If you are looking for a paradise-like vacation destination in the United States, then Pennsylvania should definitely be on your list. Home to splendid waterfalls, snowy hills, and lakes, Pennsylvania is gifted with the colors of nature and the prettiest places, brimming with not only natural wonders but also historical charm and very rich cultures.
We searched far and wide and have listed some of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania that will leave you in awe. These attractions in Pennsylvania will leave you star-struck with their beauty, with lush greenery and magnificent outdoors, you will not be disappointed! Embark on a journey through picturesque landscapes and enjoy exploring the hidden gems and attractions of this magical destination by exploring all the destinations on this list.
Delaware Water Gap- Nature’s Blessings
When talking about beauty it is impossible not to bring up the Delaware Water Gap, it is one of the most beautiful places Pennsylvania has to offer.
With breathtaking landscapes, 40 miles of free-flowing river in the east of Mississippi, and the rich history of the place adds to its beauty. The Delaware Water Gap is home to some of the best natural wonders in Pennsylvania.
It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pennsylvania, however, if someone is confused about which place to visit first in the Delaware Water Gap. Below are some of the best attractions near Delaware Water Gap.
| McDade Recreational Trail | East Stroudsburg, PA |
| Shawnee Mountain Ski Area | East Stroudsburg, PA |
| Mount Nebo Park | East Stroudsburg, PA |
| Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area | Bushkill, PA |
Jim Thorpe- Nature Vibes and Impressions of Old Times
Jim Thorpe, the most charming town in the Poconos and here you’ll find cute cafes surrounded by greenery, spectacular hiking trails, and museums that best showcase the impressions of the town’s past. Jim Thorpe is an unmatchable combination of history, natural beauty and amazing food. Jim Thorpe offers the best of Pennsylvania scenery. Below are some famous places in Jim Thorpe famous for their stunning landscapes and historical amusements.
| Asa Packer Mansion | Packer Hill Road, Jim Thorpe, PA |
| Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway | 1 Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA |
| Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall | 101 E 10th St, Jim Thorpe, PA |
| Old Jail Museum | 128 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA |
Lake Wallenpaupack- Cool Lake Breeze and Outdoor Fun
Lake Wallenpaupack is a 5700 acres man-made lake, considered the largest lake of its kind. It is one of the best places to see in Pennsylvania. Water activities at Lake Wallenpaupack are one of the best things about summer in the Poconos! Winter activities also bring a lot of people to Lake Wallenpaupack, here’s a list of activities you can enjoy in Lake Wallenpaupack.
- Ice Fishing
- Snowshoeing
- Ice Skating
- Camping
- Hiking
- Snowmobiling
Hickory Run State Park- Lakes and Waterfalls
Located in the western foothills along the road to Big Boulder, Hickory Run State Park comprises many natural gifts: two lakes, stretches of lush greenery and the Boulder Field. Hickory Run State Park is one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania. Hickory Run State Park is home to many beautiful and scenic lakes and waterfalls. It truly is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pennsylvania.
Here’s a detailed list of the best waterfalls and lakes near Hickory Run State Park.
| Sand Spring Lake | Kidder Township, PA |
| Small Hickory Run Lake | Kidder Township, PA |
| Saylorsville Falls | Kidder Township, PA |
| Hawk Falls | Kidder Township, PA |
Scranton- Largest County Seat in Northeast Pennsylvania Region
Scranton is one of the great places to visit in Pennsylvania. This beloved town from one of America’s favorite sitcoms, “The Office” is as lovely the show makes it out to be. “The Electric City” is well known for spots like Nay-Aug-Park, Lackawanna county trail, and Lakeland Orchard. Not to forget, the awesome aroma-filled cafes in wonderful locations will leave you in awe. Also try visiting the real shooting locations of the show.
Below are the names of the historical monuments in Scranton.
| Steamtown National Historic Site | 350, Cliff St, Scranton, PA |
| Electric City Trolley Museum | 300, Cliff St, Scranton, PA |
| Scranton Lake Walking Path | Route 307, Scranton PA |
Philadelphia- The City That Loves You Back
We all know Philly as a modern city known for its historical sites, and you’re probably wondering what it’s doing on a list of beautiful places. Well, Philly is beautiful, there are several places to enjoy nature within the city boundaries. There are many parks within the city which are a green oasis in the concrete jungle.
Here are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Philadelphia.
| Fairmount Park | Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA |
| The BioPond | 433 S. University Avenue, Philadelphia, PA |
| Wissahickon Valley Park | Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA |
| Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania | 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA |
Lehigh Valley- Hub of 3 Cities
Besides being a hub of large cities like Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, Lehigh Valley is home to various fun activities- Hiking, biking, skiing, and Water rafting. It is one of the most serene and lively places in Pennsylvania. Additionally, the mind blowing breweries, distilleries, and wineries of Lehigh Valley especially during the leaf-peeping season look striking. There are also many cultural centers and museums for you to experience like America On Wheels Museum, and State Theatre Center for the Arts. Do not forget to include the following places if you are planning a trip to Lehigh Valley anytime soon.
Here are some must-visit places in Lehigh Valley.
| Allentown’s Farmers Market | 1825 W Chew St, Allentown, PA |
| Allentown Rose Gardens | Allentown, PA |
| Trexler Memorial Park | 155 Springhouse Rd, Allentown, PA |
| Bake Oven Knob | Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Germansville, PA |
New Hope- A Hopeful Escape
If you are fed up with your hectic work schedule, New Hope could be the ray of new hope you need in life. Not to forget, the natural beauty of New Hope has a significant part of its history tied to it. Thousands of years ago, the Lenni- Lenape Indians made their way into New Hope because of its rich and bountiful waters and forests. New Hope is true to its name as it is one of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania.
Hence, you can understand the value of New Hope’s magical aura that a whole community got attracted to and made it an inhabitant for themselves.
| Bucks County Playhouse | 70 S Main St, New Hope, PA |
| Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve | 1635 River Rd, New Hope, PA |
| Perry Mansion Museum | 45 S Main St, New Hope, PA |
| New-Hope Lambertville Bridge | W Bridge St, New Hope, PA |
Lancaster- Red Rose City
Lancaster is a quiet and peaceful county, known for being one of the oldest inland cities in the country. During spring and fall it becomes one of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania, when thousands of migratory birds make their way to this county transforming the entire landscape. Be it heritage, history, culture, or flora and fauna, Lancaster has everything a vacationer wants.
Many families love visiting these spots:
| Wolf Sanctuary | 465 Speedwell Forge Rd, Lititz, PA |
| Long’s Park | 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA |
| Willow Point at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area | 100 Museum Road
Stevens |
| Holtwood Dam | Airville, Lancaster, PA |
| Lancaster County Central Park | 1050 Rockford Rd, Lancaster, PA |
Pittsburgh- City of Bridges
Pittsburgh is indeed an urban jungle with several green stretches of land spanning actress parks, gardens and conservatories, which makes it one of the best cities to visit in Pennsylvania. It is home to many hidden gems that are sometimes too difficult to find, but no need to fret. We are listing out some of the most incredible natural spots in and around the city.
| Schenley Park | 101 Panther Hollow Rd., Pittsburgh, PA |
| Pittsburgh Botanic Garden | 799 Pinkerton Run Rd, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Ohiopyle State Park | 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA |
| Fall Run Park | 187 Fall Run Rd, Glenshaw, PA |
| Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens | 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Point State Park | 601 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA |
Gettysburg- Historical Gem
Gettysburg is a must-see place, it commemorates the sacrifices made by the soldiers during some of the historic and scenic civil war sites. Whether it is Culp’s Hill, the Peach Orchard, Devil’s Den, or Little Round Top, you will find footprints of war everywhere in Gettysburg. Awaken the history buff within you and explore Gettysburg’s historic sites.
| Gettysburg National Military Park | Adams County, PA |
| Jennie Wade House | 548 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA |
| Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum | 625 Biglerville Rd, Gettysburg, PA |
Wilkes Barre- The Diamond City
Wilkes Barre is a city that is often overlooked by travelers in spite of being one of the biggest cities in the state. This city is full to the brim with naturally rich spots which guarantee an adventure and historical spots that have something to teach. Wilkes Barre is surely an ideal weekend vacation destination. Greenlands, the smell of fresh roses, and peace are three reasons why people love this place. It has several beautiful parks and treks, the most popular ones are:
| Kirby Park | 160 Market Street, Wilkes Barre, PA |
| Seven Tubs Recreation Area | Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA |
| Ricketts Glen State Park | 695 PA-487, Benton, PA |
Williamsport- The Port City
This city thrived during the lumber boom and had the most number of millionaires per person than any other city in the USA. The rich past of Williamsport is still preserved through places like Thomas Taber museums, the Community arts center, and the Millionaire’s Row. It is also known as the birthplace of Little League Baseball, which is now a major event across the country. Some of the most beautiful and underrated places in Williamsport are:
| Upper Pine Bottom State Park | Lock Haven, PA |
| Dutchman Run Falls | Laporte Township, PA |
| Pine Creek Rail Trail | Pine Creek Rail Trail, PA |
| Rock Run | 1228 Saint Lawrence Rd, Patton, PA |
Stroudsburg- The Charming Town of the Poconos
Stroudsburg is a borough in the heart of the Poconos Mountains known for its towns stuck in time which exude an old world charm. There are several popular campgrounds near Stroudsburg that people flock to. This town is surrounded by forests and parks which have amazing trails and are amazing to enjoy nature.
| Pocono Snake and Animal Farm | 424 Seven Bridge Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA |
| Glen Run Nature Preserve | 740 Bangor Mountain Rd, Stroudsburg, PA |
| Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm | 347 Quiet Valley Rd Stroudsburg, PA |
Tobyhanna- Snowbyhanna in Winter
Tobyhanna is a gorgeous place with a unique landscape, known for its low hills and plains with northern hardwood forests. Tobyhanna is home to many cultural attractions as well. This region is elevated slightly higher which causes its cooler temperatures and chilly weather making it perfect for a romantic getaway.
Here are some of the best attractions near Tobyhanna
| Tobyhanna State Park | 114 Campground Rd, Tobyhanna, PA |
| Gouldsboro State Park | Pennsylvania 507 at, State Pk Rd, Gouldsboro, PA |
Winding Up:
These are a few of the best suggestions for places to visit in Pennsylvania. You would have gotten an idea of how magnificent and lively a state Pennsylvania is yourself, so what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Pennsylvania now, and make sure you check out as many places on this list as you can!
However, do keep in mind seasonal considerations, do your research well according to weather and climate so you can reap the best of the region!
While visiting the Poconos and Pennsylvania we would recommend you stay at HolidayKeepers vacation rentals. Our properties are the perfect blend of privacy, and luxury. We have villas, mansions, cottages, and cabins well equipped with all modern facilities in some of the most scenic places in Pennsylvania.
Paul P, Senior Editor and Travel Planner at HolidayKeepers, brings over 10 years of experience from New York. He expertly combines storytelling with extensive knowledge in travel and hospitality. Known for turning vibrant travel experiences into engaging articles, Paul covers everything from hidden gems to the latest in vacation rentals, resonating with adventurers and leisure-seekers alike.
