Pennsylvania

✨ Things to Do

Pennsylvania has it all. That includes natural serenity, urban adventure, and historical sites.

• Longwood Gardens – A vibrant, curated wonderland of flowers and fauna. About an hour’s drive from Philadelphia. 
• Reading Terminal Market – This historic indoor market has vendors serving up cuisine from all over the world. It’s one of the best things to do in Philadelphia. 
• Valley Forge National Historical Park – 3,500 acres of monuments and parkland. The park commemorates the Revolutionary War and the Continental Army. 
• Cherry Springs State Park – The darkest skies make way for the best stargazing in the state. You may even spot planets and meteor showers. 
• Fallingwater – Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural wonder built to honor the natural landscape. Located in Fayette County.

🗺️ Where to Stay

There are endless choices of where to stay in Pennsylvania. Whether you prefer a city vacation, a small-town vibe, or camping in the forest, you’ll find your perfect destination.

• Philadelphia – The most popular destination for tourists in Pennsylvania is a great place to stay. Mountains and beaches are a day trip away. 
• New Hope – A scenic small town along the Delaware River in eastern PA. New Hope has cute shops, restaurants, and theatre. 
• Allegheny National Forest – Northwestern PA is home to the state’s only national forest. You can hike, fish, ride an ATV, and enjoy a scenic drive.
• Laurel Highlands – A mountainous region in southwestern PA. Known for its many historical sites, amusement parks, and state parks. 
• Pittsburgh – An affordable city with lots to do. Attractions include the Carnegie Museums and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden.

🛎️ Best Hotels

Pennsylvania has accommodations for every style and budget. Here are a few of the more unique stays you’ll find throughout the state. 

• Nemacolin – Luxury retreat in Farmington, PA. Includes hotels, lodges, high-end private homes, and endless amenities. 
• The Rittenhouse Hotel – Picturesque 5-star hotel beside Philadelphia’s gorgeous Rittenhouse Square. Spa on-site with steam room and sauna. 
• Glasbern – Formerly a 19th-century farm. This historic Lehigh Valley hotel offers complimentary breakfast and farm-to-table fine dining.
• The Mansion at Noble Lane – A Black-owned luxe resort on a historic 20th century, 22-acre estate in Bethany, PA. Offers all the amenities. 
• Omni William Penn Hotel – One of Pittsburgh’s finest hotels providing 1-3 bedroom suites. Enjoy the tearoom with live jazz during your stay.

🚗 Best Road Trips

Pennsylvania’s state and national forests make it an excellent place for a road trip! If you have the time, make sure to take the scenic route.

• Ghost Town Trail – This 46-mile drive in western PA will take through the state’s abandoned towns. Each has its own mysterious history.
• Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail – 16 different vineyards and wineries on one trail. Pick a designated driver so you can fully enjoy the tastings!
• The Appalachian Trail – You can start this famous and scenic route at the Delaware Water Gap and drive south to Pennsylvania Dutch Country. 
• Jim Thorpe to New Hope – An hour and 45-minute drive will take you from one quaint small town to another in eastern PA. 
• Somerset County driving tour – This 3.5-hour route crosses four historic bridges and the Mt. Davis Observation Tower. Visit in the fall when the foliage is most captivating.

🏕️ Best Campsites

I go camping at least a couple of times every summer. These sites are some of my favorites, from backpacking sites to those with RV hookups.

• Ricketts Glen State Park – Comfortable campground for tents and RVs. The Falls Trail is nearby where you’ll hike alongside 21 different waterfalls. 
• Leonard Harrison State Park – This campground provides easy access to the stunning Pine Creek Gorge. The waterfalls along the Turkey Path are nearby.
• Delaware Water Gap – Several campgrounds with forest and river tent sites. Wildlife is abundant in this conservation area. 
• Allegheny National Forest Campgrounds – You’ll find accommodations for every experience level of camper. There are bare-bones sites and those with water and electric hook-ups. 
• Loyalsock State Forest – Beautiful trails, creeks, and waterfalls wind through the many campsite options.

🦇 Best Caves

There are many caves to explore across Pennsylvania through guided walking and boat tours. Both allow you to witness unique geological formations.

• Crystal Cave – Located in Kutztown in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This cave has rock formations over a half-million years old. 
• Lost River Caverns – Natural limestone cavern in Hellertown, PA. Knowledgeable guides offer walking tours, and there’s a small museum on site.
• Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park – Take a boat tour through the limestone cavern. Then, visit the wildlife park by bus tour to see elk, wolves, and more.
• Echo Dell Indian Echo Caverns – A living cave where the limestone formations continue to grow. Once used by the Susquehannocks as living quarters. 
• Coral Caverns – A hidden gem in Bedford County, PA. Once underwater, it features fossilized, 420 million-year-old coral in the caves.

🎢 Best Theme Parks

Try out the roller coasters and water rides at these amusement parks across the state. You’re sure to scream your head off and squeal with joy!

• Hersheypark – One of the largest amusement parks in PA. Has rides for all ages, a waterpark, and Hershey’s Chocolate World!
• Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom – Get two parks for the price of one. Admission includes over 75 rides, shows, and kid-friendly attractions. 
• Sesame Place – A wonderland for children under 10 years old. Rides and characters are based on the classic children’s show Sesame Street.
• Kennywood – The best amusement park in southwestern PA. Offers thrill rides, kiddie rides, shows, and seasonal attractions. 
• Waldameer and Water World – Right on the shore of Lake Erie. The park has over 75 rides and free admission to the park with a pay-per-ride option.

🖼️ Best Museums

Each of Pennsylvania’s largest cities has an incredible assortment of museums. You’ll find gems in small towns and rural areas as well.

• National Constitution Center – Dedicated to education and debate on the U.S. Constitution. Located in Philadelphia, where the Constitution was signed.
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – Grandiose architecture gives way to a collection of fine art from different eras.
• Brandywine Museum of Art – These beautiful grounds include nature conservation. The museum hosts a 20th-century fine art collection. 
• The Carnegie Museums – Pittsburgh’s natural history museum, fine art museum, and contemporary art museum are all worth a visit.
• Bicycle Heaven – The world’s largest bicycle museum located in Pittsburgh. The shop sells antiques, collectibles, and rare parts.

👉 Tips & Things to Know

• 🥪 – Cheesesteaks Aren’t Always the Best – Yes, the Philly cheesesteak is famous…I find they’re not worth the hype. There are many other delicious options!
• 🌿 – Explore Beyond the Cities – Pennsylvania’s cities have a lot to offer. The Poconos, Appalachian Mountains, and other rural areas are must-sees as well.
• 🌧️ – Weather is Unpredictable – Weather across the seasons can be unpredictable, now even more so with climate change. Plan for varying temps. 
• 🏙️ – Consider an East Coast Tour – East Coast cities are neighbors! New York, Baltimore, and D.C. are all a short drive or bus ride away from Philly.
• ⛰️ – Plan for Spotty Cell Reception – If you’re driving through rural areas, download Google Maps offline ahead. This comes in handy in case of weak reception.

🧳 What to Pack

• 🧥 ​​– Layers – Weather can be unpredictable on the East Coast, and Pennsylvania is no exception. 
• 💧 – Water Bottle – It’s always a good idea to stay hydrated while traveling. Why pay when you can prepare?
• 👟 – Comfortable Shoes – Whether you’re in a city or out in nature, you’ll want comfortable walking shoes so you can go the distance.
• 💊 – Allergy Meds – Between pollen and poor city air quality, if you’re prone to allergies, it’s best to prepare for the worst. 
• 📱 – Portable Phone Charger – A crucial travel item for any destination! This can save you in a pinch since we all rely on our phones.

🤓 Facts & Info

• Population – 12.96 million
• Capital – Harrisburg
• Largest Metro Areas – Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown
• Time Zone – EST Time (UTC -5 / UTC -4 during daylight savings)
• Airports – Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), University Park Airport (UNV), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP)
• Colleges & Universities – University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Swarthmore College, Penn State, Lehigh University
• Nickname – The Keystone State, Pennsyltucky, Birthplace of America
• Demonynm – Pennsylvanian
• USPS Abbreviation – PA
• Governor – Josh Shapiro (Democrat)
• Country – United States of America

💵 Costs & Budgeting

• MERIC Cost of Living State Rank – 27th most affordable 
• 3 Star Hotel Room – $100-$200/night
• 1 Bedroom Apartment Rental – $50-$250/night
• Rental Car – $40-$160/day
• Public Transit Ticket – ~$2.50-$7.00
• Take Out Meal for Two – $30
• Sit Down Dinner for Two – $25-$100
• Draft Beer – $8