Pennsylvania is home to some of the cutest and most charming small towns in the United States. If you are looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a new place to call home, you will find plenty of options among Pennsylvania’s small towns.
I am going to share my picks for the top 10 small towns in Pennsylvania in this blog post. Definitely, these towns will make your trip memorable. These towns offer beautiful scenery, fascinating history, unique shops and restaurants, and a friendly community vibe. Keep reading to learn more about my favorite towns in Pennsylvania!
1. Lititz
Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lititz has been charming visitors for over 250 years. This Lancaster County town was founded by the Moravian church in 1756 and still maintains its Moravian heritage. The quaint town center features Georgian architecture and one-of-a-kind shops.
Beyond the downtown area, Lititz offers many attractions for tourists. Stroll through Lititz Springs Park, visit the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery (the first commercial pretzel bakery in America!), or take a tour of the Wilbur Chocolate Factory.
2. New Hope
New Hope has long been a popular weekend escape for city dwellers. It is situated along the Delaware River about 45 minutes north of Philadelphia. This riverside town has a lively arts scene, great boutique shopping, and a hip, inclusive vibe.
When you visit New Hope, go for a tube ride down the Delaware, catch a show at the historic Bucks County Playhouse, or stroll along Main Street and stop in the dozens of locally-owned shops.
With a population of around 2,500, New Hope perfectly blends small-town charm with a funky, creative spirit. It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular destinations among small towns in Pennsylvania!
3. Jim Thorpe
Nestled in the Lehigh Gorge with a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery, Jim Thorpe is one of the most picturesque small towns in Pennsylvania. This town has built a thriving tourism industry around its fascinating history and abundance of outdoor activities.
Jim Thorpe was originally named Mauch Chunk. It was founded as a mining town in 1818 and was later renamed after the famous Olympic athlete who is buried there. Today, visitors can tour the Old Jail Museum to learn about the town’s past. Or ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for views of the gorgeous fall foliage.
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4. Milford
Milford lives up to its motto of “small-town charm and hospitality.” This Poconos town sits ensconced by forested hills and the Delaware River. Outdoor recreation like hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking make Milford a hit with nature lovers.
Historic downtown Milford offers quaint shops and restaurants housed in charming 18th and 19th-century buildings. One standout is the Hotel Fauchère, a historic hotel featuring a posh spa and acclaimed dining room. Milford is also known for its many festivals and cultural events held throughout the year.
5. Gettysburg
History buffs and ghost hunters flock to Gettysburg thanks to its pivotal role during the Civil War. This Adams County town witnessed one of the bloodiest battles of the war. Today, millions come to tour the Gettysburg Battlefield, visit historic homes, and learn about the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum.
But Gettysburg offers more than just history. Art galleries, shops, museums, restaurants, and wineries make this a well-rounded small-town experience.
6. Berlin
Berlin, Pennsylvania feels like stepping back in time with its picturesque Amish farmlands and quaint 19th-century buildings. This one of the cute towns in Pennsylvania sits in the center of Amish Country and offers visitors the chance for a unique cultural experience.
Learn about Amish life by taking a buggy ride, visiting a market, or eating at an Amish family restaurant. Berlin is home to several Amish shops selling quilts, baked goods, and handcrafted furniture. Stop by the Berlin Arts & Heritage Center to see the largest oil painting ever created by an Amish-Mennonite artist.
7. Kennett Square
Nicknamed the “Mushroom Capital of the World,” tiny Kennett Square has become internationally known for growing over half of the country’s mushrooms!
The town blossoms in late April/early May during the annual Mushroom Festival. But Kennett Square is enjoyable to visit any time of year. Stay in a bed and breakfast, take a guided town history walk, catch a show at Longwood Gardens, or explore local mushroom farms. Don’t leave before trying one of the town’s famous mushroom-centric dishes like the Garlic Marinated Mushroom Flatbread at Talula’s Table.
8. Bethlehem
History and culture meet in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Nestled in eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem played an important role in early American history as home to the first water-powered blast furnace in the colonies. Visitors learn about Bethlehem’s past at historic sites like the Moravian Museum and the Industrial Quarter.
The town successfully blends its historic character with modern entertainment and amenities. Bethlehem’s population of nearly 75,000 places it on the larger side for these small towns in Pennsylvania list. But the charming neighborhoods and picturesque downtown make it feel like a quintessential Pennsylvania small town.
9. Doylestown
Doylestown oozes with small-town charm as the historic county seat of Bucks County. Downtown Doylestown features over 175 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the 18th-century county courthouse.
Beyond its lovely historic architecture and intrinsic New England character, Doylestown boasts a thriving cultural scene. Numerous live music venues, theatre companies, art galleries, and museums entertain both visitors and locals.
10. Langhorne
Our final pick in this list of “top 10 small towns in Pennsylvania” takes us to Langhorne in Bucks County, situated along the Delaware River between Philadelphia and Trenton. Historic Langhorne charms visitors with antique shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Top attractions include the Langhorne Historical Society, the Attic Children’s Museum, and the sprawling Tyler State Park. Every September, the Langhorne Arts Festival showcases over 150 artists and performers.
