Pennsylvania Travel Guide

Pennsylvania is one of the states covered in our United States travel guide for city-wise travel inspiration.

Pennsylvania​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is a state that is deeply connected with its past and at the same time about the present. It is a place where history, nature, and the contemporary culture of the world seamlessly blend. From cityscapes where one can walk conveniently, to mountains covered with trees and farms that lie in silence, the scenery here speaks of time immemorial and thus traveling becomes at once familiar and full of new discoveries.

One of the things people most associate the state with is its role in the history of America and its economically and culturally diverse regions. The eastern part of Pennsylvania is a mixture of colonial landmarks and the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Moving towards the central part of the state, one comes across the countryside with its gently rolling hills, rivers, and small picturesque towns that have been fashioned by agriculture and age-old customs.

The western part of the state is a place where the steel industry has deeply left its mark and where arts and culture can be witnessed in their creative forms. Pennsylvania is a state of four seasons, the changing colours of the trees in the autumn, the snow-covered landscapes in the winter, the blossoming flowers in the spring, and the sun-drenched summer days all provide opportunities for time spent outdoors.

It is Philadelphia that holds the cultural heartbeat of the state. It is a city where one can still walk on the same streets of old, see the nationally important landmarks, and be impressed by a food culture that vibrates alongside the new residential neighborhoods and the spaces on the waterfront. Also, in the west, Pittsburgh is a city that stands where three rivers come together and it is known for its panoramic views of the city, its cultural institutions, and its neighborhoods that have been built on innovation and change.

In Pennsylvania, the outdoors is a great addition to a trip to the state. The Pocono Mountains is a place that is very popular and it offers various activities such as hiking, enjoying the beautiful lakes, and taking breathtaking scenic drives that change a lot depending on the season. At the same time, there are forests and state parks all over the state that are great for short, quiet getaways just a stone’s throw from the city.

Hershey is a place that exemplifies that the attractions may be family-friendly and quite nostalgic as well, thus adding to the mix the urban and the rural aspects of the state.

No matter what type of traveler you are, Pennsylvania is a state that can accommodate you and provide you with multiple options. If you are the type that enjoys a road trip then you will find lots of things to do here, if you love history then this will be your heaven, if you are a foodie then be prepared and if you enjoy the outdoors then here your desires are going to be fulfilled. It is not difficult for a family, couple, or an individual traveler to mix the enjoyment of urban culture with that of nature.

Pennsylvania can be seen as an archaeological dig where one traces the different layers — the old streets in the historic towns lead to the wooded trails, the waterfront cities of the rivers lead to the open fields of the countryside — and one discovers how the past and the present are still connected very tightly in a state that still feels very stable, inviting, and full of ​‍​‌‍​‍‌life.