8 Picture-Perfect Towns in the Mid-Atlantic

The Mid-Atlantic region includes the District of Columbia and the states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. From the Chesapeake Bay to the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains, the Mid-Atlantic is home to some of the loveliest small towns in the nation. Check out our list of eight picture-perfect towns that deserve spots on your next trip to this fantastic part of America.

Annapolis, Maryland

The Chesapeake Bay town of Annapolis was founded as a port at the mouth of the Severn River in 1649 and has been the state capital of Maryland since 1694. The town has also been home to the United States Naval Academy since 1850. The view from the classic 1779 Maryland State House is spectacular, looking down along narrow, colonial-era streets toward the sailing vessels docked in the beautiful harbor. The National Historic District that occupies the streets in between is perfect for an architectural walking tour, along with some excellent shopping and dining.

Cape May, New Jersey

The beach town of Cape May occupies the southern tip of New Jersey, where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Cape May is the oldest of the Jersey Shore beach towns, and it looks the part with a classic beach promenade and tree-lined streets full of Victorian-era homes. Just a few blocks from the beach, the open-air Washington Street Mall offers excellent shopping and historic architecture. For those who prefer birdwatching to people-watching, nearby Cape May Point State Park is one of the premier spots to view migratory birds on the East Coast.

Front Royal, Virginia

Virginia’s picturesque Shenandoah Valley cuts through the center of the state and is laden with farms, stables, wineries, historic battlefields, and state and national parks. The town of Front Royal sits at the northern edge of the valley, making it perfect for day trips to popular attractions like Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns, and several Civil War battle sites. Front Royal itself has many charms as well, including excellent views of nature when walking in Eastham Park or driving on Skyline Drive. And a walking tour of town can end up at the Virginia Beer Museum! 

Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia

Harpers Ferry is known to history as the site of the abolitionist John Brown’s failed raid on the federal arsenal in 1859, an important event on the road to the Civil War. Fortunately, Harpers Ferry now gets to highlight the beauty rather than the strategic importance of its location at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The Harpers Ferry National Historic Park offers a restoration of the downtown area as it looked some 150 years ago, and the surrounding area offers endless options for boating, hiking, nature-watching, and other outdoor activities.

Kane, Pennsylvania

Kane, which is tucked away in the vast forest lands of north-central Pennsylvania, is a hidden gem compared to some of the better-known towns on this list. Once a bustling lumber town, Kane still has a nice collection of historic structures and hosts one of the region’s premier fine arts festivals, Art in the Wilds, each June. Kane’s greatest asset is its location, however, as it serves as a gateway into the great outdoors, including attractions such as the Allegheny National Forest, Longhouse National Scenic Byway, North Country Trail, and Knox and Kane Rail Trail. 

Lititz, Pennsylvania

The town of Lititz is found in Lancaster County, the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish country, and maintains much of the rustic simplicity of its rural surroundings. But, at the same time, Lititz also has a fun and funky side that has earned it the nickname of “Coolest Small Town in America.” Historic buildings, some going back to the colonial era, house old standbys like the famous Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, but also hip boutiques, galleries, and eateries. Additionally, Lititz Springs Park has several beautiful flower gardens, and the Lititz Springs Bandshell regularly hosts live performances.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is nicknamed “The Nation’s Summer Capital” because it draws many of America’s political elite as vacationers, including President Biden. While spotting a few famous faces in town is a nice bonus, Rehoboth Beach’s clean sand and clear water (by eastern seaboard standards) are a bigger draw for most vacationers. Travelers also flock to the famous Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, a classic destination lined with shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and fantastic ocean views. Nearby, Gordon’s Pond State Park offers a more natural setting for enjoying the surf, sand, and wildlife.

Watkins Glen, New York

Watkins Glen sits at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, one of the eleven beautiful Finger Lakes of central New York. Watkins Glen State Park, accessible directly from downtown, is renowned for its gorge trail that passes by 19 waterfalls as it winds through the high-walled, narrow gorge. The town is also famous as the home of Watkins Glen International Raceway, which hosts an annual NASCAR race and other auto races. Downtown Watkins Glen also houses several wine shops that carry bottles from the many local wineries that line the shores of Seneca Lake.

Discover the Beauty of the Mid-Atlantic

The Mid-Atlantic region is home to big cities like New York, Washington, and Philadelphia, but beyond the major metro areas, there are countless small towns that are full of history and charm. From beach towns to mountain hamlets to forest enclaves, the Mid-Atlantic has small communities to suit every traveler’s preference. So, next time you visit the region, get out beyond the big cities and explore the Mid-Atlantic countryside. You are sure to discover even more picture-perfect small towns.