Beautiful and historic, Pennsylvania attracts visitors from around the world to experience its famed sights, from the old bell towers of Philadelphia and the sandy shores of Lake Erie to the rolling hills of Amish country. Explore this vast state on a private or small-group tour to take in all the adventure. Step onto a hop-on hop-off bus tour to get your bearings, stop at your favorite spots, then rejoin the tour later. Trace the footsteps of the Founding Fathers on a walking tour of Philadelphia's Old City with a local guide. Follow this up with a brewery tour of the city's burgeoning food and drink culture. Foodies will want to pair wine and chocolate by touring vineyards and Hershey's Chocolate World outside of Philadelphia. Or meet the artisans behind German clocks, antique violins, and some of the country's favorite pretzels and potato chips on factory tours in areas that highlight Pennsylvania's traditional roots. Adventure-seekers will love rafting and hiking excursions in the Poconos, while history buffs should check out tours of Independence Hall, Gettysburg, and the Amish country in Lancaster County. Guided tours bundle multiple destinations into a single day, letting you see it all in a short amount of time. Get ready to explore Pennsylvania by foot, bike, Segway, cruise boat, double-decker bus, and even a horse-drawn carriage—just like the olden days.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Pennsylvania. From Fourth of July celebrations to the delights of baseball season to weather that makes a Poconos lake retreat especially inviting, the season offers many things to do in the Keystone State. But, if you'd rather bypass the crowds that come with the heat, aim for spring: the flowers in Longwood Gardens will be at their peak, while family-friendly attractions like Hersheypark theme park will be less hectic.
Pennsylvania’s two major hubs, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, are both served by international airports, by major Amtrak train stations (30th Street Station in the former, Union Station in the latter), by numerous bus lines, and by their own metropolitan transit systems. To get around the state, use mainline trains or bus services like Greyhound, which also link to smaller cities like Allentown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Erie, and Scranton.
Pennsylvania is largely landlocked, and it’s easy to forget that the state’s northwest corner shares 77 miles (124 kilometers) of border with Lake Erie. To experience for yourself the charm of this Great Lake, head to the city of Erie, where you can explore Presque Isle State Park and experience the only surf swimming within the state. Afterward, enjoy waterfront views from the Bicentennial Tower.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 97 | Tours 379 | Reviews 22,390 |
Yes, there are lots of fun things to do in Pennsylvania. Major hubs like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer historical landmarks, world-class museums and restaurants, and big-name sports teams. Hersheypark is popular with families, while outdoorsy destinations like the Pocono Mountains and the Lake Erie waterfront offer plenty of recreational activities.
...MorePhiladelphia’s Independence National Historical Park—home to historic icons such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall—is Pennsylvania’s most-visited tourist destination. But it’s not the only thing to do in Philadelphia. Other highlights include Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia Museum of Art (and its Rocky statue), and Rittenhouse Square shopping district.
...MorePennsylvania is known for its history. The state was one of the original 13 colonies, and Philadelphia was an early national capital. It’s known for its Civil War heritage (including the Gettysburg National Military Park), for cultural destinations like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and for its sports teams.
...MorePennsylvania boasts many scenic spots, from Allegheny National Forest and Pocono Mountains to the Appalachian Trail. Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater is in southwestern Pennsylvania, while the Pine Creek Gorge (known as the PA Grand Canyon), part of Tioga State Forest, is located in the northern part of the state.
...MoreYes, Pennsylvania is worth visiting, no matter what kind of traveler you are. Those interested in history and culture should visit Philadelphia, while sports fans can get their jollies in Philly and Pittsburgh. Shoppers can head to the enormous King of Prussia Mall, and nature lovers should visit the Poconos.
...MoreThere are so many things unique to the Keystone State, from Philadelphia and its historical landmarks —including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Philadelphia Museum of Art—to Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater. There are the sweet delights of Hershey’s Chocolate World to Amish history and culture in Lancaster County.
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