Pennsylvania Vacation Planner

2024 Pennsylvania Visitors Guide

Pennsylvania is home to everything from metropolitan life in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to the wilds of the Allegheny Plateau. Philadelphia is the birthplace of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, giving the area a wealth of historic attractions. History and the colonial era are further represented in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren communities live a plain, pious lifestyle. Pittsburgh is known for its professional sports and is found at the confluence of three rivers: the Monongahela, the Allegheny, and the Ohio Rivers.

Much of Pennsylvania’s landscape is defined by the rocky crags of the Allegheny, Appalachian, Endless and Pocono mountain ranges, the latter famous for its summer and winter resorts. Scattered amongst Pennsylvania’s natural environment are attractions related to the once-lucrative coal mining industry as well as a number of covered bridges, one of the state’s more revered attractions. Lake Erie also laps the shores of northwest Pennsylvania, offering aquatic and other wilderness attractions.

Allegheny Plateau Visitors Guide

Found in north-central Pennsylvania, the Allegheny Plateau is the largest natural region in the state and refers to the geography created by the formation of the Allegheny Mountains. Prominent towns in this part of the state include Warren, Bradford, and Clearfield, each offering a choice of accommodations, restaurants, and other traveler services. A number of trails cut through the Allegheny Plateau, resulting in several popular hikes that reveal some of Pennsylvania’s remaining wilderness. Wildlife abounds in the area, allowing visitors the opportunity to glimpse one of the famous elk herds or the plethora of deer in the area.

Appalachian Mountains Visitors Guide

The Appalachians in Pennsylvania are located east of the Alleghenies in the south-central part of the state. Offering a wide range of outdoor attractions and activities, visitors to the area also enjoy a considerable amount of history, with several museums dedicated to the coal mining that once dominated this part of Pennsylvania. Huntingdon, Burnham, and Lewistown are three prominent towns in the area, providing guests with lodging, restaurants, shopping, and more. In Huntingdon, the local Arts Council organizes a variety of shows and exhibits throughout the year for visitors and residents to enjoy. Juniata College in Huntingdon also provides a venue for concerts and also offers a comprehensive liberal arts program for area students.

Endless Mountains Visitors Guide

The Endless Mountains can be found just west of the Pocono Mountain Range in Northeastern Pennsylvania. With a variety of outdoor activities available to guests, accommodations and services in this area of the state cater to visitors seeking hiking, biking and camping vacations. History is woven among the natural attractions in the Endless Mountains, with many local 19th-century buildings still intact and available for tours. The ghost town of Celestia is another popular attraction in the Endless Mountain area, featuring a self-guided tour of the remnants of a community built in the mid-1800s. Visitors to the town of Wysox can see the Standing Stone, a monolith jutting 25 feet (7.6 m) above the Susquehanna River and a popular local landmark.

Pocono Mountains Visitors Guide

The Pocono Mountains region, also known as The Poconos, is a year-round destination. Summer months call guests to the numerous mountain and lake resorts that abound in this region. Summer activities include camping, hiking and whitewater rafting. In winter, visitors come for skiing at downhill resorts that offer a little of something for everyone, from beginners to experts, for skiers and snowboarders. Guests escape to Big Pocono State Park and Mauch Chunk Lake Park to refresh from the daily grind of the city. The larger centers in the area include the town of Jim Thorpe, named for the Native American sports hero who is buried there, and the borough of Stroudsburg. Festivals to visit while in the area include the Milford Music Festival and the Wildflower Music Festival (June), the Poconos Blues Festival (July) and the Jazz and Arts Festival (September).

Pennsylvania Dutch Country Visitors Guide

The Pennsylvania Dutch Country is known for its rich farmland and the unique lifestyle of its locals. Many inhabitants of the area have held on to their ancestors’ way of life. This is apparent in their clothing and work habits. These groups of people are commonly known as The Plain People, due to their simplistic and Bible-centered lifestyle. Religious communities in the area are Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren amongst others. The Amish Farm and House in the town of Lancaster offer visitors the opportunity to understand the manner in which the local Pennsylvania Dutch residents live. Located southwest of Lancaster is the town of Gettysburg, which is known for its major role in American history. In 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg took place and resulted in a large loss of life. To commemorate the deceased, the Gettysburg National Cemetery was built on the battleground. Today, the battlefield has been preserved by the National Park Service and is known as the National Military Park, which features monuments, markers and statues.

Susquehanna Valley Visitors Guide

The Susquehanna Valley, located in central Pennsylvania, offers an escape into an exciting rural environment that is full of attractions for the whole family. Discover quaint covered bridges, as there are over two dozen in this region, or take a trip down the Susquehanna River by kayak or raft. At Knoebels Amusement Resort, between Bloomsburg and Shamokin, go for an adrenalin rush on their thrill rides, such as rollercoasters The Twister and The Phoenix, or flutters of excitement on the family and kiddie rides. In Bloomsburg, visit the Children’s Museum, with its numerous hands-on exhibits, or take in the annual September Bloomsburg Fair, with its exhibits, concerts, and fireworks. Other centers to visit in the area are Berwick, Sunbury, and Mount Carmel, one of the first towns in the world to have electric streetlights.

Popular Destinations in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Visitors Guide

Home to the largest inland port in the United States, the Pittsburgh area is a gateway to the 9,000-mile (14,500-kilometer) system of waterways that run throughout the United States. The proliferation of waterways necessitated the construction of bridges, making it virtually impossible to travel anywhere in Allegheny County without crossing at least one span. The city of Pittsburgh is also home to several museums and art institutions dedicated to the advancement of American popular culture, including the Carnegie Centers for Natural History, Art and Science. Neighboring Westmoreland County is home to several historical attractions in addition to significant agricultural production. Outdoor activities are integral to the Greater Pittsburgh experience, including hiking, biking and more along the miles of trails available in the area. Antique stores are common in the area as well, adding to the historic feel of Greater Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh is a city known for its culture, history, and accessibility. Three rivers—the Monogahela, Allegheny, and Ohio—converge in the city, making it a natural trading center. The natural attractions set the stage for a number of outdoor activities. The Pittsburgh parks system includes more than 10 green spaces and a host of trails for recreational purposes. Architecture is another draw for visitors to Pittsburgh, with examples of buildings designed by such structural luminaries as Frank Lloyd Wright and Philip Johnson adorning the city. Visitors who are intrigued by art are sure to enjoy the Andy Warhol Museum. The museum is dedicated to the life and work of Andy Warhol, which makes it the largest single-artist museum in the world.

Philadelphia Visitors Guide

The Greater Philadelphia area includes the densely populated city of Philadelphia as well as Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware and Chester Counties. Nationally recognized as the birthplace of the United States, Philadelphia features a number of attractions and activities related to the Declaration of Independence, which was originally signed in the city. Upper Darby is located just 20 minutes from Philadelphia, offering a number of accommodations, restaurants, shopping and more within convenient distance to the amenities of a metropolitan city. Outdoor activities abound in this area as well, from carriage rides in Philadelphia to outdoor theatre in nearby West Chester. History is a major draw for visitors to the area, with towns such as Coatesville featuring historic sites and a number of antique opportunities. The National Iron and Steel Museum can also be found in Coatesville, dedicated to the history of the iron industry in Chester County.

Philadelphia is nationally recognized as the birthplace of the United States. The Declaration of Independence was signed and created in Philadelphia and this is reflected in many of the city’s attractions and buildings. Activities in Philadelphia consist of various outdoor pursuits, such as the horse-drawn carriage rides provided by the Philadelphia Carriage Company. In memory of Benjamin Franklin, the city of Philadelphia erected the Franklin Institute Science Museum, which is perfect for anyone interested in geography, astronomy, physics or computers. A collection of warplanes can be seen at the Mid Atlantic Air Museum. Among the collection of planes are a number of award-winning warbirds. Without a doubt, the biggest attraction in Philadelphia is the Liberty Bell. Visitors can also visit the Liberty Bell Museum in Allentown to see a full-sized replica of the Liberty Bell.

Gettysburg, PA Visitors Guide

Gettysburg is famous for the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) during the American Civil War and the subsequent Gettysburg Address given by President Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can take in the rich civil war history at Gettysburg National Cemetery, the War Photography Center, the Civil War Headquarters Museum, and National Military Park Gettysburg. Also open in Gettysburg is the Eisenhower National Historic Site. The home of the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and his wife, this site hosted world leaders, served as a retreat and was the base for an active retirement. Other attractions in this region are the Land of Little Horses and the surrounding Pennsylvania Dutch Country.