Explore Pennsylvania's Top Day Trip Destinations

Pennsylvania is filled with hidden gems just waiting to be explored, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. Whether you are a solo adventurer, a couple looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, a family seeking new experiences, or a retiree wanting to discover more of what the state has to offer, Pennsylvania has something for everyone. So, what are Pennsylvania's top day trip destinations? Keep reading to find out.

The view from Rimrock Overlook in Allegheny National Forest.

Pennsylvania is a huge state, so the best way to approach planning a day trip is to think about the state in sections. The southeastern corner of the state is where Philadelphia is located. Philadelphia is bursting with historic places to visit, and the area surrounding Philadelphia is known as "America's Garden Capital." There are amazing gardens to visit, so if you are a lover of flowers and trees, you need to check out the best gardens near Philadelphia.

The northeastern part of the state is where the Pocono Mountains are located. These lovely mountains are full of stunning deciduous forests, with plenty of everygreens to enjoy in the winter months. The Poconos area is for outdoor lovers, home to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. It's a fantastic spot to visit, with many other state parks nearby, like the waterfall-filled Ricketts Glen State Park.

Central PA is where you'll find the state capital, Harrisburgh. There's also Pennsylvania Dutch Country, which consists of Lancaster and the surrounding towns. PA Dutch Country has so much culture to see, and so many places to shop and eat. It's hard to just spend one day there, so you'll have to plan multiple trips.

Southwestern PA is where Pittsburgh is located, and it's a great city to visit. It's chockful of art museums, history museums, and great gardens. There's also Frank Lloyd Wright's stunningly gorgeous creation, Fallingwater, which is about an hour's drive from Pittsburgh.

Northwestern PA is home to Erie, which is located on the shores of Lake Erie. Presque Isle State Park will make you feel like you've somehow made it to the ocean without leaving the state. Lots of outdoor opportunities abound in this part of the state including the Allegheny National Forest and Cook Forest State Park.

No matter your interest, Pennsylvania's got something for you to love. As a lifelong Pennsylvanian, I look forward to sharing my love of my state with you as you plan your Pennsylvania day trip!