From best food to best college town, Alabama shines in USA Today’s Best Small Town awards

Alabama is famous for its award-winning towns that blend southern charm with coastal living, and the accolades continue to pour in. The state has received several “Best Small Town” awards in the 2025 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.

So, which towns received these prestigious honors?

Here’s a look at the towns that made it onto USA Today’s list.

What is USA TODAY 10BEST?

The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the very best in travel, food + drink, and lifestyle.

Every week, USA TODAY 10BEST invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories.

10BEST editors then vet these nominations and select a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for a period of four weeks.

Best Coastal Small Town

Gulf Shores, Ala., is a lively coastal gem celebrated for its stunning beaches and relaxed vibe. The town secured 6th place on USA Today’s “Best Coastal Small Town” list.

Here are the other winners alongside Gulf Shores:

1. Pismo Beach, Calif.
2. Cedar Key, Fla.
3. Castine, Maine
4. Bar Harbor, Maine
5. Morro Bay, Calif.
6. Gulf Shores, Ala.
7. Stuart, Fla.
8. Duck, N.C.
9. Rehoboth Beach, Del.
10. Beaufort, S.C.

Best Small College Town

Alabama takes immense pride in its school spirit, especially in its colleges. Two towns made the “Best Small College Towns” list, with one claiming the top spot. Which small college town was named the best by USA Today?

Florence, Ala., home to the University of North Alabama, claimed the No. 1 spot. With its rich musical heritage, vibrant community, eclectic shops and dining, and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to see why Florence took the top rank.

At No. 3 is Jacksonville, Ala., home to Jacksonville State University. This charming college town boasts natural beauty, southern charm, and a historic downtown, and for NASCAR fans, the famous Talladega Superspeedway is just around the corner.

Here are the top 10 best small college towns according to USA Today:

1. Florence, Ala.
2. Oxford, Miss.
3. Jacksonville, Ala.
4. Murray, Ky.
5. Clemson, S.C.
6. Ruston, La.
7. Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
8. Cape Girardeau, Mo.
9. Williamsburg, Va.
10. Frostburg, Md.

Best small Town Culture Scene

Alabama’s culture is a vibrant mix of southern hospitality, time-honored traditions, and a rich blend of music, food, and community. This spirit is reflected in Cullman, Ala., which ranked No. 2 on the “Best Small Town Cultural Scene” list.

Here are the other winners across the nation:

1. Ruidoso, N.M.
2. Cullman, Ala.
3. Eureka Springs, Ark.
4. Corning, N.Y.
5. New Hope, Pa.
6. Dyersville, Iowa
7. Marquette, Mich.
8. Ocean Springs, Miss.
9. Gulfport, Fla.

Best Small Town Food Scene

Orange Beach, Ala., is a food lover’s haven, offering picturesque waterfront dining, fresh seafood and comforting Southern dishes. The town secured 7th place on the “Best Small Town Food Scene” list and is also ranked No. 10 on the “Best Small Town in the South” list.

Here are the other USA Today Best Small Town Food Scene winners:

1. Lewisburg, Va.
2. Naples, Fla.
3. Abingdon, Va.
4. Thomasville, Ga.
5. Solvang, Calif.
6. Cape May, N.J.
7. Orange Beach, Ala.
8. Mount Dora, Fla.
9. Traverse City, Mich.
10. Granville, Ohio