1. Holland, Michigan – A Dutch Escape in the Midwest
Holland, Michigan, is one of the most charming and unexpected European-style towns in America, Jack Springgate shares in Only In Your State. As its name suggests, the town was founded by Dutch settlers, and their influence is still felt today in everything from the architecture to the famous tulip festival. Every spring, Holland’s Tulip Time Festival transforms the city into a scene straight out of the Netherlands, with millions of blooming tulips and locals dressed in traditional Dutch attire. The town even has a working windmill, De Zwaan, which was brought over from the Netherlands and still grinds grain today.
If you visit outside of tulip season, you can still experience Holland’s European charm by exploring its historic downtown, filled with Dutch bakeries and charming cafés. Windmill Island Gardens offers a peaceful retreat, with canals and wooden bridges that feel straight out of Amsterdam. And for a taste of the Netherlands’ famous cycling culture, rent a bike and ride along the scenic trails that wind through the town and along the shores of Lake Michigan. Whether you’re here for the flowers, the food, or the culture, Holland, Michigan, is a true Dutch experience without the flight.
2. St. Augustine, Florida – A Slice of Spain in the Sunshine State
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., and its Spanish heritage is impossible to miss, according to Alison Datko’s Business Insider article. Founded by the Spanish in 1565, this coastal town is filled with colonial-style buildings, cobblestone streets, and a stunning 17th-century fortress, Castillo de San Marcos. Walking through the historic district, you’ll find hidden courtyards, charming balconies, and plenty of spots serving up sangria and tapas. It’s basically a little piece of Spain right on Florida’s Atlantic coast.
If you want an even deeper dive into Spanish culture, visit Flagler College, a former luxury hotel with jaw-dropping architecture reminiscent of European palaces. The Lightner Museum, housed in another former Spanish-style resort, is a must for history lovers. And don’t miss Aviles Street, one of the oldest streets in America, where you can sip espresso at a sidewalk café. Between the history, food, and architecture, St. Augustine feels worlds away from modern America.
3. Leavenworth, Washington – A Bavarian Fairytale in the Cascades
Tucked in the mountains of Washington State, Leavenworth is like stepping into a Bavarian postcard, Lea Lane shared on Forbes. This charming town was transformed in the 1960s to resemble an alpine village, complete with timbered buildings, German beer halls, and flower-filled balconies. You’ll hear polka music drifting from restaurants, and the smell of bratwurst and pretzels fills the air. Whether you visit in summer for the hiking and beer gardens or winter for the magical Christmas market, Leavenworth is a year-round European escape.
The town’s Oktoberfest celebration is one of the best outside of Germany, featuring steins of beer, lederhosen, and festive parades. If you’re into outdoor adventures, the nearby mountains offer hiking, skiing, and even river tubing with a view. Strolling through the town center, you’ll find shops selling cuckoo clocks, German chocolates, and handmade nutcrackers. It’s the closest thing to Bavaria without booking a flight.
4. Solvang, California – A Danish Dream in Wine Country
Solvang is a little slice of Denmark in the middle of California’s Santa Ynez Valley, Anneta Konstantinides shares on Business Insider. Founded by Danish immigrants in the early 1900s, this town is packed with windmills, half-timbered buildings, and plenty of bakeries selling authentic Danish pastries. You can spend the day wandering through streets lined with thatched-roof cottages and charming boutiques. If you love wine, Solvang is also in the heart of Santa Barbara’s wine country, so there’s no shortage of tasting rooms.
One of the town’s biggest highlights is the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, celebrating Denmark’s famous fairytale writer. The annual Danish Days Festival in September brings parades, folk dancing, and traditional food to the streets. For a truly immersive experience, hop on a bike and ride through the surrounding vineyards, just like you’d do in Europe. Solvang may be small, but its old-world charm is undeniable.
5. Charleston, South Carolina – Southern Hospitality with a European Flair
Charleston is often compared to European cities like Paris and Venice thanks to its historic streets, waterfront views, and unbeatable charm. The pastel-colored homes along Rainbow Row could easily be mistaken for something you’d see on the Amalfi Coast. Cobblestone streets, gas lanterns, and horse-drawn carriages add to the old-world feel. And the city’s culinary scene, with its French-inspired dishes and fresh seafood, makes it a foodie’s dream.
Walking through the French Quarter, you’ll notice architecture that reflects the city’s colonial roots, with influences from both France and England. The hidden alleyways and private gardens add an air of mystery, reminiscent of European backstreets. Waterfront Park, with its iconic pineapple fountain, is the perfect place to sit and soak in the scenery. Charleston is the kind of place that makes you slow down, sip a glass of wine, and appreciate the beauty around you.
6. Santa Barbara, California – A Mediterranean Escape on the West Coast
With its red-tiled roofs, white stucco buildings, and stunning ocean views, Santa Barbara feels like a sun-soaked Spanish seaside town. The city’s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture is a direct nod to its European heritage, making a stroll through downtown feel like a walk through Barcelona or Valencia. The Santa Barbara Courthouse, with its intricate tile work and sweeping views, is a must-see for anyone who loves European design. And if you’re craving tapas, there are plenty of restaurants serving authentic Spanish flavors.
Beyond the architecture, Santa Barbara’s Riviera neighborhood is reminiscent of the actual French and Italian Riviera, with winding roads, terraced gardens, and incredible coastal views. The city’s wine scene is another big draw, with vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley producing world-class wines just like their European counterparts. Whether you’re exploring the historic Mission Santa Barbara or lounging on the beach with a glass of local rosé, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect place for a luxurious yet laid-back escape.
7. Helen, Georgia – A Quaint German Village in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Helen, Georgia, may be small, but it packs a huge Bavarian punch. This tiny mountain town was redesigned in the 1960s to look like a classic German village, complete with half-timbered buildings, alpine lodges, and cobblestone streets. Everywhere you turn, there are beer gardens, bratwurst stands, and bakeries selling strudel and pretzels. If you visit in the fall, you’ll get to experience one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S.
But Helen isn’t just about the food and beer—it’s also surrounded by stunning nature, just like the villages of Bavaria. The nearby Chattahoochee River is perfect for tubing, while the surrounding mountains offer excellent hiking trails. In winter, the town takes on a magical quality, with twinkling lights and cozy chalets making it feel like a German Christmas market. No matter when you visit, Helen offers a charming and unexpected European escape.
8. Vail, Colorado – A Swiss Alps Getaway in the Rockies
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Swiss Alps, Vail is the next best thing. This ski town was actually designed to resemble an alpine village, and it nails the look with its chalet-style lodges, flower-filled balconies, and cobblestone streets. Walking through the village, you’ll find Swiss bakeries, cozy fondue restaurants, and plenty of après-ski spots that feel straight out of Europe. And in winter, when everything is blanketed in snow, it’s easy to forget you’re in Colorado and not the heart of Switzerland.
Even if you’re not a skier, Vail is stunning in the summer, offering hiking, mountain biking, and gondola rides with breathtaking views. The town also hosts a variety of cultural festivals, including a Bavarian-style Oktoberfest and a classical music festival that rivals those in Austria. For a truly Swiss experience, book a stay at one of the luxury resorts that channel the ambiance of an alpine retreat. Whether you visit for adventure or relaxation, Vail offers a slice of Europe in the Rockies.
9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A Taste of Old-World Italy
Philadelphia’s Italian Market is one of the oldest and most authentic in the country, giving the city a distinctly European feel. Walking through the market, you’ll find vendors selling fresh pasta, imported cheeses, and handmade cannoli, just like in Rome or Florence. The city’s historic architecture, particularly in Old City, has a similar charm to European capitals, with its brick-paved streets and 18th-century buildings. And of course, Philly’s food scene is packed with Italian-American gems, from classic red-sauce joints to modern trattorias.
Beyond the market, Philadelphia’s art museums and historic squares channel the cultural richness of Europe. The Rodin Museum boasts the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of France, making it a must-visit for art lovers. And Rittenhouse Square, with its elegant atmosphere and European-style cafés, is the perfect spot to sit and people-watch. Whether you’re craving history, art, or incredible Italian food, Philly delivers a European experience with an American twist.
10. Newport, Rhode Island – Gilded Age Glamour with a French Riviera Touch
Newport’s opulent mansions, stunning coastline, and yacht-filled harbors give it the feel of the French Riviera. In the late 19th century, America’s wealthiest families built extravagant summer homes here, inspired by European châteaux and palaces. Walking through The Breakers or Marble House, you’ll see architecture and interiors that rival those of Versailles. And the Cliff Walk, a scenic coastal path, offers breathtaking views that feel straight out of the Mediterranean.
The town’s charming waterfront, lined with seafood restaurants and boutique shops, only adds to its European ambiance. Sailing is a huge part of Newport’s culture, much like in the south of France, and you can even take a boat tour to feel like you’re vacationing in Monaco. If you visit in the summer, the Newport Jazz Festival brings a dose of international culture to the city. Between the history, scenery, and sophistication, Newport is a perfect European-inspired retreat.
11. San Francisco, California – A Little Bit of Everything European
San Francisco’s mix of cultures and stunning architecture makes it feel like several European cities rolled into one. The city’s cable cars, steep streets, and colorful Victorian homes give it a distinct Lisbon vibe, while the waterfront cafés and vibrant food scene channel Paris and Barcelona. North Beach, the city’s Italian district, is packed with trattorias, espresso bars, and old-school delis that feel straight out of Rome. And if you visit Chinatown, the oldest in the U.S., you’ll experience a global influence similar to London’s diverse neighborhoods.
The Palace of Fine Arts, with its classical columns and grand rotunda, could easily be mistaken for something in Rome or Athens. San Francisco’s wine culture is another reason it feels European, with Napa Valley just a short drive away offering vineyard experiences that rival those in France or Italy. Even the city’s parks, like Golden Gate Park, have a touch of European grandeur, with manicured gardens and peaceful walking paths. If you want a city that offers a taste of multiple European destinations, San Francisco is the place to be.
12. Boston, Massachusetts – A Stroll Through Colonial England
Boston’s historic streets and old-world architecture make it one of the most European-feeling cities in the U.S. The city’s winding roads, brick buildings, and hidden alleyways are reminiscent of London, and walking the Freedom Trail feels like stepping back in time. Beacon Hill, with its gas-lit streets and charming row houses, could easily be mistaken for a posh London neighborhood. And if you’re looking for a true European-style pub experience, Boston’s countless historic taverns deliver.
Beyond the history, Boston’s café culture and love of the arts bring a distinctly European vibe. The city’s museums, like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, feel more like something you’d find in Florence than in America. The Boston Public Garden, with its swan boats and picturesque bridges, channels the beauty of classic European parks. Whether you’re sipping tea in a cozy café or exploring centuries-old architecture, Boston offers a taste of England without the overseas flight.
13. Milwaukee, Wisconsin – A German-Inspired Beer and Culture Hub
Milwaukee may not be the first place you think of for European charm, but this Midwestern city has deep German roots. The city’s architecture, beer halls, and historic breweries give it a distinct Bavarian feel, especially in the Old World Third Street district. Milwaukee’s annual German Fest is one of the best in the country, featuring traditional music, dancing, and, of course, plenty of beer and bratwurst. Even outside of festival season, you can find authentic German food at restaurants like Mader’s, which has been serving up schnitzel and steins for over a century.
If you’re a beer lover, a visit to the historic Pabst Mansion and one of the city’s many craft breweries is a must. Milwaukee’s European influence isn’t just German—its Polish and Italian communities also add to the old-world atmosphere. The Basilica of St. Josaphat, modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, is one of the most stunning churches in the U.S. Whether you’re wandering through historic neighborhoods or raising a glass in a classic beer hall, Milwaukee is full of European surprises.
14. Fredericksburg, Texas – A Little Slice of Germany in the Lone Star State
Fredericksburg, located in the Texas Hill Country, is a charming German town with deep cultural roots. Settled by German immigrants in the 19th century, the town still holds onto its heritage, from its German-style architecture to its many biergartens. Walking down Main Street, you’ll find half-timbered buildings, bakeries serving authentic strudel, and restaurants offering hearty dishes like schnitzel and sauerkraut. The town’s love for beer and wine only adds to its European charm, with plenty of spots to sip a cold lager or a glass of local Riesling.
Beyond the food and architecture, Fredericksburg’s countryside is reminiscent of Tuscany or Provence, with rolling hills and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. The region’s wineries produce award-winning wines, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves European-style wine tasting. If you want to dive into history, the Pioneer Museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the German settlers who shaped the town. With its mix of history, food, and wine, Fredericksburg feels like a European getaway in the heart of Texas.
15. New Orleans, Louisiana – A French Quarter with Timeless Charm
New Orleans’ French Quarter oozes European charm with its wrought-iron balconies, gas lamps, and hidden courtyards. Founded by the French in 1718, the city still holds onto its Parisian roots, especially when it comes to food and architecture. Strolling along Royal Street, you’ll find art galleries, antique shops, and cafés that feel straight out of Montmartre. And of course, no visit is complete without a stop at Café du Monde for beignets and chicory coffee.
Live jazz music drifts through the air, and every street corner seems to have a hidden gem, from historic mansions to tucked-away gardens. Jackson Square, with its stunning St. Louis Cathedral, looks like something you’d find in a European capital. If you’re craving a bit of countryside France, take a steamboat ride down the Mississippi River for a slower pace. Between the culture, music, and food, New Orleans is a French getaway without leaving the U.S.
