Towns in Pennsylvania: 21 Not To Skip!

Are you looking for cute towns in Pennsylvania?

You are in the right place because in this article I will walk you through the best small towns in PA, cute towns in PA, and the small towns in Pennsylvania that you have to visit.

Pennsylvania has a lot to offer from mountains to the rugged coastline, from big cities to small charming all-American towns there is something for everyone.

Pennsylvania is also rich in history and culture with lots to see and do for any traveler whatever their age.

From the historically significant Gettysburg to the beautiful Jim Thorpe and Franklin to the small-town Pennsylvania feel of Milford, I have them all here.

Let me walk you through a beautiful state and introduce you to some real hidden gems.

21 Picturesque Towns in Pennsylvania

Gettysburg For Its History

You may not have heard of many small towns in Pennsylvania but you will have heard of this one.

Founded in 1786, it was named after Samuel Gettys, an early settler.

The battle of Gettysburg is seen as the turning point of the Civil War.

This battlefield is now part of the Gettysburg National Military Park which also houses the Gettysburg Museum and a memorial at the site of the Gettysburg Address.

If you like history this will be one of the best small towns in PA.

Gettysburg is an iconic historical location with more to offer, including great shopping and culture. Downtown Gettysburg has shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants, and the historic Lincoln Square. 

This small town in Pennsylvania also has a growing craft industry with numerous breweries, distilleries, and wineries across Adams County.

Also, venture outside the town if you have time as the rolling countryside is beautiful. The nearby Sachs Bridge is one of several covered bridges in the county. 

This picturesque small town in Pennsylvania has a lot to offer everyone.

Look Here: Private Battlefield Tour With Licensed Guide

Look Here: Civil War Ghosts Walking Tour

Ambridge for Preserved Community Living

Located along the banks of the Ohio River, Ambridge was settled in 1824 and incorporated in 1905 as a company town by The American Bridge Company.

This Pennsylvania town has four parks and 12 churches, countless specialty shops, and antique stores.

Ambridge remains the home of Old Economy Village a National Historic Landmark District. This district interprets the Harmony Society, one of America’s most successful 19th-century Christian communal societies.

Ambridge is one of the interesting small Pennsylvania towns managing to bring itself back to life after the steel industry collapsed.

Jim Thorpe For Victorian Beauty

Named after Native American athlete Jim Thorpe, this town has a coal mining history detailed in The Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center.

This Victorian town is teeming with history and is consistently ranked in the media ‘best’ lists. It has been recognized as one of the most fun,  beautiful,  romantic, and adventurous towns to visit.

The downtown area is a walkable delight and the nearby Pocono Mountains are beautiful.

One the best towns in Pennsylvania for a weekend getaway.

Centralia For Strange And Unusual

This is a town with a somewhat odd past and even odder future.

Silent Hill, the 2006 film, was based on this town. And there is a coal mine fire burning beneath the borough and it has been since 1962.

In the 1980s most of the residents were relocated and the buildings demolished.  

The town is known most for is the notorious abandoned road, known as the Graffiti Highway which truly was an incredible sight. 

Sadly, due to damage from the underground fires, Graffiti Highway no longer exists.

The current owners of the land ended the cult-status highway.

Erie For Incredible Sunsets

On the shores of Lake Erie, Erie is the gateway to the Great Lakes.

Affectionately it is known as the gem city because of its incredible sunsets and sparkling waters. 

The Erie Maritime Museum traces the history of Lake Erie and it is the home port of the US Brig Niagara, an updated 19th-century ship. So there is plenty to keep those who love history happy.

The downtown is on the bayfront, a vibrant mix of shopping and dining. And if you fancy relaxing, this town has 54 parks to enjoy.

The nearby Presque Isle State Park is beautiful, with trails, beaches, and a bay. And the Great Lakes Seaway Trail is well worth a drive down if you have the time. 

I feel that Erie is a bit of a hidden gem and well worth exploring.

Shrewsbury For The Countryside

Shrewsbury is located in the southern part of the state, just 4 miles from the Maryland border.

In the agricultural Alleghenies and Susquehanna Valley region of York County, it is surrounded by beautiful countryside.

The downtown is well-preserved and is easy to walk around. You will find tree-lined streets and quaint shops that add to the charm of this town.

It became a township in 1739 and the largest ancestry group in Shrewsbury is from Germanic and Dutch heritage.

Shrewsbury is a small town that is quiet, charming, and very rural.

Lititz For the Small Town Culture

Nine miles north of Lancaster, Lititz has all the small-town culture you could wish for. With a well-preserved vibrant and beautiful spring park, there is lots to do. 

In 2013 Lititz was voted America’s Coolest Small Town by Budget Travel and was awarded the Distinctive Destination/National Trust of Historic Preservation award.

This town is quaint and charming with a side of cool. It pleasantly mixes art galleries, chic boutiques, and history, and is still cozy and welcoming. 

From spring through to fall every Thursday there is a Farmer’s market selling fresh produce and baked goods with entertainment provided.

This town is a lovely blend of old and new mixing heritage with beautiful countryside. 

Look Here: Lititz Walking Tour of Historical Structures

Lancaster For Heritage

One of the oldest towns in the United States, Lancaster mixes farmlands, Amish life, city life, and contemporary art. 

Rich in heritage, history, and culture Lancaster is home to the PA Dutch. The architecture is distinctive the culture immersive and the shops unique.

There are things to visit from Lancaster Central Market, Historic Rock Ford, and President James Buchanan’s Wheatland. 

Look Here: Amish Farmlands, Museum Tour, Farm Visit.

Look Here: Amish Tour and Meal with an Amish Family

Franklin Is One Of The Most Interesting Towns In Pennsylvania For Architecture

Franklin is one of the most well-documented historic settlements in northwestern Pennsylvania and is rich in history. 

At the confluence of French Creek and the Franklin Allegheny River, it is a real gem. Visiting is like stepping back in history. 

The architecture in this small town in PA is stunning, full of century-old homes, a walking tour is well worth your time.

  The downtown area was ranked in America’s Top Ten Streets in 2019.

There is a lot to do in the area with trails, game lands, parks, and rivers for cycling, running, hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.  

Stroudsburg For Small Town Pennsylvania Charm

 A past ‘Top Ten Favorite Snow Town’ in Country Living Magazine Stroudsburg mixes a small-town feel with modern appeal.

The downtown area is home to shops, museums, galleries, and incredible buildings.  

One of the Pocono Mountain towns, Stroudsburg is a lovely combination of history and hip with a huge splash of charm.

This quintessential town offers you a lot to do and prides itself in being just a little different.

Hawley For Pennsylvania Small Town Charm

Hawley has that charming small-town feel. It sits at the northernmost end of Lake Wallenpaupack in Wayne County in the Pocono Mountains.

Founded in 1827, it is named after Irad Hawley the first president of the Pennsylvania Coal Company.

This picturesque town in Pennsylvania has a lot of history with century-old buildings, antique shops, and specialty stores.

It’s also home to the largest bluestone building in the world, The Hawley Silk Mill.

Lake Wallenpaupack is the third-largest in PA and has 52 miles of shoreline.

The town offers complimentary bike rentals so you can easily explore the area.

Lewisburg For Timeless Charm

Situated along the scenic Susquehanna River, the downtown is authentic and charming. 

It is rich in culture and steeped in history. Lewisburg is a hub of economic and cultural vitality in central PA.

The architecture of this town in Pennsylvania is unique.

 Lewisburg’s downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places for its vintage roots.

The Packwood House Museum and the historic district are great examples of 18th-19th century buildings. 

This is where you can enjoy rural heritage mixed with all the activities the river can provide. 

New Oxford Is One Of The Best Small Towns In Pennsylvania For Antiques

Considered the antique capital of the state it’s the place to come if you fancy some unique antique finds.

In June the New Oxford Antique Market & Craft Show is held downtown. People flock here to grab themselves a prized gem.

The downtown is charming and rich in history and full of antique shops.

Hershey In One Of The Pennsylvania Towns For Chocolate Fun

Yes, this town was created as a model town for the Milton Hershey Chocolate Factory. And no it is not made of chocolate.

The Hershey Story Museum chronicles the community’s creation.

Hersheypark is also worth a visit, once just a modest green space it is now a place for thrill-seekers with epic thrill rides and attractions. 

For those who want to take it a little easier, visit Hershey Gardens containing a rose garden and butterfly house. 

If you love chocolate this small town in PA is the one for you.

Hanover Is One Of The Best Small Towns In Pennsylvania For Shopping

Hanover is a bustling Pennsylvania town of art, industry, and heritage.

From the town’s Germanic roots to the battle of Hanover this town has stories to tell.  

Downtown has some fine examples of Colonial Revival and Queen Anne-style buildings and you will also find the largest arcade in Pennsylvania here.

If shopping isn’t your thing try hiking in Codorus State Park or take to the water on Lake Marburg. Hanover has something to please everyone.

Easton  For The Farmers Market

Located at the confluence of the Delaware River and the Lehigh River about 55 miles from Philadelphia, Easton makes the perfect weekend getaway.

It is the home of Crayola crayons and is also believed to be the site of the first Christmas tree in the States. 

The courthouse in the center square was where one of the three readings of the Declaration of Independence took place.

Center Square is also home to the oldest continuous open-air farmer market in America. 

Today downtown Easton is a mix of history, trendy stores, and eating establishments.

And of course, for children, we have the Crayola Experience. You will also find the National Canal Museum in one of the best small towns in Pennsylvania. 

For some additional adventure, look into glamping in Pennsylvania.

New Hope Ine Of the Towns In Pennsylvania Known For Vintage Trains

New Hope is a scenic small town in Pennsylvania adjacent to the Delaware River.

With over 200 years of history and a street highlighted in countless publications, New Hope is worth your time. 

New Hope is also home to the New Hope Railroad where you can ride a 1925 steam locomotive.

The canal also runs through the heart of New Hope and still has four of the original locks.

Johnstown A Pennsylvania Town With A Devastating History

Located in the Laurel Mountains of Pennsylvania this once-bustling steel town now has a relaxed rural atmosphere that belies its fateful past.

Most notably famous for the 1889 flood that killed 2,200 Johnstown inhabitants, this small Pennsylvania town now has a thriving art community.

It has lots of cultural and recreational activities to take advantage of. 

You can experience the devastating flood at the Johnstown Flood Museum in the downtown Johnstown Historic District.

Or visit the Johnstown Flood National Memorial site.

In  Johnstown’s Westmont Borough is the steepest vehicular incline in the world the Inclined Plane.

As you can imagine the views from the top are incredible.

Ridgway Is One Of The Best Towns In Pennsylvania For Nature

Ridgeway is a beautiful small town with nature and lots to offer outdoor enthusiasts.

A small Pennsylvania town with a history of timber farming, it was once home to more millionaires per capita than any other US town in its heyday!

It is quaint, beautiful, and small with impressive mansions of yesteryear.

This area is in the National Historic Register District for being an outstanding example of Pennsylvania’s lumber heritage.

You can take a self-guided driving or walking tour to view these outstanding homes built between 1855 and 1917.

In its historic downtown, you will find art galleries, plenty of options for food, and a myriad of activities depending on the season.

Ridgway is the gateway to the Allegheny National Forest, a paradise for nature lovers of off types and skill levels.

This is one of the best small towns in Pennsylvania simply for its history and the amenities for its visitors!

Milford For Small-Town America

If you want small-town America then this is the place for you.

Milford is home to the birthplace of the American Conservation Movement. You will find culture, history, and a beautiful natural environment. 

The Milford Historia Histrice is on the National Register of Historic Places because of its ornate and architecturally rich offerings. A stroll through this area is highly recommended.

In the Poconos mountains, you will find trails and waterways, and hiking, biking, and water-related activities are within easy reach. 

Places to visit here include Grey Towers National Historic Site, Raymondskill Falls, the Upper Mill, Milford Beach, and Columns Museum.

This is small-town PA at its best.

And if you are interested, staying at one of the many cabins in Pennsylvania can be an exciting experience.

Bloomsburg In One Of The College Tows In Pennsylvania

Bloomsburg is a welcoming inclusive town in the heart of the Susquehanna River Valley.

A town with a diverse economy it boasts one of the largest and longest-running fairs in the country.

Bloomsburg University makes sure this town is bustling. The atmosphere is rural and relaxed while offering cultural and recreational activities for all to enjoy.

The architecture is historic, the location picturesque and the culture abundant making this one of the best small towns in Pennsylvania.

Packing Tips For Your Trip When Exploring Towns In Pennsylvania

Learn how to pack light using only a carry-on. Read my tips here.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.

I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

The replaceable Bobble carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.

You will want to bring a backpack or daypack to store snacks, water bottles, phone, extra clothes, etc… This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

You may be traveling to Pennsylvania in warm weather, and you may want a pair of sandals to wear exploring.  I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.

We must protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These unisex polarized sunglasses come in numerous lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.

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