Road Trip Across Pennsylvania from Big Cities to Small Towns

Detours are the backbone of adventure, and Pennsylvania road trips are full of happy ones. These unscripted experiences inspire you to roll the windows down, say yes to spontaneity and find joy in the hidden gems. In the Keystone State, it’s not just what you see that moves you – it’s how you feel.

Philadelphia’s Big-City Vibes

Philadelphia greets you with a culture as bold as its energy. As the nation prepares to mark the country’s 250th birthday, the city pulses with significance. Feel the weight of history right where it happened at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, or dive into the city’s current scene: This sports sanctuary roars for its teams and is ready to welcome the world for global soccer and the MLB All-Star Game this summer. And the cuisine? It’s just as intense. Grab a hot-and-savory cheesesteak from Reading Terminal Market or sit down for a MICHELIN-star meal that redefines fine dining. Don’t miss exploring Philadelphia’s local art, either, best seen through a Mural Arts tour, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, the new Calder Gardens or the Philadelphia Orchestra – a 125-year staple. Take plenty of time to explore before driving just outside town to your next destination.

Gardens & Culture in The Countryside of Philadelphia

Just outside Philadelphia, the pace softens. The Countryside of Philadelphia invites you to take a deep breath and wander. Find seemingly endless, blooming color at Longwood Gardens, a picturesque escape full of gardens, woodlands and meadows. Valley Forge National Historical Park offers a different kind of quiet: Walk winding trails as you explore the history of the Revolutionary War. Love art? Find inspiration at the Brandywine Museum of Art and Wyeth Studio — the latter of which is a repurposed schoolhouse. If pop culture intrigues you more, explore the King of Prussia Mall, which features the Netflix House – a vibrant entertainment hub where you can experience your favorite stories in real life. Your next stop is about an hour west.

Amish Culture & Bustling Markets in Idyllic Lancaster

Time slows down even more in Lancaster, where the wide-open countryside borders a charming downtown. Experience Amish culture on rhythmic buggy rides through rolling farmland, or discover three centuries of Pennsylvania Dutch history at the Landis Valley Museum. The best way to understand Lancaster, though, is to taste it. Farmers markets overflow with crisp produce and artisan goods that connect you to locals, and the dining scene is warm and welcoming. Whether you’re enjoying traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food, fine dining or a craft beer, you’ll leave feeling like family as you drive southwest into York County.

Fresh Finds in Lovely York County

Start your tour of this hidden gem at York’s Central Market, a hub for craftspeople, bakers and farmers in the heart of downtown. Dive into the past at York County History Center, or float down the Susquehanna River on the Chief Uncas, a historic motor yacht originally built for beer tycoon Adolphus Busch more than 115 years ago. Tours start at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage in the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. When you’re ready to sample local flavors, step back in time at Dills Tavern, sip something new at the Eichelberger Distillery or opt for drinks and light bites from local breweries, farms and markets. Wind down with dinner at the rooftop lounge of the historic Yorktowne Hotel, perfect for an overnight stay.

Iconic Attractions in Hershey & Harrisburg

About 45 minutes north of York, the capital region is pure delight. Hershey is known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” and for good reason: It’s the home of Hershey’s Chocolate. Indulge your senses in tours and shopping at Hershey’s Chocolate World, or seek big thrills on coasters at Hersheypark. Just a short drive away, state capital Harrisburg offers a sense of grandeur. The Pennsylvania State Capitol dominates the skyline with a dome that demands you look up. Whether you’re exploring incredible theme parks or awesome architecture, this area gives you a little bit of everything. Next up: Gettysburg is about an hour’s drive southwest.

The Compelling History & Idyllic Scenes of Gettysburg

Gettysburg stays with you long after you leave. As you explore more than 40 kilometers of roads and 1,300 monuments at Gettysburg National Military Park, the scenery brings the Civil War battle that defined a nation to life. This is also where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. Look beyond the battlefield to find an eclectic, rural town alive with art galleries, performing arts and inviting restaurants. Take a drive through the surrounding countryside to visit markets, farms and covered bridges against a backdrop of rolling hills and more than 8,000 hectares of apple and other fruit trees. Get your fill of the rural views before heading to big-city Pittsburgh, your final stop.

Culture-Fueled Sightseeing in Pittsburgh

End your trip about 3.5 hours northwest in Pittsburgh, a steel-giant-turned-cultural-beacon perched at the scenic meeting point of three rivers. Explore the city’s creative pulse at the Andy Warhol Museum, dedicated to the pop art icon who changed how we see the world. For art and science lovers, three other Carnegie museums – the Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Kamin Science Center – offer a boundless exploration of the world. Get a more local perspective at Heinz History Center, featuring exhibits on the region’s global impacts. When it’s time to eat or drink, check out the Strip District for a taste of authentic local and global flavors at bustling markets, cool restaurants and award-winning distilleries.