Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Pennsylvania with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Pennsylvania sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Pennsylvania that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Pennsylvania whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Pittsburgh, PA
A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has provided a world-class garden experience to its visitors since 1893. Explore the beauty and wonders of nature at Phipps, encompassing 15 acres including a 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens. Experience industry-leading sustainable architecture and green practices, stunning seasonal flower shows, exclusive commissioned exhibits, renowned orchid and bonsai collections and more.
Eastern State Preliminary
Philadelphia, PA
Eastern State Penitentiary 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.
Experience Childrens Museum
Erie, PA
The expERIEnce Children’s Museum is a place that has been inspiring creativity and imagination in children for twenty years. The museum is a non-profit organization located in the historic cultural district of downtown Erie whose entire mission is to engage children and families in a fun and educational experience and is committed to educating children across a broad range of topics including math, science, art, culture, literacy and health.
Liberty Bell Museum
Allentown, PA
The Liberty Bell Museum, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The site of the first church in Allentown, it was used as a refuge during Indian raids, a revolutionary war hospital, a gathering place for the reading of the Declaration of Independence, and more. This rich history is celebrated at commemorative services every February, May, July, and September.
Allentown Art Museum
Allentown, PA
At the Allentown Art Museum, their mission is to enrich the lives of the widest possible audience of visitors by engaging, informing, and inspiring them through the activities of collecting, preserving, studying, exhibiting, and interpreting important works of visual art. The Allentown Art Museum offers tremendous variety and quality in the collections and exhibitions, educational programs, and public events. They serve over 100,000 visitors each year, of whom more than 14,000 are children in school programs. Their collection of more than 17,000 works of art offers the opportunity to experience nearly 2,000 years of cultural heritage in an accessible, visitor-friendly environment. For more than 75 years, the Allentown Art Museum has been a place where inspiration is born and lifelong memories are made.
Erie Art Museum
Erie, PA
Kennywood
West Mifflin, PA
Kennywood is one of the oldest and most beloved amusement park in America. Founded in 1898, it has thrilled and delighted both young and young-at-heart visitors for more than 110 years. From the early days of the carousel, through the development of the first roller coasters, to the technological advancements in today’s steel looping coasters, Kennywood has always been the park that puts a smile on everyone’s face. Designated a National Historic Landmark since 1987, you’ll find “Lost Kennywood,” a replica of turn-of-the-century architecture that houses some of the park’s most popular rides, as well as attractions that go from mild to wild throughout the park.
The Rocky Statue and the Rocky Steps
Philadelphia, PA
The Rocky Statue and the “Rocky Steps”, better known as the Art Museum Steps, are two of the most popular attractions in Philadelphia. Visiting the statue, running up the steps and taking a picture at the top is pretty much a must on your first visit to Philadelphia. It’s a rite of passage.
Independence Visitor Center
Philadelphia, PA
Located in Independence National Historical Park, the Independence Visitor Center is the official visitor center of Philadelphia and the region, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Their doors are open to the public and all information is offered free of charge. Along with free trip planning assistance, the Visitor Center offers one-stop-shopping for every visitor’s need, and free wireless Internet access.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia, PA
The Museum began as a legacy of the great Centennial Exhibition of 1876, held in Fairmount Park. At the conclusion of the celebrations, Memorial Hall–which had been constructed as the Exhibition’s art gallery– remained open as a Museum of Art and Industry “for the improvement and enjoyment of the people of the Commonwealth”. The Museum transitioned into the new millennium with ease, and continued to navigate the changes that the first decade would bring with grace and strength.
