Across the country, smaller towns and cities are holding onto stories that are deeply connected to Black history– from freedom movements and Black businesses to music, food and traditions passed down through generations.
These places may not always make the big travel lists, but they deserve some love too! Visiting them isn’t just about getting away for a few days. It’s about supporting local communities, learning the history and making sure the traditions, stories and cultural touchstones that helped shape Black America don’t get forgotten.
Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
For generations, Oak Bluffs has been a cherished Black vacation haven, growing from an early-20th-century retreat into a year-round cultural destination, according to Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Explore Inkwell Beach, Shearer Cottage and Union Chapel, then enjoy October’s fall festivals, artisan markets, cycling, coastal walks and island harvest events.
Helena-West Helena, Arkansas
Helena-West Helena sits along the Mississippi River and has deep roots in Black music and Delta culture. This is where the legendary King Biscuit Blues radio show helped put local blues musicians on the map. Come in October for the King Biscuit Blues Festival, then explore the Delta Cultural Center, Freedom Park, and the city’s historic blues trail.
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Summit, Oklahoma
Summit began as South Muskogee, with a post office dating to 1896, before being platted in 1910, according to PBS. It became one of Oklahoma’s historic All-Black towns, developing businesses, farms, churches and schools through self-government. Today, visitors can explore the St. Thomas Primitive Baptist Church, historic W.E.B. DuBois School and Oklahoma’s broader All-Black Towns heritage.
Eatonville, Florida
Founded in 1887, Eatonville became one of America’s pioneering incorporated Black towns and later gained global cultural significance through hometown literary icon Zora Neale Hurston, the James Madison Institute reported. Generations have preserved that legacy through museums, festivals and community programs. In October, HATitude celebrates Hurston-inspired fashion, culture, food and entertainment.
Sag Harbor, New York
Sag Harbor’s Black beachfront communities–Azurest, Sag Harbor Hills and Ninevah–emerged after World War II as places where Black families could own summer homes, Artful Living reported. Today, descendants and newer residents continue that legacy. In fall, explore historic neighborhoods, beaches and museums, with October haunted walks and community events adding seasonal appeal.
Val Verde, California
Founded in the 1920s as a resort for Black Californians excluded from many recreational spaces, Val Verde became known as the “Black Palm Springs,” according to KABC News. Its resort culture evolved into a close-knit community. Today, visitors can learn its history through the Val Verde Historical Society and explore surrounding Southern California landscapes in autumn.
Africatown, Alabama
Survivors of the Clotilda established Africatown, the last known ship to illegally transport enslaved Africans to the United States, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Their descendants sustained the community across generations. In fall, visit the Africatown Heritage House and Clotilda exhibition, with a heritage lecture offering yet another opportunity to learn its history.
Sapelo Island, Georgia
Sapelo’s Hogg Hummock is Georgia’s last intact Gullah Geechee community, descended from formerly enslaved families who acquired land after the Civil War, according to Explore Georgia. Today, visitors can experience living culture through Sapelo Island Cultural Day (Oct. 17), guided tours, traditional food, storytelling and crafts. Explore the beaches, marshes, nature trails and Reynolds Mansion while learning why descendants continue protecting this ancestral homeland.
Lincoln Hills, Colorado
Founded in 1922 near Denver, Lincoln Hills became a rare mountain retreat where Black families could vacation during segregation, according to History Colorado. Its cabins, Camp Nizhoni and Winks Lodge, welcomed generations of visitors, including celebrated Black artists. After closing in 1966, the site entered preservation. Today, explore its history through History Colorado’s expanded exhibit and a special Oct. 24 tour of the historic property.
American Beach, Florida
We know it’s officially the fall season… But in the South, there’s still time to visit a beach! Founded in 1935 by Black businessman and philanthropist A.L. Lewis, American Beach gave Black Floridians a place for “recreation and relaxation without humiliation” during segregation, according to the Trust for Public Land. It evolved into a nationally known resort community before development threatened its character. Today, visit the A.L. Lewis Museum, walk the protected dunes at Burney Beachfront Park and learn about preservationist MaVynee “Beach Lady” Betsch.
Mound Bayou, Mississippi
Founded by formerly enslaved people and their descendants in 1887, Mound Bayou developed into a center of Black self-government, education and enterprise, BlackPast.org reported. Generations later, its history remains central to the community. Autumn visitors can tour the Mound Bayou Museum, explore Delta culture and connect the town’s story to nearby civil-rights landmarks.
Allensworth, California
Founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth, a formerly enslaved man and prominent Black military officer, Allensworth was envisioned as a self-governing agricultural community, according to California State Parks. Though the town declined after his death, historic buildings preserve its vision. October 2026 brings the annual rededication, a 5K, tours, music and food.
Annapolis and Highland Beach, Maryland
Annapolis connects Black history, the Chesapeake and the struggle for freedom. Kunta Kinte arrived here in 1767; generations of free and enslaved Black Marylanders shaped the city. Today, explore the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial and African American Heritage Tour. In autumn 2026, the Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival (Sept. 26) and the museum exhibition She Speaks offer major cultural highlights.
Highland Beach, which was founded by Frederick Douglass’ son, remains a small residential community with many homes still owned by descendants of its Black founders.
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