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Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania

GALLERY

From the dramatic hills of Pittsburgh across rolling farmland and majestic forest to the narrow streets of colonial Philadelphia, Pennsylvania provides a wide range of experiences. The state reflects a rich history—from halcyon days as the seat of the American Revolution and a fledgling nation's first capital through its role as a leader in the country's transformation into an industrial powerhouse—and its role today as a leader in the health-care and pharmaceutical industries, a center for the arts, and a burgeoning tourist destination.

Pennsylvania has fascinating contrasts. A mostly rural state, it is home to two large cities: Philadelphia, the nation's fifth largest and the regional center for the eastern portion of the state; and Pittsburgh, the focus for the western portion.... Read More

From the dramatic hills of Pittsburgh across rolling farmland and majestic forest to the narrow streets of colonial Philadelphia, Pennsylvania provides a wide range of experiences. The state reflects a rich history—from halcyon days as the seat of the American Revolution and a fledgling nation's first capital through its role as a leader in the country's transformation into an industrial powerhouse—and its role today as a leader in the health-care and pharmaceutical industries, a center for the arts, and a burgeoning tourist destination.

Pennsylvania has fascinating contrasts. A mostly rural state, it is home to two large cities: Philadelphia, the nation's fifth largest and the regional center for the eastern portion of the state; and Pittsburgh, the focus for the western portion. Within a few hours' drive of the worldliness and sophistication of these cities, you can return to a simpler way of life. The winding country lanes and now-silent battlefields conjure up images of the Civil War, while in Lancaster, the horse and buggy is still a viable means of transportation, as today's Pennsylvania Dutch hew to the traditions of their ancestors.

Guidebooks for Every Journey

Fodor's Philadelphia: with Valley Forge, Bucks County, the Brandywine Valley, and Lancaster County

Fodor's Philadelphia: with Valley Forge, Bucks County, the Brandywine Valley, and Lancaster County

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Fodor's Best Weekend Road Trips

Fodor's Best Weekend Road Trips

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Local Writers
Itineraries
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Find a Hotel

Guidebooks for Every Journey

Fodor's Philadelphia: with Valley Forge, Bucks County, the Brandywine Valley, and Lancaster County

Fodor's Philadelphia: with Valley Forge, Bucks County, the Brandywine Valley, and Lancaster County

Buy Now See All Guideboks

Fodor's Best Weekend Road Trips

Fodor's Best Weekend Road Trips

Easy Planning
Local Writers
Itineraries
Helpful Maps

Buy Now See All Guideboks

Top Destinations

Top Destinations

Filter By:

Philadelphia

The first World Heritage City in the United States celebrates its past at sites such as Independence Hall and revels in its present as a...

Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Neatly-painted farmhouses dot the countryside of Lancaster County, nearly 65 miles west of Philadelphia. Whitewashed fences outline pastures, and the landscape looks like a patchwork...

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has recast itself into a pleasing blend of turn-of-the-20th-century architectural masterpieces and modern skyscrapers, consistently ranked among the nation's most livable cities. Visitors will...

Bucks County

Bucks County, less than an hour by car northeast of Philadelphia, could have remained 625 square miles of sleepy countryside full of old stone farmhouses...

Brandywine Valley

It's easy to expand your view of the Philadelphia area by taking one or more day trips to destinations that are within an hour's drive...

Lancaster

Near the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster is a colorful small city that combines Colonial and Pennsylvania Dutch influences. During the French and Indian...

New Hope

For a small town, New Hope is a mix of many things. A hodgepodge of old homes, narrow streets and alleys, courtyards, busy restaurants and...

Gettysburg

"The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here." These words from Abraham...

Poconos

The Poconos Mountain region in the northeastern corner of the state, encompass 2,400 square miles of wilderness bordering the Delaware River, with lakes, streams, waterfalls...

Strasburg and Ronks

Although settled by French Huguenots, the village of Strasburg is today a community of Pennsylvania Dutch. It's best known as the railroad center of eastern...

Lititz

Lititz was founded in 1756 by Moravians who settled in Pennsylvania and created their own private community. Lititz's historic character remains, with tree-shaded streets lined...

Hershey

Hershey is Chocolate Town, a community built around a chocolate factory and now home to Hersheypark, the Hershey Museum, and other diversions for children and...

Ephrata

This is a classic American town, with a wide Main Street, a variety of shops selling locally made crafts, and an entertaining farmers' market. Except...

Valley Forge

A major site of the Revolutionary War is near the suburban village of Valley Forge. The town was named for an iron forge built in...

Columbia

They're quiet towns now, but Columbia and other river communities were bustling in the days when boats were one of the easiest methods of transporting...

Washington Crossing

The small village of Washington Crossing is home to a smattering of basic services and residential areas as well as Washington Crossing Historic Park. Upriver...

Intercourse

The town's odd name came from the Colonial term for intersection. At the intersection of Routes 340 and 772, this town is a center of...

Mount Joy

A historic brewery and some good restaurants are the highlights of this little town...

Bryn Athyn

Bryn Athyn was founded in the late 1800s as a community for New Church members, who follow the religious writings of Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772). About...

Pennsbury Manor

On a gentle rise 150 yards from the Delaware River, Pennsbury Manor is a 1939 reconstruction of the Georgian-style mansion William Penn built in the...

Marietta

Almost half of the buildings in Marietta are listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the architecture ranges from rustic log cabins to elegant...

Manheim

Baron Henry William Stiegel founded the small town of Manheim and manufactured Stiegel glassware here in the 18th century. Today a major draw is a...

Sesame Place

Next to the Oxford Valley Mall, this park based on the popular children's show Sesame Street is mostly for young kids and their families...

West Chester

The county seat since 1786, this historic mile-square city holds distinctive 18th- and 19th-century architecture, with fine examples of Greek Revival and Victorian styles. A...

Fallsington

The pre-Revolutionary village of Fallsington displays more than 300 years of American architecture, from a simple 18th-century log cabin to the Victorian excesses of the...

Kennett Square

Kennett Square is where mushroom cultivation began in the United States. By the mid-1920s, 90% of the nation's mushrooms were grown in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The...

Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse

This village, which dates to 1734, remains a center for the Pennsylvania Dutch farming community. Its name, according to local lore, is attributed to two...

Chadds Ford

Immortalized in Andrew Wyeth's serene landscapes, Chadds Ford was less bucolic in the 18th century, when one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War...

Doylestown

This charming town was an important coach stop during the 18th century and today showcases Early American architecture. You can find Federal-style brick buildings on...

Adamstown

Known as "Antiques Capital USA," Adamstown has dozens of shops, galleries, and markets selling goods from bygone eras. The bigger markets, such as Renninger's Antique...

Lahaska

Shopping packs in the crowds here, primarily because of the boutiques at Peddler's Village. If bargains are your goal, you can also find outlet stores...

Philadelphia

The first World Heritage City in the United States celebrates its past at sites such as Independence Hall and revels in its present as a...

Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Neatly-painted farmhouses dot the countryside of Lancaster County, nearly 65 miles west of Philadelphia. Whitewashed fences outline pastures, and the landscape looks like a patchwork...

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has recast itself into a pleasing blend of turn-of-the-20th-century architectural masterpieces and modern skyscrapers, consistently ranked among the nation's most livable cities. Visitors will...

Bucks County

Bucks County, less than an hour by car northeast of Philadelphia, could have remained 625 square miles of sleepy countryside full of old stone farmhouses...

Brandywine Valley

It's easy to expand your view of the Philadelphia area by taking one or more day trips to destinations that are within an hour's drive...

Lancaster

Near the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster is a colorful small city that combines Colonial and Pennsylvania Dutch influences. During the French and Indian...

New Hope

For a small town, New Hope is a mix of many things. A hodgepodge of old homes, narrow streets and alleys, courtyards, busy restaurants and...

Gettysburg

"The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here." These words from Abraham...

Poconos

The Poconos Mountain region in the northeastern corner of the state, encompass 2,400 square miles of wilderness bordering the Delaware River, with lakes, streams, waterfalls...

Strasburg and Ronks

Although settled by French Huguenots, the village of Strasburg is today a community of Pennsylvania Dutch. It's best known as the railroad center of eastern...

Lititz

Lititz was founded in 1756 by Moravians who settled in Pennsylvania and created their own private community. Lititz's historic character remains, with tree-shaded streets lined...

Hershey

Hershey is Chocolate Town, a community built around a chocolate factory and now home to Hersheypark, the Hershey Museum, and other diversions for children and...

Ephrata

This is a classic American town, with a wide Main Street, a variety of shops selling locally made crafts, and an entertaining farmers' market. Except...

Valley Forge

A major site of the Revolutionary War is near the suburban village of Valley Forge. The town was named for an iron forge built in...

Columbia

They're quiet towns now, but Columbia and other river communities were bustling in the days when boats were one of the easiest methods of transporting...

Washington Crossing

The small village of Washington Crossing is home to a smattering of basic services and residential areas as well as Washington Crossing Historic Park. Upriver...

Intercourse

The town's odd name came from the Colonial term for intersection. At the intersection of Routes 340 and 772, this town is a center of...

Mount Joy

A historic brewery and some good restaurants are the highlights of this little town...

Bryn Athyn

Bryn Athyn was founded in the late 1800s as a community for New Church members, who follow the religious writings of Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772). About...

Pennsbury Manor

On a gentle rise 150 yards from the Delaware River, Pennsbury Manor is a 1939 reconstruction of the Georgian-style mansion William Penn built in the...

Marietta

Almost half of the buildings in Marietta are listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the architecture ranges from rustic log cabins to elegant...

Manheim

Baron Henry William Stiegel founded the small town of Manheim and manufactured Stiegel glassware here in the 18th century. Today a major draw is a...

Sesame Place

Next to the Oxford Valley Mall, this park based on the popular children's show Sesame Street is mostly for young kids and their families...

West Chester

The county seat since 1786, this historic mile-square city holds distinctive 18th- and 19th-century architecture, with fine examples of Greek Revival and Victorian styles. A...

Fallsington

The pre-Revolutionary village of Fallsington displays more than 300 years of American architecture, from a simple 18th-century log cabin to the Victorian excesses of the...

Kennett Square

Kennett Square is where mushroom cultivation began in the United States. By the mid-1920s, 90% of the nation's mushrooms were grown in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The...

Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse

This village, which dates to 1734, remains a center for the Pennsylvania Dutch farming community. Its name, according to local lore, is attributed to two...

Chadds Ford

Immortalized in Andrew Wyeth's serene landscapes, Chadds Ford was less bucolic in the 18th century, when one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War...

Doylestown

This charming town was an important coach stop during the 18th century and today showcases Early American architecture. You can find Federal-style brick buildings on...

Adamstown

Known as "Antiques Capital USA," Adamstown has dozens of shops, galleries, and markets selling goods from bygone eras. The bigger markets, such as Renninger's Antique...

Lahaska

Shopping packs in the crowds here, primarily because of the boutiques at Peddler's Village. If bargains are your goal, you can also find outlet stores...

Philadelphia

The first World Heritage City in the United States celebrates its past at sites such as Independence Hall and revels in its present as a...

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has recast itself into a pleasing blend of turn-of-the-20th-century architectural masterpieces and modern skyscrapers, consistently ranked among the nation's most livable cities. Visitors will...

Lancaster

Near the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster is a colorful small city that combines Colonial and Pennsylvania Dutch influences. During the French and Indian...

New Hope

For a small town, New Hope is a mix of many things. A hodgepodge of old homes, narrow streets and alleys, courtyards, busy restaurants and...

Gettysburg

"The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here." These words from Abraham...

Strasburg and Ronks

Although settled by French Huguenots, the village of Strasburg is today a community of Pennsylvania Dutch. It's best known as the railroad center of eastern...

Hershey

Hershey is Chocolate Town, a community built around a chocolate factory and now home to Hersheypark, the Hershey Museum, and other diversions for children and...

Lititz

Lititz was founded in 1756 by Moravians who settled in Pennsylvania and created their own private community. Lititz's historic character remains, with tree-shaded streets lined...

Ephrata

This is a classic American town, with a wide Main Street, a variety of shops selling locally made crafts, and an entertaining farmers' market. Except...

Columbia

They're quiet towns now, but Columbia and other river communities were bustling in the days when boats were one of the easiest methods of transporting...

Valley Forge

A major site of the Revolutionary War is near the suburban village of Valley Forge. The town was named for an iron forge built in...

Washington Crossing

The small village of Washington Crossing is home to a smattering of basic services and residential areas as well as Washington Crossing Historic Park. Upriver...

Intercourse

The town's odd name came from the Colonial term for intersection. At the intersection of Routes 340 and 772, this town is a center of...

Mount Joy

A historic brewery and some good restaurants are the highlights of this little town...

Marietta

Almost half of the buildings in Marietta are listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the architecture ranges from rustic log cabins to elegant...

Manheim

Baron Henry William Stiegel founded the small town of Manheim and manufactured Stiegel glassware here in the 18th century. Today a major draw is a...

Doylestown

This charming town was an important coach stop during the 18th century and today showcases Early American architecture. You can find Federal-style brick buildings on...

Pennsbury Manor

On a gentle rise 150 yards from the Delaware River, Pennsbury Manor is a 1939 reconstruction of the Georgian-style mansion William Penn built in the...

West Chester

The county seat since 1786, this historic mile-square city holds distinctive 18th- and 19th-century architecture, with fine examples of Greek Revival and Victorian styles. A...

Lahaska

Shopping packs in the crowds here, primarily because of the boutiques at Peddler's Village. If bargains are your goal, you can also find outlet stores...

Kennett Square

Kennett Square is where mushroom cultivation began in the United States. By the mid-1920s, 90% of the nation's mushrooms were grown in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The...

Bryn Athyn

Bryn Athyn was founded in the late 1800s as a community for New Church members, who follow the religious writings of Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772). About...

Sesame Place

Next to the Oxford Valley Mall, this park based on the popular children's show Sesame Street is mostly for young kids and their families...

Adamstown

Known as "Antiques Capital USA," Adamstown has dozens of shops, galleries, and markets selling goods from bygone eras. The bigger markets, such as Renninger's Antique...

Fallsington

The pre-Revolutionary village of Fallsington displays more than 300 years of American architecture, from a simple 18th-century log cabin to the Victorian excesses of the...

Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse

This village, which dates to 1734, remains a center for the Pennsylvania Dutch farming community. Its name, according to local lore, is attributed to two...

Chadds Ford

Immortalized in Andrew Wyeth's serene landscapes, Chadds Ford was less bucolic in the 18th century, when one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War...

Philadelphia

The first World Heritage City in the United States celebrates its past at sites such as Independence Hall and revels in its present as a...

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has recast itself into a pleasing blend of turn-of-the-20th-century architectural masterpieces and modern skyscrapers, consistently ranked among the nation's most livable cities. Visitors will...

Lancaster

Near the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster is a colorful small city that combines Colonial and Pennsylvania Dutch influences. During the French and Indian...

New Hope

For a small town, New Hope is a mix of many things. A hodgepodge of old homes, narrow streets and alleys, courtyards, busy restaurants and...

Gettysburg

"The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here." These words from Abraham...

Strasburg and Ronks

Although settled by French Huguenots, the village of Strasburg is today a community of Pennsylvania Dutch. It's best known as the railroad center of eastern...

Hershey

Hershey is Chocolate Town, a community built around a chocolate factory and now home to Hersheypark, the Hershey Museum, and other diversions for children and...

Lititz

Lititz was founded in 1756 by Moravians who settled in Pennsylvania and created their own private community. Lititz's historic character remains, with tree-shaded streets lined...

Ephrata

This is a classic American town, with a wide Main Street, a variety of shops selling locally made crafts, and an entertaining farmers' market. Except...

Columbia

They're quiet towns now, but Columbia and other river communities were bustling in the days when boats were one of the easiest methods of transporting...

Valley Forge

A major site of the Revolutionary War is near the suburban village of Valley Forge. The town was named for an iron forge built in...

Washington Crossing

The small village of Washington Crossing is home to a smattering of basic services and residential areas as well as Washington Crossing Historic Park. Upriver...

Intercourse

The town's odd name came from the Colonial term for intersection. At the intersection of Routes 340 and 772, this town is a center of...

Mount Joy

A historic brewery and some good restaurants are the highlights of this little town...

Marietta

Almost half of the buildings in Marietta are listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the architecture ranges from rustic log cabins to elegant...

Manheim

Baron Henry William Stiegel founded the small town of Manheim and manufactured Stiegel glassware here in the 18th century. Today a major draw is a...

Doylestown

This charming town was an important coach stop during the 18th century and today showcases Early American architecture. You can find Federal-style brick buildings on...

Pennsbury Manor

On a gentle rise 150 yards from the Delaware River, Pennsbury Manor is a 1939 reconstruction of the Georgian-style mansion William Penn built in the...

West Chester

The county seat since 1786, this historic mile-square city holds distinctive 18th- and 19th-century architecture, with fine examples of Greek Revival and Victorian styles. A...

Lahaska

Shopping packs in the crowds here, primarily because of the boutiques at Peddler's Village. If bargains are your goal, you can also find outlet stores...

Kennett Square

Kennett Square is where mushroom cultivation began in the United States. By the mid-1920s, 90% of the nation's mushrooms were grown in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The...

Bryn Athyn

Bryn Athyn was founded in the late 1800s as a community for New Church members, who follow the religious writings of Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772). About...

Sesame Place

Next to the Oxford Valley Mall, this park based on the popular children's show Sesame Street is mostly for young kids and their families...

Adamstown

Known as "Antiques Capital USA," Adamstown has dozens of shops, galleries, and markets selling goods from bygone eras. The bigger markets, such as Renninger's Antique...

Fallsington

The pre-Revolutionary village of Fallsington displays more than 300 years of American architecture, from a simple 18th-century log cabin to the Victorian excesses of the...

Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse

This village, which dates to 1734, remains a center for the Pennsylvania Dutch farming community. Its name, according to local lore, is attributed to two...

Chadds Ford

Immortalized in Andrew Wyeth's serene landscapes, Chadds Ford was less bucolic in the 18th century, when one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War...

Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Neatly-painted farmhouses dot the countryside of Lancaster County, nearly 65 miles west of Philadelphia. Whitewashed fences outline pastures, and the landscape looks like a patchwork...

Bucks County

Bucks County, less than an hour by car northeast of Philadelphia, could have remained 625 square miles of sleepy countryside full of old stone farmhouses...

Brandywine Valley

It's easy to expand your view of the Philadelphia area by taking one or more day trips to destinations that are within an hour's drive...

Poconos

The Poconos Mountain region in the northeastern corner of the state, encompass 2,400 square miles of wilderness bordering the Delaware River, with lakes, streams, waterfalls...

Plymouth Meeting

...

Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Neatly-painted farmhouses dot the countryside of Lancaster County, nearly 65 miles west of Philadelphia. Whitewashed fences outline pastures, and the landscape looks like a patchwork...

Bucks County

Bucks County, less than an hour by car northeast of Philadelphia, could have remained 625 square miles of sleepy countryside full of old stone farmhouses...

Brandywine Valley

It's easy to expand your view of the Philadelphia area by taking one or more day trips to destinations that are within an hour's drive...

Poconos

The Poconos Mountain region in the northeastern corner of the state, encompass 2,400 square miles of wilderness bordering the Delaware River, with lakes, streams, waterfalls...

Plymouth Meeting

...

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Brandywine Valley

Philadelphia

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Poconos

Brandywine Valley

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This Pennsylvania Ghost Town Has Been on Fire for 60 Years

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This Pennsylvania Ghost Town Has Been on Fire for 60 Years

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Inside the Quirky Ritual Dedicated to America’s Rodent Prophet

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The Ultimate Philadelphia Itinerary: History, Culture & Food in 3 Days

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The Best Way to See This U.S. City Is Via Its ‘Death Stairs’

One Classic American Amusement Park Just Might Be Better in the Fall and Winter

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The Ultimate Philadelphia Itinerary: History, Culture & Food in 3 Days

Joshua McIlvain

The Best Way to See This U.S. City Is Via Its ‘Death Stairs’

One Classic American Amusement Park Just Might Be Better in the Fall and Winter

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Fodor's Philadelphia: with Valley Forge, Bucks County, the Brandywine Valley, and Lancaster County
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Fodor's Best Weekend Road Trips
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