11 Coolest Pennsylvania Towns For A Summer Vacation In 2025
Summer is the perfect time to experience the diverse beauty in Pennsylvania. The warm season opens doors to a raft of fun adventures that take visitors into the heart of the backcountry. From boating on the calm lakes to rafting down the rivers and hitting the waterparks, there is no shortage of exciting options for all types of travelers. Beyond the crowds in the major metros, the Keystone State provides an endless list of quaint little towns where you can spend a gratifying summer vacation.
Whether taking a sightseeing tour of the dense Pocono Mountains wilderness in Jim Thorpe or enjoying the waterpark in Hershey, here are the coolest Pennsylvania towns for a summer vacation in 2025.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe is a sought-after gem in eastern Pennsylvania, surrounded by the picturesque peaks and undulating woodlands of the Poconos. It boasts superb natural scenery, which cultivates exotic viewing excursions aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. This vintage diesel engine takes guests into the heart of the Lehigh Gorge State Park for a chance to revel in dramatic waterfalls, gorges, forests, and other natural treasures. Mauch Chunk Lake Park welcomes newcomers to take advantage of swimming, picnicking, and camping opportunities in a beautiful lakefront sanctuary.
Alternatively, they can take on the rapids along the twists and turns of the Lehigh River during an adrenaline-filled rafting trip courtesy of Pocono Whitewater Rafting. Finally, catching a live musical performance in the rustic interior of the Mauch Chunk Opera House is the perfect alternative when you want a change of scenery.
Hershey
Hershey promises unlimited chocolate tastings, rare animal encounters, and unforgettable waterpark fun to fuel a gratifying summer stay outside the state capital. It is home to Milton Hershey's famous chocolate factory, which treats first-timers to a remarkable tour at Hershey's Chocolate World, featuring delicious treats, fun rides, and moving theatrical performances. ZooAmerica is where families go to admire at least 200 animal residents, representing over 70 wildlife species. These range from mountain lions to reindeer and owls.
Meanwhile, the whole family can look forward to unadulterated fun at Hersheypark. This historic amusement park presents everything from roller coasters and thrill rides to a water park with fun slides. After all the fun, you can embark on a shopping spree with the kids at Tanger Outlets Hershey.
Wellsboro
This small town in Tioga County invites ardent outdoorsmen to spend an adventurous summer discovering the beauty of the PA Grand Canyon. It famously hosts Pine Creek Gorge, a 1,000-foot deep natural phenomenon in the heart of the Tioga State Forest, which offers everything from spectacular views and pristine hiking trails to wildlife watching opportunities. Additionally, the 400-acre Hills Creek State Park cultivates more outdoor fun with access to a scenic reservoir where guests can swim, boat, paddleboard, and stake out waterfowl.
Golfing enthusiasts will cherish an easygoing challenge on the manicured lawns of Tyoga Golf Course, which harbors eighteen holes and fabulous natural surroundings. Back in downtown, a trip to Arcadia Theatre lets you catch the latest Box Office releases in a rustic four-screen movie venue.
New Hope
New Hope is a gem in Bucks County, known for its lively art scene and alluring historical heritage. Summer presents the perfect conditions to explore its well-preserved old town district, which provides a blast from the past at landmarks like the Parry Mansion Museum. This 18th-century dwelling transports guests back to the bygone eras with its period antiques, artifacts, and furnishings. The neighborhood also houses the Bucks County Playhouse, where performance art connoisseurs gather to watch enthralling stage shows in a small but intimate location.
Elsewhere, those who travel with kids can stimulate their minds through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences inside the Bucks County Children's Museum, as outdoor buffs grace the serene grounds of Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve to admire a colorful collection of flowers, herbs, shrubs, and trees.
Ohiopyle
This isolated getaway in Fayette County sets the stage for invigorating river fun tailored for seasoned adventurers. Ohiopyle is endowed with spectacular natural scenery, embodied by the over 20,000 undisturbed acres of Ohiopyle State Park. This sprawling reserve is dotted with exquisite landscapes, including Cucumber Falls, Baughman Rock Vista Overlook, and Ferncliff Peninsula. Almost fifteen miles of the Youghiogheny River gorge cuts through the park, inviting vacationers for heart-stopping whitewater adventures courtesy of Ohiopyle Trading Post and River Tours.
Nature photographers are often left in awe of the gorgeous Ohiopyle Falls, which drops twenty feet into the Youghiogheny River. Lastly, a dip in the cool waters of Natural Water Slides is the ideal way to escape the summer heat in Ohiopyle.
Downington
Downington is a lovely lakeside community in Chester County with serene outdoor attractions tailored for summer adventures. It calls on tourists to embrace the open spaces with a trip to Marsh Creek State Park. Here, they can engage in boating, paddleboarding, fishing, and kayaking activities on the calm waters of Marsh Creek Lake. Those who need a cool space to shelter from the summer sun will love the serene grounds of Lloyd Park, which spans over 30 acres of grassy fields and provides water access.
Meanwhile, a quiet stroll through the wooded Struble Trail offers a chance to admire the beautiful backcountry scenery in Downingtown, promising adorable views at every turn. Beyond the great outdoors, be sure to catch a friendly family movie inside Regal Downingtown.
Lititz
A mix of tasty treats, historical journeys, and wildlife encounters guarantees to spark your summer vacation in Pennsylvania. This landmark borough of Lancaster County boasts a rich heritage dating back to the mid-18th century. It has well-preserved vintage sites to show for it, led by the Johannes Mueller House from the 1700s. Lititz lures travelers with delectable dining opportunities at the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. Considered to be the country's first pretzel bakery, guests can enjoy delicious snacks made from age-old recipes.
A trip to the Wilbur Chocolate Retail Store makes for an enticing follow-up, with a chance to satisfy your sweet cravings with hand-dipped chocolates and gourmet confectionery products. When it's all said and done, head to Lititz Springs Park for some fresh air and a peaceful time amidst a tranquil urban sanctuary with shady picnic spots and a gorgeous stunning view.
Gettysburg
If you are a fan of American Civil War history, Gettysburg is one of the coolest Pennsylvania towns for a summer vacation in 2025. The town has an enduring heritage highlighted by the Battle of Gettysburg, which marked a landmark shift during the American Civil War. Today, tourists head to the Gettysburg National Military Park to learn about the conflict and witness the remains of the infamous battlefield. Numerous monuments and landmarks dot the downtown district, with the Jennie Wade House Museum offering a look into civilian life during the war.
The Gettysburg Heritage Center pays tribute to the town's colorful past by inviting newcomers for battlefield tours, museum visits, and other educational experiences. But when you are not immersed in the past, you can enjoy a compelling musical showcase at the Majestic Theatre.
Kennett Square
Kennett Square is a suburban community on the outskirts of Pennsylvania where people escape the rowdy urban scene. It has a thriving agricultural industry that earned it the moniker "Mushroom Capital of the World," and impresses guests with its lush nature, best epitomized by Longwood Gardens. This 1,000-acre oasis showcases a colorful collection of plants, flowers, and tree species traversed by cute little walkways. The Weekly Kennett Square Farmers Market welcomes first-timers to partake in its agricultural bounty, where they can shop for fresh farm produce, flowers, baked goods, and meats.
Also, take the time to sample local arts at Square Pear Fine Art Gallery, featuring intricate handmade jewelry, glassware, pottery and other art forms. Kennett Square is famous for its summer festivals, and the Kennett Square Summerfest, scheduled for June 2025, is one of the most anticipated.
Greensburg
Those planning to escape the chaos in Pittsburgh for a low-key summer retreat can settle for this lovely locale in Westmoreland County, where a bubbly art scene, fun shopping opportunities, and storybook natural allure await. Performance art lovers congregate inside the landmark Palace Theatre to watch engaging musicals and dramas in a 1,300-seater cultural hub, as visual art enthusiasts admire fine exhibits at the Westmoreland Museum of Art. The latter boasts a collection of over 700 fine paintings by artists native to southwestern Pennsylvania.
Retail therapy addicts can curb their cravings with a trip to Westmoreland Mall, which houses 150 stores selling the latest fashion accessories. Elsewhere, those who favor the outdoors will be at home discovering the peaceful walking trails and picnic areas at Lynch Field Park.
Milton
This picturesque river town in the heart of Pennsylvania excites vacationers with its idyllic natural surroundings and delectable dining scene. It is home to Milton State Park, an 82-acre wilderness spanning the serene banks of the Susquehanna River. This recreational hub attracts hikers, boaters, fishermen, and picnickers seeking peaceful moments in the outdoors. Strolling through the downtown district, you'll come across several eateries serving a dynamic mix of local and internationally inspired flavors. Jade Palace Restaurant is known for its authentic Chinese cuisine, featuring sumptuous shrimp, chicken, and rice dishes.
Summer visitors always look forward to the Pennsylvania Dutch Festival. This annual celebration pays homage to the Pennsylvania Dutch with traditional foods, vintage wagon rides, artisanal handicrafts, and other family-friendly activities and will take place in August 2025.
Final Thought
There is no shortage of fantastic places to enjoy the warm weather in the Keystone State, from the sprawling playground of the Pocono Mountains in Jim Thorpe to the calm waters of Marsh Creek Lake in Downingtown. Wherever you choose to go, these coolest Pennsylvania towns for a summer vacation in 2025 promise unforgettable fun for the whole family. Tourists can expect an all-around experience suited for foodies, historians, culture enthusiasts, thrill seekers, and festival goers.
