20 Best Small Towns to Buy a Vacation Home

Ready to buy a vacation home? Ask yourself whether you want to be on a lake, at the beach, in the mountains or close to a historic town square. Then, choose from one of these 20 small towns for the perfect getaway.

By: Erin Gifford

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Decisions, Decisions

When you’re considering a vacation home, you have a lot of choices. Many US destinations check boxes for beautiful scenery, plentiful activities, exciting food scenes and ample outdoor recreation choices, whether on the lake, on the beach, in the mountains or near national parks.

Over the last couple of years, Vacasa, a full-service vacation rental management company, has evaluated the top markets for buying vacation homes. They looked at factors like rising home prices and rate of investment return, as well as destination trends. A notable preference among potential vacation homebuyers is waterfront destinations that can be reached by car.

Read on for 20 of the best small towns in the US to buy a vacation home, and find out what sets each destination apart.

Learn More: The 10 Best Places to Retire Around the World

Lake Anna, Virginia

If you’re all in on lake life, then Virginia’s Lake Anna may be for you. This 13,000-acre reservoir in Spotsylvania County is one of the largest in the state, attracting pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. At Lake Anna State Park, spend the day in the sun at the swimming beach or hike across miles of forested trails. Order up a burger or salad at The Cove at Lake Anna. Sit outside and watch the boats come and go as you listen to live music. Off the lake, get in a round of disc golf at Loriella Park.

Port Aransas, Texas

Port Aransas – also known as Port A – may be the original destination for island life. At least the town bills itself as such. Not only is Port Aransas among the best beach towns in Texas, it’s also a favorite among vacation homeowners thanks to chill vibes and sandy stretches of pristine coastline. Port Aransas is home to Mustang Island State Park, which has a paddling trail, campsites and stargazing programs. Port Aransas Beach is noted as a sport fishing destination, which is ideal for those eager to catch tuna, sailfish or blue marlin.

Palm Coast, Florida

Allow yourself to be awed by colorful sunrises, sandy stretches of coastline and picturesque formal gardens in Palm Coast. Located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Palm Coast is just an hour south of Jacksonville and has so much to offer vacationers. Stroll the stunning nature trails at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, then laze the day away at one of the pristine beaches. For golfers, there are eight golf courses in Palm Coast. This is a wonderful destination for birders, too, thanks to its location on Florida’s Great Birding Trail. Keep your eyes open for roseate spoonbills and wood storks.

Corolla, North Carolina

Corolla’s famous wild horses have been roaming the unspoiled beaches since the 1500s when they’re said to have come ashore with Spanish explorers. They’re especially popular with visitors to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Wild Horse Adventure Tours offers daily tours in open-air off-road vehicles in search of wild horses in and around Corolla. There are few paved roads in Corolla, so a four-wheel-drive vehicle is required to get around in the sand in this small beach town. Climb to the top of the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse for 360-degree views across the Outer Banks.

Okaloosa Island, Florida

Okaloosa Island is for vacationers who never tire of emerald-green waters and sugar-sand beaches. This small island on the Florida Panhandle is an 875-acre section of Santa Rosa Island. It also draws rave reviews for its three miles of gorgeous Gulf Coast beachfront. Stroll one of several beaches, like Princess Beach or Eglin Beach. Say hello to the dolphins at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, then head to the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk for fun and food. Of course, sunrises and sunsets are popular on Okaloosa Island. Yes, you can enjoy both on this south-facing island.

Saugatuck, Michigan

Saugatuck is just over two hours from Chicago when traveling counterclockwise around Lake Michigan, making this lakeside destination a perfect pick for a vacation home. With the sun, sand and lake breezes, it can be hard to believe that Saugatuck was once a logging town. Today, you’re more likely to see porch hammocks, towering sand dunes and sailboats in Saugatuck. In summer, climb 282 steps to the top of Mount Baldhead dune, then take the Saugatuck Chain Ferry across the Kalamazoo River. You’ll also find a number of art galleries and studios there, like The Laffing Glass.

Sylva, North Carolina

Situated in Western North Carolina, Sylva is a stone’s throw from the Oconaluftee entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Scenic mountain views are plentiful, whether hiking, biking or fly-fishing, or simply enjoying a scenic drive. This charming small town is also noted for its thriving beer scene. More than 120 local beers are on tap across four in-town breweries. Innovation Brewing Company is a favorite thanks to great beers and food-truck options. A stroll along the tree-lined Main Street reveals vintage shops, a quaint general store and several breweries.

St. Augustine, Florida

More than 42 miles of idyllic beaches make St. Augustine a paradise for sun-seeking vacationers. Crescent Beach is an especially wonderful stretch of coastline that lends itself to beach bike rides on hard-packed sand. Of course, St. Augustine is also notable for its rich history and status as one of the oldest cities in the US. Stroll historic cobblestone streets where you'll find quaint art galleries and one-of-a-kind boutiques in Old City. The famed 144-block historic district wows visitors with its stunning Spanish colonial architecture. In winter, revel in the twinkling lights at the Night of Lights holiday display.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

In Gulf Shores, bathe in the warm sunshine and calls of migratory birds from a quiet stretch of sugar-sand beach. At Gulf State Park, walk or bike along the 28-mile Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail for views across freshwater marshes and pristine sand dunes, as well as 900-acre Lake Shelby. A nature tram takes visitors across the state park, as well as to in-park restaurants, including Foodcraft and Perch, both of which serve flavorful locally-sourced dishes.

Frankfort, Michigan

Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, there’s a lot to love about Frankfort, including pristine sand dunes, gorgeous beaches, scenic lighthouses and spectacular lake sunsets. Known as the gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, it’s a short 30-minute drive from Frankfort to gorgeous hiking trails, like the scenic Empire Bluff Trail. Get ready to be blown away by the lake views. Take in two area maritime landmarks, including Point Betsie Lighthouse and Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse. For art lovers, Frankfort is home to an acclaimed arts center with galleries, classes, live performances and exhibitions.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Best known for its NASCAR racing scene and spring break revelers, Daytona Beach is garnering attention for its real estate, including vacation homes. There’s so much to do thanks to 23 miles of sandy coastline, art museums, scenic lighthouses and a legit surfing scene. Daytona Beach is also the Festival Capital of Florida, hosting more than 60 art, music and pop culture festivals each year. Stroll the Daytona Beach Boardwalk to take in views across the ocean in between stops in gift shops and pizza joints. The historic Coquina Clock Tower is a beloved landmark on the boardwalk.

Boothbay Harbor, Maine

It’s hard to top a classic coastal town in Maine when in search of a destination for a vacation home. The seaside hamlet of Boothbay Harbor is a charmer, wowing vacationers and residents alike with clambakes, an outdoor history museum, windjammer cruises, stunning lighthouses and oh, the puffins. Maine is the only US state where wild puffins nest, and they are as adorable as you imagine. Take a cruise with Cap’n Fish’s Cruises to get your puffin fix. Boothbay Lobster Wharf is a must to watch the lobstermen haul in their daily catches before savoring a delicious lobster roll.

Nags Head, North Carolina

Nags Head is the largest coastal town on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, spanning 13 miles from north to south along the Atlantic Ocean. One of the top attractions is Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which is home to the East Coast’s tallest natural sand dunes, drawing in park-goers for hang-gliding lessons. Nags Head is also home to all kinds of beach houses and vacationer amenities, like surf shops, mini golf courses, seafood restaurants, an outlet mall and, of course, the original Brew-Thru drive-thru beverage store. For a post-dinner stroll, walk to the end of Jennette’s Pier, the longest public pier in North Carolina.

Westport, Washington

Just two hours west of Seattle is Westport, a charming beach town that attracts surfers, whale watchers, nature lovers and those who simply want to take a stroll for a pint or fresh, wild-caught seafood from Merino’s Seafood Market. From March to May, migratory gray whales can be seen off-shore. Several whale-watching cruises set off from Westport, including Ocean Sport Fishing. The Jetty is a good place to start for novice surfers, thanks to consistent waves, but there are options for surfers of all levels and abilities. For a walk on the beach, head to Twin Harbors State Park for scenic ocean views and gorgeous stretches of coastline.

Bradenton, Florida

Just south of Tampa is Bradenton, a vacation home-worthy destination in its own right thanks to a scenic riverwalk along the Manatee River, historic sites, nature preserves and an eclectic working artists’ community called the Village of the Arts. For baseball lovers, Bradenton is also the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, which fields a team at LECOM Park. At Manatee Village Historical Park, stroll historic buildings, including a general store and one-room schoolhouse, from Manatee County’s pioneer days. Bradenton is also a short drive from pristine Gulf Coast beaches, including Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.

Depoe Bay, Oregon

Known as the Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay is the place to be from March through December when gray whales, blue whales and humpback whales can frequently be seen from a charter boat or the Whale Watching Center. In town, walk across the iconic Depoe Bay Bridge, then pop in and out of art galleries, scoop shops, boutiques and art galleries. Enjoy a coastal sunset with a glass of wine at Depoe Bay Winery, which is also a great spot for whale watching. Make the 20-minute drive north to Lincoln City for tide pooling and an annual kite festival.

Dauphin Island, Alabama

Dauphin Island is tops among families and vacation-goers eager to settle in on an idyllic stretch of white-sand beach. It’s also home to historic attractions, like Fort Gaines, a key Civil War outpost, as well as the 164-acre Audubon Bird Sanctuary, a rest stop for spring migratory birds traveling across the Gulf of Mexico. Dubbed the Sunset Capital of Alabama, take in all the colors from the west end of the island, which is also where you'll find many of the island’s beach houses. Pay a visit to the protected Goat Tree Reserve to ogle gorgeous giant oak trees.

Port St. Joe, Florida

Set on St. Joseph Bay on the Florida Panhandle, Port St. Joe is a small coastal town with chill vibes that draws in visitors and vacationers with outdoor recreation and natural beauty. It’s a hub for water-based activities, like sport fishing, kayaking, boating and snorkeling. For panoramic views across the Gulf of Mexico, climb 131 steps to the top of the Cape San Blas Lighthouse, then hike the nature trails across T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, which extends some 20 miles into the azure gulf waters. In town, get your fill of fresh seafood at Shipwreck Raw Bar.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is the place to go for mellow outdoor adventures, like kayaking, crabbing, horseback riding and treetop-canopy tours. The island is very bike-friendly thanks to 60 miles of public bike paths. You can even bike along 12 miles of hard-packed sandy coastline. Among the top beaches is Coligny Beach Park, which is an easy walk from cafes, shopping and ice cream shops. Climb to the top of Harbour Town Lighthouse for views across Hilton Head Island. The island is tops for golfers, too. There are more than 20 championship golf courses.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is a popular mountain town that’s a short drive from the Sugarlands entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Inside the park, hike to Clingmans Dome for far-reaching views from the highest point in Tennessee, then bike the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, which is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays from early May through September. Outside the park, Anakeesta brings the fun with a mountain coaster, canopy walk, zip lines, gem mining and a sensory garden. In fall foliage season, the colors are simply spectacular in Gatlinburg, especially from the front porch of a vacation cabin.