Best Places to Visit 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 sweeping 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 ten-day road trips while living in NYC, these are the must-visit spots I highly recommend.
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.
1. Hershey
This town, often called “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” and set among rolling farmland in central Pennsylvania, is one of my favorite places to visit when I want a blend of fun, history, and outdoor adventure (and lots of chocolate!).
My husband, son and I drove 20 minutes east from Harrisburg early in the morning into this small town built on chocolate on a family day trip.
The first thing we did was drive into town and smell chocolate in the air, which was honestly an amazing and unusual experience.
We headed straight to Hersheypark first, and this was hands down one of the best experiences, whether you’re family or romantic travelers.
The rides were awesome, the vibes were vibrant, and it felt like pure magic walking around with music and chocolate everywhere.
After that we explored Hershey’s Chocolate World, which was my favorite cool stop and honestly a brilliant idea for all ages.
Next we walked through the town itself, which is small but interesting.
Later in the day we visited Hershey Gardens, which was a spectacular hidden spot with flowers, views, and a peaceful energy.
Being there felt like a calm contrast to the park, and it was one of the most relaxing experiences of the trip.
For dinner we stayed nearby at the 5-star Hotel Hershey (AAA Four-Diamond winner!) and enjoyed local food. It felt welcoming, family-friendly, and perfect for a weekend escape. I also treated myself at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, famous for its cocoa-based treatments like a whipped cocoa bath and chocolate fondue wrap!
The next morning we checked out The Hershey Story Museum, which was surprisingly interesting and added depth to the town.
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. The meal was decadent and truly memorable.
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 (we were smiling like kids again!) was my favorite highlight.
2. Gettysburg
Chris and I both absolutely love Gettysburg, and have been many times. This is one of the most quietly beautiful places I’ve visited in Pennsylvania. Why do I love it here? First off, as a history buff, I've enjoyed exploring Civil War sites with my family. In addition, this remarkable town delivers sweeping views, peaceful trails, and a reflective atmosphere far removed from busier tourist areas.
We drove 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, the air thick with stillness and artifacts.
I didn’t expect the most moving moment to come from a model town. But when the lights dimmed at the Gettysburg Diorama, 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, then we toured the David Wills House where Lincoln stayed before his speech, and stood where Lincoln spoke at the Soldiers' National Cemetery, the wind tugging gently at my coat.
We finished the evening with a hearty 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.
3. Lancaster
I was instantly charmed by this city that beautifully balances its rich heritage with a refreshing outdoorsy vibe. The "Red Rose City" is a place where cobblestone streets, Georgian and Victorian architecture, and green open spaces.
Instead of driving, I caught an Amtrak Keystone Service train from Philadelphia (about 1 hour 15 minutes, $20). 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 it felt. There’s a warm community atmosphere here, and the city offers the perfect mix of cultural depth and access to nature. It felt like one of those understated gems where every corner has a story, yet i was never far from wide, unspoiled countryside.
First, we strolled along the scenic Lancaster Canal, then enjoyed browsing the quirky shops and cafés in the city centre, and visited a local market for cheap snacks. Later, I checked out the atmosphere around Dalton Square. We especially appreciated that there was plenty of 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, I wandered through Williamson Park, with its leafy trails and the magnificent Ashton Memorial, before heading further afield to enjoy the rolling hills of the nearby Forest of Bowland.
What I loved best:
Exploring the impressive Lancaster Castle was a standout for me.
4. Bedford, PA
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)! With its historic architecture, brick streets, and mountain views, the town’s welcoming charm made me feel as though I’d wandered into another era. Once you’re in town, everything is walkable, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace.
I learned that this small historic town has played an important role in early American history since the 18th century. If you love history like me, Bedford is an easy place to fall in love with and perfect for a relaxed day trip or a 2-day weekend getaway. Founded in 1766, Bedford in fact became one of the earliest settlements west of the Susquehanna River.
One of the town’s biggest claims to fame is the historic Omni Bedford Springs Hotel (from $255/night). In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, people traveled from all over the country to visit the mineral springs to relax. I also learned that the hotel hosted several U.S. presidents and remains an iconic landmark today, beautifully restored.
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. In the evening, walking through downtown Bedford itself was also a highlight, with its well-preserved architecture, locally owned shops, and cozy cafés.
What really stands out about Bedford is how much history is woven into such a small place. If you want to dive deeper into the stories behind the buildings and landmarks, I recommend taking a guided historical tour or visiting the local museums with knowledgeable staff who are passionate about the town’s past. It’s a quiet destination, but one that feels rich with character, tradition, and timeless charm.
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.
5. The Poconos
I was completely taken with this mountain region - 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!
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).
We arrived surrounded by winding roads, tall pines, and that instant sense of calm that comes from being wrapped in nature.
One of our first stops was a waterfall hike, where the sound of rushing water echoed through the trees and mist cooled the air as we walked together along wooden paths and stone steps. It felt peaceful and cinematic, the best kind of a nature trip!
Later, we spent time by a lake, watching the light ripple across the water while boats drifted lazily by.
We stayed in a cozy affordable cabin for five blissful days, complete with a fireplace and wide windows looking out into the trees. Evenings were spent cooking simple meals, sipping wine, and listening to the sounds of the forest outside.
We wandered through small mountain towns nearby, popping into antique shops and local cafés that felt welcoming to me. Everything had a rustic charm that fit perfectly with the setting.
One night, we stargazed from the porch, wrapped in blankets, amazed at how clear the sky was compared to our apartment in NYC. It felt intimate and grounding, like the world had narrowed to just the two of us.
What I loved best:
Watching the fall transform the mountains into a fiery tapestry of colors was my personal highlight.
6. Easton
Ready for a riverside getaway? Check out Easton, a real gem of the Lehigh Valley! 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 because it felt like the best kind of experience, lively but still affordable and relaxed.
The historic circle and riverfront area were my favorite spots, especially knowing we were right near the New Jersey border too.
We spent hours exploring local shops and cafes, and I swear this place is one of the most interesting and unique towns in eastern Pennsylvania.
When it was time to think about lunch, I thought the food scene was amazing underrated, with cozy restaurants that felt like hidden gems only locals know.
Being so close to the Lehigh Valley made Easton feel like the absolute best base for exploring nearby towns and nature.
We walked along the Delaware River and it was such a joyful experience, peaceful but also exciting in a quiet way.
I kept thinking how this would be perfect for a romantic or family weekend, because there’s something cool for everyone.
What I loved best:
The mix of colonial history and modern vibes felt unusual in the best way, like old stories meeting new ideas.
I loved how vibrant the farmers market area felt, it was colorful, lively, and honestly one of my favorite memories.
7. Philadelphia, PA
I thought this city was a brilliant choice for a family-friendly city escape, for me, definitely one of the best places to Visit in Pennsylvania!
We took an Amtrak Northeast Regional train from Washington, D.C. (about 1 hour 45 minutes, $40) early in the day for a long weekend in "City of Brotherly Love".
My first stop was Awbury Arboretum (free admission) which felt like discovering a hidden sanctuary right within the city. 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 sweet treat at Tranzilli Real Italian Water nearby.
Independence Seaport Museum ($23 adult admission, $18 for children) was our afternoon stop where my son's favorite thing to do was visiting the cruiser USS Olympia (the world’s oldest floating steel warship!). Dinner was nearby at Moshulu overlooking the water (it's actually the world’s oldest and largest four-masted tall ship!.
That evening, I found Bob and Barbara's Lounge to be the perfect late-night spot where we stopped after dinner, 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 get 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 twinkling 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, 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.
8. Jim Thorpe
This town is one of the most romantic and storybook-perfect day-trip destinations near Philadelphia, about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. We arrived to streets lined with ornate Victorian buildings, their colorful facades instantly making the town feel like a European village frozen in time.
First, we enjoyed wandering hand in hand through the historic downtown, where every corner revealed antique shops, book stores, and little cafés.
We stopped for lunch at Stone Row Pub And Eatery, sharing locally sourced, seasonal dishes.
After lunch, exploring the Old Jail Museum added an unexpected layer of history—eerie, fascinating, and strangely intimate as we learned the stories hidden behind its stone walls.
Later, we took a scenic walk along the river, breathing in crisp mountain air and enjoying how peaceful everything felt just a few steps away from the bustle of town.
What I loved best:
As afternoon turned to evening, the lights from storefronts reflected off the brick streets, and the whole town seemed to glow with a quiet, romantic warmth, my personal highlight.
9. Doylestown, PA
Ready for a history-rich, creativity-filled escape? Doylestown is a real standout! Instead of driving, we caught the SEPTA Lansdale/Doylestown regional rail line from Philadelphia (about 1 hour 15 minutes, $7) which was super convenient.
We arrived first thing in the morning and walked around downtown, where the vibrant streets instantly felt like magic with cute shops, cafes, and this small-town charm that felt underrated but amazing.
After getting our bearings, our first stop was the Mercer Museum, which was such a unique and unusual experience, filled with cool artifacts.
After that we headed over to Fonthill Castle, which is right nearby, and seeing it in my photos later made me realize how spectacular and interesting this place really is.
We grabbed lunch at a local café downtown and it felt like the absolute best cozy experience.
In the afternoon we explored the James A. Michener Art Museum ($15 Adult admission, $5 for kids, Free under 5 years old), which was an underrated gem and such a calm, joyful break filled with brilliant art and peaceful gardens.
Later we wandered through the neighborhood streets and admired the historic homes, which felt like a hidden side of Doylestown most people don’t talk about.
As evening came, we had dinner downtown and it was exciting seeing how lively the town became, yet it still felt relaxed and welcoming.
The next morning we took it slow, grabbed coffee, and did some shopping, and this simple routine honestly felt like the best experience ever.
What I loved best:
Visiting in the fall to admire fall foliage was my favorite highlight.
est Places to Visit in Western Pennsylvania
This region is defined by rolling hills, river valleys, and a proud industrial heritage reshaped into a vibrant cultural scene.
10. Pittsburgh
I thought this city was such a dynamic and picturesque city, and I think it’s one of the best city escapes in the region!
I discovered it in western Pennsylvania, where the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers converge, giving Pittsburgh its iconic nickname “The City of Bridges” (there are over 400!).
After a 5-hour drive from Washington, D.C., I stayed for four days at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh Mt. Lebanon (from $129/night). In the morning, I enjoyed great breakfast pancakes at Dor-Stop Restaurant just 6 minutes by car. Next, I toured the fascinating Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens ($22.95 Adult admission, $13.95 for Children) with my husband and son.
After lunch, we rode the historic Duquesne Incline for breathtaking skyline views, wandered around the Strip District’s quirky markets and restaurants where we had dinner.
Next day, we admired masterpieces at the Carnegie Museum of Art.
In addition, I loved exploring the habitats at the National Aviary ($20.95 general admission), especially the tropical rainforest habitat, and the wetlands.
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.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
