7 Mountain Towns In The US Worth Visiting This Summer

There’s something about the combination of forested trails and dramatic mountain backdrops that I never get tired of.

Mountain towns have always held a special place in my heart—not for skiing or snowboarding (I’ll gladly skip the winter sports), but for what happens after the snow melts. Once the trails thaw out and the wildflowers start peeking through, these towns become some of the best places to unwind, explore, and breathe in that crisp, high-altitude air.

And sure, the U.S. has plenty of mountain escapes—but the ones in this list? They’re special. Some serve as gateway towns to epic national parks, others are packed with quirky themes and unexpected charm (think art colonies, hot springs, or even haunted hotels)!

Most of the mountain towns on this list are easy to reach, being just a short drive from major international airports. And for the few that take a bit more effort to get to? Well, they’re worth every mile.

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Table of Contents

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Set against the jagged peaks of the Tetons, Jackson Hole is more than just a gateway to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It’s a lively mountain town that’s got a lot going for it, too.

Yes, you can fill your days with scenic drives, wildlife spotting, or cold swims in places like Jenny Lake or the Snake River. But don’t skip town itself!

Jackson’s downtown is walkable and packed with personality—expect Western boutiques, local cafes like Persephone, and a classic town square where you can ogle in awe at the famed elk antler arches.

Summers in Jackson Hole are a whole vibe; catch a local farmers market, enjoy Bluegrass Tuesdays at the Silver Dollar (don’t miss their famous corn chowder), experience the legendary Jackson Hole Rodeo (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) or just post up in the grass with a huckleberry ice cream and watch the world go by.

Nearest Airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC – technically international, but small)
Other Airport Options: Idaho Falls Regional Airport (~2 hours) or Salt Lake City (~4.5 hrs)
Drive time: ~15 minutes from JAC
Notes: If you’re flying into Jackson Hole directly, it’s super convenient!
Where To Stay: Hotel Jackson or The Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth - Beautiful Places In Washington

Ever wanted to visit a German town without leaving the States? Leavenworth, Washington is the answer!

Tucked into the Cascade Mountains just two hours from Seattle, Leavenworth looks like a Bavarian postcard come to life—but it wasn’t always that way.

Originally a struggling logging town on the brink of disappearing, Leavenworth reinvented itself in the 1960s by leaning into its alpine setting and transforming its entire downtown into a Bavarian-style village. The goal? Attract visitors and save the town. It worked.

Today, Leavenworth is a year-round destination that pairs timber-framed buildings and flower-draped balconies with a packed calendar of themed festivals, like Maifest (May), Oktoberfest (Sept/Oct), and its famous Christmastown celebration (Dec).

In the summer, it’s ideal for whitewater rafting, wine tasting, hiking in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, or simply strolling through its walkable downtown filled with shops, beer halls, and bratwurst. It’s quirky, charming, and surprisingly fun.

Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Drive time: ~2 hours
Notes: Gorgeous but winding mountain drive; the drive can be longer than 2 hrs in bad weather or traffic.
Where To Stay: Bavarian Lodge or Enzian Inn

Helen, Georgia

Downtown-Helen-at-Christmas — Courtesy of: Alpine Helen White County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be more than one Bavarian-style mountain town in the U.S.—surprise! There’s another one, and this one’s tucked into the North Georgia mountains.

Helen is a tiny town with big personality, complete with gingerbread-trimmed buildings, biergartens, and horse-drawn carriages clopping past timbered storefronts. It’s kitschy in the best way and surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and Appalachian forest, making it the perfect blend of themed fun and outdoor escape.

Some of the biggest events on the calendar include the annual Oktoberfest (Sept–Oct), the Balloon Race & Festival in June, and a Hallmark-worthy Christmas celebration complete with lights, parades, and carolers. But you don’t have to visit during an event to enjoy it here.

Go tubing or fly fishing on the Chattahoochee River, hike up to Anna Ruby Falls, or explore Unicoi State Park for kayaking, zip lining, and mountain biking. When you’re done with nature, wind down with bratwurst and spaetzle at one of the town’s many German restaurants, or pop into a local winery or beer hall for a tasting.

Downtown Helen is highly walkable, and it’s packed with candy shops, boutiques, fudge counters, and even a Nutcracker Museum!

Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Drive time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Notes: This one’s a relatively easy and straightforward drive; it’s a popular weekend trip from Atlanta.
Where To Stay: Upcountry Inn

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge might be best known for its winter slopes, but come summer, the snow melts to reveal a completely different kind of magic—one where life moves a little slower and the mountain air feels like a reset button.

Roll down Main Street on a cruiser bike, hop off to grab a coffee from a cozy corner shop, and watch the world float by under bluebird skies. This is how you slow travel in Breck.

Summer in Breckenridge hits that sweet spot—days in the mid-70s, plenty of sunshine, low humidity, and barely any bugs. It’s the kind of weather that begs you to be outside, and luckily, there’s no shortage of ways to do that!

There are literally hundreds of hiking and biking trails in the area, ranging from gentle riverside strolls to challenging alpine routes with views that make you stop in your tracks. You can also hit the water with whitewater rafting, try stand-up paddleboard yoga, or spend a peaceful afternoon fly fishing in cool, clear streams.

When you’re not out exploring the outdoors, downtown Breckenridge has plenty going on—summer festivals, outdoor art fairs, local farmers markets, and a solid lineup of craft breweries that are perfect for post-adventure wind-downs.

Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN)
Drive time: ~2 hours
Notes: Traffic on I-70 can turn this into 3–4 hours on weekends/holidays.
Where To Stay: Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan

Mammoth Lakes, California

Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes - TravelsWithElle

I first stumbled into Mammoth Lakes on a road trip to hike Big Pine Lakes—one of my all-time favorite hikes in California (seriously, it’s like having Banff in our backyard).

We were planning to tackle the trail early, so we decided to spend a day or two in Mammoth Lakes beforehand. And wow—I ended up falling in love with the town just as much as the hike itself!

Mammoth Lakes is an all-seasons adventure base. Whether you’re riding the gondola to panoramic peaks, hiking to waterfalls, exploring gems like Devil’s Postpile and Rainbow Falls, or skiing on Mammoth Mountain, this town is a dream for the outdoorsy traveler. Even if your version of “outdoorsy” is soaking in a hot spring with a craft beer in hand—Mammoth has you covered.

If you’re thinking of visiting Yosemite National Park, here’s a tip: Mammoth Lakes is right on the other side of the Sierra via Tioga Pass. So if you’re down for some serious road tripping and want to keep the adventure going, the two make an epic combo.

If you’re planning a trip to the Eastern Sierras, don’t just pass through Mammoth—stay awhile. You’ll find plenty to do (and eat) and probably fall for it just like I did.

Airport: Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH, limited flights)
Other Airport Options: Reno-Tahoe International (RNO, 3+ hrs) or San Francisco International Airport (SFO, 6+ hours)
Notes: Starting your drive from San Francisco is a great option if you have time for a Northern California road trip!
Where To Stay: The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth or The Village Lodge

Taos, New Mexico

When you think of mountain towns, you probably picture something nestled in the mountains—cradled high up and covered in pine. But Taos is different. It sits at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, stretched out under that big New Mexico sky.

Generations of artists have been drawn to this place, capturing it on canvas and in clay. While you’re in town, wander into a few of the town’s 70+ galleries and appreciate the artistry the town has to offer.

Beyond the art, there’s deep history—real, ongoing, and very much alive! Taos was originally a fortified trading plaza in the 1700s, a meeting point between Hispano settlers and the neighboring Taos Pueblo, just three miles from town.

The pueblo has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, and walking through its adobe walls, you feel that time in your bones. It’s the only Native American community recognized as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.

Back in town, the vibe is laid-back but never boring. You can catch live music in Taos Plaza, pop into a tiny bookstore with a cat sleeping in the window, and drink lavender lemonade while listening to locals talk about snowpack levels and poetry readings.

If you’re road-tripping through New Mexico, the High Road to Taos is absolutely worth it. Think sweeping desert views, quiet mountain villages with deep Spanish roots, and artists selling work out of adobe homes.

From there, you can explore the Rio Grande Gorge (the bridge alone is wild to walk across), fly in a hot air balloon, or just kick back and people-watch with a green chile burrito in hand.