No passport, no problem—bring your European vacation dreams to life without leaving the United States.
You don’t have to travel far for charming Bavarian villages and traditional Dutch windmills.
Discover the most scenic U.S. cities that feel like a trip to Europe:
Helen, Georgia
Are you looking for a place to celebrate Oktoberfest in the U.S. that feels just like Germany? Helen, a quaint town in the North Georgia mountains, is just the place.
Helen resembles a Bavarian village, from the architecture to the food and legendary annual Oktoberfest. Regardless of the time of year, Helen will instantly transport you to the streets of Germany.
Vail, Colorado
Vail is a famous Colorado destination full of European charm. While it’s especially popular among skiers and snowboarders in the winter, it also shines during summer.
The city has two central areas, Vail and Lionshead Villages, boasting Bavarian-style shops, restaurants, art galleries, and hotels. Both are pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to wander around and imagine you’re on a European getaway.
Charleston, South Carolina
Some Charleston streets will remind you of France, while others are reminiscent of England. The waterfront South Carolina town captivates tourists with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Head to the 19th-century French Quarter for some of Charleston’s most impressive examples of architecture.
Lindsborg, Kansas
Kansas may seem like a random state for a European-inspired destination, but Lindsborg will pleasantly surprise you. A group of Swedish immigrants founded the town in 1869, and its deep ties to Scandinavia endure today.
Referred to as “Little Sweden USA,” Lindsborg has Swedish restaurants, museums, and shops where visitors can learn about its cultural heritage. On odd-numbered years, it hosts a Svensk Hyllingsfest celebration with traditional food, music, dancing, and entertainment. You can also find the mysterious ruins of a medieval-style castle in the nearby Coronado Heights Park.
Leavenworth, Washington
Tucked among the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is the ideal place to escape to Europe within the Pacific Northwest. This Bavarian-style town has charming architecture, authentic German restaurants, and one-of-a-kind attractions, like the Nutcracker Museum.
Fall and winter are some of the best times to visit Leavenworth for seasonal decorations and family-friendly events. Highlights include Oktoberfest and citywide light displays celebrating Christmas and the New Year.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Head to the Michigan town of Frankenmuth for a taste of Europe. Known as “Michigan’s Litte Bavaria,” Frankenmuth was settled by German immigrants in the mid to late 1800s.
The town’s German heritage is evident around every street corner. From the summertime Bavarian Festival to the fall Scarecrow Fest, Frankenmuth always has something fun to experience.
Solvang, California
The Californian town of Solvang will make you feel like you’re on vacation in Denmark. This picturesque town lies in the Santa Ynez Valley and is considered the Danish Capital of America. Here, you can sample Danish delicacies, shop for handcrafted goods imported from Denmark, and admire landmarks like the Rundetårn, a replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower, and numerous windmills.
New Glarus, Wisconsin
Discover a quaint paradise in the southern Wisconsin town of New Glarus. Named after Glarus in Switzerland, it gives visitors a slice of Swiss culture in the States.
America’s Little Switzerland hosts many traditional festivals, such as Silvesterchlausen in January and Adventsfenster in December. Don’t miss the Swiss Historical Village & Museum, which explores New Glarus’s beginnings in 1845.
St. Augustine, Florida
As America’s oldest town, it’s unsurprising that St. Augustine has clear European influences. This coastal Florida city boasts fantastic displays of Spanish architecture throughout its artistic district and centuries-old landmarks. Must-visit sights for architecture and history buffs include Aviles Street, Flagler College, and the Lightner Museum.
Pella, Iowa
During your next trip to Iowa, spend a day in Pella, less than an hour from Des Moines. It was founded in 1847 by immigrants from The Netherlands, who managed to preserve many aspects of Dutch culture.
The star of Pella is the Vermeer Windmill, the country’s tallest working windmill. Visitors can also immerse themselves in Holland’s traditions by touring the Historical Village and attending the Annual Tulip Festival held each May.
Boston, Massachusetts
Travel back to old-world Europe with a visit to Boston. The Massachusetts capital holds incredible cultural significance as the site of many historic events, such as the Boston Tea Party.
Walking through Boston’s streets, you’ll notice buildings in styles ranging from Georgian and Greek Revival to Renaissance and Romanesque. Icons like Quincy Market and The Liberty Hotel are fantastic places to discover slivers of Europe throughout the city.
Hermann, Missouri
Visit Hermann, a German town in Missouri, next time you crave a European getaway close to home. Hermann is small but full of history, charm, and picture-perfect scenery.
Take part in Hermann’s lively atmosphere at annual celebrations like Oktoberfest and Maifest. Throughout the year, visitors can also savor classic German bites at the Hermann Wurst Haus or step back in time at the Deutschheim State Historic Site.
Holland, Michigan
You can probably guess what Holland, a city on the shores of Lake Michigan, is famous for based on its name. It’s one of the best places in America to see authentic Dutch culture. It’s close enough to Chicago that it can be done as a day trip.
From the Nelis’ Dutch Village to Windmill Island and the Veldheer Tulip Gardens, Holland is overflowing with quaint family fun. Plan a trip in May to see the city’s tens of thousands of flower beds in full bloom during the Tulip Time Festival.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea, located on the California coast, features everything from whimsical cottages to opulent Spanish-style mansions. Designer Hugh Comstock built several fairytale-inspired cottages throughout town nearly a century ago, and they’re nothing short of enchanting.
Continue down the block, and you’ll wonder if you’ve stumbled into Spain. Areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea, including the El Paseo Courtyard & Passageway and Belltower Court, showcase traditional Spanish designs.
Discover the most beautiful American cities
Some think you must travel overseas for picturesque cityscapes, but there are many gorgeous getaways nationwide. Add these stunning cities to your U.S. travel bucket list.
25 of the Most Beautiful Cities in the US
Escape the crowds at these underrated US destinations
Are you tired of long lines at popular vacation spots throughout the country? Switch things up and visit these off-the-beaten-path destinations that most tourists don’t know about.
19 Most Underrated Cities in the US to Visit Before Tourism Ruins Them
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
