9 of the Most Walkable Towns in Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is known for many historical things. It was one of the original 13 Colonies and was founded by William Penn for Quakers. The first two Continental Congresses were held in Philadelphia, and the Declaration of Independence was drafted at the second meeting in 1775.
Several towns throughout Pennsylvania are best seen while on foot. Walking is the best way to experience the Commonwealth's astounding history and extraordinary architecture. These nine towns are friendly, charming, and the most walkable in Pennsylvania.
Easton
Easton is a quaint and family-friendly town at the convergence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers. The Lehigh Canal runs by Hugh Moore Park, and from here, you can watch the mule-driven canal boat, the Josiah White ll. Easton is also home to the Crayola factory, and traces of these colorful creations can be seen all over town.
The Crayola Experience is a major draw for families. Visitors can visit the factory and experience over 25 hands-on attractions. There is also a historic downtown featuring Easton's Farmer's Market, which has been in operation since the town's founding in 1752. The market is America's oldest continuously operating open-air market. Easton has fun attractions and historic sites; walking is the best way to soak it all in.
Doylestown
Doylestown is a small borough with vibrant nightlife, museums, and historic mansions. The downtown area has been designated as a"Distinctive Destination" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation due to the historical buildings and architectural beauty. Part of this beauty includes a remodeled Art Deco theatre aptly named the County Theater.
There are world-class museums and other cultural attractions in Doylestown, like the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle. The castle was completed in 1912 and was the home of archaeologist Henry Chapman Mercer to showcase his vast collection of tiles and prints. The Michener Museum, named after author James A. Michener, who lived in Doylestown, is a nice detour on your walk through town. The private museum offers multiple exhibits, guided tours, and "after-dark" events.
York
York is a charming town in southern Pennsylvania with a great cultural scene, including libraries and museums. The historic downtown has distinctive cobblestone streets where you can walk and explore the area's history through its historic buildings. The York County History Center offers unique experiences with historic buildings and museums.
One such museum is the Agricultural and Industrial Museum. It has two stories and exhibits over 300 years of transportation and agricultural history. The walkable downtown has factory tours at the Sunrise Soap Company and the York Time Institute, among others. There are also many galleries and parks, such as Cherry Lane Park.
New Hope
New Hope is known in Eastern Pennsylvania for its eclectic cultural scene, theatre, and vintage mansions. The Parry Mansion is a prime example and includes furnishings from different periods, starting in the 1800s. The town is very walkable and near Delaware Canal State Park and Tow Path.
As you walk through the historic downtown area, you'll pass the Bucks County Playhouse, where the likes of Grace Kelley and Dick Van Dyke have graced the stage. Downtown also hosts Ghost Tours, adding excitement to your walk around town. There are plenty of bed and breakfast inns and restaurants to help you unwind your day.
Ambler
Ambler has a quaint, walkable downtown and is home to the famous Ambler Theater. The iconic landmark has been fully restored to its original 1928 glory. Ambler Main Street is a non-profit organization that aims to make Ambler a cultural and dining center for the surrounding areas.
Fridays are perfect for walking around and seeing the sites. First Fridays is a weekly event that hosts food trucks, live bands, and special vendors. This is one of the best ways to discover the town's social fabric and mingle with the residents.
New Castle
New Castle is a picturesque town famous for being the hot dog capital of the world and the fireworks capital of America. The famous chili dogs are attributed to the German immigrants who first settled here. The fireworks moniker is due to two international fireworks factories in town.
This is a fun town to walk around. It includes an authentic Amish Countryside, with self-guided and guided tours available. The Lawrence County Historical Society offers maps for self-guided walking tours of the historic downtown, which include historic buildings like the BEM Photography Studio and the Old Public Library. New Castle is a very walkable town with historic buildings and stunning natural beauty that has to be seen in person.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg is a small borough famous for being a thriving commerce center. The town is on the banks of the West Branch Susquehanna River, which was used for logging and shipping. There are cultural attractions like museums, and Lewisburg is home to Bucknell University. The liberal arts university ranks high among other schools, including Weirs Performing Arts Center, which hosts monthly concerts.
As you are walking around, check out the Farmer's Market. It has been around since 1932 and is considered the best in the area. Several registered historic neighborhoods welcome guided walking tours. The historic downtown begins in Market Street and includes The Campus Theatre, an Art Deco structure built in 1941.
Lititz
Lititz is a gorgeous town famous for its architecture. The historic town was founded in 1756 by Moravians seeking religious freedom. Broad and Main Streets make up the heart of the walkable downtown, which has plenty of restaurants and boutiques, including Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, the oldest in America.
This was the first historic district in Pennsylvania and contains a beautiful mixture of Victorian, German, and English architecture. Lititz Spring Park, founded in 1741, hosts many of the town's events. Historical celebrations are held throughout the year, like the annual 4th of July Celebration, which celebrates the baseball game held in 1863 during the Battle of Gettysburg.
New Oxford
New Oxford is on the historic Lincoln Highway and is considered Pennsylvania's antiquing capital. It is a fun walking town with many historic attractions, like The Christmas Haus. The store owners travel to Germany annually to employ artisans to create authentic German handmade items.
The antique stores include the New Oxford Antique Center and Zelma's Emporium. The Antique Center was a Ford garage in the 1920s, and now the remodeled store hosts several antique dealers. The local Chamber of Commerce offers digital and print maps for your self-guided walking tour through historic New Oxford.
Pennsylvania is a historically significant and beautiful state. These ten towns are among the best walkable in the state. New Oxford is ideal for antiquing, and Doylestown and Littitz are known for their historic homes and commercial buildings.
York is charming, historic, and has several cultural attractions like museums and factory tours. These towns are fun to walk around because they allow you to absorb the local history and beauty of the towns. Many historic neighborhoods are accustomed to walking tours, and the communities are friendly.
