Pennsylvania is mostly covered in Mountains, ridges, valleys, and forests, thus providing an excellent opportunity for a great getaway away from the bustling city noise and lifestyle. The majestic Appalachian Mountains to the fascinating Ohio River define the landscape of Pennsylvania. We have listed the 9 best getaways in Pennsylvania for a perfect Thanksgiving.
Scroll down to discover the 9 best Thanksgiving getaways in Pennsylvania.
1. The Poconos
Spend some quality ‘we time’ in arguably the best vacation destination in Pennsylvania. The Poconos welcomes you with lush green forests, mesmerizing mountains, and enticing rivers and lakes. Discover the adventure, thrill, and excitement all in one place with thousands of outdoor recreational activities that rejuvenate the mind and soul. From fishing to hiking and everything in between, the Poconos offers something for everyone. Below is the list of some of the many best in the Poconos.
Things and Places to explore in the Poconos
- Hawk Falls, Bush Kill Falls, Resica Falls
- Kalahari Waterpark
- Camelback Mountain Waterpark
- Boulder Field
- Big Pocono State Park
- Frazetta Art Museum
- Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area
- Hickory Run State Park
2. Lancaster:
Located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania, Lancaster is inhabited by the oldest Amish community. This quaint town offers a variety of sights and attractions to keep you busy all day long. Horses, carriages, and buggies are a common sight on the charming streets of Lancaster, along with shops and restaurants. Lancaster is a thriving tourist destination with malls, Amusement parks, water adventure, and beautiful hike and bike trails, all suitable for a perfect Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends.
Things and places to explore in Lancaster
- Dutch Wonderland: The best family amusement park with 35 rides and attractions.
Address: 2249 E Lincoln Hwy, Lancaster, PA 17602, United States
Timing: Daily (10:30 AM to 6 PM)
- Strasburg Rail Road Train Rides
Address: 301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, United States
Timing: Daily (Opens at 10 AM)
- Aaron & Buggy Rides
Address: at Plain and Fancy Farm, 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird
in Hand, PA 17505, United States
Timing: Mon- Sat (9 AM- 5:30 PM) Sun (10 AM -4:30 PM)
3. Pittsburgh:
Another wonderful city in PA, known for sports, art, great food, outdoor activities, and family-oriented attractions. Pittsburgh is a blend of a thriving metropolis and a charming small town. The place is very affordable, so you can take your loved ones for a Thanksgiving weekend getaway.
Things and places to explore in Pittsburg
- Duquesne Incline (Inclined Railway Station)
Address: 1197 W Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden
Address: 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
Timing: Daily (9:30 AM to 5 PM)
- Point State Park
Address: 601 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United
States
Timing: Daily (7 AM- 11 PM)
4. Philadelphia:
Thanksgiving is a great deal in Philadelphia. The city hosts the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade (started in 1920), which automatically rates this place as the most sought after during Thanksgiving. Philly is also one of the best cities on the east coast, offering many family-friendly weekend getaways. So, plan a trip to Philadelphia this Thanksgiving day and explore this beautiful land.
Things and places to explore in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130,
United States
Timing: Thurs- Mon (10 Am – 5 PM) Friday (till 8:45 PM)
- Reading Terminal Market
Address: 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
Timing: Daily (8 AM- 6 PM)
- Independence National Historical Park
Address: Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
Timing: Mon- Fri ( 9 AM- 5 PM) Sat ( 9 AM- 7 PM) Sun ( 5 AM- 7 PM)
5. Jim Thorpe:
The beautiful and charming town of Jim Thorpe is a popular vacation destination. This historic town is known for its deep valleys, beautiful landscape, and mind-boggling historical sites. This place will be perfect for a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration, plus you can also take your family outdoor to enjoy fabulous recreational activities.
Things and places to explore in Jim Thorpe
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Address: One Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, United
States
Timing: Daily (11 AM- 3 PM)
- Old Jail Museum
Address: 128 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, United States
Timing: Thu- Tue ( 12:00 – 4:30 PM)
- Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Address: 625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, United States
Timing: Daily (8:30 AM- 4:30 PM)
6. Indiana:
Indiana county is famously dubbed as the Christmas Tree Capital of the world, but it doesn’t mean there’s nothing for the Thanksgiving celebration. On Thanksgiving Day, the Indian YMCA hosts an annual trot at Flemming’s Christmas Tree Farm. If you are planning a visit to Indiana for a Thanksgiving weekend getaway, then do not leave without checking the below-mentioned places.
Things and Places to explore in Indiana
- Indianapolis Zoo
Address: 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, United States
Timing: Daily (9 AM- 5 PM)
- Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Address: 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, United States
Timing: Daily (10 AM- 5 PM)
- Indiana Dunes National Park
Address: 1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304, United States
Timing: Daily (7 AM- 11 PM)
7. New Hope:
New Hope is the ultimate fun place for kids, grandparents, and all near and dear ones. With varieties of Water Park, theme parks, playgrounds, and a paradise for foodies, this place has everything to make your Thanksgiving Day an event worth remembering for a lifetime.
Things and Places to explore in New Hope
- New Hope Railroad
Address: 32 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938, United States
Timing: Daily ( 8:30 AM to 5 PM)
- Buck County Children’s Museum
Address: 500 Union Square Dr, New Hope, PA 18938, United States
Timing: Tue- Sun (10 AM- 4 PM)
- Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
Address: 1635 River Rd, New Hope, PA 18938, United States
Timing: Daily ( 9 AM- 5 PM)
8. Greensburg:
Just 30 miles from Pittsburgh, this town hosts the annual Turkey trot, take part in this fun-filled race or gather your family and compete for the Family Team Cup. Greensburg also features a great restaurant that serves a popular Thanksgiving Buffet or takes the trimmed turkey to your rental vacation home and enjoys the delicious Thanksgiving meal.
Things and Places to explore in Greensburg
- Decatur County Park
Address: 1650 W Park Rd, Greensburg, IN 47240, United States
Timing: Daily (7 AM- 10 PM)
- Historical Society of Decatur County
Address: 1650 W Park Rd, Greensburg, IN 47240, United States
Timing: Tuesday & Thursday (11 AM- 4 PM)
- Hillview Bowling Lanes
Address: 829 E Pittsburgh St, Greensburg, PA 15601, United States
Timing: Wed-Sat (N/A)
9. Allegheny National Forest:
Take a trip to Allegheny National Forest and fill your Thanksgiving weekend with adventure and thrill. Allegheny National Forest offers exciting hiking trails ranging from a mile to 200 miles, skydiving, snowmobile, horseback riding, etc. The Allegheny River is a great place to take your family for fishing, canoeing, and many water sports adventure.
Things and Places to explore in Allegheny National Forest
- Trails of ANF Region
- Bird Watching
- Boating
- Fishing
- Golf
- State Park
Address: Marienville, PA 16239, United States
Timing: Daily (24 hours)
If you are visiting the Poconos for your Thanksgiving Weekend getaway, check in at HolidayKeepers. We feature a wide range of luxurious homestays with world-class and exclusive amenities.
