Pennsylvania Travel Guide
Where history meets natural beauty…
Pennsylvania is steeped with history dating back to the Revolutionary War, home to great cities, and a state full of natural beauty.
At its heart lies Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were crafted, offering historc landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Nearby, Valley Forge National Historical Park preserves the winter encampment of George Washington’s army. Not to mention the towns surrounding the area in Montgomery County and Bucks County are incredibly charming.
Pittsburgh, a city forged by industry, has incredible cultural institutions like the Andy Warhol Museum and Phipps Conservatory.
Venture into Pennsylvania’s countryside to explore the rural landscapes of Amish Country, where you can get a glimpse of traditional life before technology.
The Pocono Mountains are a haven for outdoor adventures all year long and include adorable towns and scenic train rides through the Lehigh Valley in the town of Jim Thorpe.
Along the Delaware River, the picturesque town of New Hope offers riverfront views and a wealthy haven that attracts celebrities.
Quick Tips for Visiting Pennsylvania
When is the best time to visit Pennsylvania?
Is there a wrong time to visit Pennsylvania? No. Each season offers something different.
Spring (March to May) brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, perfect for hiking trails. Temperatures range from cool in March to comfortably warm by May.
Summer (June to August) in Pennsylvania has hot weather, making it a popular time for outdoor activities.
Fall (September to November) is perhaps the most popular time to visit when foliage is a beautiful array of colors making for scenic drives and great farm visits.
Winter (December to February) brings cold temperatures and snowfall, offering opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports in areas like the Poconos or Laurel Highlands.
Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh things to do year round, whether you need indoor activities in the winter or fun outdoor activities in the summer.
How Much Time Do I need in Pennsylvania?
How much time you need for a visit to Pennsylvania depends on what you want to do and the area you want to cover. If you’re solely visiting a city destination like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh you can easily enjoy most attractions in a long weekend
To explore the state of Pennsylvania thoroughly, plan to spend at least 7-10 days. This timeframe will allow enough time to hit up historic sites like Independence Hall in Philadelphia and the Gettysburg Battlefield, to outdoorsy areas such as the Pocono Mountains and the scenic views along the Delaware Water Gap.
What is Pennsylvania most famous for?
Pennsylvania is best known for its historic sites tied to the American Revolution, it’s cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as scenic areas like the Pocono Mountains.
Historically, PA played a pivotal role in the founding of the United States, hosting iconic sites like Independence Hall in Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence was signed as well as the Liberty Bell.
Pennsylvania’s natural beauty can be found in the Pocono Mountains, Amish Country with its rolling farmland, and the Lauren Highlands.
What’s the best way to get around Pennsylvania?
The best way to get around Pennsylvania is primarily by car. Having a vehicle provides the flexibility to explore what the state has to offer.
Pennsylvania’s well-maintained highways and scenic byways, like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and routes through the Allegheny National Forest, offer picturesque drives and access to hidden gems off the beaten path.
In Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, public transportation options including buses, subways, and light rail systems are available for navigating city streets and accessing major attractions.
Additionally, cities like Philadelphia offer bike-sharing options and offer a lot of walkable areas.
Must Try Food in Pennsylvania
Some must try foods in Pennsylvania include the Philadelphia cheesesteak—a mouthwatering medly of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese (often Cheez Whiz or provolone), and sometimes onions or peppers, all nestled in a hoagie roll.
Around Philadelphia, tomato pies are a local specialty, featuring a thick, focaccia-like crust topped with savory tomato sauce, often served at Italian bakeries and pizzerias. They’re enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Soft pretzels are another beloved snack found throughout Pennsylvania, originally brought to Pennsylvania by German immigrants in the 1700s.
Hoagies, are another famous food to try in Philly. These sandwiches are filled with Italian meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and seasoned with oil, vinegar, and spices. Originating from the Italian-American communities of Philadelphia, hoagies are typically served on a long, soft roll and are a quintessential part of the city’s culinary identity.
The Italian-American communities of Philly also introduced the stromboli in the 1950s when it was invented and named after an Italian volcano. It’s a savory pastry turnover filled with Italian meats and cheeses typically served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
For a taste of Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, try scrapple, a breakfast staple made from pork scraps and cornmeal, seasoned and fried until crispy.
In Pittsburgh and areas influenced by Eastern European immigrants, pierogies steal the show—dumplings filled with mashed potatoes, cheese, onions, or sauerkraut, either boiled or fried.
No visit is complete without indulging in shoofly pie, a sweet and decadent Pennsylvania Dutch dessert made with molasses and a crumbly topping.
And to wash it all down, why not savor a Yuengling beer, brewed in Pennsylvania since 1829, a beer I used to cross the border in Ohio to get.
