Your next cultural getaway may be closer than you think. Charming lesser-known towns can make for very enriching experiences with striking architecture, intriguingly layered history, and plentiful art offerings.
A recent article by Conde Nast Traveler shared 31 of the most beautiful towns in America.
“These towns aren’t just great for the people who live there—they’re also standout travel destinations with plenty of things to do (and quaint hotels for days),” the article says.
Here are three towns on the list that you can experience on cultural journeys with the Museum Travel Alliance in 2026-27.
Skip the long-haul flights and visit these scenic destinations on your next domestic travel adventure.
Hudson, New York
The Hudson Valley is known as a cultural haven and one of the nation’s most pristine landscapes. Located just miles from New York City, centuries of artists and naturalists have flocked here for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. The Fisher Center for Performing Arts, designed by Frank Gehry, is one of its many gems, with a stainless-steel exterior engineered to reflect the Hudson Valley’s changing light and foliage.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
A short journey from Kansas City, Eureka Springs features a fusion of 19th-century and Victorian-style architecture, which blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains. Take a tour of the Thorncrown Chapel, a glass-and-wood sanctuary rising 48 feet high among the Ozark trees.
Taos, New Mexico
This UNESCO-listed town sits just a short drive from Santa Fe, the state capital. The historic art colony boasts a number of galleries and museums, including the Harwood Museum of Art, showcasing a blend of Native American, Anglo, and Spanish influences.
“Its natural beauty—with red-rock canyons, clear blue desert skies, and snow-capped mountains on the horizon—continues to inspire creative people of every stripe,” the Conde Nast article says.
Written by Arrangements Abroad staff
