In a world where travel often revolves around major cities, small towns can feel like well-kept secrets. But there are many advantages to setting aside some vacation days for places more off the beaten path—and we’re not just talking about the relative lack of crowds. The best small towns in America are ideal for both relaxation and adventure, with picture-perfect downtown neighborhoods sitting adjacent to some of the country’s most magnificent landscapes.
And while small towns are known for their cute inns and B&Bs, these accommodations can be tiny, and—depending on the season—the rooms may get snatched up fast. That’s where rental companies like Airbnb and Vrbo come in. These platforms have homes available in almost every US town you can think of (or at least options close by), and some of them are cuter than any boutique hotel you’ll ever find.
Need proof? We revisited our list of the most beautiful small towns in America, and searched for the best vacation rental in each of the 28 featured destinations. Our findings—a delightful medley of log cabins, tiny cottages, and beautiful mountain chalets—are gathered below.
As a bonus, all of these selections are run by Superhosts, who each have a rating of 4.8 or above, a record of zero cancellations, and at least a 90 percent response rate, meaning that even though they get tons of requests, they’ll get back to you ASAP.
While we have not stayed in every rental featured, unless otherwise stated, these listings are vetted based on Superhost status, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
