With its many charming small towns, enchanting villages, and vibrant big cities, Pennsylvania offers so many weekend getaway destinations that it might be hard to decide where to go first. However, if you’re craving a bit of the friendliness and charm of yesteryear, you’ll find no better small town in Pennsylvania than Lititz for a weekend getaway. Whether you like spending your days shopping or indulging in delicious food, you’ll find many things to do in Lititz, PA 

Is Lititz Worth Visiting?

The answer is a resounding, "yes," but you really have to experience the enchanting small town for yourself to appreciate all that it has to offer. A throwback to yesteryear, Lititz once earned the title of the "Coolest Small Town in America." With a darling downtown dotted with shops and restaurants and one-of-a-kind attractions, like the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, Lititz attracts visitors who want to enjoy a slower pace of life in a town where modern amenities combine with the friendliness of yesteryear.

With a population of just over 5,500 residents, Lititz is a quintessential small Pennsylvania town that dates back to 1756. However, the town didn’t incorporate until 1888. Lititz boasts a rich history, too, all the way back to 1777 when injured and sick soldiers, on General George Washington’s orders, were quartered in the town. It’s also home to the oldest girls’ school – Linden Hall – in the United States. You’ll get a peek at (and a taste of!) some of Lititz's rich history on your weekend getaway.

How To Get To Lititz

Nestled in northern Lancaster County, Lititz sits on Route 501. It’s just eight miles to the north of Lancaster, arguably the heart of Amish country in Pennsylvania. If you don’t have time for an entire weekend, you can easily day trip to Lititz from Hershey (26 miles), Harrisburg (38 miles), Gettysburg (73 miles), and Philadelphia (75 miles away), several of Pennsylvania’s major cities. Those in the western part of the state, including Pittsburgh (236 miles) and Erie (331 miles) have a bit of a drive to this enchanting small town. Travel to Lititz is on major highways, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, so it should be smooth sailing.

Getting Around Lititz

When you’re exploring downtown Lititz, you can easily do so on foot. However, if you’re driving, you’ll find it’s pretty easy to maneuver, too. You’ll find parking spots with parking meters (remember to adhere to time limits and other rules), or keep an eye out for one of the public parking lots. Lititz also has a bike share program through Lititz Bikeworks. Biking is a fun and easy way to explore the charming town, too.

Best Time To Visit Lititz

Lititz is the perfect destination all year around. Springtime means the return of the Farmers Market while the highlight of the summer is the annual 4th of July Celebration at Lititz Springs Park. If you love Christmas, you’ll love Lititz, especially when the town is shimmering in lights and adorned in decorations. Christmastime also means gathering for the Annual Christmas Carol Sing and embarking on the Christmas Candlelight Tour. One of the first big events of every New Year is the Fire & Ice Festival, an epic 10-day celebration that features ice sculptures, good food, and a whole lot more.

Where To Stay In Lititz

Regardless of your budget, you’ll find cozy accommodations that fit your price range and your needs in Lititz, which is home to hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts. Book your nights away at Lititz Springs Inn and Spa, nestled right on East Main Street right downtown for a one-of-a-kind stay.

Before it was a charming inn, Lititz Springs Inn and Spa was known as Zum Anker, a tavern and inn that opened in 1764. Throughout its history, the historic hotel changed names numerous times, with owner David Stoudt crowning it the Lititz Springs Inn and Spa. Rooms offer a full menu of modern amenities, with prices starting around $110 a night.

The inn is conveniently located to shops and restaurants in downtown Lititz and is also home to the Bulls Head Public House. It consistently earns props as Pennsylvania’s best beer bar and features a menu of classics, including fish and chips, burgers, and fried chicken. Takeout is also available if you feel like dining in your room or having a picnic at Lititz Springs Park.

Day One: Meet Endangered Wolves, Go On A Walking Tour, And Get To Know Lititz

Our day one itinerary is about new experiences and getting to know Lititz better. However, before we do that, we’re going to start our adventure at one of Pennsylvania’s most unique destinations.

Did you know there haven’t been wild wolves in Pennsylvania for decades? Yep, and there likely won’t be any in the future, as the state has no intentions of reintroducing them into the environment. You’ll only find one place in Pennsylvania to see wild wolves and that’s at Wolf Sanctuary of PA. Join a guided tour of the sanctuary, where you’ll learn about the resident wolves and wolves in general. Reservations are a must.

Guided tours of Wolf Sanctuary of PA are offered several days during the week. Be sure to check the sanctuary website for days, hours, and current pricing. The sanctuary offers specialized photography tours and private tours. It also hosts a Full Moon Fundraiser on those Saturdays nearest to the full moon.

If this is your first visit to Lititz, you’ll want to get a bit acquainted on day one, so we have a few stops on the itinerary to do just that. We’ll start the afternoon at The Train Station Welcome Center at Lititz Springs Park.

Even if you have maps on your phone, you might want to pick up a few paper maps and chat with the staff about any activities or events being held the weekend you’re in town. This is another chance to enjoy some of the old-fashioned hospitality and friendliness for which Lititz is known. It’s also a good way to ask "what is Lititz known for" from those who live there.

By now, you’re probably ready for a delicious meal, right?

Let’s stop by Tomato Pie Café on Broad Street. It’s one of the best places for breakfast in Pennsylvania. Lunch is great here too!

Its signature dish – tomato pie – is well worth a try. The restaurant describes it as "fresh red tomatoes seasoned perfectly with herbs and baked in our own pie shell topped with a blend of cheeses. It’s not Pizza!" The menu also features burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Check out the seasonal menu, too.

Let’s get to know Lititz even better on an old-fashioned walking tour after lunch.

Join a tour with Historic Lititz Walking Tours, LLC, which is open seasonally. The 45-minute walking tour is offered at a nominal charge and includes stops at 25 historical sites.. That’s a whole lot of history jam-packed into a fascinating tour. You’ll stop at such sites as Mary Dixon Chapel and Linden Hall.

If you love history, you’ll love our next stop at the Lititz Historical Foundation, which runs the Lititz Museum and the Johannes Mueller House.

Join a 45-minute guided tour then take some time to explore the Mary Oehme Garden, right behind the museum. Your best bet is to call 717-627-4636 to schedule a tour and to get the current admission prices. By the way, kiddos under 10 are free!

How about an old-fashioned family meal tonight?

Lititz Family Cupboard Restaurant & Buffet, is our choice for dinner.

Saturday night's feature is the PA Dutch Style Buffet, which features a range of classics – rotisserie chicken, butter noodles, and homemade mashed potatoes. Its one of the best buffets in Pennsylvania! Check out the menu, too, where you’ll find everything from chicken dishes to burgers.

Day Two: Twist Pretzels, A Stroll Through The Park, And Shop Downtown

A fun day awaits, so we’ll want to fuel up with a scrumptious breakfast at Slate Café.

If you like bakeries and cafés, then this place will treat your taste buds to such deliciousness as strawberry stuffed French toast, baked oatmeal, or a breakfast wrap. Pair it with coffee, tea, a smoothie, or an espresso.

Lititz is known for a few things, including the home of the first commercial pretzel bakery in the United States. Our after-breakfast treat is a visit to Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery for a one-of-a-kind experience.

It’s one of those activities in Lititz you have to experience at least once. Join a tour of the pretzel bakery that dates back to 1861. During the tour, you’ll get a unique glimpse at how pretzels are rolled – and learn to roll one yourself. After you’ve learned how to twist pretzels, sample some of them then check out the store, where you can stock up on all your favorite types of pretzels.

Tours are offered every day of the week and the prices are nominal for adults and youth. Visit the entity website for current days, hours, and pricing,

Let’s have some more delicious treats on our next stop at another of Lititz's attractions:

Wilbur Chocolates, just a half of a mile from Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery.

If you love chocolate, you’ll think you’ve landed in paradise at this chocolate shop that dates back to 1894. Did you know that Muhammad Ali even had a Wilbur Chocolate candy bar named after him in the 1970s? Stock up on the famous Wilbur Buds, peanut butter meltaways, and chocolate-covered fruit.

Feeling a bit guilty indulging in all of the decadent chocolate? Don’t! Our next stop takes us on a leisurely stroll through Lititz Springs Park, so wear a pair of comfy walking shoes.

Looking as though it’s stepped from the pages of a fairy tale, the park offers something for everyone – from a playground for the kiddos to a fountain by which you can relax. Reflect at the Wall of Remembrance, a tribute to those who have played significant roles in Lititz’s rich history. Play a game of volleyball, or watch the ducks float. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

The rest of the country may call them subs, but we love our hoagies in Pennsylvania.

Let’s have lunch at Bruno’s Hoagies, which earns rave reviews for its, well, hoagies.

Expect a fresh meal and friendly service at this local favorite. Bruno’s serves a range of classic hoagies – old Italian, roast beef, and turkey. Meatless options are also available. The menu also features sandwiches and soups.

How about dessert? Head over to Isabella’s Ice Cream Parlor.

The darling ice cream shop scoops a variety of classics – from old-fashioned vanilla to better brownie batter.

Have your ice cream scooped into a sundae, a homemade cone, or a delicious pretzel cone. The shop is also a stop along our special Ice Cream Trail itinerary.

You absolutely cannot visit Lititz without doing a bit of shopping downtown. The downtown area, which looks like it belongs on an old-fashioned postcard, is home to a variety of shops, from Heavenly Soaps and Scents to Atlas General Store.

If you’re a fan of antiques, you’ll find several shops in town, including Moravian House Antiques. Indulge your inner child at Candy*ology, where you’ll find all of your childhood favorite candies.

Let’s end our amazing weekend getaway with a flavorful, authentic Mexican meal at Chilangos Authentic Mexican Restaurante. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, grab a seat on the patio.

This is a BYOB destination, so keep that in mind. Browse the menu brimming with favorites such as fresh salads, tamales, burritos, and tacos. For a hearty Mexican meal, try one of the platters. The Carne Asada, for example, comes with ribeye, rice, beans, salad, and tortillas.

Even if you don’t have an entire weekend to spare, you can pack a lot of fun into a day trip to Lititz. Have more than a weekend? Lititz is perfect for a longer getaway, too. Chances are, once you visit, you’ll be back again.

Next time you’re looking for the best small-town getaway in Pennsylvania, pack your bags and book a hotel in Lititz. Have you been to this enchanting small town? What do you like about it? Any advice for those who plan to travel here? What else would you include in a Lititz travel guide? Let us know in the comments!

After you’ve visited Lititz, you might want to start exploring other small towns in Pennsylvania. Check out the nine small towns in Pennsylvania that are full of charm and perfect for a weekend escape. (Notice that Lititz tops the list!) And if you're looking for somewhere to stay along the road, consider the Fairfield Inn & Suites Lancaster in Lancaster.

From the Hawaiian Island of Oahu to the coast of Massachusetts and everywhere in between, come along with OnlyInYourState as we introduce you to the best Small Town Getaways you can take this year. From nature lovers and foodies to history buffs and shopaholics, there’s something for everyone within these unforgettable, two-day itineraries curated by our local travel experts just for you.

Not Your Average Bucket List Podcast

Only In Your State’s podcast Not Your Average Bucket List takes a deep dive into Lititz, Pennsylvania and everything it has to offer. Our hosts, Marisa Roman and Sara Heddleston, discuss what their "Perfect Day" in Lititz would consist of. From wildlife hiking trails to sleeping in a cottage by the ocean, take a look at the infographic below to get your own suggestions for the perfect day exploring this small town.

To discover even more about Lititz, Pennsylvania in a fun, easily-digestible manner, tune in to OnlyInYourState's brand new podcast, Not Your Average Bucket List, where we talk all about this charming town. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

And last, but certainly not least, if you’re still in the mood for more Pennsylvania adventures, take a look at this video about the Philadelphia Magic Garden: