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When people think of Pennsylvania, they usually picture Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, but honestly, the real magic is in its small towns.
From Civil War history and Victorian architecture to Amish country, chocolate, antiques and mountain scenery, Pennsylvania has some of the most charming and varied little towns in the whole country.
They also always have a lot to offer because there is the town itself but also a lot of outdoor activities around.
I explored a big chunk of the state on my last road trip and they made me completely fall in love with Pennsylvania!
So, without further ado, here are 13 of the most beautiful small towns to visit in Pennsylvania.
🎖️ 1. Gettysburg
Gettysburg is one of the most historic little towns in America, and it took me by surprise with just how lovely it is beyond the famous battlefield.
Yes, this was the site of the pivotal Civil War battle (and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address), and the Gettysburg National Military Park is genuinely moving to visit.
When you get to Gettysburg, this is one of the first things to do. The battlefield is something that has to be experienced. It’s so much bigger than you probably realise so make sure to have a few hours ahead.
But, beyond that, the town itself is gorgeous too, with a walkable historic downtown full of independent shops (including antiques, bookshops and hat shops), traditional taverns (Dobbin House Tavern is the most famous ones) and some seriously spooky ghost tours.
You can easily spend a weekend here, that’s how much there is to do!
🏔️ 2. Jim Thorpe
Tucked into the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe is also one of my favorite small towns in Pennsylvania.
The town was actually founded as Mauch Chunk in the early 1800s and it used to be a coal-mining town.
Nowadays, it’s a beautiful European-like town surrounded by mountains which is why a lot of people actually refer to it as ‘Little Switzerland’.
There is a small and walkable historic downtown with Victorian architecture, independent cute shops and steep streets.
There is a lot you can do here including riding the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, visiting the historic Old Jail, admiring the grand mansions, and getting out into the surrounding state parks for waterfalls and hikes.
There’s a fun fact too: the town renamed itself after the Olympic legend Jim Thorpe, who is buried here despite never having visited in life.
🥨 3. Lititz
Just outside Lancaster, Lititz was voted America’s Coolest Small Town in 2013, and it more than lives up to it.
It’s absolutely charming, with three centuries of history, gorgeous architecture, one-of-a-kind shops, cozy cafes and the lovely Lititz Springs Park.
Don’t miss the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, the first commercial pretzel bakery in America (from 1861), where you can twist your own.
The historic Wilbur Chocolate is worth a stop too. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed, sweet-toothed stroll.
🪑 4. Adamstown
If you love a good antique find, Adamstown is your paradise.
This little Lancaster County town is known as “the Antiques Capital of the USA,” and for good reason.
Along the “Antiques Mile” on Route 272, you’ll find enormous complexes hosting hundreds of dealers each, plus dozens of markets, co-ops and shops. Sundays are the big antiquing day here.
Whether you’re a serious collector or just love browsing, you could happily lose a whole day (and find something you never knew you needed).
🎬 5. Hamburg
Hamburg was a completely unplanned stop for me, and it turned out to be one of my favorite little surprises.
It’s a genuinely cute small town in Berks County that isn’t touristy at all, so it feels wonderfully authentic.
I loved the vintage shopfronts, especially the old pharmacy, and the beautifully retro Strand Theatre, which is perfect Americana. Grab a coffee and wander the main street.
It’s also a gateway to the outdoors, with the famous Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (a top spot for watching migrating raptors) just up the road.
🚂 6. Strasburg
In the heart of Amish country, Strasburg is a charming little town that’s a must for train lovers.
It’s home to the Strasburg Rail Road, America’s oldest continuously operating short-line railroad, where you can ride a beautifully restored steam train through the Amish farmland.
The town itself is lovely and walkable, and it makes a perfect base for exploring the surrounding Lancaster County countryside, with its farms, buggies and back roads.
🍫 7. Hershey
Nicknamed “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” Hershey is the town that was built by the famous candymaker Milton S. Hershey.
It’s a brilliant family day out as you can go to Hersheypark which is a great amusement park as well as visit Hershey’s Chocolate World.
It’s quite a unique thing to do and very fun!
Even the street lamps are shaped like Hershey’s Kisses!
🎨 8. Mt. Gretna
Mt. Gretna is a tiny arts community in Lebanon County, and one of Pennsylvania’s best-kept secrets.
Founded in 1892 as a Pennsylvania Chautauqua, it’s a charming cluster of Victorian cottages tucked into the woods, with a strong artistic and cultural spirit.
In summer it comes alive with concerts, festivals and the beloved Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show in August.
Add in a lovely lake and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and it’s a delightful, peaceful escape.
🏛️ 9. Bellefonte
Bellefonte is a gorgeous Victorian town that most people have never heard of, which is exactly why you should go.
Founded in 1795, it has one of the most impressive collections of Victorian architecture in America, with almost 300 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
It’s a great place for a walk, you can wander around the historic streets and go to Talleyrand Park.
It’s elegant, peaceful and wonderfully under the radar.
🎄 10. Bethlehem
Bethlehem beautifully blends history, culture and festive charm.
Founded by the Moravians in 1741, it’s affectionately known as “Christmas City, USA,” and it’s especially magical during the holidays.
Explore the historic Moravian quarter and colonial buildings, then head to SteelStacks, an arts and culture campus built around the old Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces.
It hosts brilliant events year-round, including Musikfest, one of the biggest free music festivals in the country.
🎭 11. New Hope
Set on the banks of the Delaware River in Bucks County, New Hope is a lively, artsy riverside town with a bohemian soul.
It became an artists’ haven over a century ago, and that creative spirit lives on in its galleries, boutiques and the famous Bucks County Playhouse.
Stroll the charming main street, then walk or bike the scenic Delaware Canal towpath and browse the antique and vintage shops.
It’s romantic, quirky and full of character.
🌲 12. Bradford
Bradford is the gateway to the stunning Allegheny National Forest, making it a haven for outdoor lovers.
It’s also home to a quirky claim to fame: the Zippo/Case Museum, the most visited museum in northern Pennsylvania (and it’s free), celebrating the iconic Zippo lighters and Case knives.
Another museum worth mentioning is the Marilyn Horne Museum & Exhibit Center.
There are also a lot of hiking opportunities in the nearby Kinzua Bridge State Park and Allegheny National Forest and waterfalls in the area.
The Marilla Bridges Trail is also a beautiful reservoir walk you can do.
🚋 13. Media
Just outside Philadelphia, Media proudly calls itself “Everybody’s Hometown,” and it has a lovely, welcoming, community feel.
Its claim to fame? It’s the last suburban town in America with a trolley still running right down the main street.
Make sure to walk down State Street which is full of independent shops, restaurants and cafes. It’s perfect to soak up the friendly small-town buzz.
🗺️ Pennsylvania Small Town Road Trip
📍 Media
📍 New Hope
📍 Bethlehem
📍 Jim Thorpe
📍 Hamburg
📍 Adamstown
📍 Strasburg
📍 Lititz
📍 Mount Gretna
📍 Hershey
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