12 Best Things to Do in Pennsylvania for Enticing Tour (With Photos)

Pennsylvania is considered as fifth most populated state in the United States with amazing landmarks, captivating places to visit, thrilling adventurous spots, and breathtaking views to explore. 

Whether you want to prefer the energy of the city or the peace of the state, Pennsylvania is one of the top tourist attractions where you would not get bored. 

So, without any further wait, let’s discuss the 12 amazing things that you can do in Pennsylvania to make your Pennsylvania trip enticing and memorable. Read on and explore on your own!

1. Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg National Military Park

The Civil War was fought in 1863 in Gettysburg and today visitors can explore the history behind these storied battlefields of the war. In this war, almost 50,000 soldiers died on the spot.

If you want to go there, you need to plan to spend one or two days here so you can explore this park and visitor center on your own to the fullest. 

Nearby Restaurants

Refreshment Saloon

CJ’s Seafood & Grill

Appalachian Brewing Company

Nearby Attractions

Gettysburg National Military Park

State of Pennsylvania Monument

Gettysburg National Cemetery

2. Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market Pennsulvania

Reading Terminal Market is home to 70+ family-owned small businesses and it’s Philadelphia’s public market. In this market, you can do in-person shopping, dining, and exploring some fun activities.

This market has something for every visitor as there are a lot of fun things to do and explore here. All in all, you would not get bored in this scenic market. 

Nearby Restaurants 

The Wayward

Miller’s Twist

Beiler’s Bakery

Nearby Attractions

Pennsylvania Convention Center 

Wanamaker Organ 

Wonderspaces Philadelphia

3. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort

Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort

No matter in which season you want to do some water fun, Splash Lagoon indoor water park resorts offer weatherproof fun to various ages people.

This pool features the largest indoor wave pool in the Eastern U.S. with a massive arcade, family whirlpools, and a 5-star interactive Tiki Treehouse. At this place, you can enjoy birthday parties and family/ friends fun. 

Nearby Restaurants

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Restaurant

Bob Evans

Shop

Nearby Attractions

Luminary Distilling, Eatery, Fuhrman’s Cider

Lecom Sports Park

Presque Isle State Park

4. Acrisure Stadium Tours

Acrisure Stadium Tours

Acrisure Stadium is a horseshoe shaped stadium opened back in 2001 and offers you one of the stunning oceanfront and spectacular city views.

With unlimited tours and fun experiences, there is something for everyone to explore here. If you want to go here and enjoy some time in this stadium, you have to book yourselves earlier. 

Nearby Restaurants

Burgatory

Southern Tier Brewing Co.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

Nearby Attractions

Carnegie Science Center

North Shore River Park

USS Requin

5. The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute is one of the nation’s old science centers with science-related history. In this science center, you can see the exciting science and technology displays.

It is named after the American scientist and statesman Benjamin Franklin. It will be one of the best things for those who are science enthusiasts or want to explore science-related historical things. 

Nearby Restaurants

Sabrina’s Cafe

Urban Farmer Philadelphia

Con Murphy’s Irish Pub

Nearby Attractions

Ben Franklin National Memorial

Free Library of Philadelphia

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

6. National Constitution Center

National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center is the place where people of all ages and perspectives can enjoy their time to the fullest whether they are U.S.-based or anywhere in the world.

It is located at Independence Mall in Philadelphia. In this constitution center, you can explore U.S. legislative documents and learn about U.S. legal rules. 

Nearby Restaurants

Terakawa Ramen

High Street Philadelphia

Buddakan

Nearby Attractions

United States Mint

Benjamin Franklin’s Grave

Christ Church Cemetery

7. Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo

This zoo is located in the Centennial District of Philadelphia and is considered the first true zoo in the United States.

Philadelphia Zoo is located on a 42-acre Victorian garden with tree-linked walls, animal sculptures, and shrubbery. Also, this zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals and most of the animals are rare. 

Nearby Restaurants

Munich Cafe

Spot Gourmet Burgers

Cosmic Cafe

Nearby Attractions

Boathouse Row

Please Touch Museum

Philadelphia Museum of Art

8. Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiopyle State Park is located at Laurel Ridge Southern reaches. This park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres and also services as a getaway to the Laurel Highlands.

In this park, you can enjoy outdoor activities like biking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, horse-riding, climbing, and hiking. 

Nearby Restaurants

Ohiopyle Bakery & Sandwich Shoppe

Falls Market

Paddlers Pizza

Nearby Attractions

Kentuck Knob

Fallingwater

Sugar Grove Cemetery

9. Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is located at the baker street in Pittsburgh. This unique zoo starts with Forest Passage where you can see red pandas, lynx, and tigers.

You will find this zoo open for the whole year except on the big days like Christmas, New Year’s day, and Thanksgiving. Prices are different according to different seasons. 

Nearby Restaurants

Bulldog Pub

Jambo Grille

Joseph Tambellini

Nearby Attractions

Gorilla Trek VR Theater

Bayernhof Museum

Highland Park

10. Lancaster Central Market

Lancaster Central Market

Lancaster Central Market is a public market located in Penn Square with various historical views. Till 2005, it is considered as the oldest municipally operated market in the U.S.A.

Since 1730, farmers have been coming up with fruits and vegetables and selling their fruits/ vegetables to residents and market is open on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 6 AM to 3 PM. 

Nearby Restaurants

Himalayan Curry and Grill

On Orange

Bistro Barberet & Bakery

Nearby Attractions

Lancaster City Welcome Center

The Gallery of Modern Masters

Jerome Hershey

11. Hershey Gardens

Hershey Gardens

Hershey Gardens is open all year round and it features a tropical Butterfly Atrium, an indoor garden where you can see and discover hundreds of tropical plants and butterflies.

Also, this garden features a famous rose garden, amazing theme gardens, and colorful seasonal displays with a whimsical and revitalized children’s park. 

Nearby Restaurants

The Circular

Iberian Lounge

Trevi 5

Nearby Attractions

Star Pavillion at Hersheypark Stadium

Hershey Sweet Lights

The Hershey Story Museum

12. American Music Theatre

American Music Theatre

American Music Theatre is the only theatre that features both touring concerts and original musical shows. In this 1600-seat theatre, there are 200 live performances and shows exist every year.

Here you can enjoy the performances and shows of the most talented musicians. Like American music theatre in Pennsylvania, it’s quite difficult to find such other musical theatre. 

Nearby Restaurants

➞ Chick-fil-A

Cracker Barrel

The BBQ Barn- Amish Made Food

Nearby Attractions

The Amish Farm and House

The Willows Covered Bridge

Lee Wrangler Clearance Center

Final Thoughts!

Pennsylvania comes with multiple outdoor things to do, exploring nature, history, and architecture. From Gettysburg National Military Park to attending live musical shows/ performances at American music theatre, the above-mentioned 12 things are the best things to do in Pennsylvania.

Next time when you visit Pennsylvania, go and explore these things one by one on your own and enjoy your time to the fullest in Pennsylvania. So, book your tickets now, pack your bags, and go out to explore one of the top tourist destinations in the U.S.A.



Lynn Foster
Lynn Foster is a seasoned travel expert, creative writer and blogger, shares her global adventures on the Touripia blog.

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