Pennsylvania
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Philadelphia
Brick lanes and Independence Square anchor Philadelphia - Liberty Bell and Independence Hall draw history crowds, the Museum of Art steps provide skyline views, and cheesesteaks settle many itineraries alongside muraled neighborhoods.
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Pittsburgh
Three rivers cut through Pittsburgh; the Duquesne Incline, steel-era museums, the Andy Warhol Museum and neighborhood pierogi joints explain why visitors wander its bridges and hills.
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Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
A copper-domed capitol anchors Harrisburg’s riverfront.
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Scranton, Pennsylvania
An old rail town with coal-era grit, Scranton attracts visitors for Steamtown National Historic Site, the Electric City neon sign, and lively diner culture.
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Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown anchors the Lehigh Valley with ArtsQuest events and Musikfest, the Lehigh River’s towpaths, a growing craft-beer scene, and industrial-era architecture that frames guided tours of the region.
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Erie, Pennsylvania
A Lake Erie city whose Presque Isle State Park curves into the lake with beaches, bike paths and lighthouses.
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Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Coal-shaped skylines and a riverfront define Wilkes-Barre; visitors trace anthracite history at museums, stroll River Common, catch a minor-league game and use the town as a launching point into the Poconos for outdoor sport.
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Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Horse-drawn buggies thread through nearby farms, drawing visitors to Lancaster for its Central Market, county barns and Amish tours; the city mixes theaters, restored factories and farm-to-table dining framed by patchwork fields.
Pennsylvania at a Glance
Pennsylvania is a large mid-Atlantic state where the nation was founded - home to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, the Gettysburg battlefield and Amish country.
Known for: the birthplace of the nation, big cities, and Amish country
Don’t miss: founding-era Philadelphia (Liberty Bell), Pittsburgh, Gettysburg, and Lancaster’s Amish country
When to go: spring and fall for foliage and mild weather
About Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania sits at the crossroads of the northeastern United States, a landscape of rolling farmland, forested ridges and river valleys that earned it the nickname the “Keystone State.” Much of its character comes from contrasts: industrial, arts-rich cities and quiet rural pockets where traditions run deep.
The state’s signature cities - Philadelphia in the east and Pittsburgh in the west - offer world-class museums, theater and civic history, while the state capital, Harrisburg, anchors central Pennsylvania along the Susquehanna River. History is visceral here: visit Gettysburg for Civil War landmarks, explore the lakeshore at Erie, or find solitude in places like Ohiopyle and the Allegheny National Forest. The scenic Delaware Water Gap and the mountain playground of the Poconos showcase Pennsylvania’s outdoor side.
Outdoor activities are abundant year-round: hike and whitewater kayak in state parks, fish and boat on reservoirs and rivers, and in winter head to the Poconos and Alleghenies for skiing and snowshoeing. The state’s varied terrain also makes it a popular destination for cycling, rail-trail rides and paddling.
Pennsylvania’s food scene ranges from Philly cheesesteaks and soft pretzels in Philadelphia to farm-to-table fare across the countryside; don’t miss chocolate in Hershey or the hearty, home-cooked specialties of Pennsylvania Dutch Country - and the state’s breweries and wineries are perfect for a tasting trail after a day of sightseeing.
Why Visit Pennsylvania
A compact state with outsized variety - visit Philadelphia for Revolutionary history and top museums, head to Gettysburg for Civil War sites, relax by the lakes at Erie or seek outdoor thrills in the Poconos and Alleghenies for hiking, skiing and paddling.
Best Things to Do in Pennsylvania
Park
Gettysburg National Military Park
Civil War battlefield and national military cemetery site
Park
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Scenic river valley offering hiking, boating, and waterfalls
Park
Independence National Historical Park
Historic Philadelphia park encompassing Independence Hall and Liberty Bell
Amusement Park
Hersheypark
Chocolate-themed amusement park with roller coasters
Park
National Constitution Center
Museum dedicated to U.S. Constitution and civic education
Museum
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Major Philadelphia art museum with encyclopedic collections
Museum
Please Touch Museum
Interactive children's museum encouraging play-based learning
Museum
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Natural history museum with notable dinosaur exhibits
Pennsylvania Bucket List
Don't Miss
Independence National Historical Park - Stand beside the Liberty Bell and tour Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted.
Philadelphia Museum of Art - See a world-class collection and the famous ‘Rocky Steps’ with skyline views of the city.
Gettysburg National Military Park - Walk the battlefield and visitor center to understand the turning point of the Civil War.
Great Outdoors
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - Hike riverside trails, canoe the Delaware River and enjoy dramatic gap vistas.
Allegheny National Forest - Explore dense forest, scenic drives and backcountry trails in Pennsylvania’s largest federal forest.
Ohiopyle State Park - Experience world-class whitewater on the Youghiogheny River and miles of excellent bike and hiking trails.
Presque Isle State Park (Erie) - A sandy peninsula with beaches, birding and gentle waters for family-friendly swimming and boating.
Local Flavor
Hersheypark & Hershey’s Chocolate World - Ride amusement park attractions and learn the sweet story behind one of America’s chocolate brands.
Lancaster County / Pennsylvania Dutch Country - Tour Amish farms, buy handcrafted goods and try regional specialties like shoofly pie and scrapple.
Pittsburgh Cultural Corridor - Visit the Carnegie museums, dine on inventive cuisine and learn about the city’s steel heritage.
Best Time to Visit Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s climate varies from lake-effect snow near Erie and colder mountain weather in the Alleghenies to milder, maritime-influenced conditions in the southeast around Philadelphia. Time your trip by what you want to do - city culture, leaf-peeping or winter sports.
Spring
Cool to mild weather with blooming countryside - ideal for hiking trails, visiting historic towns and early-season river paddling.
Summer
Warm and often humid in the cities with hot days perfect for lake and river swimming, outdoor festivals, and exploring the shore at Erie.
Autumn
Crisp, colorful and dry - prime season for leaf-peeping in the Poconos, scenic drives, and harvesting festivals in rural counties.
Winter
Cold with significant snow in the mountains and lake-effect regions - great for skiing, snowboarding and cozy town visits.
Getting Around Pennsylvania
Visitors typically get around Pennsylvania by car - its towns and scenic regions are best reached by road - while larger cities are served by regional airports and public transit systems.
Major Highways
Major routes include I-95 along the southeastern corridor (linking Philadelphia to New Jersey and the Northeast), the Pennsylvania Turnpike/I-76 running east - west across the state, I-80 across central and northern Pennsylvania, I-81 along the ridge-and-valley corridor connecting to Maryland and New York, and I-70 in the southwest connecting to the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.