7 Cozy Destinations In The United States To Visit In 2025
Planning a trip across the United States but unsure where to stay along the way? From ski resorts to historic downtowns, some of the country鈥檚 coziest small towns offer a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in every season. Each town offers its own charm, from the Bavarian-inspired streets of Leavenworth, Washington, where alpine lodges and festive lights create a winter wonderland, to the lakeside beauty of Lake Placid, New York, a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether it's the scenic mountain backdrop of Jackson, Wyoming, or the storybook appeal of Stockbridge, Massachusetts, these destinations provide inviting accommodations, rich history, and stunning natural surroundings that make them perfect for a comfortable and scenic getaway in 2025.
Camden, Maine
Camden, a seaside town on 惭补颈苍别鈥檚 expansive Atlantic coast, is an ideal destination for a nice retreat in New England. Its harbor, which is surrounded by historic buildings and densely forested hills, is its top attraction and makes for a postcard-worthy photo. Cozy accommodations in Camden are abundant. Inns like the Camden Harbour Inn and Grand Harbor Inn provide a mix of modern comforts and classic New England character, while bed-and-breakfasts like the Hartstone Inn offer gourmet breakfasts in a low-key setting.
Dining options here are excellent, with restaurants like Natalie鈥檚 and Sea Dog Brewing Co. serving locally sourced meals and fresh seafood. Outdoor recreation pairs well with Camden鈥檚 atmosphere, and spots like Camden Hills State Park offer scenic trails, including the hike up Mount Battie, which provides panoramic views of Penobscot Bay. This park is also a fantastic destination to visit during the fall, with the foliage exploding with color as the days grow shorter. Moreover, skiing is a fun local activity that can be enjoyed at the nearby Camden Snow Bowl just west of town.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains of Washington, is one of the most unique small towns to visit in the United States. Designed to replicate a European alpine town, its timber-framed buildings, mountain backdrop, and year-round activities make it a must-visit any time in 2025. The downtown area is filled with specialty shops, old-fashioned inns, and festive lights, making it especially appealing when many stay here during ski trips in colder months. For a more immersive experience, the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm allows you to interact with these arctic animals, a perfect draw for the whole family.
Downtown Leavenworth is also the home to several renowned tasting rooms owned by local wineries, serving up top-quality vintages from the vineyards within the valley. Icicle Ridge Winery is a safe choice and has a couple of locations in town. If beer is more your style, pay a visit to Stein, an authentic German beer hall. Other nearby outdoor attractions include Waterfront Park, a small park with well-maintained trails along the Wenatchee River where visitors can soak in the mountain view or simply relax on a pebble beach. After the fun, retreat to Na-Mu Lodge, a highly rated hotel with scenic views of the nearby mountains.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs sits in the rolling Ozark Mountains and is defined by its winding streets, old Victorian architecture, and picturesque beauty, both natural and man-made. In fact, the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places, with its well-maintained 19th-century buildings currently housing many great local businesses and attractions.
If you plan to stay the night, the Crescent Hotel, a historic mountaintop inn, is known for its scenic views and old-timey vibe, while the Basin Park Hotel offers a more central location with just as much historic charm. For a deeper look at the town's past, the Eureka Springs Underground Tour reveals the original street level, which was long-buried due to flooding. Get out into the nearby hills, too, and stop by Thorncrown Chapel, a glass-encased architectural masterpiece in the woods, or check out Lake Leatherwood Park, which offers quiet hiking trails and secluded picnic spots for you to relax.
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Stockbridge, set in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, is another classic New England town with a cozy, nostalgic feel. Its well-preserved Main Street, famously captured in Norman Rockwell鈥檚 paintings, is lined with historic inns, independent shops, and colonial-era buildings. The town鈥檚 cultural landmarks include locales like the Norman Rockwell Museum, showcasing many of the artist鈥檚 original works, including scenes inspired by Stockbridge. Moreover, Naumkeag, a historic Gilded Age estate, provides year-round appeal, with terraced gardens in warmer months and festive lights during winter.
The Red Lion Inn, in operation since the 18th century, serves as the town鈥檚 centerpiece and an iconic accommodation for visitors, offering rocking chairs on its front porch and fireplaces in many of its rooms. Stockbridge is also surrounded by natural beauty that ought to be seen if you're in the area. Just outside town, the trails of Monument Mountain offer sweeping views of the Berkshires. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing provide other options to explore the landscape while it is blanketed with a layer of snow.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson is a classic mountain town where Western life meets breathtaking natural surroundings for all who come. The surrounding landscape offers year-round appeal, with Grand Teton National Park just outside town, providing access to all-season trails and scenic drives with views of the snow-capped Tetons, and of course, Yellowstone National Park located a bit further north. The National Elk Refuge, bordering Jackson, allows you to potentially see herds containing thousands of elk in their natural habitat, along with tons of viewpoints to soak in the epic views of this vast region of the country.
In town, the main square is marked by Jackson's famous elk-antler arches and is lined with wooden boardwalks and historic buildings. There is also a nice selection of amenities, from hotels and restaurants to outfitters, to prepare you for an outdoor adventure. A top spot is Teton Backcountry Rentals and Bear Aware, with tons of sports equipment available for rent. Meanwhile, accommodations include rustic yet luxurious lodges, like the Wort Hotel and Fireside Resort, both offering rooms with idyllic mountain views.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Blowing Rock, perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, is a small town that is an incredible destination for outdoor adventurers. The town鈥檚 namesake landmark, The Blowing Rock, is a cliffside formation with unobstructed views of the surrounding valleys, especially stunning in autumn when the mountains turn brilliant shades of red and gold. Its downtown area is home to a wonderful collection of historic stone buildings, locally owned shops, and inviting inns. The Blowing Rock Manor, Village Inn of Blowing Rock, and Hillwinds Inn are just a few of the many amazing places to stay near the town center.
Nature surrounds Blowing Rock in every direction. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through town, offering scenic overlooks and easy access to hiking trails like those at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Here, visitors can explore carriage paths, many of which go through vast swathes of wild rhododendrons, a highly picturesque spot to explore during spring. In winter, Appalachian Ski Mountain is just north of town and offers skiing and snowboarding on a variety of hills for all skill levels.
Lake Placid, New York
In the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Lake Placid is a classic northeastern destination with a small-town feel and a longstanding history associated with sports and outdoor adventure. Lake Placid was home to the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, a history you can explore in depth at the Lake Placid Olympic Center. You can also ride a gondola up Whiteface Mountain, one of the region's top ski areas, for panoramic views.
Its historic Main Street runs along Mirror Lake, where you can stroll past this town's many lodges, independent shops, and other amenities with views of the water and surrounding peaks. When winter is around, the frozen lake becomes a hotspot for ice skating. Meanwhile, the surrounding forests are home to dog sledding, scenic snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails. Suppose you're looking for a local spot to rest your head for the night. In that case, the Crowne Plaza Lake Placid is a popular option, while other nearby hotels like Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid and The Pines Inn are conveniently located right downtown.
Explore These Comforting Towns This Year
These idyllic towns across the United States offer the perfect combination of warmth, small-town charm, and natural beauty, making them ideal destinations for a relaxing getaway in 2025. Whether you鈥檙e drawn to an alpine retreat, historic downtown cores, or incredible natural scenery, each community mentioned here provides unique attractions and cozy accommodations designed to help you unwind. From outdoor adventures to cultural landmarks, you can find an experience in a corner of America that combines comfort with adventure, no matter the season.
