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From incredible scenery and big art scenes to history and unique cuisines, these 10 Western small towns – voted as the best by readers – have a lot to offer visitors. Here are the 10 best small towns in the West for 2023.
Photo courtesy of Sportstock / Getty Images
No. 10: Moab, Utah
It’s the natural splendor of Moab that has nature lovers flocking here in droves. Home to Arches National Park, its red rock formations are a sight to behold. Attractions include the Moab Museum, the romantically-named Matrimony Springs, and Bull Canyon Overlook – a popular spot for budding paleontologists.
Photo courtesy of iStock / Sean Pavone
No. 9: Tombstone, Arizona
This Arizona town has long been steeped in history and was also popularized thanks to the '90s film by the same name. Re-enactments at the O.K. Corral, as well as at the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park, always bring in crowds. Other big points of interest include the Gunfighter Hall of Fame and the Rose Tree Museum.
No. 8: Sitka, Alaska
Russian and First Nations culture meet in Sitka, a remote town on Alaska’s Baranof Island. Worth the trek, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to fish, kayak, hike, whale watch and more. But the town isn’t all about roughing it – a local spa as well as top-notch dining are available for those who prefer a bit of luxury.
Photo courtesy of Visit Carmel
No. 7: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
This absolutely stunning California town casts a spell on all who visit, thanks to its seemingly endless coastal beauty. When not taking in the sights of the Pacific, however, you can also enjoy works of art at any of the nearby galleries (like the Winfield), sip on reds or whites at the Blair Estate Tasting Room or one of the other local wineries, or check out some local history at the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum.
Photo courtesy of iStock / MattGush
No. 6: Truckee, California
While plenty know Lake Tahoe as a major ski destination, many folks seeking fresh powder flock to nearby Truckee, just a short trek northwest of there. Summertime is just as busy, thanks to golf courses, hiking and biking trails, plus boating, fishing and swimming opportunities at Donner Lake. Boasting top-notch dining, coffee shops, boutique stores and a cultural district with galleries and event spaces, there’s always something to do.
Photo courtesy of 4nadia // Getty Images
No. 5: Ashland, Oregon
Located in southern Oregon, Ashland draws thespians and theater lovers from all over with their incomparable Oregon Shakespeare Festival, ongoing since 1935. But if that’s not your thing, North Mountain Park and other nearby green spaces offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy a peaceful time outdoors. “Visitors are also attracted by fine dining, markets, crafts fairs and shopping,” says 10Best expert Kyle McCarthy.
Photo courtesy of Visit Golden
No. 4: Golden, Colorado
On the foothills of the Rocky Mountains is Golden, which was once one of Colorado’s gold rush towns. Learn about that and more at the local Mines Museum of Earth Science, or check out the Colorado Railroad Museum, in operation since 1959. “Feels like a true mountain town and, yet, Denver is only 20 minutes away,” says 10Best expert Chez Chesak.
Photo courtesy of Chance Busey
No. 3: Gig Harbor, Washington
Located along the South Puget Sound, this charming little town offers plenty of activities for a relaxing time in the Pacific Northwest. Bed and breakfasts are aplenty, as are scenic walking areas like the Chalet in the Woods and Crescent Creek Park. A history museum, multiple breweries and distilleries, eateries (fine dining as well as more casual grab-and-go spots), plus boat tours and even gondola rides are all available to enjoy.
Photo courtesy of Pete Saloutos
No. 2: Bainbridge Island, Washington
A short ferry ride west of Seattle is Bainbridge Island – a harmonious respite from the nearby city life. Try a yoga class at Dayaalu Yoga and Wellness Center or spend some quiet time inside one of the local museums, like the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art or KiDiMu (if you’ve got young ones along). The Bloedel Reserve is also a major attraction for visitors of all ages, where you can sprawl across 150 acres of meadows, forests and gardens.
Photo courtesy of Cody Yellowstone
No. 1: Cody, Wyoming
Named after Colonel William Frederick Cody (aka Buffalo Bill), this small northwestern Wyoming town is perfect for a Wild West-style getaway. Visitors can go on a wild mustang tour to learn about local wildlife, check out a recreation of an old frontier town or enjoy the outdoors at Buffalo Bill State Park. And for the history buffs, there are multiple museums in the area, including the Draper Natural History Museum, the Buffalo Bill Museum and the Plains Indian Museum.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based... Read More
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor... Read More
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Deborah Fallows
Deborah Fallows is a writer and a linguist. She is... Read More
Deborah Fallows is a writer and a linguist. She is the co-author with her husband, James Fallows, of the national best-selling book, Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America, published in May, 2018. Our Towns, the HBO documentary based on the book was released in April, 2021. They recently launched the Our Towns Civic Foundation to support renewal efforts of communities across America. Deb has written extensively on language, culture, travel, and China for The Atlantic, National Geographic, Slate, The New York Times and The Washington Monthly. Her previous book, Dreaming in Chinese: Mandarin Lessons in Life, Love, and Language, is based on her 3-year experience living and working in China.
Deborah Fallows
Deborah Fallows is a writer and a linguist. She is the co-author with her husband, James Fallows, of the national best-selling book, Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America, published in May, 2018. Our Towns, the HBO documentary based on the book was released in April, 2021. They recently launched the Our Towns Civic Foundation to support renewal efforts of communities across America. Deb has written extensively on language, culture, travel, and China for The Atlantic, National Geographic, Slate, The New York Times and The Washington Monthly. Her previous book, Dreaming in Chinese: Mandarin Lessons in Life, Love, and Language, is based on her 3-year experience living and working in China.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of... Read More
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com