Pennsylvania is famed for its essential role in U.S. history, commerce, and agriculture, as well as its great natural beauty. It is a place where visitors flock to throughout the year; each season in Pennsylvania is extremely distinct. Come summer, certain parts of the state become all the more appealing, whether for their bustling downtowns or outdoor recreational offerings.
If you’re looking to travel to Pennsylvania this summer or any upcoming one, many cities and towns are worth exploring. Below, we break down some of the best options for those who want to experience Pennsylvania’s beauty in the summer.
Lancaster
Lancaster will certainly be for you if you enjoy unwinding in the wide-open, spacious countryside. This city and county is a cultural and agricultural hub in southern Pennsylvania. Lancaster is a unique area of the United States because it is a center for Pennsylvania’s Dutch and Amish communities. These communities welcome tourists, authentically showcasing their lifestyles.
Lancaster also has great attractions such as theme parks, delicious food, museums, and much more. It is an area of the state perfect for a warm family getaway.
Gettysburg
If you are an American history buff, there are not many more significant places to visit than Gettysburg. Gettysburg was the site of one of the pivotal battles of the Civil War and the Abraham Lincoln speech (the Gettysburg Address) that still lives on today. Much of the town’s tourism is dedicated to the monumental event that occurred there, with a museum, national military park, and monuments.
Beyond the museums and history, Gettysburg is also an excellent place for outdoor recreation. It has high-end golf courses, scenic hiking trails, and thick forests, all best enjoyed in the warmth of summer.
York
York is a major historic city in Southern Pennsylvania known for its excellent cultural offerings. While York can be enjoyed any time of the year, strolling the city’s picturesque downtown in the summer is an idyllic way to spend a vacation. York has preserved homes from the Victorian era and 1700s, tasteful museums like the Historical Society Museum, and delicious dining options.
Summer hiking through Rocky Ridge Park is an excellent way to enjoy the weather, and you can cool off with a wine tasting at the many vineyards surrounding the city. York is part of the famed Mason-Dixon Wine Trail, so the wines are top-notch.
Erie
Few places can match all Erie offers if you are seeking a waterfront getaway in Pennsylvania. Erie is a northwest Pennsylvania city set along Lake Erie’s shores. It is a scenic lakefront urban area known for its great boating and hiking. Presque Isle State Park has winding trails along the lake and beaches that fill up on hot days.
Erie has some family-friendly tourist and cultural attractions. Waldameer Park is an amusement park with adrenaline-inducing rides. The town also hosts an array of summer festivals throughout the season and several museums, including the Erie Maritime Museum.
Hawley
One of the best parts of summer is its ideal weather for outdoor recreation. Pennsylvania has so many stunning natural areas to explore, one of the best of which is the Pocono Mountains. These densely forested peaks cover a large area in the state and are where the small community of Hawley is situated.
Hawley is a tiny town home to a permanent population of less than 2,000, but every summer, it sees an influx of hikers and outdoor lovers. It is surrounded by scenic mountain trails and relaxing outdoor spots along the Lackawaxen River and Lake Wallenpaupack. It is a hub for boaters, fishers, and lovers of the great outdoors.
