11 of the Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a reputation for being beautiful. This is in part because of its many state parks full of hiking trails, great camping, and fishing. In fact, Pennsylvania contains well over 100 state parks, with a total of over 300,000 acres of woodland just waiting for you to explore.
But Pennsylvania is beautiful for another reason, and that is its great variety of charming small towns scattered all over the state. And since it was one of the thirteen original American colonies, many of these towns have rich and deep histories you can spot right on main street. From colonial architecture to preserved forts to Civil War battlefields, history is right at hand.
The quaint and quirky small towns on this list have more than natural beauty and American history to offer, however. From fun and funky college towns to “the Switzerland of Pennsylvania,” these charming small towns will have you packing your bags and hitting the road for a long weekend retreat.
Ohiopyle
First up is the charmingly named Ohiopyle, located in the gorgeous Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. It's well known for nearby Ohiopyle State Park, with its numerous stunning waterfalls, as well as some prime local whitewater rapids. Adrenaline junkies and more casual day trip hikers alike love adventuring through Ohiopyle and its surrounding beauty.
But you don’t have to love roaming through the great outdoors to enjoy a visit to Ohiopyle. Architecture buffs come to visit the not one but two local Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes.
History buffs tour the Fort Necessity Battlefield, the site of the very first battle of the 18th century French and Indian War. Christian W. Klay Winery has some excellent vintages just waiting for you to try them, and Ohiopyle Candy Co. has handmade chocolates and frozen yogurts aplenty.
Tiny as charming Ohiopyle may be, with a population of less than one hundred year round residents, it’s an incredibly popular weekend and vacation retreat. From the state park with its nearly 20,000 acres of wilderness to incredible architecture and historical sites, adding a visit to Ohiopyle to your next vacation or road trip is a no brainer.
Gettysburg
Any list of must-see towns in Pennsylvania would be incomplete without Gettysburg. For one thing, it’s about as famous as a town can be, surrounded as it is by Civil War battlefields, museums, historic buildings and monuments, battle reenactments, and much more. Any Civil War history nerd is bound to have Gettysburg on their list of places to visit.
But the historical landmarks and guided tours are just one of the reasons Gettysburg is a popular weekend or vacation spot. Downtown features tons of cute and unique boutiques, and plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you going while you shop till you drop.
Outside of town you’ll find Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium, an utterly unique experience for the entire family. Gettysburg is awash in history, and surrounded by rolling farmland and orchards. Take a day or two or even a week to explore everything this lovely small town has to offer.
Jim Thorpe
Located in the famed Pocono Mountain region of northeast Pennsylvania, where the natural landscape is simply breathtaking, Jim Thorpe is the ideal destination for anyone looking for a little time away.
This delightful small town was once second only to Niagara Falls as a popular getaway location, and for good reason. Tucked up like a secret against the foothills of the mountains, Jim Thorpe has an old world vibe that feels miles away from the hectic pace of daily life.
Often referred to as “little Switzerland” or “the Switzerland of Pennsylvania,” the historic architecture makes you feel like you’ve taken a trip not only to another place, but another time as well. In fact, many buildings are actually listed on the National Historic Register.
Get your ticket to ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for a tour of the area, and enjoy the amazing scenic overlooks and gorgeous landscape. Or dive into Lehigh Gorge State Park itself, where you’ll find ample opportunity for biking, hiking, camping, fishing, and more.
Wellsboro
If you’re planning a trip to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, a nearly fifty mile long landmark also known as the Pine Creek Gorge, then you simply must make time to visit the charming and unique town of Wellsboro.
This historic small town proudly holds onto its architectural heritage. Victorian homes and businesses line the downtown area, as do the quaint old fashioned gas street lamps that lend their antique glow to every evening.
Downtown also features numerous locally owned small businesses, including one of a kind boutiques, cool cafes, and unique restaurants like the Frog Hut and Timeless Destination. The Arcadia Theatre right on Main Street is an absolute gem, dating back to the 1920’s.
There are plenty of adventures in and around the scenic Wellsboro area. From guided tours on horseback to train rides to Grand Canyon expeditions on foot, bike, or kayak, this pretty slice of Pennsylvania is definitely worth checking out.
Lititz
Lovely little Lititz prides itself on its small town charm, along with all the warmth and welcome visitors have come to expect of this cozy corner of Pennsylvania.
An incredibly popular spot with tourists, Lititz isn’t far from the thriving and growing town of Lancaster, which is known for its vibrant arts and music scenes. A visit to this area, then, gives you a chance to partake of some high energy nightlife, while also tuning into the slower pace of small town life.
Founded by Moravians, early Protestant settlers, the town itself retains the influence of those townsfolk. Historic homes and buildings are often built in a more notably Germanic style, though there’s plenty of Victorian-era architecture on display as well. This mix of styles and time periods is part of what gives Lititz its distinctive look and feel.
Another element of Lititiz’s individual style is its downtown area, full of boutiques, museums, and eateries. Nearby Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery was actually the first hard pretzel company ever, and even today these make a perfect pairing with any of the brews on tap at Appalachian Brewing Company’s downtown brewpub.
Around Lititz you’ll find a number of antique covered bridges, a few state parks to explore, and the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania.
Ridgway
Located in northwest Pennsylvania, Ridgway sits just along the Allegheny National Forest. Known as “Trail Central,” there are literally hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, ATV, and horseback trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or simple amble, there are a number of different trails perfect for your needs.
Ridgway itself offers plenty to do once you come in off the trails. Its fun and funky feel is thanks in part to the number of artists who call this small town home. Art galleries thrive as a result of this community, and personality and flair abound throughout the rest of town as well. South Street Botanical Designs and Mudslide Pottery are just a few examples of some of the unique businesses you'll find. There are a number of cool little antique shops as well.
Paper City Cafe and Tablespoons Cafe & Deli are two of a number of excellent cafes and eateries. A number of breweries and distilleries, like Chicken Hill Distillery, give discerning drinks enthusiasts plenty of locally made goodness to sip and savor.
Whether you come to explore the great outdoors or are planning an antiquing trip, Ridgway has something to offer everyone.
New Hope
Just north of Philadelphia sits New Hope, a small town with big city energy. With the Old World meets New World charm of Philadelphia right next door, why wouldn’t they? New Hope takes a page out of its big sister city’s book and offers both visitors and locals an almost endless array of art and culture.
Still going strong, the famed Bucks County Playhouse continues to offer stellar live performances throughout the year, as it has been for nearly a century now. And the many artists and artisans that call this area home keep local galleries and gift shops filled with amazing local artwork.
Like so many other small towns in Pennsylvania, history buffs can geek out at their leisure at the many historical sites, museums, and guided tours. New Hope stands out for offering a few more supernatural tours that focus on popular haunts and tales of ghostly activities. You can also visit the site of Washington’s cross over the Delaware River, which may or may not include a ghostly presence of its own.
Harmony
Harmony was founded by the Harmonist Society, a religious group first started in Germany who later emigrated to the United States in the early 19th century.
The entire downtown area of this unique small town was granted a National Historic Landmark District designation fifty years ago. With dozens of historic buildings, homes, and businesses, it’s easy to see why. Coming to Harmony is like stepping back through time.
Just north of Pittsburgh, Harmony offers a major gear change from the fast pace of urban living. Small and quaints, it’s the perfect getaway for anyone looking for some peace and quiet.
If you’re looking for some time in nature, McConnells Mill State Park, a National Natural Landmark, is just a few minutes away. Or you can explore the historic downtown on a self guided walking tour, or visit the shops, cafes, and restaurants that call main street Harmony home.
In fact, between its numerous art galleries, golf courses, and outdoor adventures, the hardest part of your visit here may just be choosing what to do first.
Benezette
Tiny Benezette is a wildlife lover’s retreat. Why? Because where else are you going to get a chance to see a herd of wild roaming elk? You can even rent a cabin from Antler Shed Cabins, if you want to plan your visit entirely around catching glimpses of these majestic animals.
Elsewhere around Benezette you’ll find Table Falls, a popular spot with waterfalls lovers, as well as Elk State Forest and Parker Dam State Park. There are quite a number of state and local parks in this area, each with its own unique trails, vistas, and more.
Benezette’s Horse Drawn Wagon & Sleigh Rides is a popular attraction all year round, and the Bennett Branch Sinnemahoning Creek area is a happy little fishing spot where you can pass a sleepy summer afternoon dropping a line and daydreaming.
Cap a day spent out of doors with dinner at the Benezette Hotel, and maybe a walk to Benezette Winery as well. Benezette has that old fashioned after-dinner-stroll kind of feel, a real getaway from it all.
Eagles Mere
Just a few minutes from Worlds End State Park, a summer road trip staple, Eagles Mere is a cute little town tucked neatly within the Loyalsock State Forest. Which means, of course, that the entire area is chock full of amazing natural sights. These include amazing waterfalls like Rusty Falls, Dry Run Falls, and many more.
If you want to camp in an area with nearly endless hiking and biking trails, near a town that’s as friendly as it is beautiful, Eagles Mere is the place for you.
A little town of less than one hundred year round residents, that population more than triples during busy seasons. And with cute independent shops, tennis and recreation clubs, winter festivals, and even an annual toboggan run, it’s easy to understand why so many people love to take a little time away at Eagles Mere.
Whether you’re looking for a quintessential lazy summer vacation spent exploring the woods, a long autumn weekend enjoying scenic overlooks of fall foliage, or a winter retreat full of festivals and celebration, Eagles Mere might just be exactly what you’re looking for.
Lewisburg
Located close to the middle of the state, the quaint little college town of Lewisburg is incredibly walkable, with plenty to offer visitors all year round.
The downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places, and a walk downtown yields dozens of examples of historic architecture from the Victorian period and other eras. There are regular guided walking tours through town, which incorporate both Market Street buildings and more residential buildings as well.
Built on the banks of the Susquehanna River, this wide waterway is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, or even some inner tubing. You can also book a ride on the nearby Hiawatha River Boat, a recreation of a classic river paddle boat.
Downtown you’ll find a quaint shopping district with independently owned boutiques, bookstores, and art stores. There are also cafes, restaurants, ice cream shops, and more. The Campus Movie Theatre, nearly one hundred years old, is not only still open for business but also a popular date night spot as well.
Parting Notes
It’s no secret that Pennsylvania is beautiful, full of scenic highways and byways, with outstanding national, state, and local parks. And what better way to immerse yourself in all this natural beauty than by booking a stay in and around one of its many, many charming small towns?
From historic battlefields to thriving arts scenes, there’s a small town in Pennsylvania that’s perfect for just about every interest. Want to tour an apple orchard and pick yourself a bushel? You can do that.
Interested in hiking up to a waterfall, or taking a train ride to enjoy some jaw-dropping fall foliage? You can do that too. And if you want to stroll down an old-fashioned and welcoming downtown, buying cool handmade jewelry or eating at locally-sourced restaurants? Yep, you can do that as well.
No matter what kind of trip you want to have, if a small town feel is what you’re seeking, then these eleven charming small Pennsylvania towns are right up your alley.
