Bar Harbor, Maine, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Bar Harbor, Maine has been named the top destination on U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA for 2025. Known for its charming bed-and-breakfasts and quaint downtown filled with shops and art galleries, Bar Harbor offers visitors a unique blend of coastal beauty and local culture. The town’s proximity to Acadia National Park and its vibrant outdoor recreation options further enhance its appeal. Other New England towns, such as Camden and Nantucket, also made the prestigious list, showcasing the region’s charm.
Bar Harbor, Maine — U.S. News & World Report released its list of the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA for 2025. The annual compilation names Bar Harbor, Maine, topped the list, noted for its charming bed-and-breakfasts and a quaint downtown lined with shops and art galleries. The list highlights notable destinations across the country and emphasizes outdoor attractions, coastal towns, and historic districts as draws for travelers planning short trips for 2025.
Top findings and immediate implications
The most prominent immediate takeaway is that Bar Harbor, Maine leads the list for 2025, with a profile that blends lodging options and a walkable downtown. Acadia National Park, known for outdoor activities and amazing seafood, is mentioned as a major attraction in Bar Harbor. That combination positions the town as a choice destination for visitors seeking parks, coastal scenery, and local dining.
In the wider New England region, several other towns secured positions in the Top 25 list. Camden, Maine, is ranked #8, described as a small town with big charm, featuring water views, great hiking, and a historic district with 19th-century architecture. Camden also highlights the Camden Opera House as one of its attractions. Coastal and island destinations also appear: Nantucket, Massachusetts, was ranked #10 for its many beaches, small-town atmosphere, and lighthouses. Additional New England entries include Stowe, Vermont, at #14 and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, at #23.
Supporting details and context
The list presents a cross-section of smaller communities that combine natural settings, walkable downtowns, cultural sites, and local hospitality. The list showcases the charm and unique features of small towns across the United States. For traveling readers, the rankings suggest towns that offer concentrated visitor experiences—parks, beaches, historic architecture, arts scenes, and seasonal events—often within short driving distances of larger urban centers.
For planning purposes, towns that appear in the Top 25 are often known for specific draws: coastal towns emphasize beaches and seafood; mountain towns promote hiking and winter sports; historic towns point to preserved architecture and performance venues. In the case of the New England entries named above, the appeal ranges from national-park access in Bar Harbor to historic opera houses in Camden and maritime landmarks on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
What this means for visitors
- Visitors seeking outdoor recreation may prioritize destinations like Bar Harbor and Stowe for parks and trails.
- Those looking for coastal scenery and island life may consider Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard for beaches and lighthouses.
- Travelers interested in historic architecture and cultural programming may find Camden’s 19th-century district and Camden Opera House of interest.
How to use the list
Use the rankings as a starting point for trip research rather than a strict itinerary. Look into seasonal hours, lodging availability, and local transportation when planning. Many of the towns cited are small and can become crowded in peak season, so early reservations are advised when possible.
Background and methodology (general overview)
The 2025 Best Small Towns to Visit list compiles towns from across the country that are characterized by compact downtowns, nearby attractions, and local services geared toward visitors. The published selection highlights towns that together illustrate a range of American small-town experiences, from coastal islands and seaside villages to mountain hamlets and historic river towns.
The towns named in this report are part of a nationwide ranking intended to help travelers identify destinations for short trips and weekend getaways in 2025.
FAQ
What did U.S. News & World Report publish for 2025?
U.S. News & World Report released its list of the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA for 2025.
Which town topped the 2025 list?
Bar Harbor, Maine, topped the list, noted for its charming bed-and-breakfasts and a quaint downtown lined with shops and art galleries.
What major attraction is mentioned in Bar Harbor?
Acadia National Park, known for outdoor activities and amazing seafood, is mentioned as a major attraction in Bar Harbor.
How is Camden, Maine described on the list?
Camden, Maine, is ranked #8, described as a small town with big charm, featuring water views, great hiking, and a historic district with 19th-century architecture.
Does Camden have specific attractions listed?
Camden also highlights the Camden Opera House as one of its attractions.
Where did Nantucket rank and why?
Nantucket, Massachusetts, was ranked #10 for its many beaches, small-town atmosphere, and lighthouses.
Which other New England towns were included in the Top 25?
Other New England towns included in the Top 25 are Stowe, Vermont, at #14 and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, at #23.
What overall point does the list make?
The list showcases the charm and unique features of small towns across the United States.
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Quick reference table: Selected towns and highlights from the Top 25
| Town | State | Rank | Key highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar Harbor | Maine | 1 | Charming bed-and-breakfasts; quaint downtown; Acadia National Park |
| Camden | Maine | 8 | Water views; great hiking; historic district with 19th-century architecture; Camden Opera House |
| Nantucket | Massachusetts | 10 | Many beaches; small-town atmosphere; lighthouses |
| Stowe | Vermont | 14 | Mountain scenery and outdoor recreation |
| Martha’s Vineyard | Massachusetts | 23 | Island attractions and coastal charm |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News: Best Small Towns Live Across America
- World Atlas: Prettiest Small Towns in Massachusetts
- Southside Daily: Best Small Towns to Retire in Virginia
- Boston.com: New England Small Towns
- PureWow: Charming Small Towns in Massachusetts
- Wikipedia: Small Town
- Google Search: Best Small Towns in America
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Town
- Google News: Best Small Towns 2025
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