Best Smaller Cities in America

The perfect places to experience something off the traditional travel list

This is a hard list to create. Part of it is trying to define what makes a small city and what makes it great for travel. The approach was to reflect on cities that are generally less than 200,000 in population, provide interesting attractions and learning, and can be experienced in about one full day (perfect for a weekend trip arriving on a Friday and returning on Sunday). For these cities, it is less about the major attractions and more about spending a great day outdoors, walking along main streets and having a great meal.

The other consideration is what excludes a city from the list. The main limiting factor here is that traditional college towns were left off. University areas make for wonderful places that have unique cultures, lots of amenities close by and youthful energy. Instead, they were reserved for a separate list and not considered here.

I've selected my favorite cities in each region of the United States for a short visit.

Southeast: Little Rock, Arkansas

It's a great place to visit for those interested in presidential and civil rights history, as well as sampling great Southern food. Little Rock has a nicely developed waterfront park and business strip for a variety of activities, music and food. A perfect way to spend a warm summer afternoon or evening. From the waterfront park, a pedestrian walkway extends to the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library for an interesting partial day. There you will find information about the former president's eight years and replicas of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room. With transportation, check out Little Rock Central High School near downtown, which is known for forced desegregation. While still a functioning high school, there is an information and visitor's center across the street.

Northeast: Burlington, Vermont

This might be cheating a little bit as it is close to being a college town with the nearby University of Vermont. But Burlington is a great all-around city. If the foliage is changing, it is worth the trip on it's own. That aside, simply starting at one end of Church Street and walking along the shops and stopping for a bite or beverage is a great experience. Make sure to also wander off Church Street down to the Waterfront Park on Lake Champlain.

Midwest: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

With one of the best public parks in America (Falls Park), Sioux Falls is worth the rather remote location. Luckily, there are other things to see and do along the presumed road trip getting there. The downtown hosts a rather upscale set of shops blended with unique independent and food options. But spending a half day walking around Falls Park is truly memorable.

Southwest: Santa Fe, New Mexico

It's a smaller city compared to some of the others on this list, but quickly became my favorite city in the Southwest. With hundreds of artists shops and independent retail in a short, walkable area with live music surrounding, it provides a truly unique Southwestern experience. I unknowingly traveled to Santa Fe during the famous Zozobra Festival, which is dedicated to burning everyone's gloom and troubles away when a 50 foot marionette statue is set ablaze.

Northwest: Tacoma, Washington

Only 30 minutes from Seattle, Tacoma has its own rich history and unique identity. Known as a gritty industrial town for much of time, it also has some great architecture, theater and museums in a redeveloped downtown. Most notably, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass and Glass Museum are newer additions. It also has a very rich candy making past (pun intended). Sitting on the Puget Sound waters, Tacoma allows you to take in some of the best views of Mount Rainier around.

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