There is nothing better than exploring a small town. Don’t get me wrong — I love seeing bustling cities and hitting up landmark sites — but the charm and whimsy of a small town is unmatched. It’s where you can get a true feel for an area, take its pulse for its interests and offerings, and really experience a unique slice of Americana you can’t get anywhere else.
And honestly, that seems to be a major travel trend heading into 2026. Short-term rental platforms show that, as of recent data, 66% of Airbnb stays occurred in places with no hotel infrastructure, indicating that many travelers are opting for small towns, rural counties, or remote areas over traditional urban destinations.
Recently, Fodor’s released its 2026 Go List. Editors scanned the globe to see where people planned to head next year, and when looking at the U.S. selections, you can clearly see we’re trending toward this rural tourism shift.
A rather unknown but visually stunning place people plan to explore? Coupeville, Washington, which boasts year-round tourism that caters to every kind of adventure.
Fun fact: Coupeville is actually the location where the cult classic Practical Magic—starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman—is set. Strolling down Front Street will instantly bring back memories of the iconic film.
Related: 4 underrated small towns to visit during winter
Basics about Coupeville, Washington
As a seaside town, water adventures and whale watching are limitless. Go sailing, beachcombing, and so much more. That also means seafood is standard here, and Coupeville has some of the best options you’ll ever taste. The area is known for its Penn Cove mussels, so be sure to order some if you make it out there next year.
When we think about “artsy” towns, places like Portland and Austin immediately come to mind. But Coupeville has cultivated a cool scene all its own. In the summer of 2026, the town will host its annual Arts & Crafts Festival on August 8 and 9, an event they’ve held since 1964. It features independent artists from all around who gather to sell their wares and help revitalize Coupeville’s “ghost town” past. There are also art stores throughout town where you can take classes or pick up supplies.
Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve is another visitor favorite. There are tons of hiking options along the Bluff Loop Trail, as well as Fort Casey State Park, a historic military site that was active in both World Wars.
The town is also easily accessible from other small and charming areas. You can take the ferry over to Port Townsend for an afternoon, which is a “charming” Victorian town.
Related: The Washington National Cathedral has a bizarre hidden detail some tourists are just noticing
Tips for traveling through a small town
Making the most of your day trip or long weekend in a small town comes down to a few essential planning tips:
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Avoid any and all chain experiences. You’re in a small town — really take it in. Skip Starbucks for a local café and ask the baristas for their signature drinks. You literally can’t have that experience elsewhere.
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Talk to people. While reading guides is a great launching point, I can admit that you won’t get better information from a site than you will from a human. No one knows their town like a townie.
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Take a walking tour. Whether it’s an architectural tour or a ghost tour, you’ll learn so much about the area by simply getting a feel for it and its history.
Small towns are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers — just be sure to maximize your experience by planning trips around local events and really familiarizing yourself with the area.
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This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.