Pennsylvania is a haven for foodies, history buffs, sports fans, and nature lovers. Being the Snack Food Capital of the World, there is no shortage of the best snacks. You can visit Pennsylvania any time of the year. In summer it bursts with fairs and festivals; in the winter it is a wonderland with plenty of snow activities. It is one of the best destinations for a weekend vacation. Here are the top 13 choices for weekend getaways in Pennsylvania to make the most of your vacation.
Best Weekend Getaways in Pennsylvania
1. Philadelphia
With several museums, historic sites, cultural attractions, and monuments, it is no wonder that Philadelphia is the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage City. Battleship Museum and Memorial, African American Museum, and Christ Church Burial Grounds are some of the top historic sites. If you want to learn all about its black history you take a Black History Walking Tour. If you are travelling with your family you should visit the Adventure Aquarium exhibiting hippos, penguins, sharks, and a wide range of marine life. Kids will love the Philadelphia Zoo, Please Touch Museum where kids learn by playing LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
2. Lancaster County
The vibrant downtown, unique art, great outdoor activities, and good food make Lancaster County a must-visit town. Explore the beauty and history of the county by taking the Historic Lancaster Walking Tour. Visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, which has hundreds of exhibits of locomotives. Relax, swim, and have fun in Lancaster County Central Park. Take a guided tour of the Amish Village and learn more about the Amish and their lifestyle. Play a game of golf at the Boulders Miniature Golf Course. Enjoy farm fun activities in the Barnyard Kingdom.
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3. Pocono Mountains
Take the trail to the Bushkill Falls and admire the beauty of the cascading falls. You can either take the 15-minute walk green trail that takes you to the main falls or the 2 hours-long red trail that passes through eight falls before reaching the main falls. Go on a guided tour of the Asa Packer Mansion constructed in 1861. Take a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Have a splashing fun at the Kalahari Amusement Park. Enjoy diverse outdoor activities including skiing and zip lining at the Camelback Resort.
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4. Hershey
It is an amazing destination for a weekend with your family. At Hersheypark, you can enjoy family rides and thrilling roller coaster rides. You should visit Hershey’s Chocolate World to participate in diverse activities and enjoy Hershey’s products. Stroll through the Hershey Gardens home to more than 500 butterflies. It is a delight to watch the beautiful creatures fluttering. Take a tour of the iconic Hershey Theater. If you love motor vehicles, you will be fascinated to see the AACA Museum. Take your kids to the ZOOMERICA featuring animals from different regions of the country.
read also: Romantic Getaways in Northeast PA
5. Jim Thorpe
This charming Victorian town with charming Victorian architecture is known as the ‘Switzerland of America.’ It has a history dating back to 1818, and it was originally called Mauch Chunk. Later, it was named after the famous athlete Jim Thorpe. The town is a favorite spot for foodies, shopaholics, history lovers, and outdoor adventurists. Take the Lehigh Gorge Scenic train ride that takes you through the town. Visit the Old Jail Museum and take a guided tour to learn about its history. Go for the thrilling white water rafting.
6. Erie
Lake Erie is the highlight of this city. You can just relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and the surroundings or have fun participating in diverse outdoor water activities. If you are visiting Erie during a summer weekend, you should go to the Waldameer Water World to beat the heat. With several water slides, a huge wave pool, and many more water activities, it is a place to have fun with family and friends. Go to the Erie Zoo to see the hundreds of animals and birds. With seven miles of sandy beaches, Erie is perfect for anyone who loves serene beaches.
7. Ricketts Glen State Park
Winter or summer, this state park in Pennsylvania promises its visitors fun and excitement. In summer, you can go hunting, horseback riding, swimming, boating, picnicking, camping, and hiking. In winter, you have a lot of winter activities, including snowshoeing, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and many more. It is also a splendid spot for wildlife viewing. Take the Falls Trail and explore the region featuring a series of more than 20 roaring waterfalls. Kayak and canoe at Lake Jean in the summertime and try ice fishing when the lake is frozen.
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8. Valley Forge
There are so many things to do in Valley Forge that you will be spoilt with choices. You can learn about the history of the place by taking a tour of the National Park Service Museum. Explore the town by hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Enjoy canoeing, boating, kayaking, and fishing in the Valley Creek. Enjoy the nightlife by playing live table games and listening to live music at the Valley Forge Casino. Hand-feed tall giraffes at the Elmwood Park Zoo. Go adventurous at the Spring Mountains. Experience an enjoyable outdoor adventure at Valley Gorge.
9. Pittsburgh
It is a blend of modern attractions and historic museums. Have the sunset and nighttime view of the city from Mount Washington. If you are traveling with your little ones you should explore the child-friendly museums in the area and have fun at the theme parks like Kennywood. Watch the animals at the sprawling zoo. Being the city of electric cultures, Pittsburgh is home to several museums, art galleries, and cultural centers. Visit them to learn about the art, culture, and history of the city.
10. York
It is a magnificent city as a weekend getaway with fabulous restaurants, vibrant streets, historical sites, and fun activities. Take a river cruise to relax and admire the unobstructed views of iconic landmarks like Clifford’s Tower. The Clifford’s Tower stands high on a high mound. You can have a good view of the medieval churches and buildings of York from the top of the tower. Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, visit the Potions Cauldron, a Harry Potter-themed shop. Take a ghost tour if you love to hear spooky comedy stories.
11. Gettysburg
It is a must-visit place for history buffs. Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park where you can learn a lot of interesting information about the Civil War through exhibits, tours, and other programs. Go to the Eisenhower National Historic Site, the former home of the 34th President of the country. Be awe-struck by the architectural wonder of the Sachs Covered Bridge designed by the popular architect David Stoner in 1852. Learn about the life of the locals during the Civil War from the Shriver House Museum. The other historic sites include Jennie Wade House, Gettysburg History Museum, and Gettysburg History Center.
read also: Romantic Getaways in Lancaster PA
12. Lehigh Valley
There are several things in Lehigh Valley to keep you entertained for the whole weekend. Take a wine trail tasting some of the best wines in the country. Visit the local attractions including the National Canal Museum, Allentown Art Museum, Crayola Factory, Williams Center, and others. Experience outdoor activities like white water rafting, biking, skiing, golfing, birdwatching, etc.
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Wrapping Up
Pennsylvania is a great American getaway with plenty of resorts and hotels for staying and restaurants serving delicious food. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty, learn the interesting history of the place, and have fun with outdoor activities and make your weekend trip memorable.
