20 Best Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Searching for the best places to visit in Pennsylvania? Well, you are in the right place! Often overlooked in favor of New York’s excitement or the coasts of New Jersey, I think that Pennsylvania quietly hides some of the most enchanting landscapes and historic gems in the Northeast.

From rolling Appalachian ridges to quirky small towns, the Keystone State is brimming with surprises. Choosing where to go can feel overwhelming, but after winding my way across Pennsylvania on many weekend getaways, day trips, and our recent four week road trip, here are the must-visit spots I highly recommend.

Best Time to Visit Pennsylvania

I especially love visiting in springtime of gardens and in the fall for fall foliage. Generally, my favorite times to visit Pennsylvania are May through June and September through October when we're planning to spend time outdoors. We've visited the cities year-round because there's so much to do indoors (museums, shopping and great dining!), plus you can find great deals on hotels when the weather isn't ideal.

Worst Time to Visit Pennsylvania

I avoid January through February because snow storms cause travel delays.

How to Get to Pennsylvania

• By Air: Fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), or Harrisburg International Airport (MDT).
• By Car: Driving is easy and convenient for Pennsylvania trips.
• By Train: Amtrak offers routes along the Northeast Corridor to Philadelphia and regional connections to Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Pittsburgh.

How to Get Around Pennsylvania

In cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, public transportation, rideshares, and walking work well. Philadelphia has an extensive subway, trolley, and bus system, while Pittsburgh offers buses and light rail.

Having a car is the easiest way to explore state parks, small towns, or rural areas.

Best Places to Visit in Central Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania is the heart of the Keystone State, where rolling farmland, wooded mountains, and historic towns come together at a slower, more authentic pace.

Things to Do in Hershey

This town, often called “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” is my #1 place to visit in Pennsylvania, especially when I'm in the mood for chocolate!

We usually drove from our apartment in New York City (a little under 3 hours) but you can also get here in 20 minutes from Harrisburg on a day trip.

We headed straight to Hersheypark first (my #1 thing to do in Pennsylvania), and this was hands down one of the best experiences (and also super unique!). The rides were awesome, and it felt like pure magic walking around with music and chocolate everywhere.

After that we explored Hershey’s Chocolate World (just 4 minutes away), another must-see place (my #2 thing to do in Pennsylvania). Next we walked through the town itself, which is small but interesting.

Later in the day we visited Hershey Gardens (my #3 thing to do in Pennsylvania), which was a spectacular hidden spot that was relaxing for me personally and I loved all the flowers.

For dinner we stayed nearby at the 5-star Hotel Hershey (AAA Four-Diamond winner!). Right after we checked in, I treated myself at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey (my #4 thing to do in Pennsylvania), famous for its cocoa-based treatments like a whipped cocoa bath and chocolate fondue wrap (though I just went for the classical massage)!

The next morning, be sure to check out The Hershey Story Museum for a bit of history. Learning about Milton Hershey made the whole place feel more meaningful, and honestly kind of inspiring and unique. Before leaving we grabbed chocolate souvenirs (of course!), and it felt like the absolute best ending.

My best food moment: I had a sweet breakfast at The Circular at Hotel Hershey, my favorite highlight. I ordered lemon-ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote and mascarpone cream. We ate under a stained-glass dome with garden views.

What I loved best:

For me, Hershey is one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania because it's exciting, unique, and hope you will love it too!

Making my own chocolate bar at Hershey’s Chocolate World with our son was my favorite highlight!

Gettysburg

Chris and I both absolutely love Gettysburg (my #2 place to visit in Pennsylvania), and have been many times. Why do I love it here? First off, as a history buff, I've enjoyed exploring many Civil War sites here with my family. In addition, this remarkable town delivers beautiful views, trails, and a reflective atmosphere far removed from busier tourist areas.

We drove in on a day trip from Harrisburg (in the past I also caught a regional bus which I thought was cheap and convenient since it only takes about 1 hour and costs around $15).

First, we wandered through the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum (my #5 thing to do in Pennsylvania), the air thick with stillness.

Next, we discovered something unexpected and in fact, I didn’t expect the most moving moment to come from a model town. But when the lights dimmed at the Gettysburg Diorama (my #6 thing to do in Pennsylvania), the the battle came alive with sound and shadow. The Diorama told the full story in 30 quiet minutes which I thought was impressive!

Next, I browsed Civil War relics in downtown antique shops. Next you should tour the David Wills House where Lincoln stayed before his speech, and see where Lincoln spoke at the Soldiers' National Cemetery.

We finished the evening with a hearty, delicious Pennsylvania Dutch meal. We stayed at Hotel Gettysburg ($247) directly on Lincoln Square for two days and then found an affordable vacation rental for a week.

What I loved best:

Exploring Lincoln Square, where history lingered behind every storefront window, was my favorite highlight.

Lancaster

I was instantly charmed by this city (nicknamed the "Red Rose City"). Instead of driving, we caught an Amtrak Keystone Service train from Philadelphia (about 1 hour 15 minutes, $20) to Lancaster (my #3 place to visit in Pennsylvania). I based myself at 3-star Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square (from $180/night) for three relaxing days.

What instantly stood out to me as soon as we got there was how walkable and welcoming Lancaster is. There’s such a warm community atmosphere here!

First, I recommend strolling along the scenic Lancaster Canal (my #7 thing to do in Pennsylvania), then browse the quirky shops and cafés in the city centre. I loved stopping at a local market for cheap snacks. Later, I checked out the atmosphere around Dalton Square. We especially appreciated that there was plenty of easy parking in nearby garages (Prince Street Garage, Penn Square Garage, or the Hager Lot), plus metered street parking!

For a dose of nature, in the afternoon, visit Williamson Park, with its magnificent Ashton Memorial. Next, we drove to the nearby Forest of Bowland.

What I loved best:

Exploring the impressive Lancaster Castle (my #8 thing to do in Pennsylvania) was a standout for me.

Bedford

I thought this was such a unique and picturesque spot and it quickly became one of my favorite weekend getaways from Pittsburgh (about 2 hours east)! If you love history like me, Bedford (Founded in 1766!) is an easy place to fall in love with.

One of the town’s biggest claims to fame is the historic beautifully restored Omni Bedford Springs Hotel (from $255/night). Locals told me that in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, people traveled from all over the country to visit the mineral springs to relax (plus they were rumored to have healing properties).

There are a few standout places I’d definitely recommend seeing while you’re in Bedford. The Fort Bedford Museum is a great starting point to learn about the town’s colonial roots. Lunch was delicious corn chowder at family-friendly Jean Bonnet Tavern.

Next, just outside of town, Old Bedford Village ($12 adult admission, $7 for kids) is a living-history museum that recreates life in rural Pennsylvania during the 18th and 19th centuries (my #9 thing to do in Pennsylvania).

In the evening, walking through downtown Bedford (my #10 thing to do in Pennsylvania) itself was also a highlight, with its well-preserved architecture, locally owned shops, and cozy cafés.

If you want to dive deeper into the stories behind the buildings and landmarks, I strongly recommend taking a guided historical tour or visiting the local museums with knowledgeable staff who are passionate about the town’s past.

What I loved best:

Hiking in Shawnee State Park was my personal highlight because it offered peaceful lakeside trails and scenic mountain overlooks.

On my second visit, winter added another layer of charm with quiet snowy streets, holiday lights, and downhill skiing not far away at Blue Knob Resort.

Best Places to Visit in Eastern Pennsylvania

I head here when I'm in the mood for colonial history, outdoor adventures, arts and shopping.

The Poconos

I was completely taken with this mountain region (my #5 place to visit in Pennsylvania) on my first trip here decades ago - trust me, it's easy to be once you see the lakes and waterfalls! I instantly felt like I’d uncovered a spectacular hidden treasure in the Northeast and we've visited many times since!

When we lived in NYC for 10 years, we usually caught a Martz Trailways bus from New York Port Authority to Mount Pocono (about 2.5 hours, $40 one way) because it was affordable and easy. Of course, driving is less relaxing but gives you more flexibility to explore hidden corders.

One of our first stops was a waterfall hike to Bushkill Falls (my #11 thing to do in Pennsylvania). Later, we spent time by a peaceful lake.

We stayed in a cozy affordable cabin for ten blissful days, complete with a fireplace and wide windows looking out into the trees. Evenings were spent cooking simple meals, and listening to the sounds of the forest outside.

What I loved best:

One night, we stargazed from the porch, wrapped in blankets, amazed at how clear the sky was compared to our apartment in NYC, my personal highlight.

Easton

Ready for a riverside getaway? Check out Easton, a real gem of the Lehigh Valley and my #6 place to visit in Pennsylvania! I found this spot to be one of the best romantic day trip from Philadelphia, about one hour and 30 minutes by car.

First, I loved walking around downtown Easton (my #12 thing to do in Pennsylvania). When it was time to think about lunch, we discovered River Grille steps from the historic circle.

In addition, beyond the downtown and riverfront, being so close to the Lehigh Valley made Easton feel like the absolute best base for exploring nearby towns and nature.

To end the day, the riverfront area was delightful and my favorite highlight.

Philadelphia, PA

I thought the "City of Brotherly Love" was a brilliant choice for a family-friendly city escape, and for me, my seventh favorite place to visit in Pennsylvania!

My first stop was Awbury Arboretum (free admission) which felt like discovering a hidden sanctuary right within the city (my #13 thing to do in Pennsylvania)! Tucked into Germantown, the Arboretum is 55 acres of meadows, woodlands, and historic landscapes that feel worlds away from Philadelphia’s busy streets. Free and open to the public every day, this is one of the must-visit stops! Afterwards, we stopped for a delicious sweet treat at Tranzilli Real Italian Water nearby.

Independence Seaport Museum ($23 adult admission, $18 for children) was our next (afternoon) stop where my son's favorite thing to do was visiting the cruiser USS Olympia (the world’s oldest floating steel warship and my #14 thing to do in Pennsylvania!). Dinner was nearby at Moshulu overlooking the water and one of the most fascinating restaurants ever (it's actually the world’s oldest and largest four-masted tall ship and my #15 thing to do in Pennsylvania!).

That evening, we discovered Bob and Barbara's Lounge which was the perfect late-night spot for after dinner. I grabbed a Citywide Special ($5), and settled into the sounds of Hammond B3 organ-driven jazz.

Just a heads up that if you are new to Philly, it's easiest to see a lot in a short time by following a local guide on a tour. In fact, a great way to get to know the city through a local's lens is by taking an Armond Scavo Photography Tour of Philadelphia.

Locals told me the city has something in every season: cherry blossoms and baseball in spring, lively festivals in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and holiday markets and light shows in winter.

What I loved best:

One of the area’s most enchanting discoveries for me was the Wharton Esherick Museum (my #16 thing to do in Pennsylvania), tucked into the wooded hills just a 25-minute SEPTA train ride from Philly. The museum—once the home and studio of the visionary wood sculptor—is like stepping into a living piece of art.

Wandering through those warm, wooden spaces, surrounded by Esherick’s whimsical, organic designs, left me feeling inspired and grounded at the same time. It’s the kind of place that reveals Paoli’s creative undercurrent, hidden just beneath its suburban surface.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh in western Pennsylvania is a great start (and end) to our road trip because of its location and it's also home to some of my favorite attractions in the state! Pittsburgh gets its iconic nickname “The City of Bridges” (there are over 400!) from its unique location where the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers converge.

We stayed for four exciting days at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh Mt. Lebanon (from $129/night). In the morning, we enjoyed great breakfast pancakes at Dor-Stop Restaurant just 6 minutes by car. Next, I recommend touring the fascinating Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, my #17 thing to do in Pennsylvania ($22.95 Adult admission, $13.95 for Children).

After lunch, we rode the historic Duquesne Incline (my #18 thing to do in Pennsylvania) for breathtaking skyline views, then walked around the Strip District’s quirky markets and restaurants where we had dinner.

Next day, we admired masterpieces at the Carnegie Museum of Art (my #19 thing to do in Pennsylvania).

In addition, I loved exploring the habitats at the National Aviary ($20.95 general admission), especially the tropical rainforest habitat, and the wetlands (my #20 thing to do in Pennsylvania).

Later, stopping at Bicycle Heaven (the world’s largest bicycle museum and bike shop in the world!) is a must for any bike lover. Containing over 4,000 vintage and collectible bikes, this place has unique themed bikes, such as bikes representing The Beatles, Elvis, and bobbleheads, and there are bikes that were used in movies such as A Beautiful Mind and Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.

What I loved best:

For me, Pittsburgh is one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania.

We returned in winter and loved the cozy atmosphere of holiday lights at PPG Place, and ice skating downtown, my favorite highlight.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. What started as a simple travel blog for regular people who love to travel like us evolved into a 30-year life-long endeavor - VacationIdea.com. I live in Texas with my husband and son. More about us.