Pennsylvania isn’t just a place you pass through. It’s where America began, where history meets innovation, and where every season brings something new to explore. From the vibrant streets of Philadelphia to the rolling hills of Amish Country, Pennsylvania offers travelers a mix of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania combines rich American history with modern attractions across diverse regions
- Major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer world-class museums, dining, and sports
- Outdoor adventures await at PA Grand Canyon, state parks, and scenic small towns
- Family-friendly theme parks like Hersheypark and Dorney Park provide thrills all summer long
Ready to explore Pennsylvania? Book your stay with CozySuites and experience comfortable apartments and condos in the heart of the Keystone State.
Explore Philadelphia: Where American History Comes Alive
Philadelphia is the birthplace of America. Walk the same streets as the Founding Fathers and discover why this city remains one of the country’s top destinations.
Independence National Historical Park is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. Admission is free, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art isn’t just about world-class art collections. Run up the famous Rocky Steps, strike a pose with the Rocky Statue, and take in panoramic views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Pro Tip: Visit Independence Hall early in the morning during summer to beat the crowds. Timed entry tickets are required and can be reserved online through the National Park Service.
Philadelphia’s Food Scene
Philadelphia food culture goes beyond cheesesteaks. Reading Terminal Market showcases over 80 vendors serving everything from Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels to authentic Philly roast pork sandwiches.
For the full cheesesteak experience, visit Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks in South Philly. The rivalry has been going strong since the 1960s.
Don’t forget to explore neighborhoods like Fishtown and Rittenhouse Square for James Beard-nominated restaurants and hidden speakeasies.
Discover Pittsburgh: The City of Bridges and Champions
Pittsburgh has transformed from a steel town into a cultural powerhouse. With more bridges than Venice and a skyline that rivals any major city, Pittsburgh offers visitors a perfect blend of history and modern attractions.
The Andy Warhol Museum in the North Shore is the largest museum dedicated to a single artist in America. Explore seven floors of pop art, films, and archives celebrating Pittsburgh’s most famous artist.
Sports fans can catch a game at one of three professional venues. PNC Park (Pirates), PPG Paints Arena (Penguins), and Acrisure Stadium (Steelers) all sit within minutes of Downtown Pittsburgh.
Pro Tip: Pittsburgh hosted the 2026 NFL Draft in April. The city’s North Shore and Downtown areas underwent major improvements, making it even more visitor-friendly.
Pittsburgh’s Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
Lawrenceville is the city’s coolest neighborhood, packed with independent boutiques, craft breweries, and street art. The Strip District comes alive on weekends with fresh produce markets and authentic ethnic food vendors.
Take the Duquesne Incline up Mount Washington for the best skyline view in the world. The historic cable car has been running since 1877.
Central PA: Hershey, Lancaster, and Small Town Charm
Central Pennsylvania is where you’ll discover the state’s sweetest attractions and most authentic cultural experiences.
Hersheypark: The Sweetest Place on Earth
Hersheypark in Hershey is Pennsylvania’s premier amusement park with 15 roller coasters and an entire water park included with admission. The Boardwalk at Hersheypark features water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers perfect for cooling down during summer.
The park’s 2026 Summer Fun Card costs just $99 and grants unlimited visits all summer long. Hersheypark opens for the season in spring and operates through fall, with special events like Hersheypark in the Dark for Halloween.
ZooAmerica, an 11-acre wildlife park, is connected to Hersheypark and included with your ticket. Meet North American animals like black bears, bald eagles, and river otters.
Lancaster: Amish Country and Farmland Beauty
Lancaster County offers a glimpse into Pennsylvania Dutch culture and simpler times. Drive through rolling farmland where Amish families still travel by horse and buggy.
Visit working farms, shop for handmade quilts, and enjoy authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. The region is especially beautiful during fall when the leaves change color and harvest season brings fresh produce to roadside stands.
Strasburg Rail Road offers scenic train rides through Amish farmland. Kids and train enthusiasts love the vintage steam locomotives and themed rides.
PA Grand Canyon: Pennsylvania’s Natural Wonder
The PA Grand Canyon, also known as Pine Creek Gorge, is one of Pennsylvania’s most breathtaking natural attractions. Located in Tioga County, this 47-mile gorge reaches depths of nearly 1,450 feet.
Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park offer stunning overlooks on opposite rims of the canyon. Both parks feature hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes.
The Pine Creek Rail Trail follows the canyon floor for 62 miles, perfect for biking and walking. The trail passes through tunnels and offers close-up views of the creek and surrounding wilderness.
Pro Tip: Visit PA Grand Canyon in October for peak fall foliage. The combination of vibrant autumn colors and dramatic canyon views creates unforgettable photo opportunities.
Theme Parks and Family Fun
Pennsylvania is home to some of the best amusement parks in the Northeast.
Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom
Dorney Park in Allentown combines classic rides with modern thrills. The park features over 60 attractions spread across two parks.
Wildwater Kingdom is one of the Northeast’s largest water parks, included with Dorney Park admission. Cool off on water slides like Python Plummet or float along Wildwater River.
Dorney Park opens May 8, 2026, for the summer season. The park offers Free Pre-K Passes for children ages 3-5 through May 31, 2026 (valid season pass required for adults).
More Family Attractions
Sesame Place in Langhorne brings Elmo and friends to life with kid-sized rides and water attractions. Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg offers free admission with classic wooden roller coasters and old-fashioned charm.
Idlewild & SoakZone near Pittsburgh is perfect for younger children, featuring Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood of Make-Believe and Story Book Forest.
Outdoor Adventures and State Parks
Pennsylvania’s 121 state parks offer endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
Top State Parks to Visit
| Park Name | Location | Best For | Season |
| Ricketts Glen State Park | Northeast PA | 22 named waterfalls, hiking | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Presque Isle State Park | Erie | Beach activities, Lake Erie access | Summer |
| Ohiopyle State Park | Laurel Highlands | White water rafting, bike trails | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Cherry Springs State Park | Potter County | Stargazing (Dark Sky Park) | Year-round |
Ricketts Glen State Park features the Falls Trail, a 7.2-mile loop past 22 waterfalls. The most impressive is Ganoga Falls, which drops 94 feet.
Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie offers sandy beaches and water sports. The park is free to visit and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Small Towns Worth Discovering
Pennsylvania’s small towns offer authentic charm and unique attractions often overlooked by tourists.
Jim Thorpe: The Switzerland of America
Jim Thorpe nestles in the Pocono Mountains with Victorian architecture and outdoor recreation. Ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway or go white water rafting on the Lehigh River.
The town’s historic district features galleries, antique shops, and restaurants in beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings.
New Hope and Peddler’s Village
New Hope along the Delaware River is known for art galleries, theaters, and the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad. Cross the river to explore Washington Crossing Historic Park, where George Washington crossed the Delaware.
Peddler’s Village in nearby Lahaska offers 60-plus shops, restaurants, and seasonal festivals spread across 42 acres of colonial-style buildings.
Gettysburg: Civil War History
Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the site of the Civil War’s most famous battle. Tour the battlefield, visit the museum, and see where Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.
The town of Gettysburg offers ghost tours, historic bed and breakfasts, and reenactments throughout the year.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Pennsylvania’s event calendar stays packed year-round with festivals celebrating everything from food to culture.
Spring in Pennsylvania
April brings the Philadelphia Flower Show, America’s largest indoor flower show. The event transforms the Pennsylvania Convention Center into a blooming wonderland.
The Penn Relays at University of Pennsylvania is the oldest and largest track and field competition in America, attracting athletes from around the world each April.
Summer Concerts and Festivals
Musikfest in Bethlehem is one of the nation’s largest free music festivals, featuring over 500 performances across 10 days each August.
Philadelphia hosts the Roots Picnic in June, bringing together hip-hop and R&B artists for a day-long celebration. The city also hosts Wawa Welcome America from late June through July 4th, featuring free concerts and the nation’s largest free July 4th fireworks show.
Fall Foliage and Harvest Season
Pennsylvania’s fall foliage peaks in mid to late October. Drive scenic routes through the Laurel Highlands or visit Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square for stunning autumn displays.
Harvest festivals pop up across the state, celebrating apple cider, pumpkins, and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions.
Winter Festivities
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane transforms the park with millions of lights and holiday shows. Longwood Gardens features its spectacular Christmas light display with over 500,000 lights.
Philadelphia’s Christmas Village brings German holiday traditions to LOVE Park with vendors selling handcrafted gifts and warm beverages.
Museums and Culture
Pennsylvania’s museums rival those in any major American city.
Philadelphia Museums
The Franklin Institute makes science fun with hands-on exhibits, a walk-through heart, and a planetarium. The museum regularly hosts traveling exhibitions.
The Barnes Foundation houses one of the world’s finest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. The collection includes works by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse.
The National Constitution Center is the only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. Interactive exhibits bring the founding document to life.
Pittsburgh’s Cultural Institutions
The Carnegie Museums include four separate museums under one umbrella. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History features dinosaur fossils and gemstone collections. The Carnegie Museum of Art showcases contemporary and classical works.
The Senator John Heinz History Center tells Pittsburgh’s story through six floors of exhibits covering everything from steel production to sports championships.
State College and University Culture
State College, home to Penn State University, offers college town energy with Big Ten athletics and cultural events.
Beaver Stadium hosts over 100,000 fans for Penn State Nittany Lions football games. The atmosphere on game days is electric, with tailgating and school spirit filling the town.
The Palmer Museum of Art on campus features free admission and a collection spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Explore nearby caves at Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park, America’s only all-water cavern tour.
Erie and the PA Great Lakes Region
Erie sits on the shores of Lake Erie, offering beaches, maritime history, and fresh lake breezes.
Presque Isle State Park provides 11 miles of sandy beaches and nature trails. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or bikes to explore the peninsula.
The Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara tell the story of the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Tour the reconstructed warship that Commodore Perry commanded.
Waldameer Park & Water World combines a traditional amusement park with a water park. Admission is free, with ride tickets available for purchase.
Pennsylvania Dutch Country Treats
Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine is comfort food at its finest.
Shoo-fly pie, a molasses-based dessert, is a regional specialty found in Lancaster County bakeries. Whoopie pies (chocolate cake sandwiches with cream filling) originated in Pennsylvania Amish communities.
Sample Lebanon bologna, a tangy smoked sausage, and scrapple, a traditional breakfast meat. Visit Pennsylvania Dutch farmers markets for fresh-baked goods, preserves, and handmade crafts.
Where to Stay in Pennsylvania
CozySuites offers comfortable apartments and condos in key Pennsylvania cities including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Our properties provide the comfort of home with hotel-standard amenities, perfect for business travelers and families alike.
All CozySuites properties feature full kitchens, spacious living areas, and convenient locations near top attractions. Book directly for the best rates and exceptional guest service.
FAQ
What are the best things to do in Pennsylvania with kids?
Pennsylvania offers fantastic family activities including Hersheypark with its chocolate-themed rides and water park, the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia designed for children under seven, and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. State parks like Presque Isle provide beaches and nature programs. Many attractions offer free admission for young children, making Pennsylvania budget-friendly for families.
When is the best time to visit Pennsylvania?
The best time to visit Pennsylvania depends on your interests. Spring (April through May) brings mild weather and blooming gardens. Summer (June through August) is perfect for water parks, outdoor concerts, and festivals. Fall (September through October) offers spectacular foliage and harvest celebrations. Winter brings holiday lights and indoor museums without crowds.
What makes the PA Grand Canyon special?
The PA Grand Canyon, officially known as Pine Creek Gorge, stretches 47 miles through North Central Pennsylvania with canyon walls reaching nearly 1,450 feet deep. Unlike its Arizona namesake, this canyon is covered in lush forests that explode with color each fall. Visitors can hike rim trails, bike the Pine Creek Rail Trail along the canyon floor, or simply take in views from scenic overlooks at Leonard Harrison State Park.
Where can I experience authentic Pennsylvania Dutch culture?
Lancaster County is the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, where Amish and Mennonite communities maintain traditional lifestyles. Visit working farms, shop at farmers markets for homemade goods, and dine on authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. The town of Intercourse and nearby Strasburg offer buggy rides, quilt shops, and cultural experiences. Respect the Amish by not photographing individuals without permission.
What are the must-see museums in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s top museums include the Philadelphia Museum of Art with its world-class collection and iconic steps, The Franklin Institute for interactive science exhibits, and the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. The National Constitution Center offers engaging American history exhibits. The Barnes Foundation houses Impressionist masterpieces. Many smaller museums like the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and Mercer Museum offer unique specialized collections.
How do I get around Pennsylvania’s cities without a car?
Philadelphia offers excellent public transportation through SEPTA, including subways, buses, and regional rail. The city is also very walkable in Center City and surrounding neighborhoods. Pittsburgh provides bus service through Port Authority and two historic inclines for reaching Mount Washington. However, exploring Pennsylvania’s rural areas, small towns, and state parks requires a car for maximum flexibility and convenience.
