Sure, the bright lights, big streets and towering skyscrapers of LA, New York, Chicago or Seattle are enticing, but they're also extremely tiring. In cities that never sleep it's hard to catch a breath so we've narrowed down the best and most beautiful small city in every state that still has all the trappings of the big hitters but in a more casual way. Sit back, relax and join us as we venture around the country...

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is something of an open secret – a cool vacation spot for those in the know and a surprise for those who maybe didn’t realise the state even had a coast. Once found, this stretch of alabaster beaches, lined with seafood restaurants and quirky bars, is hard to forget. The 12.5 thousand-resident city is a particular favourite for family getaways thanks to its pristine beaches and wealth of outdoor attractions like the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.

In the far south of the USA’s most northerly state is Ketchikan, centred on a small cluster of colourful clapboard stilt houses perched over Ketchikan Creek. The city’s known for its indigenous (mostly Tlingit and Haida) heritage and is the best place in the country to see intricately carved and brightly painted totem poles in their intended environment. And what an environment it is, with luxuriant green forests, glacier-carved valleys and looming mountains just outside the city. Discover six unmissable adventures in Alaska.

Although Sedona itself is a brilliant city to visit thanks to its wealth of shops, spas and art galleries, its main attraction is the Red Rock State Park. Looming over the city, the red sandstone formations look incredibly beautiful during sunrises and sunsets, making for fantastic photos. There are countless hiking and biking trails leading from the city into the park so you can truly experience this unique terrain. Find out more about 15 US cities with natural wonders on their doorstep.

Situated in the heart of the Ozarks, the scenic city of Eureka Springs in Arkansas is lined with Victorian-style architecture. There are also plenty of independent shops and a distinct lack of chain stores, meaning the city with a population of just 2,091 feels a lot more like a charming town. It's also home to the state’s best-known landmarks: the Thorncrown Chapel and The Christ of the Ozarks, a 66-foot-tall (20m) statue of Jesus with his arms open.

Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Luis Obispo – or SLO as the locals call it – is a wonderful, walkable city. It’s a popular stop for those on the classic Pacific Coast Highway road trip and the diverse downtown attractions range from the 18th-century Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa to Bubblegum Alley, whose walls are 'decorated' with balls of gum. SLO also happens to be right in the midst of wine country, with the Edna Valley easily explored by bike, and Paso Robles’ 200-odd wineries less than an hour away. Here are six things you must do in San Luis Obispo.

Boulder is a dream for outdoorsy types with a love of art – and that’s exactly who the city attracts. Like Denver, its downtown streets are set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop, in this case the Flatirons. The slanted sandstone formations are visible from pretty much everywhere in the city, beckoning you to strap on your walking boots and hit the trails. Here are 14 reasons why Colorado should be your next adventure.

A quintessential coastal New England city, New Haven is home to the Ivy League university Yale which means the city is both admired and overlooked for this reason. Come here to marvel the historic faux-Gothic and Victorian architecture, dating back to 1701. The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art are also top attractions. Feeling hungry? Wooster Square is a historic neighbourhood known for its pizza and pastries.

Lewes Historic District, the heart of the small city, is a quaint area filled with Victorian structures, churches, museums, boutiques and several fine restaurants. But the peaceful and laid-back beaches are the city’s main attraction. For a pleasant 4.6-mile (7.4km) walk, follow the Cape Henlopen trail along the coast and look out for the military bunkers tucked away in the sand dunes. Take a look at the most underrated city in every state. 

With over 400 years of history, St. Augustine in Florida claims to be one of America’s oldest settlements. Founded in 1565 by the Spanish, the small Old City is a charming mix of narrow streets, museums and 18th- and 19th-century buildings, some of which are rumoured to be haunted. The city of 14,576 residents also benefits from quiet and tranquil beaches and the Anastasia State Park on its doorstep. These are 15 of America's most historic towns and cities.

Although home to just 550 residents, Helen is indeed a city in Georgia. With its German-style shops, beer gardens and horse-drawn carriages, Helen is a charming recreation of a Bavarian Alpine village. With flowing beer and plenty of bratwursts, the city also holds one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the country. Discover 60 places you won't believe are in the USA.

As there are no incorporated cities in the whole state apart from Honolulu, we've picked the cutest census-designated place in all of Hawaii – Paia. A surfers' paradise with beautiful sunsets, incredible beaches and fresh seafood, Paia's laid-back bohemian vibe is infectious. You’ll find plenty of colourful coffee shops, yoga studios, surf shacks, street art and the popular Paia Fish Market in this pretty destination of just 2,668 residents.

Never short on breathtaking scenery, Idaho's Sandpoint is surrounded by three towering mountain ranges and is near the Schweitzer Mountain Resort, offering excellent skiing in winter and challenging mountain biking trails in summer. Just 30 minutes south of Sandpoint is Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park, which is perfect for a daredevil holiday, and during Halloween Silverwood is transformed into five haunted houses with live actors and impressive visual effects.

A city characterised by rolling hills, Galena is full of traditional charm. Take a stroll along the cobbled streets, past the old-school blacksmiths, 19th century architecture and the P.T Murphy Magic Theater down to Main Street, where you’ll find plenty of antique shops. The city of just over 3,000 residents is famous for the incredibly well-preserved 1826 Dowling House – a gift from local residents to the Civil War general and later president Ulysses S. Grant.

Located about 20 miles (32km) south of Indianapolis, Franklin's beautiful downtown is unmissable. A recent county-wide survey revealed that the city is home to almost 300 19th-century Queen Anne homes and other buildings of historic significance and one of the most prominent is the ornate Johnson County Courthouse. Home to around 25,000 people, Franklin isn't short on outdoor attractions either – the sprawling Blue Heron Park and Wetland is enjoyed not only by people but by birds and wildlife too, including sandhill cranes, otters and even alligators.

Iowa's oldest city, nicknamed Masterpiece on the Mississippi due to its stunning riverfront scenery, has plenty of delights hidden up its sleeve. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium offers a chance to learn more about the storied river and its residents through interactive exhibits and a 4D cinema. Happen to be a fan of Game of Thrones? This is where the snowy Midwest winters inspired George R.R. Martin while he was an English and journalism professor at Clarke College back in the 1970s.

Abilene in Kansas is most famous for being the hometown of President Eisenhower and people flock to his house at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum, where he is now buried. The Georgian-style Seelye Mansion is also a popular attraction as is the Greyhound Hall of Fame – the 6,300-resident city is considered the greyhound capital of the world.

Danville is a quaint little city with a close-knit community of around 17,000 residents and charming neighbourhoods to explore. Centre College was founded here in 1819 and is known for its ranking in liberal arts. Off-campus, residents have gone to great lengths to preserve the buildings in historic downtown, where bakeries, coffee houses and snug delis pop up all the time.

The historic Natchitoches (pronounced nah-codish) was a French colony founded in 1714 and is the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana that today is a proud city of 17,831 residents. Situated on the Cane River, the area has maintained its distinctive French Creole architecture, with elegant townhouses, wrought-iron balconies and brick paths. It’s also where most of the filming of Steel Magnolias was done – something the city is still very proud of. Take a look at famous movie locations in every state.

Despite being the state capital of Maine, Augusta moves at a wonderfully slow pace. There are no skyscrapers and traffic build-ups here and the 18,000+ residents here have fully embraced it. If you’re interested in history, take a stroll past some of the city’s architectural sites: highlights include the domed 19th-century Maine State House, Old Fort Western (a formidable 18th-century fort) and Blaine House, the governor’s state residence.

A foodie destination unlike any other, Frederick has been at the helm of the farm-to-table movement for more than a decade thanks to Bryan Voltaggio and his restaurant Volt. This has in turn attracted lots of other restaurateurs, chefs, distillers and craft brewers. The city has plenty to offer to fans of the outdoors too as it's surrounded by mountains, orchards, wineries and plenty of exciting attractions – you can hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, visit Maryland's largest brewery and tour a battlefield in a day.

Lovely Salem might be best known for its connection to the notorious witch trials of 1692–3, but the city, founded in 1626, used to be one of the most significant seaports on the East Coast. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Salem Witch Village and the Charter Street Historic District all take pride of place in the historic downtown of Salem and while many historic buildings have survived in Salem, the only structure directly connected to the trials is The Witch House, which now operates as a museum.

Known for its Bavarian-style architecture, Frankenmuth is a celebration of the area’s German roots. Settled in 1845 by German Lutheran immigrants, the 5,401 resident-strong city is now filled with Bavarian-themed bakeries, restaurants and hotels. The unique city's most famous attraction? It's Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland without a doubt – a Christmas shop that began trading in 1945, it's open 361 days a year.

The small city of just 732 residents, Lanesboro in Minnesota sits along the scenic Root River State Trail and is a lot more like a town than a city. Covering around 60 miles (97km), the trail can be enjoyed on foot, on a bicycle or even in kayaks and tubes to float down the river. The quaint downtown is full of individual shops and bars, with a refreshing lack of chain stores and fast food outlets.

Set on the Mississippi River, the elegant city of Natchez has everything you might want from a Southern spot – historic antebellum homes, beautiful scenery and traditional cuisine. Here you can walk along the riverbank, hitch a ride on a horse-drawn carriage or visit the town’s art galleries and museums. With just over 15,000 residents, Natchez is also regarded as the oldest city in the whole state.

Close to the Ozark mountains, there’s lots to do in Branson. Here you’ll find the quaint US Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed amusement park with rides, performances and craft demonstrations. Usually visitors can also hop on the Branson Scenic Railway for a tour through the Ozark foothills between March and December. If you're after a bit more peace and quiet, Top of the Rock is an Ozarks heritage preserve, offering breathtaking views over the Ozark Mountains.

Deep in the Rockies is mountainous Missoula, a rural spot surrounded by forests and America's backyard on its doorstep. The University of Montana has had an undoubted influence on Missoula’s arts and music scene – the Missoula Art Museum is known for its exceptional avant-garde exhibitions. Unsurprisingly, the great outdoors is a major draw here: activities such as mountain biking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter are favourites.

America has little shortage of curious roadside attractions, but this is surely one of the quirkiest. For something a bit different than usual, head to the little city of Alliance where 39 cars are painted silver and stacked together to resemble Stonehenge in England. The 'Carhenge' structure is the brainchild of artist Jim Reinders, and was built to the same proportions as the English landmark. Take a look at 32 unusual things you'll find on a road trip through the USA.

A small city of just 20,300 people, Elko is almost a direct opposite to Las Vegas' shining lights and glitzy glamour. Located in the northern part of the state in what's known as Cowboy Country, Elko is bordered by the snow-capped Ruby Mountains, meaning there's no shortage of outdoor activities. With plenty of quaint shops, restaurants, cafés and hotels in the city, Elko is also the ultimate gateway to adventures such as rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking.

New Hampshire's capital Concord has plenty of New England charm as well as history to it. The gold-domed State House is the oldest continuously occupied statehouse in the country and houses the impressive Hall of Flags, which is home to 115 banners that date back to the Civil War. To experience the best of what New Hampshire's nature has to offer, head out of the city to Carter Hill Orchard. In operation since the 1700s, the orchard usually offers a pick-your-own service so go foraging for blueberries and pick raspberries, peaches or apples.

A stroll along the seafront is a must-do when visiting this charming coastal city, which has a population of around 4,000. Admired for its pristine beaches, the waterfront is also lined with pretty, colourful Victorian buildings. The preservation of these eye-catching structures helped the city earn its title of National Historic Landmark in 1976. These are America's most charming seaside towns.

The capital of New Mexico, the mountain town of Santa Fe has a very distinct look with its Pueblo-style architecture and winding streets, but it certainly has a lot going on. Culturally, there are 14 museums and over 250 galleries to explore, as well as 10 different art markets. Outdoor enthusiasts won’t fail to be impressed by Santa Fe either. Sitting at an elevation of 7,200 feet (2,195m) in the southernmost Rocky Mountains, the city boasts mountain vistas, and is surrounded by a million and a half acres of unspoiled national forest filled with juniper, pine and aspen. 

Mostly known for its elite college campuses, there's a lot more to Ithaca than that. An hour south of Syracuse, the city hosts plenty of concerts and festivals year-round, it has a buzzing nightlife scene and the downtown is filled with cool local shops and restaurants. Its main attraction, however, is the great outdoors. The hikeable gorges and waterfalls of the south shore of the Cayuga Lake are on the city's doorstep.

There's a lively arts scene filled with galleries, studios and museums, significant architecture such as the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, and a thriving culinary and craft beer offering. But it's not all about urban life, especially when you consider its setting amid the impressive scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With over 800,000 acres of wilderness, mountain ecosystems and waterfalls, escaping for an outdoor adventure is almost compulsory here.

The state capital of North Dakota, Bismarck's best-known landmark is perhaps its state capitol – a towering Art Deco building surrounded by manicured lawns. It is, however, the official state museum, brimming with relics from bygone eras, that makes this city so enticing. It pays tribute to early settlers and boasts an interesting exhibition on local women's role in the First World War. Showcased items range from artworks to antique weaponry, all with aim of preserving "the fabric of life in North Dakota".

This bustling Midwestern city is the location of Miami University, which dates right back to 1809, and a walk through the scenic campus will reveal charming red-brick buildings and plenty of leafy spots for curling up with a book. Downtown, boutiques and cafés line the quaint high street which is taken over by an annual wine festival in late spring. Woodlands and walking trails surround the city too, so it's a nice spot for hikers and bikers.

The former capital of Oklahoma, Guthrie is now a small city with an array of Victorian buildings and 19th-century stone façades. The historic downtown area is full of old-style architecture, antique stores and quirky attractions, and there are ghost hunting tours. The area is also home to the Scottish Rite Temple, one of the world's largest Masonic centres.

The beautiful port of Hood River sits in the foothills of the snow-capped Mount Hood on the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Given the landscape, it's not surprising that hiking, snowshoeing, mountain-biking and sailing are all incredibly popular here. With five breweries, there’s also plenty of good beer to enjoy in the area.

Sleepy Lancaster is one of the oldest inland towns in the United States and where Franklin & Marshall College, a liberal arts college, has its pretty campus. Art-lovers will find plenty to occupy themselves here – Gallery Row is a street filled with arts spaces, while the chic Lancaster Arts Hotel is tucked away in an old tobacco warehouse. Foodies should check out Lancaster Central Market, one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the US.

Set on the southern tip of Aquidneck Island, Newport is a city of mansions, museums and maritime history. It dazzles in summer, when the weather is perfect for coastal walks and ambling in the preening grounds of grand estates. The most impressive of Newport's series of mansions is The Breakers, an elegant Italian Renaissance-style building, completed in 1895 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II. A highlight of Vanderbilt's 70-room summer home is the Great Hall, with its hanging chandeliers and carved ceilings soaring to 45 feet (14m).

Behind Charleston, Beaufort is the second oldest city in South Carolina. It's renowned for its classic Southern charm, with stunning antebellum architecture and moss-covered oak trees. Walking tours or horse-drawn carriages run throughout the town, and the excellent Beaufort History Museum is worth a stop to learn more about the history of the area.

During the Gold Rush in the late 1800s, thousands flocked to the Black Hills of Deadwood, South Dakota to seek their fortune. These included Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok and other notorious gunslingers, many of which you’ll find buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery. With just over 1,300 residents, this small city is a lot more peaceful these days, though you can still enjoy shoot-out re-enactments in the historic main streets and saloons. Take a look at eerie American Gold Rush ghost towns you can visit.

Many visitors head to Gatlinburg in Tennessee to explore the Great Smoky Mountains, but the city itself is also worth discovering. Head to the Gatlinburg Space Needle (pictured) or jump aboard the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway for great views of the leafy surrounds. You’ll also find plenty of charming restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries in the area.

Only an hour's drive from Houston lies Galveston Island and the beach city of Galveston. With 32 miles (51.4km) of shore to discover, Galveston is a top beach lovers' destination well-suited for families. The beach is extremely clean and the Pleasure Pier on South Beach offers good old-fashioned seaside entertainment, like carousels, roller coasters and a Ferris wheel. You shouldn't miss the historic homes in the downtown area either.

Despite hosting the annual Sundance Film Festival and the 2002 Winter Olympics, Park City in Utah is a surprisingly quaint city. Once a famous silver mining town, the area is surrounded by lush mountains and centred around the historic Main Street, which has over 100 independent boutiques, individual restaurants and bars. Here's what's great about southern Utah.

The University of Vermont sprawls across little Burlington, located on the shores of Lake Champlain. But the small city has loads more to offer besides the attractive buildings. Downtown, pedestrianised Church Street Marketplace is the spot for shops and restaurants, plus there's a weekly farmers’ markets and an annual brewers’ festival. A five-minute walk from downtown is the beautiful lakefront, a dreamy spot for a stroll or a cycle.

The historic city of Williamsburg is stately and picturesque and is probably best known for the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, a sprawling living history museum that offers a glimpse into life during the 18th century. But the city itself shouldn't be overlooked either. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a theme park with kid-friendly and extreme roller coasters, and there's also a popular food and wine festival. Take a look at more of America's most charming historic downtowns.

While Seattle usually hogs the limelight in the Pacific Northwest, relaxed Olympia has lots going for it too, thanks to an impressive music scene. A tour of the Washington State Capitol building and grounds is a great place to learn about the state's history and make time for the outdoors too. Be sure to hike, bike or climb Mount Rainier, look for dolphins at Puget Sound and sip craft beers at the end of the day.

The capital of West Virginia is Charleston, a university city surrounded by dense forest beneath the Appalachian Mountains. It’s home to the University of Charleston and apart from its gorgeous green natural surroundings, including the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, there’s a number of man-made sites to marvel at. The gold-domed State Capitol makes for an impressive central landmark and downtown, Capitol Market, an indoor market in a former freight station, is a must-visit.

Perched on the shore of Lake Superior and surrounded by apple orchards, lavender and strawberry fields, Bayfield in Wisconsin is a wonderful escape. For most of the year, it’s home to around 500 people, but thousands of tourists visit in the summer to enjoy the scenic waters, galleries and nearby Apostle Islands.

Although Cheyenne is the state capital, it gets overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of Jackson and the ultimate cowboy town Cody. Cheyenne has a lot going for it, from exciting eateries to the imposing Wyoming State Capitol building and the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. One of the best things to visit in the city is the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. The new expansion, unveiled in 2017, includes a multi-storey conservatory that's now home to thousands of tropical plants. Here's how to discover more of Wyoming on a road trip.