10 Best Small Towns In Pennsylvania For A Crowd-Free Summer

Most tourists spending the summer in Pennsylvania automatically head to the bustling scenery of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and other prominent cities. While this is expected, considering their range of attractions, the high concentration of tourists can prove to be too much for those who appreciate their personal space. It can be frustrating when you don't feel comfortable enough to move around without bumping into a person or two, taking the fun out of the retreat.

Luckily, the Keystone State has numerous quaint destinations outside the urban sprawl, where the crowds are thinner and the atmosphere more laid-back. Whether you want to take it easy on the lakeshore of Eagles Mere or wander freely through the historic streets of Jim Thorpe, here are the best small towns in Pennsylvania for a crowd-free summer.

Eagles Mere

If you want to spend your summer in the comfort of the great outdoors, Eagles Mere is an enticing stop for your getaway. You need not worry about choking crowds in this secluded borough of Sullivan County; it welcomes a few thousand summer tourists, ensuring there is enough room for everyone. The warm conditions are perfect for swimming, boating, paddleboarding, or fishing in the spring-fed waters of Eagles Mere Lake.

Summer brings the Annual Arts & Crafts Festival to the town for a celebration of the arts, music, and food. Those who want to explore the town's history can check out resourceful exhibits at the Eagles Mere Museum that chronologically document decades of local heritage.

Ohiopyle

Secluded, serene, and spectacular are some of the adjectives you can use to describe this tiny village in Fayette County. It is home to Ohiopyle State Park, which provides the ultimate escape to the great outdoors. This lush wilderness sprawls 20,000 acres and houses gorgeous cascades, lush woodlands, and dramatic rock ledges. Adventurers can get lost in hiking, camping, hunting, and nature photography activities in the region.

Meanwhile, adrenaline-inducing rafting excursions down the winding Youghiogheny River courtesy of Ohiopyle Trading Post and River Tours promise to spark your summer escapades. But if you are faint of heart, you can settle for chasing waterfalls, with a chance to witness the unmatched allure of Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls.

Wellsboro

Ardent outdoorsmen with an affinity for the off-the-beaten-path will feel in their element when exploring this precious gem of Tioga County. Wellsboro is home to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, a stunning natural treasure also known as Pine Creek Gorge. Sinking to a 1,000-foot depth, this massive abyss amazes nature enthusiasts with its spectacular views. The gorge is surrounded by the thick woodlands of the Tioga State Forest, which serve as a playing field for hunters, hikers, campers, and more.

While multiple events grace Wellsboro in summer, the annual Pennsylvania Tioga County Fair is a major highlight. This celebration of regional agricultural heritage incorporates a barrage of family-centric entertainment, from kids' games to wagon rides, exhibits, food, and live performances. The best part is that it has plenty of quieter activities, such as the sheep show, where you can avoid crowds while having a blast.

Zelienople

For anyone trying to escape the chaos in Pittsburgh, Zelienople is an excellent small-town escape to consider. This lovely municipality blends its historic charms with an air of modernity in a quaint downtown district. Residents gather inside the Strand Theater to watch an exhilarating lineup of live events, from dramas to concerts. If you are spending the holiday with friends, ShuBrew presents a lovely gathering spot to catch up over a pint of fresh craft beer or American dishes.

Meanwhile, you can spend quality time with family at Zelienople Community Park. This delightful outdoor space has crucial amenities like picnic pavilions, a playground, ball fields, an amphitheater, and a swimming pool to cool off the summer heat.

Jim Thorpe

If you have ever visited eastern Pennsylvania, you know the natural beauty that engulfs the Pocono Mountains. Jim Thorpe is at the center of this beautiful region and promises travelers an easygoing summer retreat. You can get a feel for the town's magical scenery up close when you ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. This explores the Lehigh Gorge State Park's dense forest and its diverse natural landscapes. When the heat gets too much, you can cool off along the sandy shores of Mauch Chunk Lake Park. It has a small swimming beach and picturesque vistas of the sparkling lake waters. Furthermore, you can get more adventurous with a riveting rafting excursion down the Lehigh River courtesy of the Pocono Whitewater Rafting.

Milton

A summer holiday by the river doesn't sound bad, and this is precisely what to expect when you decide to spend it in Milton. This central Pennsylvania community of 6,600 boasts supreme natural scenery and an eclectic dining scene. Visitors embrace the outdoors with a trip to Milton State Park, which spans approximately 82 acres along the serene banks of the Susquehanna River. Here, boaters, anglers, hikers, and sightseers come to reconnect with nature.

Milton is also an excellent stop for culinary connoisseurs. The downtown district houses a lovely cluster of eateries, and if you have a thing for Chinese cuisine, you can savor scrumptious chicken, shrimp, and rice dishes at Jade Palace Restaurant. Milton also hosts the Pennsylvania Dutch Festival in August, a yearly spectacle paying tribute to the rich heritage of the Pennsylvania Dutch.

Kennett Square

Kennett Square's small-town feel and easygoing attitude make it one of the best small towns in Pennsylvania for a crowd-free summer. The close-knit community is home to fewer than 6,000 residents and welcomes tourists to partake in its agricultural bounty every Friday during the Kennett Square Farmers Market. This exciting meet-up features a collection of friendly local vendors with their farm-fresh merchandise.

The serene oasis inside Longwood Gardens is an excellent environment if you need a break from the summer heat. This 1,000-acre property features a colorful combination of flowers, shrubs, trees, and herbs split between well-manicured gardens. For something quieter, visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll or shaded picnic at Anson B. Nixon Park, which features tranquil walking trails, small ponds, and a calm, natural setting just minutes from town.

Lititz

A family vacation in this adorable borough of Lancaster County promises visitors one of the most unforgettable summer experiences. Lititz has a rich mix of attractions to impress all ages, treating children to chocolaty treats and other candies at the Wilbur Chocolate Factory & Retail Store. This historic establishment boasts some of the tastiest hand-dipped chocolates in the region since opening its doors in the 19th century. Also, the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery uses age-old recipes from the 1800s to cook up mouth-watering pretzels. This downtown mainstay is considered the nation's first bakery of its kind.

When you are full from all the eating, you can head to Lititz Springs Park and rest under a shady picnic area. This adorable urban oasis has a tranquil environment and a spectacular fountain that is fun to watch.

Clarion

This small borough of Clarion County impressively balances indoor and outdoor attractions to guarantee vacationers fun wherever they spend their holiday. Those who favor the open spaces should wear comfortable walking shoes for an easygoing trek along the Clarion Loop Trail, which cuts through a section of second-growth hemlock forests. On the other hand, the indoor inclined will prefer to examine the pleasant portfolio of artworks displayed by Clarion River Art Gallery & Phrame It! The studio displays well-framed art, collectibles, and photographs that promise to inspire your artistry.

For a slower-paced afternoon, visitors can stop by the Clarion County Historical Society, where old photographs, antique furniture, and preserved artifacts from the 1800s help paint a picture of the region’s heritage. Afterwards, consider enjoying a quiet moment in Memorial Park, a shaded downtown green space with benches and gardens, perfect for people-watching or reading beneath the trees.

Bradford

This isolated community near the New York State border guarantees a peaceful summer retreat without fuss by isolating you from the hustle and bustle of the city. Bradford encourages holidaymakers to let their hair down when exploring its lush outdoor scenery. A trip to Callahan Park & Pool allows you to keep the summer heat at bay with a cool dip in the available public pool. If you find inspiration in historical narrations, consider touring the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center. The stately facility exhibits a variety of memorabilia, from costumes and audio recordings to films documenting the life and times of the legendary opera singer.

"Summer Nights in the Square" graces the season. This fun cultural event takes place in the historic square. Over three days, the Bradford Creative Performing Arts Center hosts live music performances, a car show, food, and other activities.

Final Thoughts

While finding the perfect summer retreat in the United States can be daunting, these small towns in Pennsylvania make it easy to escape the crowds and reclaim your personal space. Instead of jostling through packed city streets, you can enjoy peaceful adventures in the heart of nature and experience the warmth of local hospitality. Whether you're savoring sweet treats with family in Lititz or hiking quiet forest trails in Ohiopyle, each destination promises a crowd-free summer filled with charm and relaxation.