Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Must-See Vacation Spot

Photo by Dan Mall on Unsplash

Call it the Commonwealth, the Keystone State, the Independence State, or just simply Pennsylvania, the heart of the Rust Belt is a place to discover all season long. Name the place, family activity, or something in nature that Pennsylvania has. They also have it all during the four seasons. If you’re ready to see what the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has to offer, then this guide is the first destination to find the best vacation spots that Pennsylvania has to offer.

An Ode to The Founding Fathers

In the early years of America and certainly, during the American Revolutionary War, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was integral to defeating the British and signing the Declaration of Independence as well as the Constitution in Philadelphia. All throughout Pennsylvania, you can find monuments celebrating America’s victory in the Civil War.

The Liberty Bell

Although the crack in the iconic Liberty Bell in Philadelphia has prevented the bell from ringing for over a century, The Liberty Bell is still a major tourist destination due in large part for tourists to seeing the impressively large crack. Dating back to 1752, the Liberty Bell, located at Independence Hall, also was a major beacon during the Civil War and the fight against slavery.

Independence Hall

If there was ever an institution next to The White House that embodies the heart and spirit of America, it is Independence Hall. Originally called the Pennsylvania State House, Independence Hall is where Thomas Jefferson signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. And in 1787, the Independence Hall was also the sight where The Constitution was signed.

Today, tourists and even families plan trips to Independence Hall to visit the very rooms where the Founding Fathers argued and debated matters of state and signed documents. It’s also a chance to admire the incredible Georgian architecture.

Stepping onto the Battle Field

From the American Revolution to the American Civil War, Pennsylvania has been a major part of American history. To preserve the incredible battles fought, and the men that gave their lives during the Civil War, the Gettysburg battlefield is a national monument and the site of countless tourists. The Gettysburg National Military Park still preserves the monuments and even the original cannons and other artillery from that bloody period of history for visitors to see up close. Visitors can take guided tours.

Outdoor Activities

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is much more than Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. It is also one of the most diverse states in the nation with plenty of forests and chances to explore Mother Nature up close.

The Appalachian Trail

Imagine taking a leisurely stroll over more than 200 miles of pure Mother Nature. To be exact, the Appalachian Trail has 229 miles of terrain that draws countless visitors every year to explore. Begin your discovery soaking in that fine Pennsylvania air at the Mason-Dixon Line, which is actually the border between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Along the way, explore rolling hills and amazing farmland.

As you explore the amazing trails, take a moment to visit Pine Grove Furnace State Park. There, you can learn more about the Appalachian Trail’s amazing history while enjoying its famous ice cream.

Once you finish your ice cream, continue onto the Appalachian Trail and past Port Clinton, where you can see the impressive rocky ridges up close. As you admire Port Clinton’s rugged terrain, take a moment to watch the eagles and hawks swooping through.

Pine Creek Rail Trail

If you don’t mind some biking to test your endurance, then Pine Creek Rail Trail is a must. Considered in the top ten of the best American trails, Pennsylvania’s very own Pine Creek Rail Trail has over sixty miles of bike roads and trails that take you straight into the heart of the Pine Creek Gorge. Discover why many tourists fall in love with the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, where you have jaw-dropping views of cliff edges and all the amazing wildlife.

Water Sports

With Philadelphia located along the Delaware River, no trip to Pennsylvania would be complete without exploring the plenty of water sports and activities that await the locals and the tourists. What better place to go kayaking or canoeing than on the Delaware River? And as you row your boat down the Susquehanna River, take in all the amazing historical islands along the way.

Family-friendly Activities

What better way to spend time with the family while exploring Pennsylvania than at the Hersey Amusement Park? It dates back to the days of the chocolate mogul Milton Heresy, who created Hersey Park for his employees at the Hersey Chocolate Factory to unwind. Since then, not only can families satisfy their sweet tooth, but they can enjoy over 70 different rides. Of course, the biggest and baddest ride of all is the Candymonium that’s right by Chocolate Town.

From Hersey Park to Dutch Wonderland, you and your family go. Dutch Wonderland offers water rides and roller coasters as well as live entertainment. And because Dutch Wonderland is located in the heart of Lancaster County which is home to the Amish.

Catch a Ball Game

Between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, all of the major professional and collegiate sports are available. If you’re a baseball fan, you have your choice between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pittsburgh Pirates, depending on which region you are in. For basketball, you have the Eastern Conference powerhouses. The Philadelphia 76ers, led by Joel Embiid, is always ready. Because Philadelphia is close to the historic Main Line Towns, you also have a chance to watch the exciting Villanova college basketball team.

For contact sports, watch the Philadelphia Eagles soar as they try to get back to the Super Bowl. Or for a more defensive-oriented team, attend a live Pittsburgh Steelers games and wave your terrible towel. For the coolest sport on Earth, you have your chance to take your family to either a Philadelphia Flyers or a Pittsburgh Penguins game.

Delicious Local Cuisine

For a truly authentic taste of Pennsylvania and International cuisine, Philadelphia answers the bell. You cannot pass up Philadelphia without trying one of their authentic Philly cheesesteaks. Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks are some of the most beloved places for authentic Philly cheesesteaks.

If you’re into Amish cuisine, you can’t leave Lancaster County without trying Scrapple, which combines pork pieces and cornmeal. Almost like a thick piece of bread, Scrapple offers a genuine taste of Pennsylvania. As you walk down the streets of Pennsylvania, you’ll encounter plenty of options and hot dog stands that serve Pennsylvania-style pretzels.

If you care for pot pies, nobody does it better than the Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken Pot Pie, another Amish staple is available. If you are in the Pittsburgh area, the go-to food is pierogies. A Polish dish from the massive Polish demographics in the Pittsburgh area, pierogies are like dumplings but filled with sauerkraut, cheese, potatoes, and onions.

Of course, with world-class cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, there’s no shortage of restaurants and local casinos that offer five-star International cuisine. Everything from Pennsylvania cuisine to fine Japanese sushi to steakhouses, you can eat it all in Pennsylvania.

Conclusion

From the American Revolutionary War to Hersey Amusement Park, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is loaded with history, historical towns, and more. There’s always a new experience and a new reason to fall in love with Pennsylvania. So pack your bags and prepare to leave your heart in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.