Pennsylvania is one of those states that rewards travelers who refuse to stay in one place. Its cities and towns cover an unusual amount of ground, from major museums and historic landmarks to lake beaches, mountain views and wonderfully odd traditions involving a weather-predicting groundhog. A road trip can move from Philadelphia’s colonial streets to Pittsburgh’s riverfront neighborhoods, then head toward smaller destinations that feel entirely different. If Pennsylvania is on your travel list, these five stops offer plenty of reasons to make the drive.
Start With Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has successfully turned its industrial history into part of its appeal rather than trying to erase it. The city sits where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio River, giving visitors plenty of waterfront scenery and some excellent skyline views. Ride the historic Duquesne Incline to Mount Washington for one of the classic views over downtown and the three rivers. Art fans can visit the Andy Warhol Museum, which honors the Pittsburgh-born artist and holds an extensive collection of his work and archival material.
Food deserves a spot in the itinerary, too. The Strip District packs markets, specialty grocers, restaurants and shops into a compact neighborhood that is easy to explore on foot. For a more traditional night out, finding the best steakhouse in Pittsburgh like Eddie Merlot’s can turn dinner into part of the sightseeing experience. Eddie Merlot’s has a downtown location at 444 Liberty Ave., near Point State Park and other central attractions. Pittsburgh works especially well for a long weekend because travelers can mix museums, sports, food and outdoor sightseeing without spending half the trip driving between attractions.
Walk Through Philadelphia History
Philadelphia could fill an entire vacation by itself, particularly for anyone interested in American history. Independence National Historical Park should be near the top of a first-time visitor’s itinerary. Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and where delegates later created the U.S. Constitution. The nearby Liberty Bell Center makes it easy to pair several major historic sites during the same walk.
Still, Philadelphia is much more than its colonial past. Reading Terminal Market offers an easy way to sample the city’s food culture, while the city’s museums range from major art collections to smaller institutions devoted to highly specific subjects. Travelers can also walk through different neighborhoods rather than treating the historic district as the entire destination. Save room for a cheesesteak, but do not assume that eating one checks Philadelphia cuisine off the list. The city has far too many good restaurants for that.
Meet Phil in Punxsutawney
Punxsutawney proves that a town does not need skyscrapers or a dozen museums to earn a place on a Pennsylvania itinerary. Every Feb. 2, thousands of visitors gather at Gobbler’s Knob to see Punxsutawney Phil make his famous weather prediction, a local tradition whose roots stretch back to the 19th century.
Naturally, fans of the movie Groundhog Day will recognize the town’s name immediately, even though the movie itself was primarily filmed in Woodstock, Illinois. Punxsutawney has fully embraced its unusual claim to fame. Visitors can tour Gobbler’s Knob throughout the year, walk the short Gobbler’s Knob Trail, see the Phantastic Phil statues around town and visit the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center. The town makes an entertaining stop even outside February, particularly for travelers who appreciate roadside Americana and places with a personality all their own.
Spend a Weekend in Erie
Erie offers a side of Pennsylvania that can surprise visitors who picture the state primarily in terms of mountains, farms and old industrial cities. Presque Isle State Park extends into Lake Erie and provides a sandy shoreline along with opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and cycling. The park draws millions of visitors and remains a major outdoor destination throughout the year, although summer naturally brings the fullest beach experience.
Travelers can also visit the Presque Isle Lighthouse or head toward Erie’s waterfront for views from Bicentennial Tower. Families visiting during the warmer months can add Waldameer Park & Water World to the schedule. Erie is especially appealing for travelers who want a Pennsylvania trip that feels more like a lakeside vacation than a traditional city break.
Give Gettysburg More Time
Gettysburg deserves more than a rushed battlefield drive on the way somewhere else. The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center provides useful historical context before visitors explore the battlefield, with museum galleries, a film and the enormous Gettysburg Cyclorama depicting Pickett’s Charge. Visitors can then tour the battlefield independently or hire a licensed guide.
Downtown Gettysburg adds another layer to the trip. Shops, restaurants, historic buildings and Lincoln Square make the center of town easy to explore on foot, while walking tours examine how local residents experienced the events of 1863. Travelers with additional time can explore Adams County’s orchards, farm markets and countryside. Pennsylvania has enough variety to support a weeklong road trip without the days beginning to feel repetitive, and these five destinations show just how much the state can pack between its borders.
