13 Finest Issues To Do In Pennsylvania – Hand Baggage Solely

Tucked away within the northeast of the USA, Pennsylvania is an unimaginable (and fairly straightforward) state to go to. With good transport hyperlinks between New York Metropolis and different main cities on the East Coast, it’s the sort of state that’s effectively price exploring while on a visit across the US. Not solely that, there are such a lot of of the perfect issues to do in Pennsylvania dotted all throughout the state.

Now, you’ll be able to simply spend weeks exploring wider Pennsylvania, however most of us don’t have that luxurious. Nonetheless, don’t assume you’ll be able to’t see a few of the prime locations in Pennsylvania, even on a shorter journey.

So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to to Pennsylvania, check out some iconic spots you don’t need to miss. Have the perfect time in the USA.

1.) Laurel Highlands

Nestled within the southwest area of Pennsylvania, the Laurel Highlands is a fantastic area to go to. Simply reached in a couple of hours by automobile from Pittsburgh, visiting is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Pennsylvania in case you’re on a wider highway journey of the East Coast.

Now, the area is fairly huge, which implies there are fairly a couple of completely different spots to discover. As an illustration, we completely liked visiting Stewarton Falls. It’s proper on the fringes of Ohiopyle State Park and very easy to go to. Now, a go to right here will take round quarter-hour, until you’re following one of many trails across the park on a hike.

Afterwards, head on over to Fallingwater, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Sure, the excursions is usually a little expensive nevertheless it’s actually effectively price it, particularly in case you’re keen on his structure and the constructing itself.

Alternatively, you’ll be able to head over to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kentuck Knob, that’s one other historic dwelling that was constructed not too distant. Visits take round 60 minutes and are completely straightforward in case you’re already driving round Pennsylvania.

Lastly, be sure to go to the Laurel Caverns that are so spectacular to see. They’re Pennsylvannia’s largest cave system and effectively price visiting to go inside.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Pittsburgh

2.) Raymondskill Falls

Proper on the state border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Raymondskill Falls is straightforward to go to in case you’re passing via the city of Milford.

As soon as right here, make sure you head out mountain climbing on a few of the trails that crisscross this stunning space of Pennsylvania. We liked the Pittman Orchard McDade Path and the cliff or waterfall trails that each one begin simply off Raymondskill Highway. Right here is the trailhead on Google Maps.

Afterwards, you’ll be able to head additional south to Dingmans Falls. It may be simply reached from this automobile parking level and is so price seeing in case you’re already on this space of Pennsylvania.

3.) Philadelphia

Philadelphia is one among Pennsylvania’s greatest cities to go to. It’s a metropolis that’s steeped in historical past and effectively price visiting for a couple of days journey.

As soon as right here, be sure to go to Independence Nationwide Historic Park. In reality, it’s probably the most historic websites in the USA, the place the Declaration of Independence was signed. Additionally it is the very place the place the Structure was drafted.

After arriving, you’ll be able to take a tour of the historic Independence Corridor and Congress Corridor. Not solely that, you’ll be capable of see Franklin Court docket, Outdated Metropolis Corridor, and different websites the place the modern-day United States was born.

Afterward, be sure to move over to the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork. It has an enormous assortment of artefacts and artwork that’s so unimaginable to see.

There are a whopping 200,000 gadgets of their collections, that are seasonally displayed all through the rooms.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Philadelphia

4.) Valley Forge Nationwide Historic Park

in Valley Forge Nationwide Historic Park, Pennsylvania

Simply on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Valley Forge Nationwide Historic Park is very easy to go to when staying within the metropolis. As soon as right here, you’ll be capable of head to see George Washington’s winter headquarters and see the Nationwide Memorial Arch.

Not solely that, you’ll be able to simply observe the Mount Distress Path which takes round 1.5 to 2 hours to finish. It’s round 3 miles in size and completely pretty to go to in case you’re in search of a ramble while within the park.

Additionally, close by, you’ll be able to go to the Wharton Esherick Museum. It’s a comfy little museum that’s been created by the artist Wharton Esherick. t’s completely kitsch and effectively price it for a 30-minute go to.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Philadelphia

5.) Hershey Park

Not too removed from Harrisburg, Hershey Park is well probably the greatest issues to do in Pennsylvania in case you’re a chocolate-lover like me! Famed for its yummy sweet and goodies, a go to to Hershey Park is a whole-day journey that’s a lot enjoyable,

As soon as inside, you’ll be capable of go to so lots of the completely different areas and experience a few of the greatest rides in Pennsylvania. We completely love Skyrush. It’s an enormous rollercoaster that may have you ever screaming very quickly. In any case, it’s over 200 ft in peak.

Additionally, the Nice Bear rollercoaster is completely enjoyable, too. Simply make sure you plan your journey upfront so you’ll be able to head on as many rides as doable.

6.) Gettysburg

You possibly can’t go to the historic sights in Pennsylvania with out stopping in Gettysburg. You see, it’s probably the greatest issues to do in Pennsylvania that may train you all in regards to the 1863 Civil Warfare.

You possibly can simply spend all morning at Gettysburg Nationwide Navy Park and go to locations like; Culp’s Hill, Spangler’s Spring and the State of Pennsylvania Monument close by.

Even from a world perspective, we liked the museum and wider park. It does such an awesome job of explaining, intimately, the info of the Civil Warfare. It’s so price doing it.

Oh, and don’t overlook to identify the Sachs-covered bridge in Gettysburg, too. It spans over 100 toes and you may even stroll throughout it.

7.) Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is one other unimaginable metropolis to go to in Pennsylvania. Not solely that, you’ll be able to simply go to Pittsburgh as you head west to Ohio.

As soon as right here, be sure to go to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. You possibly can simply spend a complete afternoon right here and you may discover the broader Schenley Park, too.

Afterwards, head into the centre of Pittsburgh and discover Fort Pitt Museum. It’s a good way to discover extra of this 1700s British fort that also stands. Visits will take round 1 hour and it’s really easy to see while you’re within the downtown space.

Oh, and don’t overlook to go to the Andy Warhol Museum. Right here, you’ll be able to see so lots of Warhol’s installations and go to the completely different rooms the place you’ll be able to be taught extra about his life. It’s really unimaginable and probably the greatest locations on the planet for Andy Warhol lovers.

8.) Pine Creek Gorge

Tucked away within the heartland of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge is one epic place to go to while driving via the state. Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge is situated in Tioga State Forest.

For those who’re fancying an extended hike, head out on the Pine Creek Rail Path that follows the historic practice route. It’s a good way to discover the broader space round Pine Creek Gorge and is so stunning.

Hankering for a chunk to eat? Head to Wheary’s Pine Creek Inn for his or her pickle fries. They’re so good.

9.) Elysburg

Round 2.5 hours from Philadelphia, visiting Elysburg is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Pennsylvania while heading west throughout the state.

Now, one actually enjoyable spot to go to is Knoebels Amusement Resort. It’s a lot enjoyable. It has over 60 rides and heaps of exhibits in the summertime months. We completely liked Impulse; it’s an enormous rollercoaster which is so epic. You’ll scream a lot!

Learn extra: Finest issues to do round Lake Eerie

10.) York

Perched within the southern area of Pennsylvania, York is a historic metropolis that you just actually ought to go to. Though it’s not as huge because the likes of Philadelphia, York is a very epic metropolis to go to for a couple of days.

As soon as right here, be sure to go to Central Market Home for all of the native produce. You’ll discover heaps of regional farmers promoting their seasonal merchandise which are so tasty. Simply make sure you arrive hungry, I assure you’ll be stuffed by the point you allow.

Afterwards, head over to the Agricultural Museum which shares the journey of this space and its growth over the previous couple of centuries. Now, it’s an awesome museum to go to; that being stated, it may be a bit particular if that is smart. For those who’re not within the agricultural heritage of Pennsylvania, you may need to give it a miss.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do round Lake Eerie

11.) Lancaster

Not overly removed from the town of York, Lancaster is effectively price visiting while driving the southern areas of Pennsylvania.

As soon as right here, be sure to go to Central Market in downtown Lancaster. It’s a thrive of exercise and an awesome little spot to strive the native produce, seize a espresso and even a couple of souveniers.

Afterwards, be sure to go to the cosy Demuth Museum. It’s throughout the former dwelling of Charles Demuth the place you’ll be taught extra about his artwork and the modernist twist in his work.

Oh, and make sure you go to Fowl in Hand Bakeshop that’s simply exterior Lancaster itself. It’s one thing of an establishment in Pennsylvania and their whoopie pies are so tasty. We completely liked it.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do round Lake Eerie

12.) Presque Isle State Park

For those who love spending time within the nice outdoor, then be sure to go to Presque Isle State Park. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Pennsylvania in case you’re driving round Lake Eerie.

After arriving, be sure to see Presque Isle Lighthouse which dates all the best way again to the 1800s. Additionally, don’t overlook to spend a while strolling Presque Isle Seaside and go to the Bicentennial Tower on the mainland itself.

You’ll get some beautiful views from right here.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do round Lake Eerie

13.) Harrisburg

Proper on the shores of the Susquehanna River. Harrisburg is a superb cease to make as a part of a wider Pensylvannia highway journey. Now, you’ll be able to simply see fairly a couple of of the primary sights in Harrisburg in in the future (so long as you intend accordingly).

When you arrive, be sure to go to The Nationwide Civil Warfare Museum. It’s an awesome place to be taught all in regards to the American Civil Warfare and the lasting impression it’s had on modern-day America.

Plus, you’ll be able to simply go to West Shore Farmers Market for some native treats or go to the Lancaster Brewing Firm. Their brews are so good and effectively price having a tasting tray when you’re right here.