Things to Do in Pennsylvania
In addition to its rolling Appalachian mountains and serene valleys, Pennsylvania is a state full of contrasts, where history, culture, and nature blend seamlessly. From cosmopolitan cities to charming small towns, quirky roadside attractions, and stunning natural wonders, the Keystone State has something for every kind of traveler. I’ve explored it many times, and each trip has revealed something new and memorable. Here are my favorite spots and experiences I would like to tell you about.
1. Longwood Gardens
Distance from Philadelphia: 50 minutes
Longwood Gardens felt like stepping into a living masterpiece, where artistry and nature are woven seamlessly together. Nestled in Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley, it’s a place where every turn offers something breathtaking, from perfectly choreographed fountains to serene meadows and forests that seem untouched by time.
What struck me most was the scale and variety: grand conservatories with exotic blooms, acres of rolling gardens, and quiet woodland trails that invite wandering at your own pace. It’s both a cultural landmark and a deeply restorative space — whether you’re marveling at a dazzling orchid display or simply sitting by a reflecting pool, the experience feels timeless.
We drove from Philadelphia and stayed nearby at the Inn at Mendenhall, which offered cozy rooms and easy access to the gardens. My best meal was dinner at The Gables at Chadds Ford, where I had the Wild Mushroom Risotto ($24). My partner enjoyed the Short Rib with whipped potatoes ($32).
What to do at Longwood Gardens in a weekend:
- Stroll through the Main Conservatory to see orchids, ferns, and seasonal displays
- Catch a Fountain Performance at the Main Fountain Garden, a spectacle of water and light
- Walk the Flower Garden Walk, a vibrant stretch that blooms differently each season
- Enjoy a quiet moment at the Italian Water Garden, inspired by European design
- We hiked on the Meadow Garden trails. The views were amazing and it was a good workout!
- Stay for the Illuminated Fountain Show (seasonal), combining music, water, and fireworks
- Dine at the 1906 Restaurant inside the gardens for a farm-to-table meal surrounded by beauty
2. Peddler's Village
Distance from Philadelphia: 55 minutes
Peddler’s Village felt like a step into a storybook — cobblestone pathways, colonial-style buildings, and a village square filled with charm. Nestled in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, it’s the kind of place that blends boutique shopping, seasonal festivals, and cozy eateries, all set against a backdrop that feels timeless.
I found Peddler’s Village to be especially inviting during its festivals — from the Strawberry Festival in spring to the Gingerbread Display in winter, there’s always something festive unfolding. We stayed at the Golden Plough Inn, right in the heart of the village, which made it easy to walk everywhere. My favorite meal was dinner at Earl’s New American, where I had the Pan-Seared Salmon ($28), while my partner enjoyed the Braised Short Ribs ($34).
What to do in Peddler’s Village in a weekend:
- Stroll the cobblestone paths and explore more than 60 specialty shops and boutiques
- Visit during a seasonal festival like the Apple Festival or Scarecrow Festival
- I headed to Skip’s Candy Corner for handmade sweets
- Dine at Cock ’n Bull Restaurant, a village landmark serving American classics
- Enjoy a glass of wine at Chaddsford Winery Tasting Room on-site
- Catch live music or family events in the Village Green
- Stay overnight at the Golden Plough Inn for the full immersive experience
3. Hersheypark
Distance from Philadelphia: 1 hour 40 minutes
Hersheypark is the kind of destination that blends pure fun with a dose of nostalgia. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania — “The Sweetest Place on Earth” — it’s a place where thrilling roller coasters, family rides, and chocolate-themed attractions come together in one memorable experience. It’s an amusement park, but it feels like more: a whole town built around joy and indulgence.
We stayed overnight at the Hershey Lodge, where the chocolate-themed touches made even the hotel feel playful (yes, they hand you Hershey’s Kisses at check-in). My favorite meal was at The Chocolatier, the park’s signature restaurant overlooking the rides. I had the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Milkshake ($15) alongside the Short Rib Mac & Cheese ($26) — indulgent and completely worth it. The combination of comfort food and whimsical desserts felt perfectly Hershey.
What to do at Hersheypark in a weekend:
- Ride Candymonium, the park’s tallest, fastest, longest roller coaster
- Cool off at The Boardwalk, Hersheypark’s full waterpark with wave pools and lazy rivers
- Take kids to Kiddie Rides or enjoy the family-friendly Ferris wheel for great views
- Visit ZooAmerica, included with park admission, to see native North American wildlife
- Stroll through Hershey’s Chocolate World for a free tour ride and custom candy bar making
- Relax in the Hershey Gardens, with beautiful themed gardens and a butterfly atrium
- Stay overnight at The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge to extend the chocolate-filled fun
4. Awbury Arboretum
Distance from Philadelphia: 20 minutes
Awbury Arboretum felt like discovering a hidden sanctuary right within the city. Tucked into Germantown, it’s 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, it offers a rare mix of history, nature, and community — the kind of place where you can wander for hours and always stumble on something new.
I found Awbury to be peaceful and grounding, yet never static — it’s a living landscape that changes with the seasons and serves as a gathering space for the community. We paired our visit with lunch at Ultimo Coffee Germantown, where I enjoyed a Turkey Pesto Sandwich ($12) and an iced latte, while my friend had the Avocado Toast ($11). It was the perfect complement to a slow morning wandering the arboretum’s paths.
What to do at Awbury Arboretum in a weekend:
- Walk the meadow trails for wide-open views and seasonal wildflowers
- Explore the woodland paths and discover quiet spots to sit and reflect
- Visit the historic Francis Cope House, which often hosts art and community events
- Bring a picnic and relax under the shade of old-growth trees
- Join a family-friendly program or seasonal festival hosted on the grounds
- Check out the Awbury Agricultural Village for urban farming projects and educational gardens
- Pair your visit with coffee or brunch in nearby Germantown for a perfect day trip
5. Rivers of Steel
Distance from Pittsburgh: 15 minutes
Rivers of Steel captures the industrial spirit of Pittsburgh and transforms it into a living story. Centered on the region’s steelmaking heritage, this National Heritage Area spans historic sites, museums, and cultural programs that bring to life the people and places that shaped America’s industrial heartland. It’s history you can touch — from rusted blast furnaces to art created out of steel itself.
At the Carrie Blast Furnaces, massive iron structures tower like sculptures, a reminder of Pittsburgh’s industrial might. The tours blend engineering, history, and art, showing how a once-powerful industry has been reimagined as a space for creativity and reflection. Beyond the furnaces, Rivers of Steel hosts boat tours, festivals, and community programs that connect past and present in surprising ways.
I found Rivers of Steel to be both educational and inspiring — a place where history isn’t confined to a textbook but instead lives in towering structures and community storytelling. After our tour, we had dinner at Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh, where I enjoyed a hearty Jägerschnitzel ($25) and a stein of Dunkel. My friend went for the Giant Pretzel with Bier Cheese ($13), the perfect casual end to a day exploring Pittsburgh’s industrial roots.
What to do with Rivers of Steel in a weekend:
- Tour the Carrie Blast Furnaces, a National Historic Landmark
- Take a riverboat tour to see Pittsburgh’s bridges and skyline from the water
- Visit the Bost Building, once headquarters of the Homestead Strike and now a museum
- Join a hands-on metal arts workshop where artists repurpose steel into sculptures
- Explore the Monongahela River towns that reflect Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage
- Attend a Festival of Combustion or other seasonal Rivers of Steel event
- Stay downtown at the Omni William Penn Hotel for historic elegance
6. Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia
Distance from Philadelphia city center: 5 minutes
The Independence Seaport Museum sits along the Delaware River waterfront and feels like a gateway into Philadelphia’s maritime past. It blends hands-on exhibits, historic ships, and riverfront views into an experience that’s both educational and surprisingly adventurous. From shipbuilding workshops to warships you can actually board, it’s a place where history comes alive in full scale.
What struck me most was the ability to step inside history. Exploring the cruiser USS Olympia — the world’s oldest floating steel warship — and the submarine Becuna made the past feel tangible in a way no textbook could. Inside the museum itself, interactive displays on navigation, trade, and the Delaware River’s role in the city’s growth made it easy to connect the dots between Philadelphia’s history and the water that surrounds it.
I found the Seaport Museum to be both family-friendly and genuinely fascinating for adults. We paired our visit with lunch at The Olde Bar, set in the historic Old Original Bookbinder’s building nearby. I had the Lobster Roll ($29) and a classic clam chowder cup ($8), while my partner enjoyed Crab Cakes ($32).
What to do at the Independence Seaport Museum in a weekend:
- Board the historic USS Olympia, Admiral Dewey’s flagship from the Spanish–American War
- Climb through the Submarine Becuna, a World War II-era vessel
- Explore interactive exhibits on Philadelphia’s maritime history and global trade
- Join a boatbuilding workshop at the museum’s workshop on the water
- Stroll along the Penn’s Landing waterfront and enjoy river views
- Take kids to the hands-on exhibits designed for younger explorers
- Pair the visit with dinner at a nearby Old City restaurant for a full day on the riverfront
7. Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center
Distance from Philadelphia: 2 hours 30 minutes
The Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center is the gateway to one of America’s most pivotal historic landscapes. More than just an introduction to the battlefield, it’s a place where the Civil War comes into focus through immersive exhibits, rare artifacts, and the powerful Gettysburg Cyclorama — a 360-degree painting that places you in the middle of Pickett’s Charge. The experience feels both sobering and awe-inspiring, a reminder of the scale of sacrifice and the enduring impact of these three days in 1863.
I found the museum to be both moving and grounding. It set the tone for exploring the larger Gettysburg National Military Park, ensuring every monument and ridge meant something more. We paired our visit with lunch at Dobbins House Tavern, a historic inn dating back to 1776, where I enjoyed the French Onion Soup ($9) and the Colonial Chicken Pot Pie ($19). The setting, with its candlelit rooms and period charm, perfectly echoed the day’s historic atmosphere.
What to do at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center in a weekend:
- Start with the Film and Cyclorama Experience, an orientation to the battle’s history
- Explore the museum exhibits, featuring Civil War artifacts and personal stories
- Book a licensed battlefield guide tour to gain expert insights on key sites
- Walk or drive through the Gettysburg National Military Park with over 1,300 monuments
- Visit the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address
- Join a living history program or ranger-led talk to bring the era to life
- Stay overnight in downtown Gettysburg at the Federal Pointe Inn for historic charm
8. Pittsburgh’s MLK Community Mural Project
Distance from downtown Pittsburgh: 10 minutes
The MLK Community Mural Project is more than public art — it’s a living tribute to history, creativity, and community voice. Founded in 2002, the project has engaged thousands of Pittsburgh students, artists, and neighbors in creating murals inspired by the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Spread across neighborhoods like East Liberty, the Hill District, and Homewood, the murals transform city walls into vibrant canvases that speak of justice, resilience, and unity.
What struck me most was how personal the project feels. Each mural is co-created with local schools and residents, making the artwork not only visually powerful but also deeply rooted in community experience. The colors are bold, the messages are inspiring, and together they form a patchwork of voices that honor both Pittsburgh’s heritage and its future. Walking among them felt like stepping into a dialogue — one that is ongoing, hopeful, and inclusive.
I found the murals to be both grounding and energizing. They’re not tucked away in galleries but woven directly into daily life, reminding passersby of Dr. King’s call to service and justice. After exploring a series in East Liberty, we stopped for lunch at Kelly’s Bar & Lounge, a neighborhood favorite. I had the Pierogi Plate ($13) while my friend enjoyed their famous Mac & Cheese ($12). It was the perfect, unpretentious pause between colorful walls and conversations sparked by art.
What to do with the MLK Community Mural Project in a weekend:
- Take a self-guided walking tour of murals across East Liberty and the Hill District
- Visit schools and community centers that showcase student-created artwork
- Stop at the Union Project, a hub for arts and community programs nearby
- Pair your mural walk with coffee at Tana Ethiopian Cuisine & Lounge or a local café
- Learn about Dr. King’s legacy through interpretive plaques and community events
- Attend an annual MLK celebration or mural unveiling to see the project grow
- Stay in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood to immerse yourself in the city’s art culture
9. Bob & Barbara’s Lounge, Philadelphia
Distance from Philadelphia city center: 10 minutes
Bob & Barbara’s Lounge is a South Street institution, the kind of place that feels both timeless and unmistakably Philly. Since 1969, it’s been a no-frills, all-fun neighborhood bar where live jazz, cheap drinks, and a laid-back crowd come together in perfect harmony. Known as the home of the “Citywide Special” — a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jim Beam for just a few bucks — the lounge is both divey and iconic in the best possible way.
I found Bob & Barbara’s to be the perfect late-night spot. We stopped in after dinner, grabbed a Citywide Special ($5), and settled into the sounds of Hammond B3 organ-driven jazz. It felt like stepping into a piece of living history — gritty, soulful, and endlessly fun. My friend also tried the cheesesteak egg rolls ($10), a local twist that paired surprisingly well with the old-school vibe.
What to do at Bob & Barbara’s Lounge in a night out:
- Order the legendary Citywide Special, Philly’s most famous drink deal
- Catch the Friday Night Jazz residency, running since the 1980s
- Stop by on a drag night or karaoke event for a different kind of fun
- Soak in the dive-bar atmosphere that’s equal parts retro and authentic
- Chat with locals and regulars for a real taste of South Street culture
- Pair your visit with a late-night bite at one of South Street’s nearby eateries
- Keep it casual — the vibe here is come-as-you-are, and that’s the charm
Conclusion
What I took from Pennsylvania wasn’t just photos—it was emotion. The calm of a mossy trail, the roar of a ride, the weight of a monument. I left with more than I arrived: questions, memories, and a deeper respect for the places that carry our shared past and shape our present. I remember thinking, “Some places don’t shout—they speak softly and stay longer.” And Pennsylvania—rich with beauty, truth, and reflection—was one of those places for me.
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