Pennsylvania Day Trips: Explore & Discover

Pennsylvania Day Trips: Discover History, Nature, Food & Family Fun Across the State

Pennsylvania offers a variety of great day trips, whether you’re into history, nature, food, or family-friendly attractions. Here are some ideas:

Historic & Cultural Trips

  • Philadelphia – Visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rocky Steps). Try a Philly cheesesteak at Pat’s or Geno’s.
  • Gettysburg National Military Park – Explore the battlefield, visitor center, and museum, or take a guided tour.
  • Hershey – Visit Hersheypark for rides or Hershey’s Chocolate World to make your own chocolate bar.
  • Lancaster Amish Country – Take a scenic drive, visit an Amish farm, or shop at Central Market.
  • Pittsburgh – Ride the Duquesne Incline for skyline views, explore the Carnegie Museums, or visit PNC Park.
  • Jim Thorpe – A charming town with historic architecture, scenic train rides, and outdoor adventure.

Outdoor & Adventure Trips

  • Pocono Mountains – Enjoy hiking, waterfalls, whitewater rafting, or skiing (in winter).
  • Ricketts Glen State Park – Hike the Falls Trail and see over 20 waterfalls.
  • Ohiopyle State Park – Go whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River or hike to Cucumber Falls.
  • Presque Isle State Park (Erie) – Relax on the sandy beaches of Lake Erie, bike, or kayak.
  • Hickory Run State Park – Visit Boulder Field, hike scenic trails, and enjoy nature.
  • Delaware Water Gap – Hike Mount Minsi or Mount Tammany for incredible views.

Family-Friendly & Unique Attractions

  • Knoebels Amusement Park – A free-admission, old-school amusement park with classic rides.
  • Crystal Cave (Kutztown) – A fascinating underground cave tour.
  • Pine Creek Gorge (PA Grand Canyon) – Hike Leonard Harrison or Colton Point State Park for breathtaking views.
  • Doylestown – Visit Fonthill Castle and the Mercer Museum for unique historical architecture.
  • Laurel Caverns – Explore Pennsylvania’s largest cave system.

Food & Drink Experiences

  • Bucks County Wine Trail – Visit local wineries and enjoy scenic views.
  • Yuengling Brewery Tour (Pottsville) – Tour America’s oldest brewery.
  • Philadelphia Italian Market – Stroll through the country’s oldest outdoor market for fresh foods and unique finds.

Here’s a breakdown of 10 day trips for each region of Pennsylvania—Eastern, Central, and Western—so you can explore the state no matter where you are!

Eastern Pennsylvania Day Trips

  • Philadelphia – Explore the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Reading Terminal Market.
  • Pocono Mountains – Hike to Bushkill Falls or go whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River.
  • Jim Thorpe – Ride the scenic railway and explore the charming historic town.
  • Ricketts Glen State Park – Hike the Falls Trail to see over 20 waterfalls.
  • Delaware Water Gap – Climb Mount Minsi for incredible views.
  • New Hope & Lambertville – Enjoy artsy shops, dining, and a scenic walk along the Delaware River.
  • Doylestown – Visit Fonthill Castle and the Mercer Museum.
  • Hickory Run State Park – See the famous Boulder Field and hike through beautiful forests.
  • Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square) – Stroll through one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the U.S.
  • Crystal Cave (Kutztown) – Take a guided tour of this fascinating underground attraction.

Central Pennsylvania Day Trips

  • Hershey – Visit Hersheypark, Chocolate World, or the Hershey Story Museum.
  • Gettysburg National Military Park – Tour the battlefield and explore the rich Civil War history.
  • Pennsylvania State Capitol (Harrisburg) – Tour the stunning building and visit the State Museum.
  • Pine Creek Gorge (PA Grand Canyon) – Hike Leonard Harrison State Park for stunning views.
  • Knoebels Amusement Park – Enjoy a classic amusement park with free admission.
  • Laurel Caverns – Explore Pennsylvania’s largest cave system.
  • State College & Penn State University – Visit the Arboretum and the Berkey Creamery for famous ice cream.
  • Fallingwater (Mill Run) – Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece.
  • Cherry Springs State Park – Experience some of the best stargazing on the East Coast.
  • Shikellamy State Park – Take in the panoramic views where the Susquehanna River splits.

Western Pennsylvania Day Trips

  • Pittsburgh – Ride the Duquesne Incline, visit the Andy Warhol Museum, or see a game at PNC Park.
  • Ohiopyle State Park – Whitewater rafting, Cucumber Falls, and the Great Allegheny Passage.
  • Presque Isle State Park (Erie) – Enjoy sandy beaches, bike trails, and water activities on Lake Erie.
  • Fallingwater & Kentuck Knob – Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural wonders.
  • McConnell’s Mill State Park – Hike along Slippery Rock Creek and see the covered bridge.
  • Idlewild & SoakZone – A classic amusement and water park great for families.
  • Allegheny National Forest – Explore hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
  • Meadville’s Pymatuning Spillway – Feed thousands of carp at the “where the ducks walk on the fish” site.
  • Johnstown Flood National Memorial – Learn about one of America’s greatest disasters.
  • Brewery & Distillery Tour in Pittsburgh – Sample craft beer and spirits in the city’s vibrant scene.

Here are 10 budget-friendly day trips for each region of Pennsylvania. These trips focus on free or low-cost attractions, perfect for exploring without breaking the bank!

Eastern Pennsylvania – Budget-Friendly Day Trips

  • Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia) – Visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall for free.
  • Reading Terminal Market (Philadelphia) – Enjoy a budget-friendly food tour of diverse local vendors.
  • Fairmount Park (Philadelphia) – Walk or bike through scenic trails and historic gardens.
  • Pocono Environmental Education Center – Free hiking and nature programs in the Pocono Mountains.
  • New Hope & Lambertville Towpath Walk – Stroll along the Delaware Canal for beautiful river views.
  • Hickory Run State Park – Explore Boulder Field and enjoy free hiking trails.
  • Morris Arboretum (Philadelphia) – Offers free admission days throughout the year.
  • Jim Thorpe Walking Tour – Explore the charming town’s historic streets and scenic views for free.
  • Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square) – Free admission on certain community days (check their website).
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area – Free hiking and waterfall viewing, like Raymondskill Falls.

Central Pennsylvania – Budget-Friendly Day Trips

  • Gettysburg National Military Park – The museum is free, and self-guided battlefield tours cost nothing.
  • Pennsylvania State Capitol Tour (Harrisburg) – Free guided tours of the beautiful historic building.
  • Pine Creek Gorge (PA Grand Canyon) – Free hiking and breathtaking overlooks at Leonard Harrison and Colton Point.
  • Cherry Springs State Park – Free stargazing at one of the darkest night skies in the U.S.
  • Hershey’s Chocolate World (Hershey) – Take the free chocolate factory tour ride.
  • Knoebels Amusement Park (Elysburg) – Free admission; pay per ride or just enjoy the park.
  • Little Buffalo State Park – Free swimming, hiking, and picnic areas.
  • Shikellamy State Park (Sunbury) – Free panoramic views and trails overlooking the Susquehanna River.
  • Centre Furnace Mansion (State College) – Free tours of this historic ironmaster’s home.
  • Raystown Lake – Free access to beautiful scenic spots and hiking trails.

Western Pennsylvania – Budget-Friendly Day Trips

  • Point State Park (Pittsburgh) – Walk along the river, see the massive fountain, and visit the Fort Pitt Museum ($10 or less).
  • Duquesne Incline (Pittsburgh) – Ride up for just a few dollars and get breathtaking skyline views.
  • Frick Art & Historical Center (Pittsburgh) – Free museum admission and garden access.
  • Ohiopyle State Park – Free hiking, waterfalls, and scenic river views.
  • McConnell’s Mill State Park – Explore trails, waterfalls, and the historic mill for free.
  • Presque Isle State Park (Erie) – Free sandy beaches and scenic bike trails along Lake Erie.
  • Allegheny National Forest – Free hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
  • Meadville’s Pymatuning Spillway – Feed the fish and watch ducks “walk on water” for just a few dollars in fish food.
  • Johnstown Inclined Plane – Low-cost ride for stunning views of the Johnstown valley.
  • Buhl Park (Sharon) – Free walking trails, gardens, and America’s only free golf course.

Here are 10 budget-friendly, lesser-known day trips for each part of Pennsylvania! These hidden gems are free or low-cost and perfect for a unique adventure.

Eastern Pennsylvania – Lesser-Known Budget-Friendly Day Trips

  • Ringing Rocks Park (Upper Black Eddy) – Bring a hammer and tap the boulders to hear them ring like bells!
  • Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (Elverson) – Explore an early American iron-making village for free.
  • Columcille Megalith Park (Bangor) – A unique stone sanctuary inspired by ancient Celtic structures.
  • Lehigh Gap Nature Center (Slatington) – Free nature trails with stunning mountain views.
  • Lock Ridge Furnace Park (Alburtis) – Walk through historic stone ruins of an old iron furnace.
  • Reading Pagoda (Reading) – A Japanese-style pagoda with panoramic views of the city (free to visit).
  • White Cliffs of Conoy (Lancaster County) – Hike to this chalky white cliffside with scenic Susquehanna River views.
  • Montour Preserve (Danville) – Free nature center, hiking trails, and a fossil pit where you can collect fossils!
  • Peace Valley Park (Doylestown) – A scenic lake, free hiking trails, and birdwatching opportunities.
  • Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center (Reading) – Free trails through a beautiful old-growth forest.

Central Pennsylvania – Lesser-Known Budget-Friendly Day Trips

  • Big Spring Spirits (Bellefonte) – Free distillery tours and tastings in a historic match factory.
  • Thousand Steps Trail (Mount Union) – A challenging but rewarding free hike up an old railroad incline.
  • Trough Creek State Park (Huntingdon County) – See Balanced Rock and a scenic gorge for free.
  • Rockhill Trolley Museum (Orbisonia) – Low-cost trolley rides on vintage streetcars.
  • Allenberry Resort Grounds (Boiling Springs) – Walk the historic property along the Yellow Breeches Creek.
  • Whipple Dam State Park (Huntingdon) – Free swimming, picnicking, and relaxing lake views.
  • Little Buffalo State Park (Newport) – Free historic sites, waterfalls, and a scenic covered bridge.
  • Bald Eagle State Park (Howard) – Free lakeside trails and incredible birdwatching.
  • Linn Run State Park (Westmoreland County) – A peaceful, free hiking spot with waterfalls and forest views.
  • Greenwood Furnace State Park (Huntingdon County) – Free access to an old iron furnace and hiking trails.

Western Pennsylvania – Lesser-Known Budget-Friendly Day Trips

  • Seldom Seen Coal Mine (Patton) – A low-cost underground tour of a historic coal mine.
  • Brady’s Bend Overlook (East Brady) – A stunning free overlook of the Allegheny River bend.
  • Falling Run Park (Morgantown, WV border) – A hidden gem with scenic waterfalls and quiet hiking trails.
  • Oil Creek State Park (Titusville) – A lesser-known park rich in Pennsylvania oil history with free hiking trails.
  • Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve (Fox Chapel) – A free birdwatching and hiking destination near Pittsburgh.
  • Waterford Covered Bridge (Waterford) – A scenic historic bridge perfect for a quiet picnic and photos.
  • Drake Well Museum Grounds (Titusville) – Visit the birthplace of the oil industry for a low admission fee.
  • Johnsonburg Community Park (Johnsonburg) – A peaceful riverside park with free access.
  • Raccoon Creek Wildflower Reserve (Hookstown) – Free access to one of the most diverse wildflower areas in the state.
  • Buttermilk Falls Natural Area (New Florence) – A hidden waterfall with a peaceful forest setting.