19 Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania
Author Anietra Hamper lives in Ohio and has taken many trips through Pennsylvania.
It is hard to decide the best way to explore Pennsylvania because it has so many sides to love. From the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia to the Civil War reenactments in Gettysburg and the more than 200 covered bridges throughout the state, history buffs have no end of places to visit here.
Nature lovers turn to the beautiful national and state parks to discover their wild side, whitewater rafting, hiking, and biking through picturesque terrain in places like Ohiopyle State Park in the Laurel Highlands and the Pocono Mountains.
Some people gravitate toward the urban action and sports scene in Pittsburgh, while others meander without a care on the winding roads in Dutch Country, stopping only to buy produce from a local farmers market.
Whether your travel to Pennsylvania has you thirsting for tourist attractions or just a quiet weekend getaway, plan your adventures with this list of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love is one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania mostly due to its historical significance. Visit the impressive Liberty Bell and tour Independence Hall where America's founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.
Explore Philadelphia's cultural and artsy side along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway where you can tour the Rodin Museum, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, and run the stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as made famous in the Rocky series of movies. By all means make sure you indulge in an original Philly cheesesteak—the standard by which all other cheesesteaks are measured.
- Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
The rustic industrial appearance of Pittsburgh is what makes this vibrant, edgy city so appealing. The harmonious clashing vibe of industry-meets-cosmopolitan is why so many US companies establish their headquarters here and why it is the secret location for so many movie shoots.
Families love Pittsburgh for attractions like Kennywood Amusement Park, museums like the Andy Warhol Museum, and sightseeing by bike or boat. Sports fans flock to the fields and arenas to see the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins play professional games. There are more than 90 different districts and neighborhoods to explore in Pittsburgh with eclectic food and arts.
Gettysburg
Take a step back into the Civil War era when you visit Gettysburg. You will want to plan several days in the area to take in its full significance. Gettysburg National Military Park is full of living history presentations and reenactments, bringing the Civil War era to life.
You can step onto the famous Gettysburg Battlefield and the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863. Some other notable stops on your history visit to the city are the Eisenhower National Historic Site; the Shriver House Museum, which depicts the Civil War era from a civilian's point of view; and the Jennie Wade House museum.
For a special treat stay at the historic Inn at Lincoln Square, which was once a family home in the early 1800s.
- Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Gettysburg
Harrisburg
The state capital of Harrisburg sits along the Susquehanna River, surrounded by a hilly landscape and urban progress. The star of the show in the city is the Capitol building and the State Museum of Pennsylvania. The four-floor museum has exhibits that preserve the history of the state and Civil War artifacts.
The National Civil War Museum is also a must-see, with exhibits that highlight some of the major battles that took place in the area. To relax from the sightseeing stop by City Island, which is exactly what the name describes. It is a place for leisure activities and home to the minor league Harrisburg Senators baseball team.
The mile-long stretch of land between Harrisburg and Wormleysburg on the Susquehanna River is a great location to walk or bike and see the city.
- Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Harrisburg, PA
Lancaster
One of the most tranquil places to visit in Pennsylvania is Lancaster, located in the center of a rural paradise. The signature rolling hills and farmland make this area perfect for a drive. You will see many Amish farms and the Dutch community that lives a quiet life in this region.
While Lancaster is probably best appreciated when explored while aimlessly driving along the winding roads, plan some time to stop at the farmers market, which is one of the longest continually running markets in the United States.
You will find many Amish attractions to fill your days, from visiting farms and orchards to Dutch Haven, Lancaster's first documented tourist attraction that opened in 1946 and made the shoofly pie famous.
Hershey
A visit to the tiny town of Hershey is a magical experience because it is synonymous with the Hershey chocolate company founded by Milton Hershey in 1903. You are greeted by a canopy of streetlamps in the shape of Hershey kisses, and you can smell the scent of chocolate in the air.
Hershey's Chocolate World is a museum attraction that gives you hands-on insight into the history of some of the world's most famous chocolates. Samples are plentiful, so go with your sweet tooth. Hershey Park is a favorite for families, with amusement rides and entertainment.
The Hershey Gardens, with 23 acres of stunning flowers and plants, is one of the top attractions to see. For a memorable ride through Hershey take a trolley tour around the town to learn about the social contributions made by Milton Hershey beyond the candy he brought to consumers.
Erie
For the aquatic side of Pennsylvania, the shores in Erie are one of the most popular spots in the state. Erie is located on the coast, so it is prime for summer vacation or a quiet fall weekend when the flock of vacationers have all gone home.
Presque Isle State Park has hiking trails and a peninsula on the water that is ideal for a sunset picnic. Visit the Erie Maritime Museum for impressive displays showcasing Lake Erie history and rotating maritime exhibits. For even more water fun visit the Waldameer Park, which is an amusement park and water park combined, with plenty of activities, especially for kids.
For a unique experience on the water, you can book a trip on the U.S. Brig Niagara, a replica of a ship used in the War of 1812 in the Battle of Lake Erie.
Reading
Between its award-winning baseball stadium, an abundance of historical sites, a popular farmers market, and pretty parks, Reading offers tourists plenty of things to do.
One of the top places to visit is the Reading Pagoda. Located at the top of Mount Penn, this quirky structure offers fantastic city views, especially at sunset.
Anyone who loves travel and aviation will want to spend an hour or two at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, which allows you to get up close to an incredible collection of restored vintage aircraft.
History is also on full display in Reading. You can see a mummy at the Reading Public Museum, explore 19th-century buildings at the Berks County History Center, learn about the innovative ways firefighters put out blazes in the past at the Reading Fire Museum, and even take a ride on a vintage train from the Reading Outer Station.
Don't miss the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. This interactive art center invites tourists to see resident artists' studios. It also has a wonderful gift shop filled with creations from local makers.
Easton
If you're traveling with kids, one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania is the small city of Easton. It's home to a number of child-friendly attractions, most notably the Crayola Experience. This crayon-themed play place is filled with fun, creative activities, including stations where you can customize a label and wrap your own crayon, a wax spin-art workshop, and a puzzle-making area.
During the warmer months, you can take the entire family on a tubing adventure down the Delaware River with Twin Rivers Tubing. Or, consider boarding the only mule-drawn canal boat in the state at the National Canal Museum. During the 45-minute excursion, guides will tell you about the history of the Lehigh Canal as resident mules Hank and George pull the 48-ton Josiah White II canal boat down old Section 8 of the canal.
Other things to do in Easton include picking up sugary confections from the Carmelcorn Shop, a nearly 100-year-old sweets shop near the historic Centre Square. It's also worth swinging by Klein Farms Dairy and Creamery for a scoop of freshly made ice cream and a meet-and-greet with farm animals.
Scranton
If you watched NBC's hit comedy The Office, you have probably already heard of some of Scranton's top attractions, like the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour and Lake Scranton. But that's just the beginning of the things to discover in this historic city.
Its top attraction, Steamtown National Historic Site, is a mecca for train lovers. And nearby, at the Electric City Trolley Museum, tourists can take excursions on vintage trolleys and learn about the history of the local electric railway.
Beyond history, Scranton is also a fantastic place to experience wildlife and the outdoors. You could spend an entire day strolling Nay Aug Park (the city's largest park). But, if you just have an hour to spend at the park, focus your visit on the famous David Wenzel Tree House and the Nay Aug Gorge and Waterfall (and keep your eyes peeled for red-tailed hawks).
Even more exotic creatures can be seen at the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den, located on the first floor of the Marketplace at Steamtown.
Round out your visit with a stop at the Scranton Iron Furnaces, where you can see four massive stone blast furnaces that once produced an astounding amount of pig iron in the 19th century.
Laurel Highlands
A visit to the Laurel Highlands region is an unforgettable way to imprint the natural beauty of Pennsylvania into your mind, especially if you enjoy exploring the outdoors. Ohiopyle State Park is an outdoor playground with some of the best white water rafting and kayaking in the state.
After your trip down the river and a hike on some of the rugged trails through the park, hop on a rental bike to explore a paved section of the Great Allegheny Passage. Every experience in the Laurel Highlands, from your drives on the winding western Pennsylvania roads to lunch in the cafes of the tiny towns that dot the region, is surrounded by dense forest and mountains.
Your time here is filled with sensory immersion into the scenic landscape that draws people here. Plan a visit to Fallingwater, the stunning Frank Lloyd Wright home designed to take advantage of the region's hypnotic beauty.
Allentown
Allentown is a charming city located in eastern Pennsylvania. This city is home to a number of historical sites, interesting museums, and plenty of fun activities for tourists of all ages.
Try to time your visit on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, when the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market is open. Open since 1953, this bustling farmers market is chock-full of produce, meats, and ready-to-eat foods from more than 65 vendors. It's the perfect place to pick up lunch and then head to a local park, such as the Malcolm Gross Rose Garden or Trexler Memorial Park, for a picnic.
History enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Liberty Bell Museum, which is located in a church where the original Liberty Bell was hidden in 1777. The Allentown Art Museum is another must-see, and features a wide variety of artwork from both local and international artists (including Rembrandt's Portrait of a Young Lady).
During baseball season, you can cheer on Allentown's Minor League Baseball Team, the IronPigs, from Coca-Cola Park.
Bethlehem
The rustic historical town of Bethlehem is most noted for its German architecture, old steel plants, and elaborate Christmas festival. The town is worth a visit just to admire the architectural details of the downtown buildings, with special attention to the Brethren's House, constructed in 1748; Gemeinhaus, erected in 1741; and the Old Chapel, still standing from the mid-1700s.
Throughout the Colonial Industrial Quarter, you can see even more buildings (including the 240-year-old Grist Miller's House and Garden) that have stood for hundreds of years.
Lehigh University is also a major attraction in Bethlehem. Tourists can enjoy this educational institution simply by strolling the beautifully manicured lawns, or better yet, popping into the Linderman Library. Topped with a mesmerizing stained-glass window, the Victorian Rotunda in this Hogwarts-like literary haven makes a perfect place to read for a little while.
For some historical adventure in Bethlehem drive past the network of stacks left over from the old Bethlehem Steel Factory, which was once one of the largest in America. Located just in front of the stacks, the Hoover Mason Trestle also makes for a one-of-a-kind stroll.
It's been converted into a 1,650-foot elevated park lined with educational plaques that explain the history of this once-great factory. You can continue learning about this unique heritage at the nearby National Museum of Industrial History, as well.
If you are in town around the holidays, Bethlehem comes alive with an old-fashioned Christmas festival, and this top USA Christmas town is decorated to get you into the holiday spirit. This can be a particularly fun time to visit the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, as well.
It decks the halls of its Victorian-era premises with a unique Christmas tree in every room. Should you need a few last-minute gifts to finish off your holiday shopping list, head to the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center, which has a museum store filled with locally made treasures.
Poconos
One of the most popular regions in the state is the Pocono Mountains, where majestic forest-covered peaks and valleys make you want to sit and enjoy a park picnic just to soak in the view. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is where you want to visit first in the region.
Hike one of the many trails, including part of The Appalachian Trail, in the recreation area and peer down into the 1,000-foot-deep gap from a lookout point above. Hiking, biking, and rafting are popular things to do, but so is kicking back and enjoying the view from the window of one of the many resorts in the area. Other towns to check out during your visit to the Poconos are Jim Thorpe, a tiny historical town; Milford; and Honesdale.
New Hope
New Hope is a quaint little town located in Bucks County. This town is situated along the Delaware River and is a popular destination, with plenty of things to do for tourists, especially in the summer.
Theater lovers should be sure to catch a performance at the Bucks County Playhouse. Over the last eight decades, it has hosted performances from many stars, including Jessica Walter, Dick Van Dyke, and Angela Lansbury.
Visual arts are also a highlight in New Hope. The town is home to dozens of galleries. Canal Walk Studios and the New Hope Arts Center can be great places to check out the local arts scene.
You can also travel back in time at several historic sites. The Parry Mansion Museum dates back to 1784 and has rooms preserved with the designs of various eras. You can stroll a portion of the Delaware Canal (a National Historic Landmark) and learn about its history at the Locktender's House.
There's also Bowman's Hill Tower, a 125-foot-tower that was built around 1930 to give people a sense of a lookout point once used by George Washington's troops during the Revolutionary War.
When you're ready to refuel, head to Ferry Market. The food hall has tasty meals from all around the world.
Lititz
The quaint town of Lititz is a charming 2.3-square-mile spot in Lancaster County and worth every minute that you spend here. Park the car and walk down Main Street, where you will find small boutique shops and eateries.
Plan a lunch or snack at the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, where you can learn how to twist a pretzel or just indulge in the bakery's 160-year-old heritage.
You can complement the salt on your taste buds with some chocolate at the Wilbur Chocolate Museum and store. Be sure to walk to the Lititz Springs Park, which is within walking distance of downtown and has events going on throughout the year.
Ligonier
If you want to visit one of the oldest children's amusement parks in America, you will want to make Ligonier a part of your Pennsylvania itinerary. The small historical town has plenty of nostalgia, shopping, and parks. Fort Ligonier is one of the must-sees here because it was a significant battle location during the French & Indian War.
Families visiting Ligonier almost always spend a day at the Idlewild and SoakZone, which has been around since 1878. While you are in the area, be sure to stop into the Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum, which is a restored rail station built in the late 1800s. The small museum has more than 3,000 items and artifacts from the historic railroad station when it was in operation.
Flight 93 National Memorial Park
One of the most memorable places to visit in Pennsylvania is the Flight 93 National Memorial Park near rural Shanksville. It is the memorial ground for the flight crew and passengers of Flight 93 that crashed in the field outside during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States.
It is a designated National Park that overlooks the crash site. You can walk along several paths around the park, and walk or drive to the lower memorial plaza. There are many benches around the park for quiet observance of the 40 lives lost in the crash and for the nearly 3,000 people who died on the day of the attacks.
The Tower of Voices is a stunning visual when you enter the park. The 93-foot-tall memorial is constructed with 40 wind chimes, representing the passengers and crew of Flight 93, which ring softly in the rural Pennsylvania breeze.
The visitor center by the parking lot is the best place to start your visit to get a broader understanding of what happened during Flight 93 on September 11, 2001 and the layout of the memorial park.
Address: 6424 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown, Pennsylvania
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/flni/index.htm
Historic Covered Bridges
Making a plan to visit some of Pennsylvania's historic covered bridges lets you experience some of the most scenic and historic beauty that the state has to offer. With more than 200 covered bridges located in about half the counties in Pennsylvania, it is easy to plan a trip around them, whether you want to mark them off during an extended road trip throughout the state or hit locations where many are concentrated.
Pennsylvania is home to the first covered bridge in the United States, built in 1805 over the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. It was destroyed by fire in 1875. The longest covered bridge, more than a mile long, was also built in 1814 between Lancaster and York counties but was destroyed by floods 18 years later.
Lancaster County has the most covered bridges at 29 and is where you can base yourself if you want to plan your trip around visiting these stunning and historic landmarks. The backroads of Lancaster County will treat you to beautiful trees, waterways, and Amish culture.
The county with the next largest cluster of covered bridges is Somerset. The 10 covered bridges are easy to visit here because they are all located near the Pennsylvania turnpike, including the Barronvale Covered Bridge, which is 162 feet in length and the longest in the county.
Other counties with clusters of covered bridges include Indiana County; Adams County; Bucks County; and Lawrence County, which has McConnell's Mill Covered Bridge inside the state park of the same name.
