Top Things to do in Pennsylvania
Top Hotels in Pennsylvania
- 1. Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown
- 2. Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
- 3. Mount Airy Casino Resort Spa
- 4. Independence Park Hotel, BW Premier Collection
- 5. Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
- 6. Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center
- 7. Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
- 8. The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 9. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, State College (Penn State Area), PA
- 10. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Pennsylvania, United States
Discover the best top things to do in Pennsylvania, United States including Gettysburg National Military Park, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pine Creek Gorge, PNC Park, Eastern State Penitentiary, President James Buchanan's Wheatland, Hershey Gardens, The Hershey Story Museum, Steamtown National Historic Site, Lake Wallenpaupack.
Restaurants in Pennsylvania
1. Gettysburg National Military Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,230 reviews
The Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the Civil War, was the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion," Gettysburg was the Civil War's bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's immortal "Gettysburg Address."
Reviewed By AnnaTheTraveling5 - Marietta, United States
The National Military Park is very well-done with a thoughtful, informative & enlightening movie (narrated by my favorite Morgan Freeman), a cyclorama, and a comprehensive museum. We visited with our 4 yr, 6 yr, and 14 yr, and all thoroughly enjoyed our visit AND learned a ton (so did I!!!)! The museum had something for everyone, including interactive electronic exhibit games for the kids (bugle playing song trivia), plenty of life-like models of war camps and such, and interesting trivia (how to load a musket in 7 steps). This was a well-spent fun day of learning. Bring your lunch and eat at the shaded picnic tables outside! Want to see where else we've been? Instagram & Facebook - TheTraveling5
2. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,255 reviews
A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Phipps has provided a world-class garden experience to its visitors since 1893. Visit to discover breathtaking seasonal flower shows and special exhibits, a nationally-recognized orchid collection, butterflies, botanical gardens, fun family activities, and much more.
Reviewed By Greenthumb185 - Pittsburgh, United States
We have visited Phipps multiple times over the year. A top rate conservatory with many special interests such as the cactus room, children's garden etc. Wonderful use of green technology
3. Pine Creek Gorge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
This canyon runs for approximately 47 miles and is 1,450 feet at its maximum depth.
Reviewed By redAzleTX
My husband and I stayed in a fabulous Airbnb (tranquil studio apt) in the countryside close to Pine Creek Gorge. We saw a brochure for bike outfitters (Pine Creek outfitters) where you could rent bikes and pedal through the gorge (downhill) for 18 miles and then this company would shuttle van you back. We got to enjoy the beautiful rails to trails bike path in the gorge as the Autumn leaves were changing and falling. The river was flowing next to the bike path. There were tons of water falls to stop and photograph. And there were even kiosks to stop at to learn things about the area. Great day!
4. PNC Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,050 reviews
This retro, yet modern, urban park incorporates classic design elements with modern amenities for both spectators and athletes.
Reviewed By pittsburghfans2019 - Pittsburgh, United States
We had such a fun time each and every time we go to PNC Park ⚾️ The food is Fabulous and the ball game so much fun. Trying to catch a foul ball or a T-Shirt shot from an Air Gun can’t be beat. And ALL of the Stadium’s food soooi delicious !! So Get Yourself to Pittsburgh and make certain that a Baseball Game with the Pirates in number 1 on Your TO-DO List!!! ⚾️
5. Eastern State Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,299 reviews
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone’s Cell, and Death Row.
Reviewed By 527suzyb - Nashua, United States
Our family, including 7 and 11-year old children, visited Eastern State on Monday, August 20. We booked ahead online for a discount, and saved a few additional dollars using a hotel brochure code. The online tickets were scannable from our phones so there was no need to print. We took advantage of the different tour options available: *Main Audio Tour - A perfect starting point for getting oriented and learning the basics *Hands On History Tours - We attended several short talks given by live guides. I especially recommend visiting the Hospital wing which can only be done on a tour. The map lists tour times throughout the day. *Selected Audio Tour Stops - Together we came up with a list of additional sites to visit based on everyone's interests. We took in the sports yard, Al Capone's cell, an escape tunnel and more. Nothing about Eastern State was too scary for the kids. Ahead of our visit we described it to our 7-year old as "a museum about a prison" to emphasize that it was not in active use. That helped him frame it appropriately. Walking out, he declared "that was more fun than I thought it was going to be!" The 11-year old was so taken with this snapshot that it's now the background photo for her phone. Mission accomplished!
6. President James Buchanan's Wheatland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 496 reviews
Come discover the warmth and hospitality of President James Buchanan's Wheatland. Costumed tour guides share facts and stories from Buchanan's personal and professional life. Buchanan represented Pennsylvania in the United States House of Representatives and later the Senate, served as Minister to Russia, Secretary of State, and Ambassador to the United Kingdom. And, in 1856, Wheatland served as the hub of his successful campaign to become the 15th President of the United States. During his presidency, Wheatland served as Buchanan’s retreat as a divided nation struggled with slavery and states’ rights. Post-presidency, Wheatland became Buchanan’s refuge as he avoided public life after his term and retired as a private citizen. Wheatland’s tangible connection to the US Presidency, Antebellum and Civil War America, and the American political process make it instrumental to teaching history to modern day visitors.
Reviewed By jmalc0m - Sydney, Canada
What a wonderful surprise .An Exceptional guide in period costume made this home come alive .How progressive it was to recognize the importance of this period of history and acquire & maintain this house from the early 1940s . Well worth a visit to see the house & learn more about the Buchanan's
7. Hershey Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,380 reviews
Open year-round, Hershey Gardens' Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory features an indoor, tropical Butterfly Atrium, where guests can experience hundreds of butterflies and tropical plants. Opened in 1937, the 23-acre outdoor garden features a renowned rose garden, magnificent theme gardens, colorful seasonal displays, and a whimsical Children's Garden.
Reviewed By 480DebbieR
This was a great stop on our exploratory visit to Harrisburg and Hershey. Ours was a mystery trip I organized for 100 travelers, and this was a very pleasant and lovely stop! Thanks to Megan and the other staff members for all the accommodations! Loved watching the gentleman who so calmly handled, displayed and educated us on his furry friend- the tarantula! Also, thank you to the kind and knowledgeable staff who guided us in the beautiful bufferfly atrium! Outside, the lavender and white tulips were gorgeous and in full bloom, along with many other beautiful flowers and trees! And you won’t want to miss the gift shop-so many extraordinary and unique gifts! We’ll be back!! Thank you!
8. The Hershey Story Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,735 reviews
Hershey starts here! How did Milton Hershey go from bankruptcy to brilliance, transforming chocolate from a luxury to an everyday treat? How did he invent a community? Why did he give away his fortune? That's the Hershey story. Enjoy a 45-minute, hands on class in the Chocolate Lab and sample warm drinking chocolate from around the world at Tastings. Grab a delicious treat from the Pantry Café and find a unique assortment of keepsakes and chocolate at Museum Shop.
Reviewed By 202kristyl
We started our day at The Hershey Story right when they opened. It's a smaller sized museum, but we really enjoyed all the information. One of my children did the apprentice program, which comes with a little workbook with questions about the exhibits, and earned Hershey souvenir coin. One of my other children used the QR code reader to do a scavenger hunt of items in the exhibits. Both were given a large wooden token to swipe that would activate screens that would share narratives about Hershey's life and business. We learned a lot about this great American entrepreneur and philanthropist and left with a great respect for what he did in and with Hershey, PA. It was the perfect foundation to understand a trolley tour we took later at Chocolate World that showed the factory, community buildings, and school all built by Hershey. We didn't have time to do any of the add-on activities at The Hershey Story. We were headed to Chocolate World next. We were able to get through the whole second floor (the bulk of the museum), but had to skip the Cuba exhibit to get to CW in time for our first timed ticket there. We did the second floor in an hour and 15 minutes, but I wish we'd had a little more time. If you're just seeing this one museum, I'd give it 2 hours (or more if you're trying to do the add-on experiences). Since we did both HS and CW, I can wholeheartedly say that both are worth a visit. HS is a museum with a museum like experience. CW is mostly like a mini Disney World type experience, with the exception of the historic trolley tour, which is a great second course of sightseeing history after the first course in the HS museum. They work really well together. If you have to choose between one or the other, I'd have a hard time telling you which one to pick. If you have kids, they'll probably like CW more (although there are kids friendly add-on experiences at HS that might make up for skipping CW). I felt like the CW attractions were slightly more interesting-sounding than the ones at HS, but it all depends on your budget, schedule, and interests, I'm just glad that we go to do both. It was a lot to try and jam into one day, but it can be done. At first I was afraid I'd wasted money getting tickets for both, but I'm really glad we did both things.
9. Steamtown National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 866 reviews
This small museum is all about steam engines and their contribution to America's economy in the 19th century.
Reviewed By Mark---MXM - New York City, United States
Strongly recommend visiting Steamtown NHS; terrific indoor & outdoor exhibits; and pleasant/entertaining 30 minute trainride by a 1920s steam engine (for $5/person); great value — cost to visit museum & see trains — no charge. Nice 15 minute move too. Terrific 1/2 day event. Didn’t do the 3-hour or so excursion ... will try during next visit.
10. Lake Wallenpaupack
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Located in the Poconos, it's the third largest lake in the state, offering a diversity of water recreation activities.
Reviewed By randyorso - Hawley, United States
Fall foliage at Lake Wallenpaupack is beautiful. The local Greentown Grill is selling pumpkins from a cart that you can decorate, and the pottery at LaAnna's Holley Ross Pottery Outlet has nice decorations for all seasons. The political season has seen gun rally with some conservative activists and certain places are a bit lax on COVID-19 restrictions. The trails at Holley Ross Pottery Outlet are nice for viewing nature and the local stream. Early Bird Breakfast Specials at John's Italian in Greentown, PA 7 am to 10 am at $5.50 including coffee, eggs, home fried potatoes, toast, and choice of bacon or sausage, make for a hearty start to the day, other special choices are French Toast or Pancakes. Lunch at the Greentown Grill is usually very good indeed, and their Gyros are a favorite as are their onion rings. Cakes and Scones Bakery has amazing empanadas and quiche as well as pastries, pies, and cakes, scones, and cookies. The local resorts, Skytop Lodge, and Silver Birches are a bit of the old Poconos with updated eateries and great places for photos.
