Home >> Pennsylvania Things to Do
Pennsylvania combines major American cities, historic towns, mountain landscapes, forests, rivers and some of the country's most important Revolutionary and Civil War sites. Philadelphia anchors the southeast with its colonial history, museums and food scene, while Pittsburgh offers distinctive architecture, museums and three rivers. Beyond the cities, the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania Wilds, Lancaster County and Gettysburg provide very different travel experiences.
The state's variety makes Pennsylvania particularly well suited to road trips. Travelers can explore Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, walk the historic streets of Gettysburg, experience Amish Country around Lancaster, hike in the Pocono Mountains or visit Fallingwater in the Laurel Highlands. Families also have major attractions such as Hershey and the numerous outdoor and cultural attractions around the state.
Geography is important when planning a Pennsylvania vacation. Philadelphia is in the southeast, Pittsburgh is in the southwest, and the Pocono Mountains stretch across the northeast. Gettysburg and Lancaster are relatively easy to combine with Philadelphia, while Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Wilds are better suited to separate regional itineraries. A short visit should focus on one part of the state rather than attempting to connect Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with numerous stops in between.
At a glance: Plan on 3–4 days for a first Philadelphia trip, 5 days for a focused regional road trip, or 7–10 days for a broader Pennsylvania itinerary. Travelers who want to experience both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh should allow at least a week and avoid packing too many rural destinations into the same route.
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania's essential destination for American history, museums, architecture and food. As the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution, the city has an unusually dense collection of historic sites. At the same time, neighborhoods such as Rittenhouse Square, Old City, Fishtown and South Philadelphia give the city a contemporary personality.
What to see: Visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Museum of the American Revolution and the National Constitution Center. The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation are major cultural attractions, while Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market offer a taste of the city's food traditions. Walk through Old City and historic areas around Independence National Historical Park.
Recommended time: 3–4 days.
Best for: History lovers, families, museum visitors, food travelers and city breaks.
Practical tips: Many historic attractions are concentrated in or near the Old City area and can be grouped together. Parking can be expensive and inconvenient downtown, so public transportation and walking are useful. Reserve timed admission where required for popular attractions.
Pittsburgh is one of Pennsylvania's most distinctive cities, built around the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. Its steep hills, bridges, former industrial districts and impressive skyline give it a character unlike Philadelphia. The city also has outstanding museums, sports venues and cultural attractions.
What to see: Explore the Carnegie Museums, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the Andy Warhol Museum. Take the Duquesne or Monongahela Incline for views of downtown and the rivers, then explore neighborhoods such as the Strip District and Lawrenceville. Point State Park provides a natural starting point for understanding the city's geography.
Recommended time: 2–3 days.
Best for: Families, museum visitors, sports fans, food travelers and urban explorers.
Practical tips: Pittsburgh's hills and rivers can make short distances take longer than expected. Group attractions by neighborhood and allow additional time for traffic and parking. Sports and major events can significantly affect hotel availability.
Gettysburg is one of the most important Civil War destinations in the United States. The town and surrounding battlefield preserve the setting of the pivotal 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, while the Gettysburg National Military Park provides extensive historical interpretation. The destination is especially valuable for travelers who want to understand the Civil War through the actual landscape where it unfolded.
What to see: Visit Gettysburg National Military Park, the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center and the Gettysburg National Cemetery. Guided battlefield tours can provide additional context, while the historic downtown contains museums, shops and restaurants.
Recommended time: 1–2 days.
Best for: History enthusiasts, families, educators, photographers and heritage travelers.
Practical tips: The battlefield covers a large area, so a vehicle is useful. Allow several hours for the battlefield and museum rather than trying to see them between other attractions. Summer and anniversary periods can be busy, while spring and fall provide comfortable conditions for outdoor touring.
Lancaster County offers a different side of Pennsylvania, with farmland, covered bridges, historic communities, traditional crafts and a strong Amish cultural presence. The area is more than a collection of tourist attractions; the agricultural landscape itself is part of the experience. Lancaster also provides a convenient base for exploring nearby historic sites and family attractions.
What to see: Explore Lancaster's downtown and surrounding countryside, visit the Amish Farm and House or similar cultural attractions, and explore the shops and markets of towns such as Intercourse and Bird-in-Hand. The Strasburg area is home to railroad attractions and museums, while Longwood Gardens is within reach for travelers extending their trip toward southeastern Pennsylvania.
Recommended time: 1–2 days.
Best for: Families, food travelers, history enthusiasts, photographers and cultural travelers.
Practical tips: A car is useful because attractions are spread across rural areas. Treat Amish communities respectfully and remember that many roads are shared with horse-drawn vehicles. Weekends and holidays can be particularly busy around major visitor attractions.
Hershey is one of Pennsylvania's best-known family destinations and is closely associated with the history of Milton Hershey and the Hershey chocolate industry. The town combines amusement-park attractions, chocolate-themed experiences, gardens, a zoo and a distinctive company-town history.
What to see: Spend time at Hersheypark, visit Hershey's Chocolate World and explore the Hershey Story Museum. Hershey Gardens and ZooAmerica provide additional activities, particularly for families staying multiple days.
Recommended time: 1–2 days.
Best for: Families, amusement-park visitors, chocolate enthusiasts and weekend travelers.
Practical tips: Hersheypark is a seasonal attraction, and operating calendars vary. Summer and holiday periods are busy, so check park schedules and plan ahead for admission and parking. A one-night stay can make it easier to fit the major attractions into the trip without rushing.
The Pocono Mountains are one of Pennsylvania's most accessible mountain destinations, particularly for travelers from New York City, northern New Jersey and Philadelphia. Forests, lakes, waterfalls, ski resorts and outdoor recreation make the region popular across multiple seasons.
What to see: Explore Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Bushkill Falls and the region's hiking trails, lakes and scenic overlooks. In winter, ski resorts become a major attraction, while summer brings hiking, boating and other outdoor activities.
Recommended time: 2–3 days.
Best for: Families, couples, hikers, skiers and outdoor travelers.
Practical tips: The Poconos cover a broad area, so choose a base according to the activities you want to prioritize. Winter weather can affect mountain roads, while summer and fall weekends can be busy. Check conditions before heading onto trails or mountain roads.
The Laurel Highlands combine forested mountains, outdoor recreation and some of Pennsylvania's most important architectural and historic attractions. The region is best known internationally for Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright's celebrated house built over a waterfall, but its appeal extends to state parks, hiking trails and historic sites.
What to see: Tour Fallingwater, explore Ohiopyle State Park and visit Kentuck Knob if architecture is a priority. Fort Necessity National Battlefield and other historic sites provide additional reasons to explore the region. Ohiopyle offers hiking, waterfalls and river recreation.
Recommended time: 2 days.
Best for: Architecture enthusiasts, hikers, families, history travelers and outdoor adventurers.
Practical tips: Fallingwater tours require advance planning, and availability can vary. Combine the house with Ohiopyle rather than treating them as separate long-distance excursions. Mountain roads can be winding, so allow extra driving time.
Erie provides Pennsylvania's access to Lake Erie and is one of the state's best destinations for beaches, boating, sunsets and freshwater recreation. Presque Isle State Park extends into Lake Erie as a peninsula, creating a distinctive collection of beaches, lagoons and trails just outside the city.
What to see: Explore Presque Isle's beaches, trails and lagoons, visit the Erie Maritime Museum and explore the city's waterfront. The peninsula is especially attractive for swimming, cycling, fishing, boating and birdwatching during warmer months.
Recommended time: 1–2 days.
Best for: Families, beach travelers, cyclists, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Practical tips: Summer is the primary beach season, and popular areas can become crowded on warm weekends. Lake conditions can change quickly, so check weather and water conditions before planning boating or swimming activities.
The Pennsylvania Wilds covers a large area of north-central Pennsylvania known for forests, dark skies, hiking, wildlife and remote mountain scenery. It is the place to go when the goal is to get away from cities and spend several days outdoors. The region's size is part of its appeal, but it also means careful planning is essential.
What to see: Explore Pine Creek Gorge, often called the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, along with nearby state forests, parks and scenic overlooks. Cherry Springs State Park is particularly notable for dark-sky viewing. The region also offers extensive hiking, fishing, camping and wildlife opportunities.
Recommended time: 2–3 days.
Best for: Hikers, campers, photographers, stargazers and nature travelers.
Practical tips: Services can be limited in more remote areas. Download maps and plan fuel, food and lodging before entering sparsely populated areas. Cell service can be inconsistent, so do not depend entirely on mobile navigation.
Jim Thorpe is a picturesque mountain town in eastern Pennsylvania known for Victorian architecture, steep wooded surroundings and its history as a former coal-mining center. Its compact downtown makes it particularly appealing for weekend travelers who want historic buildings, shops, restaurants and outdoor recreation in one destination.
What to see: Walk through the historic downtown, visit the Asa Packer Mansion and explore the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center. Nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park offers hiking, cycling and scenic views, while the surrounding mountains provide additional outdoor activities.
Recommended time: 1–2 days.
Best for: Couples, history enthusiasts, photographers, hikers and weekend travelers.
Practical tips: Jim Thorpe is popular during fall foliage and holiday periods, so lodging can fill quickly. The downtown area is walkable but hilly. Combine the town with nearby outdoor attractions for a full weekend rather than spending the entire visit in the central business district.
Day 1: Philadelphia — Explore Independence National Historical Park, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and nearby Old City.
Day 2: Philadelphia — Visit a major museum, explore a neighborhood and enjoy the city's food scene.
Day 3: Philadelphia — Add the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation or another attraction before departure.
For a first visit lasting only three days, Philadelphia is the most practical choice. Adding Gettysburg or the Poconos would make the itinerary considerably more rushed.
Day 1: Philadelphia — Explore the city's historic district.
Day 2: Philadelphia to Lancaster — Travel west and explore Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Day 3: Hershey — Spend the day at Hershey's major attractions.
Day 4: Gettysburg — Explore the battlefield and historic town.
Day 5: Gettysburg to Philadelphia — Return east with time for an additional stop if your schedule allows.
Day 1: Philadelphia — Historic sites and Old City.
Day 2: Philadelphia — Museums, neighborhoods and food.
Day 3: Lancaster — Explore Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Day 4: Gettysburg — Spend a full day on Civil War history.
Day 5: Laurel Highlands — Travel west toward Fallingwater and Ohiopyle.
Day 6: Pittsburgh — Explore museums, neighborhoods and the riverfront.
Day 7: Pittsburgh — Continue exploring the city before departure.
This route focuses on southeastern and southwestern Pennsylvania. Travelers who want the Pocono Mountains, Erie or the Pennsylvania Wilds should consider a separate northern itinerary.
A longer trip can combine Pennsylvania's major regions, but travelers should expect substantial driving. One possible route is Philadelphia → Lancaster → Gettysburg → Laurel Highlands → Pittsburgh → Pennsylvania Wilds → Pocono Mountains → Philadelphia.
This itinerary provides a broad look at Pennsylvania's cities, historic sites and mountain landscapes. If outdoor recreation is the priority, replace some city time with the Pennsylvania Wilds and Pocono Mountains. If history is the priority, spend additional time in Philadelphia, Gettysburg and Lancaster.
For a first Pennsylvania trip, choose lodging according to the region you want to explore. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are strong city bases, while Gettysburg and Lancaster are useful for southeastern Pennsylvania road trips. Mountain destinations such as the Poconos, Laurel Highlands and Pennsylvania Wilds are best experienced with overnight stays rather than long day trips from the major cities.
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Gettysburg, Lancaster, Hershey, the Pocono Mountains, Laurel Highlands, Erie, the Pennsylvania Wilds and Jim Thorpe provide a strong overview of Pennsylvania's major attractions and landscapes.
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania's leading tourism destination, particularly because of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, major museums and its historic neighborhoods. Gettysburg, Hershey and the Pocono Mountains are also major visitor destinations.
Three to four days works well for Philadelphia alone. Five days allows a focused southeastern Pennsylvania road trip, while seven to ten days gives travelers more flexibility to combine Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Lancaster, Pittsburgh and one of the state's mountain regions.
Spring and fall are excellent for sightseeing, historic towns and outdoor recreation. Fall is especially popular in the Pocono Mountains, Laurel Highlands and other wooded regions. Summer is ideal for family attractions, beaches and outdoor activities, while winter brings skiing and other cold-weather recreation in the mountain regions.
Philadelphia, Hershey, Lancaster, the Pocono Mountains and Pittsburgh are strong family destinations. Philadelphia has major museums and historic attractions, Hershey is built around family entertainment, and the Pocono Mountains provide outdoor recreation across multiple seasons.
The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania Wilds, Laurel Highlands, Delaware Water Gap and Presque Isle State Park are among the state's strongest outdoor destinations. They offer hiking, waterfalls, beaches, forests, scenic overlooks, boating and winter recreation.
A practical first-time road trip is Philadelphia → Lancaster → Gettysburg → Laurel Highlands → Pittsburgh. Travelers interested in mountains and outdoor recreation can instead create a northern route through the Poconos, Pennsylvania Wilds and Erie. Because Pennsylvania is large, regional road trips are usually more enjoyable than trying to cover the entire state.
| Destination | Recommended Time |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 3–4 days |
| Pittsburgh | 2–3 days |
| Gettysburg | 1–2 days |
| Lancaster & Pennsylvania Dutch Country | 1–2 days |
| Hershey | 1–2 days |
| Pocono Mountains | 2–3 days |
| Laurel Highlands & Fallingwater | 2 days |
| Erie & Presque Isle | 1–2 days |
| Pennsylvania Wilds | 2–3 days |
| Jim Thorpe | 1–2 days |