Jackson Hole
#3 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
Jackson Hole has made a name for itself thanks to its 400-some inches of annual snowfall and 2,500 acres of skiable terrain. But it’s more than a top ski spot: Visitors return to this Wyoming valley year after year for its picturesque scenery and proximity to Grand Teton National Park. As such, expect outdoor activities galore, including mountain biking, paragliding and whitewater rafting. What’s more, you can even view wild elk at the nearby National Elk Refuge.
Lake Tahoe
#4 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
This lake that straddles the California-Nevada state line lets visitors choose their own adventure. Ski at the intimate, cozy Homewood Mountain Resort in winter or soak up some sun and swim at Kings Beach State Recreation Area in summer. Olympics enthusiasts should check out Squaw Valley, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, while those with extra money to spend can tempt Lady Luck at the casinos located on the Nevada side of the lake.