Five U.s. Towns That Feel Just Like A European Getaway—discover The Hidden Gems Of St. Augustine, Catalina Island, Coeur D’alene, Santa Barbara, And Tarpon Springs

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Severine booked a travel to Europe but each you tin spend is nan picnic you dreamt about? You’re successful luck. It turns out, location are hidden gems each astir nan state that connection nan magic of nan continent. From nan surf-kissed charm of St. Augustine to nan Greek-flavored streets of Tarpon Springs, present are 5 places that connection up nan cleanable escape— nary passport required. From Mediterranean sunshine to alpine coolness, to a touch of Italy, these U.S. towns connection each you request for a European-style getaway.

St. Augustine, Fla.: Spain’s Influence successful nan U.S.

If Spain’s coastal charm is what you’re after, St. Augustine successful Florida would beryllium nan champion spot for maximum bang-for-your-buck. America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, has a rich | history and architecture akin to nan iconic seaside towns of Spain. With its cobblestone streets and Andalusia-flavored architecture, location is nary amended spot to get a sensation of nan Iberian Peninsula, each without stepping retired of nan US. With its old-world feel, beautiful beaches and moreover a Spanish fortress, nan metropolis fosters a lively but chill vibe, cleanable for anyone itching to spot what Spain has to connection connected this broadside of nan U.S. coast.

Catalina Island, California: SoCal Version of nan Italian Riviera

If it weren’t an hr distant from nan California Coast, we mightiness beryllium convinced that Catalina Island was a portion of nan Italian Riviera. With its picturesque water vistas, sleepy main thoroughfare and quiet stretches of sand, Catalina has been dubbed a apical destination for a European escape. With its mountainous backdrop, homes built connected cliffs and Mediterranean-inspired feel, it feels for illustration a municipality separated from nan remainder of nan world wherever thing matters but surviving life to nan fullest. Boat, snorkel aliases walk nan time stepping astir Avalon earlier treating yourself to an Italian repast astatine 1 of nan section java shops. Catalina Island is simply a small portion of Europe wrong an hour’s vessel thrust from Los Angeles.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: Switzerland (Relatively) successful nan U.S.A.

Though an improbable comparison, Coeur d’Alene evokes nan aforesaid beauty arsenic nan Swiss Alps. Surrounded by a pristine Alpine Lake, this delightful edifice municipality is nan location to glassy waters, sky-high mountains, and jaw-dropping earthy beauty. Though for illustration nan Swiss Lakes, Coeur d’Alene besides offers nan cleanable backdrop for some escapade seekers and for relaxation. On nan lake, hiking connected section trails, aliases relaxing connected nan water, Coeur d’Alene provides a small sensation of Swiss elegance and serenity successful nan mediate of nan Pacific Northwest.

Santa Barbara, Calif.: The American Riviera

Affectionately referred to arsenic nan American Riviera, this municipality integrates nan cool of California pinch nan chic of Europe. The city’s white-stucco buildings, palm-shaded beaches and bustling marinas attest to nan lure of nan Mediterranean. Take a locomotion connected nan scenic piers, extremity astatine nan section wineries, aliases shop successful 1 of nan galore boutique storefronts lining nan streets. Santa Barbara is fundamentally nan meaning of relaxed luxury, boasting immoderate Spanish assemblage architecture and a breezy formation tone that gives disconnected European formation municipality vibes — pinch thing but nan aureate West Coast sun.

Tarpons Springs, Fla.: Greek Escape successful nan U.S.

If you’re pining for a small Greek escape, nan sensation of Greece is correct present successful Florida astatine Tarpon Springs. Featuring bluish and achromatic buildings, Greek-inflected cuisine and lively sponge docks, there’s a Mediterranean flight without walking crossed nan ocean. Tarpon Springs has a beardown Greek heritage, and a important Greek-American organization that has fixed nan municipality a palpable, authentic Hellenic vibe. Stroll nan docks, eat caller seafood, and soak successful nan atmosphere—it’s arsenic adjacent to nan acquisition of a Greek land arsenic you tin get successful Tampa, aft a short drive.

Conclusion: A European Dream, Right Here successful nan U.S.

From nan historical charm of St. Augustine and nan Italian consciousness of Catalina Island to nan stunning beauty of Coeur d’Alene, these 5 U.S. towns consciousness and look conscionable for illustration Europe — but they’re overmuch easier to get to. From sun-drenched beaches to cobblestone streets, each of these alternatives to “Europe successful summer” has its ain return connected this European escape. So worldly that suitcase and return a travel to Europe without leaving nan passport astatine location (these U.S. towns can’t hold to play host).