6 Best Lakeside Towns In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's breathtaking landscape, including the Appalachian, Allegheny, and Poconos Mountains, is peppered with over 2,500 lakes. Some are man-made, while others are natural glacial lakes formed as the Laurentide Ice Sheet stretched into parts of the state. From bustling resort towns like Conneaut Lake to isolated retreats like Eagles Mere, these small lakeside towns will melt your stress away. So, pack a bag and a beach towel, and get ready to explore these charming hamlets surrounding some of Pennsylvania's amazing lakes!

Hawley

Nestled along the northern banks of Lake Wallenpaupack is the quaint town of Hawley. With over 52 miles of pristine shoreline, Lake Wallenpaupack is a great spot to relax along the water with a good book or catch an amazing sunset. Fun fact: Lake Wallenpaupack is the third largest man-made lake in the state! You can take a tour of the lake through the Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours and Rentals or lace up your hiking boots to check out the Wallenpaupack Lake Trail.

After getting your fill of lakeside attractions, downtown Hawley offers fun beach vacation-like activities without making the drive to the ocean. Costa’s Family Fun Park is a great spot for families with a host of seasonal activities like batting cages, go-karts, bumper boats, water slides, and mini golf. There are plenty of cozy shops and cafes in the downtown district (like Lake Wally Cafe), and even have a fun Hawley Farmers Market during the summer season. With family-friendly activities and scenic views, Hawley is like a beach vacation in the Poconos!

Conneaut Lake

As one of Pennsylvania’s largest natural bodies of water, Conneaut Lake makes for the perfect weekend escape. Fun fact: it was formed almost 12,000 years ago by glacial ice and spans nearly 1,000 acres! If you are dreaming of a lazy weekend by the water with all the amenities of home, Conneaut Lake is a must-visit. The downtown area boasts colorful, quirky attractions like the homey Lake Diner, or enjoy lakeside views while sipping a crisp glass of Chardonnay at the Conneaut Cellars Winery and Distillery.

In the late 1800s, Conneaut Lake was a hub for ice harvesting thanks to its pristine glacial waters. While it no longer harvests ice, Conneaut Lake honors its history at the Ice House Park. The park offers waterside views, picnic tables, and breathtakingly beautiful views of the water (especially at sunset!). It's home to charming local festivals like the Winter Ice House Festival and is within walking distance of local distilleries, museums (like the Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society), and restaurants. With so much to see and do, Conneaut Lake is a must-visit on your next Pennsylvania road trip!

Lake Harmony

Located in the heart of the Poconos, Lake Harmony is a nature-lovers paradise 12 months out of the year. Whether you visit in the summer or the winter, there’s plenty to do in this beautiful town. Nestled along the shores of the 2.5-mile natural glacial lake Lake Harmony, it offers plenty of opportunities for water skiing, swimming, and snowmobiling in the winter. While many lakeside towns are only open for business in the warmer months, Lake Harmony is the perfect retreat for winter sports enthusiasts.

Hickory Run State Park, located in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains, is the ideal spot for snowmobiling or cross-country skiing on over 20 miles of manicured trails. Or, you can lace up your ice skates and do a few figure eights on Sand Spring Lake. In the summer, be sure to check out Boulder Field located within Hickory Run State Park. It's a one-of-a-kind field of boulders (hence the name) that has not changed in nearly 20,000 years and is listed as a National Natural Landmark. With close proximity to excellent restaurants and shops, Lake Harmony proves a perfect retreat 12 months out of the year.

Jim Thorpe

While the historic retreat of Jim Thorpe isn’t exactly on a lake, you don’t have to travel far to take in lakeside views. Located a few miles from the shores of Mauch Chunk Lake, Jim Thorpe blends small-town Poconos charm with the wooded views and lakeside serenity. Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides a dreamy lakeside vacation that's perfect for families. With sandy beaches and gentle green rolling hills casting shadows on clear shores, it is sure to melt away any lingering stress. It’s the ideal spot to swim, fish, hike, or catch a few rays along the water.

Jim Thorpe's charms extend beyond Lake Mauch Chunk. Its downtown, often dubbed the “Switzerland of America," exudes a European charm through its Victorian architecture. Key attractions include the Asa Packer Mansion and Old Jail Museum, both offering self-guided tours throughout the year. With stunning scenery, quaint shops like the East Mauch Chunk Eatery, and distinctive attractions, Jim Thorpe makes an ideal lakeside getaway.

Portersville

Looking to relax by the lake? Portersville is a tiny town, covering less than a square mile, but as the saying goes, the best surprises often come in small packages! Located north of Pittsburgh, Portersville combines tranquil lakeside escapes with a charming downtown that has everything you need. Situated within Moraine State Park, it offers stunning views of rolling hills and numerous hiking trails. At the park's center is Lake Arthur, a natural lake spanning 3,225 acres with over 50 miles of pristine shoreline.

Portersville may be small, but it only adds to its overall charm. The shops in the downtown area are walkable, and free commercialized shops and cafes. Everything is locally owned, from Cal's General Store to Pizza Joe's! While there are no hotels in town, a stay at Bluethistle B&B will make you feel right at home. They truly don’t make towns like Portersville anymore, it's truly one of Pennsylvania’s hidden gems!

Eagles Mere

If you're unaware of the hidden town of Eagles Mere, you might never discover it on your own. Located far from Pennsylvania's busy cities, Eagles Mere is a charming retreat with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Eagles Mere Beach, on Eagles Mere Lake, offers peaceful, uncrowded shores, gentle hills, and many outdoor activities. For a relaxing walk, Laurel Path guides you through verdant scenery with soothing water views. Additionally, you can board the Hardly Able, a World War I troop transport ship, for a tour around Eagles Mere Lake!

The historic downtown area of Eagles Mere is almost as charming as Eagles Mere Lake! With cozy, locally owned shops all within walking distance, you’ll quickly feel at home. In the heart of Eagles Mere is the stunning Eagles Mere Inn, built in 1887 and listed on the Historic Hotels of America. If you can’t stay at the inn, they also have an amazing restaurant open to the public called A.C. Little’s Drinkery, which is a great place to enjoy a good meal after a day on the water. If you are on the hunt for hidden lakeside gems, Eagles Mere makes for such a relaxing long weekend.

Life Is Better By The Lake In Pennsylvania

If you dream of relaxing with a good book by the water, these picturesque towns in Pennsylvania are perfect to fulfill that desire. Surrounded by the rich greenery of the Poconos' rolling hills and pristine waters, they remain some of the most beautiful and untouched parts of the state. Featuring locally-owned shops, cafes, and quaint old-world scenery, it’s amazing that such pristine areas still exist. Whether you want to enjoy wine with a view of Conneaut Lake or explore Eagles Mere Lake aboard a World War 1 troop transport ship, each town offers a distinct and memorable atmosphere.