So you’re in Pa for a vacation? First, why? Second, are you crazy? I’m just kidding. There are plenty of places to visit in Pa for your vacation. I’ll list a couple that you might want to take a look at! Disclaimer: I’m only listing places that I have been to, which are mostly on the eastern side of the state. Sorry, Pittsburgh.
1. Bushkill Falls:
Located in Bushkill, Pennsylvania, this is often called the Niagara of Pennsylvania. This park is a scenic trail that winds around multiple waterfalls. This place is perfect for anyone who likes to enjoy nature. It’s the best to go the day or two after it rains. The waterfalls will be full with water, but the trails might be a little slippery.
2. Shady Maple Smorgasboard:
This Amish run buffet style dinner is one of the best places to get a bite to eat. Just be prepared to wait a while. While the dining room is really large, the lines run long and you might wait a little bit until you get a table. Locals just call it “Shady Maple.” It’s located in East Earl, Pa.
3. Hershey:
Go to Hershey! There is the chocolate world where you can learn about Hershey chocolate and even create your own chocolate bar (I haven’t eaten mine yet). Also in Hershey, there is the theme park with many rollercoasters and ZooAmerica, a zoo with animal species native to the North America. You can buy tickets that grants you access to all of these parks.
4. Crystal Cave:
Crystal Cave is a natural cave in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. It offers guided tours and tells the history of the cave when it comes to human interaction and natural formation. It’s a great place to go and learn about how the natural world creates such beautiful places underground.
5. Lost River Caverns:
This is another, bigger, natural cave located in Hellertown. This cave experience has been one of my favorites. I don’t want to give away too much, but they really exhibit how the natural formations in the cave came to be and tell how the name came into being.
6. Knoebols:
This is must stop. Knoebols is a free-admission amusement park in Elysburg, Pa. It’s a whole thing of family fun. You do need to pay for tickets or a wristband to ride the rides but general admission is free. Parking is free. Going to this park every summer used to be a family tradition for us. I always looked forward to that day as a kid.
7. Jim Thorpe:
I have a whole article dedicated to things to do in Jim Thorpe. Check it out.
8. The Poconos:
There is so many things to do in the Poconos! One of my favorites is Camel Beach, a waterpark. The Poconos also has wonderful trails and trail riding opportunities. It’s often the place where people either go for a summer vacation or a snow sports experience at the many ski resorts.
9. Gettysburg:
The site of one of the most famous battles in civil war history. Take a self-guided tour around the battlefields and surrounding town or take an organized tour. Hike your way up to the top of the round tops or explore around the stones in Devil’s Den. Take a couple ghost tours in the area and learn some spooky stories. Visit the visitor’s center and view the large 360° mural of the battle.
10. White Water Rafting:
Pa has quite a couple rivers and you can easily find somewhere where you can enjoy some white water. The Lehigh River seems to be a very popular spot for rafting. Before you decide when to go, find out when the dam release day is. Your rafting experience will be ten times better if you go on dam release day.
11. Liberty Bell Museum:
In Allentown, Pennsylvania, there is a museum dedicated to the liberty bell. Why is it there, instead of in Philadelphia? Well, during the Revolutionary War, the bell was hidden from the British in an Allentown church.
12. Philadelphia:
Philly has a ton of museums, a zoo, and various other interesting things to check out. I like to frequent the Franklin Institute when there is an interesting exhibit on display. The Philadelphia Zoo isn’t my favorite zoo, but it is very educational. It’s comfortable to walk around and view all the animals and even learn about their conservation status. Philly also has some amazing food and history!
