Known as the birthplace of America, Pennsylvania offers many compelling reasons to visit. Visitors can explore American history, experience world class museums, enjoy scenic beauty, and become enamored with the charm of quaint towns. Here are our favorite places to visit while you are there!
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Philadelphia
If your time in Pennsylvania is limited, make sure that Philly is on your list. After all, it is where America was born! Your first stop should be Independence National Historical Park. Here you can see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were ratified and signed. Other historical attractions include the Betsy Ross House and Elfreth’s Alley.
There’s no shortage of fantastic museums to visit. Learn all about the nation’s founding at the Museum of the American Revolution. Or see one of the best collections of art in the U.S. at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. While you are there, run up the museum’s steps and pose for a selfie with the statue of Rocky Balboa! Also don’t miss the Franklin Institute, a leading science museum with interactive exhibits.
If you like quirkier attractions, Philadelphia has quite a few. Visit the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site to learn about the history of the U.S. prison system. And if you are fascinated by medical curiosities and oddities, the Mutter Museum is a must-visit. And make sure to stop by Magic Gardens, a two city lot area completely covered with mosaics.
Hungry yet? Wander through Reading Terminal Market to enjoy local cuisine, Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, and international foods. And make sure to get a Philly cheesesteak sandwich when you are in town. Restaurants that are most famous for the dish include Pat’s King of Steaks, Geno’s, or Jim’s Steaks.
There are many great places to stay in the city. And there are other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Lancaster County
My absolute favorite place to visit in Pennsylvania is Lancaster County. There’s nothing like driving through the Amish farms and seeing scenes of bucolic life. It’s like going back in time! If this sounds boring, trust me – there’s plenty to do in the region! I highly recommend spending a day at The Amish Experience. You will learn all about the Amish lifestyle through tours of farmlands, a house and one-room school. You can even meet an Amish family, enjoy a meal in their home, and ride on a horse-drawn buggy.
One of the best ways to see the picturesque farmlands in the region is by taking a scenic train ride on the Strasburg Rail Road. And to learn more about the Pennsylvania Dutch people who settled in the area, visit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum. This living history museum features historic buildings, gardens and livestock and offers demonstrations of traditional crafts.
Save ample time to shop in local markets for Amish quilts, furniture, and other crafts. And I hope you come hungry! The Pennsylvania Dutch are famous for their treats like whoopie pies, scrapple, and shoo-fly pie. Some great places to shop and eat are Kitchen Kettle Village and Lancaster Central Market.
Seeking entertainment? Lancaster County has you covered! Enjoy the summer music series at Long’s Park, a show at the Sight & Sound Theater, or a Broadway caliber production at Fulton Theatre.
There are many great places to stay and other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Take it from me, if you drag kids through all the historical and bucolic sites in the state, reward them with a day (or three) in Hershey, Pennsylvania! Start your visit at The Hershey Story to learn all about the history of Hershey chocolate and it’s founder, Milton Hershey. Sweeten up your visit by making your own candy bar at the Chocolate Lab and tasting chocolate from around the world. Then visit Hershey’s Chocolate World to learn all about how chocolate is made. You can take a tour of the factory, enjoy a 4D movie, and learn about chocolate tasting from an expert.
You want to dedicate several days to exploring Hersheypark. This amusement park has something for everyone. There are more than 70 rides for all ages, including quite a few thrilling roller coasters. In the summer, you can also enjoy the Boardwalk water park complete with a lazy river, water slides, and even a water roller coaster! There’s also a 11 acre zoo called ZooAmerica included with your admission. And don’t miss seasonal shows and entertainment, as well as the year round animal shows in the Aquatheatre.
If you get bored at the park (you won’t), there’s still plenty to keep you busy. Visit Hershey Gardens, a 23 acre botanical garden and butterfly atrium. Take a narrated tour on Hershey Trolley Works. Enjoy a chocolate-themed spa treatment at The Hotel Hershey. And shop and dine ’til you drop on Hershey’s Chocolate Avenue. While you are there, look up to see the Hershey Kiss-shaped streetlights that light your path!
There are many sweet places to stay in town. And don’t miss these other great things to see and do in the area.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
No matter how much American history you have forgotten, you likely remember the vivid images of George Washington’s Continental Army spending the 1777-17778 winter in Valley Forge. Learn more about that winter and Revolutionary War history at Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Take the Encampment Tour, a 10 mile driving or biking route. It stops by key sites such as replica soldier’s huts, the National Memorial Arch, and the original stone building that served as Washington’s headquarters. You can also take advantage of guided history walks led by park rangers. And don’t miss the Washington Memorial Chapel, Artillery Park cannons, and the Statue of Baron von Steuben.
If you like to mix recreation with your history, Valley Forge is a great place to do it! Enjoy hiking trails that lead to the tops of Mount Misery and Mount Joy. If you want a less strenuous option, enjoy the 5 mile Joseph Plump Martin Trail loop. You are sure to spot wildlife along the way, including bald eagles.
If you are able to go in the fall, you will marvel at the fall foliage in the park. Or time your visit to experience reenactments of Revolutionary War battles or the Encampment Anniversary around December 19.
You can’t camp in the park, but lodging is available nearby. There are lots of things to do in the area as well.
Pittsburgh
Before visiting Pittsburgh, I had a vision of dirty factories billowing smoke into the air. So I was surprised to discover that Pittsburgh is a vibrant and beautiful city with a lot of terrific things to do!
No matter what you enjoy, you will find something you love in the city. Art lovers will enjoy the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Mattress Factory collection of large-scale installation art. History lovers will want to visit the Heinz History Center, the Cathedral of Learning, and the Frick Pittsburgh historical estate. Natural history and science lovers will want to explore the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Science Center.
Make sure to spend some time exploring the outdoors, too! Take the Duquesne Incline historic funicular up Mount Washington for a panoramic view of the city’s 446 bridges. Wander through the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens featuring diverse plant collections. Visit the National Aviary, home to over 500 birds from around the world. Take a scenic cruise on a historic Gateway Clipper riverboat. And explore Point State Park’s scenic waterfront trails.
Ready to eat and shop? Visit the Strip District for food markets, coffee shops, and specialty stores. Take some time to enjoy the district’s street art and galleries. Another great place for shopping, dining, and entertainment is Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh. After dinner, catch a game or concert at PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team.
There are many great places to stay and other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Gettysburg National Military Park
Another American history landmark in Pennsylvania is Gettysburg National Military Park. Gettysburg is the location of one of the most significant battles of the Civil War and location of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Start at the Visitor’s Center to watch a short film, see exhibits and artifacts, and see the 360 degree Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama.
Then take a battlefield tour with an expert Licensed Battlefield Guide or follow the self-guided auto tour route. Some main sites you won’t want to miss include Little Round Top scenic overlook, Devil’s Den rock formation, the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, the Eternal Light Peace Memorial, and Culp’s Hill battle site. Also visit some of the 1,300 memorials dedicated to both Union and Confederate armies scattered throughout the park,
Another interesting historic site in the park includes David Wills House where Lincoln stayed the night before delivering his famous speech. There’s also the Spangler Farm. Once a field hospital, today the farm showcases Civil War medicine and living history events.
Gettysburg is known as one of the most haunted places in America. So make sure a ghost tour is on your touring plan! And visit the Jennie Wade House where the only civilian to die during the battle lived. You can visit the house during the light of day, or choose a popular ghost tour inside the house.
You can stay in a historic battlefield home inside the park. And there are many great places to stay and things to do nearby.
Doylestown
Doylestown is a hidden gym in Pennsylvania. This charming town has a rich history and unique attractions, and I think it deserves a place on your must-see list.
The town’s main attractions were created by Henry Chapman Mercer, an American archeologist, architect, tile maker, and collector around the turn of the 20th century. He built Fonthill Castle which features elaborate tile work and unusual architecture. His collection of pre-industrial tools and artifacts fill the Mercer Museum. He also established the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works where you can tour the factory and purchase one of a kind tiles.
Once you have ogled all of the brilliant decorations and artifacts of Mercer’s inspiration, stick around to enjoy Doylestown’s charming downtown area. You will find unique shops, galleries, and eateries offering a variety of cuisines. Spend some time browsing through the Doylestown Bookshop, and catch a show at the restored art-deco style County Theater.
If you need to stretch your legs, visit Peace Valley Park for hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. Also nearby is Ralph Stover State Park which offers hiking, rock climbing, water activities, and scenic views of Tohickon Creek Gorge.
There are many great places to stay and other fun things to see and do while in the area.
What’s on your Pennsylvania itinerary?
These are just 7 of the sensational sites to see in Pennsylvania. But the state is full of many more incredible destinations that are worth exploring. Tell us below where you plan to visit!
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