Tucked away in the northeastern United States, Pennsylvania is a surprisingly easy (and very easy) state to visit. With convenient transportation between New York City and other major cities on the East Coast, it’s a state worth exploring during your trip around the United States. Not only that, but there are many of the best things to do in Pennsylvania, located all over the state.
Now you can easily spend weeks exploring large areas of Pennsylvania, but most of us don’t have that luxury. However, don’t think you can’t visit some of Pennsylvania’s top locations, even for a short trip.
To make the most of your visit to Pennsylvania, take a look at some iconic spots you shouldn’t miss. Have the best time in America.
1.) Laurel Highlands
Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, the Laurel Highlands are a beautiful region to visit. Easily accessible within a few hours’ drive from Pittsburgh, it’s one of the best activities to visit in Pennsylvania if you’re taking an extensive East Coast road trip.
The area is quite large, so there are quite a few different spots to explore.For example, we loved visiting Stewarton Falls. It’s right next to Ohiopyle State Park, making it very easy to visit. Well, it takes about 15 minutes to visit here unless you hike and follow the trails around the park.
Then move on to the next flowing water, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Yes, the tour can be a bit pricey, but honestly it’s worth it, especially if you’re interested in his architecture and the building itself.
Or you could go to the Frank Lloyd Wright Museum. kentuck knob, which is also a historical house built not far away. The visit takes about 60 minutes, but if you’re already driving around Pennsylvania, it’s quite easy.
Finally, please visit Laurel Caverns It’s very impressive. These are the largest cave systems in Pennsylvania and are well worth a visit to go inside.
Read more: Things to do in Pittsburgh
2.) Raymondskill Falls
Located on the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Raymond’s Skill Falls It’s easy to visit if you pass through the town of Milford.
Once you’re here, hike some of the trails that criss-cross this beautiful region of Pennsylvania. We loved the Pitman Orchard McDade Trail and the Cliff and Waterfall Trail that starts just off Raymondskill Road. here This is the trailhead on Google Maps.
Then continue south to Dingman’s Falls.can be easily accessed from This parking point If you’re already in this area of Pennsylvania, it’s worth a visit.
3.) Philadelphia
Philadelphia is one of the best cities to visit in Pennsylvania. It’s a city with a deep history, so it’s worth a trip for a few days.
If you come here, please visit Independence National Historical Park. In fact, it’s one of the most historic locations in the United States where the Declaration of Independence was signed. It is also the place where the Constitution was drafted.
Upon arrival, take a tour of historic Independence Hall and Congress Hall. Not only that, but you can see Franklin Court, Old City Hall, and other sites where the modern-day United States of America was born.
Afterwards, be sure to head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There is a huge collection of artifacts and art that is incredible to see.
The collection includes a whopping 200,000 items, displayed seasonally throughout the room.
Read more: Things to do in Philadelphia
4.) Valley Forge National Historical Park
Located in Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania
Located just outside of Philadelphia, Valley Forge National Historical Park is easy to visit even if you’re staying in the city. Once here, you can visit George Washington’s Winter Headquarters and the National Memorial Arch.
Not only that, but you can easily follow the Mount Misery Trail, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It is about 3 miles long and is very nice to visit if you want to enjoy a walk in the park.
Also nearby, Wharton Esherick Museum. A cozy little museum created by artist Wharton Esherick. It’s totally kitschy and well worth the 30 minute visit.
Read more: Things to do in Philadelphia
5.) Hershey Park
Not far from Harrisburg, Hershey Park It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Pennsylvania for a chocolate lover like me. A visit to Hersheypark, famous for its delicious candies and chocolates, is a very fun day adventure for him.
Once inside, you can visit different areas and ride some of the best rides in Pennsylvania. We love Skyrush. It’s a huge roller coaster that will have you screaming in no time. After all, it’s over 200 feet tall.
The Great Bear roller coaster is also a lot of fun. Be sure to plan your trip in advance so you can ride as many rides as possible.
6.) Gettysburg
No visit to Pennsylvania’s historic sites is complete without a stop at Gettysburg. He is one of the best things to do in Pennsylvania where you can learn all about the 1863 Civil War.
You can spend an entire morning at Gettysburg National Military Park, visiting sites such as: Culps Hill, Spangler’s Spring, pennsylvania state monument near.
From an international perspective, we also loved the museum and the large park. It does a very good job of explaining the facts of the Civil War in detail. It’s well worth it.
Oh don’t forget to find it bridge covered with saxophones Also in Gettysburg. It is over 100 feet long and can be walked across.
7.) Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is another great city to visit in Pennsylvania. Not only that, but you can easily visit Pittsburgh on your way west to Ohio.
When you’re here, be sure to visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here, and also explore the larger Schenley Park.
Then, head to central Pittsburgh to explore. Fort Pitt Museum. It’s a great way to explore more of the surviving 1700s British forts. The visit takes about an hour and is easy to see while staying in the downtown area.
Oh and don’t forget to visit Andy Warhol Museum. Here you can see numerous installations by Warhol and visit different rooms to learn more about his life. It’s actually incredible and one of the best places in the world for Andy Warhol enthusiasts.
8.) Pine Creek Gorge
Tucked away in the heart of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Valley is one of the great places to visit while driving around the state. Pine Creek Gorge, nicknamed Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon, is located in the Tioga State Forest.
For a longer hike, try the Pine Creek Rail Trail, which follows a historic railroad line. A great way to explore the wide area around the very beautiful Pine Creek Valley.
Do you want something to eat?go to Willy’s Pine Creek Inn For pickle fries. they are very good.
9.) ellisburg
About 2 1/2 hours from Philadelphia, visiting Elysburg is one of the best things to do while traveling west across Pennsylvania.
Well, one of the really fun spots is Knubel’s Amusement Resort. It is very fun. There are over 60 rides and shows galore throughout the summer. We loved Impulse. It’s a huge roller coaster that’s so epic. You will scream so much!
Read more: Things to do near Lake Ely
10.) York
York, located in southern Pennsylvania, is a historic city that’s worth a visit. York isn’t as big as cities like Philadelphia, but it’s an absolutely wonderful city to visit for a few days.
If you come here, please visit Central Market House For all local produce. There are many local farmers selling very delicious seasonal produce. Be sure to arrive hungry. You are guaranteed to be full by the time you leave.
Then head to agricultural museum We will share the history of this region and its development over the past centuries. Now it’s a great museum to visit. That being said, you can get a little more specific if that makes sense. If you’re not interested in Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage, you might want to give it a miss.
Read more: Things to do near Lake Ely
11.) Lancaster
Not far from the city of York, Lancaster is worth a visit while driving through southern Pennsylvania.
While you’re here, be sure to visit Central Market in downtown Lancaster. It’s a busy little spot with lots of activity and a great place to sample local produce, grab a coffee, and buy some souvenirs.
Then feel free to visit our cozy place. Demuth Museum. Located in Charles’ former home in Demuth, you can learn more about his art and the modernist twist in his work.
Oh please come and visit Bird in Hand Bakeshop It’s just outside Lancaster itself. A famous restaurant in Pennsylvania whose whoopie pies are delicious. I like it very much.
Read more: Things to do near Lake Ely
12.) Presque Isle State Park
If you love spending time in nature, be sure to visit Presque Isle State Park. This is one of the best things to do when driving around Lake Ely in Pennsylvania.
Please be sure to take a look upon your arrival. Presque Isle Lighthouse Its origins date back to the 1800s. You can also take some time to explore Presque Isle Beach. Bicentennial Tower On the mainland itself.
There are wonderful views from here.
Read more: Things to do near Lake Ely
13.) Harrisburg
It is located on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Harrisburg is a great place to stop as part of a road trip through Pennsylvania. Now, you can easily see quite a few of Harrisburg’s major attractions in one day (if you plan accordingly).
When you arrive, be sure to visit the National Civil War Museum. A great place to learn all about the Civil War and its lasting impact on modern America.
Moreover, you can easily visit West Shore Farmers Market Eat local snacks, Lancaster Brewing Company. Their beers are so good that it’s worth grabbing a tasting tray while you’re here.
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