Popular Vacation Spots in Pennsylvania

Before we share with you some of the most interesting places to visit in Pennsylvania, let us give you a quick history background of the state.


Pennsylvania was known throughout its early days as ‘Keystone State’ as it was the state where the first Declaration of Independence was signed, and the place where the first official United States flag was sewn and flown.

Today, Pennsylvania is one of the largest states in the Mid-Atlantic Region, home to some of the popular destinations in the USA.

In terms of attractions and things to do in the state, Pennsylvania offers a wealth of outdoor opportunities, amusement parks, beaches, shopping opportunities, great nightlife and entertainment, many festivals and places of interest to suit every taste.

Interesting Places to Visit in Pennsylvania: Top 5 Destinations

1. Philadelphia

If you are a history buff and are looking for an urban-type holiday, Philadelphia will foot the bill. The city of Philadelphia PA is known as the cheesesteak capital of PA and boasts a myriad of museums and historical landmarks such as Liberty Bell and Betsy Ross House where the first United States flag was sewn.

Things to do on a trip to Pennsylvania 

2. Erie

If you are looking for a relaxing beach-type holiday and plenty of water activities on offer, the city of Erie PA is known as popular getaway for families and romantic couples due to its laid back feel.

Erie PA is the only city in Pennsylvania located by the sea, along the shores of Lake Erie, and it is a popular stop-over destination for visitors taking the popular ‘Great American Waterways Cruise’.

3. Hershey

The town of Hershey PA is one of the most family-orientated destinations in Pennsylvania with plenty of attractions geared towards families with kids such as the popular Hershey Chocolate factory trolley ride.

4. Lancaster

The city of Lancaster is the ninth largest city in Pennsylvania and features plenty of recreational areas such as Central Park where you can enjoy hiking, swimming and camping.

Lancaster PA is also within a short drive of the Susquehanna and Conestoga rivers, which offer canoeing and kayaking opportunities.

5. Reading

The city of Reading PA is perhaps one most interesting places to visit in Pennsylvania, as the city offers a mixture of great shopping opportunities and outdoor pursuits.

In fact, Reading PA is home to over thirteen inner parks, and it is within a short drive from a couple of state parks where you can enjoy camping, hiking and other various outdoor activities.


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Popular Vacation Spots in Pennsylvania

If you are traveling to Reading for the first time, the city is known as the 'Shopping Capital of the World' due to its incredible variety of shopping outlets scattered along the city.

Apart from shopping opportunities, Reading PA features many inner city parks, lakes and a couple of state parks within a short distance where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing and boating.

If you are using car rental and are planning on exploring nearby cities, Reading PA is only an hour’s drive from Hershey Pennsylvania, Lancaster PA and Philadelphia PA.

Additionally, Reading PA is also within driving range of New York City, New Jersey, Maryland and Wilmington Delaware in Delaware State.

Things to do in Reading PA: Outdoor Activities

Hiking & Fishing

Berks County Parks

The city of Reading PA is home to around ten city parks, lakes and state parks, where you can enjoy a myriad of recreational activities.

Fishing opportunities can be found at both Antietam Lake and Kaercher Creek Park.

Antietam Lake is the closest to the city center, located 4 miles north east of the city center; while Kaercher Creek Park is located 20 miles north of Reading PA in the town of Hamburg.

If you’re traveling with the family and are planning on doing other activities apart from fishing, Kaercher Creek Park is your best bet.

The park also features a launching ramp for boats, fishing docks, electricity hook-ups, picnic and grill areas, playgrounds for kids and walking trails.

Nolde Forest State Park

Another excellent place where you can explore the outdoors and enjoy hiking trails is at Nolde Forest State Park.

This state park is only a 10 minute drive by car, and offers miles of easy trails through beautiful woodland.

Camping & Biking

If you are an avid mountain biker or are looking to camp out during your trip to Reading PA, French Creek State Park offers plenty of challenging biking and hiking opportunities.

The state park is also home to a campground that has amenities such as toilets, showers and electricity hook-ups.

French Creek State Park is only 17 miles south of Reading PA and it takes about 20 minutes drive to get there.

Cycling & Walking

If you and your family enjoy cycling and walking outings, two popular walking and cycling trails include:

- The Union Canal Trail, which runs along the Schuylkill River from Montgomery Street to Camp Joy through beautiful natural scenery.

- The Schuylkill River Trail - Thun Trail, which spans over 100 miles from Tamaqua to Philadelphia PA, passing through Reading PA.

Things to do in Reading PA: Places of Interest

Pagoda

One of the most historic and recognizable landmarks in Reading PA, it’s the Pagoda, which was built on the slope of Mount Penn in 1910 to resemble a Japanese Pagoda.

The fourth floor of this five-story pagoda is open to the public and features a gift shop and museum.

GoggleWorks Center

If you love anything to do with art and want to spend a fun day out, the GoggleWorks Center is one of the most popular things to do in Reading PA.

The GoggleWorks Center, located along Washington Street, features art galleries such as glass art works, as well as Sunday workshops you can join where you can learn the art of glass blowing and jewelry-making.

Reading Public Museum

If you are looking for more things to do in Reading PA with kids, the Reading Public Museum is another must-visit attraction worth adding to the Reading PA itinerary.

The museum is located along Museum Park, and features fun educational programs, a planetarium and an arboretum.

Things to do in Reading PA: Shopping

If you are a shopping enthusiast, Reading PA is home to many outlets and malls where you can find many bargains.

For instance, in West Reading, you can find VF Outlet and Berkshire Mall, which are located a short drive of Reading's city center.

And, in the neighborhood of Laureldale (north of Reading PA), you can find Fairgrounds Square Shopping Mall

Things to do in Reading PA: Nightlife & Entertainment

The downtown area of Reading PA is the hotspot for nightlife in the city and it is here where you'll find many bars, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs such as 1402 Bar & Nightclub located along 9th Street, Al’s Diamond Cabaret along 5th Street and El Tapatio along Walnut Street.

If you enjoy movies, the A-1 Cinema Center‎ at the Fairgrounds Square Shopping Mall it’s one of the biggest cinema complex in town, with over ten screens and stadium-style seating.

Things to do in Reading PA: Events & Festivals

“Go Fly A Kite!" Day

If you are visiting Reading PA in April, the 'Go Fly A Kite!' Day event is one of the most popular spring events in Berks County, and one event not to be missed if you are traveling with the family.

At the 'Go Fly A Kite!' Day event, you can participate in kite events, watch kite demonstrations and even learn how to fly a kite.

Children’s Fishing Rodeo

The Children’s Fishing Rodeo event is another popular family event that happens in May at Hunsicker's Grove in Mertztown, which is just half-hour drive from the city center.

If you’ve always wanted to enjoy a family fishing trip, the Children’s Fishing Rodeo is a great event where kids can learn fishing techniques.

Fiddle Festival

If you are a Bluegrass music fan, the Fiddle Festival showcases popular Bluegrass artists on an open stage at the Heritage Center in May.


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Things to do on a trip to Pennsylvania 
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Interesting places to visit in Delaware
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Philadelphia is without a shadow of the doubt one of the states with the richest history in the USA.

A trip to Philadelphia offers you a myriad of opportunities such as fine dining and historic places such as Independence Hall which is where the Declaration of Independence was signed and Betsy Ross House where the first ever American flag was sewn.

A few must places to visit in Philadelphia are as follows:

* Independence Hall is one of the must-see places to visit in Philadelphia. Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

During the tour of the Hall, you can see a draft of the Declaration as well as the room where each representative sat.

* Liberty Bell located at Independence Mall is probably one of the most renowned symbols associated with the American Revolution and it is recognized as an icon of liberty around the world.

* The Philadelphia Museum of Art located at Benjamin Franklin Parkway is home to more than 200,000 works of art including artists such as Dali.

The Philadelphia Museum has Greek design feel to it and it is perhaps one of the most beautiful buildings in the area and a must-see on places to visit in Philadelphia.

* City Hall located in the heart of Center City was at the time the tallest building in Philadelphia and now it's a great observation deck where you can enjoy panoramic views of the area.

* The Reading Terminal Market is a one of the top draws in places to visit in Philadelphia because of the lovely market atmosphere reminiscent of 1900’s Philadelphia.

* The Betsy Ross House located on Arch Street is another historic attraction in Philadelphia and the place where the first American flag was sewn by Betsy Ross herself.

* Christ Church Burial Ground also located on Arch Street is where the remains of America’s important figures are buried such as those of Benjamin Franklin.

* Elfreth's Alley located between Arch and Race Streets is considered a landmark and it is the oldest residential street in the country.

A visit to Elfreth’s Alley is a step back in time in Colonial America and it is certainly one of the top places to visit in Philadelphia.

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Interesting places to visit in Delaware