Between skiing on snow-covered mountain tops to hiking along wooded mountain trails, the United States offers plenty of beautiful mountain towns. Each mountain town has its own personality and feel, including unique and family-friendly places to stay, visit, and eat at. Below are 7 of the best mountain towns in the US and the things that make each destination special.
1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is one of the best mountain towns because of its perfect location for park lovers. It’s nestled right next to Grand Teton National Park and only 60 miles from Yellowstone National Park. Hop on a horse-drawn covered wagon ride or visit the Jackson Hole Playhouse, a family-friendly dinner theatre. No matter what time of the year you visit Jackson Hole, there are plenty of activities to experience.
- Places to eat: Liberty Burger, The Bunnery Bakery, Snake River Brewing Co.
- Places to visit: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, National Elk Refuge
- Places to stay: Snake River Lodge & Spa, Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole
- Fun spots for kids: Jackson Hole Children’s Museum, Snow King Mountain, Jackson Hole Playhouse
2. Aspen, Colorado
The mountain town of Aspen, Colorado is commonly known for being a popular ski destination but it began as a silver-mining town in 1879. Located in the White River National Forest, visitors and locals are surrounded by the beautiful and often snow-covered Elk Mountains. Take your kids on a fun horse-drawn ride to a log cabin for lunch or dinner at the Pine Creek Cookhouse.
- Places to eat: Paradise Bakery & Cafe, CP Burger, Pine Creek Cookhouse
- Places to visit: Maroon Lake Scenic Trail, Independence Pass
- Places to stay: The Inn at Aspen, Annabelle Inn, Aspen Mountain Lodge
- Fun spots for kids: Aspen Recreation Center, Aspen Carriage and Sleigh Day Tours
3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Enjoy the Smoky Mountains from the mountain town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Take a stroll downtown and visit various family-friendly shops, restaurants, and popular tourist attractions. Visit Gatlinburg SkyLift Park for an elevated view of the Smokies. Whether you stay in a cozy cabin up in the mountains or in a chic hotel downtown, you’ll experience the hospitality and small-town fun that this mountain town offers.
- Places to eat: Tennessee Jed’s, Trish’s Mountain Diner, Crocketts Breakfast Camp
- Places to visit: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Gatlin’s Rugged Ropes Course
- Places to stay: Hilton Garden Inn, The Greystone Lodge on the River
- Fun spots for kids: Ripley’s Aquarium, Rowdy Bear Mountain, Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
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4. Telluride, Colorado
Known for its festivals in the summer and ski resorts in the winter, Telluride, Colorado, features a picture-perfect mountain town. The Telluride Ski Resort is one of Colorado’s top destinations for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. If winter sports aren’t your thing, another popular destination in Telluride is Bear Creek Falls, located among meadows and Aspen trees. Bring your kids on the Mountain Village Gondola for amazing mountain views.
- Places to eat: Brown Dog Pizza, Baked in Telluride, Taco Del Gnar
- Places to visit: Telluride Mountain Village, Bear Creek Falls, Main Street
- Places to stay: The Hotel Telluride, The Peaks Resort & Spa, Madeline Hotel
- Fun spots for kids: Alta Lakes, Telluride Historical Museum
5. Big Sky, Montana
One of the best mountain towns in Montana is most definitely, Big Sky, and it’s best known for its…well, big sky! This mountain town is as gorgeous in the winter as it is in the summer. It’s known as an “R-Destination,” meaning it is the perfect place to “Recreate, Relax, Rejuvenate, Reconnect, and Return home Refreshed.” Enjoy a relaxing massage at a local spa or try your hand at snowshoeing. Big Sky Resort offers family-friendly activities like zip lining, tubing, and more.
- Places to eat: Bullman’s Pizza, The Divide Bar & Grill, The Sassy Biscuit
- Places to visit: Big Sky Resort, Yellowstone National Park, Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
- Places to stay: Buck’s T-4 Lodging & Dining, The Lodge at Big Sky, Summit Hotel
- Fun spots for kids: Camp Big Sky, Kids Club Big Sky, Ousel Falls Trail
6. Blue Ridge, Georgia
Blue Ridge, Georgia features the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, trout streams, craft breweries, and more. For those visiting the Southeast, the mountain town of Blue Ridge offers the best mountain views around. You can even take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, a 26-mile journey through the countryside. Pick apples with the kids at Mercier Orchards or cross the famous Toccoa River Swinging Bridge.
- Places to eat: Cantaberry, Blue Jeans Pizza and Pasta, Southern Charm Restaurant
- Places to visit: Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, Blue Ridge Parkway
- Places to stay: Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast, Mountain Top Cabin Rentals
- Fun spots for kids: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Mercier Orchards
7. Park City, Utah
The mountain town of Park City, Utah features popular ski and snowboarding slopes in the winter, and water sports in the summer (including fly fishing). Visit Utah Olympic Park where five events were held during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Kids will love zip lining at Flying Eagle Zip Line and adventuring at Summit Meadows. Don’t forget about visiting Park City Mountain which is currently the largest resort in the U.S.
- Places to eat: Red Rock Brewery, Brick Burger and Bar, Bortolo
- Places to visit: Utah Olympic Park, Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort
- Places to stay: Waldorf Astoria, Newpark Resort, Westgate Park City Resort
- Fun spots for kids: Flying Eagle Zip Line, Summit Meadows Adventures, Deer Valley Children’s Center
No matter the season you choose to travel in, taking a mountain vacation in the US will certainly jump start your adventurous side. Whether you prefer the Smoky Mountains or the Rocky Mountains, you’ll enjoy becoming a local and exploring each of these cozy mountain towns.
Did we leave out one of the best mountain towns in the US? Let us know below!
Morgan French is a wife, mom of two, writer & editor. After traveling for 3 years with her family, she now lives back in her hometown of Dayton, OH. She makes frequent stops for coffee, enjoys the outdoors, and loves board games.
Gatlinburg is my favorite from this list, with Blue Ridge a close second! The towns in Montana and Colorado are on my bucket list!