12 Perfect destinations for a long weekend in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is packed with long-weekend getaways that work in any season. The Alleghenies and the Poconos set the backdrop for trail days and winter slopes. Pennsylvania Dutch Country is known for its working farms, traditional craftsmanship, and communities that have preserved their heritage for generations. Other corners of the state lean into the outdoors, with trips built around fishing, rafting, and miles of trail. Together, these destinations have plenty to see and do in a long weekend.
Gettysburg
The southern side of Pennsylvania is famous for Gettysburg's connection to American history. It’s about 2 1/2 hours from Wilkes-Barre and 45 minutes from Harrisburg. Downtown Gettysburg has shops, restaurants, and examples of Federal and Greek Revival architecture. Lincoln Square is the cultural hub of the town.
Gettysburg National Battlefield, part of Gettysburg National Military Park, has guided battlefield tours, monuments, and exhibits on Civil War history and artifacts. You can even visit the site of Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Gettysburg Address at Soldiers’ National Cemetery. The Shriver House Museum has guided tours of this home that relay the story of a family during the Civil War. There are bullet holes and other artifacts. The Eisenhower National Historic Site was Dwight D. Eisenhower’s farm and weekend getaway.
Hotel Gettysburg, located at Lincoln Square, offers accommodations in the downtown area. Amenities include a fitness room and an on-site restaurant, One Lincoln Food & Spirits.
Punxsutawney
Punxsutawney Phil is undoubtedly the most famous resident in this western Pennsylvania town. It’s 1 1/2 hours from Pittsburgh and known as the “Weather Capital of the World.”
Gobblers Knob is the famous spot where Punxsutawney Phil makes his annual weather predictions. You can visit him throughout the year at his burrow at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library. There are interior and exterior viewing areas. The Weather Discovery Center is the place to learn about meteorology, weather science, and water cycles. Clouds and emergency weather preparations are other interesting topics.
Barclay Bed and Breakfast, built in 1903, has beautiful Victorian architecture and a landscaped yard with a gazebo. There’s a dining room, a living room with games, and a sun porch. For some outdoor activity, The Mahoning Shadow Trail features 15 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing.
Hershey
It’s hard not to mention the sweet side of the Pennsylvania for a long weekend. Hershey is about an hour from Gettysburg. It's famous for the roller coasters and water rides at Hersheypark. Milton Hershey founded the park in 1906 for the enjoyment of his employees at the Hershey Chocolate Company. It’s been entertaining chocolate lovers ever since.
The Hershey Story Museum features the history of Hershey’s chocolate-making empire. Right next door, ZooAmerica is the perfect place to spend time with the kids. Hershey’s Chocolate World has tours, tastings, and exhibits of the chocolate-making process. Nearby, Hershey Gardens spans 23 acres and has a butterfly atrium.
Hotel Hershey is a wonderful choice for a long weekend. It overlooks Hersheypark and includes many amenities, even pools and a golf course. There are regular guest rooms, suites, and villas.
Jim Thorpe
The northeastern side of Pennsylvania is home to Jim Thorpe. It’s known as “The Switzerland of America” for its Pocono Mountain peaks and green valleys. It’s approximately 30 miles north of Allentown. The Victorian-inspired downtown area has plenty of shops and restaurants. The Jim Thorpe Trolley is a great way to check out the sites and learn about the town’s history.
The Pocono Mountains are popular for hiking and bicycling and the Lehigh River for whitewater rafting. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway takes you on a scenic journey that travels through Lehigh Gorge State Park. Visit the Asa Packer Mansion Museum for a tour of the historic home of a railroad and coal tycoon.
The Flagstaff Lodge, near downtown, is a rustic and nature-inspired setting. Some rooms have kitchenettes and separate seating areas. It’s convenient to Mauch Chunk Lake.
Ligonier
Ligonier is within the Allegheny Mountains in the Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1818 and is located about one hour from Pittsburgh. The downtown is filled with restaurants and boutique shops. Spend a fun day at Idlewild Park with classic coasters, Storybook Forest, and the SoakZone water park.
Fort Ligonier, built in 1758 during the French and Indian War, features reenactments of Colonial life. The museum has exhibits on the history of the people, art, 18th-century equipment, and George Washington’s role in the war. The Ligonier Valley Railroad Museum features displays of trains and railroad artifacts in an original 1896 station.
Thistledown at Seger House, near Laurel Mountain Ski Resort, has modern amenities in a cozy inn setting. John Seger, a coal baron, built the 20th-century mansion. La Vigneta Winery and Sweet Pea Bakery are on the first floor of this lovely bed and breakfast.
Lititz
Lititz, in the Amish Country setting of Lancaster County, is just north of Lancaster. It’s about 1 1/2 hours from Philadelphia. Downtown Lititz is a walkable area with shops, craft breweries, and restaurants.
Take a tour of America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, and even make a pretzel, at the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania is a majestic way to learn about the habitats and conservation efforts of grey wolves. Guided and public tours need to be booked in advance. End the day with a delicious box of Wibur Buds at Wilbur Chocolate Store and Museum.
The historic Lititz Springs Inn is an elegant boutique hotel with two restaurants, an outdoor patio, and private event space. It dates to 1764. There are 10 inn rooms and six suites decorated with a mix of antiques and modern décor.
Intercourse
Intercourse is another Lancaster County getaway perfect for a long weekend in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It’s about an hour from Philadelphia. It was founded in 1754, and was originally known as Cross Keys. It then became known as Intercourse in 1814.
Kitchen Kettle Village has cooking demonstrations and shops filled with pottery, quilts, and homemade jam. Watch jam and quilt-making demonstrations given by skilled craftspeople. The Amish Farm and House has guided tours of the farm and traditional Amish food. Stoltzfus Meats and Deli sells delicious bakery and deli items.
Book a stay at the Best Western Plus Intercourse Village Inn and Suites, near the Kitchen Kettle Village. It has an indoor heated pool, a spa, and a restaurant.
Mifflinburg
Mifflinburg is located in the Buffalo Valley of Pennsylvania. It’s about 2 hours from Allentown and an hour from Harrisburg. There is a large Mennonite community in Mifflinburg, and Pennsylvania German is spoken in some areas. Enjoy farmers’ markets, quilt shops, traditional food items, and woodworking demonstrations. Seasonal events include an Oktoberfest celebration and the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market, a traditional German market.
In the late 19th century, Mifflinburg was known as Pennsylvania’s Buggy Capital. The Mifflinburg Buggy Museum tells the history of the carriage industry. It is also home to one of the oldest covered bridges in America, The Hassenplug Covered Bridge It was built in 1825 and crosses Buffalo Creek.
Stay at the Mifflinburg Hotel and Scarlet D Tavern. It was originally built in 1858 as a hotel. Many renovations and reconstructions later, it now has a restaurant and a tavern. Suites and rooms reflect classic Victorian décor.
North East
North East is on Lake Erie in the Pennsylvania Great Lakes region of Erie County. It’s close to Buffalo, New York, and about 25 minutes from Erie, Pennsylvania. North East has vineyards and cherry farms, as well as a historic downtown area with small shops and restaurants set among Queen Anne and Italianate architecture.
Arundel Cellars and Brewing Co. and Yori Wine Cellars are local wineries on the Lake Erie Wine Country Trail. The annual North East Firemen’s Cherry Festival has cherry pies, rides, and carnival games. Lake Erie is also popular for boating and nature viewing. Head to the Lake Shore Railway Museum to see vintage freight cars and locomotives.
The Elsie Greer House Bed and Breakfast is a Victorian-era house with antiques and a daily continental breakfast. It’s near Freeport Beach on Lake Erie and the South Shore Wine Company. It is a terrific option for a romantic getaway.
Ohiopyle
Ohiopyle is in southwestern Pennsylvania within the Laurel Highlands region, about one hour south of Pittsburgh. It sits along the Youghiogheny River and has a walkable downtown that features local restaurants, shops, and sports gear outfitters.
Ohiopyle State Park spans more than 20,000 acres. You can camp, cross-country ski, and whitewater raft. The Youghiogheny River is known for Class III-IV whitewater rapids. Cucumber Falls is a popular 30-foot waterfall within the park that is easily reached through a short hike. Ferncliff Peninsula is another must-see. It is a 100-acre botanical reserve featuring fossils and rare plants.
The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) features 150 miles of trails for bicycling, hiking, and horseback riding. It runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, passing the mountain scenery in Ohiopyle State Park. From Cumberland, it connects to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and continues on to Washington, DC.
Ohiopyle Suites' rustic lodging is right in the heart of Ohiopyle. It’s within walking distance of Ohiopyle State Park, the Youghiogheny River, and the GAP trail. Rooms include free WiFi and a complimentary grab-and-go continental breakfast.
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg is a wonderful spot to enjoy waterfalls and outdoor activities in the Pocono Mountains. It’s about 45 minutes from Allentown and makes a great long weekend in Pennsylvania. It's historic downtown has shops, cafes, and art galleries.
Monroe Farmers’ Market, open on most Saturdays, sells local produce. Catch a seasonal show or cultural performance at The Sherman Theater. Hiking and nature viewing are popular activities at Glen Run Nature Preserve. The Levee Loop Trail has bicycling and hiking trails along Brodhead Creek.
The historic Penn Stroud Hotel, in the middle of downtown, originally opened in 1833. It has undergone renovations and renewals over the years to offer modern amenities in a Pocono Mountains setting.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro is in the Pennsylvania Wilds region of north-central Pennsylvania. It’s about 50 miles northwest of Williamsport. Its downtown area has charming shops, local breweries, and restaurants in a gas-lit setting
Leonard Harrison State Park has amazing views of Pine Creek Gorge. The gorge is about 47 miles long and 1,000 feet deep. It’s known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Colton Point State Park has views of the west rim of the gorge. You can hike and bicycle along the gorge at Pine Creek Rail Trail.
Near the Rail Trail, stay at Bear Mountain Lodge. It has suites and rooms with indoor whirlpools or outdoor hot tubs. It’s decorated in mountain-inspired décor with plank floors and hickory furniture.
Long Weekends in Pennsylvania
Perfect destinations for a long weekend in Pennsylvania let you settle in quickly and make the most of your time. You can spend a day on battlefield trails and museum streets, then switch gears with a ride on the Great Allegheny Passage, and still leave room to slow down in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. When the trip also includes good food and walkable downtowns, the weekend feels full without feeling overplanned. That's exactly what makes these Pennsylvania getaways perfect.
