These 13 Towns In Pennsylvania Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024
The Keystone State is known for its charming small towns, scenic landscapes, and vibrant larger cities, all of which captivate visitors and residents. In 2024, several Pennsylvania towns were celebrated as top favorites for their unique blend of culture, natural beauty, history, and community spirit. From the rolling hills of Bucks County to the mountains of the Poconos, these towns each offer something special. Within these towns, you will find thriving arts scenes, picturesque outdoor escapes, and cozy main streets filled with quirky shops and eateries. Take a drive across the state to explore some of Pennsylvania's towns that were ranked among US favorites.
Doylestown
The county seat of Bucks County, Doylestown, has a population of 8,388. It is a charming small town with much to offer, making it a popular destination for visitors each year. Under a two-hour drive from both Philadelphia and New York City, Doylestown is known for its eclectic, historic architecture, and many buildings from the 19th century are still standing today.
Doylestown's rich history can be explored by visiting the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle. These unique concrete structures are filled with historical artifacts. Visitors enjoy touring Fonthill Castle, which was the home of Henry Chapman Mercer, the builder of these structures. Its stunning architecture and tilework impress all who see it.
There are 11 municipal parks covering 80 acres within the town of Doylestown. They include the Veterans Memorial Park at Maplewood, which offers walking trails, baseball fields, a playground, and pavilions. The larger Peace Valley Park, located about five miles outside of the town limits, offers boat rentals to explore Lake Galena, a beautiful 365-acre man-made lake within the park. About 14 miles of hiking and nature trails may also be found at this park.
Kennett Square
Known as the "Mushroom Capital of the World," Kennett Square is a town in Southern Chester County. With an estimated population of 6,521, this town is considered to be a suburb of both Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Wilmington, Delaware. Kennett Square holds a distinctive spot in the Brandywine Valley and has been described as quaint but not country. It is a welcoming village for both tourists and those looking to relocate to a quieter but still lively area.
A highlight of Kennett Square is Longwood Gardens. Created as an outdoor sanctuary for industrialist and philanthropist Pierre du Pont, today, the gardens cover over 1,100 acres and feature a collection of native and exotic plants and trees, both indoor and outdoor. It is especially known for its collection of 4,500 orchids, one of the largest displays of orchids in the world. The fountains at Longwood Gardens are another major attraction, as is the Open Air Theatre. Live performances, fireworks shows, and fountain shows occur year-round.
History buffs will enjoy the historic architecture found in the town, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Kennett Square celebrates community through annual festivals including the Mushroom Festival, Kennett Brewfest, and Holiday Village Market. The town also has a rich Hispanic community and celebrates its diversity through events like Cinco de Mayo.
Gettysburg
Gettysburg is a popular town, not only because of its rich history tied to the Civil War. The county seat of Adams County, Gettysburg, with a population of 8,468, is just north of the Maryland border, and lies about 40 miles southwest of Harrisburg. While it does draw many history buffs interested in the Battle of Gettysburg, there are other reasons to visit, and perhaps even relocate to, the Gettysburg area.
A trip to Gettysburg would not be complete without visiting some of its historic sites. The Gettysburg National Military Park consists of over 1,300 monuments and memorials, as well as much information and education about the Battle of Gettysburg. Do not miss the Cyclorama, a panoramic painting from 1884 in the Museum and Visitor Center, that allows you to feel like you are in the midst of the battle.
Pennsylvania is home to many historic covered bridges, and Gettysburg has its own, the Sachs Covered Bridge. This 100-foot wooden bridge spans Marsh Creek and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is perfect for photographs, walking, relaxing, and picnicking.
If outdoor sport and recreation is more to your liking, hit The Links at Gettysburg, a 4 1/2-star-rated golf course that is highly ranked among golf enthusiasts. For music lovers, Gettysburg Rocks is a music festival held every February and August, featuring 150 live bands across multiple venues.
Strasburg
Strasburg, with a population of 3,094, is one of the most popular towns to visit in Lancaster County. Just over a 15-minute drive from the larger city of Lancaster, Strasburg was founded in 1693 by a French hunter and fur trader. By the 1700s, it had been named "Strasburg," in honor of the French cathedral city.
You cannot talk about the appeal of Strasburg without mentioning the Amish. A large Amish community lives in the Lancaster County area, including Strasburg, and these Amish can be seen all over the roads throughout the town and county, traveling to and from in their horses and buggies. While most Amish value their privacy and eschew photographs as well as attention from tourists, some Amish farms, such as The Amish Village in nearby Ronks, are available for tourists to explore.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is likely the most popular attraction in Strasburg. It allows visitors to explore real trains and see over 100 locomotives and railroad cars up close. The Museum includes the Choo-Choo Barn and the National Toy Train Museum, which can provide hours of entertainment for young and old alike.
New Hope
New Hope is a welcome change from the larger cities of New York City and Philadelphia, each of which is just over an hour's drive away. Like many Pennsylvania towns, New Hope, located in Bucks County along the Delaware River, has a rich history spanning 200 years. It has a population of 2,631 per US Census estimates.
A historical walking tour of New Hope will take you to the 1784 Parry Mansion, built by one of the town's founders, Benjamin Perry. You can also see the famous Bucks County Playhouse, constructed in the early 20th century, that has featured performances by famed actors Grace Kelly and Robert Redford, among many others.
A perfect way to see New Hope and the surrounding area is to hop aboard the New Hope Railroad. Dating from 1891, the railroad offers different excursions that take passengers through the picturesque valleys and hills of Bucks County. For more outdoor fun, check out the 134-acre Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, home to wildflowers, native plants, butterflies, and birds.
The New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival, held each September, displays the work of over 150 juried artists and craftsmen using a variety of media.
Wellsboro
Known as the home of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, Wellsboro is a favorite town in the Keystone State for many who visit the northern section of Pennsylvania's Appalachian Mountains. It is the gateway to Pine Creek Gorge, the formal name of the 47-mile-long, 1,000-foot-deep Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, which features hiking trails, scenic views, biking, bird-watching, and kayaking. There is more to Wellsboro, population 3,427, than just the gorge, however.
In addition to the PA Grand Canyon, outdoor spaces surround Wellsboro, including Leonard Harrison State Park, Tioga State Forest, and Colton Point State Park. These recreational areas offer spaces for hunting, fishing, picnicking, camping, exploring, hiking, biking, and communing with nature.
Wellsboro also has its share of history, having been founded in the early 1800s. Much of the town's draw stems from the historic buildings, Victorian homes, and quaint shops and boutiques within its downtown area. The Wynken, Blynken, and Nod statue and fountain in the town square cannot be missed. Referring to the 1889 poem "Dutch Lullaby" by Eugene Field, the statue was presented to the town by Senator Fred Bailey in 1938 in remembrance of his wife, Elizabeth Cameron Bailey. Today, it is a must-see landmark for visitors to Wellsboro.
Lititz
Lititz, with a population of 9,742, is a favorite Pennsylvania town for a variety of reasons. This small town in Lancaster County has its own history, including being the home of the first all-girls boarding school in the US, Linden Hall, founded in 1746. Despite its history, however, Lititz is very "modern," with pretzels, chocolate, and beer all holding a special place in the town.
Lititz's history goes way back to 1759, when the Moravian Brothers' House was built. This house would later, in 1777, be approved by General George Washington to serve as a wartime hospital. Visitors can tour many historic buildings in Lititz today, such as the Johannes Mueller House from 1792. Walking tours as well as ghost tours of the town are also available.
Pretzels were invented in Lititz, by the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, in 1861. The oldest commercial pretzel baker in the US, the company remains active to this day. Interactive tours of the bakery, housed within a historic stone home, are available to visitors.
Lititz is also famous for chocolate. Wilbur Chocolate Company was founded there in the 1800s. While, for health reasons, you cannot tour the factory today, you can visit the Wilbur Chocolate Store and watch chocolate being made through glass windows. For beer lovers, a tour of Lititz' Appalachian Brewing Company is recommended.
Each Fourth of July, Lititz puts on a massive celebration within Lititz Springs Park, an event that has been held since the early 1800s. This is the perfect example of how a small town can do big things and attract thousands to visit each year.
Easton
Nestled within the Lehigh Valley in Northampton County, 70 miles north of Philadelphia, Easton is another Pennsylvania town that is a favorite within the Keystone State. Sitting at the forks of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers, Easton, population 28,127, was the site of an early reading of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. The town's Historic Center Square can be toured, and visitors can enjoy the Easton Farmers Market, the oldest open-air market in the US.
More importantly for children (and those who once were), Easton is home to the Crayola factory. Tours of this crayon factory are available, and visitors can create melted wax artwork and even name their own crayon color.
If the outdoors and the arts are more to your liking, the Karl Stirner Arts Trail combines both. This 2.4-mile walking and biking trail features artwork such as sculptures, paintings, and poetry along its path. Fishing is also a popular pastime in the Bushkill Creek that runs beside the trail.
Easton's State Theatre Center for the Arts offers performances by musicians, comedians, children's performers, and more. The arts are also highlighted at the town's Lafayette College, within its Williams Center for the Arts, Weiss Theatre, and art galleries.
West Chester
The county seat of Chester County, West Chester, population 19,658, lies in the Brandywine Valley, 25 miles from Philadelphia. It has been called "one of the world's most perfect small towns" by the Philadelphia Inquirer. Many seem to agree and are drawn by West Chester's quaint, small-town ambience and cultured experiences.
West Chester's walkable downtown area consists of 20 blocks, including over 100 independently-owned businesses and more than 65 restaurants. It is also quite historical, with buildings such as the Historic West Chester Courthouse, built in 1846; and the Bank of Chester County Building, built in the 1830s. More than 4,000 of the town's 6,000 buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
West Chester is also a college town and is home to West Chester University, founded in 1871 but with roots all the way back to 1812, when it was West Chester Academy. The arts and culture are vital to the town's environment, evidenced by the many art galleries and theatres housed there.
Just outside of town limits, you will find the Stroud Preserve, a 574-acre nature preserve open to the public. Hiking, wildlife spotting, and relaxation are all encouraged here.
Sewickley
The borough of Sewickley, population 3,772, is just a 20-minute drive from Pennsylvania's second most populated city, Pittsburgh, yet it feels a world away. With a name derived from the Indian words meaning "sweet water," Sewickley is full of history and charm all its own.
One unique feature of Sewickley is that it lies on the Three Rivers Water Trail. This water trail, which extends 75 miles, is accessed from Sewickley on the Ohio River, Harrison on the Allegheny River, and Elizabeth on the Monongahela River. Canoers and kayakers may launch from any of these access points.
Hikers and bikers will want to check out the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, which includes 33 miles of urban and suburban riverfront trails along the three rivers mentioned above. It provides well-maintained pathways and scenic views that are easily accessible from Sewickley, Pittsburgh, and the Three Rivers Water Trail.
Sewickley is also home to the largest outdoor memorial to the Tuskegee Airmen. This memorial commemorates the 100 Tuskegee Airmen who lived in Western Pennsylvania, eight of whom were from Sewickley.
Hershey
It is no secret that people love Hershey, dubbed "the sweetest place on earth." Home to Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World, and other non-chocolate-related attractions, the town of Hershey, population 13,858, is popular for its sweet treats and amusements.
A tour of Hershey's Chocolate World to see how the famous candy is made is highly recommended. This can be followed by, or preceded by, a trip to Hersheypark, the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, founded in 1906 by Milton Hershey as a leisure park for Hershey Chocolate Company employees.
When you tire of chocolate and rides, visit ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, which is 11 acres and houses over 200 animals. Wildlife from all five regions of North America, the South, Southwest, Northlands, Eastern, and Big Sky Country regions, are housed here. From alligators to black bears to bald eagles, you will see them all.
The town of Hershey itself is unique, with 105 Hershey Kisses streetlamps down Chocolate Avenue and along various town streets. The Hershey Towne Square features boutique shops, restaurants, and a brewery.
Jim Thorpe
A popular Pocono Mountains destination, Jim Thorpe is the county seat of Carbon County and was named after Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe. Dubbed the "Switzerland of America," this quaint town in northeastern Pennsylvania with a population of 4,529 combines history with outdoor sports and recreation. It is just an hour and a half from Philadelphia, but it feels a world away from the larger city.
More than just skiing occurs in Jim Thorpe. The Delaware & Lehigh (D&L) Trail is perfect for bikers and hikers who want to explore the area. It consists of 165 miles of trails, with 144 miles open to users, connecting to 55 parks. The trail runs along the Lehigh River and includes 54 trailheads, one of which can be found in Easton.
History buffs will enjoy exploring Jim Thorpe's Old Mauch Chunk Historic District, which will guide you to 28 buildings in the town's central business district. These include the Mauch Chunk Opera House (which is still holding performances), The Old Jail, and Historic Stone Row, townhouses from the 1800s that are still in existence as businesses today.
Camp Hill
Located just three miles southwest of Pennsylvania's state capital, Harrisburg, Camp Hill is in the Cumberland Valley. This town, with a population of 8,163, boasts access to amenities, making it one of the favorite towns in Pennsylvania. Sitting on the Susquehanna River, Camp Hill was part of the Gettysburg campaign during the Civil War, and many of the buildings in the town remain from that time period. History lovers will enjoy touring the town's historic houses.
Outdoor activities are plentiful in Camp Hill, with three public parks as well as the Goddard Trail, a 2.3-mile scenic trail through the town providing space for walking, hiking, and biking.
Being a small town, Camp Hill holds annual festivals and events during various times of the year. These include the Kite Festival in May, the Holiday Tree Lighting Event in December, and the Holiday Home Decorating Contest, also in December.
Perfect in Every Season
These Pennsylvania towns have been ranked as US favorites time and time again, with good reason. They each have their own unique and delightful atmosphere that attracts visitors and relocators. These communities are also perfect to visit in every season, as Pennsylvania is one of the states that still experiences seasonal weather and conditions during all four seasons. Whether you choose to visit the mountain town of Jim Thorpe or Wellsboro, or the valleys of Lancaster or Camp Hill, you are sure to discover a journey unlike any that you have ever experienced.
