Located off the coast of southern California, Catalina Island is about 22 miles long. It's easily accessible via ferry service, which operates out of three ports near Los Angeles.

When I first visited Catalina Island, I was awed by the dramatic shorelines, crystal-clear waters, and hidden coves. I felt like I was back on Capri.

I hiked to the top of the Garden to Sky trail, catching panoramic views that felt straight out of a Mediterranean postcard. Then, I soaked up the sunshine at Descanso Beach while sipping a chilled glass of prosecco.

With its glamorous Mediterranean-style architecture, lush gardens, and waterfront estates, Coral Gables feels like Florida's answer to Italy's Lake Como.

The Italian Renaissance-inspired Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, built in the early 1900s, reminds me of the grand villas that line Como's shores.

If you plan your own visit, don't forget to check out the Venetian Pool — this public swimming spot was carved from a coral rock quarry, and (true to its name) feels straight out of Italy.

It's no surprise to me that my hometown of Chicago and the metropolis of Milan are officially sister cities. Both feature vibrant street art, designer boutiques, and — unsurprisingly, maybe — delicious Italian food.

I always recommend that tourists plan a trip to coincide with the Randolph Street Market, a pop-up vintage extravaganza. You can also explore Chicago's dynamic mural scene with a street art tour.

Finally, Chicago's pizza is as hearty and rich as any slices you'd find in Italy. You can't leave my hometown without trying our legendary deep dish.

For a classic experience, head to Giordano's. The stuffed pizza here is a masterpiece of cheese and sauce wrapped in a golden crust.

The first time I visited Sonoma, California, I was struck by how much it resembled the Tuscan countryside, from the golden hills to rustic farmhouses.

When I found myself gathered around a long wooden table at Pedroncelli Winery, surrounded by laughter, clinking glasses, and the comforting scent of fresh herbs and olive oil, I felt wrapped in the same warmth and magic of the Italian countryside.

Perhaps the most obvious similarity, though, is the locals' deep appreciation for wine. You can even immerse yourself in vineyard life by staying at one of the several wineries that offer accommodations.

Venice Beach's bohemian vibe and canals are an almost-perfect replica of Venice, Italy.

Developed in 1905, the canals of this coastal Los Angeles neighborhood were designed to look like those in Venice. Whenever I stroll along the picturesque bridges and waterfront homes, I almost feel like I'm in Italy … all that's missing are the gondolas.

This Michigan city's Alpine-style buildings, hearty cuisine, and cozy charm really resemble the Dolomites in northeastern Italy.

Moments like browsing handcrafted wooden ornaments at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland (the world's largest Christmas store), enjoying a traditional Alpine feast, and setting off on a riverboat cruise on the Cass River made me feel like I was celebrating Natale — or Christmas — in Europe.

This story was originally published on August 18, 2025, and most recently updated on March 26, 2026.

To reach the small town on Penobscot Bay, we flew from New York to Portland, and our friends picked us up from the airport for a two-hour drive up the coast.

Belfast was incorporated as a town in the 1700s, but it started to prosper in the 19th century as a hub for maritime workers, the city's website says. For about 100 years, Belfast residents built wooden sailboats, operated steamships, and transported goods, from ice and apples to hay and fertilizer.

Then, in the 1980s, creatives flocked to the town, transforming it into an artists' oasis with galleries and warehouse studios.

The waterfront town has about 7,000 residents.

The architecture in Belfast combines traditional New England-style homes with old-world styles from the Italian and Greek Revival eras, the Boston Globe reported. This gave the town a European twist on the classic New England aesthetic.

My friends said Belfast gets tourists in the summer, but it didn't feel crowded. We never waited too long for a table at a restaurant, and I didn't see many large groups.

I saw more historic inns than traditional hotels, which could be because tourists visit for unique accommodations.

The inns looked like gigantic mansions, and seeing them up close made me wish I'd booked just one night in a place like the Jeweled Turret Inn. The bed and breakfast, decorated with antiques, is a 19th-century Victorian landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

There's also the Alden House Inn, a Greek Revival building dating back to 1840. I spotted its porch filled with guests on a weekend afternoon and longed to hang out there.

Belfast is pedestrian-friendly, scoring 71 out of 100 on Walk Score.

From my friends' apartment, we reached hiking trails, the waterfront, and the downtown area — all on foot.

My friends also live steps away from a farmers market and the Belfast Armistice Bridge, which pedestrians use to cross the Passagassawakeag River.

My friends live less than 5 minutes from the Rail Trail that runs along the Passagassawakeag River.

I spent one day working remotely from Belfast, and we took a quick hike during my lunch break.

I was impressed by the hillside views and the landmasses in the distance, covered in rich green trees. It was an ideal place to refresh in the middle of a shift.

My friend told me one of the coolest things about Belfast is that there are so many local shops. There's no Walmart, Target, or Costco in town. The only brand-name stores I saw were Walgreens, CVS, and Dollar General.

The Press Herald reported that Maine towns are known for their small businesses. Belfast, in particular, has a plethora of locally owned retailers, from a general store and a DVD rental store to shops selling vintage dollhouses and handmade clothing and furniture.

We went to a farmers market selling local produce and foods during my trip, and my friends cooked up a feast.

We had a watermelon and feta salad, roasted duck, lobster mac and cheese, and potato salad with duck fat and herb-infused dressing: dill, parsley, and garlic scapes.

The ingredients tasted so fresh, as did the local pastries and bagels we got for breakfast.

Acadia National Park is just a 90-minute drive from Belfast. We took a day trip there on a Saturday, and I was surprised to find it wasn't as crowded as most national parks I've visited on weekends.

The coastal park, surrounded by islands, looked majestic in the hazy weather. We hiked through forests to the rocky coastline, where we went tide-pooling and found a massive cave. It was even more picturesque than the trails in Belfast, and it helped me see how the state of Maine inspired my favorite American writer, Stephen King.

My friends in Maine have a super sweet, active dog named Zeus. He accompanied us on nearly every adventure during our trip, from restaurants to the Rail Trail to Acadia, one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the US, according to the NPS.

Having Zeus with us made the trip so much goofier and more fun. It wouldn't have been the same without him.

Aside from being a unique town with so much to offer, Belfast would be an ideal destination for tourists looking to travel sustainably. Eco-travel experts have said that supporting local businesses and getting around without a car are responsible practices for the health of our planet.

During my next trip to Belfast, I'll spend more time browsing local shops, book a stay at a historic inn, and take more day trips to places like Portland. Plus, I'd love to see Acadia on a day with clear skies.