Best Pennsylvania Day Trips & Things to Do

Pennyslvania Travel Information

Top Cities in Pennsylvania

When planning Pennsylvania tours, most itineraries focus on three distinct regions. Understanding the difference between these cities in Pennsylvania will help you choose the right trip for your interests.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, is Pennsylvania's premier tourist destination. Here at Independence National Historical Park, you can visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, conveniently located in the heart of the city for easy access. The Philadelphia Museum of Art offers world-class collections and the famous "Rocky Steps."

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is located in western Pennsylvania and is now a hub for technology and culture. It also boasts magnificent terrain, featuring steep hills and three converging rivers. You can take the Duquesne Incline, which offers a funicular ride up Mount Washington for the best skyline views. And the Andy Warhol Museum and the Phipps Conservatory are major draws.

Lancaster

Lancaster is not a single city but a region centered around Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This is the heart of the Amish community, where horse-drawn buggies share the road with cars. Visitors come here for a slower pace. You can tour working farms, buy handmade quilts, and eat hearty, family-style meals.

Best Places to Travel in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's most worthwhile destinations also include natural and specific historical landmarks.

Gettysburg National Military Park: This is the site of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. It is not just a field; it is a massive, preserved landscape filled with monuments. The best way to understand the scale of the conflict is through a guided bus tour or a self-guided auto tour. The Museum and Visitor Center provides the necessary context before you head out to the battlefield.

Hershey: Known as "The Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey is built around the legacy of Milton S. Hershey. Hersheypark is a major theme park with roller coasters and water rides. Chocolate World, located next door, offers a ride-through tour showing how chocolate is made. It is a common stop for families.

The Pocono Mountains: For outdoor enthusiasts, the Poconos offer skiing in the winter and hiking or water sports in the summer. It is a resort-heavy region that serves as a weekend escape for residents of New York and Philadelphia.

Popular Pennsylvania Day Trips

Valley Forge: Located about 40 minutes from Philly, this park marks the 1777–1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army.

Longwood Gardens: Situated in Kennett Square, this is one of the premier botanical gardens in the United States, featuring massive conservatories and fountain shows.

How to Get Around Pennsylvania