You Can Explore This Historic Pennsylvania Mountain City Entirely on Foot—and It’s Stunning

As a non-driver, it hasn't always been the easiest for me to explore Pennsylvania — the sprawling Keystone State is full of wide-open spaces hiding charming small towns. But once you get to one of them, it's often surprising just how easy it is to get around without a car — and that's exactly the case for Bedford, a small walkable city in Pennsylvania that packs one big surprise after another. Located towards the southwestern end of the state, about a hundred miles west of Harrisburg and a hundred miles east of Pittsburgh, Bedford is like a little haven with a rich history.

The city was once a spa town, known for its mineral springs and hospitality scene. Today, the city has around 2,800 people living there full-time, but it still gets a lot of tourism. It not only features a great dining and shopping scene and a historic Main Street, but it's also a peaceful walk away from one of the best historic sites in all of Pennsylvania. The town is so laid-back that it's easy to just park your car at the hotel and go exploring, just like those weary pilgrims hoping to drink from Bedford's famous medicinal springs did so long ago.

Why This Pennsylvania City Is So Easy to Explore on Foot

Bedford is a relatively compact city, and while it's isolated from the larger cities of Pennsylvania, it is also fairly self-contained. That means that for those who arrive, they can usually make it around the city without too much difficulty on foot. It's under three miles of walking from one end of the city to another, with plenty of historic sites, covered bridges, and modern charm in between.

The Best Things To See Within Walking Distance

If you're up for a bigger day trip, the star attraction in the town is Old Bedford Village, a living-history museum located about two miles up the road from the city center. This is accessed by US Route 220, which has a safe walking path along the road. There you'll find a collection of historic buildings that operate as a museum from late spring into fall and host reenactments and other events celebrating the town's role in the US Civil War and other chapters of American history.

Where To Eat, Shop, and Relax Along the Way

Bedford's charming main street is one of the best places to spend a day exploring, and you'll find a lot of great destinations here. The town is known for its antiquing scene, and The Finley Bee is usually packed with bargain-hunters when open. For a hearty meal, Bad Boyz Bistro offers some seriously impressive burgers — and a food challenge that's not for the faint of stomach! Finally, no visit to Bedford is complete without a stop at the world's largest coffee pot, the town's signature attraction on the outskirts of town.

Tips for Visiting Without a Car

Most people who come to Bedford stay at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa, a luxury resort inspired by the town's history as a spa central and offering top-of-the-line luxury and fine dining. From there, you should be able to access just about any part of the town on foot. There are also a number of budget hotels slightly north of Old Bedford Village, and parking should be available at any hotel where you're staying.

Have you ever explored the unique beauty of Bedford, Pennsylvania? If not, this walkable city in Pennsylvania is waiting for visitors, so tell a travel buddy about this article and plan a visit for yourself! You can see more information on the Bedford tourism website, and you can book a getaway on the Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa website. If you're looking for more hidden gems hiding in the Keystone State, check out Only in Your State's list of the best small towns in Pennsylvania for your next stop!