Pennsylvania
Know Before You Go
📅 Best Time to Visit
The most appealing times to visit Pennsylvania are late spring (May–June) and fall (late September–October). Spring brings mild weather and blooming landscapes without peak summer crowds, while fall delivers spectacular foliage, particularly in the Allegheny Mountains and northern forests. Summer is popular for families and outdoor recreation but can be humid, especially in the southeast. Winter can be charming in mountain and small-town settings, but expect cold temperatures and occasional snow disruptions.
🧭 Regions of the State
Pennsylvania divides naturally into several travel regions. Southeastern Pennsylvania centers on Philadelphia and the historic Brandywine Valley. South Central Pennsylvania is known for Gettysburg and Amish Country around Lancaster. Western Pennsylvania revolves around Pittsburgh and the Laurel Highlands. The Pocono Mountains in the northeast attract outdoor enthusiasts and resort travelers. Finally, The Pennsylvania Wilds in the north-central region offers remote forests, dark skies, and wildlife viewing. Each region has a distinct personality, so most first-time visitors focus on one or two areas rather than the entire state.
💰 Budget Friendly Tips
Accommodations: When staying in big cities, rely on travel points to avoid paying for expensive hotel rooms. Otherwise, choose less expensive hotels outside of city center but near metro stations. That way you can get to the city quickly and avoid paying the higher prices.
Transportation: Use public transit in the bigger cities. Paying to park can be quite expensive
Food: To offset the cost of food, choose an accommodation with a kitchen and only eat out for one meal a day
Activities: Pennsylvania is plenty of low cost and free activities throughout. Take time exploring Pennsylvania’s state parks by hiking, or viewing scenic areas like the Poconos or Laurel Highlands. Also, check the local chamber of commerce websites for free events and, in some cases, free museum days.
⚠️ Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make
- Driving Distractions: Pennsylvania has strict laws against using handheld mobile devices while driving, even at red lights.
- Safety in Philadelphia: Avoid walking in deserted, dark areas at night, do not leave valuables in cars, and be cautious in areas like Kensington.
- Book Ahead: For popular attractions, especially in Philadelphia, book tickets in advance.
🚗 Best Way to Experience This State
While in Pennsylvania, rent a car for statewide exploration and rely on public transit within major cities. The state is large and geographically diverse, so driving gives you flexibility to reach rural areas like the Pennsylvania Wilds and Amish Country. In cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, public transportation is efficient and parking can be expensive, making trains, buses, and rideshares practical. Amtrak’s Keystone and Pennsylvanian lines are useful for travel between major urban centers. For a well-rounded trip, many visitors fly into Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, explore the surrounding region by car, then return the vehicle when spending time in the cities.
⏱️ How Long You Really Need
Pennsylvania is full of so much beauty and history that to really see the state, you would need a good 3 weeks. However, if visiting a specific city such as Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Hershey, or Gettysburg, you could do it in a long weekend.
My rule of thumb is to plan 3-4 days for each area or city you plan to visit, then add one extra day for traveling between.
🌟 Worth the Hype (Iconic Experiences)
- Independence National Historical Park(Philadelphia)
- Gettysburg National Military Park (Gettysburg)
- Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia)
- Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia)
- Hersheypark & Chocolate World (Hershey)
💎 Hidden Gems We Loved (Less Crowded, Equally Memorable)
- Ricketts Glen State Park (Benton)
- PA Route 6: A scenic drive often highlighted as a top road trip route
- Watkins Glen State Park
Nature Lovers
- Ricketts Glen State Park (waterfall hiking)
- Pocono Mountains (year-round outdoor recreation)
- Cherry Springs State Park (elite stargazing)
- Allegheny National Forest (kayaking, wildlife, fall color)
Ohiopyle State Park (rafting and scenic trails)
🧪🏛️ Science & History Lovers
- Independence Hall and Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- The Franklin Institute (hands-on science museum)
- Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh
- Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (Strasburg)
- Eastern State Penitentiary
😌 Relaxers
- The Lodge at Woodloch (luxury spa retreat)
- Omni Bedford Springs Resort
- Pocono Mountains lake resorts
- Jim Thorpe historic downtown strolls
Brandywine Valley countryside drives
👨👩👧👦 Families with Children
- Hersheypark
- Dutch Wonderland (ideal for younger kids)
- Please Touch Museum (Philadelphia)
- Crayola Experience (Easton)
- Strasburg Rail Road steam train rides
- Sesame Place (Philadelphia)
🎬 Filming Location Enthusiasts
- Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Punxsutawney (Groundhog Day filming tie-ins)
- Pittsburgh filming locations (The Dark Knight Rises, etc.)
- Eastern State Penitentiary (featured in many productions)
Wanamaker Building interior (film appearances)
🌄 Scenery Lovers
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Pine Creek Gorge (Pennsylvania Grand Canyon)
- Mount Washington overlook in Pittsburgh
- Laurel Highlands scenic drives
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary viewpoints