America is filled with wonderfully weird towns that defy expectations. From a town where Christmas never ends to one built entirely underground, these quirky destinations showcase the creative spirit and unique character that make small-town America so fascinating.
Across the vast American landscape lie towns that march to the beat of their own drums. These aren't your typical tourist destinations-they're the places where the unusual is celebrated, where oddities become attractions, and where local quirks transform into cultural landmarks. From deserts dotted with art installations to towns dedicated entirely to Christmas, these quirky communities showcase the beautiful eccentricity of America.
Ready for a road trip that ventures far beyond the ordinary? These ten destinations promise experiences you won't find in any standard travel guide. Pack your sense of adventure (and maybe your alien repellent)-we're heading to the weirdest, wackiest, and most wonderful towns America has to offer.
Marfa, Texas: Desert Art Oasis
In the remote desert of West Texas sits Marfa, a tiny town with a population under 2,000 that has become an unlikely international art destination. Founded by minimalist artist Donald Judd in the 1970s, Marfa combines cowboy culture with cutting-edge contemporary art installations.
The town's most iconic attraction is Prada Marfa, a permanently installed sculpture designed to look like a Prada store in the middle of nowhere. This faux boutique, created by artists Elmgreen and Dragset, contains actual Prada merchandise from the fall 2005 collection.
Visitors can also experience the mysterious Marfa Lights-unexplained glowing orbs that appear in the desert night sky. Whether you're exploring art galleries housed in converted gas stations or sipping craft cocktails at trendy minimalist hotels, Marfa offers a surreal desert experience unlike any other American town.
Roswell, New Mexico: UFO Central
Ever since the alleged UFO crash of 1947, Roswell has embraced its extraterrestrial reputation with enthusiasm. This desert town has transformed itself into an alien-themed destination where even the streetlights are shaped like alien eyes.
The International UFO Museum and Research Center stands at the heart of Roswell's identity, documenting the infamous incident and showcasing alien memorabilia. Throughout town, you'll find alien-themed restaurants, gift shops, and murals. Even the local McDonald's is built in the shape of a flying saucer.
The annual Roswell UFO Festival attracts thousands of extraterrestrial enthusiasts and curious visitors. Whether you're a true believer or just looking for quirky photo opportunities, Roswell delivers an out-of-this-world experience.
Coober Pedy, South Dakota: The Underground Town
When summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, the residents of Coober Pedy found a clever solution: they moved underground. This fascinating town features subterranean homes, businesses, churches, and even hotels carved into the rocky landscape.
Originally established as an opal mining community, residents discovered that living underground provided natural insulation against the extreme temperatures. Today, around 50% of the town's population lives in these underground dwellings known as "dugouts."
Visitors can tour underground attractions including the Underground Church, the Old Timers Mine, and various museums dedicated to the town's unique lifestyle and opal mining history. For the full experience, stay in an underground hotel room and enjoy the novelty of sleeping beneath the earth while maintaining a comfortable 75°F year-round.
Santa Claus, Indiana: Christmas Year-Round
It's December 25th every day of the year in Santa Claus, Indiana. This cheerful town fully embraces its festive name with Christmas-themed attractions, streets named after holiday traditions, and a post office that receives thousands of letters addressed to Santa each year.
The town's centerpiece is Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, a theme park featuring Christmas-themed rides alongside sections dedicated to other holidays. Visitors can shop at Santa's Candy Castle, tour the Santa Claus Museum, or take a photo with the 22-foot Santa statue that welcomes visitors to town.
Every building in the town maintains some Christmas element, from the McDonald's with Santa decorations to the Christmas Lake Village gated community. For those who wish the holiday spirit lasted all year, Santa Claus, Indiana makes that dream come true.
Carhenge, Nebraska: America's Stonehenge Replica
In the rolling plains of western Nebraska stands one of America's most unusual roadside attractions: Carhenge. Created by artist Jim Reinders as a memorial to his father, this perfect replica of England's Stonehenge is constructed entirely from vintage American automobiles.
The monument consists of 39 automobiles arranged in the same pattern as Stonehenge, with cars buried trunk-end down and painted gray to mimic the appearance of stones. Since its completion in 1987, Carhenge has become the pride of Alliance, Nebraska, drawing thousands of curious visitors annually.
The site has expanded to include the Car Art Reserve, featuring additional automotive sculptures created by various artists. During the 2017 solar eclipse, Carhenge was one of the most popular viewing locations in the path of totality, temporarily transforming this quirky attraction into an astronomical destination.
Centralia, Pennsylvania: The Smoking Ghost Town
Centralia was once a thriving coal mining town until an underground mine fire started in 1962-and never stopped burning. Nearly 60 years later, the fire still rages beneath the town, creating an apocalyptic landscape where smoke and steam rise from cracks in the abandoned streets.
The population, once over 1,000, has dwindled to fewer than five residents who refused government buyouts. Most buildings have been demolished, leaving behind a grid of streets leading nowhere, overgrown with vegetation and interrupted by steam vents.
The most famous feature is a section of Route 61 known as "Graffiti Highway," where the heat-buckled abandoned road became a canvas for visitors' artwork before being covered with dirt in 2020. Despite its ghost town status, Centralia continues to attract urban explorers and those fascinated by its eerie, post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
Sedona, Arizona: Vortex Central
Nestled among striking red rock formations, Sedona has gained fame as a center for spiritual energy vortexes-swirling concentrations of energy conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. This reputation has transformed the town into a mecca for New Age spirituality.
Visitors can take vortex tours to spots like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Airport Mesa, where guides explain the unique properties of each site. Crystal shops, aura-reading services, and psychic consultations line the streets, alongside art galleries showcasing the work of artists inspired by the dramatic landscape.
Even for skeptics, Sedona's stunning natural beauty provides plenty to enjoy. The contrast between the sophisticated town with its upscale restaurants and spas and the rugged wilderness surrounding it creates a unique atmosphere that attracts both spiritual seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Portland, Oregon: Keeping It Weird
Portland proudly lives by its unofficial slogan: "Keep Portland Weird." This Pacific Northwest city has embraced eccentricity as part of its identity, creating a haven for counterculture, creativity, and all things unconventional.
Visit Voodoo Doughnut, where you can find pastries topped with everything from bacon to Fruit Loops, or browse the shelves at Powell's City of Books, occupying an entire city block. The city is home to the world's smallest park (Mills End Park, just 2 feet in diameter) and hosts events like the annual Adult Soap Box Derby and the Naked Bike Ride.
Portland's neighborhoods are filled with quirky boutiques, microbreweries, food cart pods, and street art. From the performers at Saturday Market to the costumed participants in the city's numerous themed pub crawls, Portland celebrates individuality and creative expression in all its forms.
Lake Placid, Florida: Mural Town USA
Not to be confused with its Olympic namesake in New York, Florida's Lake Placid has transformed itself into "The Town of Murals." With over 50 vibrant murals adorning buildings throughout the small town, Lake Placid has created an outdoor art gallery that tells the story of the area's history, wildlife, and culture.
Each mural is accompanied by a narrative plaque explaining its significance, creating a self-guided tour that brings the town's heritage to life. Beyond murals, Lake Placid is also known as the Caladium Capital of the World, hosting an annual festival celebrating these colorful ornamental plants.
The town's American Clown Museum and School adds another layer of quirkiness, documenting the history of clowning and sometimes offering workshops for aspiring clowns. What began as a beautification project has turned Lake Placid into a living canvas that draws art lovers from around the country.
Niagara Falls, New York: Beyond the Waterfalls
While most know Niagara Falls for its magnificent cascades, the American side of this natural wonder has embraced kitsch in a way that makes it delightfully quirky. The town combines natural majesty with an unabashed celebration of tourism tackiness that has become charming in its own right.
Beyond the falls themselves, visitors can explore attractions like the Niagara Wax Museum of History, featuring slightly off-putting wax figures depicting local historical events. The town's main drag offers an eclectic mix of haunted houses, mirror mazes, and dinosaur-themed mini-golf courses.
For a truly unique experience, visit the abandoned Niagara Scow, a rusty shipwreck that remained lodged in the rapids above the falls for over a century after a 1918 rescue mission, before being dislodged in 2019. The contrast between sublime natural beauty and unrestrained tourist attractions creates a wonderfully weird destination that fully embraces its identity.
Frequently Asked Questions About 10 Quirky Towns Across America That Will Make You Pack Your Bags Today
What's the best way to experience these quirky towns?
The best approach is to slow down and embrace each town's unique character. Spend at least 1-2 full days in each location, talk to locals, participate in town-specific activities, and visit during signature festivals when possible. Many of these towns are best experienced by simply wandering around and discovering unexpected attractions rather than following a rigid itinerary.
Are these towns suitable for family visits?
Most of these towns are family-friendly, with Santa Claus, Indiana and Roswell, New Mexico being particularly appealing to children. Portland and Sedona offer plenty of outdoor activities for families. Centralia may be less appropriate for young children due to safety concerns around the abandoned areas. Always check current conditions before visiting with family.
What's the most underrated town on this list?
Lake Placid, Florida often gets overlooked in favor of more famous quirky towns, but its incredible collection of murals, combined with the Caladium Festival and Clown Museum, makes it a hidden gem. The town offers a more relaxed, less touristy experience while still providing plenty of unique photo opportunities and local culture.
Is it really safe to visit Centralia, Pennsylvania?
Visitors should exercise caution in Centralia. While many people visit without incident, the underground fire creates hazards including unstable ground, sudden sinkholes, and toxic gases. Stick to established roads, don't venture onto private property, and never ignore warning signs. Brief visits during daylight hours are generally considered safe if you remain vigilant.
What's the best time of year to visit these towns?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) generally offer the best weather for most of these destinations. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations like Marfa and Sedona, while winter makes northern destinations like Niagara Falls less accessible. Santa Claus, Indiana is exceptional, as December offers the full Christmas experience despite colder temperatures.
