Some road trips are about the destination…but this one?
It’s all about the journey—winding roads, historic towns, and river views so good you’ll want to pull over every five minutes.
Pennsylvania is packed with towns that have been around for centuries, and the best ones are right along its rivers.
We’re talking cobblestone streets, old steel mills turned into art hubs, farmers’ markets that have been running since the 1700s, and even a mysterious handprint left behind by an outlaw.
Each stop has its own personality—some are artsy, some are packed with history, and some are just perfect for grabbing a great meal by the water.
So get ready for a road trip through some of the coolest river towns in Pennsylvania.
1. Bristol
Bristol sits right on the banks of the Delaware River and is packed with small-town charm, centuries-old buildings, and a super walkable historic district.
It’s one of the oldest towns in Pennsylvania (founded in 1681!), and you can still catch a show at the Bristol Riverside Theatre, which was established in 1987.
Other than that, grab a burger at the iconic Cesare’s Ristorante, or stroll the Bristol Wharf for incredible river views.
History lovers can check out the Grundy Museum, a perfectly preserved Victorian mansion, or you can explore Silver Lake Nature Center, a 235-acre nature preserve.
Just a heads-up! The Grundy Museum usually closes for the winter season and reopens in April.
2. New Hope
Just 30 minutes up the Delaware River, New Hope has a totally different vibe—artsy, lively, and full of personality.
This town is all about galleries, funky boutiques, and live music, plus it’s home to the legendary Bucks County Playhouse, where Broadway stars have performed for decades.
You can ride the vintage New Hope Railroad, sip a cocktail by the water at The Landing, or cross the bridge into Lambertville, NJ, for even more antique shops and cool cafés.
3. Easton
Keep heading north along the Delaware, and you’ll hit Easton, a city filled with history, culture, and just the right amount of quirk.
This is where the very first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Pennsylvania happened.
It’s also where Crayola began producing crayons in 1903 and is home to the Crayola Experience, an interactive attraction where you can go wild with every color imaginable.
Walk around Centre Square to see the historic farmers’ market and check out the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, an outdoor sculpture path along the river.
If you’re hungry, grab a bite at Daddy’s Place, a well-known restaurant in Easton that serves Mediterranean dishes like wraps, salads, and pizzas.
4. Bethlehem
Next up is Bethlehem, where steel history meets a seriously cool arts scene.
Once the heart of America’s steel industry, the old Bethlehem Steel plant is now the SteelStacks, a massive arts and music venue with live concerts and festivals happening year-round.
You can explore the historic Moravian district or visit Christkindlmarkt in the winter for one of the best Christmas markets in the country.
5. Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe is a mountain town so charming it looks like it was pulled straight from a storybook.
Tucked into the Lehigh Gorge, this place is all about outdoor adventure—ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, go whitewater rafting, or explore nearby trails for scenic views.
The downtown is packed with colorful Victorian buildings, cool little shops, and the Old Jail Museum, where you can see the mysterious handprint left behind by a supposed 1800s outlaw.
Just be aware that the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is usually open from April to November, with weekend rides from January to mid-March.
6. Lewisburg
Heading west, Lewisburg brings a totally different energy—think college town meets history.
Home to Bucknell University, the town has a super walkable downtown with indie bookstores, quirky cafés, and the old-school Campus Theatre, a 1940s Art Deco movie house that still shows films.
You can browse the massive Lewisburg Farmers Market, walk along the Susquehanna River, or search for treasures at the Street of Shops, a giant antique and flea market.
7. Lock Haven
Keep cruising along the Susquehanna, and you’ll land in Lock Haven, a laid-back river town with deep aviation roots and plenty of outdoor fun.
This place is all about the great outdoors—fishing and kayaking on the West Branch, hiking in Bald Eagle State Park, or catching a summer concert at the floating stage right on the river.
For some history, check out the Piper Aviation Museum, which celebrates the town’s legacy of building small planes, or grab a bite at the Texas, a local diner serving up legendary hot dogs since 1918.
Please note that the Piper Aviation Museum usually closes during the winter season and reopens in March.
8. Harrisburg
Next up is Harrisburg, the state capital, where history, politics, and a surprisingly fun food scene come together right on the banks of the Susquehanna.
You can tour the stunning Pennsylvania State Capitol (seriously, it looks like a mini version of St. Peter’s Basilica) or hop on the Pride of the Susquehanna, a paddlewheel riverboat built in 1988, offering cruises on the river.
When you’re hungry, hit up Broad Street Market, one of the oldest continuously operating farmers’ markets in the country, for everything from Amish pretzels to soul food, then cap it off with a craft beer at one of the city’s many breweries.
9. Columbia
Follow the Susquehanna south, and you’ll hit Columbia, a small town with big history and some seriously cool antique spots.
This place played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, with residents actively assisting escaping slaves.
You can learn more about the town’s history at the Wright’s Ferry Mansion or visit the National Watch & Clock Museum, which has one of the largest collections of timepieces in the world.
If you love searching for treasure, don’t miss Burning Bridge Antiques Market, then grab a bite at Hinkle’s, a classic diner that’s been serving up comfort food since 1893.
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