8 Serene Poconos Towns For A Weekend Retreat

For many visitors, the Poconos is an ideal setting for a weekend or longer time away. The Pocono mountain range stretches across four counties in northeast Pennsylvania, and includes low mountains, meandering rivers, waterfalls, and lush woodlands. The all-season region has something to offer for all kinds of visitors, from skiing in the winter to warm-weather boating, and nearly a dozen state and national parks to boot. As a favorite destination among families, and a rich local history to explore, the Pocono region is well worth a visit in 2025. Let's visit eight serene Poconos towns for a weekend retreat.

Delaware Water Gap

The Delaware Water Gap, which is both a town and a geographical feature, sprang up where the Delaware River meets part of the Appalachian mountains. The town lies at the very edge of eastern Pennsylvania. Indeed, the Delaware River sets out the state line with the neighboring state of New Jersey.

A local waterfall named Bushkill Falls enjoys a reputation as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," given its dramatic 100-foot drop. Bushkill is actually a set of eight distinct waterfalls. For travelers who do not want a big hike before a great view, a wooden walkway at the falls makes viewing them easier. Delaware Water Gap includes a part of the Appalachian Trail, which brings hikers to take in the majestic falls, too. For dinner and a chance to unwind, the Deer Head Inn, which claims to be America's longest-running jazz venue, operates here in town.

Hawley

In the northern Poconos, Hawley lies along the Lackawaxen River. Not far away, Lake Wallenpaupack draws tourists from around the region. Formerly a mill town and wood-processing area, Hawley has since developed as a center of local tourism. Boutiques and antique shops populate Hawley's quaint downtown streets, like the Hawley Antiques Exchange, which is a "multi-dealer antique mall" brings together pottery, furniture, lamps, and other items at one address. Summer visitors traveling with children can save time for Costa's Family Fun Park, which features water slides and games. The Ritz Company Playhouse, which produces musicals, comedies, and other shows, will appeal to the culture mavens visiting here.

Jim Thorpe

Often called the "Switzerland of America," the town of Jim Thorpe features train rides, boutiques, and Victorian architecture. The place derives its name from the champion American athlete of the same name. Thorpe found his final resting place here, however, he never actually set foot in town, which was once called Mauch Chunk. Fun fact: Jim Thorpe has a full-blown elopement industry, for couples who want to get married on the quick.

For a kid-friendly destination downtown, the Old Jail Museum operates out of a revitalized 19th-century jail. Also in town, the Mauch Chunk Opera House has produced drama and music performances since opening in 1881. Weary travelers find rest at the Inn at Jim Thorpe, constructed in 1849, bringing together modern amenities and vintage charm.

Lehighton

The town of Lehighton, in east-central Pennsylvania, sits beside the Lehigh River. The town offers access to natural parks like Lehigh Gorge State Park, a favorite among hikers, as well as Mauch Chunk State Park, which draws cyclists to its trails and natural scenes.

Once a silk-making mill town, Lehighton later developed into a hub for coal mining. Now a hub of tourism, the Lehigh River's strong current attracts whitewater rafters and other daredevils to its swift currents. Lehighton is part of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, a center of industrial history: there is a once-famous canal here, and the area now has paths for cycling and running. The local National Canal Museum offers insights on how the canal once enabled transportation for goods as well as people.

Milford

Along the legendary Delaware River, history and nature come together in the quaint town of Milford. Many think of the place as the origin point of the modern conservation movement, later championed by President Theodore Roosevelt, which gave rise to parks and nature preserves across the United States and the world. Milford was built along a grid street system, inspired by Philadelphia, from where wealthy families came in order to avoid the sweltering heat of the city in summertime. Nearby, Raymondskill Falls, which is Pennsylvania's highest waterfall, draws visitors of all kinds.

Also in town, the castle-like Grey Towers National Historic Site was erected by industrialist Gifford Pinchot. The Columns Museum — whose signature display features the "Lincoln Flag," which shows the bloodstains Lincoln left behind during the 1865 attack that would ultimately claim his life. The Delmonico Room, set within the historic Hotel Fauchère, is a fine-dining destination that for years has helped Milford attract luxury-seeking tourists.

Skytop

In the town with the beautiful-sounding name of Skytop, a mountain escape awaits those needing fresh air and a break from everything. The historic Skytop Lodge, a mammoth, stone-built resort, has offered luxury to out-of-town guests for nearly 100 years. The place offers facilities for everything from beekeeping to pickleball. Other pleasant digs in town include the Magnolia Streamside Resort and the Brookview Manor Inn.

The area around Skytop is a popular choice for weddings, corporate functions, and family vacations. The nearby Spruce Lake, a summer camp, has welcomed active children for decades, while the Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center, associated with the Methodist Church, offers faith-based activities and downtime for kids. For fun at no cost, the Promised Land State Park has forestland, campgrounds, and a lake, which are sure to please visitors of all ages.

Stroudsburg

In tiny Stroudsburg, travelers can take in a rich sense of the past. The Monroe County Historical Association showcases local history, with objects recovered from the area's historic homes and farmsteads. The Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm shows rural life and practices from bygone times.

Stroudsburg stands out as a hub for outdoor adventure. Families love the Kettle Creek Environmental Information Center, which combines nature and learning in a kid-focused setting. The Sherman Theatre offers performances in all kinds of lively arts. The town's numerous festivals, from its St. Patrick's Day parade to its popular WinterFest, put the best of Stroudsburg's small-town culture on vibrant display.

Tannersville

Known for year-round fun, Tannersville, in east-central Pennsylvania, offers a diverse menu of appealing things to see and do. The town plays host to Camelback Mountain Resort, which has skiing and snowtubing in winter, and a full-sized waterpark in summer. Accommodations come in at all ranges of price and sophistication, while the standout Great Wolf Lodge features a massive waterpark that will have kids begging to come back for each family vacation. For a more serious challenge, the escape room at Big Screen Escapes: Tannersville puts participants to the test. Food options run the gamut, and Tannersville's Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson appeals to the motorcycle rider in all of us.

The Poconos Make For An Ideal Weekend Retreat

Poconos towns like these make the case for a weekend retreat in the region sometime soon. The area offers something to suit all tastes. At Delaware Water Gap and Milford, waterfalls, the Appalachian Trail, and touches of luxury make the drive worthwhile. Jim Thorpe pays homage to the all-American athlete of the same name. Skytop and Tannersville put families first, with camps, parks, and water rides that will make for a family holiday that will be remembered for years afterward. Whatever the interests of visitors to the dynamic Poconos region of Pennsylvania, the area is bound to provide a fun, and restful, weekend or longer break away.