Pennsylvania, also known as the Keystone State, is a state located in the northeastern region of the United States. It is a popular tourist destination, with its rich history, diverse cultural attractions, and beautiful natural landscapes. From the bustling city of Philadelphia to the scenic Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania offers something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the top tourist spots in Pennsylvania and provide information on each location to help you plan your next visit.
Pennsylvania is a beautiful state located in the northeastern part of the United States. The state is famous for its scenic landscapes, rich history, and diverse culture. If you are planning a visit to Pennsylvania, here are some of the top tourist spots that you should not miss:
Philadelphia – Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is a city rich in history, and a visit to this city is incomplete without exploring its historical landmarks. Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed, is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Philadelphia. You can take a guided tour of the hall and learn about the history of the United States. The Liberty Bell, housed in a pavilion near Independence Hall, is another must-visit attraction. It became a symbol of American freedom after ringing to signal the reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Top Tourist Spots:
- Liberty Bell
- Independence Hall
- Reading Terminal Market
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Philadelphia Zoo
Other Relevant Information:
- You can easily access Philadelphia, a major city in Pennsylvania, by air, train, or car.
- The city has many hotels, restaurants, and other accommodations for tourists.
- Philadelphia is known for its rich history and culture, as well as its museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks.
- The city also has many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Philadelphia Flower Show and the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts.
Contacts:
- Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau: (215) 636-3300 or [email protected]
- Independence Visitor Center: (800) 537-7676 or [email protected]
- City of Philadelphia: (215) 686-1776 or [email protected]
Hershey – Pennsylvania
Hershey is a town that revolves around chocolate. Hershey’s Chocolate World is a fascinating place to visit, where you can learn about the history of chocolate and how it’s made. The tour takes you through a simulated chocolate factory, where you can see the process of making chocolate bars from cocoa beans to finished products. You can also customize your own Hershey’s chocolate bar with your choice of toppings and packaging.
Top Tourist Spots:
- Hershey’s Chocolate World: 101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey, PA 17033
- Hershey Park: 100 W Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
- The Hershey Story Museum: 63 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA 17033
- Hershey Gardens: 170 Hotel Rd, Hershey, PA 17033
- ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park: 201 Park Ave, Hershey, PA 17033
- Hershey Theatre: 15 E Caracas Ave, Hershey, PA 17033
Other Relevant Information:
- Hershey, a small town in Pennsylvania, is famous for its chocolate-related attractions.
- You can easily access the town by car or by train to the nearby Harrisburg station.
- There are several hotels and other accommodations in Hershey, including Hershey’s Lodge & Convention Center.
- Hershey’s Chocolate World offers tours, tastings, and other chocolate-related activities.
- Hershey Park is a popular amusement park with many rides, attractions, and shows for all ages.
Contacts:
- Hershey’s Chocolate World: (717) 534-4900 or [email protected]
- Hershey Park: (717) 534-3900 or [email protected]
- Hershey’s Lodge & Convention Center: (844) 330-1800 or [email protected]
Gettysburg – Pennsylvania
Gettysburg, located in south-central Pennsylvania, gained fame due to the Battle of Gettysburg, fought during the American Civil War. The town has many historic landmarks, including the Gettysburg National Military Park, where you can take a guided tour and learn about the battle’s history. The park has over 1,300 monuments and markers, making it the largest collection of outdoor sculpture in the United States. You can also visit the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, which has a museum, film, and interactive exhibits that showcase the history of the battle.
Top Tourist Spots:
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- Gettysburg Battlefield
- Gettysburg Visitor Center
- Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War
- Eisenhower National Historic Site
- Ghost Tours of Gettysburg
Other Relevant Information:
- Gettysburg is a small town in Pennsylvania known for its history and role in the American Civil War.
- The town can be easily accessed by car or by train to the nearby Harrisburg station.
- There are several hotels and other accommodations in Gettysburg.
- Gettysburg National Military Park offers tours and educational programs about the battle and its significance.
- The town also offers ghost tours, which explore the town’s haunted history.
Contacts:
- Gettysburg National Military Park: (717) 334-1124 or [email protected]
- Gettysburg Visitor Center: (717) 334-4636 or [email protected]
- Borough of Gettysburg: (717) 334-1160 or [email protected]
Pocono Mountains – Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains are a popular tourist destination located in northeastern Pennsylvania. The region is famous for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and skiing. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a must-visit attraction, which spans over 70,000 acres and includes hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views. The region also has many state parks, including Hickory Run State Park, which has a boulder field and a scenic lake for swimming and boating.
Top Tourist Spots:
- Camelback Mountain Resort: 301 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372
- Pocono Raceway: 1234 Long Pond Rd, Long Pond, PA 18334
- Bushkill Falls: 138 Bushkill Falls Trail, Bushkill, PA 18324
- Mount Airy Casino Resort: 312 Woodland Rd, Mt Pocono, PA 18344
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: 1978 River Rd, Bushkill, PA 18324
- Jim Thorpe: 1 Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Other Relevant Information:
- The Pocono Mountains, a scenic region in northeastern Pennsylvania, offer abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- You can access the area by car or by bus to the nearby cities of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
- There are many hotels and other accommodations in the Pocono Mountains, including several ski resorts and water parks.
- Camelback Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, as well as a water park and adventure park in the summer.
- The Pocono Raceway is a NASCAR track that hosts several races throughout the year.
- The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities in a beautiful natural setting.
Contacts:
- Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau: (570) 421-5791 or [email protected]
- Pocono Raceway: (570) 646-2300 or [email protected]
- Camelback Mountain Resort: (570) 629-1663 or [email protected]
Pittsburgh – Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, situated in western Pennsylvania, is famous for its steel industry and rich history. One of its most popular attractions is the Andy Warhol Museum, which pays tribute to the life and work of the renowned pop artist. The museum has a vast collection of Warhol’s artworks, films, and personal artifacts, as well as rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. The city is also home to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, which has extensive collections of fossils, minerals, and dinosaur skeletons.
Top Tourist Spots:
- Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh: 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: 7370 Baker St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
- The Andy Warhol Museum: 117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- Mount Washington: Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
- Heinz Field: 100 Art Rooney Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Other Relevant Information:
- Pittsburgh, a vibrant city in western Pennsylvania, is renowned for its history, culture, and sports teams.
- You can access the city by car or by plane to the Pittsburgh International Airport.
- There are many hotels and other accommodations in Pittsburgh, as well as a wide variety of restaurants and bars.
- The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh includes the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Andy Warhol Museum.
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a beautiful indoor garden that offers a variety of plants and flowers.
- The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium features over 4,000 animals from 475 species.
- Mount Washington offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Three Rivers.
- Heinz Field is the home stadium of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Contacts:
- Visit Pittsburgh: (412) 281-7711 or [email protected]
- Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh: (412) 622-3131 or [email protected]
- Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: (412) 665-3640 or [email protected]
Lancaster County – Pennsylvania
Lancaster County is a rural area located in southeastern Pennsylvania that is known for its Amish communities and picturesque countryside. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Lancaster County is the Amish Farm and House, where you can learn about the Amish culture and way of life. The site includes a farmhouse, a barn, and a one-room schoolhouse, as well as a tour of the farm’s animals and crops. You can also take a buggy ride and visit a nearby Amish market, where you can buy handmade crafts and foods.
Top Tourist Spots:
- Amish Experience: 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
- Sight & Sound Theatres: 300 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA 17572
- Lancaster Central Market: 23 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17603
- Dutch Wonderland: 2249 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602
- Strasburg Rail Road: 301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572
- Longwood Gardens: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Other Relevant Information:
- Lancaster County is located in southeastern Pennsylvania and is known for its Amish communities and rich agricultural heritage.
- The area can be accessed by car or by train to the Lancaster Amtrak station.
- There are many hotels and other accommodations in Lancaster County, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.
- The Amish Experience offers tours of Amish country and provides insight into the culture and lifestyle of the Amish people.
- Sight & Sound Theatres is a Christian theater company that produces large-scale productions with live animals and special effects.
- Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States and offers a wide variety of local goods and produce.
- Dutch Wonderland is a family-friendly amusement park with rides and attractions for all ages.
- The Strasburg Rail Road is a historic steam railroad that offers scenic rides through the countryside.
- Longwood Gardens is a world-renowned botanical garden with over 1,000 acres of gardens, meadows, and woodlands to explore.
Contacts:
- Discover Lancaster: (717) 299-8901 or [email protected]
- Amish Experience: (717) 768-8400 or [email protected]
- Dutch Wonderland: (866) 386-2839 or [email protected]
Erie – Pennsylvania
Erie is a city located in northwestern Pennsylvania that is known for its waterfront attractions and outdoor activities. One of the most popular attractions in Erie is Presque Isle State Park, which is a peninsula that juts out into Lake Erie. The park has many beaches, hiking trails, and picnic areas, as well as opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The city is also home to the Erie Maritime Museum, which has exhibits and artifacts related to the region’s maritime history, including the famous USS Niagara, a historic warship that participated in the War of 1812.
Top Tourist Spots:
- Erie Maritime Museum: 150 E Front St, Erie, PA 16507
- Erie Zoo: 423 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508
- Presque Isle State Park: 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
- Tom Ridge Environmental Center: 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
- Waldameer Park & Water World: 220 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
- Erie Art Museum: 20 E 5th St, Erie, PA 16507
Other Relevant Information:
- Erie is a city located in northwestern Pennsylvania and is known for its beaches, boating, and fishing.
- The area can be accessed by car or by plane to the Erie International Airport.
- There are many hotels and other accommodations in Erie, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars.
- The Erie Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the maritime history of Lake Erie.
- The Erie Zoo is home to over 400 animals from around the world and offers a variety of educational programs and events.
- Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre park with sandy beaches, hiking trails, and a lighthouse.
- The Tom Ridge Environmental Center provides exhibits and educational programs about the natural resources of the region.
- Waldameer Park & Water World is a family-friendly amusement park with rides and attractions for all ages.
- The Erie Art Museum showcases contemporary and modern art from around the world and offers a variety of educational programs and events.
Contacts:
- Visit Erie: (814) 454-1000 or [email protected]
- Erie Zoo: (814) 864-4091 or [email protected]
- Presque Isle State Park: (814) 833-7424 or [email protected]
Bethlehem – Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, situated in eastern Pennsylvania, is renowned for its rich history and culture. The SteelStacks, a former steel mill transformed into a cultural and entertainment complex, is one of the city’s most popular attractions. The site includes a performing arts center, a cinema, and many restaurants and bars. The city is also home to the Bethlehem Steel Museum, which has exhibits and artifacts related to the region’s steel industry.
Top Tourist Spots:
- Historic Bethlehem: 74 W Broad St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
- Moravian Museum of Bethlehem: 66 W Church St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
- Bethlehem SteelStacks: 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015
- National Museum of Industrial History: 602 E 2nd St, Bethlehem, PA 18015
- Burnside Plantation: 1461 Schoenersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Other Relevant Information:
- Bethlehem is a city located in eastern Pennsylvania and is known for its rich history and culture.
- The area can be accessed by car or by plane to the Lehigh Valley International Airport.
- There are many hotels and other accommodations in Bethlehem, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.
- Historic Bethlehem is a National Historic Landmark District and features over 20 historic sites and buildings, including museums, galleries, and restaurants.
- The Moravian Museum of Bethlehem showcases the history and culture of the Moravian Church, which played a significant role in the city’s development.
- Bethlehem SteelStacks is a cultural campus located on the site of the former Bethlehem Steel plant and features a variety of performances, festivals, and events throughout the year.
- The National Museum of Industrial History is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of America’s industrial heritage.
- Burnside Plantation is a historic farm that showcases 18th-century agricultural practices and features a variety of programs and events throughout the year.
Contacts:
- Discover Lehigh Valley: (610) 882-9200 or [email protected]
- Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center: (610) 691-6055 or [email protected]
- SteelStacks: (610) 297-7100 or [email protected]
Jim Thorpe – Pennsylvania
Jim Thorpe is a small town located in northeastern Pennsylvania that is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. The town is named after the famous athlete and Olympian Jim Thorpe, who is buried there. One of the most popular attractions in Jim Thorpe is the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which offers a scenic train ride through the beautiful Lehigh Gorge. The town is also home to the Old Jail Museum, a historic jail that housed many famous inmates, including the notorious Molly Maguires.
Top Tourist Spots:
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: 1 Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Old Jail Museum: 128 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Asa Packer Mansion Museum: 3 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center: 41 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Glen Onoko Falls: Lehigh Gorge State Park, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Other Relevant Information:
- Jim Thorpe, a small town located in northeastern Pennsylvania, is renowned for its scenic beauty and historic architecture.
- You can access the area by car or by bus from nearby cities such as Allentown and Wilkes-Barre.e.
- There are several hotels and bed and breakfasts in Jim Thorpe, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.
- The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers scenic train rides through the beautiful Lehigh Gorge.
- The Old Jail Museum was built in 1871 and features exhibits about the history of the prison and the infamous Molly Maguires.
- The Asa Packer Mansion Museum was built in 1861 and features exhibits about the life of Asa Packer, a prominent businessman and philanthropist.
- The Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center features exhibits about the history of the town and the surrounding area.
- Glen Onoko Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Lehigh Gorge State Park, which offers hiking trails and other recreational opportunities.
Contacts:
- Jim Thorpe Visitors Center: (570) 325-3673 or [email protected]
- Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency: (570) 325-2429 or [email protected]
Pennsylvania is a state full of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the historic sites and museums of Philadelphia and Gettysburg to the scenic vistas of the Pocono Mountains and the shores of Lake Erie, there is something for every traveler to enjoy. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Pennsylvania has it all. We hope this article has provided you with some useful information to plan your next trip to the Keystone State.
READ MORE HERE: 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Pennsylvania