Small towns are the perfect place to travel when you’re looking to avoid crowds. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor adventure, shopping, great food or soaking in the sun and listening to the waves crash, there’s a small town for you.
We’re looking for the best small towns across the United States and invited a panel of travel writers to help us select 20 nominees for each Readers’ Choice Awards category. Now we need you to vote and help us select the 10 best!
Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, October 25th at noon ET. The 10 best small towns will be announced on Friday, November 5th.
Click on each category below to vote:
Best Coastal Small Town
These small coastal towns offer peaceful retreats — Photo courtesy of EasyBuy4U // Getty Images
Forget about Miami and Los Angeles! Our 20 nominees for Best Coastal Small Town – each with a population of fewer than 25,000 people as of the last census – offer uncrowded, unpretentious and affordable seaside fun in small packages that prove bigger isn’t always better.
Vote: Best Coastal Small Town »
Best Historic Small Town
These small towns are packed with history — Photo courtesy of Chad Coppess South Dakota Tourism
The U.S. has a fascinating history and exploring the places which most affected it is much more fun than simply reading about it. These 20 nominees for Best Historic Small Town have big histories and small populations – fewer than 25,000 people – making them fun and affordable ways to dive into our nation’s past.
Vote: Best Historic Small Town »
Best Small Town Cultural Scene
From live music and art to museums and performing arts, these small towns are full of culture — Photo courtesy of Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to these small towns, each with a population of fewer than 25,000 people. What each lacks in size, it makes up for with a big cultural punch – museums, art galleries, performing arts and busy event calendars.
Vote: Best Small Town Cultural Scene »
Best Small Town Food Scene
There’s nothing small about the flavor in these small towns — Photo courtesy of bill oxford // Getty Images
Traveling to a small town shouldn’t mean sacrificing flavor. These 20 small towns have big food scenes with chef-driven restaurants, local flavors and plenty of variety, especially given their small size. Which is your favorite?
Vote: Best Small Town Food Scene »
Best Small Town for Adventure
These small towns offer big adventure — Photo courtesy of FatCamera // Getty Images
Small town life is far from boring in these 20 towns. Each is big on adventure, from hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and rock climbing. Which is your favorite small town gateway to adventure?
Vote: Best Small Town for Adventure »
Best Small Town for Shopping
Shop small in these small towns with memorable shopping experiences — Photo courtesy of pixdeluxe // Getty Images
Eclectic boutiques, art galleries, antique shops and farmers markets – these small towns with populations of less than 25,000 are the perfect destinations for some retail therapy.
Vote: Best Small Town for Shopping »
Remember, you can vote once per day in each category. The 10 winners with the most votes in each category will be announced on 10Best.com on Friday, November 5.
