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Abby Prentiss

Beach Fanatic
May 17, 2007
577
123
I can't believe how it's growing - #3!!!


The United States is full of beautiful small towns. Though large metropolises like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Washington, DC, are often thought of as culture and beauty capitals, this doesn’t mean other locales can’t be beacons of these qualities too. All across the county, locals and tourists alike are drawn to these charming enclaves where beauty takes shape in the form of lakes, mountains, historic main streets, forests, architectural splendor, and beaches, among other picturesque qualities.


As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so when developing this list, we looked at easy access to nature, the presence of historic or design districts, and topography that’s appealing in its own right—whether it’s beaches or mountains, or maybe a riverside perch. From a California community known for its celebrity residents to an indie-shopping hotbed in New York; from Washington’s San Juan Islands to plush inland communities along lakes and within forests—here are the 55 most beautiful small towns in America.

white building and palm trees near the ocean


Photo: Courtesy of Alys Beach

3. Alys Beach, Florida​

This design-centric, New Urbanism village along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s Panhandle region debuted in 2003, with whitewashed buildings and Bermuda-style architecture with courtyards, fountains, pools, and popped-out shutters.
 

Matt J

SWGB
May 9, 2007
24,664
9,505
2003 doesn't seem like the right year. If it is correct their really dropping the ball on their 20tj anniversary.
 

tailwagger

Beach Fanatic
Dec 9, 2004
268
12
2003 doesn't seem like the right year. If it is correct their really dropping the ball on their 20tj anniversary.
I think it was 2003 when Somerset Beach was launched. The name was quickly changed to Alys Beach when it was discovered there was a Somerset Beach in the Bahamas. #SoWalHistory
 

Ectoplasm

Beach Lover
Feb 4, 2019
52
26
60
Alys Beach, FL
I can't believe how it's growing - #3!!!


The United States is full of beautiful small towns. Though large metropolises like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Washington, DC, are often thought of as culture and beauty capitals, this doesn’t mean other locales can’t be beacons of these qualities too. All across the county, locals and tourists alike are drawn to these charming enclaves where beauty takes shape in the form of lakes, mountains, historic main streets, forests, architectural splendor, and beaches, among other picturesque qualities.


As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so when developing this list, we looked at easy access to nature, the presence of historic or design districts, and topography that’s appealing in its own right—whether it’s beaches or mountains, or maybe a riverside perch. From a California community known for its celebrity residents to an indie-shopping hotbed in New York; from Washington’s San Juan Islands to plush inland communities along lakes and within forests—here are the 55 most beautiful small towns in America.

white building and palm trees near the ocean


Photo: Courtesy of Alys Beach

3. Alys Beach, Florida​

This design-centric, New Urbanism village along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s Panhandle region debuted in 2003, with whitewashed buildings and Bermuda-style architecture with courtyards, fountains, pools, and popped-out shutters.
Hey, that's my residence there!
 
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