2024's 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is an often overlooked state in terms of natural beauty and wonderful downtown areas. While well-known cities like Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburg certainly have their charms, today, we will be focusing on some of the smaller towns that truly make this state a treat for the eyes.
From the Pocono Mountains to the Great Lakes, discover these 10 communities, each appealing with its own assortment of unique and wonderful things to see and do in 2024.
Ligonier
Located in the Laurel Highlands in the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania, Ligonier is known for its quaint town square and rich history. The Diamond, a central park in town that is surrounded by local shops and cafes, serves as the community's heart and a great place to start a visit here. The park features a charming gazebo and hosts events throughout the year, including the popular Ligonier Country Market, where vendors offer handmade goods, fresh produce, and artisanal treats for all.
A short distance from the town center, Fort Ligonier provides a detailed look into the region's longstanding colonial history, with reenactments, exhibits, and displayed artifacts detailing the French and Indian War.
For a more exciting outing, the Idlewild & SoakZone, one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, lies nearby and offers family-friendly attractions amidst the scenic mountainous landscape. For that matter, in autumn, Ligonier’s surrounding hillsides turn vibrant shades, making it an ideal spot for leaf-peeping in 2024.
Jim Thorpe
Set within the beautiful Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe has earned its reputation as one of Pennsylvania’s most scenic small towns. Widely known as the “Switzerland of America” for its 19th-century architecture and mountain surroundings, Jim Thorpe invites visitors to explore both its streets and nearby wildlands.
A great example of its preserved historic buildings is the Asa Packer Mansion, a National Historic Landmark that offers an in-depth look at the life of one of the town’s founding figures. Moreover, the Mauch Chunk Opera House, one of the country's oldest theaters, still hosts performances in an intimate and ornate setting.
Outdoor activities should also define any trip to Jim Thorpe, with Glen Onoko Falls and Lehigh Gorge State Park nearby, providing you with seemingly endless amounts of trails, waterfalls, and white-water rafting opportunities along the Lehigh River. Visitors can also ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which takes passengers on a journey through the region’s densely forested landscape, perfect in the fall season when the foliage changes color.
Lititz
Nestled in Lancaster County just east of Harrisburg, Lititz is known for its historic sites and cozy yet vibrant downtown core. Founded in 1756, this town showcases its heritage through landmarks like the Lititz Moravian Church Square, one of the oldest planned communities in the United States.
Nearby, the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, offers tours where you can learn about the pretzel-making process and even try your hand at twisting pretzels, a fun way to spend an afternoon on a hungry stomach.
This town has much to offer in terms of natural beauty too. Lititz Springs Park, with its tranquil spring-fed ponds and shaded walkways, is a peaceful escape in the heart of town. During warmer months, the park is home to some notable events, including the annual Fourth of July celebration and the popular Lititz Craft Beer Fest.
New Hope
Situated along the western banks of the Delaware River across from New Jersey, the town of New Hope charms all with its riverside views and small-town vibe a short drive from Philadelphia.
This Bucks County town dates back to the early 18th century and retains much of its historic architecture, like the Parry Mansion, built in 1784. The meticulously preserved home is now open for guided tours that provide a deeper look into New Hope’s early history and contains period furnishings spanning several generations.
The Bucks County Playhouse, a well-known regional theater, hosts year-round performances and adds a good mix of cultural and historical intrigue to any trip in the area.
Across the river, the Delaware Canal Towpath provides scenic trails ideal for biking, walking, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the river valley. Be sure to also book a ride on the historic New Hope Railroad for a scenic tour through Bucks County’s countryside.
Gettysburg
Well known for its pivotal role in American history, Gettysburgs profound historical significance is complimented by its scenery, both natural and man-made. This small town preserves numerous landmarks from the Civil War era, including the Gettysburg National Military Park, which draws thousands each year with its battlefield tours, monuments, and memorials. The nearby Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center further exhibits artifacts detailing the events and impact of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Beyond its Civil War sites, Gettysburg is a nice little town, with a downtown containing a variety of shops, restaurants, inns, and other amenities. Lincoln Square, the town’s central area, is where many 19th-century buildings can be found and serves as the starting point for several local walking tours and ghost tours that recount the area’s rich past and the fact that it's considered one of America's most haunted towns.
Nearby, the Sachs Covered Bridge, a beautiful 1854 structure, is popular among photographers and well worth visiting for even just an afternoon stroll in the countryside around town.
Doylestown
Doylestown is a short drive north of Philadelphia and is home to the Mercer Museum, a unique six-story castle built by archaeologist and tilemaker Henry Chapman Mercer, showcasing an extensive collection of American artifacts. A trip to this historic and picturesque destination is well worth it for a quick escape from the city.
The museum isn't the only great example of old-school architecture in this small town, however. The nearby Fonthill Castle, also designed by Mercer, features elaborate tilework and serves as a testament to Mercer’s creativity and craftsmanship. Furthermore, the Michener Art Museum, named after the Pulitzer Prize-winning author James A. Michener, houses collections that highlight regional artists and contemporary works. Doylestown is certainly the place to be for an enlightening excursion.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the scenic trails of Peace Valley Park or the gardens at the James-Lorah Memorial Home, both ideal in the summer months and the fall.
Stroudsburg
Another town in the Pocono Mountains, Stroudsburg has a lively arts scene and an abundance of nearby places to engage in outdoor activities year-round.
For the outdoor adventurers out there, the nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is an iconic natural area with miles of trails, numerous scenic overlooks, and campsites near the Delaware River. Here, you can enjoy hiking at Mount Tammany, exploring waterfalls, or nature-watching in the park’s vast woodlands. Stroudsburg’s proximity to the Pocono Mountains also makes it a gateway for skiing, boating, and camping at a number of other sites.
Stroudsburg is also home to the Sherman Theater, a historic venue that regularly hosts concerts and other live events. This small but popular theater is a great example of how many towns in Pennsylvania put an effort into simultaneously preserving their classic architecture and holding onto cultural draws for residents and tourists alike.
Wellsboro
Famed gas-lit streets, Wellsboro offers a nostalgic atmosphere surrounded by natural beauty in the Tioga County of northern Pennsylvania. The aesthetic of Its charming Victorian-style architecture is only topped by the nearby Pine Creek Gorge, commonly referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.” The gorge is part of the Tioga State Forest, and provides some of the most breathtaking views in the state, extensive hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife spotting, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts from all around.
In town, many opt to walk along Main Street, which as mentioned, is lined with vintage street lamps that at night illuminate shops and family-owned restaurants. Here, the historic Penn Wells Hotel, dating back to 1869, stands as a centerpiece of the community and provides a window into Wellsboro’s past, as well as a wonderful place to spend the night.
Seasonal events, such as the annual Dickens of a Christmas celebration, attract visitors with its period costumes, street performances, and holiday-themed markets.
Bellefonte
Bellefonte attracts visitors for its architecture which is best admired in its Victorian homes, former industrial building, and other various public structures from the same era, including the historic Centre County Courthouse and the ornate Gamble Mill, which has been transformed into a space for dining and local events. Another one of Bellefonte’s best historic sites includes the Bellefonte Art Museum, housed in a former mansion and offering exhibits that highlight regional artists.
Bellefonte’s Talleyrand Park, situated along Spring Creek, features scenic walking paths, picnic areas, and a picturesque gazebo that captures the essence of this peaceful town. Just a short drive away, the Bald Eagle State Park provides a more remote place for hiking, boating, and fishing amid lush forests and clean lakes, all with great views of the surrounding hills.
Lewisburg
Seated on the banks of the Susquehanna River, Lewisburg's dowtown area as a whole is on the National Register of Historic Places. This Union County town is home to Bucknell University, whose beautiful campus adds a youthful and educational atmosphere to the area on top of its historic appeal.
Lewisburg’s historic downtown is filled with many well-preserved 19th-century buildings that now house shops, galleries, and a good collection of independent bookstores that serve students, residents, and tourists. Mondragon Books will likely be the coziest store to both buy and read a book or two in.
Hufnagle Park, also located in the heart of town, is a serene green space with trails, a children’s playground, and easy access to the river that is particularly scenic in the fall months.
Each Saturday, the Lewisburg Farmers Market draws both locals and visitors as well. Here local produce, crafts, and baked goods can be purchased and enjoyed.
See the Beauty of Pennsylvania in 2024
In 2024, these small towns in Pennsylvania continue to captivate with their blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the scenic streets of Jim Thorpe to the riverside charm of Lewisburg, each town on this list offers its own distinct appeal, reflecting the diverse heritage and landscapes of the state. Whether you’re drawn to history, arts, or outdoor adventure, these are just a few of Pennsylvania’s small towns that can provide countless opportunities to explore, unwind, and connect.
