Top 10 Best Small Towns in the Wild West Unveiled for 2026
These are the top 10 best small towns in the Wild West, featuring three in California and two in Colorado, as part of the prestigious USA Today Readers' Choice Awards. Each of these charming towns is home to fewer than 25,000 residents and boasts an abundance of art and nature activities for visitors to explore. From island towns in Washington to vineyard-filled locales in California, these unique destinations provide tourists with relaxing stays and stunning views of water or mountains. Even the Peach Capital of Colorado is drawing crowds with its sweet fruit, alongside opportunities for hiking and skiing. Here are the 2026 10 Best small towns in the West.
Palisade, Colorado: The Peach Capital
Palisade, with a population of 2,600, is renowned as the Peach Capital of Colorado, thanks to a climate that supports a 182-day growing season, as reported by USA Today. The town features over two dozen orchards and fruit farms, according to The Denver Post. Additionally, it is a hub for wineries, earning the title of Colorado's wine country from Visit Palisade, and produces 80 percent of the state's wine-making grapes. For those not interested in fruit, Palisade offers excellent skiing, hiking, and rafting along the Colorado River.
Big Bear Lake, California: A Year-Round Destination
Big Bear Lake, near San Bernardino and a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, is home to a man-made freshwater lake popular for boating and fishing. This town of 5,000 residents is situated in the San Bernardino National Forest, making it a great place for skiing in winter and hiking year-round, as noted by USA Today. Visitors can spot bears, mountain lions, and bald eagles, enjoy lakefront views at restaurants, and attend the popular Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest. The town also has a vibrant art, theatre, and music scene.
Grants, New Mexico: Volcanic Landscapes and More
Grants, a town of 8,000 located an hour west of Albuquerque, is ideal for Route 66 enthusiasts and those seeking quiet exploration. It is home to El Malpais National Monument, a volcanic landscape with young lava flows, lava tubes, and sandstone bluffs, described by the National Park Service as the land of frozen fire. USA Today also highlights a functioning auto salvage yard for car enthusiasts.
Cody, Wyoming: The Epitome of the Wild West
Cody, with 10,000 residents, embodies the Wild West, named after Colonel William Frederick Cody, also known as Buffalo Bill. Its streets lined with fluorescent signs and wide-open skies make tourists feel like they're on a movie set. The town features a re-creation of an old frontier town, museums, Buffalo Bill State Park, and wild mustang tours for wildlife spotting, as reported by USA Today.
Breckenridge, Colorado: A Ski and Brewery Haven
Breckenridge, one of North America's top ski locations, is not just a winter destination. This town of 5,000 offers year-round attractions like hiking and mountain biking, and is full of craft breweries, including the world's highest distillery, along with mountain cuisine. Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, it is known as nature's playground.
Astoria, Oregon: Historic Maritime Charm
Astoria, with 10,000 residents, exudes Pacific Northwest charm and has a rich maritime heritage. Located along the Columbia River, it is the oldest town in Oregon and the first permanent US settlement west of the Rockies, according to Travel Oregon. The picturesque town features Victorian-era homes, the 125-foot Astoria Column monument, and the Oregon Film Museum in an old jail.
Solvang, California: A Danish-Inspired Escape
Solvang, a town of 6,000, transports visitors to Denmark with its windmills, gingerbread-style architecture, and Danish-inspired eateries. Situated in Santa Barbara wine country, it offers wineries, tasting rooms, horse-drawn streetcar tours, and museums like the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. Pastry shops add to its European flair.
Healdsburg, California: Wine and Outdoor Adventures
Healdsburg, with 12,000 residents, is another wine country town perfect for exploring wineries and enjoying farm-to-table experiences, as noted by USA Today. It offers outdoor activities such as biking through vineyards and kayaking along the Russian River, making it a haven for foodies and nature lovers.
Friday Harbor, Washington: Island Getaway
Friday Harbor, situated on San Juan Island off the coast of Washington, is accessible only by ferry, according to USA Today. This historic seaport of 2,700 residents is ideal for whale watching, wildlife spotting, and visiting museums. It has served as a backdrop for films like Practical Magic and Free Willy 2.
Anacortes, Washington: Art and Water Activities
Anacortes, home to 18,000 people on Fidalgo Island, is also accessible by ferry. Known for its art galleries and boutiques, it offers whale watching, fishing, and boating. The town hosts a weekly farmers' market and festivals like the Anacortes Arts Festival, adding to its vibrant community spirit.
