Pennsylvania Holidays

From chocolate towns to haunted prisons, Pennsylvania’s full of surprises. Think big cities, cosy cabins, epic rollercoasters and cheesesteaks that slap. It’s the USA with extra flavour.

Highlights

• 🍫 Hershey, AKA the Sweetest Place on Earth – A town dedicated to chocolate? Dreams do come true.

• 🏙️ Philly’s got history AND hoagies – Snap a pic at the Liberty Bell, then chow down on a world-famous Philly cheesesteak.

• 🎢 Rollercoasters galore at Kennywood and Hersheypark – Proper scream-your-head-off stuff.

• 🍁 Year-round beauty in the Poconos – Snow in winter, hiking in summer, and romantic vibes all year long.

Getting around

Pennsylvania’s surprisingly easy to navigate, whether you’re road tripping or city hopping. Major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have decent public transport – think buses, trains, and trolleys – but hiring a car is the best shout if you want to explore the wider state. Amtrak links the big hitters, and there are smaller regional airports if you’re skipping cross-country. Fancy a scenic route? The drive through the Appalachian Mountains is worth the fuel alone.

Things to do for families in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is packed with family-friendly fun that’s equal parts exciting and educational (don’t tell the kids that bit). Start at Hersheypark, where chocolate-themed rides and water attractions bring serious joy. Nearby, Hershey’s Chocolate World offers a free tour and plenty of sugar highs. Over in Philadelphia, the Please Touch Museum is a hands-on paradise for little ones, while the Franklin Institute keeps science cool for older kids. For a dose of history, head to Gettysburg – yes, it’s a battlefield, but with reenactments and interactive museums, it’s far from boring. And if you fancy a step back in time, a ride on a steam train in Strasburg or a day in Dutch Wonderland theme park will go down a treat.

Things to do for couples in Pennsylvania

Whether you’re all about romantic strolls or adrenaline-fuelled bonding, Pennsylvania’s got you covered. Take a hot air balloon ride over the Poconos at sunrise – cheesy, yes, but you’ll love it. Fancy something quirkier? Try haunted tours in old prisons and ghost towns for a spooky snuggle-fest. Philadelphia’s cobbled Old City is great for a hand-in-hand wander, with cute cafés and wine bars tucked around every corner. For winter getaways, Lake Wallenpaupack is a dream for log cabin vibes and fireside cuddles. And if you’re a duo who wine and dine in equal measure, don’t skip Brandywine Valley’s wineries – it’s like Napa but without the crowds (or price tag).

Things to do for groups in Pennsylvania

If you’re rolling deep with your mates, Pennsylvania brings the buzz. Hit up Pittsburgh for rooftop bars, escape rooms, and live music galore – the city’s got serious indie cred. Over in Philly, you can bar hop your way down South Street, catch a gig, or cheer on a local team – the sports scene is HUGE here. Feeling outdoorsy? Grab a cabin in the Poconos, go white-water rafting, or try your hand at axe throwing (safely, of course). For something completely different, book a ghost tour in Eastern State Penitentiary – it’s weird, it’s creepy, it’s unforgettable. Oh, and don’t forget a day at Kennywood or Dorney Park – because nothing says squad goals like synchronised screaming on a rollercoaster.

Things to do for foodies in Pennsylvania

Foodies, welcome to your playground. First stop: Philadelphia, where you have to try an authentic cheesesteak – head to Pat’s vs. Geno’s and pick a side (it’s basically a rite of passage). But Philly isn’t just meat and cheese – the city’s food scene is thriving, with everything from Korean tacos to vegan soul food. Over in Lancaster, Amish country brings the comfort food vibes: think shoofly pie, homemade pretzels, and farm-to-table freshness. Pittsburgh is famous for its sandwich stuffed with fries (yes, really – thanks Primanti Bros), while the Scranton area is known for its pizza. And then there’s Hershey – home of chocolate everything. Do a tasting tour, sample chocolate beer (surprisingly decent), and load up on cocoa-based goodies for the trip home.