10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Pennsylvania You Should Visit

Last Updated on January 24, 2023 by Nikki Jain

Pennsylvania is on the Eastern coast of the United States, but it is also considered a Mid-Atlantic state. The Appalachian Mountains run through the state, so many people will find themselves in the middle of Pennsylvania when they are hiking the Appalachian Trail. Pennsylvania is often an overlooked state, mainly because it is so close to Washington D.C. and states that are actually on the Atlantic coast. However, many places in the state offer unique opportunities, and each small town is absolutely fabulous. Towns like these make Pennsylvania one of the best places to visit on the East Coast. Here are the ten most beautiful small towns in Pennsylvania.

Best Small Towns in Pennsylvania

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1: New Hope

New Hope
Flickr/Dan Souza

The historic and charming town of New Hope is located on the Delaware River and is one of the most popular getaway destinations on the East Coast. The town is filled with antique stores, art galleries, restaurants, and multiple bed and breakfasts.

Address: New Hope, PA


2: Erie

Erie
Flickr/uniquelycat (Cathy) Smith

Historical landmarks, beaches, and shopping can be found in Erie, but many people will forgo some of that to visit the Presque Isle State Park. Just outside the park’s entrance, people will find the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, where everyone can learn more about the 3,200 acres of the park.

Address: Erie, PA

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3: Gettysburg

Gettysburg
Flickr/Ron Cogswell

History comes to life in Gettysburg, and the first place that people should stop is the museum. Upstairs, people can see a painted mural from the war that comes to life before their eyes. Everyone will feel like they are stepping back in time as they listen to the war in the background and see the fighting happening in front of them.

After the museum, everyone should follow the Gettysburg Trail. This can be done in a car or on foot, but people should know that the trail is very long. There are dozens of stops along the way, and it is helpful to pick up a map before leaving the museum. At the military cemetery, people can see where Abe Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, and they can also look over to the cemetery next to it to know where the one local civilian who was killed in the war is buried.

Address: Gettysburg, PA

Also Read: Top 10 American Civil War Sites To Visit


4: Strasburg

Strasburg
Flickr/Forsaken Fotos

There are so many unique opportunities in Strasburg, and people can choose to shop in one of the largest outlet malls in the state or in one of the many quaint boutiques and shops that line the streets. During the day, everyone can ride in an authentic Amish buggy or ride the historic steam train to Paradise. At night, a wonderful theater production is being presented for everyone’s enjoyment.

Address: Strasburg, PA

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5: Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe
Flickr/Chris Connelly

Culture is evident as people stroll the streets of downtown in the town of Jim Thorpe. There are multiple mansions to walk through and a Gothic church, and everyone will want to see a concert at the Mauch Chunk Opera House. Adventure can also be found in this magnificent town, and people can ride trains, go whitewater rafting, hike trails, and canoe out on the lake.

Address: Jim Thorpe, PA


6: Lancaster

Lancaster
Wikimedia/Scanlan

Lancaster incorporates city life into Amish life, and visitors can experience the best of both worlds. Everyone will want to tour a real Amish farm and learn from the local Amish people during the day, but at night, they will want to return to the big city to eat delicious cuisine and experience the nightlife.

Address: Lancaster, PA


7: Doylestown

Doylestown
Flickr/James Loesch

This town began when a little tavern was built in 1745, and William Doyle’s Tavern allowed the area to grow into the town it is today. Henry Chapman Mercer left three buildings to be used as museums after his death, and people can now visit the Mercer Museum, Fonthill, and Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. A former prison was transformed into the James A. Michener Art Museum, and the town has had numerous other cultural activities throughout the year.

Address: Doylestown, PA

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8: Lititz

Lititz
Wikimedia/Smallbones

Anyone who ever wondered where the soft baked pretzel came from will need to visit Lititz. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery was founded in 1861, and visitors can still tour the original factory today while learning how to twist a pretzel properly and shop in the bakery store. The Lititz Spring Park has been around for more than 200 years and is used for almost every community event the town offers. It is also a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch while relaxing in the middle of the day.

Address: Lititz, PA

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9: York

York
Wikimedia/Smallbones

People who wander around downtown York will find themselves seeing three different centuries of history, from the immigrant pioneers and Revolutionary War soldiers to the 19th-century farmers and modern-day people. The century-old farmer’s market is at the Central Market House, and three days a week, the locals can be seen purchasing their produce for the next few days.

Address: York, PA

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10: Bushkill

Bushkill
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

The eight waterfalls that are found within the Pocono Mountains only add to the beauty of the town of Bushkill. The numerous nature trails and bridges allow hikers to see the falls from many different vantage points which only enhances their beauty and magnificence. There are three exhibits in the town that allow people to learn more about the area and the traditions of the locals.

Address: Bushkill, PA


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