Fairhope Unites with Mystic, Paia and More 47 Prettiest Towns in US States Appeal to International Tourists

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Fairhope unites with Mystic, Paia and 47 more prettiest towns in US states as striking scenery, distinctive architecture and local culture increasingly appeal to international tourists seeking authentic America.

Fairhope now joins Mystic, Paia and 47 more prettiest towns across US states, creating a striking collection of destinations with growing appeal for international tourists. Meanwhile, each town offers a different reason to explore America beyond its famous cities. From coastal streets and historic architecture to mountain scenery, desert landscapes and cultural traditions, these places reveal another side of the United States. Moreover, Fairhope, Mystic and Paia demonstrate how distinctive local character can attract global travellers. As international tourism evolves, smaller destinations are gaining attention. Therefore, these prettiest towns could inspire travellers seeking memorable experiences across diverse US states.

America’s prettiest towns are no longer confined to famous coastal escapes or postcard mountain villages. Architectural Digest’s updated feature, “The Prettiest Town in Every US State,” brings together a diverse collection of destinations where architecture, landscapes, history and local character shape the visitor experience.

The feature highlights one location in every US state, although Utah receives two selections: Moab and Springdale. The resulting collection offers a broad cross-section of American travel, from New England harbour towns and Southern historic communities to desert landscapes, mountain resorts and small Midwestern cities.

Rather than representing an official national ranking, the selections reflect Architectural Digest’s editorial perspective on places with distinctive visual and cultural appeal. That makes the list particularly relevant to travellers searching for alternatives to America’s largest and most heavily visited cities.

Which Alabama town did Architectural Digest choose?

Fairhope, Alabama

Fairhope sits along Mobile Bay and combines waterfront scenery with an attractive historic centre and leafy streets. Its oak-lined avenues, independent shops, galleries and Southern architecture create a distinctive small-town atmosphere. The town also offers access to bayfront parks and walking areas, making it an appealing base for travellers exploring Alabama’s Gulf Coast region.

Which Alaska town was selected?

Seward, Alaska

Seward combines dramatic Alaskan scenery with a compact waterfront community. Surrounded by mountains and water, the town serves as an important gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Visitors can experience a working harbour, historic streets, wildlife excursions and access to glaciers. Its setting gives Seward a particularly strong connection between town life and wilderness.

Which Arizona destination made the list?

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is defined by its striking red-rock formations, desert landscapes and distinctive Southwestern atmosphere. The surrounding terrain provides opportunities for hiking, scenic drives and outdoor photography, while the town itself contains galleries, restaurants and shops. Its combination of natural geology, clear desert light and tourism infrastructure has made Sedona one of Arizona’s best-known scenic destinations.

Which Arkansas town was chosen?

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs is known for its Victorian architecture, steep streets and wooded Ozark Mountain setting. Historic buildings follow the town’s unusual terrain, creating a distinctive streetscape that differs from conventional American communities. Springs, galleries, independent businesses and nearby outdoor attractions add further interest, making the destination particularly relevant for travellers interested in heritage and architecture.

Which California town appears on the list?

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea combines a Pacific Ocean setting with distinctive cottages, landscaped streets and an established arts culture. Its compact centre is particularly suited to walking, with galleries, restaurants and independent shops close to the beach. The town’s architecture and unusual streetscape give it a recognisable identity, while nearby coastal scenery expands its appeal beyond the centre.

Which Colorado destination was selected?

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge blends a historic mountain-town centre with the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Its preserved buildings reflect the community’s mining-era history, while the modern resort economy has made skiing and year-round outdoor recreation central to tourism. Visitors can combine heritage streets, mountain views, hiking and winter sports, giving the Colorado destination appeal across multiple travel seasons.

Which Connecticut town made the list?

Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic is closely associated with Connecticut’s maritime heritage and its waterfront setting along the Mystic River. Historic vessels, traditional buildings, museums, independent businesses and restaurants contribute to its visitor appeal. The town provides an accessible introduction to New England’s coastal character, while its architecture and maritime identity create a strong sense of place.

Which Delaware town was selected?

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach combines a traditional Atlantic seaside atmosphere with a walkable town centre and broad sandy beach. Its boardwalk, independent restaurants, shops and entertainment venues support a long-established tourism economy. The destination’s appeal comes from the relationship between beach life and compact urban amenities, giving visitors a classic American coastal holiday experience.

Which Florida community was chosen?

Seaside, Florida

Seaside is recognised for its carefully planned streetscape and distinctive architectural approach along Florida’s Gulf Coast. White buildings, pedestrian-friendly routes and a compact town centre contribute to its visual identity. The community became particularly influential in discussions of traditional neighbourhood design, while its Gulf setting adds beaches, sunsets and outdoor recreation to its architectural appeal.

Which Georgia town appears on the list?

St. Marys, Georgia

St. Marys offers a quieter coastal experience in southeastern Georgia, with waterfront views, historic character and access to the natural landscapes of the nearby coast. Its position near Cumberland Island makes it particularly useful for travellers interested in combining a small-town stay with outdoor exploration. Maritime heritage also remains an important part of its identity.

Which Hawaiian town was selected?

Paia, Hawaii

Paia captures a different side of Hawaii from the large resort centres. The former plantation town on Maui is known for colourful buildings, independent shops, restaurants and an artistic atmosphere. Its proximity to beaches and the island’s famous Road to Hana route adds practical appeal, allowing travellers to combine local culture with Maui’s broader landscapes.

Which Idaho destination made the list?

Ketchum, Idaho

Ketchum sits in the Wood River Valley beneath the mountains of central Idaho. Its history as a Western and mining community remains visible alongside a contemporary restaurant, arts and outdoor recreation scene. Nearby Sun Valley has strengthened the area’s tourism profile, while hiking, cycling and winter sports give Ketchum relevance well beyond the traditional ski season.

Which Illinois town was selected?

Galena, Illinois

Galena is distinguished by its remarkably well-preserved historic architecture and hilly streets overlooking the Galena River. Nineteenth-century buildings now house shops, restaurants, galleries and accommodation, creating a highly walkable visitor centre. Its architectural heritage provides the main attraction, while surrounding countryside and seasonal scenery make the north-western Illinois community suitable for short breaks.

Which Indiana destination appears?

Columbus, Indiana

Columbus has an unusual place in American architectural tourism because of the concentration of significant modern buildings found within a relatively small community. Designs by internationally recognised architects sit alongside public spaces and civic buildings, creating an environment that attracts visitors interested in architecture and design. The town demonstrates how a smaller city can develop a major cultural identity.

Which Iowa destination was chosen?

Amana Colonies, Iowa

The Amana Colonies comprise a group of historic communities founded by German immigrants, with traditional buildings, local businesses and a strong culinary and cultural identity. Visitors can explore heritage sites, shops, museums and restaurants while learning about the communities’ distinctive history. The landscape surrounding the colonies adds a quieter rural dimension to the experience.

Which Kansas town made the list?

Lawrence, Kansas

Lawrence combines historic architecture, university culture, independent businesses and a lively downtown environment. Its streets contain a mixture of heritage buildings and contemporary cultural spaces, while the city’s location along the Kansas River adds another layer to its landscape. Lawrence is particularly suited to travellers looking for a destination where history, arts and everyday community life overlap.

Which Kentucky town was selected?

Berea, Kentucky

Berea has developed a strong identity around traditional crafts, Appalachian culture and mountain scenery. Galleries, workshops and local businesses showcase regional artistic traditions, while nearby landscapes provide opportunities for hiking and scenic exploration. The town’s cultural character distinguishes it from conventional tourist destinations, offering visitors an experience centred on craftsmanship, heritage and the surrounding Appalachian environment.

Which Louisiana town appears?

Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

Breaux Bridge is closely associated with Louisiana’s Cajun culture, music and food traditions. Historic buildings, local restaurants and nearby waterways create a distinctive setting within Acadiana. The community is also known for its connection to the Atchafalaya Basin, allowing visitors to combine cultural tourism with wildlife, wetlands and outdoor experiences in one part of southern Louisiana.

Which Maine town was selected?

Stonington, Maine

Stonington sits on Deer Isle and retains the character of a working coastal community. Its harbour, granite buildings, boats and rocky shoreline provide a classic Maine setting, while the surrounding islands and waterways reinforce its maritime identity. Visitors can experience local seafood, galleries and coastal scenery without the scale of Maine’s larger tourist centres.

Which Maryland destination made the list?

Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis combines waterfront scenery with one of America’s most recognisable historic city centres. Brick buildings, narrow streets, colonial-era architecture and the harbour create an environment closely connected to Maryland’s maritime heritage. The city also benefits from its role as the state capital, giving visitors access to historic institutions, museums, restaurants and waterfront activities within a compact area.

Which Massachusetts town was chosen?

Edgartown, Massachusetts

Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard is known for its historic homes, white-painted buildings, harbour and New England island atmosphere. Its streets reflect a long maritime history, while beaches and nearby coastal communities broaden the visitor experience. The town remains particularly attractive for travellers interested in architecture, seascapes, cycling and the slower pace associated with an island holiday.

Which Michigan town appears?

Holland, Michigan

Holland combines Lake Michigan scenery with a strong Dutch cultural heritage. Historic architecture, landscaped public spaces and seasonal events contribute to its identity, while nearby beaches provide an important recreational draw. The town offers a distinctive combination of Midwestern community life, European-inspired heritage and Great Lakes landscapes, making it different from Michigan’s larger urban destinations.

Which Minnesota destination was selected?

Brainerd and Gull Lake, Minnesota

Brainerd and the Gull Lake area provide a classic northern Minnesota escape built around lakes, forests and outdoor recreation. The region is particularly associated with boating, fishing, cabins and seasonal leisure. Rather than relying on a dense historic centre, its visual appeal comes primarily from the relationship between small communities, woodland landscapes and the extensive freshwater environment.

Which Mississippi town made the list?

Natchez, Mississippi

Natchez is one of Mississippi’s most significant historic destinations, with historic homes, mature trees and views towards the Mississippi River. Its architectural heritage reflects multiple periods of Southern history, while museums and cultural attractions provide additional context. The city offers travellers a strong heritage-tourism experience, although its history also requires visitors to engage with the region’s complex past.

Which Missouri destination was chosen?

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Cape Girardeau occupies a scenic position along the Mississippi River and combines riverfront landscapes with historic neighbourhoods and civic architecture. Murals, older buildings and local cultural attractions contribute to its identity, while the river remains central to the city’s visual character. It provides a different perspective on Missouri by connecting small-city life with a major American waterway.

Which Montana town appears?

Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish sits near the northern Rocky Mountains and benefits from its proximity to Glacier National Park. A compact downtown, historic buildings and mountain views provide the town with a strong Western character. Outdoor activities dominate much of the visitor economy, including skiing, hiking and cycling, while the surrounding landscape remains the destination’s defining visual feature.

Which Nebraska town was selected?

Valentine, Nebraska

Valentine offers a quieter form of American travel centred on the landscapes of north-central Nebraska. The town provides access to the scenic Sandhills, rivers and outdoor recreation areas, with the surrounding landscape playing a greater role than traditional architectural tourism. It appeals particularly to travellers seeking open spaces, road-trip experiences, wildlife and less-developed natural environments.

Which Nevada destination made the list?

Incline Village, Nevada

Incline Village occupies the north shore of Lake Tahoe, where alpine mountains meet exceptionally scenic freshwater landscapes. Its appeal is closely connected to outdoor recreation, including hiking, boating, skiing and lake activities. The community provides a resort-oriented base while retaining access to the wider Tahoe landscape, making scenery the central element of its tourism identity.

Which New Hampshire town was chosen?

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portsmouth combines historic architecture with a compact waterfront setting and a lively cultural scene. Brick buildings, colonial-era streets, independent businesses and harbour views contribute to its New England character. The city is particularly suited to walking, allowing visitors to experience heritage, dining, shopping and maritime attractions without travelling long distances between the principal visitor areas.

Which New Jersey town appears?

Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is celebrated for its concentration of Victorian architecture, creating one of the most recognisable historic seaside streetscapes on the New Jersey coast. Colourful homes, mature trees, beaches and a traditional resort atmosphere define the destination. Visitors can combine architectural walks with cycling, coastal recreation, restaurants and access to the wider Cape May peninsula.

Which New Mexico community was selected?

Chimayo, New Mexico

Chimayo offers visitors an intimate view of northern New Mexico’s cultural landscape. Traditional adobe buildings, mountain scenery, religious heritage and long-established craft traditions shape the community’s identity. The area is particularly known for weaving and regional cuisine, while its historic setting demonstrates how architecture and cultural traditions remain closely connected in rural New Mexican communities.

Which New York destination made the list?

Ithaca, New York

Ithaca combines a lively university environment with dramatic natural scenery around the southern end of Cayuga Lake. Waterfalls, gorges, wooded landscapes and nearby vineyards complement the city’s cultural attractions. Its combination of outdoor recreation and intellectual life gives Ithaca a distinctive character, while the surrounding Finger Lakes region provides numerous opportunities for extended exploration.

Which North Carolina town was chosen?

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and has developed a strong reputation for architecture, arts, food and independent businesses. The Biltmore Estate is among its major attractions, while the downtown area provides galleries, restaurants and historic buildings. Mountain scenery and a creative cultural scene combine to make Asheville one of the region’s most recognisable destinations.

Which North Dakota town appears?

Medora, North Dakota

Medora sits beside Theodore Roosevelt National Park and provides an important gateway to North Dakota’s Badlands landscape. Historic buildings, Western heritage attractions and nearby grasslands create a distinctive setting. Wildlife and dramatic geological formations dominate the surrounding environment, making the community particularly relevant to road-trippers and travellers seeking an outdoor destination in the northern Great Plains.

Which Ohio destination was selected?

Put-in-Bay, Ohio

Put-in-Bay occupies South Bass Island in Lake Erie and offers a distinctly seasonal island experience. Visitors arrive by ferry or private boat to explore restaurants, historic attractions, waterfront areas and recreational sites. Its location on Lake Erie gives the community a strong maritime character, while the compact island environment encourages cycling and walking between attractions.

Which Oklahoma town made the list?

Davis, Oklahoma

Davis sits near the Arbuckle Mountains and is surrounded by landscapes that support outdoor recreation and scenic travel. The town provides access to Turner Falls and other natural attractions, while its small-town character offers a contrast to Oklahoma’s larger cities. Its appeal comes largely from the combination of accessible nature, road-trip culture and regional landscapes.

Which Oregon town was chosen?

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is defined by its Pacific coastline, sandy beach and iconic Haystack Rock. The town centre contains galleries, independent shops, restaurants and accommodation, while the surrounding coastline provides opportunities for walking and wildlife observation. Its combination of dramatic ocean scenery and a compact visitor-friendly centre has made it one of Oregon’s best-known coastal destinations.

Which Pennsylvania town appears?

New Hope, Pennsylvania

New Hope sits along the Delaware River and combines historic architecture with arts, theatre, galleries, restaurants and independent shops. Its waterfront location adds scenic appeal, while nearby countryside supports day trips through the Delaware Valley. The town’s cultural identity has developed alongside its historic character, giving visitors several complementary reasons to explore its compact centre.

Which Rhode Island destination was selected?

Block Island, Rhode Island

Block Island offers Atlantic scenery, beaches, historic buildings and a slower island pace. Its compact communities and extensive natural areas make cycling and walking practical ways to explore the destination. The island’s coastal landscapes are particularly important to its appeal, while lighthouses, harbours and traditional New England architecture provide recognisable visual markers throughout the visitor experience.

Which South Carolina town made the list?

Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort combines Lowcountry architecture, waterfront scenery and mature trees with a historic downtown. Its streets feature preserved homes and civic buildings, while nearby waterways create the distinctive landscape associated with coastal South Carolina. Visitors can explore the town on foot, by bicycle or from the water, experiencing architecture and natural scenery within the same compact destination.

Which South Dakota destination was chosen?

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls offers a different interpretation of prettiness from America’s traditional resort towns, with the Big Sioux River and its namesake waterfalls forming the centrepiece. Parks, walking trails, public art and an increasingly active downtown complement the natural feature. The city demonstrates how an urban destination can build tourism appeal around accessible landscape and public spaces.

Which Tennessee town appears?

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is positioned at the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, giving visitors immediate access to one of America’s most visited protected landscapes. The town itself contains hotels, restaurants, attractions and mountain-themed businesses. Its tourism identity is therefore closely connected to the surrounding forested mountains, scenic drives and outdoor recreation available throughout the Smokies.

Which Texas town was selected?

Fredericksburg, Texas

Fredericksburg combines German heritage with the landscapes and contemporary tourism economy of Texas Hill Country. Historic buildings, restaurants, wineries, shops and cultural attractions form the core of the visitor experience. The surrounding countryside provides scenic drives and outdoor opportunities, while the town’s architectural character remains closely linked to its nineteenth-century German settlement history.

Which Utah destinations made the list?

Moab, Utah

Moab is surrounded by some of Utah’s most recognisable desert landscapes, including the red-rock formations associated with Arches and Canyonlands national parks. The town serves as a practical base for hiking, cycling, off-road exploration and scenic drives. Its tourism identity is therefore dominated by geology and outdoor adventure rather than conventional historic-town architecture.

Springdale, Utah

Springdale lies immediately outside Zion National Park and is framed by towering sandstone cliffs. The town’s restaurants, galleries, hotels and shops serve visitors exploring the park, while the surrounding canyon landscape provides its defining visual backdrop. Its location makes it particularly attractive for travellers who want to combine a walkable small-town base with major outdoor attractions.

Which Vermont town was chosen?

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe combines traditional New England architecture with the Green Mountains and a long-established outdoor tourism economy. Covered bridges, historic buildings, country roads and mountain views contribute to its visual identity. Skiing is important during winter, while hiking, cycling and scenic touring broaden its appeal in warmer months, creating a destination suited to year-round travel.

Which Virginia town appears?

Culpeper, Virginia

Culpeper combines a historic downtown with access to Virginia’s Piedmont countryside. Brick buildings, independent shops, restaurants and preserved streets provide an attractive urban core, while nearby farms, vineyards and scenic roads broaden the visitor experience. Its location between major Virginia attractions also makes it a useful base for travellers exploring the state’s historic and rural landscapes.

Which Washington destination was selected?

Friday Harbor, Washington

Friday Harbor serves as the principal community on San Juan Island and combines waterfront scenery with a compact historic centre. Ferries, marinas, galleries, restaurants and independent shops create a distinctly island-oriented atmosphere. The surrounding San Juan Islands provide opportunities for kayaking, wildlife observation and cycling, while the harbour remains central to the town’s visual and cultural identity.

Which West Virginia town made the list?

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Harpers Ferry occupies a dramatic location where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, surrounded by wooded hills. Its historic buildings and narrow streets form an important part of the town’s identity, while nearby trails connect visitors with the surrounding landscape. The community also has major historical significance, making heritage and nature equally important to tourism.

Which Wisconsin town was selected?

Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin

Baileys Harbor sits along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shoreline in Door County and offers a quieter alternative to larger resort communities. Forests, wetlands, beaches and waterfront scenery shape the visitor experience, while local restaurants and accommodation support tourism. Its appeal is strongly seasonal, with outdoor recreation, autumn colours and Great Lakes landscapes attracting visitors throughout the year.

Which Wyoming destination appears?

Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson combines a historic Western town centre with dramatic mountain scenery and proximity to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone. Its distinctive architecture, wooden boardwalks and iconic town square create a recognisable sense of place. Outdoor recreation remains central to the local tourism economy, with wildlife viewing, hiking, skiing and scenic touring extending the destination’s appeal.

What does Architectural Digest’s list reveal about US travel?

The 2026 selection demonstrates how varied the concept of an attractive American town can be. Architectural Digest’s choices move beyond a single definition of beauty, incorporating historic architecture, waterfront settings, mountain scenery, desert geology, cultural traditions and carefully planned communities.

For international travellers, that variety is significant. A visitor interested in architecture can look towards Carmel-by-the-Sea, Cape May, Galena, Columbus or Eureka Springs, while travellers focused on landscapes can consider Sedona, Seward, Moab, Springdale, Whitefish or Jackson.

The list also highlights destinations that can support different travel styles. Some are appropriate for short city breaks, while others work primarily as gateways to national parks, islands, beaches, mountains or rural landscapes.

Why could these towns matter to the American travel industry?

Small and mid-sized destinations increasingly provide an alternative to America’s major metropolitan tourism markets. By promoting heritage districts, outdoor recreation, local food, architecture and distinctive community identities, these destinations can spread visitor spending beyond traditional gateway cities.

The Architectural Digest feature also demonstrates the marketing value of visual identity. A recognisable streetscape, dramatic natural setting or distinctive architectural tradition can become a powerful reason for travellers to add a destination to a road trip or regional itinerary.

For international visitors, these towns can also provide a more granular understanding of the United States. Instead of experiencing the country exclusively through New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas or other major tourism centres, travellers can explore the architectural, cultural and geographical differences that define individual states.

What should travellers know before planning a visit?

Architectural Digest’s selections should be treated as editorial recommendations rather than an official national ranking. The publication’s concept of prettiness is inherently subjective, and the list is not a statistical measurement of visitor satisfaction, tourism performance or destination quality.

Travel conditions also vary substantially between the locations. Mountain destinations can experience seasonal road and weather restrictions, island communities depend on ferry or aviation connections, and national-park gateways can become exceptionally busy during peak periods.

Travellers should therefore check official destination, park, transport and accommodation information before departure. Booking requirements, seasonal operating schedules, weather conditions and access restrictions can change independently of the Architectural Digest feature.

Why are these prettiest towns attracting international tourists? First, Fairhope, Mystic, Paia and the 47 other selected destinations offer experiences that differ from conventional American city breaks. Their historic buildings, coastlines, mountain landscapes, cultural attractions and independent businesses create distinctive reasons to visit. Moreover, many towns provide access to nearby national parks, beaches, waterways and scenic routes. As a result, travellers can combine authentic community experiences with wider regional journeys. The answer lies in variety: these US states showcase dramatically different landscapes and cultures. Therefore, the towns can appeal to international visitors looking for photogenic, characterful and less conventional American destinations.

The growing attention surrounding Fairhope, Mystic, Paia and the 47 other prettiest towns across US states highlights an important shift in destination discovery. International tourists are increasingly able to look beyond America’s best-known cities and explore communities defined by architecture, landscapes, heritage and local culture.

Fairhope offers a coastal Southern atmosphere, while Mystic reflects New England’s maritime character and Paia presents a distinctly Hawaiian setting. Meanwhile, other selected towns introduce visitors to mountain resorts, historic districts, desert scenery, lakeside communities and Appalachian landscapes. The appeal therefore comes from diversity rather than a single definition of beauty.

Consequently, these towns provide potential additions to road trips and regional itineraries for international tourists. However, travellers should check seasonal conditions, transport connections, accommodation availability and local tourism guidance before travelling. Ultimately, the collection provides a useful starting point for discovering a more diverse side of the US.

“Architectural Digest’s spotlight on these remarkable American towns highlights the extraordinary diversity of the United States as a tourism destination. Fairhope, Mystic, Paia and the other selected communities demonstrate how architecture, heritage, natural landscapes and authentic local experiences can create compelling reasons for international travellers to explore beyond major cities. This growing interest can benefit local businesses, hospitality providers and tourism stakeholders while encouraging visitors to discover lesser-known destinations. For the global travel industry, such recognition also reinforces the importance of distinctive community identity and responsible destination promotion. These towns represent the rich cultural and geographical diversity that makes travel across America so rewarding.”— Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Travel And Tour World

Architectural Digest’s 2026 “The Prettiest Town in Every US State” feature presents a broad portrait of America’s small-town and regional tourism landscape. From Fairhope and Stonington to Carmel-by-the-Sea, Sedona, Breckenridge, Cape May, Asheville, Cannon Beach, Fredericksburg and Jackson, the selected destinations demonstrate that American beauty is expressed through architecture, history, coastlines, mountains, deserts, waterways and living cultural traditions.

The inclusion of 51 locations across 50 states, with both Moab and Springdale recognised in Utah, further illustrates the breadth of the editorial selection. For travellers planning future US journeys, the list provides a useful starting point for discovering destinations beyond the country’s most familiar tourism hubs, while the individual towns offer very different experiences depending on whether the priority is architecture, heritage, nature, food, outdoor adventure or coastal scenery.

Most importantly, the feature places small destinations within a wider international travel conversation. As travellers increasingly seek distinctive places and experiences rather than simply visiting famous cities, communities with strong visual identities and authentic local character have an opportunity to attract new audiences while preserving the qualities that made them noteworthy in the first place.