What is the best month to visit Pennsylvania?
October is undoubtedly the best time to visit Pennsylvania. This is when the state's autumn foliage is at its peak, offering scenery that rivals New England. Additionally, October brings lower humidity and average temperatures ranging from 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C).
Where is the best place to stay in Pennsylvania?
For Hershey, PA, we recommend The Hotel Hershey, a 1930s mountaintop resort featuring a top-tier spa. For Philadelphia, The Rittenhouse Hotel is centrally located in the heart of the city, just steps away from the finest dining and shopping.
What is the lowest rated tourist attraction in PA?
Fans of the TV show The Office often flock to Scranton expecting a Universal Studios-style experience or a museum. But there is no actual set to visit (the show was filmed in California). The "tour" is essentially a map of places mentioned in the show—a mundane paper company building, the mall, or a generic restaurant. Travelers often leave 1 or 2-star reviews feeling let down that there is "nothing to see" other than a few signs and a gift shop in the mall.
And the Liberty Bell Center. While historically vital, many clients rate the experience lower than expected because they wait 45 minutes in line to see a cracked bell for 30 seconds. Pro Tip: You can see the bell perfectly clearly through the glass window on the side of the building 24/7 without waiting in line.
What are some free things to do in PA?
Pennsylvania offers incredible value if you know where to look. Here are my top authentic recommendations that don’t cost a dime:
Ricketts Glen State Park (Benton): This is arguably the best hike in the state. The "Falls Trail" is free to enter and takes you past 21 distinct waterfalls. It is a world-class natural wonder that requires only sturdy boots.
Bicycle Heaven (Pittsburgh): This is the world’s largest bicycle museum and shop. It is a quirky, neon-lit labyrinth of vintage bikes (including the one from the movie Pee-wee’s Big Adventure). It is totally free, incredibly photogenic, and very "Pittsburgh."
Independence Hall (Philadelphia): While you need a ticket for a timed tour, the tickets are technically free (there is a $1.00 handling fee if you book online, but you can walk up for free tickets if you arrive early). Standing in the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed is a powerful experience.
The Rocky Steps (Philadelphia): Running up the 72 stone steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a rite of passage. It costs nothing to recreate the movie moment and offers one of the best skyline views of the city.
Elk Country Visitor Center (Benezette): Seeing the massive wild elk herd in PA is free. You can drive the roads of Benezette or visit the center's viewing grounds at dusk to hear the elk bugle in the fall.