These 11 Towns In Pennsylvania Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2026
Pennsylvania is a state as rich in scenery as it is in heritage. But despite its historical significance, it's the unique towns that truly set the state apart. Gettysburg has as much history as it does supernatural legends. Ridgway hosts a Chainsaw Carving festival each year. The eleven towns ahead showcase a memorable side of Pennsylvania worth a real visit.
Gettysburg
Founded in 1786 and named after early settler Samuel Gettys, the town of Gettysburg is primarily known for its role in the Civil War, particularly the Battle of Gettysburg. The town features a wide range of historical sites and exhibits, including the Gettysburg National Military Park and the Shriver House Museum.
Gettysburg has also earned a reputation among paranormal enthusiasts as one of the most haunted places in the country, with a variety of ghost tours, such as Gettysburg Ghosts Tours & Haunted Pub Crawls, that allow visitors to learn more about the town and explore its preserved architecture. Positioned in the southern portion of the state, near the Maryland border, the town is also great for hiking and photo opportunities, with six parks including Caledonia State Park, as well as the 85,000-acre Michaux State Forest, all within an hour's drive.
Ardmore
Home to one of the earliest official shopping centers in the United States, Ardmore is a diverse town on the Main Line, in both Montgomery and Delaware Counties. With a population of nearly 15,000, the town offers a wide array of unique shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Stroll through the pedestrian-friendly downtown area, which features over 250 independent retailers in historic buildings like Mavey Books and Junior League Thrift Shop, or explore the local restaurant scene with Mexican dishes at Buena Vista and Mediterranean fare at Positano Ristorante. The seasonal Clover Market, hosted over three weekends in the spring and two in the fall, also attracts many visitors with its wide variety of antiques and artisan goods. The town houses the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, located inside the former Seville Theater, built in 1926, and shows an assortment of independent, foreign, and alternative films.
Lititz
Lititz sits within Lancaster County, about nine miles north of Lancaster. With strong Moravian roots still evident today, the town is full of historic architecture that combines English, German, and even Victorian styles.
Browse the unique shops and restaurants lining the walkable downtown streets, like the famous Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, the first commercial pretzel bakery in the country. Discover more of the town's heritage through a guided tour at the Lititz Historical Society, which features interactive lectures and numerous historical exhibits. Visiting wildlife aficionados can embrace their wild side and get up close with over 50 gray wolves and wolf dogs at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, a family-owned refuge sitting on over 80 acres of land.
Punxsutawney
Housing one of the most well-known rodents in America, the town of Punxsutawney is famous for its Groundhog Day weather forecast. Tens of thousands of visitors flock to Gobbler's Knob on February 2 every year to witness Phil's seasonal declaration.
But beyond the renowned annual broadcast, Punxsutawney offers an abundance of recreation opportunities. Dubbed the "Weather Capital of the World," the Weather Discovery Center is located in the town's former post office and features a variety of interactive exhibits and tours that delve into the science and folklore surrounding weather. Hikers can explore the 15-mile-long Mahoning Shadow Trail or fish and paddle along the tranquil Cloe Lake, located less than 5 miles from the town.
Wellsboro
Often referred to as the "Town That Saved Christmas," Wellsboro has a rich history intertwined with the Christmas spirit. In 1939, a blockade had essentially cut off imports from Europe, and as the holiday approached, there was a massive shortage of ornaments, which were primarily produced in Germany. The town's very own Corning Glass factory rose to the challenge and began a full-scale production of ornaments known as Shiny Brites. Wellsboro's Christmas connection is still evident today, with the annual "Dickens of a Christmas" celebration transforming the downtown district into a Victorian winter wonderland.
The town also serves as the gateway to Pine Creek Gorge, known as the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania" for its scale. Taking up 300,000 acres and running 50 miles long and 1,000 feet deep, it features two state parks on each side of the rim, Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park.
Ridgway
Ridgway is home to nearly 4,000 residents and is positioned along the Allegheny National Forest in Elk County. Originally founded in the early 19th century, the town had a booming lumber and hardwood industry that is still evident today, primarily through its historic lumber mansions, such as the 1865 Bella Mansion. It also hosts the Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous festival held each year, where carvers from across the country gather to demonstrate their craft.
The town is also a premier destination for nature lovers, offering a wealth of outdoor adventure opportunities. Ridgway is popular for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing during the winter months, and features plenty of hiking trails like the 18-mile-long Clarion River-Little Toby Rail Trail.
Jim Thorpe
Nicknamed the "Little Switzerland of America" for its Victorian architecture and its position in a valley surrounded by the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe offers visitors a blend of small-town character and outdoor recreation.
With a population of fewer than 5,000, Jim Thorpe fosters a tight-knit yet welcoming environment known for its revitalized historic buildings, such as the Asa Packer Mansion Museum. Walk through the pedestrian-friendly downtown area and browse the shops lining Main Street, such as the Treasure Shop. Explore more of the region's history intertwined with the coal industry at the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center, named after the town's original name before it was renamed to honor Olympic medalist James Francis Thorpe.
New Hope
New Hope sits alongside the Delaware River and has over 200 years of history. Originally named Coryell's Ferry and once an industrial town in the 18th century, New Hope has transformed into a haven for artists.
Peruse the variety of art galleries the town has to offer, such as Gallery Piquel, displaying creations from over 60 artists, or browse Nightmare of New Hope, which showcases horror movie props, oddities, and collectibles. Botanophiles will appreciate the proximity to Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, which houses over 700 native plant species and 4.5 miles of trails.
Strasburg
Strasburg is widely known for its strong ties to the railroad industry. Although French fur trader Pierre Bezaillion began to settle the area in 1693, the town truly began to take off in the 1830s with the chartering of the Strasburg Railroad.
Now, the town honors its roots and celebrates its heritage with several sites, including the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and the Choo Choo Barn. The National Toy Train Museum, typically open on weekdays, has one of the largest collections of toy trains in the world. Visitors can learn more about Lancaster County's history and culture through the Amish Village, which features an authentic Amish blacksmith, farmhouse, shop, school, and more.
Bellefonte
Translating to "beautiful fountain" or "beautiful spring" from French, the town of Bellefonte was appropriately named after its Big Spring located in Talleyrand Park. Originating as an ironworking community, Bellefonte is home to dozens of preserved Victorian and Greek revival historic buildings.
Despite having only 6,000 residents, the town has a large arts scene, offering visitors plenty of enriching sights and entertainment. Visit the Bellefonte Art Museum and the Makery at the Museum, a children's art studio that offers hands-on, interactive art-making, or stroll through the walkable downtown district, which features 19th-century architecture.
Ohiopyle
Located in the scenic Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle is a premier hub for all things outdoors. Home to fewer than 50 year-round residents, the small town becomes a bustling destination on weekends and in summertime due to its role as the gateway to Ohiopyle State Park.
Explore the thousands of acres of wilderness surrounding the town, paddling over 25 miles of whitewater rafting or hiking to your heart's content. Visit the scenic Cucumber Falls or enjoy live music and local food at the annual Buckwheat and Pancake Festival, with all proceeds returned to the community.
Exploring US Favorites Across Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's towns are as welcoming as they are unique. Lititz and Bellefonte are full of historic Victorian architecture, while Wellsboro and Ohiopyle are known for their proximity to one-of-a-kind natural landmarks. Exploring these eleven towns can reveal a memorable side of Pennsylvania.
