2025's 11 Best Small Towns To Visit In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania sees more than 100 million visitors to its towns and cities every year, lured by the prospect of exploring its rich Colonial history, experiencing its vibrant culture, and basking in its picturesque natural landscapes. Although better recognized for popular urban hubs like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, the Keystone State offers more pleasant surprises than many people realize. This is especially true for tourists who skip the bustling cities to discover the underrated gems in the state's countryside.

Scattered across rolling hills, forested valleys, and scenic riverbanks are dozens of small towns that seem straight out of a storybook. With their slow pace of life, lush green spaces, and quaint downtown districts, they are a far cry from the rowdy atmosphere of the city. From Jim Thorpe's mountainside allure to Hawley's lakefront allure, discover the best small towns to visit in Pennsylvania.

Lehighton

Lehighton is a small borough in the Pocono Mountains region, popularly known as the "Gateway to Carbon County." The area boasts stunning natural landscapes that encourage adventures in the great outdoors. Many people come to fish, picnic, boat, and hike in the 3,000-acre wilderness of Beltzville State Park, which borders the sprawling Beltzville Lake. Jim Thorpe River Adventures invites vacationers for thrilling whitewater kayaking and rafting excursions on the choppy waters of the Lehigh River.

Racing enthusiasts visit Lehighton to catch adrenaline-filled races at the Mahoning Valley Speedway, which staged weekend races on a 0.25-mile asphalt track. Elsewhere, wine lovers can enjoy a refreshing taste of fine wines at the Radical Wine Company.

Quakertown

This relaxed community in Bucks County sits about 40 miles north of Philadelphia and enjoys access to the vast waters of Lake Nockamixon. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the 5,200-acre wilderness of Nockamixon State Park, which provides a range of recreational opportunities, including camping, horseback riding, boating, and swimming. Downtown Quakertown harbors a string of entertainment venues that keep it vibrant at all times. There is none more prominent than the Univest Performance Center, which comfortably holds over 2,500 people at a time while staging electrifying concerts in an outdoor amphitheater.

Also, the Quakertown Farmers Market adds activity in the downtown area, attracting local growers and crafters to display their assortment of agricultural produce, antiques, baked goods, meats, and crafts. Finally, shopaholics can indulge in their pastime of choice at the Quakertown Plaza.

Sunbury

Sunbury is an easygoing town along the banks of the Susquehanna River, known for its idyllic green areas and terrific river views. Merle Phillips Riverfront Park spoils guests with some of the most alluring panoramas of the river as it flows through the town. Its peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained walking paths cultivate leisurely strolls to meditate or uninterrupted picnics with family. Elsewhere, birdwatchers love to gather at Keithan's Bluebird Gardens to watch cute native bird species fly around its lush azaleas and other flowering trees.

The Northumberland County Historical Society connects guests with the area's unique backstory, which intertwines with Thomas Edison's demonstration of his famous invention, the electric light. If you appreciate finely crafted brews, spare time to pop into Eclipse Craft Brewing Company for a pint or two.

Lewisburg

This lively college town is home to Bucknell University and boasts a balanced mix of historical, cultural, and natural points of interest. Every Wednesday, more than 100 vendors gather at the Lewisburg Farmers' Market to trade their farm produce, cooked meals, baked goods, and handmade crafts, creating a vibrant social atmosphere where foreigners can interact with locals freely.

Meanwhile, visitors with children can entertain them during an educational tour of the Lewisburg Children's Museum. This fascinating facility hosts interactive exhibits meant to instill a thirst for knowledge in the young ones. Outdoor lovers will love being in their element at the Lewisburg Area Recreation Park. This 22-acre playground accommodates the young and old alike, offering amenities like a nature trail, tennis courts, a pool, and a game field.

Bloomsburg

Bloomsburg is another riverfront borough on the banks of the Susquehanna River, home to an active downtown scene where guests can revel in a variety of attractions. Notable attractions in the area include the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, where townsfolk often congregate to watch everything from musicals, plays, concerts, and other entertaining stage productions. Also, the Bloomsburg Children's Museum is the perfect stop for vacationing families. Equipped with at least 50 interactive displays, it promises an immersive educational and fun experience centered around science and the arts.

The town hosts the oldest covered bridge in the county. A trip to the Historic Rupert Covered Bridge exposes guests to mid-19th-century engineering and boasts classic architectural elements. Bloomsburg also hosts the annual Bloomsburg Fair, which brings the townspeople together for a celebration of their heritage.

Grove City

Grove City sits about 60 miles from Pittsburgh, providing a lovely destination for anyone looking to skip the noise in the city. It boasts a charming mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities throughout its quaint downtown area, with a quiet countryside. More than 100 retail stores and restaurants await you at Grove City Premium Outlets, promising modern dining and shopping encounters. The Grove City Area Historical Society showcases a rich collection of documents and relics preserving almost two centuries of regional history.

But if you prefer a quieter space with natural surroundings, you can head to Cunningham Mill Park for a lazy stroll through a section of secluded woods. Alternatively, you can interact with beautiful wildlife species at Keystone Safari, a 144-acre sanctuary for animals from across the globe, including friendly giraffes.

Jim Thorpe

Many travelers agree that Jim Thorpe is one of the most beautiful towns to visit in Pennsylvania, set against the stunning backdrop of the Pocono Mountains and enveloped by pristine wilderness areas. A ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway puts the borough's beauty into perspective as the vintage train drags through the untouched jungle of the Lehigh Gorge State Park. Mauch Chunk Lake Park is where outdoor enthusiasts go to play in Jim Thorpe. This serene getaway lies on the banks of the Mauch Chunk Lake, which fuels activities like swimming, boating, kayaking, and more.

Elsewhere, the downtown area brings back memories of the past with its rich cluster of Victorian landmarks. This includes the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, which was built in 1861 and portrays the nature of life for the upper-middle class during the period. Meanwhile, a broader perspective of the community's history is available to explore at the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center.

Milford

Milford is an unassuming village on the upper Delaware River, renowned for its natural beauty and historical heritage. It has a historic downtown district where guests can get a feel for its over 200-year legacy. The Columns Museum is a fine example of old-world architecture in Milford, sporting an early 20th-century Neo-Classical design and hosting hundreds of artifacts about the region's colorful past. Elsewhere, the Milford Theater stages live performances and screens classic films to serve as the town's cultural and entertainment hub.

Nature lovers gravitate towards the serenity of Milford Beach, a popular outdoor spot where guests can swim in the cool waters of the Delaware River. Also, Raymondskill Falls is a stunning visual spectacle and the state's tallest waterfall, spoiling first-timers with unbeatable sightseeing and nature photography opportunities.

Milton

This adorable village in Central Pennsylvania lies on the western branch of the Susquehanna River and is famous for its mix of attractive outdoors and a vibrant dining scene. Picnickers, boaters, anglers, and hikers alike converge at Milton State Park to make the most of its recreational activities. This 82-acre sanctuary provides ready access to the river and enjoys a calm and tranquil natural environment. The downtown region is an excellent escape for culinary connoisseurs, who have a chance to sample delicious Chinese dishes at the romantic Jade Palace Restaurant.

The neighborhood also allows visitors to watch religious and family-friendly drama at Christ Wesleyan Theatre Productions, including concerts and musicals. Finally, you can get a taste of Milton's Dutch heritage during the annual Pennsylvania Dutch Festival, featuring traditional foods, handicrafts, and kid-centric activities.

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg boasts an impressive combination of historical heritage and natural beauty, thanks to a legacy dating back to the mid-18th century and its location in the middle of the Pocono Mountains. The old town district stands out for a fair share of rustic buildings. Highlighted by the Monroe County Courthouse. This stunning building was built in the late 1800s and dominates the townscape with a fancy Romanesque Revival architectural style.

The Monroe Farmers Market presents the perfect atmosphere to meet the locals as growers and crafters bring out their produce and crafts for sale. Beyond the busy town center, guests can relax and enjoy fresh air at Ann Street Park, which offers soothing waterfall views and a serene environment.

Hawley

Hawley is a calm borough on the serene shore of Lake Wallenpaupack and a popular destination for vacationers with a penchant for water-based adventure. The waterbody is a hub for an array of recreational activities, including paddleboarding, fishing, canoeing, and boating. You can book the Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours for an unforgettable sail on the water, promising endless sightseeing opportunities. Delicious locally crafted wines at Three Hammers Winery put vacationers in the perfect mood to savor the easygoing atmosphere in the countryside.

Meanwhile, those with a soft spot for the arts can gather inside the Ritz Company Playhouse for captivating theatrical productions that draw enthusiasts from around the region. This historic community theater entertains adults and children alike with curated live shows.

Pennsylvania’s charm shines brightest in its small towns, especially when you start exploring their unique history and novel culture. From the scenic serenity of Milford, nestled in the Pocono Mountains, to Bloomsburg’s vibrant college-town energy and historic downtown, these exciting towns to visit in Pennsylvania in 2025 capture the essence of Keystone State living. Whether you are seeking outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, culinary indulgences, or quiet retreats in the United States, these small towns promise a lasting impression and unforgettable memories.