CNN Names Top 10 U.S. Towns to Visit 2025

CNN Travel has released its 2025 list of the top 10 best towns to visit in America, with Ithaca, New York, taking the number one spot for its waterfalls, gorges, walkable downtown, and diverse culinary scene. Locals in Ithaca expressed both pride and concern about the potential impact of increased tourism. Other towns on the list include Bend, Oregon, celebrated for its outdoor adventures like rafting, skiing, and mountain biking, and creative lodging options, and Northampton, Massachusetts, known for its lively downtown and Smith College campus. Additional featured towns are Missoula, Asheville, Annapolis, Petaluma, Las Cruces, Clarksdale, and Rapid City. The recognition is intended to encourage year-round visitation by highlighting each town's blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and community spirit. The list showcases destinations across the country known for their unique attractions and vibrant cultures.