The best road trips in Pennsylvania are fun, but one of the most expensive parts is paying for gas. So how far can you get one one tank of gas, exactly? Based on an informal poll, most cars can average about 300 miles on one tank of gas. This road trip will take you from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (or vice versa, depending on your preference) and is 365 miles long. This should be achievable on one tank of gas, or just over a tank. The trip is about eight hours total driving time, so you may want to split it over one weekend. Here is the road trip plotted on Google Maps, so you may follow the directions, or adjust them to fit your own preferences.

Google Maps
1. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Alex Thomson/ Flickr
One of Pennsylvania's most astonishing artistic installations is located on South Street. Begin your trip by admiring the gorgeous mosaics and cryptic tiles that cover this gorgeous Philadelphia home turned museum. Make sure you buy your tickets in advance to ensure you get in at the time and on the day you want.

Click here for the official website of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.
2. King of Prussia Mall
Montgomery County Planning Commission/ Flickr
Why not stop at the second largest mall in the United States? The massive King of Prussia Mall spans more than 1.7 million square feet, pretty much guaranteeing you're sure to find something you like when shopping. Considered an upscale shopping destination, King of Prussia Mall boasts an impressive collection of shops and restaurants, including Apple, Bath & Body Works, and Express.

Click here to visit King of Prussia Mall's website.
3. Lititz
Doug Kerr/ Flickr
Arguably one of the best and most charming small towns in Pennsylvania, Lititz definitely warrants a visit on any road trip. Start your time in the enchanting small town with a tour of Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. Go antiquing, or grab a delicious lunch at Tomato Pie Cafe or the Appalachian Brewing Company of Lititz. You might also want to visit the Wolf Sanctuary of PA.

Click here to learn more about Littiz.
4. Hersheypark
Mr.TinDC/ Flickr
Right in the middle of our road trip is one of Pennsylvania's most premiere tourist spots: Hersheypark. You could probably spend an entire weekend or a week with all that Hershey offers. If you're visiting during the summer season, you definitely want to spend time at Hersheypark. Climb aboard the rides and eat good, old-fashioned amusement park food. Hershey's also home to such fun attraction as Hershey's Chocolate World, where you can make your own chocolate bar and stock up on your favorite Hershey's candy.

Click here to check out Hersheypark's website.

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5. The State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg
Kumar Appaiah/ Flickr
Engage in some state pride in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's capitol. The capitol complex is not only the seat of our state government, but also an architecturally fascinating stop to visit. Take a tour of the capitol complex that includes an Interactive Welcome Center, Senate Library Exhibits, and the Capitol Shop. Tours run for a half an hour and are free.

Click here to plan your visit to our state's capitol.
6. Tuscarora State Forest
Tuscarora State Forest/ Facebook
Tuscarora is just one of Pennsylvania's many gorgeous state forests. At about 96,000 acres, Tuscarora State Forest has many trails of varying difficulty levels. Be sure to look out for golden eagles while you're hiking along its mountainous ridges— they are often spotted here.

Click here for the official website of the Tuscarora State Forest.
7. Coral Caverns in Manns Choice
James St. John/ Flickr
This may be hard to believe, but Pennsylvania was once covered by the ocean. Coral Caverns is right along your way and is home to the only fossilized coral reef found on dry land in the country. Have fun identifying the various sea creatures that have been preserved for thousands of years in its walls.
8. Kecksburg
Shannon O'Toole/ Flickr
In 1965, a mysterious incident occurred in Kecksburg: an unidentified object, about the size of a Volkswagen Beetle crashed into the town's woods. It was quickly removed by military vehicles and to this day, no conclusive statement has been released to explain the bizarre crash landing. Many believe it was a UFO, and the incident is commemorated by this statue and an annual alien festival in Kecksburg.
9. Phipp's Conservatory in Pittsburgh
kathryn deem/ Flickr
Finally, our closing city: Pittsburgh. You've come far, good job! Make a stop at Phipp's Conversatory. Stroll through the botanical gardens that feature plants from around the globe and that hosts regular events. If your stomach's rumbling, grab a seat in the cafe for a delicious meal or a quick snack.

Click here for the official website of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
10. The Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh
Brook Ward/ Flickr
By dusk, Pittsburgh will look gorgeous when viewed from the Duquesne Incline, one of the most fundamental stops for any tourist in this city. The incline will take you to the top of Mount Washington, where you'll find several observation decks. Drink in sensational views of the city skyline, shimmering against the nighttime sky, from Mount Washington before heading back down the mountain.

Click here for the official website of the Duquesne Incline.

What do you think? What do you think are the best road trips in Pennsylvania? Join the conversation in the comments!

If you’re up for another one of the best road trips in Pennsylvania, hit the road on this road trip to nine abandoned places in Pennsylvania.

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More to Explore

best road trips In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | March 03, 2020

Are there any food-related road trips in Pennsylvania?

You can easily create your own food-related road trip in Pennsylvania, or you can just follow one of ours. Carve out three days, for example, for an epic road trip that will take you to across the state – from Philadelphia to Grove City. You’ll stop at a popular restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, allowing you to sample some of the best food Pennsylvania has to offer.

If you like wine and waterfalls, you’ll definitely want to set off on this daytrip to wineries and waterfalls in Pennsylvania. Visit 21 waterfalls along Falls Trail in Ricketts Glen State Park, and stop by such wineries as Winterland Winery in Dushore.

What are the best day trips in Pennsylvania?

You might just find that there are more day trips in Pennsylvania than anywhere else. Pennsylvania’s a great launching pad for heading to destinations to explore for the day. If you love animals and alpacas, in particular, plan a visit to Bent Pine Alpaca Farm in Carlisle. There, you can go on a tour and visit with the friendly alpacas.

Have a sweet tooth? Then you can’t go wrong by following the delightfully delicious Donut Trail in Pennsylvania that will take you to six donut shops in Eastern Pennsylvania, including Federal Donuts in Philadelphia and Duck Donuts in King of Prussia.

What are the most popular attractions in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania boasts a full list of attractions. You’ll probably need a bucket list to ensure you see everything you want to. One of the most popular attractions in Pennsylvania is the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk. The former bridge, which was partially destroyed by a tornado, is now a skywalk that boasts a glass floor.

For a truly Pennsylvanian experience, plan a trip to Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. The gorge is particularly stunning during the fall foliage.

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Featured Addresses
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
King of Prussia, 160 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA
Lititz, PA 17543, USA
Hersheypark, 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101, USA
Tuscarora State Forest, Jackson Township, PA 17006, USA
Coral Caverns Private Driveway, Manns Choice, PA 15550, USA
Kecksburg, PA 15666, USA
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
Duquesne Incline, 1197 W Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA