According to U.S. News & World Report, the best small towns in America are in New England.
The outlet released its annual ranking of the best vacations on Tuesday, naming Bar Harbor, Maine, topping its list of the best small towns to visit in the United States for the fourth year in a row. Mount Desert Island was among those that made it to the list of New England getaways, including Camden, Maine, which came in at No. 8. Nantucket Island earned the No. 4 spot last year and will be ranked No. 10 in 2025. Stowe, Vermont, ranked 14th, up from 19th last year. Martha’s Vineyard was ranked 23rd, down from 18th last year. Kennebunkport, Maine, which took the No. 21 spot last year, was not a candidate in 2025.
Meanwhile, Boston ranks third on the list of best cities to visit in the United States, moving up several spots from ranking just 14th last year. In 2025, New York City was named the best city to visit in the United States, with Washington DC coming in second place. The Big Apple also earned the No. 4 spot on the world’s best cities list this year. First place was Rome, second place was Tokyo, and third place was London.
New England also made its presence felt in the list of best places to visit in the United States. Glacier National Park in Montana ranks No. 1 for the second year in a row, while Bar Harbor, Maine ranks 20th (down from 18th last year) and Boston ranks 23rd (up from 29th). ). year). When it comes to the world’s most visited places list, the 2025 crown goes to the Swiss Alps for the first time, up from fifth place last year, while Bora Bora takes second place, Rome third and Machu Picchu second. A rookie ranked 4th in the rankings.
And for the second year in a row, Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park topped the list of the best budget vacations in the United States. Bar Harbor, Maine, is the only New England destination on the U.S. cheap vacation list, coming in at No. 9 in 2025, down from No. 6 last year.
“As the travel industry continues its strong recovery, travelers are increasingly drawn to unique and jaw-dropping landscapes, preferring destinations like Machu Picchu, Tanzania, and Mt. Fuji,” said Elizabeth, Senior Travel Editor, US・Mr. Von Tersch said. News, said in a press release statement. “From secluded beaches to awe-inspiring views, our 2025 Best Vacations ranking offers a variety of destinations, from the intimate to the far-flung, to cater to every traveler’s taste. Masu.”
Find out more about our ranking of the best vacations of 2025 here.
Matt Juul can be reached at matthew.juul@globe.com.
