The Happiness Function

As a full-time travel writer, I travel around the U.S. one to two times a month, experiencing things to do, places to stay, and restaurants to eat at. It’s always exciting when I visit destinations that make me go, “Wow.”

From the mountains to the beaches and high desert, these are some of the neatest and most beautiful small towns in America, and I think you’ll enjoy visiting them.

Custer, South Dakota

I’ll start the list with a tribute to my hometown: Custer, South Dakota. Located in the Black Hills, it is home to one of the best state parks in the country – Custer State Park. 

If you’re visiting the park for the first time, I highly recommend driving the iconic Needles Highway and stopping to see Sylvan Lake. You might also enjoy hiking a mile-and-a-half trail to the iconic granite Cathedral Spires or a seven-and-a-half-mile trail to the tallest point in South Dakota — Black Elk Peak. The Black Elk Peak lookout tower stands 7,244 feet in elevation.

Oh, and don’t miss a drive to see buffalo, antelope, and donkeys along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop.

After hiking, head into town for shopping and a slice of pie at the Purple Pie Place. Marvel at the colorful buffalo sculptures and stay at a charming motel along the main strip. There are also nine campgrounds in Custer State Park, and you can rent cabins or stay in a lodge.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody is a gateway town to Yellowstone National Park and a great place to base for an outdoor-filled vacation. Drive the Bill Cody Scenic Byway west toward the Buffalo Bill Reservoir and into the East Gate of Yellowstone. 

Cruise another scenic route, the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, to see the highest bridge in Wyoming and views of the Shoshone National Forest and Absaroka Mountains.

While in town, catch a rodeo night, browse the local stores on the main strip, and visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This place has five Smithsonian affiliate museums to marvel at. 

If you’re thirsty, grab a beer at Pat’s Brew House, and if you’re hungry for pizza, try the Trailhead Bar. I had the best latte of my life at Sitti’s Table – it is called the Kafe Hawaij. Their Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food is fantastic, and they offer lots of gluten-free options. 

The Chamberlin Inn is a famous historical hotel where you can stay. Ernest Hemmingway himself stayed there.

Townsend, Tennessee

Next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend is considered the “Peaceful side of the Smokies.” It’s the closest town to Cades Cove, one of the most famous drives in the park, where millions of people flock in hopes of spotting black bears. 

After touring the national park, spend time in the Townsend area. You can take a guided tour through Tuckaleechee Caverns and go mountain biking at Vee Hollow. We went glamping at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, minutes from the park’s entrance. 

Do some whiskey tasting at Company Distilling. If it’s your first time in Tennessee, whiskey tasting (even a tiny little sip) is kind of a right of passage. We had the best dinner at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro. I still dream about the gluten-free pan-fried trout and cheese grits.

Plan your trip with our 3-day itinerary to Townsend.

Mount Dora, Florida

Less than an hour from Orlando in Central Florida, the cute small town of Mount Dora is nestled next to Lake Dora. I loved walking from the historic Lakeside Inn, where I stayed, into town to browse boutique shops and eat at local restaurants. For dinner, 1921 Mount Dora and the Goblin Market won’t disappoint. Both have inviting atmospheres, delicious American cuisine, and wine.

You can book a sunset cruise, take a golden electric carriage ride, or lounge at the pool at the Lakeside Inn overlooking the peaceful lake.

Discover more things to do in and around Mount Dora with our guide.

Sedona, Arizona

We honeymooned in Sedona years ago and were blown away by the landscape. After exploring the main strip with mystical shops filled with rocks and crystals, grab Mexican food and a prickly pear margarita at a local restaurant. Also, walk around and check out the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. 

You’ll want to hit the trails to see epic views of the red rock countryside. Some of our favorite trails in the area are the Bell Rock Trail, Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, and Bear Mountain. 

Whitefish, Montana

Just outside of Glacier National Park is Whitefish, Montana. We road-tripped here during the fall and couldn’t get over the views of Big Mountain and the Whitefish Mountain Resort from downtown. There are local brick-and-mortar shops where you can find pottery, jewelry, candy, and huckleberry-infused goodies like soaps and jams.

If the weather is nice, rent kayaks at Whitefish Lake State Park or drive the spectacular Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Be sure to have bear spray while hiking the backcountry trails in and around the park — this is grizzly country.

For the cutest B&B experience, stay at the Hidden Moose Lodge. 

Telluride, Colorado

Sitting in a box canyon in Southern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a stunning small town with plenty of shopping on the main strip and tasty eateries like Brown Dog Pizza. Ride the free gondola, and do a day hike once you get to the top if it’s not ski season.

Telluride Ski Resort is a must if you’re an avid skier or snowboarder visiting in the winter.

During the spring, summer, and fall, the town hosts some of the best festivals in the U.S., such as the Bluegrass Festival, Yoga Festival, and Blues & Brews Festival. 

Moab, Utah

With two spectacular national parks and thousands of acres of public land, Moab is a haven for outdoor lovers. Hike in Arches National Park, drive the scenic route in Canyonlands National Park, and be mesmerized by the views of the snowcapped La Sal Mountains.

If you have time to paddle on the Colorado River, you’ll be awed by the desert tones of the giant sandstone cliffs as they rise against the bright blue sky.

After your adventures, there are plenty of places to eat in town.

Cayucos, California

Three hours and 45 minutes north of Los Angeles, off Highway 1, lies the relaxing beach town of Cayucos. Our stay at the Pacific Motel reminded me of a hip place for surfers. We walked to the beach, indulged in the best gluten-free waffles at the Hidden Kitchen, and enjoyed a steak dinner on the garden patio at Lunada Garden Bistro. 

Thirty minutes north along Highway 1, you can drive to the San Simeon elephant seal rookery. We were thrilled watching the giant seals bask in the sun while they snorted and roared at each other. 

Cayucos is the perfect place to get away, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and recharge on a Highway 1 road trip along California’s central coast.

Plan a Highway 1 road trip with our 5-day itinerary.

Seward, Alaska 

Seward is on the Kenai Peninsula, two and a half hours south of Anchorage. The drive from Anchorage itself is incredible. You’ll see snowcapped mountains, turquoise lakes, and, more than likely, a moose or two (we did). Once in Seward, hike to the Exit Glacier or take a boat tour into Kenai Fjords National Park. 

I took a full-day boat tour with Kenai Fjord Tours to the Northwestern Glacier. We saw humpback whales, killer whales, a blue whale, puffins, harbor seals, and more. It was one of the best trips I’ve ever made, and the views were out of this world.  

We stayed at the Windsong Lodge outside of Seward. Try the reindeer sausage at their Resurrection Roadhouse Restaurant. We also spent a few nights at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge on Fox Island – the views of the mountains surrounding the bay are breathtaking.

St. George Island, Florida

Known for having one of the most beautiful beaches in America, St. George Island is a Gulf Coast barrier island near Apalachicola and East Point. Though it’s not an official small town, the island does have a community with housing, restaurants, and shops.

You can camp at Dr. Julian B. Bruce St. George Island State Park and enjoy the park’s pristine beach access areas with white sand and turquoise water. There are also miles of public access points outside of the park. It’s one of our favorite places for a beach getaway. 

Discover more things to do in and around St. George Island with our helpful guide.

Issaquah, Washington

Every time I visit the Seattle area, I’m in awe of how much green space is at people’s fingertips. It is no wonder the area is an outdoor recreation mecca for millions. Just 20 minutes southeast of Seattle is the city of Issaquah. If you’re a fan of Costco (I see you), you’ll be pleased to learn it’s headquartered here.

Thanks to the Issaquah Alps Trails Club, you can go hiking in the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area. Visit the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, walk the city trails to see Jakob Two Trees, the iconic 14′ troll, and check out the Issaquah History Museums. Stroll around town and see all the boutique shops. If you’re craving a beautiful farm-to-table dinner, the Well & Table is your place.

Fredericksburg, Texas

When we first moved to Oklahoma, everyone told us we had to go on a weekend getaway to Fredericksburg, Texas. Eight years later, I finally made it.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of the best state parks to visit in Texas. Along the Summit Trail, you can hike to the top to see epic views of the Texas Hill Country. The giant rock formation is one billion years old and has a magnum flow over 32 feet deep. 

Fredericksburg is also in Texas wine country. Go wine tasting at Meierstone Vineyards or Airis’Ele Vineyards. I still crave the gluten-free cinnamon coffee cake and a London Fog latte from the Pharmacy coffee shop.

If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a treehouse, HoneyTree has whimsical and cozy accommodations. 

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs sits in a valley surrounded by the gorgeous Ouachita Mountains and is home to Hot Springs National Park. The national park is an urban park, and you can walk around to all the beautifully restored historic bathhouses along Bathhouse Row, each having its own style and art. 

If you want to soak, visit the Quapaw Bathhouse or Buckstaff Bathhouse. You can also check out the bubbling hot springs on the hillside behind Bathhouse Row. Grab a root beer float at Superior Bathhouse Brewery. It’s the only brewery in any U.S. national park, and they use thermal spring water to make microbrews.

There are also multiple places around town where you can fill your water bottle with thermal spring water, which is said to have healing properties.

Check out our list of more things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Palisade, Colorado

Palisade is just 20 minutes from Grand Junction, Colorado, at the base of the Grand Mesa, Mount Garfield, and the Bookcliff Mountains. It’s famous for its vineyards and orchards.

If you want to try one of the best peaches you’ll ever have, plan a trip here from late June through September. It’s also wine country, and if sitting on a patio and tasting local wines is your idea of fun, spring and fall have cooler temperatures so you can enjoy this quaint high desert town.

Plan which wineries to visit in Palisade with our guide.