10 Best The Poconos Towns For A Weekend Trip

Milford

Milford's location—just minutes from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area—makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's natural wonders. The Columns Museum, located in a 1820s mansion, chronicles local history through period rooms, exhibits on the Delaware River's importance to regional development, and displays about Gifford Pinchot, the town's most famous resident, who served as Pennsylvania's governor and founded the U.S. Forest Service. Art lovers should visit the Milford Theatre, a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace that now hosts films, concerts, and theatrical productions year-round in an intimate setting. For exceptional farm-to-table dining, The Waterwheel Cafe, Bakery & Bar has been a Milford institution since 1997, serving creative American cuisine in a cozy Victorian house with a reputation that draws diners from across the region.

Cliff Park Inn & Golf Course offers a more casual dining experience with its pub menu and spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. Just outside town, Grey Towers National Historic Site preserves Gifford Pinchot's French château-style mansion, where tours reveal not just the family's history but also the birth of American conservation policy through exhibits and the beautifully landscaped grounds. The nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides endless hiking, kayaking, and scenic driving opportunities along 40 miles of the Delaware River. Book a room at Hotel Fauchere, a luxuriously restored 1880 hotel where French elegance meets Pocono hospitality, featuring a renowned restaurant and impeccable service.

Hawley

Positioned on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack—the third-largest man-made lake in Pennsylvania—Hawley offers water recreation, excellent dining, and a walkable downtown filled with galleries, boutiques, and cafes that reflect the town's artistic renaissance. The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park serves as both an accommodation and a culinary destination, with its farm-to-table restaurant earning regional acclaim for creative seasonal menus featuring ingredients from its own gardens and local farms. The Arts & Crafts-style inn itself, built in 1927, exudes historic charm while offering modern luxuries. Downtown, browse the eclectic offerings at Silver Birches, an upscale gift shop and gallery, then grab coffee at Cocoon Coffee House, a cozy spot beloved by locals for excellent espresso drinks and homemade pastries.

The Hawley Silk Mill, a massive renovated 1880s textile factory, now houses artist studios, apartments, a brewery, and event spaces—it's a testament to adaptive reuse done right and worth exploring for its architecture alone. Lake Wallenpaupack dominates the recreational landscape, boasting 52 miles of shoreline that offer swimming, boating, fishing, and lakeside dining at various marinas. The Lacawac Sanctuary & Biological Field Station, situated on a pristine glacial lake just outside town, offers guided nature walks and educational programs that highlight the ecological significance of the Pocono Plateau. Stay at The Lodge at Woodloch, an adults-only luxury spa resort about ten minutes from downtown, where comprehensive wellness programs, gourmet dining, and serene forest settings create an unparalleled retreat experience.

Stroudsburg

As the Monroe County seat, Stroudsburg offers more urban amenities than most Pocono towns, while maintaining easy access to outdoor recreation and a historic downtown that has undergone significant revitalization. The town's location near the Delaware Water Gap makes it an ideal base for exploring the region, and its growing arts scene and diverse dining options offer plenty of evening entertainment. Dive into local art and history at the Monroe County Historical Association, which curates a rich collection of artifacts and rotating exhibits that tell the story of the Pocono region's development from its earliest days. The downtown Main Street corridor features the Sherman Theater. This beautifully restored 1920s movie palace now hosts national touring acts, comedy shows, and community events in an intimate 400-seat venue with excellent acoustics.

For dinner, The Cure Cafe & Bistro elevates casual dining with globally inspired small plates and an impressive craft cocktail program in a stylish, contemporary space. For hiking and waterfalls, head to Bushkill Falls, known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," where eight waterfalls cascade through a hemlock-shaded gorge accessible via well-maintained trails and bridges—though technically outside Stroudsburg, it's just a 15-minute drive and absolutely worth the trip. Book a room at The French Manor Inn and Spa, a stunning château-style property perched on a hilltop about 20 minutes from downtown, where European elegance meets Pocono tranquility.

Honesdale

This Wayne County seat earned its place in history as the birthplace of American railroading—the first commercial steam locomotive in the Western Hemisphere made its trial run here in 1829. The Wayne County Historical Society Museum occupies a sprawling complex including the 1840s Stourbridge Line Building, where exhibits chronicle the Delaware & Hudson Canal and gravity railroad that once connected the coal fields to New York markets—the engineering was revolutionary for its time.

Railroad enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Stourbridge Line excursion trains that depart from downtown, offering scenic rides through the Lackawaxen River valley with various themed trips throughout the year. Main Street is lined with antique stores, galleries, and cafes, including Native, a casual, cozy farm-to-table eatery known for its pastas, meats, and vegetarian dishes, all complemented by a selection of wine and cocktails. Just outside town, Prompton State Park offers 1,420 acres surrounding a scenic reservoir, with hiking trails, boat launches, and a swimming beach that's rarely crowded even in summer. Stay at The Historic Hotel Wayne, a beautifully restored 1827 property located right on Main Street, where period details meet modern amenities. The location puts everything within walking distance.

Delaware Water Gap

Delaware Water Gap takes its name from the stunning geological feature where the Delaware River carved a dramatic gap through Kittatinny Mountain—it's one of the most scenic spots in the entire Appalachian chain. While technically just 0.6 square miles, the town serves as the southern gateway to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and has a fascinating musical history as a jazz mecca during the mid-20th century. The Deer Head Inn, established in 1869, isn't just a place to eat and sleep—it's a living piece of jazz history. This intimate venue has hosted legendary performers since the 1950s, when it became a favorite retreat for New York jazz musicians. The Sunday brunch with live jazz has become a legendary event.

For daytime dining, Village Farmer and Bakery serves farm-fresh breakfast and lunch in a charming, renovated space, accompanied by excellent coffee and baked goods. The Appalachian Trail literally crosses through town—you can park downtown and within minutes be hiking this legendary footpath, either heading north toward Sunfish Pond or south toward the gap itself. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area surrounds the town, offering 70,000 acres of preserved land with countless hiking trails, waterfalls, and river access points. Drive the Old Mine Road, one of America's oldest commercial routes, for stunning river views and access to historic sites. Stay at The Shepard House, a beautifully restored Victorian bed and breakfast where the owner's attention to period detail creates an authentic 19th-century experience, complete with wraparound porch views of the mountains.

New Hope

Perched along the Delaware River at the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border, New Hope has evolved from a colonial mill town into one of the region's most vibrant artistic communities. The town's picturesque streets, lined with 18th- and 19th-century buildings, now house galleries, boutiques, theaters, and restaurants that draw visitors from Philadelphia and New York City. The Bucks County Playhouse, originally built as a grist mill in 1790, has presented professional theater since 1939 and remains one of America's most prestigious summer stock theaters—recent renovations have enhanced the historic venue while maintaining its intimate charm. For dining, Oldestone Steakhouse serves a modern, New American steak and seafood menu with some Creole accents in a spectacularly converted 1800s stone church where soaring ceilings and stained glass create unforgettable ambiance.

Take a ride on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, a heritage railway offering scenic excursions through Bucks County's countryside in vintage coaches—the fall foliage and Christmas-themed rides are particularly popular. The Delaware Canal State Park runs right through town, offering 60 miles of towpath perfect for biking, walking, or simply watching mule-drawn canal boat rides that recreate 19th-century transportation. Cross the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge to explore the equally charming New Jersey side, or rent kayaks to paddle the Delaware River. Stay at The Inn at Bowman's Hill, a luxurious manor house and cottages set on five acres overlooking the river, where elegant rooms, gourmet breakfasts, and tranquil grounds create a sophisticated retreat.

Tannersville

Positioned along Route 611 in the heart of the Poconos, Tannersville serves as an excellent base for exploring the region's outdoor attractions while offering its own appealing mix of shopping, dining, and history. The town's location near Camelback Mountain makes it particularly popular with skiers and water park enthusiasts, but there's much more to the area than just resort activities. Pocono Premium Outlets attracts shoppers from across the region with over 100 stores in an attractive outdoor village setting—it's one of the area's largest retail centers and particularly busy on weekends. For a complete contrast, visit the Pocono Indian Museum, a quirky, family-run institution since 1958 that houses an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, including some genuine pieces and many reproductions, all of which are enthusiastically explained by knowledgeable guides. It's admittedly campy, but genuinely educational and surprisingly engaging.

Camelback Mountain Resort dominates the landscape with skiing and snowboarding in winter and Camelbeach Waterpark in summer—it's the Poconos' most extensive ski area and water park complex. For quieter outdoor experiences, Big Pocono State Park, located atop Camelback Mountain, offers panoramic views from its 2,131-foot summit, accessible by hiking trail or (in season) by car, with visibility sometimes extending to the New York City skyline on clear days. Stay at The Chateau Resort & Conference Center, a full-service property with multiple dining options, indoor and outdoor pools, and a location that makes all area attractions easily accessible.

Lake Harmony

Nestled in the Pocono Mountains at an elevation of 1,600 feet, Lake Harmony centers around its namesake 115-acre lake that's become one of the region's premier recreation destinations. The town's compact size belies its appeal—what it lacks in square footage, it makes up for in pure mountain charm and outdoor opportunities. Lake Harmony itself dominates the summer activities scene, boasting crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Several marinas rent watercraft and provide boat launches, while the shoreline features sandy beaches and waterfront dining.

Shenanigans offers casual lakefront dining with burgers, sandwiches, and cold drinks enjoyed on decks overlooking the water—it's the quintessential summer hangout where boaters tie up for lunch. Just minutes away, Jack Frost Big Boulder offers skiing and snowboarding across two mountains in winter, with terrain parks that attract freestyle enthusiasts from across the Northeast. Hickory Run State Park, located just 15 minutes away, protects 15,990 acres of wilderness, including the remarkable Boulder Field—a National Natural Landmark where 20 acres of massive boulders create a surreal landscape left behind by the last ice age. The park's 40 miles of trails range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes through pristine forest. Stay at Split Rock Resort, a full-service lakefront property offering golf, spa services, and activities for all ages—the resort's location directly on the lake provides immediate water access and stunning sunrise views.

Dingmans Ferry

Located in the northern reaches of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Dingmans Ferry provides access to some of the region's most spectacular waterfalls and pristine natural areas, while preserving the authentic character of a rural Pennsylvania community. The star attraction is Dingmans Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Pennsylvania, at 130 feet. It is accessed via a gentle boardwalk trail that winds through a hemlock grove, making these impressive falls universally accessible and available to visitors of all abilities. The adjacent Silverthread Falls adds another scenic cascade to the short walk. The George W. Childs Recreation Site offers a unique waterfall experience, featuring a network of trails and bridges that lead to three major waterfalls tumbling through a rocky gorge.

The combination of cascading water, old-growth forest, and historic stone bridges creates scenes that feel primordial. Apple Valley Restaurant serves generous portions of classic American comfort food and is a local favorite for its standout breakfast. The surrounding forests are home to black bears, bald eagles, and other wildlife that is rarely seen in more developed areas. Raymondskill Falls, just a short drive north, claims the title of Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall at 178 feet—while the viewing platforms are currently closed for repairs, the upper falls remain accessible and spectacular. Stay at the 1870 Roebling Inn on the Delaware, a historic property situated right on the river, named for the family that built the nearby Roebling Bridge. Modern updates respect the building's heritage, and the riverside location offers tranquil views.

These ten Pocono towns prove that northeastern Pennsylvania offers far more than oversized resorts and honeymoon suites. From Jim Thorpe's Victorian elegance to Dingmans Ferry's waterfall wonders, from New Hope's artistic sophistication to Lake Harmony's lakeside serenity, each community delivers its own interpretation of mountain living. Pack your hiking boots, bring your appetite, and discover why these communities have been drawing visitors—and convincing them to stay—for generations.