Tucked away within the northeast of the United States, Pennsylvania is an unbelievable (and fairly straightforward) state to go to. With good transport hyperlinks between New York City and different main cities on the East Coast, it’s the sort of state that’s properly value exploring while on a visit across the US. Not solely that, there are such a lot of of the most effective issues to do in Pennsylvania dotted all throughout the state.
Now, you possibly can simply spend weeks exploring wider Pennsylvania, however most of us don’t have that luxurious. However, don’t suppose you possibly can’t see among the high locations in Pennsylvania, even on a shorter journey.
So, that will help you get probably the most out of your go to to Pennsylvania, check out some iconic spots you don’t need to miss. Have the most effective time within the United States.
1.) Laurel Highlands
Nestled within the southwest area of Pennsylvania, the Laurel Highlands is a good looking area to go to. Easily reached in a number of hours by automotive from Pittsburgh, visiting is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Pennsylvania when you’re on a wider highway journey of the East Coast.
Now, the area is fairly huge, which suggests there are fairly a number of totally different spots to discover. For occasion, we completely cherished visiting Stewarton Falls. It’s proper on the fringes of Ohiopyle State Park and very easy to go to. Now, a go to right here will take round quarter-hour, until you’re following one of many trails across the park on a hike.
Afterwards, head on over to Fallingwater, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Yes, the excursions generally is a little expensive nevertheless it’s truthfully properly value it, particularly when you’re occupied with his structure and the constructing itself.
Alternatively, you possibly can head over to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kentuck Knob, that’s one other historic house that was constructed not too far-off. Visits take round 60 minutes and are completely straightforward when you’re already driving round Pennsylvania.
Finally, be certain to go to the Laurel Caverns that are so spectacular to see. They are Pennsylvannia’s largest cave system and properly value visiting to go inside.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Pittsburgh
2.) Raymondskill Falls
Right on the state border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Raymondskill Falls is simple to go to when you’re passing via the city of Milford.
Once right here, you’ll want to head out climbing on among the trails that crisscross this lovely space of Pennsylvania. We cherished the Pittman Orchard McDade Trail and the cliff or waterfall trails that every one begin simply off Raymondskill Road. Here is the trailhead on Google Maps.
Afterwards, you possibly can head additional south to Dingmans Falls. It could be simply reached from this automotive parking level and is so value seeing when you’re already on this space of Pennsylvania.
3.) Philadelphia
Philadelphia is certainly one of Pennsylvania’s greatest cities to go to. It’s a metropolis that’s steeped in historical past and properly value visiting for a number of days journey.
Once right here, be certain to go to Independence National Historic Park. In truth, it’s probably the most historic websites within the United States, the place the Declaration of Independence was signed. It can also be the very place the place the Constitution was drafted.
After arriving, you possibly can take a tour of the historic Independence Hall and Congress Hall. Not solely that, you’ll be capable of see Franklin Court, Old City Hall, and different websites the place the modern-day United States was born.
Later on, be certain to move over to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It has an unlimited assortment of artefacts and artwork that’s so unbelievable to see.
There are a whopping 200,000 objects of their collections, that are seasonally displayed all through the rooms.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Philadelphia
4.) Valley Forge National Historical Park
in Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania
Just on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Valley Forge National Historical Park is very easy to go to when staying within the metropolis. Once right here, you’ll be capable of head to see George Washington’s winter headquarters and see the National Memorial Arch.
Not solely that, you possibly can simply comply with the Mount Misery Trail which takes round 1.5 to 2 hours to finish. It’s round 3 miles in size and completely pretty to go to when you’re on the lookout for a ramble while within the park.
Also, close by, you possibly can go to the Wharton Esherick Museum. It’s a comfortable little museum that’s been created by the artist Wharton Esherick. t’s completely kitsch and properly value it for a 30-minute go to.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Philadelphia
5.) Hershey Park
Not too removed from Harrisburg, Hershey Park is definitely among the best issues to do in Pennsylvania when you’re a chocolate-lover like me! Famed for its yummy sweet and candies, a go to to Hershey Park is a whole-day journey that’s a lot enjoyable,
Once inside, you’ll be capable of go to so lots of the totally different areas and journey among the greatest rides in Pennsylvania. We completely love Skyrush. It’s an enormous rollercoaster that can have you ever screaming very quickly. After all, it’s over 200 ft in top.
Also, the Great Bear rollercoaster is completely enjoyable, too. Just you’ll want to plan your journey upfront so you possibly can head on as many rides as potential.
6.) Gettysburg
You can’t go to the historic sights in Pennsylvania with out stopping in Gettysburg. You see, it’s among the best issues to do in Pennsylvania that can train you all concerning the 1863 Civil War.
You can simply spend all morning at Gettysburg National Military Park and go to locations like; Culp’s Hill, Spangler’s Spring and the State of Pennsylvania Monument close by.
Even from a global perspective, we cherished the museum and wider park. It does such an excellent job of explaining, intimately, the details of the Civil War. It’s so value doing it.
Oh, and don’t neglect to identify the Sachs-covered bridge in Gettysburg, too. It spans over 100 toes and you may even stroll throughout it.
7.) Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is one other unbelievable metropolis to go to in Pennsylvania. Not solely that, you possibly can simply go to Pittsburgh as you head west to Ohio.
Once right here, be certain to go to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. You can simply spend a complete afternoon right here and you may discover the broader Schenley Park, too.
Afterwards, head into the centre of Pittsburgh and discover Fort Pitt Museum. It’s a good way to discover extra of this 1700s British fort that also stands. Visits will take round 1 hour and it’s really easy to see while you’re within the downtown space.
Oh, and don’t neglect to go to the Andy Warhol Museum. Here, you possibly can see so a lot of Warhol’s installations and go to the totally different rooms the place you possibly can study extra about his life. It’s really unbelievable and among the best locations on the planet for Andy Warhol lovers.
8.) Pine Creek Gorge
Tucked away within the heartland of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge is one epic place to go to while driving via the state. Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge is situated in Tioga State Forest.
If you’re fancying an extended hike, head out on the Pine Creek Rail Trail that follows the historic practice route. It’s a good way to discover the broader space round Pine Creek Gorge and is so lovely.
Hankering for a chew to eat? Head to Wheary’s Pine Creek Inn for his or her pickle fries. They are so good.
9.) Elysburg
Around 2.5 hours from Philadelphia, visiting Elysburg is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Pennsylvania while heading west throughout the state.
Now, one actually enjoyable spot to go to is Knoebels Amusement Resort. It’s a lot enjoyable. It has over 60 rides and heaps of exhibits in the summertime months. We completely cherished Impulse; it’s an enormous rollercoaster which is so epic. You will scream a lot!
Read extra: Best issues to do round Lake Eerie
10.) York
Perched within the southern area of Pennsylvania, York is a historic metropolis that you simply actually ought to go to. Although it’s not as huge because the likes of Philadelphia, York is a completely epic metropolis to go to for a number of days.
Once right here, be certain to go to Central Market House for all of the native produce. You’ll discover heaps of regional farmers promoting their seasonal merchandise which are so tasty. Just you’ll want to arrive hungry, I assure you’ll be stuffed by the point you permit.
Afterwards, head over to the Agricultural Museum which shares the journey of this space and its growth over the previous couple of centuries. Now, it’s an excellent museum to go to; that being stated, it may be a bit of particular if that is sensible. If you’re not within the agricultural heritage of Pennsylvania, you would possibly need to give it a miss.
Read extra: Best issues to do round Lake Eerie
11.) Lancaster
Not overly removed from town of York, Lancaster is properly value visiting while driving the southern areas of Pennsylvania.
Once right here, be certain to go to Central Market in downtown Lancaster. It’s a thrive of exercise and an excellent little spot to attempt the native produce, seize a espresso and even a number of souveniers.
Afterwards, be certain to go to the cosy Demuth Museum. It’s throughout the former house of Charles Demuth the place you’ll study extra about his artwork and the modernist twist in his work.
Oh, and you’ll want to go to Bird in Hand Bakeshop that’s simply outdoors Lancaster itself. It’s one thing of an establishment in Pennsylvania and their whoopie pies are so tasty. We completely cherished it.
Read extra: Best issues to do round Lake Eerie
12.) Presque Isle State Park
If you’re keen on spending time within the nice outside, then be certain to go to Presque Isle State Park. It’s among the best issues to do in Pennsylvania when you’re driving round Lake Eerie.
After arriving, be certain to see Presque Isle Lighthouse which dates all the way in which again to the 1800s. Also, don’t neglect to spend a while strolling Presque Isle Beach and go to the Bicentennial Tower on the mainland itself.
You’ll get some beautiful views from right here.
Read extra: Best issues to do round Lake Eerie
13.) Harrisburg
Right on the shores of the Susquehanna River. Harrisburg is a superb cease to make as a part of a wider Pensylvannia highway journey. Now, you possibly can simply see fairly a number of of the principle sights in Harrisburg in someday (so long as you intend accordingly).
Once you arrive, be certain to go to The National Civil War Museum. It’s an excellent place to study all concerning the American Civil War and the lasting impression it’s had on modern-day America.
Plus, you possibly can simply go to West Shore Farmers Market for some native treats or go to the Lancaster Brewing Company. Their brews are so good and properly value having a tasting tray when you’re right here.