The 50 Most Underrated Small Towns In America

Going on a trip, whether for the weekend, a week, or even a month, is one of the best ways to relax and unwind from work, chores, and other home life obligations. Make the most of the few vacation days you have, and avoid tourist trap destinations like New York City or Lost Angeles. For the best of America, think small.

Across the country, you'll find plenty of adventure, as well as relaxing beaches, lesser-known islands, and tucked away villages where you can avoid the tourist crowds and enjoy the small town life. Whether you're looking for an exhilarating adventure or simply some quiet time away from home, these 50 small towns are definitely the most underrated in America.

Sitka is considered Alaska's most beautiful seaside town with its views of island-studded waters and stately spruce forests reaching to the water's edge. The area was home to the Tlingit Indians long before Russians or Americans walked on the rocky shores. Visit the Fortress of the Bear, go whale-watching or explore Alaska's oldest national park, site of a battle between Tlingit and Russian forces in 1804. The 113-acre park includes the scenic Totem Trail.

Skiing, biking, rafting, delicious food and good beer — you name it, Durango has it. Days are filled with adrenaline-pumping adventures such as zip lining, and the town is a top destination for train enthusiasts. With over 300 days of sunshine, the San Juan range is amazing to visit all year round. For a different experience, spend a week at a ranch and go horseback riding or fly fishing.

This is one of the most romantic cities in the state of Arizona. Couples go there for an inspiration of for relaxation. It's just 90 miles from Tucson and nestled among the Mule Mountains. Bisbee is the picturesque county seat of historic Cochise County, according to Discover Bisbee. Hikers, wine-tasters and music fans also visit often.

This town in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the gateway to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Damascus is a hiking paradise, especially if you love to explore the wilderness. It lies not far from other popular hiking, horse and biking areas and is traversed by dozens of iconic trails including the Appalachian Trail, the Trans-America National Bicycle Trail, the Iron Mountain Trail and the Virginia's Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Physically active people will love it in Madison. This is one of America's best college towns for cycling. You will also find plenty of dive bars and a thriving scene for hiking, fishing and boating since it's right on the shores of three lakes. Madison also boasts Big Ten sports, breweries, local organic foods and a revolving door of shows and concerts. 

One of the most bike-friendly places in the country, Boise is a great place for an active adventure. The fact that other cities are at least 5-6 hours away has forced locals to build whatever they need — such as theaters and even a symphony — in their own city. Sitting at the intersection of desert and mountains only adds to Boise's allure.

Known as Missouri's first European settlement, Ste. Genevieve is where creative souls go for inspiration, couples go for a romantic getaway, nature lovers go to explore the wilderness, and history buffs come to see the many historic attractions. Much of historic Ste. Genevieve's charm and ambiance is due to the remarkable preservation of its original vertical log structures.

This is a quick, convenient getaway that is really different from many other quick, convenient getaways. The experience isn't just in getting there, and the scenery is unique. The city is less than 2 hours from Seattle, and visitors who follow the "urban" route to get there will find spas, salons, wining and dining, galleries, antiques and performing arts along the way; the more adventurous route offers fly fishing, rafting, biking and hiking along dozens of trails. 

Wallace is the world's largest silver producer — making it the richest mining town still in existence, and every building in the downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Explore the more than 1,000 miles of mining, logging and Forest Service roads that have been turned into the world's largest mountain bike, ATV and snowmobile trail system. Go on underground mine tours, and visit the mine museums after hiking in lush green forests.

Couples go to Pigeon Forge for a nice and cozy vacation. The cabin rentals are especially popular with vacationers. There are over 40 attractions, with favorites like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, waterparks, WonderWorks, mini-golf, go-karts and outdoor activities in the area like rafting, zip lining or hiking the Smokies.

The rich history of Los Alamos will astonish you. Take the historic walking tour and see ancestral pueblo dwellings, a homesteader's cabin and the very spot where the first atomic bomb components were assembled. Major attractions include the Manhattan Project National Historic Park, Bandelier National Monument and the Bradbury Science Museum. The scenic views from Anderson Overlook Park will take your breath away.

This modern but small town is perfectly situated between Denver and Boulder, two popular cities from which you may want to escape sometimes. Louisville is a successful example of how Colorado is blending the old and the new. Go in the summer for a range of outdoor concerts, farmers markets, a state of the art golf course and thrilling cycling opportunities.

This gorgeous small town looks like it's coming straight out of a fairytale or a painting. Charming Clinton shows off its antique iron bridge, built in 1870 over the Raritan River. Perched on either side of the bridge are classic grist mills. The landmark 10-acre Red Mill Museum Village is home to the Hunterdon Historical Museum, which has a collection of more than 40,000 historic artifacts.

Lebanon is actually one of the largest cities in the Upper Valley with about 16,500 people. Located along the banks of the Connecticut River, West Lebanon is the area's major shopping district. The area that is now known as West Lebanon was home to the earliest settlers, as it rests along the Connecticut River. Lebanon is always buzzing with activity. One of the area's most well-known events is the Farmers Market on The Green, which also offers concert series and a lot of family-friendly activities.

This small town of about 2,000 residents is known mostly for its arts scene. If you're looking for a unique lodging experience, stay in a 22-foot-diameter yurt with wood floors. This kind of adventure destination is a combination of the lifestyles of hipsters and nomads who have passed through the region over the years.

Fisherman will fall in love with Onalaska. The town offers direct access to Lake Onalaska, a huge man-made reservoir that has often been called the "sunfish capital of the world." The best time to go for the best chances to catch different kinds of fish is in the spring.

Adventure is everywhere in this small town surrounded by unrivaled natural beauty. Hike the Big Hill Trails or explore the Bear Butte State Park. (The Bear Mountain is sacred to many American Indian tribes.) Sign up for bike races or just trek to the majestic Bridal Veil Falls — whatever you choose to do, your stay in Spearfish will surely be memorable.

Some call it "Wyoming's Jewel." It's easy to see why. The town has legendary history and Old West charm, and the stunning mountain views are awe-inspiring. Just a walk along Main Street will take your breath away as you gaze off toward the magnificent Bighorn Mountains in the distance.

Homer is a place for couples who love nature and spending time outside, particularly in the fall. Common sights include moose and black bears crossing the road or porpoises playing in the surf. The stunning seaside city overlooks Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains. Start here and go glacier skiing or sign up for guided kayak tours. Make time to see the Halibut Cove, an artists' enclave where the roads are made of water.

The perfect California destination for travelers who aren't interested in anything related to Disney or the beach, Solvang was founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants and continues to have a strong Danish feel to it through its many Danish stores, restaurants and bakeries. There is even a replica of the famous Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, as well as a smaller-scale version of the city's Round Tower. Classic thatched roofs can be seen on the houses here, and you'll even find horse-drawn carriages in the streets. 

Cape May is the kind of destination every parent should take their kids to, with a fantastic beach and beautifully colorful Victorian architecture. Declared a national landmark in 1976, the coastal town is located on New Jersey's southernmost tip and is a great place to try out various water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking and surfing. Climb the 199 steps of Cape May's iconic lighthouse for stunning views of both town and shore, and consider taking one of the many dinner cruises that leave from port. 

Named one of the Most Beautiful Small Towns in America by USA Today, Bardstown is the second oldest town in Kentucky and has hundreds of buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Having trademarked the title "Bourbon Capital of the World," it's also been home to whiskey distilleries since 1776 and today serves as the host town for the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival. 

The prettiest town in the state of Iowa, Pella was founded by Dutch immigrants in 1847. Home to Vermeer Hill, the tallest working grain mill in the country, Pella is a pop of bold color in the largely rural state. The best time to come is during the Tulip Town Festival, a three-day spring festival during which Pella's Dutch heritage blooms along with the flowers as the town is filled with Dutch costumes, music, food parades, tulip gardens and more. 

Named after the mineral that was being mined in the area at the time it was established, the town of Galena is a historic and beautiful destination that gains even more charm in the fall. Its historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it has a charming Main Street that overlooks the Galena River as well as rolling hills perfect for a nice drive.