, Texas, a haven for birdwatching (especially whooping cranes), fishing, art galleries, and relaxing by the Gulf shores.
Visit Rosine, the 'Birthplace of Bluegrass Music,' explore the Bill Monroe Museum and his historic homeplace, and experience the rich musical heritage that shaped a genre in this iconic Kentucky town.
Investigate the mysteries of Roswell, New Mexico, famous for the alleged 1947 UFO incident, and explore its alien-themed attractions, museums, and quirky desert culture.
Explore the iconic landscape of Saguaro National Park near Tucson, home to vast forests of giant saguaro cacti, scenic drives, hiking trails, and stunning Sonoran Desert sunsets.
Discover Salida, a vibrant mountain town boasting Colorado's largest historic district, a thriving arts scene, and thrilling Arkansas River adventures like rafting, kayaking, and fly-fishing.
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Sandpoint, nestled on Lake Pend Oreille and surrounded by mountains, offering year-round outdoor recreation from skiing at Schweitzer to lakeside relaxation and arts.
Discover Sandwich, Cape Cod's oldest town, known for its charming historic village, the renowned Sandwich Glass Museum, beautiful boardwalk, and quintessential New England appeal.
Experience Christmas year-round in Santa Claus, Indiana, 'America's Christmas Hometown,' featuring festive attractions like Holiday World & Splashin' Safari and the Santa Claus Museum.
Explore the charming, historic downtown of Siloam Springs, known for its natural springs, beautiful Sager Creek, vibrant community events, and a nationally recognized Main Street program in the Ozark foothills.
Journey to the historic mining town of Silverton, nestled high in the San Juan Mountains, accessible via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and surrounded by rugged alpine scenery.
Witness the dramatic, world-renowned climbing mecca of Smith Rock State Park, featuring towering tuff and basalt cliffs perfect for hiking, climbing, and incredible high desert vistas near Terrebonne.
Explore St. Francisville, a charming historic town in Louisiana's English Plantation Country, known for its beautiful antebellum plantations, lush gardens, and rich Southern history.
Discover Stanley, a rustic mountain town at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains, offering access to pristine wilderness, alpine lakes like Redfish Lake, and incredible outdoor adventures.
Visit Stillwater, the historic 'Birthplace of Minnesota,' and enjoy its charming Main Street boutiques, scenic St. Croix River views, paddlewheel riverboats, and rich lumberjack lore.
Explore the historic seafaring village of Stonington, Connecticut, with its charming borough, working fishing fleet, historic lighthouse museum, and beautiful coastal New England scenery.
Visit the quirky, historic town of Talkeetna, Alaska, known as a staging point for Denali climbs, offering stunning views of the Alaska Range, unique local character, and even a feline mayor (honorary).
Explore the vibrant city of Tampa, offering a mix of historic Ybor City charm, exciting Busch Gardens theme park thrills, beautiful Gulf Coast beaches nearby, and a lively Riverwalk.
Discover Tellico Plains, the gateway to the breathtaking Cherohala Skyway, offering stunning mountain vistas, trout fishing, hiking to waterfalls like Bald River Falls, and access to the vast Cherokee National Forest.
Experience the unique ghost town vibe of Terlingua, a former mining community near Big Bend National Park, known for its quirky charm, stunning desert landscapes, and famous chili cook-off.
Explore the vibrant, revitalized mountain town of Thomas, a hub for arts, live music at The Purple Fiddle, unique shops, and access to the stunning wilderness of the Allegheny Highlands near Blackwater Falls.
Step back in time at Fort Ticonderoga, a pivotal Revolutionary War historic site, and explore the scenic beauty where Lake George meets Lake Champlain in the Adirondack region.
Discover Torrey, the charming gateway town to Capitol Reef National Park, offering stunning red rock scenery, orchards, and access to one of Utah's most underrated natural wonders.
Soak in the quirky charm and geothermal hot springs of Truth or Consequences (T or C), New Mexico, a town that famously renamed itself after a radio show, offering a unique desert wellness escape.
Uncover the quiet history of Truthville, a small hamlet in upstate New York, offering a glimpse into rural life and close proximity to the Slate Valley's unique geological and historical points of interest.
Witness the breathtaking Valley of Fire, Nevada's oldest State Park, where stunning Aztec sandstone outcrops blaze red across the desert landscape, perfect for hiking, scenic drives, and photography.
Experience the iconic Wall Drug Store's quirky charm, get your free ice water, and discover why Wall is the essential and kitschy gateway to the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park.
Indulge in the acclaimed wineries and burgeoning culinary scene of Walla Walla, a charming town nestled in southeastern Washington's rolling hills, fertile agricultural lands, and historic downtown.
Discover Wallace, a historic silver mining town where every downtown building is on the National Register of Historic Places, and proudly proclaim you've visited the 'Center of the Universe'!
Explore Woodstock, often called 'the prettiest small town in America,' with its charming covered bridges, historic village green, beautifully preserved architecture, and surrounding Vermont countryside.
Discover the eclectic and progressive village of Yellow Springs, Ohio, known for its vibrant arts scene, unique shops, Antioch College, and the beautiful Glen Helen Nature Preserve.