These 10 Unique Day Trips In Pennsylvania Are An Absolute Must-Do
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Christi
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Are you wondering what to do this weekend? Maybe your parents are visiting and you want to take them on a fun mini-trip. Perhaps friends from far away are headed your way, or you’re looking for “spontaneous day trips near me” online. No matter the occasion, these 10 unique day trips in Pennsylvania showcase some of the best that our beautiful state has to offer. Take your pick, and enjoy one of the best day trips in PA.
Fallingwater, 1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464, USA
Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Fallingwater house in 1935. Since then it has been declared a National Historic Landmark and has been lauded as the architect's most beautiful work. The house is tucked away in the mountains, with the famous waterfall underneath its foundation. Originally, the house was built as a residence for the owners of Kaufmann's Department Store, but now it is open to visitors for guided tours. Be sure to make advanced reservations if you want to tour the beautiful home. Stop by the official website of Fallingwater for more information.
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
The Philadelphia Art Museum is among the largest and most impressive art museums in the country, and it is well-worth the visit from anywhere in the state. If you aren't much of an art enthusiast, there are other options. Check out the Franklin Institute, which is a huge science center, the Mutter Museum, which houses a plethora of medical oddities and preserved body parts, or the Please Touch Museum, a children's museum that invites you to fondle an array of various objects. Check out the official website of The Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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Bethlehem, PA, USA
Bethlehem is an often overlooked town that has much to offer. Several years ago, the abandoned steel stacks from Bethlehem Steel were converted into Sands Casino and a venue where musicians perform. If you're looking to do something a little quieter, explore the Moravian Book Shop, the oldest bookstore in the world, and the row of shops and businesses on its street. Throughout the year, Bethlehem rings in various seasons with different festivals and events-- every fall it holds Celtic Classic, every summer it holds Musikfest, and during the holiday season, Bethlehem decks the halls with glittering lights. Learn more on the official website of Visit Bethlehem.
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Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
One of the top botanical gardens in the country, Longwood Gardens is the place for anyone who enjoys flowers or unusual plants. Open year-round, it has extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits and events for every season. Be sure to check out the pipe organ while you're there-- it has 10,010 pipes. Plan your visit on the official website of Longwood Gardens.
Amish Experience, 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand, PA 17505, USA
Pennsylvania is famous for its thriving Amish community that inhabits much of the countryside. The Amish Experience, located at Plain & Fancy Farms in Bird-in-Hand, allows visitors to explore the area's culture with guided tours of farmlands, a theater that plays "Jacob's Choice," and an Amish house and one-room school that is open for exploration. While you're in town, be sure to take a buggy ride and to try some scrumptous baked goods. Here's the official website of The Amish Experience.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
Pittsburgh has plenty to offer, but the Carnegie Museums are one of the first stops we'd recommend. You'll have a difficult time deciding which museum to visit first. There are four: the Carnegie Museum of Art, which was one of the first museums of modern art in the country; the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, which has one of the most impressive collections of dinosaur skeletons in the world; the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Carnegie Science Center, which is the most visited musuem in Pittsburgh. Find information on all four museums on the official website of the Carnegie Museums.
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Crystal Cave, 963 Crystal Cave Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530, USA
The Crystal Cave website boasts that it is the most popular natural attraction in Pennsylvania-- and understandably so. At affordable rates, you can spend part of your day on a guided tour through the ancient caverns. Once you emerge from the cave, enjoy ice cream, miniature golf, and a gift shop. This is a day trip geared well toward families with children. Plan your visit on the official website of Crystal Cave.
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Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
The Battle of Gettysburg is famous for incurring the largest number of deaths of any battle during the American Civil War, and it is also considered the war's turning point. Gettysburg is also rumored to be incredibly haunted. The Gettysburg Battlefield is a popular destination for those who wish to explore a rich piece of our country's heritage or to seek supernatural encounters. Plan your trip with a visit to the official website of Destination Gettysburg.
Lehigh Valley Zoo, Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA, USA
Enjoy a peacful afternoon admiring the animals at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, including the Mexican Wolves which are North America's most endangered land mammal. They are part of a species survival plan that aims to release wolves back into the wild to boost their population. The non-profit zoo has a variety of other animals held in a quiet, kid-friendly environment without too many crowds. Buffalo roam in the surrounding land. Stop by the official website of Lehigh Valley Zoo.
Hersheypark, 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
Hershey is famous for its mouth-watering chocolate and candy products, and every year thousands of tourists visit to enjoy a tour of the factory and the adjacent amusement park. Visit to enjoy roller coasters, the smell of chocolate that permeates the air, and learning about the place that produces your favorite candy bar. Here's the official website of Hersheypark.
We have so many day trip destinations in Pennsylvania that we might not know where to start! What are your favorite unique day trips in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! On the lookout for activities that are free? Here are 15 fun and free things to do in Pennsylvania.
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More to Explore
Unique Day Trips In Pennsylvania
What are some natural hidden gems in Pennsylvania?
We have no shortage of natural wonders in Pennsylvania that are perfect for a day trip.
- Erie Bluffs is a tiny but largely undeveloped park that features stunning views from natural bluffs.
- The White Cliffs of Conoy, in Marietta, boast sensational views of the Susquehanna River.
- Hammmersley Wild Area is the most remote spot in Pennsylvania. If you go to the wild area, you can explore one of the picturesque hiking trails.
- Discover why ice forms in the summer and melts in the winter at Coudersport Ice Mine.
- Zip down Meadow Run Natural Water Slide at Ohiopyle State Park to cool off in the summer.
What are the best Pennsylvania attractions?
- Pennsylvania’s brimming with outdoor attractions that are sure to add plenty of fun and adventure to your itinerary.
- If you love animals, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Lehigh Valley Zoo, where you can get an up-close view of penguins, giraffes, and other adorable animals.
- Wolf Sanctuary in Lititz is another prime destination for animal lovers. The sanctuary offers guided tours and even hosts evening tours from time to time.
- Salt Springs State Park in Montrose provides an idyllic backdrop for a day outdoors.
- Bilger’s Rocks are perfect for a hike among chiseled boulders.
What are some of the best Pennsylvania day trips?
Pennsylvania is the perfect launching point for a ton of day trips, whether you want to head to the big city or discover a natural wonder.
- One of the best Pennsylvania day trips, no matter the time of the year (but especially in the fall), is Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of PA. It boasts stunning natural scenery and numerous hiking trails.
- Wander through the wildflowers at Tyler Arboretum in Media.
- Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful lavender at Hope Hill Lavender Farm in Pottsville.
- A stroll along the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk is picture-perfect, especially during the peak of fall foliage.
Featured Addresses
Fallingwater, 1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464, USA
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
Bethlehem, PA, USA
Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
Amish Experience, 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand, PA 17505, USA
Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
Crystal Cave, 963 Crystal Cave Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530, USA
Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
Lehigh Valley Zoo, Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA, USA
Hersheypark, 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA