Philadelphia is a city full of culture, diversity, art, and and adventure. Just outside of the hustle and bustle of the city, there lies several small towns cloaked in their own respective magic. Sometimes referred to as “the burbs”, these 7 small towns near Philly are picturesque and storybook in nature.
Spend a weekend in one of these small towns and you’ll become completely smitten. Lucky for you, they’re all pretty close to Philadelphia just in case you never want to leave.
1. Ambler, PA
Ambler, PA is a charming small town located in Montgomery County. Ambler’s downtown area is very walkable and features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, with plenty of options for dining and entertainment.
Ambler hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including the Ambler Arts & Music Festival, the Ambler Farmers’ Market, and the Ambler Auto Show. These events bring the community together and offer something for everyone. There’s also plenty of parks. Temple University even has a campus here!
Ambler has a rich history, with many well-preserved buildings and landmarks full of historic charm. Indeed, the Ambler Theater is a beautiful town landmark. This historic movie theater that has been in operation since 1928. It’s the perfect place for a downtown stroll and romantic date night.
🚘 16 miles northwest of Philadelphia
2. Jim Thorpe, PA
Located in the Pocono Mountains, this charming town is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, scenic views of the Lehigh River, and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. Visitors can also enjoy a ride on the Lehigh George Scenic Railway or explore the Old Jail Museum and see the mysterious handprint on the wall of cell 17.
🚘 85 miles northwest of Philadelphia
3. New Hope, PA
Located along the Delaware River, New Hope, PA is a beautiful and quaint town known for its antique shops, plentiful art galleries, and over 100 historic buildings.
Visitors can enjoy an afternoon in this town by taking a stroll along the river or going to watch a show at The Bucks County Playhouse. After exploring the town’s landmarks, enjoy dinner at one of the downtown restaurants.
🚘 35 miles northeast of Philadelphia
4. Doylestown, PA
Located in Bucks County, this vibrant town is home to many art galleries and museums, including the James A. Michener Art Museum. The town is also rich in history with several historic landmarks including the beautiful Fonthill Castle. Downtown Doylestown is quite charming consisting of many unique shops and restaurants.
This picturesque town is also surrounded by beautiful parks and natural areas, making it a great place to enjoy many outdoor activities.
🚘 27 miles north of Philadelphia
5. Kennett Square, PA
Located in Chester County, this lively town is known as the “mushroom capital of the world” due to its plentiful mushroom farms. Indeed, there’s even an annual Mushroom Festival. Kennet Square is the perfect place to visit for shopping and exploration. The town has variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a historic district with many well-preserved buildings.
The popular Longwood Gardens in also located here in Kennet Square.
🚘 35 miles west of Philadelphia
6. Media, PA
Located in Delaware County, this charming town is known for its walkable downtown area, which features many independent shops and restaurants. It’s also home to the Media Theatre, which hosts a variety of live performances.
🚘 13 miles southwest of Philadelphia
7. Skippack, PA
This family-friendly, classic American town is known for its quaint shops and restaurants. Located in Montgomery County, all shops are locally owned and operated. You’ll be sure to find a restaurant with 5-star dining options. Skippack Village is home to many festivals including First Fridays as well as its annual Skippack Days festival. Get outdoors for a scenic walk as it’s also home to many parks and nature trails.
🚘 28 miles northwest of Philadelphia