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Published on Apr. 8, 2026
Whether your ideal getaway involves diving into local history, catching a live theater performance, unwinding by the bay, savoring standout cuisine, or shopping to your heart’s content, there’s a small town for you.
With so many amazing places out there, we went on the hunt for the best small towns in each region and across multiple categories by teaming up with a panel of travel writers to make nominations. Then, readers voted for the best in each category. Here are the best small towns in the United States for 2026.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list:
Pismo Beach, California wins Best Coastal Small Town – Photo courtesy of Pismo Conference and Visitors Bureau
Located along California’s Central Coast, Pismo Beach draws in plenty of visitors with its quiet beaches and array of wineries and outlet shopping. Other highlights to check out include Dinosaur Caves Park, the Monarch Butterfly Grove, and the award-winning boardwalk. You might also enjoy some fishing or surfing if you prefer to stay on the water.
Full list of winners: Best Coastal Small Town »
Granbury, Texas, is a small town with big history – Photo courtesy of Visit Granbury
With over 40 historic Texas landmarks around Granbury, many dating back to the town’s founding in 1866, it’s bursting with history. From the massive Hood County Courthouse and Historic Granbury Square to the Hood County Jail Museum, Yeates-Duke 1858 Working Museum, and newly restored Grand Opera House, Granbury is where Texas history comes alive.
Located around 70 miles southwest of Dallas, it’s a small town that’s worth a detour off the beaten path. Don’t miss the graveyard, where Jesse James is said to be buried — his headstone is here, at least!
Full list of winners: Best Historic Small Town »
Visit the home of Penn State in scenic State College, Pennsylvania – Photo courtesy of Downtown State College photo by Jim Cheney, UncoveringPA.com
In rural Pennsylvania, State College houses Penn State against a backdrop of beautiful country scenery. The university hosts many events, arts performances, and lively festivals that give the town year-round excitement that blends student life with local charm. Visitors can attend a football game, explore nearby parks and trails, and savor the town’s growing culinary scene of pubs and local eateries.
Full list of winners: Best Small College Town »
There’s no shortage of culture and history in Ruidoso, New Mexico – Photo courtesy of Melinda Neyman; Mural by artbyfish
Imbued with strong cultural ties to the Mescalero Apache and shaped by Spanish settlers, Ruidoso offers a deep dive into the area’s complex history through a number of sites and attractions. The town is also known for its lively indie arts scene, which attracts artists and performers to its venues, galleries, studios, and festivals, including the Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival.
Full list of winners: Best Small Town Cultural Scene »
Bring your appetite on a visit to Lewisburg, West Virginia – Photo courtesy of Havenbrook Media / Experience Greenbrier Valley
There’s a lot to eat in downtown Lewisburg morning, noon, and night. Grab a sweet treat from Amy’s Market, pick up some baked goods and soups from Corn + Flour, tuck into a steak at Food & Friends, or enjoy brick-oven pizza in a relaxed atmosphere at Hill & Holler.
Full list of winners: Best Small Town Food Scene »
Enjoy a slice of Swiss charm in Vevay, Indiana – Photo courtesy of Vevay, Indiana
There’s a little slice of Switzerland in Indiana, right on the Ohio River in the town of Vevay. Settled by Swiss immigrants in 1802, the village became an enclave of wine producers; now, the town holds the Swiss Wine Festival every year. Vevay still has a number of buildings from its early days, including the Benjamin Schenck Mansion, built in 1874.
Full list of winners: Best Small Town in the Midwest »
History and culture enrich the scenic small-town charm of Sewickley, Pennsylvania – Photo courtesy of Laura Cherock
A Pittsburgh suburb, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, is known for its leafy streets and upscale boutiques. Featuring well-preserved architecture, the town seamlessly blends historic charm with modern sophistication. It has a thriving cultural scene, spearheaded by the Sweetwater Center for the Arts, which offers hundreds of classes to the community and adds an enriching layer to this tranquil destination along the Ohio River.
Full list of winners: Best Small Town in the Northeast »
Starkville, Mississippi, wins Best Small Town in the South for third consecutive year – Photo courtesy of Visit Starkville
Though it’s home to Mississippi State University, Starkville is much more than just a college town. You’ll find a thriving arts scene, multiple historic districts, many opportunities for birdwatching, and plenty of great food. Be sure to check out the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, a treasure trove of artifacts and correspondence.
Full list of winners: Best Small Town in the South »
Savor the fruits of the outdoors in Palisade, Colorado – Photo courtesy of Lisa “Moose” Kral of Dancing In My Head Photography
Known as the “Peach Capital of Colorado,” Palisade is located north of the Colorado River near Grand Junction. With a climate that yields a 182-day growing season, Palisade is renowned for its agriculture and has more than two dozen orchards and fruit farms, as well as 30 wineries. The town offers year-round recreational opportunities including skiing, hiking, biking, and rafting, as well as a walkable downtown with numerous shops and restaurants.
Full list of winners: Best Small Town in the West »
Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more Readers’ Choice Awards.
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