15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

Written by Jan Meeuwesen
Updated on
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Pennsylvania, The Keystone State, has some truly awesome places to visit and see! There’s beautiful nature to be admired and many cool towns and larger cities to explore. To give you an impression on how impressive this state is, I’ve selected some of the most beautiful pictures!

1. Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, Pittsburgh

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, PittsburghSource: Jon Bilous / shutterstock
Soldiers And Sailors Memorial Hall And Museum, Pittsburgh

The Soldier and Sailor’s Memorial Hall is one of the best-known attractions in Pittsburgh. The museum tells the story of the servicemen that have served the United States since the civil war. The building has stood in memory of the country’s veterans since 1910.

2. Gothic Study Hall inside the Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh

Cathedral of Learning, University of PittsburghSource: Sean Pavone / shutterstock
Cathedral Of Learning, University Of Pittsburgh

At the centre of the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus, the Cathedral of Learning is a well-known attraction and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cathedral is an imposing building, standing an impressive 163m over the campus. It has been described as a gothic skyscraper. Construction on the 34-story building was completed in 1931.

3. Pittsburgh Skyline

Pittsburgh Skyline, PennsylvaniaSource: Sean Pavone / shutterstock
Pittsburgh Skyline, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh is known for great food, adventure and a fascinating history. In 2015 Pittsburgh was named as a “Top Place to Go in 2015” by Conde Nast Traveller. The city is the second largest in Pennsylvania and has a population of 306,000 people. In 2016, the city of Pittsburgh will celebrate its bicentennial.

4. Delaware River

Delaware River, PenssylvaniaSource: Songquan Deng / shutterstock
Delaware River, Penssylvania

The Delaware River passes through New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland in addition to Pennsylvania. In Northampton County, the river meanders past 17 miles of stunning farmland, historic sights and small towns. The welcome centre in Riverton provides a great introduction to the area as well as walking routes.

5. Road in Rural Pennsylvania

Rural PennsylvaniaSource: Paul Brady Photography / shutterstock
Rural Pennsylvania

The countryside in Pennsylvania is known for its great food, extensive history and countless outdoor activities. The countryside is stunning in all seasons and has plenty to offer in winter, such as snowboarding and skiing, or in summer, such as white water rafting and hiking. In autumn, the colours are particularly beautiful.

6. Codorus State Park, Pennsylvania

Codorus State Park, PennsylvaniaSource: Jon Bilous / shutterstock
Codorus State Park, Pennsylvania

Codorus State Park, Pennsylvania

7. Philadelphia

PhiladelphiaSource: Sean Pavone / shutterstock
Philadelphia

Philadelphia certainly has plenty to offer and a trip to the City of Brotherly Love is always a pleasure. Known for its music, art and food, the city has not been affected by crushingly high real estate prices and still makes for an affordable but exhilarating place to live.

8. Duquense Incline Vertical, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Duquense Incline Vertical, PittsburghSource: f11photo / shutterstock
Duquense Incline Vertical, Pittsburgh

The century old Duquesne Incline cable cars allow for great views of Downtown Pittsburgh. The cable cars were first opened in 1877 and, after many year of use, were subsequently restored by local residents in 1963. Those taking a trip to the incline can see the inner workings of the machinery and visit the museum at the upper station, which explores Pittsburgh’s history.

9. Oakland Run waterfalls, York County

Waterfall on Oakland Run, in York County, PennsylvaniaSource: Jon Bilous / shutterstock
Waterfall on Oakland Run, in York County, Pennsylvania

The waterfalls of York County come in various shapes and sizes but are all stunning and well worth a visit. Hiking is very popular in all seasons and there are a number of well-marked routes to follow that include views different waterfalls however there are also rewarding views for those willing to walk off the beaten track.

10. The Washington County Courthouse

 Washington County Courthouse (Pennsylvania)Source: Generic1139 / Wikimedia
Washington County Courthouse (Pennsylvania)

Another building in Pennsylvania with a remarkable history is the Washington County Court House. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, having been admitted in 1974. The building, which was first opened in 1900, is still in operation today.

11. Falls in Glen State Park Fall Trails

Adam's Fall, Glen State ParkSource: Jon Bilous / shutterstock
Adam’s Fall, Glen State Park

The Glen State Park Fall Trails includes over 20 waterfalls and attracts thousands of visitors each year, all of whom come to marvel at its natural beauty. Sullivan falls is more difficult to reach than many of the others in the area but this means it is more peaceful and worth the adventure through the surrounding woodlands.

12. Salt Springs State Park, Susquehanna County

Salt Springs State Park, PennsylvaniaSource: JD Hiker / shutterstock
Salt Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Salt Springs State Park in North-eastern Pennsylvania covers a massive 405 acres and is best known for its giant hemlock trees, estimated to be about 300 years old.  The park is also home to three waterfalls and a rocky gauge and is maintained by a group of volunteers known as the Friends of Salt Springs Park.



15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Pennsylvania:

  • Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, Pittsburgh
  • Gothic Study Hall inside the Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh
  • Pittsburgh Skyline
  • Delaware River
  • Road in Rural Pennsylvania
  • Codorus State Park, Pennsylvania
  • Philadelphia
  • Duquense Incline Vertical, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Oakland Run waterfalls, York County
  • The Washington County Courthouse
  • Falls in Glen State Park Fall Trails
  • Salt Springs State Park, Susquehanna County