bigtravelbuzzPennsylvania is a northeastern state in the United States, known for its rich history, beautiful countryside, and bustling cities. Some of the top places to visit in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Hershey, Gettysburg, and Lancaster.
Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as well as a thriving food and arts scene. Pittsburgh is known for its stunning skyline and cultural offerings, including the Andy Warhol Museum and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Hershey is a chocolate lover’s paradise, with the Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hershey Park. Gettysburg is a historic town with numerous museums, monuments, and battlefields, while Lancaster is known for its charming Amish community and beautiful countryside.
In addition to these top destinations, Pennsylvania also has a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing, as well as several state and national parks to explore. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Pennsylvania has something for everyone to enjoy.
Some other notable attractions in Pennsylvania include the Franklin Institute science museum in Philadelphia, the Fallingwater house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster County, and the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia.
Places to Visit in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a state with a rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top places to visit in Pennsylvania:
Philadelphia: Philadelphia is a historic city and the birthplace of American democracy. Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, stroll through the historic district, and explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh is a thriving city known for its museums, sports teams, and stunning skyline. Visit the Andy Warhol Museum, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the Carnegie Museum of Art.
Hershey: Hershey is a chocolate lover’s paradise, with Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hershey Park.
Gettysburg: Gettysburg is a historic town with numerous museums, monuments, and battlefields related to the American Civil War.
Lancaster: Lancaster is known for its charming Amish community and beautiful countryside. Take a buggy ride, visit a farmers’ market, and learn about Amish culture.
Pocono Mountains: The Pocono Mountains offer outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing, as well as beautiful scenery and luxury resorts.
Valley Forge National Historical Park: Valley Forge was the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War encampment. Visit the park’s historic buildings and learn about the soldiers who fought there.
Fallingwater: Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater is a stunning house built over a waterfall in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Reading Terminal Market: The Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia is a bustling indoor market with food stalls selling local and international cuisine.
Longwood Gardens: Located in Kennett Square, Longwood Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden with over 1,000 acres of gardens, meadows, and woodlands.
These are just a few of the top places to visit in Pennsylvania. With its rich history, natural beauty, and diverse culture, Pennsylvania has something for everyone to enjoy.
Best Time To Visit Pennsylvania
The best time to visit Pennsylvania depends on your preferences and interests. Here’s what to expect during each season:
Spring (March-May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Pennsylvania, with colorful flowers blooming, and mild temperatures. It’s a great time to visit outdoor attractions and go hiking, biking, or fishing.
Summer (June-August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Pennsylvania, with warm temperatures and plenty of outdoor activities. It’s a great time to visit amusement parks, water parks, and beaches. However, it can be crowded and more expensive during this time.
Fall (September-November): Fall is a popular time to visit Pennsylvania, as the leaves change color and the weather cools down. It’s a great time to visit parks and enjoy fall foliage, apple picking, and pumpkin patches. The fall season is also known for its many festivals, such as Oktoberfest and Halloween celebrations.
Winter (December-February): Winter in Pennsylvania can be cold and snowy, but it’s also a magical time to visit. Many attractions, such as museums and indoor activities, are open year-round, and there are winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Plus, the holiday season brings festive events and decorations.
Overall, the best time to visit Pennsylvania depends on your interests and what you want to do. If you’re interested in outdoor activities, spring and fall are great options, while summer is ideal for amusement parks and beaches. Winter is perfect for winter sports and holiday festivities.
Things to Do in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a state with a rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top things to do in Pennsylvania:
Visit historic sites: Pennsylvania is home to numerous historic sites, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Gettysburg Battlefield, and Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Explore Amish country: Lancaster County is home to a large Amish community. Take a buggy ride, visit a farmers’ market, and learn about Amish culture.
See natural wonders: Pennsylvania has beautiful natural areas, such as the Pocono Mountains, the Delaware Water Gap, and the Laurel Highlands. Explore state parks and go hiking, fishing, or skiing.
Visit museums: Pennsylvania has a wide variety of museums, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, and the Hershey Story Museum in Hershey.
Attend festivals: Pennsylvania hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, such as the Philadelphia Flower Show, the Kutztown Folk Festival, and the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.
Enjoy amusement parks: Pennsylvania is home to several amusement parks, such as Hersheypark, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, and Kennywood.
Explore Philadelphia: Philadelphia is a vibrant city with numerous attractions, such as the Philadelphia Zoo, the Reading Terminal Market, and the Franklin Institute.
Visit universities: Pennsylvania is home to several prestigious universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania and Penn State University. Take a campus tour and learn about the history and culture of these institutions.
Go on a brewery or winery tour: Pennsylvania has a thriving craft beer and wine scene, with numerous breweries and wineries offering tours and tastings.
Attend a sporting event: Pennsylvania has several professional sports teams, such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Philadelphia Phillies. Catch a game and enjoy the excitement of the crowd.
These are just a few of the top things to do in Pennsylvania. With its rich history, natural beauty, and diverse culture, Pennsylvania offers something for everyone to enjoy.
How to get around in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a variety of transportation options for visitors to get around the state. Here are some of the options:
Car: Pennsylvania has a well-developed network of highways and roads, making driving a convenient option for getting around the state. Visitors can rent a car from one of the major rental companies located in most major cities.
Public transportation: Several cities in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, have public transportation systems such as buses, subways, and trolleys. SEPTA in Philadelphia and Port Authority in Pittsburgh are the major public transportation providers.
Amtrak: Amtrak provides train service to several cities in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg. The Keystone Service provides daily service between Harrisburg and New York City, while the Pennsylvanian service provides daily service between Pittsburgh and New York City.
Greyhound: Greyhound provides bus service to several cities in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg.
Uber and Lyft: Uber and Lyft are available in most major cities in Pennsylvania, providing a convenient way to get around without needing to rent a car.
Bike: Many cities in Pennsylvania have bike-friendly streets and dedicated bike paths. Visitors can rent a bike from bike-share programs or local bike shops.
Overall, Pennsylvania has a variety of transportation options that can accommodate visitors’ needs and preferences.
Where to eat in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a diverse food scene with plenty of options for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best places to eat in Pennsylvania:
DiNic’s: Located in Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market, DiNic’s is famous for its roast pork and beef sandwiches.
Primanti Bros: A Pittsburgh institution, Primanti Bros is known for its sandwiches piled high with coleslaw and french fries.
Federal Donuts: This Philadelphia-based donut chain is famous for its unique flavors, including chili-garlic, strawberry-lavender, and maple-bacon.
Hershey’s Chocolate World: Visitors can indulge their sweet tooth with a visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where they can sample chocolate and buy souvenirs.
Amish-style food: Pennsylvania is home to a large Amish community, and visitors can enjoy traditional Amish-style dishes at places like Miller’s Smorgasbord in Lancaster County.
Yuengling Brewery: Visitors can take a tour of the Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and sample some of the country’s oldest beer.
The Franklin Fountain: Located in Philadelphia’s Old City, The Franklin Fountain is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that serves homemade ice cream and sodas.
Overall, Pennsylvania has a wide variety of dining options, from iconic sandwiches to unique sweets and traditional Amish cuisine.
Famous street stalls in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is known for its diverse street food scene, with plenty of options for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Pennsylvania:
Reading Terminal Market: Located in Philadelphia, Reading Terminal Market is a popular indoor food hall that features dozens of vendors selling everything from roast pork sandwiches to donuts to Amish-style baked goods.
The Original Turkey: Located in Pittsburgh, The Original Turkey is a food truck that serves up turkey sandwiches piled high with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy.
The Cow and the Curd: This food truck in Philadelphia specializes in deep-fried Wisconsin cheese curds.
Gigi’s Caribbean Food: Located in Pittsburgh, Gigi’s Caribbean Food is a food truck that serves up authentic Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, and beef patties.
Waffles and Wedges: This food truck in Philadelphia serves up Belgian-style waffles topped with everything from fried chicken to Nutella to bacon.
Ka’moon: Located in Philadelphia, Ka’moon is a food truck that serves up delicious Middle Eastern dishes like shawarma, falafel, and hummus.
Bassetts Ice Cream: Founded in 1861, Bassetts is the oldest ice cream company in America and has a stand in Reading Terminal Market where visitors can sample its famous flavors.
Overall, Pennsylvania has a wide variety of street food options, from classic Philly cheesesteaks to Caribbean cuisine to deep-fried cheese curds.
Where to stay in Pennsylvania
Luxury accommodation
Pennsylvania offers a variety of luxurious accommodation options for visitors looking to indulge in a high-end experience. Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Pennsylvania:
The Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia: Located in the heart of Philadelphia, this hotel offers elegant rooms and suites, a fitness center, a spa, and a restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine.
The Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia: Situated in a historic building in the heart of Philadelphia, this hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites, a fitness center, an indoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant serving seasonal American cuisine.
The Omni Bedford Springs Resort, Bedford: Located in the Allegheny Mountains, this historic resort offers luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, an 18-hole golf course, and several restaurants.
The Hotel Hershey, Hershey: This historic hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, an outdoor pool, an indoor pool with a water slide, and several restaurants.
The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia: This historic hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites, a fitness center, a spa, and a restaurant serving farm-to-table American cuisine.
Overall, Pennsylvania has plenty of options for visitors looking for a luxurious stay, from historic hotels to mountain resorts to urban retreats.
Where to stay in Pennsylvania
Budget accommodation
Pennsylvania offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options for visitors looking to save on lodging. Here are some of the best budget hotels and hostels in Pennsylvania:
HI Philadelphia Hostel: Located in the heart of Philadelphia, this hostel offers dormitory-style rooms and private rooms at affordable rates. It also features a common room, kitchen, and free Wi-Fi.
Red Roof Inn Pittsburgh North – Cranberry Township: This budget-friendly hotel offers simple, clean rooms with free Wi-Fi and parking, as well as a fitness center and laundry facilities.
Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel: This hotel offers affordable rooms with free Wi-Fi, as well as a fitness center, business center, and complimentary breakfast.
Motel 6 Philadelphia – King of Prussia: This budget hotel offers basic rooms with free Wi-Fi and parking, as well as a coin-operated laundry and vending machines.
Quality Inn & Suites Hershey: Located near Hersheypark, this budget hotel offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, as well as an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast.
Overall, Pennsylvania has plenty of options for budget-conscious travelers, from hostels to motels to budget hotels.
Travel Tips Pennsylvania
Here are some travel tips for visiting Pennsylvania:
Plan ahead: Pennsylvania is a large state with plenty of attractions and activities, so it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time.
Be prepared for the weather: Pennsylvania experiences all four seasons, so be sure to pack accordingly. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.
Consider visiting off-season: Summer is the peak tourist season in Pennsylvania, so consider visiting during the shoulder season (spring or fall) to avoid the crowds and potentially save on lodging and activities.
Take advantage of public transportation: Many cities in Pennsylvania, such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, have extensive public transportation systems that can be an affordable and convenient way to get around.
Try the local cuisine: Pennsylvania is known for its hearty, comfort food, such as Philly cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Be sure to try some of the local specialties during your visit.
Explore the great outdoors: Pennsylvania is home to several state and national parks, as well as scenic byways and hiking trails. Be sure to take advantage of the state’s natural beauty during your visit.
Visit historic sites: Pennsylvania played a significant role in American history, and there are several historic sites and landmarks throughout the state, such as Independence Hall in Philadelphia and Gettysburg National Military Park.