10 Most Photogenic Towns In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania appears to be a pandora box of photogenic towns, where every corner tells a story, and every view feels like a scene from a postcard. Whether it’s the inviting cobblestone alleys of Lititz or the vibrant waterfront of New Hope, each destination has its own character that beckons photographers and travelers alike.
Step into Kennett Square, where colorful storefronts and blooming gardens create a canvas of rural elegance, or wander through Doylestown, which enchants with its castle-like structures and rich cultural history. These are places where history, community, and natural splendor converge. Whether you’re a photographer, a traveler, or simply a dreamer, these photogenic towns in Pennsylvania promise inspiration, unforgettable moments, and pictures that speak a thousand words.
Doylestown
The main street of Doylestown is lined with charming brick buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes, making it an inviting spot to wander. Its historic architecture, like the 1870s-built Doylestown Inn and the towering Mercer Museum, provides a rich backdrop for photographers. The Mercer Museum itself is a treasure trove of American history, housed in a castle-like building that stands out in photos. Visitors often miss the peaceful Henry Chapman Mercer’s Fonthill Castle, which is tucked away from the main street but offers breathtaking views from its elevated position.
The town’s vibrant arts scene also adds to its photogenic appeal. The James A. Michener Art Museum, located in a former prison building, showcases regional art and is a striking place for photos. Doylestown’s annual events, like the Doylestown Arts Festival, attract creatives from all over and further add to its colorful, dynamic atmosphere. The festival fills the streets with music, art, and food, presenting a lively setting to capture in photos.
Lititz
Lititz is a hidden gem in Lancaster County, where its cobblestone streets, dotted with historic buildings and colonial-era homes, create a timeless atmosphere. One of its standout features is Lititz Springs Park, a serene spot where locals gather. The park’s natural beauty, with its picturesque pond and peaceful walkways, delivers countless opportunities for stunning photos. A stop at the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, one of the oldest in the country, is a must. Here, visitors can watch pretzels being hand-rolled, showing a slice of local tradition.
Lititz's vibrant arts community shines through its many galleries and studios. Every July, the town hosts the Lititz Outdoor Fine Art Show, showcasing the work of local artists. The festival draws art lovers and photographers alike, offering a lively scene to capture the town's creative spirit. Hidden away from the main attractions, the town’s peaceful walking trails, like the Lititz Run Nature Trail, provide another quiet escape.
New Hope
Along the Delaware River, New Hope is a town full of character. Its dynamic arts scene is immediately noticeable, with galleries, theaters, and antique shops dotting the streets. The Bucks County Playhouse, a former mill turned theater, adds a cultural layer to the town’s photogenic appeal. Visitors often overlook the nearby Towpath Trail, a quiet path along the canal, where you can capture the beauty of the river and surrounding nature in peace.
A stroll across the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge gives an elevated view of the Delaware River, providing a unique perspective of the town. The nearby Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve features beautiful wildflower-filled meadows and wooded areas, making it a great spot for nature photography. Whether visiting in the fall for the vibrant foliage or in the spring for blooming flowers, New Hope promises year-round photo opportunities.
Kennett Square
In the news as the "Mushroom Capital of the World," Kennett Square is more than the mushroom farms dotting the landscape. For instance, the Longwood Gardens is just outside town. A 1000+ acre area boasting stunning gardens, fountains, and seasonal displays, it is a haven. The town is especially photogenic in the spring when the surrounding countryside is dotted with colorful blooms.
Kennett Square's annual Mushroom Festival celebrates its agricultural heritage with parades, contests, and, of course, mushroom-themed food and activities. Beyond the town, the nearby Brandywine Valley provides breathtaking views, including the beauty of the Brandywine River, which is perfect for outdoor photography.
Bellefonte
In the heart of Centre County, Bellefonte's Victorian architecture stands out along tree-lined streets, where colorful homes and historic buildings create a picturesque scene. The Centre County Courthouse's grand clock tower is a striking backdrop for any photo. Talleyrand Park is another quiet spot for capturing the town's historic essence against the backdrop of lush green spaces.
Bellefonte is home to several old iron furnaces, remnants of its industrial past, which visitors may get to know on the Bellefonte Ironmasters Walking Tour while taking a few shots. The nearby Spring Creek, with its flowing waters, is a great spot for outdoor photography, especially during the fall when the surrounding trees showcase brilliant autumn colors.
Ridgway
The “Gateway to the Alleghenies,” Ridgway is a paradise for nature lovers. Its beauty is hard to match, with towering trees, rolling hills, and the Clarion River providing a stunning backdrop. You can begin at Sandy Beach Park, a lovely spot, especially when the sun filters through the trees. A short walk from downtown leads to the Clarion River, where serene waters and lush forested banks create a peaceful escape. Kayakers and anglers are a common sight, adding life to the setting.
Ridgway also hosts the annual Ridgway Chainsaw Carving Festival, an event that brings artists together to create incredible works of art from wood. The festival fills the town with energy and presents unique photographic opportunities as chainsaw carvers work their craft in front of the crowd. Elk County Courthouse is another architectural highlight. This stately building, with its grand columns and intricate stonework, reflects the town's deep history.
Lewisburg
The historic homes and storefronts along the Susquehanna River, combined with its brick-paved streets, create an old-world appeal in Lewisburg that photographers love to capture. The Bucknell University campus, with its striking buildings and manicured gardens, adds to the town’s photogenic draw. Lewisburg is particularly beautiful in the spring and fall. In the spring, the town is blanketed with colorful flowers, and the nearby Bucknell University Arboretum is an ideal spot for nature photos. The riverfront, with its walking trails and views of the Susquehanna River, is another worth-visiting photo op. When done with all the strolling, head to Fero Vineyards for a sip of craft beverages.
Swarthmore
A mere 20 miles from Philadelphia is Swarthmore, featuring elegant homes and buildings that reflect a timeless style. The Swarthmore College campus is a key highlight, with its picturesque quad, towering trees, and classic collegiate buildings that make it a prime spot for photography. Swarthmore is especially photogenic during the fall when the campus’s rich foliage creates a stunning contrast with the stone buildings. Furthermore, Crum Woods, a secluded forest tucked away within the town, gives access to a 3-mile trail amid native plants and wildlife. You may also take the time to capture the small Crum Creek, which flows through the town.
DuBois
Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Plateau gives way to DuBois. The town is framed by the beautiful Moshannon State Forest, a stunning area for capturing wildlife, hiking trails, and tranquil streams, notably during the fall when the foliage turns vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Don’t miss a visit to Treasure Lake, located just outside the town. This private residential community is home to two sparkling lakes, a marina, and tree-covered trails. While access to some areas may require a guest pass, the panoramic spots you can explore offer stunning backdrops for any photo.
The historic downtown area of DuBois is another gem worth photographing. The well-preserved architecture, including the Reitz Theater with its vintage 1880s façade, counts for a charming backdrop. One of the town’s most distinctive features is its connection to the Pennsylvania lumber industry. The DuBois Area Historical Society showcases the town’s lumbering past with exhibits that allow visitors to delve into its industrial history.
Milford
Milford is a treasure trove of photogenic spots in the Delaware River Valley. Streets lined with vintage lampposts and well-kept storefronts make the perfect backdrop for timeless photos. Grey Towers National Historic Site, once the home of conservationist Gifford Pinchot, is a must-visit. The mansion’s stone exterior, lush gardens, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains are a standout. The Columns Museum, home to the Lincoln Flag, is another photogenic historic building with its grand columns and elegant design.
For nature lovers, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area presents breathtaking landscapes. Milford Beach, nestled within this area, is a tranquil spot to capture views of the river framed by dense forests. A short drive leads to Raymondskill Falls, Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall. Its cascading waters, set against rugged cliffs and verdant foliage, are a photographer’s dream.
Final Thoughts
The most photogenic towns in Pennsylvania are a unique canvas, filled with moments waiting to be captured. Milford’s elegant Victorian homes and scenic waterfalls contrast beautifully with Ridgway’s rugged chainsaw sculptures and forested trails. Swarthmore enchants with its lush arboretum and collegiate charm, while Lewisburg’s vintage storefronts and bustling campus buzz with life.
Each of these towns has hidden gems, from charming creeks and colorful festivals to undisturbed trails and historic landmarks. Whether you are drawn to vibrant communities or peaceful natural settings, Pennsylvania’s photogenic towns inspire storytelling through every lens, creating memories as vivid as the images you will take home from the United States.
