10 Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is one of the best places in Pennsylvania for history, museums, food, architecture, and urban sightseeing. As one of America's most historic cities, it offers attractions ranging from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Reading Terminal Market.
Walk through Old City, explore historic neighborhoods, visit world-class museums, and sample the city's famous food scene. Philadelphia works particularly well for a weekend city trip or as the beginning of a longer Pennsylvania itinerary.
Pocono Mountains
The Pocono Mountains are a popular Pennsylvania getaway for travelers looking for forests, lakes, waterfalls, outdoor recreation, and four-season scenery. The region stretches across a large area of northeastern Pennsylvania and offers everything from hiking and scenic drives to skiing and family-friendly attractions.
Summer is ideal for hiking, boating, and enjoying the outdoors, while fall brings colorful foliage and winter attracts visitors for skiing and snow activities.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh combines dramatic riverfront scenery with museums, sports, neighborhoods, bridges, and a revitalized downtown. The city sits where the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers meet, creating some of the most distinctive urban views in Pennsylvania.
Visitors can explore the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie museums, Point State Park, the Strip District, and the city's famous overlooks. Riding the Duquesne Incline is another memorable way to see Pittsburgh from above.
Gettysburg
Gettysburg is one of Pennsylvania's most important destinations for American history. The town and surrounding battlefield are closely associated with the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War.
Explore the Gettysburg National Military Park, battlefield landscapes, museums, historic buildings, and monuments. The area provides a powerful opportunity to learn about the Civil War while enjoying the charm of a historic Pennsylvania town.
Lancaster & Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Lancaster County is known for its beautiful farmland, covered bridges, Amish and Mennonite heritage, markets, craft traditions, and distinctive Pennsylvania Dutch culture.
Visitors can explore Lancaster city, countryside roads, farmers' markets, local shops, historic attractions, and nearby towns. The region is especially appealing for travelers who want a slower-paced destination with scenic rural landscapes and traditional food.
Hershey
Hershey is one of Pennsylvania's best destinations for families and chocolate lovers. The town is closely connected to the Hershey chocolate legacy and offers attractions centered around chocolate, entertainment, and family vacations.
Hersheypark is a major draw during its operating seasons, while Chocolate World provides chocolate-themed experiences. The town also has gardens, museums, resorts, and seasonal events.
Erie & Presque Isle
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Erie offers a different side of Pennsylvania with beaches, waterfront scenery, boating, parks, and outdoor recreation.
Presque Isle State Park is the area's major attraction, with sandy beaches, trails, lagoons, picnic areas, and opportunities for swimming and water activities. Erie is especially appealing during the warmer months.
Laurel Highlands
The Laurel Highlands in southwestern Pennsylvania are ideal for travelers interested in mountains, waterfalls, forests, architecture, and outdoor adventures.
The region is home to Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, Ohiopyle State Park, hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic mountain landscapes. It makes an excellent destination for a weekend road trip from Pittsburgh.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe is a picturesque mountain town in eastern Pennsylvania known for its historic architecture, narrow streets, shops, restaurants, and surrounding outdoor scenery.
Often called the "Switzerland of America," the town is a popular destination for walking tours, scenic train experiences, hiking, cycling, and exploring the nearby Lehigh Gorge.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park is one of Pennsylvania's standout destinations for waterfall lovers and hikers. The park's Falls Trail leads visitors through a scenic landscape featuring a series of waterfalls surrounded by forest.
Beyond hiking, the park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and enjoying the natural scenery around Lake Jean. It is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a quieter outdoor experience.
Planning a Pennsylvania Road Trip?
Pennsylvania is large enough that trying to see everything on one trip can mean spending a lot of time on the road. Instead, consider grouping destinations by region.
A southeastern itinerary could combine Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Hershey. A western Pennsylvania trip could focus on Pittsburgh and the Laurel Highlands. For mountain scenery, consider the Poconos, Jim Thorpe, and Ricketts Glen.
Pennsylvania Travel Planning
The best Pennsylvania itinerary depends on whether your priority is history, cities, outdoor recreation, family attractions, or scenic road trips.
| Destination | Best For | Suggested Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | History, museums, food, city sightseeing | 2–3 days |
| Pocono Mountains | Nature, hiking, skiing, family getaways | 2–3 days |
| Pittsburgh | Museums, sports, food, city views | 2–3 days |
| Gettysburg | American history and Civil War sites | 1–2 days |
| Lancaster | Amish Country, markets, countryside | 1–2 days |
| Hershey | Families, chocolate, amusement parks | 1–2 days |
| Erie | Beaches, Lake Erie, outdoor recreation | 1–2 days |
| Laurel Highlands | Hiking, waterfalls, architecture | 2 days |
| Jim Thorpe | Small-town charm, mountains, hiking | 1–2 days |
| Ricketts Glen | Waterfalls, hiking, nature | 1 day |
Best Time to Visit Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a year-round destination, but the best season depends on the type of trip you want.
- Spring: A great time for gardens, hiking, waterfalls, and comfortable city sightseeing.
- Summer: Ideal for Lake Erie, state parks, amusement parks, boating, and outdoor activities.
- Fall: One of the most popular seasons for Pennsylvania's colorful foliage, mountain drives, and hiking.
- Winter: Great for skiing and winter activities in the Poconos, along with holiday attractions and cozy mountain getaways.
Getting Around Pennsylvania
A car is generally the easiest way to explore Pennsylvania, especially if you want to combine small towns, state parks, mountains, and rural attractions.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are the easiest destinations to explore without a car because of their urban transit systems and walkable neighborhoods. For destinations such as Lancaster, Gettysburg, Jim Thorpe, the Poconos, and Ricketts Glen, having a vehicle provides considerably more flexibility.
Pennsylvania Travel Tips
- Plan by region: Pennsylvania is a large state, so group nearby destinations together.
- Allow extra driving time: Mountain roads, rural areas, and weekend traffic can make journeys longer than expected.
- Book popular stays early: Mountain resorts, holiday periods, fall foliage weekends, and summer attractions can become busy.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Many historic districts, parks, battlefields, and trails involve significant walking.
- Check seasonal schedules: Some attractions, amusement parks, scenic railroads, and outdoor activities operate on seasonal schedules.
- Don't overlook small towns: Some of Pennsylvania's most memorable experiences are found outside its major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best place to visit in Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia is one of the best all-around choices because it combines American history, museums, food, architecture, and cultural attractions. For nature, the Poconos and Laurel Highlands are excellent choices.
What is the most scenic part of Pennsylvania?
The Pocono Mountains, Laurel Highlands, and parts of northern Pennsylvania are particularly scenic, especially during fall foliage season.
Is Pennsylvania good for a family vacation?
Yes. Hershey, the Poconos, Philadelphia, Erie, and several state parks offer attractions and activities suitable for family trips.
How many days do you need to visit Pennsylvania?
A long weekend works well for one region, while a week or more is better for combining several major destinations. Because attractions are spread throughout the state, regional planning can make a trip much more enjoyable.
What are the best places in Pennsylvania for nature?
The Pocono Mountains, Ricketts Glen State Park, Laurel Highlands, Presque Isle State Park, and other Pennsylvania state parks offer excellent opportunities for hiking, waterfalls, lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation.
What is Pennsylvania known for?
Pennsylvania is known for its American history, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Amish Country, Hershey chocolate, Civil War history, mountains, forests, state parks, and diverse cultural heritage.