In addition to being one of the Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is one of the most visited cities in the United States because of its extensive historical past. After all, Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were both ratified. Benjamin Franklin, a Renaissance man, formerly resided in this city. Philadelphia served as the nation's capital before Washington, D.C. displaced it. However, the city is not mired in its illustrious history. Today's Philadelphia is home to renowned institutions, a vibrant nightlife, adored sports teams, and a bustling cuisine scene that goes beyond the clichéd cheesesteak. Uncertain about where to begin your visit?

The Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall, one of Philadelphia's top tourist destinations, and the city's Liberty Bell sounded in 1776 to call people to attention for the Declaration's first reading. Additionally, Philadelphia is home to the lively Rittenhouse Square and the lush Fairmount Park. The unusual Mutter Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which houses a magnificent collection of impressionist artwork, are noteworthy museums. Consider taking a guided tour if you only have a limited amount of time in the City of Brotherly Love and wish to see all the main sights.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania
  
• #1 in Best Day Trips from NYC
  
• #3 in Best Places to Visit in November
  
• #4 in Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA

Location: Pennsylvania

Gettysburg provides everything you need for a fun-filled family trip or a romantic weekend getaway with your significant other. This quaint tiny town in southern Pennsylvania is teeming with mom-and-pop stores, inviting inns, and eateries serving American cuisine prepared using local ingredients.

However, it's likely that you are traveling to this East Coast location to view its wealth of historic sights. Gettysburg, known for its connections to the Civil Conflict, is the location of numerous historically significant locations, including Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of the bloodiest fight of the war. Consider taking a Gettysburg guided tour if you want to thoroughly understand the history of the park.

Even while you could easily spend the most of your day visiting the park, be sure to leave some time for additional Civil War sites like the Jennie Wade House and the Shriver House Museum. Additionally, you can explore the Eisenhower National Historic Site or stop for a picture at Sachs Covered Bridge to escape from Gettysburg's gloomy past. No of how you choose to spend your holiday, you'll undoubtedly feel more at ease and knowledgeable when you depart the city.

Rankings:

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania
  
• #3 in Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA
  
• #18 in Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.
  
• #21 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA

Location: Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh is eventually shedding its reputation as a blue collar city, but Steel City is still firmly rooted in its industrial past. A group of universities, such as Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh, infuse the city with a vibrant energy. Additionally, a lot of artists, like the late Pop Art master Andy Warhol, Broadway actress Patti Lupone, and children's television show "Mister" Fred Rogers, are from Pittsburgh.

Yes, Pittsburgh is recognized as the center of the steel industry, but a new energy is beginning to emerge. New restaurants are opening all throughout the city, the museums are bursting with top-notch artwork and local history, some of the top football games in the nation are played at Heinz Field, and the city's three rivers offer year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Pittsburgh has a ton of entertaining activities, particularly for families. You can watch a baseball game at PNC Park or cheer on the Steelers at Heinz Field with the group. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and the Carnegie Science Center both offer interactive museums where you may learn about the creatures there. And then unwind at the Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens after a strenuous day of exploring the hilly city.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

Location: Pennsylvania

Hershey is one of the Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania. For good reason, Hershey is referred to as "The Sweetest Place on Earth." You may visit Hershey's Chocolate World nearby to get a free tour of the factory and witness how the company makes its chocolate and candies. After you've indulged your sweet taste, proceed next door to Hershey Park to take advantage of more than 70 attractions themed around chocolate that are suitable for thrill-seekers of all ages. Visit ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park to observe the animals or Hershey Gardens to meander through its 23 acres of gardens for a more relaxed holiday.

Spend a weekend in Hershey learning everything there is to know about Hershey's chocolate and enjoying a variety of delectable delicacies. Hersheypark, a theme park including roller coasters, themed sections, shops, and restaurants, is located in this Pennsylvanian town. Another must-see sight is Hershey's Chocolate World, which features movies, guided tours, and lots of chocolate. Here are the top activities in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Prior to your visit, make sure to phone the restaurants and attractions to confirm the most recent operating hours.

Rankings:

• #4 in Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

Location: Pennsylvania

To spend your upcoming vacation studying about American history, go to Valley Forge. In the winter of 1777–1778, the town housed the Continental Army and former president George Washington. You can take a tour of the camp to visit places like Washington's Headquarters, the Artillery Park, and the United States National Memorial Arch. The park also has miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian riding paths, as well as storytelling events throughout the warmer months. The King of Prussia Mall, which has more than 400 businesses, is close by if you need a break from the village's extensive history.

When you are here, you can visit the Valley Forge National Historical Park to see where General Washington and the Continental Army stayed during the brutal winter of 1777–1778. The park's 3,500 acres of undulating hills are home to 20 miles of pathways today. As you stroll through Washington's stone office building, restored log cabins, and innumerable monuments, including the United States National Memorial Arch, you will travel through history.

Rankings:

• #5 in Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

Location: Pennsylvania

Lancaster is known for both the Amish and the theme park Dutch Wonderland. The variety of rides available to younger children at the family-friendly theme park is praised. Travelers of all ages enjoy the stunning farmers markets and Amish buggy excursions in Lancaster. Visit The Amish Experience and The Amish Farm and House to discover more about the Amish way of life. Shopping at the nearby outlets and visiting a nearby brewery's taproom are two additional must-dos.

The oldest Amish towns in the United States are located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, although Amish Country is far larger than it first appears. This county offers an endless number of distinctive activities to partake in, some family-friendly and some just for the adults, such as tasting award-winning ice cream at the Turkey Hill Experience, sipping craft beers along the Lancaster Ale Trail, or staying in the one-of-a-kind Cartoon Network Hotel.

Rankings:

• #6 in Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

Location: Pennsylvania

By population, Erie is the only port city on the Great Lakes and the fourth-largest city in Pennsylvania. It's a great site to enjoy outdoor activities due to its location on Lake Erie's southern shore. Visit Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania's most popular state park, to go bicycling, hiking, scuba diving, and surfing during the warmer months. Alternatively, come in the fall to savor Erie's top-notch wine during the growing season. Check out some of the breweries that make up the Lake Erie Ale Trail since beer is also widely consumed in this region.

Erie, the fourth-largest city in Pennsylvania, has a wide range of attractions, including theaters, museums, natural preserves, and thoroughbred horse racing. Visit the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, the Erie Maritime Museum, and take in the expansive views from the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower. The Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Presque Isle State Park, and Splash Lagoon Indoor Waterpark Resort are among the best family-friendly attractions in Erie, Pennsylvania. Prior to your visit, make sure to phone the restaurants and attractions to confirm the most recent operating hours.

Rankings:

• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

Location: Pennsylvania

Each summer, nature lovers come to the Delaware Water Gap to trek and take in the area's lush forests and waterfalls. Additionally, tourists can hire canoes or kayaks and paddle across the water, fish in a variety of lakes and streams, or go swimming at the beaches in Smithfield and Milford. The almost 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has plenty of options for biking, hunting, and rock climbing for those who would like to stay on dry land. Visit throughout the winter to enjoy cold-weather pursuits like ice climbing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

One of the Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania for outdoor adventures is the Delaware Water Gap. People will have plenty of time to go hiking, kayaking, and exploring the area. The Gap offers a wide range of activities throughout the winter, summer, spring, and fall. From New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, or wherever else you may be coming from, it's a fantastic weekend vacation. The Gap is larger than 70,000 acres. Go somewhere where there are lots of people, or you can end up by yourself in the woods.

Rankings:

• #8 in Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

Location: Pennsylvania

The Pocono Mountains, often known as the Poconos, have long been a must-see on any trip to the East Coast. The accessibility of the Northeastern Pennsylvania mountains—which are about a two-hour drive from both New York City and Philadelphia—is a major factor in their ongoing attractiveness. In the 1940s, World War II soldiers and their spouses started visiting the Poconos to enjoy its quiet, romantic ambiance. Along with honeymoon culture, outdoor and adrenaline-pumping activities have a long history in the Poconos. The Big Boulder Ski Area attracted snow hounds when it debuted in 1946, while the Pocono Raceway attracted racing enthusiasts when it opened in 1968.

The Poconos are becoming a great getaway spot for families. Warm weather invites visitors to take part in outdoor activities like hiking and whitewater rafting as well as a variety of family-friendly pastimes including water parks and adventure courses. Skiing, snow tubing, snowmobiling, and other winter sports increase the Poconos' recreational options. Additionally, there are a variety of lodging choices, including hotels, resorts, and cabins. The Poconos sprang to fame as a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of large cities, a reputation it still holds today.

Rankings:

• #9 in Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

Location: Pennsylvania

The only national forest in Pennsylvania is a refuge for outdoor enjoyment. The Allegheny National Forest, which spans more than 500,000 acres, provides a wealth of opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing, depending on the season. You can also go to the reservoir in the forest to engage in water sports like water skiing, windsurfing, and fishing. Try searching for fossils or gold to make your trip here even more memorable. Drive along the 36-mile Longhouse National Picturesque Byway for a scenic drive after that.

The gorgeous Pennsylvania Wilds are located in the state of Pennsylvania's rural north. The enormous and magnificent Allegheny National Forest is also located within the Pennsylvania Wilds. It spans 513,175 acres and is the only National Forest in the state. The Allegheny National Forest, well-known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and inviting towns, is brimming with opportunities, just like the neighborhoods around it.

Rankings:

• #10 in Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

Location: Pennsylvania