Philadelphia, PA
- While sometimes overlooked as a vacation destination, Pennsylvania has more than a few places that are worth visiting by both in-state and out-of-state tourists. After all, Pennsylvania is both a large and old state. It has sites that are filled with historical significance as well as modern attractions like casinos. For anyone planning a trip to Pennsylvania in the near future or even residents of the commonwealth looking to explore a little more, here are five amazing places in Pennsylvania that are worth visiting in 2024.
1. Gettysburg
Almost everything in the city of Gettysburg is a historic site. Of course, the highlight is Gettysburg National Military Park is the highlight. The park is 4,000 acres and includes important locations where the battle was fought and the solemn Gettysburg National Cemetery. There is even more information available at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, which is where visitors can arrange guided tours with history experts who can go into great detail about the Battle of Gettysburg. The city also offers historic restaurants and hotels, and even ghost tours, making every part of a trip to Gettysburg a learning experience.
2. Hershey Park
Most people associate Hershey with chocolate, but that’s not all that it offers. Hershey Park is also a great place to enjoy a fun-filled day or weekend. There are several rollercoasters and dozens of other rides within the park. That includes about 20 rides and more than a dozen water rides designed for kids. Parents will also be able to enjoy various shows and concerts that take place in the park, giving everyone in the family a reason to visit Hershey Park without even mentioning the candy available.
3. Liberty Bell
There are countless sites in Philadelphia that are worth visiting, but the Liberty Bell should surely be at the top of the list. You should know ahead of time that you can’t touch it. But seeing it will help to give you an appreciation of America’s history. Also, the Liberty Bell is located within Independence National Park, which also includes Franklin’s Court, Independence Hall, and Congress Hall, allowing visitors to gain a better understanding of the historical events that took place in Philadelphia.
4. Presque Isle State Park
The northwest corner of Pennsylvania doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves. The highlight in that area is Presque Isle State Park, which is located in Erie, fittingly on the shores of Lake Erie. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy the marina, beaches, and hiking trails, not to mention boating, swimming, and bird watching. For outdoor enthusiasts, Presque Isle is one of the most overlooked places to enjoy a wide-range of activities. Of course, if the weather isn’t perfect, you can enjoy Presque Isle Downs & Casino, which features horse-racing bets and traditional casino games (Pennsylvania also offers legal online gambling so you can place bets on your favorite mobile device from anywhere in the state).
5. Fallingwater
Trust us when we say that you don’t have to be an architecture expert to appreciate Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterful house that’s called Fallingwater. It’s among the most famous buildings in the country and fits perfectly into the natural landscape that surrounds it. Fallingwater is a little more than 50 miles outside of Pittsburgh, so it’s a little off the beaten path but hardly out of the way for folks visiting the western part of Pennsylvania. On top of the exterior beauty of the house, it’s possible to take a tour of the inside of Fallingwater where you’ll find a collection of artwork from some of the most famous artists of all time.
