4 Best Small Towns in the US for a Summer Vacation

Have you considered a small town for your summer vacation plans?

With summer coming up, certain destinations are on everyone’s bucket lists: The Grand Canyon, New York, San Francisco, and the list of amazing big cities in our country goes on and on.

But while there’s nothing wrong with any of those stunning locations, why not explore some of the US’s hidden gems? It just so happens that we found some fantastic small towns that are perfect for visiting during summer!

And with their charming character, these quaint towns will put you under their summertime spell! So pack your bags, and don’t forget your swimsuit…Here are the 4 best small towns in the US to take a summer vacation!

…Click “Next” to see them all!

Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Boothbay Harbor offers its visitors a taste of what New England is all about. The quaint seaside small town of Boothbay Harbor is just a 3-hour drive away from the Boston area.

And it’s an effortless and worthwhile drive for those who wish to experience a more laid-back New England summer vacation away from the everyday hustle and bustle of noisy Beantown.

While you’re visiting Boothbay, you can dine on fresh-caught lobster from the harbor, go out on the water and feel the saltwater spray on your face as you cut through the waves. Or you can travel to a nearby island for an even more secluded adventure.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Snuggled in the peaceful Texas Hill Country, you’ll find the vibrant small town of Fredericksburg. The first thing you’ll notice is that the entire location is decked out in colorful wildflowers in the spring and summer months.

And since German settlers established the adorable small town you see today, there’s plenty of fine wine and hearty brews to raise your spirits and cool you off on those scorching days. You’ll find this charming town just an hour and a half away from Austin.

So it’s perfect for a quick day trip. But we recommend staying for at least a weekend to truly experience all that Fredericksburg offers.

Coronado, California

With roughly 20,192 residents, this small town is like a little sister to San Diego. For those who live in the city, visiting this small town will make you feel like you’ve driven a universe away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.

While visiting, you’ll find picture-perfect clear waters lapping the shores of stunning beaches and a charming main street that will have you spending a joyful day visiting restaurants, cafes, galleries, boutiques, theaters, and the Coronado Museum of History and Art.

And given the town’s size, you can practically walk or bike anywhere you wish. In the summertime, you can listen to live music at the Ferry Landing every weekend. And if you’re looking for accommodations, Hotel del Coronado is your best bet!

It was built in 1888 and is now a designated National Historic Landmark.

And hey…if you don’t see any ghosts, presidents, or celebs during your stay, you can at least tell your friends back home that you stayed at the hotel that inspired the Emerald City in “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!”

Bardstown, Kentucky

​With a population of roughly 13,000, this small town is known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World!” Enthusiasts will enjoy exploring some or all of the 11 distilleries.

But if you don’t have the time, we recommend at least checking out: Bardstown Bourbon Company, Heaven Hill Distillery, and Log Still Distillery.

While here, you can also explore My Old Kentucky Home State Park and closeby Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, where you’ll find sculptures spread throughout the area.

Pop by Old Talbott Tavern to experience the oldest Western Stagecoach stop in our country and the oldest Bourbon bar in the world, where you can also check in to spend the night.

And if you have more time, we recommend booking the Bourbon Excursion with My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. On the train, you’ll cruise through the middle of the state on a restored 40s vintage dining car and spoil yourself with a bourbon tasting by a master distiller.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Please leave us a comment and let us know if you live in a small town like this and wish to let our readers know about it. 

But in the meantime, if you love traveling to small towns, we recommend you also read about 50 Incredible Oldest Towns In The US