Pennsylvania is packed with small towns that look straight out of a storybook—think brick-lined streets, historic inns, and pretty scenery.
Hidden in the mountains, located along winding rivers, or steeped in rich history, these towns offer everything from scenic beauty to historic charm.
Whether you’re drawn to artsy downtowns, outdoor adventures, or simply a peaceful escape, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.
Ready to find your next favorite getaway? Let’s explore these dreamy small towns that are simply too beautiful to ignore!
1. New Hope
New Hope is a cute riverside town on the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border, packed with artsy boutiques, historic inns, and a seriously cool theater scene.
It’s famous for the Bucks County Playhouse, where legends like Robert Redford and Grace Kelly once performed, plus the vintage train rides at New Hope Railroad.
The streets are lined with shops and antique stores, while the food scene shines with cozy cafés, riverside restaurants, and even a haunted pub.
If you like scenic views, the nearby Delaware Canal towpath is ideal for biking or strolling and features picture-perfect bridges.
2. Doylestown
Just 10 miles from New Hope, Doylestown has a totally different feel—think grand castles, indie bookshops, and a museum scene that punches way above its weight.
This town is home to three architectural marvels, including the Fonthill Castle, built by Henry Mercer, who basically designed his own fairytale fortress.
The Mercer Museum is packed with incredible artifacts from early American life, while the Michener Art Museum next door showcases stunning regional art.
With its walkable downtown, quaint cafés, vintage record stores, and a top-tier indie theater, Doylestown is all about that small-town magic.
3. Ambler
Heading south toward Philly, Ambler is a small town with a big personality, mixing historic charm with a buzzing food and arts scene.
The Ambler Theater, a beautifully restored 1928 movie palace, is downtown’s centerpiece that screens indie films in an original Spanish Colonial building.
Just steps away, Butler Avenue is packed with must-try restaurants, like El Limon’s iconic tacos (bonus: their margaritas are free with your meal!).
With live music, vintage finds, and a cozy atmosphere, Ambler proves you don’t need a big city to have a great night out.
4. Strasburg
Switching things up, Strasburg takes you straight into the Amish Country, where rolling farmland meets some of the coolest historic trains you’ll ever see.
This place is home to the Strasburg Rail Road, the oldest operating railroad in America, where you can ride a real steam train past the gorgeous countryside.
Train lovers will also love the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, while those looking for a low-key vibe can explore the town’s general stores and buggy-lined streets.
With homemade whoopie pies, family-run quilt shops, and horse-drawn buggies rolling by, Strasburg feels like stepping into another era—in the best way possible.
5. Lititz
Just a short drive from Strasburg, Lititz is a town with a deep love for pretzels and chocolate.
Here, you’ll find Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, where you can twist pretzels and learn about the town’s passion for snacks.
Right down the street, Wilbur Chocolate fills the air with the smell of melty cocoa, and their famous Wilbur Buds (think Hershey Kisses, but better) are a must-try.
With boutique shops, a park with a duck pond, and a fire & ice festival every winter, Lititz is a delightful place to visit.
6. Jim Thorpe
Located in the Poconos, Jim Thorpe is famous for its jaw-dropping scenery, historic mansions, and some of the best fall foliage in the state.
You can tour the Asa Packer Mansion, a well-preserved 1800s mansion, then hop on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for a ride through towering cliffs and river views.
And if you’re up for more, the nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park has epic hiking, whitewater rafting, and bike trails that wind through old train tunnels.
(Asa Packer Mansion operates on a seasonal schedule. Open June–October (Wednesday–Monday), November, April, and May (weekends only), and December (first two weekends).
7. Lewisburg
Heading west, Lewisburg is a beautiful college town where historic architecture meets arts and culture.
Home to Bucknell University, this place has a lively energy, boasting indie bookstores, artsy coffee shops, and one of the best farmers’ markets around.
The Campus Theatre, a stunning 1941 Art Deco movie house, still shows films on the big screen, while downtown is packed with quirky boutiques and antique shops.
From kayaking and sunset strolls by the Susquehanna River to a calendar jam-packed with festivals and music, Lewisburg keeps small-town life exciting.
8. Wellsboro
Keep heading north, and you’ll hit Wellsboro, a town with gas-lit street lamps and a Main Street lined with mom-and-pop shops.
The real star here is the nearby Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, a long stretch of gorge through which you can hike, bike, or raft through unforgettable scenery.
Back in town, the historic Penn Wells Hotel has been welcoming travelers since 1869.
Down the street, Dunham’s Department Store still operates like an old-school general store, selling everything from hiking gear to handmade fudge.
Whether you’re visiting for the fall foliage, the winter Dickens Festival, or just to take a breather, Wellsboro is a spot that makes you want to stay a little longer.
9. Coudersport
Next up, Coudersport is where you go when you want to trade streetlights for starlight and experience the wild, untouched side of Pennsylvania.
Located deep in the Pennsylvania Wilds, this tiny town is famous for Cherry Springs State Park, one of the best stargazing spots on the entire East Coast.
Back in town, you’ll find local favorites like Cream ‘n Sugar, a homey café perfect for fueling up before hitting the trails.
For a surprisingly fascinating look at the state’s logging boom, Pennsylvania Lumber Museum is worth visiting.
10. Bedford
Heading south, Bedford is where history and unique roadside attractions collide in the best way possible.
This town’s Revolutionary War past lives on at the Fort Bedford Museum and the Jean Bonnet Tavern, a 1760s inn known for crab cakes and ghost stories.
Just outside town, Gravity Hill defies logic as cars appear to roll uphill, while the Flight 93 National Memorial stands as a moving tribute to heroism and resilience.
With lovely antique shops, covered bridges, and the famous Bedford Springs Resort, Bedford is ready to surprise you in all the best ways.
11. Ligonier
Keep heading west, and you’ll land in Ligonier, a town with a beautifully preserved town square, rich 18th-century history, and a welcoming atmosphere.
At the heart of it all is Fort Ligonier, a full-scale reconstruction of a British fort from the French and Indian War.
Inside, you can explore antique weapons, centuries-old maps, and even George Washington’s saddle pistols.
Just outside town, Idlewild & SoakZone—one of the oldest amusement parks in the country—has been delivering family fun since 1878.
It features classic wooden coasters, storybook-themed rides, and an old-school water park!
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