Pennsylvania is such an amazing state with so many places to Visit. The state is full of mystery, open spaces, haunted places, and historical sites. No matter where you go in the state you can be sure there will be something unique to visit.
Whether it is rocks that ring, the shores of a great lake, thrilling rides, or dense forest. Pennsylvania has something for everyone. Now 50 places only scratches the surface when it comes to places to visit in Pennsylvania.
Go see one of the oldest inhabited streets in America. Or the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Look up with amazement and see the most stars you will ever see. All that and more you will find below.
Liberty Bell/ Independence Hall
You can not visit the state of Pennsylvania without a visit to Philadelphia. Of course, when in Philly you need to stop off over at Independence National Historical Park which includes the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, National Constitution Center, and so much more. Plan on spending at least half a day here.
Hershey Chocolate World
Not to be confused with Hershey Park. Hershey Chocolate World is a large candy store with every Hershey product you can think of. Plus you can take a “tour” and see how your favorite Hershey products are made.
New Hope
This small town is halfway between Philadelphia and New York City. It offers great dining, shopping, and even entertainment. Travel + Leisure even named it as one of America’s Favorite Towns.
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo is America’s first zoo and officially opened on July 1, 1874. Big Cat Falls, Bear Country, and Monkey Junction are just a few of the areas many guests love. Remember to look up when you are visiting too. Zoo360 is all around you.
The Amish Village
Think you could live like the Amish? Waking up before dawn, churning butter, milking cows, driving a horse drawn carriage? The Amish Village in Ronks, PA gives you an authentic look at the Amish lifestyle.
Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls is known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania. While these waterfalls are nowhere near the size as Niagara Falls in New York. Bushkill does have eight unique waterfalls to observe.
Delaware Water Gap
The Delaware Water Gap has a lot to offer for the outdoor lovers. Everything from fishing, boating, hiking, and even rock climbing. You can hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail or witness stunning waterfalls. The possibilities are endless.
Elfreth’s Alley
Depending on what you are reading, Elfreth’s Alley in Philadelphia is considered by many to be the oldest continuously inhabited street in America. Thirty-two houses make up the alleyway and those houses were all built between 1703 and 1836.
Reading Terminal Market
This is one of America’s oldest and largest public markets. Since it opened in 1892, Reading Terminal Market has offered some of the best food you can find in all of Philly. Check out Flying Monkey, DiNic’s, or Dienner’s. No matter what you get. I am sure you will want to grab seconds to take home.
Choo Choo Barn
Choo Choo Barn is an impressive 1700 SQ. FT. model train layout that is a favorite of kids and adults. What makes this place even better is it is family owned. Check out the Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg.
Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute has been educating people since it was founded in 1824. One of the highlights here is the Giant Heart. It has been an icon since 1954. I remember climbing through it on field trips in the late 80’s. It brought me a lot of joy watching my daughter do the same in the 2010’s.
Rocky Statue/ Art Museum
For me the Art Museum isn’t a must see but the “Rocky” steps and statue are. Any movie fan should easily recognize the Art Museum Steps from the Rocky Movies. Not much has changed since he ran up those steps in the 70’s.
Washington’s Crossing
This small park is the location where General George Washington crossed the Delaware River the night of December 25, 1776.
Sesame Place
A theme park in Langhorne, PA that is themed around the characters from Sesame Street. This theme park is geared towards younger kids but older kids will love the water rides when they are open. This is a great place to take children for their first ride on a roller coaster.
Dutch Wonderland
Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA is another great theme park for younger kids. The rides here are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Hershey Park
It’s not just about the candy at Hershey Park. Here you can thrill your way all day while enjoying 15 different roller coasters, tube and water slides, the Kissing Tower and so much more. There is plenty to do for kids of all ages.
Dorney Park
In Allentown you will find Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom. This theme park is home to seven roller coasters, a kids zone, water park and more. It’s a great way to escape for the day and let loose and have fun.
Kennywood
If you are looking for an attraction that cannot be found anywhere else, Kennywood located near Pittsburgh is your best bet. Besides their claim of several attractions that can only be found there. They have seven roller coasters and a great mix of thrills and classic attractions.
Knoebels
This family-owned amusement park is the largest FREE admission park in the US. That’s right you can visit without paying to enter. However, you will need to purchase tickets to ride the different attractions. Hey, you don’t need to pay to get grandma in like all the other theme parks in the state.
Longwood Gardens
Who doesn’t love the beauty of nature? Longwood Gardens is over 1,077 acres of woodlands and gardens. Take a stroll and stop and smell the roses.
Kinzua Bridge State Park
In Mt Jewett, PA there is an impressive historic railway bridge that had a large piece collapse after being struck by a tornado in 2003. Kinzua Bridge was once the longest and tallest railroad structure.
Cherry Springs State Park
Looking for the darkest spot on the east coast? You found it at Cherry Springs State Park. It is so dark here that under the right conditions you could see the Northern Lights. You won’t find anywhere else around where you can see more stars with the naked eye.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen is one of the most scenic parks in all of the commonwealth. You can find 22 named waterfalls within the park.
Allegheny National Forest
At 500,000 acres, Allegheny National Forest is the only national forest in PA. If you are looking for a unique visit be sure to visit between the first day of summer to the second week of July. Visit at dusk when the fireflies are active and you are sure to be in for a sight.
Austin Dam Memorial Park
Austin Dam was built in 1909 and failed on September 30, 1911 killing 78 people in the town of Austin. The remnants of the dam and a memorial to those who lost their lives are at Austin Dam Memorial Park.
Punxsutawney
It doesn’t have to be groundhogs day to make the trip to Punxsutawney. Phil lives here all year.
Gettysburg
Home to the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Gettysburg is a great place to visit for the history and accomplishment.
Four Squares (Logan, Rittenhouse, Franklin, Washington)
These squares or parks were all the idea of William Penn for his plan for Philadelphia. Each has its own unique feel and is a wonderful open space for the city of Philadelphia.
Horseshoe Curve
Did you know that during World War II Nazi Germany targeted horseshoe curve in Pennsylvania? Horseshoe curve is also designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike
You can walk through a portion of the old Pennsylvania Turnpike outside of Breezewood. In the late 60s the tunnel was bypassed to help ease traffic congestion.
Harrisburg
Harrisburg is the state capital of Pennsylvania. Visit the State Museum of Pennsylvania or the miniature Statue of Liberty. Don’t forget to swing by the state capitol and snap your pic.
Flight 93 Memorial
Never forget what happened on 9/11. This national memorial helps put the pieces together for what happened on that fateful day.
Turkey Hill Experience
Ever wanted to create your own ice cream flavor? At the Turkey Hill experience you can do just that and more.
Betsy Ross House
The house of the famous women who sewed the first American Flag.
The Pagoda
Seven Story Japanese style Pagoda in Reading, PA
Wolf Sanctuary of PA
Family owned sanctuary in Lititz, PA. It’s a great chance to see these beautiful animals up close.
Ringing Rocks
There is a mysterious rock field in Upper Black Eddy, PA where the rocks ring like a bell when hit. Don’t believe us? Go see for yourself.
Hickory Run State Park
There is so much for you to do at this amazing state park. Of course, one of the coolest things to do is travel along the Shades of Death Trail. It’s not what you think. Early settlers give it the name due to the unforgiving Northeastern wilderness.
Penn’s Landing
Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia offers ice skating in the winter, roller skating in the summer and a beautiful walk along the Delaware River anytime of year.
Andy Warhol Museum
The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh is the largest museum dedicated to a single artist in North America.
Eastern State Penitentiary
If you ever wondered where Al Capone lived while in prison you are in luck. For that creep factor check out Eastern State in October when they host Terror behind the walls.
National Toy Train Museum
The National Toy Train Museum in Strasburg has an amazing interactive display.
Fallingwater
Fallingwater is a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright who is the most famous architect from America. So what makes this place so special? The house is constructed over a waterfall. That’s pretty impressive if you ask me.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Forget about the toy trains. The Railroad museum of Pennsylvania is all about the big boys. Inspect the underside of a locomotive. Or view the museum’s collection of over 100 locomotives and railroad cars.
Christmas Village
Koziars Christmas Village in Bernville, PA is only opened around christmas time but it is worth the visit. If you like light displays you are going to fall in love with this place.
Duquesne Incline
This landmark in Pittsburgh climbs 800 ft up Mt Washington and gives you an amazing view of the city.
Presque Isle State Park
Located on the banks of Lake Erie. Presque Isle State Park is Pennsylvania’s only “seashore”. So spend the day at the beach or rent a boat and check out the surrounding area.
Valley Forge
Valley Forge is the site of the winter encampment of the Continental Army in 1777-78. See how the soldiers would have lived or check out the Headquarters of General George Washington.
Pine Creek Gorge
Pine Creek Gorge is known as the PA Grand Canyon. In some spots the depth can right 1,500 feet.
Poconos
The Poconos is a region in northeastern Pennsylvania known for skiing. There are plenty of mountains in the area that offer great places to ski, tube, and snowboard. In the summer you can experience a NASCAR race at the Pocono Raceway. You can also go ziplining, hiking, or whitewater rafting in the area. The possibilities are endless on what you want to do in the Poconos. The poconos are also a great place to visit in the fall when the color of the leaves start to change.
Pennsylvania is truly a beautiful state to visit. With so many places to visit you will need more than a weekend. By no means are these the only places you should visit. This is only a small sample size of where to check out.
Do you live in Pennsylvania and are looking for new places to explore? Are you planning on visiting the commonwealth? Let us know in the comments below.
Looking for more places to visit? Check out these 50 must see places in the North East. We are sure you find at least one place that you will want to check out this year.
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