🌞 5 Hidden Small Towns to Visit on Your North American Summer Road Trip

A summer road trip across North America isn’t just about getting from one place to another—it’s about the unexpected views, the chance encounters, and the towns that quietly steal your heart. Beyond the bustle of big cities, there are small dots on the map that can turn into the highlight of your journey. Here are five hidden gems worth slowing down for.

1. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Where the ocean meets artistry, Carmel feels like stepping into a fairytale. Think white-sand beaches with gentle waves, boutique shops with hand-painted signs, and cobblestone paths lined with blooming flowers. Stop for a bowl of creamy clam chowder at a seaside bistro, wander through sunlit art galleries, and end the day on the beach as the sky melts into shades of gold and pink.

2. Tofino, British Columbia
The sound of rolling waves on Long Beach defines Tofino’s summer. Surfers gather at sunrise, disappearing into the mist as the day begins. Spend the afternoon savoring freshly shucked oysters and wild salmon steak, then watch the Pacific transform under a fiery sunset with a cold beer in hand. Here, ocean, forest, and sky blend into a palette that erases every trace of travel fatigue.

3. Astoria, Oregon
Where the Columbia River meets the Pacific, Astoria is a harbor town with vintage charm. Old warehouses have been transformed into cozy cafés and craft breweries. Browse through a quaint bookstore before strolling the riverwalk, the salty breeze brushing your cheeks. From the hilltop lighthouse, the view is both grand and serene, wrapping you in the quiet soul of the Pacific Northwest.

4. Kennebunkport, Maine
With white yachts bobbing in the harbor, a horizon of endless blue, and warm, buttery lobster rolls fresh from the dock, Kennebunkport’s summer is the perfect blend of flavor and scenery. Walk along the shore past historic wooden homes, and as evening falls, watch the harbor turn to liquid gold under the glow of the setting sun.

5. Taos, New Mexico
At the meeting point of desert and mountains, Taos is an artist’s refuge. Sunbaked adobe buildings line the streets, their walls adorned with handwoven textiles and clay pottery. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky ignites in deep reds and oranges, casting long shadows over the sand. Time here doesn’t rush—it lingers, letting you truly feel each moment.

This summer, skip the fastest route on your GPS and take the long way around. The warmth of these towns—their landscapes, their people—just might remind you why you set out on the road in the first place. 🛣✨

-Sierra