The Best Small Cities for a Weekend Getaway
Small Cities With Big Experiences
There’s nothing quite like the monumental anticipation that builds ahead of a big overseas trip, but a short getaway not far from your own backyard can be equally as rewarding if you know where to look. The United States is full of spectacular small cities of under 100,000 people that offer travelers a crowd-free experience that isn’t short on fun, fascination or unique experiences. Here are some of the best least-populated places to explore, from the frequently recognized to the lesser-known.
Easton, Pennsylvania
Just a 90-minute drive from Philadelphia and New York City, Easton is a charming Pennsylvania town of under 30,000 people sitting at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers. Visitors will be met with inviting parks and museums as well as unique attractions like the kid-friendly Crayola Experience and railroad excursions. Craft beer lovers will also want to stop by nearby Bethlehem to sample some savory suds at spots like Bonn Place Brewing Company.
San Luis Obispo, California
Weekend travelers seeking the perfect Instagram tag can take things #SLO in San Luis Obispo. A short drive inland from California’s laidback Central Coast, this city features stunning architecture highlighted by the 18th century Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. There are even quirky draws like the photogenic Bubblegum Alley, rivaled only by its counterpart in Seattle.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is a tremendous destination for travelers interested in the great outdoors and Native American history, offering world-class skiing and access to Arizona’s tallest mountain in addition to Wupatki National Monument preserving the ruins of prehistoric pueblos. Plus, visitors to Flagstaff are just 30 miles from Sedona, where they can explore magnificent red rock landscapes, enjoy hiking and dine and shop in the desert town’s walkable Uptown district.
Greenville, South Carolina
An alternative to nearby Asheville, North Carolina, Greenville offers visitors art and scenery in bunches. The highlight of this overlooked destination is the 32-acre Falls Park on the Reedy boasting lush gardens and calming waterfalls. The locale is complemented by charming shops and restaurants and a handful of fascinating museums, including the Children’s Museum of the Upstate, the Greenville County Museum of Art and the Upcountry History Museum. Craft beer lovers will also enjoy Greenville’s five downtown breweries, including The Eighth State Brewing Company, Fireforge Crafted Beer, Yee-Haw Brewing Company, Crafty Cats Brewery, Coffee & Tea and The Velo Fellow.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Making up one-third of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, Williamsburg is an ideal weekend getaway, especially for campers looking to maximize their budget. Two attractions stand out, including Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum transporting visitors back to the 18th century, and Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which has been voted the world’s most beautiful theme park for more than 30 years running.
Lahaina, Hawaii
Visitors to Hawaii will find the historic whaling village of Lahaina on the west side of Maui less than an hour from Kahului Airport. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Lahaina offers plentiful sunshine and oceanfront views in addition to dozens of inspiring art galleries as well as inviting shops and restaurants. The town’s famous Front Street has even been ranked among the top 10 greatest streets by the American Planning Association.
Ithaca, New York
Located in the Finger Lakes region of central New York State, Ithaca is a phenomenal weekend stop for unparalleled nature and culture. The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art features both modern and ancient works from all over the world while the dramatic Ithaca Falls is a must-visit no matter the time of year. Nonetheless, this underrated Northeast city offers an abundance of scenic waterfalls in addition to walkable parks and gardens, none more renowned than the majestic Cornell Botanic Gardens.
San Marcos, Texas
Situated between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos is convenient to Texas’ most coveted cities but certainly not without its own appeal. The San Marcos Outlets comprise more than one million square feet of shopping space while the Meadows Center offers glass-bottom boat tours of the scenic Spring Lake. History buffs and political enthusiasts will also enjoy the LBJ Museum preserving the legacy of the 36th President of the United States.
Dover, Delaware
Delaware’s capital is smaller than most but, then again, so is the state. That doesn’t mean this city isn’t short on excitement. Every year, Dover plays host to one of the nation’s biggest music festivals in Firefly and is an iconic destination for race fans who flock to Dover Motor Speedway, which has hosted at least one NASCAR Cup Series race each year since 1969. Regardless of interest, Dover’s First State Heritage Park is a must-visit site blending history and culture.
St George, Utah
A two-hour drive from Las Vegas and nearby to Utah’s famous Zion National Park, St. George is a weekend dream for fans of the great outdoors who will feel right at home in Snow Canyon and Sand Hollow State Parks. But that’s not all that this fast-growing city has to offer. There’s something for golfers, shopaholics, spa-seekers and adrenaline chasers who will find just that climbing, biking and ATVing St. George’s remarkable red rock country.