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Pennsylvania

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Philadelphia City Hall

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Overview

A horse and buggy trundles through the Lancaster fog before it is overtaken by a Philadelphia-bound sports car driven by a young tech entrepreneur. In Pittsburgh, children of immigrants who work as nurses in the city's burgeoning hospitals start breaking into experimental contemporary art. In Gettysburg, descendants of Union soldiers proudly fly Confederate flags. This is Pennsylvania, which contains within her 46,000 sq miles some of the Eastern seaboard's most striking landscapes, culture clashes and contradictions.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Carpenters' Hall, Independence National Historical Park.

    Independence National Historical Park

    Philadelphia

    This L-shaped Philadelphia park, bound by 6th, 2nd, Walnut and Arch Sts, protects and honors the institutions that formed the foundation of the United…

  • Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 276721013 america, usa, park, blue, travel, landmark, sky, pennsylvania, vintage, carriage, old, hall, philadelphia, building, american, historic, tower, national, united, states, independence, clock

    Independence Hall

    Philadelphia

    The 'birthplace of American government', this modest, early 18th-century Georgian building is where delegates from the 13 colonies met to approve the…

  • Mattress Factory

    Mattress Factory

    Pittsburgh

    Since 1977, this art space has hosted the avant-garde. It now occupies several buildings in the Mexican War Streets neighborhood, and always has something…

  • Duquesne Incline

    Duquesne Incline

    Pittsburgh

    This nifty funicular and its Monongahela Incline twin down the road, both built in the late 19th century, are Pittsburgh icons, zipping up the steep slope…

  • Entrance

    Andy Warhol Museum

    Pittsburgh

    This six-story museum celebrates Pittsburgh's coolest native son, Andy Warhol, who moved to NYC, got a nose job and made himself famous with pop art. One…

  • Cathedral of Learning

    Cathedral of Learning

    Pittsburgh

    Soaring 42 stories, this Gothic tower at the center of the University of Pittsburgh is a city landmark. It has a 4-storey common room at ground level and…

  • Night sky with the Milky Way above Cherry Springs State Park.

    Cherry Springs State Park

    Pennsylvania

    Considered one of the best places for stargazing east of the Mississippi, this mountaintop state park seems to have plenty of space, but be sure to book…

  • A monument to Major General Winfield Scott Hancock at Gettysburg National Military Park.It was dedicated in 1896 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 149134859 gun, war, park, fall, hero, army, battle, cannon, autumn, statue, weapon, general, warfare, america, tourism, history, vintage, military, monument, historic, artillery, historical, gettysburg, battlefield, civil war, pennsylvania, adams county, tourist attractionl, winfield scott hancock, gettysburg national military park

    Gettysburg National Military Park

    Pennsylvania

    Gettysburg National Military Park covers 8 sq miles of land marked with monuments and trails. The museum at the visitor center is a must-see, particularly…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Here’s our guide to the best things to do in the Poconos – from sipping craft beer to thrilling outdoor activities – through every season.

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Best Time to Visit

Pennsylvania’s picturesque Pocono Mountains are delightful to visit all year long. Here are the best times to go for boating, skiing and foliage.

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Free Things to Do

If you want to learn more about history or connect with nature without busting your budget, here’s our guide to the best free things to do in the Poconos.

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Best Road Trips

Whether you have a few days or a few hours, we've got five incredible road trips to help you explore the natural beauty of the Poconos.

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