13 Most Breathtaking Towns In Pennsylvania
Few places embody the mix of rich history and natural beauty the way Pennsylvania does. In a state renowned for its world-class cities, the small towns also shine with their own kind of charm. Despite getting little attention from travelers, these under-the-radar destinations provide a sweet spot for your vacation, promising thin crowds, welcoming communities, and plenty of outdoor adventure. With their well-preserved history and vibrant culture, they have all it takes to deliver an unforgettable vacation.
So, whether you are exploring the pastoral allure of the Pocono Mountains in Jim Thorpe or the majesty of the Delaware River in New Hope, these breathtaking towns in Pennsylvania exceed visitor expectations. Let’s take a closer look at places where timeless beauty, deep-rooted culture, and scenic landscapes come together in the most captivating way.
Lititz
Historic, charming, inviting; there aren't enough superlatives to describe this exciting village in Lancaster County. Lititz is steeped in German heritage, stemming from its Moravian founders in the mid-1700s, and this dynamic history is extensively explained at the Lititz Historical Foundation. Guest tours reveal interesting facts about the early days and the community's evolution. Downtown Lititz is known for hosting the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, America's first commercial pretzel bakery. This 19th-century establishment continues to operate, continuing a longstanding tradition of treating residents and tourists alike to delicious buns and snacks.
When tired from wandering the busy streets of downtown Lititz, Lititz Springs Park offers a nice refuge from the crowds, where you can relax under mature trees and enjoy a peaceful natural space.
Strasburg
Nicknamed "Train Town USA," Strasburg is home to several railroad-related attractions, stemming from its rich railroad heritage. The town boasts the country's oldest running railroad, the Strasburg Rail Road. Guests can take a vintage ride through rolling Amish farmlands for an authentic adventure. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania chronicles years of regional railroad heritage with a world-class exhibit of over 100 steam locomotives, railcars, historic displays, and an engaging education center.
Beyond its trains, Strasburg has an active antiques market that entices tourists with unique vintage finds. If you have a personal collection of souvenirs, you can add to it by heading to the Strasburg Antique Market, which displays several floors of collectibles and primitives.
Bellefonte
Christened the "Victorian jewel of Central PA," Bellefonte stands out for its historic downtown district, distinguished by elaborate 19th-century architectural styles. More than 290 buildings make up the Bellefonte Historic District, which provides a unique glimpse of the old days. This included the Georgian-style Miles-Humes House from the early 1800s. The Bellefonte Art Museum connects guests with the arts through a permanent collection of local and international exhibits, classes, and lectures.
Elsewhere, Talleyrand Park serves as an urban oasis in downtown Bellefonte, offering a serene place for relaxation. The site also hosts the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society, which preserves interactive exhibits and relics about the area's railroading past.
Ambler
Historic charm meets strong community spirit in this quiet borough of Montgomery County. Known for its pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined Main Street, the downtown district hosts an active theater scene, with enthusiasts often trooping into the stately Act II Playhouse to watch cabarets, musicals, plays, and other entertaining productions. The Ambler Theater is another noteworthy point of interest in the area, beloved for screening new and classic movies in a 6,000-capacity venue with modern acoustics and digital effects.
Every Saturday, the vibrant Ambler Farmers' Market sparks life in the community as local growers and businessmen display neighborly interactions with potential buyers of their sustainable goods. But beyond the downtown, nature lovers relish the quiet of Four Mills Nature Reserve, where well-maintained grounds invite picnickers to relax and listen to the birds chirp.
Wellsboro
Regionally recognized as the gateway to Pennsylvania's "Grand Canyon," Wellsboro's natural grandeur draws thousands of outdoor adventurers, with their itineraries focused on Pine Creek Gorge. This gargantuan geological wonder, with forested walls and gorgeous waterfalls, is a hub for hiking, camping, biking, and more. Meanwhile, those who wish for less strenuous activity opt to practice their swing at Tyoga Golf Course and admire the scenery from afar.
Downtown Wellsboro is just as inviting as its backcountry. This district welcomes theater lovers with captivating live shows at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts, featuring dramas, musicals, and concerts. Silver Screen fans can also catch the latest movies in a well-maintained historical venue at the Arcadia Theatre.
Eagles Mere
Mountain serenity and lakeside charm bring travelers to this low-key borough in Sullivan County, surrounded by the rugged woodlands of Loyalsock State Forest. Vacationers can look forward to a ton of fun activities at Eagles Mere Lake, which supports recreation like boating, paddling, and fishing. The sandy Eagles Mere Beach also offers a nice spot to sunbathe or swim. If you relish a trip back in time, you can visit the Eagles Mere Museum and sort through piles of memorabilia, archives, and other artifacts about local history.
The same goes for the Eagles Mere Air Museum, where a vast collection of classic biplanes, airplane engines, and vintage cars offers a unique glimpse into the golden age of flying, starting from the early 20th century. Finally, outdoor lovers can admire the community's mountain scenery while playing at the 18-hole Eagles Mere Country Club golf course.
Phoenixville
This scenic Philadelphia suburb, set on the confluence of the Schuylkill River and the French Creek, harbors a revitalized downtown district bursting with artsy establishments and seasonal festivals. The Colonial Theatre is a prominent attraction in the neighborhood and has been screening classic films and live performances in an elegant turn-of-the-century venue. The Saturday Phoenixville Farmers Market brings local artisans and growers together for a busy day, where tourists can shop for fresh agricultural items, handmade crafts, and sample homemade foods.
Those seeking to escape the crowds can find 119 acres of serene woodlands and wetlands at Black Rock Sanctuary, which provides habitat for a range of endemic wildlife species. Meanwhile, one of the best times to visit Phoenixville is during its annual Firebird Festival.
New Hope
New Hope is one of the most breathtaking towns in Pennsylvania, set along the banks of the Delaware River and home to a vibrant arts community. The historic Bucks County Playhouse has staged musicals, kids' shows, and dramas since the early 1900s, placing New Hope as a regional live performance hub. A rich history lesson awaits at the Parry Mansion Museum, whose vintage furnishings and period artifacts offer a glimpse of different eras in the community in a historic dwelling built in 1784.
Guests can enjoy a vintage ride on the New Hope Railroad for an authentic feel of old-day commuting inside a diesel or steam locomotive during an 18-mile excursion. Finally, conservationists and nature lovers feel at home in the serene screen of Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, examining native plant and flower species.
Mount Gretna
Mount Gretna's bustling arts and culture remain on display throughout the year at its multiple artistic venues. This includes the Mount Gretna Playhouse, which hosts a colorful selection of classical concerts, jazz productions, musicals, and comedies for the public's entertainment. Furthermore, the Gretna Theatre is one of the oldest venues of its kind in the country. Running since 1927, it charms visitors with an impressive lineup of events for young and adult audiences, featuring musicals, plays, and kids' plays.
A fun time with family playing golf at Mt. Gretna Miniature Golf is an excellent way to explore the outdoors. The site's well-maintained grounds are a popular gathering spot for the community, including during the Cicada Festival.
Kennett Square
Claiming to be the "Mushroom Capital of the World," Kennett Square enjoys a thriving agricultural industry, producing over 50% of America's mushrooms. You can get a good idea of its produce market during the weekly Kennett Square Farmers Market, where dozens of regional vendors bring out their fresh groceries, flowers, fruits, meats, and other wares for sale. Meanwhile, the annual Kennett Square Mushroom Festival is an unmissable spectacle for guests, inviting them to partake in a popular event celebrating the town's mushroom-growing heritage.
Nature enthusiasts easily gravitate towards Longwood Gardens, which covers approximately 1,000 acres of plants and flower species, displayed in well-manicured gardens. Lastly, don't leave without trying freshly crafted local beers at Braeloch Brewing.
Bloomsburg
Situated along the shores of the Susquehanna River, this adorable borough hosts a bustling downtown corridor, lined with galleries, restaurants, museums, and local businesses. It is an excellent stop for live theatre fans, inviting them to catch entertaining plays, concerts, and musicals at the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. Meanwhile, guests visiting with kids can guarantee their fun with a trip to the Bloomsburg Children's Museum. This resourceful facility showcases a vast collection of interactive exhibits designed to entertain while educating the young mind.
Breaching the downtown neighborhood exposes a beautiful countryside with scenic green spaces. While exploring in your car, you will come across the Historic Rupert Covered Bridge, which spans the French Creek and is Columbia County's oldest existing covered bridge.
Milton
This central Pennsylvania community excites tourists with picturesque natural beauty and a delectable dining experience. Its quaint downtown region is home to a mixture of restaurants serving various local and international flavors. Those who enjoy Chinese food can head to Jade Palace Restaurant for sumptuous traditional dishes. Milton also hosts the Pennsylvania Dutch Festival, which is an opportunity for newcomers to experience its unique Pennsylvania Dutch traditions. This exposes you to fun wagon rides, artisanal handcrafts, and Dutch foods, among several other events reflecting this unique heritage, which includes Amish and other German immigrants.
For ardent adventurers, Milton State Park presents 82 lovely acres along the Susquehanna River that you can disappear to whenever you crave an isolated picnic, hike, or fishing expedition.
Jim Thorpe
History, culture, and nature collide in this Pocono Mountains community in a special way to guarantee vacationers an unforgettable experience. Jim Thorpe's idyllic natural surroundings encourage outdoor adventures on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Dragging through woodlands, over bridges, and through canyons in Lehigh Gorge State Park, the ride delivers some of the best views of the countryside landscape. Meanwhile, Mauch Chunk Lake Park entices tourists with a swim, picnic, and kayaking session on the calm waters of Mauch Chunk Lake to fuel the outdoor fun.
Downtown Jim Thorpe is adorned with historical markers that take you back to the early days. At the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, you can browse 19th-century furnishings and antiques mirroring the opulent life of a railroad magnet during the period.
Final Thought
From the magical mountain scene in Eagles Mere to the quiet riverside allure of Bloomsburg, these breathtaking towns in Pennsylvania offer a delicious taste of small-town Americana. Each one brings something unique, whether it’s Victorian charm, natural beauty, or rich heritage, making them perfect getaways for travelers seeking peace, authenticity, and inspiration. With fewer crowds and more character, these hidden gems remind us that sometimes the best experiences come from the roads less traveled, even in the United States.
