Pennsylvania Travel Guide
Region US state with colonial sites and industrial heritage
Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell and museums, Pittsburgh’s industrial-to-cultural transformation, Gettysburg battlefield, and Lancaster County’s Amish farms attract history, museum, and rural-craft tourism.
Why Visit Pennsylvania #
Philly’s food scene mixes classic comfort with serious markets: try a cheesesteak debate at Pat’s or Geno’s, then head to Reading Terminal Market for Amish pretzels, local cheeses and ethnic stalls. Neighborhood restaurants in Fishtown and South Philly offer creative plates without the tourist markup of center-city spots.
Gettysburg National Military Park rewards those who take a guided tour or follow the self-drive route to understand troop movements and key sites like Little Round Top. The visitor center’s museum offers context without romanticizing the battle; mornings are best for quieter reflection at major markers and monuments.
The Poconos are a convenient getaway for lakes, waterfalls and year-round outdoor activities from skiing to kayaking. Bushkill Falls provides easy boardwalks and dramatic cascades, while state parks have quieter hiking and camping options. Weekend crowds spike; midweek trips are more peaceful and often cheaper.
Lancaster County gives direct access to Amish culture: buggy-lined roads, farm stands, and craft shops selling quilts and preserves. Take a guided tour to learn about daily life, and plan for slow-driving stretches as buggies share country roads. Food markets here are great for leather goods and handmade furniture.
Pittsburgh’s bridges and river confluence make for one of America’s most photogenic cityscapes; view it from the Duquesne Incline or Point State Park. Neighborhoods like Lawrenceville offer good restaurants and galleries. Skip peak-hour driving across downtown spans and enjoy the skyline on foot after dusk.
Who's Pennsylvania For?
Poconos cabins with fireplaces and lakeside views create classic romantic retreats; Philadelphia’s historic Old City also offers intimate restaurants and evening strolls.
Hersheypark, Please Touch Museum, and Pittsburgh’s children’s museums are ideal family destinations, with attractions geared toward young visitors and hands-on exhibits.
The Appalachian Trail and backcountry near Ohiopyle provide true long-hike experiences; Pennsylvania has solid thru-hiking options and rugged river gorges for multi-day treks.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have robust coworking scenes and cultural amenities; rural mountain towns may lack coworking and high-speed uploads for remote professionals.
Philly cheesesteaks, Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels, and diverse Pittsburgh dining showcase regional flavors from comfort food to inventive urban kitchens.
Whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle, rock climbing in the Laurel Highlands and winter sports in the Poconos satisfy seasonal adrenaline seekers.
College towns and Philly nightlife provide varied scenes; Pittsburgh’s bar districts and Philadelphia’s music venues keep late nights lively on weekends.
Allegheny National Forest, Delaware Water Gap and the Laurel Highlands offer dense forests, waterfalls and scenic ridgelines for serious nature lovers.
Top Cities in Pennsylvania
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Regions of Pennsylvania #
Philadelphia
A dense, history-soaked city where Revolutionary-era landmarks sit beside vibrant neighborhoods and a top-tier food scene. Walkable streets reveal colonial heritage, murals and market culture. Weekend itineraries often mix museum days, historic tours and neighborhood restaurant-hopping for a balanced urban visit.
Top Spots
- Old City - Liberty Bell, historic independence sites and cobbled streets.
- Museum District - Art and science museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
- Reading Terminal Market - Bustling food hall with regional specialties.
Pittsburgh
Hill-and-river topography gives Pittsburgh a dramatic, compact urban feel with bridges, steel-era history and a strong cultural footprint. Museums, neighborhood restaurants and riverfront trails are highlights, while viewpoints from surrounding hills provide some of the best city panoramas in the state.
Top Spots
- Downtown/Point State Park - Three rivers meet beneath skyline views.
- Strip District - Food markets and ethnic shops.
- Mount Washington - Panoramic city overlooks.
Pocono Mountains
Rolling mountains, lakes and family-oriented resorts northeast of Philadelphia make the Poconos a classic short-break destination. Outdoor activities vary seasonally from skiing and tubing to hiking and water sports. The region suits nature-focused relaxation as well as adventure-based weekends.
Top Spots
- Mount Pocono - Outdoor recreation and year-round resorts.
- Bushkill Falls - Multi-tiered waterfalls and family trails.
- Lake Wallenpaupack - Boating, fishing and lakeside leisure.
Lancaster & Amish Country
A pastoral region of farmland, historic villages and living Traditions centered around Lancaster County. Visitors come for horse-and-buggy scenes, craft markets and slow drives through patchwork fields. Museums and heritage railways add a curated historical angle to the rural charm.
Top Spots
- Lancaster - Covered bridges, markets and Amish tours.
- Intercourse - Craft shops and visitor-oriented experiences.
- Strasburg - Heritage railways and rural museums.
Laurel Highlands
Southwestern Pennsylvania’s forested ridges combine bold architecture and serious outdoor recreation. Hikes, rivers and iconic modernist homes create an appealing mix for road-trippers. This is a less-crowded alternative to the major cities with rewarding nature and cultural stops close together.
Top Spots
- Fallingwater - Frank Lloyd Wright’s dramatic house over a waterfall.
- Ohiopyle State Park - Whitewater rafting and rugged trails.
- Mount Davis - Pennsylvania’s highest point with wide views.
Top Things to Do in Pennsylvania
All Attractions ›
- Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia) - Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center anchor Philadelphia's revolutionary-era historic district and museums.
- Gettysburg National Military Park - Extensive battlefield with visitor center, guided tours, and Civil War monuments commemorating the 1863 battle.
- Fallingwater (Mill Run) - Frank Lloyd Wright's cantilevered house over a waterfall, open for timed tours by reservation.
- Hershey (Hersheypark and attractions) - Chocolate-themed town with amusement park, museum, and confectionery attractions centered on Hershey's history.
- Ricketts Glen State Park - Old-growth forest with over twenty waterfalls linked by rugged hiking trails and overlooks.
- Jim Thorpe historic town - Victorian-era architecture, outdoor recreation, and a compact downtown ideal for strolling and museums.
- Longwood Gardens (Brandywine Valley) - Expansive horticultural complex with conservatories, seasonal displays, and extensive formal gardens near Wilmington.
- Presque Isle State Park (Erie) - Sandy peninsula offering beaches, birding, and sunset views across Lake Erie.
- US Route 6 across Northern Pennsylvania - US Route 6 traverses forests, small towns, and lakes across northern Pennsylvania; ideal multi-day drive.
- Pennsylvania Dutch Country loop (Lancaster County) - Drive through farmlands, covered bridges, markets, and Amish homesteads; many short stops possible.
- Poconos and Delaware Water Gap route - Scenic Poconos route including waterfalls, hiking, and the Delaware Water Gap, suitable for a weekend.
- US Route 6 across Northern Pennsylvania - US Route 6 traverses forests, small towns, and lakes across northern Pennsylvania; ideal multi-day drive.
Planning Your Trip to Pennsylvania #
Weekend Pennsylvania Itinerary
Combine Philadelphia history and food, bucolic Lancaster County, Hershey, Pocono hikes, Gettysburg battlefield, and western Pennsylvania's Pittsburgh and Laurel Highlands drives.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Philadelphia, explore Independence Mall and Reading Terminal Market.
- Day 2 - Philadelphia Museum of Art, walk Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
- Day 3 - Drive to Lancaster for Amish Country and markets.
1 Week Pennsylvania Itinerary
Combine Philadelphia history and food, bucolic Lancaster County, Hershey, Pocono hikes, Gettysburg battlefield, and western Pennsylvania's Pittsburgh and Laurel Highlands drives.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Philadelphia, Independence Hall and evening at Old City.
- Day 2 - Museum of Art, Fairmount Park strolls.
- Day 3 - Drive to Lancaster County Amish farms and markets.
- Day 4 - Hershey: Hersheypark or Hershey's Chocolate World visit.
- Day 5 - Gettysburg battlefield tour and museum.
- Day 6 - Drive toward the Poconos for hikes or water activities.
- Day 7 - Return to Philadelphia or depart from Harrisburg.
2 Weeks Pennsylvania Itinerary
Combine Philadelphia history and food, bucolic Lancaster County, Hershey, Pocono hikes, Gettysburg battlefield, and western Pennsylvania's Pittsburgh and Laurel Highlands drives.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Philadelphia, Independence Hall and local food tour.
- Day 2 - Explore museums and Fairmount Park neighborhoods.
- Day 3 - Drive to Lancaster County for farms and markets.
- Day 4 - Head to Gettysburg for battlefield and museum.
- Day 5 - Hershey attractions or countryside chocolate-related activities.
- Day 6 - Drive north to the Poconos for hiking.
- Day 7 - Continue west toward Altoona and Laurel Highlands.
- Day 8 - Ohiopyle State Park for trails and river activities.
- Day 9 - Drive to Pittsburgh, visit Strip District and museums.
- Day 10 - Point State Park, Andy Warhol Museum or Carnegie stops.
- Day 11 - Explore rural western PA small towns and drives.
- Day 12 - Visit Presque Isle or Lake Erie shoreline areas.
- Day 13 - Return toward Harrisburg with countryside stops.
- Day 14 - Depart from Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.
Best Time to Visit Pennsylvania #
Pennsylvania has four distinct seasons: cold, snowy winters inland and milder coastal climates in the southeast; warm, humid summers statewide. Best times to visit are late spring through early fall for outdoor recreation and October for fall foliage; winter attracts regional skiing and holiday events.
January
January is cold across much of Pennsylvania with snow common in higher elevations and the interior; cities like Philadelphia are milder but still chilly. Indoor museums and cultural institutions are good options.
Events
- Pennsylvania Farm Show (Harrisburg) - Large agricultural exposition in Harrisburg held every January, drawing statewide attendance.
February
February remains wintry with freezing temperatures and periodic snowstorms, particularly in the central and northern parts of the state. It's a low travel season for most outdoor attractions.
Events
No major festivals this month.
March
March is transitional, with variable weather as the state moves toward spring; cities host major indoor events while parks begin to green up.
Events
- Philadelphia Flower Show (March) - Major horticultural exhibition held annually in Philadelphia in March.
April
April brings milder weather and spring blossoms, though rain is frequent; it's a good month for visiting cities and lower-elevation outdoor sites.
Events
No major festivals this month.
May
May offers comfortable weather across much of Pennsylvania, ideal for hiking in the Appalachians and sightseeing in historic towns. Visitor numbers increase as outdoor activities resume.
Events
No major festivals this month.
June
June is warm and often humid with long days perfect for exploring parks, rivers, and outdoor festivals. It's the start of peak travel season in many areas.
Events
No major festivals this month.
July
July is typically the warmest month with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. This is a busy time for summer recreation and festivals.
Events
No major festivals this month.
August
August remains hot and humid; lakes and rivers are popular for cooling off and outdoor events continue across the state.
Events
No major festivals this month.
September
September is comfortable with cooling temperatures and lower humidity - a great time for hiking, orchard visits, and early-fall festivals. Crowds drop compared with mid-summer.
Events
No major festivals this month.
October
October is prime for fall foliage across Pennsylvania's hills and mountains; crisp weather makes outdoor activities and scenic drives popular. College football weekends draw visitors to towns with universities.
Events
No major festivals this month.
November
November cools noticeably with a mix of rainy and crisp days; it's a shoulder-to-low travel period except for holiday weekends and urban cultural events.
Events
- Philadelphia Marathon (usually Nov) - Major running events including races in Philadelphia typically held in the fall.
December
December brings winter conditions to much of the state, with holiday markets and events in urban areas attracting visitors despite colder weather. Mountain areas begin to see snow accumulation.
Events
No major festivals this month.
Getting to & Around Pennsylvania #
Travelers arrive by air at Philadelphia (PHL) or Pittsburgh (PIT) or by Amtrak along the Northeast Corridor to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station; Harrisburg and other regional airports serve central areas. The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I‑76) and I‑80 are the main east-west highways. Rail connectivity is strong in the southeast but becomes limited across the mountainous central regions.
Pennsylvania’s transport character varies sharply: the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh corridor and the southeastern NEC have dense rail and transit, while central and northern areas are mountainous with fewer rail options. Driving is often necessary for reaching rural, mountainous and recreational areas.
- Airports - Philadelphia (PHL) and Pittsburgh (PIT) are the two main international airports; Harrisburg (MDT) and smaller regional airports serve central and northeast Pennsylvania. PHL is also the rail gateway on the Northeast Corridor.
- Trains & Commuter Rail - Southeastern Pennsylvania benefits from Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and Keystone Service into Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station and regional travel via SEPTA. Western and central Pennsylvania have more limited passenger rail; Amtrak routes connect major cities.
- Rental Car - Much of central and northern Pennsylvania is mountainous (Appalachians), so a rental car is the usual way to reach Poconos, state parks and rural towns. Major routes include the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I‑76) and I‑80 across the state (PA Turnpike).
- Local Transit - Philadelphia and Pittsburgh provide the state’s most extensive urban transit systems; smaller cities have bus networks but less frequent service. Intercity buses supplement where rail is sparse.
Where to Stay in Pennsylvania #
Pennsylvania offers a mix of urban hotels in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, historic inns in Lancaster and Gettysburg, and outdoors accommodation in the Poconos and Laurel Highlands. Mountain and lake areas are seasonal, with summer and winter drawing most visitors.
Philadelphia Center City and downtown Pittsburgh provide the largest hotel options, from boutique properties to national brands. These are practical bases for museums, theater districts and regional transport hubs.
Lancaster County, Gettysburg and New Hope have numerous bed-and-breakfasts and historic inns in restored homes. These lodgings are ideal for heritage tours, Amish Country visits and cosy weekend escapes.
The Pocono Mountains and Laurel Highlands host cabins, lake lodges and mountain resorts suited to skiing, hiking and family retreats. Peak holiday weekends and winter ski season see the highest rates.
State parks across the Poconos and central Pennsylvania offer campsites, RV hookups and glamping yurts or cabins. Booking ahead is essential for summer weekends and fall foliage runs.
Lancaster County and rural areas around the Lehigh Valley have working farms offering stays, pick-your-own experiences and rustic lodging. These are especially good for family visits and learning about local agriculture.