10 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways In Pennsylvania, USA - Updated 2023

weekend getaways in pennsylvania
Gabby
Gabby 
Updated
| 6 min read

Weekends are much-needed breathing periods in between hectic schedules. Sometimes life can be so stressful that you need to spend your weekend in the most relaxing way, to avoid burning out. Pennsylvania has a variety of enthralling activities that you can choose from. If you want to be outdoors, you can try biking within nature trails, camping on national parks, or go boating on tranquil lakes. Retail therapy is another way of releasing stress, and Pennsylvania has a lot of superb shopping destinations. A lot of good restaurants are also in abundance here. Whatever it is that you decide to do, you will have the assurance of a weekend well spent, if you spend it in Pennsylvania. If you are planning your next weekend getaway, consider the following top-rated weekend getaways in Pennsylvania, USA.

1. Philadelphia (from USD 999)

Philadelphia from South Street Bridge July 2016 panorama 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user King of Hearts used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Philadephia has a lot in store for families who want to have a quick weekend getaway. Relax your eyes and breathe in the fresh air as you take a stroll around the greeneries at Dilthwork Park. This park also offers activities for children and adults all year round. If you have not had a good walk for a long time, a hike along the Schuylkill River Trail will stretch your knotted muscles. Also, a nighttime walk on the riverside and a historical Boathouse Row is a nice way to end the day. Other attractions include Philadelphia Zoo, Franklin Square, and the many museums in the city. For accommodation suggestions, it is better to stay in the heart of the city for accessibility, like at The Rittenhouse Hotel.


The Rittenhouse Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: 210 West Rittenhouse Square

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Sauna

2. Bedford (from USD 243)

Bedford pitt street
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AudeVivere used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Bedford is a historic quaint town with lots of sights to see and activities to experience. Informative guided walking tours are offered around downtown Bedford. Another historical place to visit here is the Old Bedford Village. Natural mineral springs often believed to be medicinal are found at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. Biking and hiking on the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail, are also popular activities for tourists and residents alike. Hungry for some good food? You can choose among the many bistros and restaurants in town to satisfy your cravings. To add, there are also a lot of wineries and breweries in Bedford.


Omni Bedford Springs Resort

Wifi Available

Address: 2138 Business Route 220

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Tennis court

3. Pittsburgh (from USD 177)

Pittsburgh view
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dr. Cash used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Your weekend will be filled with exciting things to do in Pittsburgh. Sightseeing destinations such as museums, Kennywood Amusement Park, and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, are the top choices among family vacationers. The Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Trails are great walking and biking trails for nature lovers. Fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing are just some of the water-related activities you can enjoy at the city’s rivers and lakes. If you love golf, you will be delighted because Pittsburgh has 500 golf courses, and 8 of which are top-rated. To rest for the night, book a luxurious room at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel.


Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: 107 6th St

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms

4. Lancaster (from USD 182)

Lancaster, Pennsylvania downtown
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Randolph Carney used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A quick escape to Lancaster is the breather that you need to get out of the slump you are in. Come and see the laid-back Amish lifestyle of its hospitable citizens, the view of the rolling farmlands, and historical villages and churches. The Amish Farm and House Tour is the closest you will get to experiencing Lancaster’s famous Amish community. A night at the historical boutique hotel - The Inn at Leola Village - will help you fully appreciate the city’s rich history. But despite being located in the countryside, Lancaster has a lot of modern tourist attractions. With plenty of rides such as roller coasters, carousels, and water slides, people of all ages will have a blast at Dutch Wonderland amusement park. More so, the city has museums, parks, theaters, and nature reserves that will keep you busy all weekend.


The Inn at Leola Village, a Historic Hotel of America

Wifi Available

Address: 38 Deborah Drive

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Garden

5. Allegheny National Forest (from USD 193)

Fall colors at Allegheny National Forest
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chris WarnerAlleg... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

For your next weekend jaunt, consider renting a home like the Rustic Run Cabin in the middle of Allegheny National Forest. This unique experience will help you to reconnect with nature. Walking and biking trails allow you to explore bodies of water, thriving wildlife, and other amazing landscapes that are found deep in the heart of the forest. Also, this forest is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The picturesque views of the treetops from above the Kinzua Sky Walk will take your breath away. Visiting during the fall season is magical because the colors of fall enhance the magical feel of the forest.

Clarendon, Pennsylvania, United States
142 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cabin 7 Beds 9 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 9

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
our family found "rustic run" to be a quiet comfortable setting tucked into a peaceful wooded setting
this cabin was peaceful cozy and fun for all ages
dual bathrooms and a very well-equipped kitchen make it perfect for larger groups
Cleanliness:
the cabin was incredibly clean and spacious
cozy and very clean
it’s amazing place very clean very cozy also norman& janelle are so nice and they respond right away
Host:
first the owners were always helpful and provided quick responses to any questions we had
great place extremely clean and they were very responsive to questions
Location:
this cabin and the location are absolutely beautiful
it was amazing we especially enjoyed the close proximity to hiking
great location for hiking and exploring nature
a great and neat place to stay
Read more reviews

6. Lakeville (from USD 220)

Lake Wallenpaupack - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ameer Attia used under CC BY 3.0

Couples love to visit Lakeville even just for a weekend because, in this village, stands Cove Haven Resort with its famous heart-shaped tub and the champagne tower (a champagne-shaped seven-foot-tall tub). Nature plays a big part in Lakeville’s charm. Swimming, camping, boating, and scenic boat tours are popular activities at Lake Wallenpaupack, the second largest lake in Pennsylvania. During winter, the lake transforms into a large frozen playground where you can do ice skating and ice fishing, among others. The Shuman Point Natural Area is located on another side of Lake Wallenpaupack, and it is an excellent place to hike. Moreover, there are also restaurants, museums, colleges, and parks in downtown Lakeville.


Cove Haven Resort

Wifi Available

Address: 194 Lakeview Drive

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Tennis court Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms

7. Mount Pocono (from USD 216)

Mount Pocono overlook
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nicholas A Tonelli used under CC BY 2.0

Nature enthusiasts love to spend weekends at Mount Pocono. Outdoor activities such as camping and hiking are popular among tourists. The spectacular view of the surrounding areas at the peak of Mount Pocono is something you should not miss. The Pocono ATV Tours offer exciting and adrenaline-pumping ways to enjoy the beauty of the mountain terrains. You can also go horseback riding at the Paradise Riding Stables. When traveling as a couple, book a room at the Paradise Stream Resort, an adults-only resort that features heart-shaped tubs, champagne towers, and in-room pools. More so, if you are feeling lucky, you can try your luck at the Casino Theater Entertainment Center or Mount Airy Casino.


Paradise Stream Resort

Wifi Available

Address: 6213 Carlton Rd.

Parking Restaurant Bar 24-hour front desk Tennis court Sauna Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)

8. Annville (from USD 211)

Annville Historic District, PA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Smallbones used under CC0

Annville is a quaint and peaceful town. Most of the attractions here are laid-back and understated destinations. This town best suits you if you want to have a peaceful and serene weekend. While you are in town, visit the historical Indiantown Gap National Cemetery where war veterans are laid to rest. Then, have a quick stop at the Risser Marvel Farm Market. This is a seasonal market where you will find fresh home-grown fruits and vegetables. You will find military artifacts, ranging from small items such as guns and uniforms to very large exhibits such as tanks and war airplanes, at the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum. You will learn a lot about the history of soldiers and wars in this museum. A restful night is assured at Annville Inn Bed & Breakfast, one of the best accommodations that Annville has to offer.


Annville Inn Bed & Breakfast

Wifi Available

Address: 4515 Hill Church Road

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Tennis court Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing

9. Hawley (from USD 649)

Hawley, Pennsylvania
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daniel Case used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A weekend spent at Hawley is your life’s pause button, especially when you book a night or two at The Lodge at Woodloch wellness resort. You can choose from the many classes and spa treatments they provide in this resort. Appreciate nature’s best as you visit Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Also, Lake Wallenpaupack’s tranquil waters are perfect for kayaking and boating. In addition, you can ride horses at the Happy Trails Stables. Hiking and biking along the woodlands, riversides, and parks are a must because the scenic views will make the whole experience better.


The Lodge at Woodloch

Wifi Available

Address: 109 River Birch Lane

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Tennis court Sauna Fitness centre

10. Hershey (from USD 148)

Hershey, PA
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jon Dawson used under CC BY-ND 2.0

A chocolatey weekend awaits you and your family at Hershey. The top attractions are Hersheypark, with its roller coaster called Candymonium, and Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction, where you can enjoy chocolate tour rides, creating your own candy bars, and chocolate tasting. Interesting relaxation methods involving chocolates are used at Meltspa By Hershey and The Spa at the Hotel Hershey. However, not all food served here is chocolate. Award-winning restaurants for fine dining and casual dining serve gourmet meals that will surely satisfy all your senses. Aside from these, the other activities you can do at Hershey are golfing and shopping. The Inn at Westwynd Farm will satisfy your accommodation needs as you discover all the sweet attractions at Hershey.


The Inn at Westwynd Farm B&B

Wifi Available

Address: 1620 Sand Beach Road, Hummelstown, PA, USA, 17036

Parking Garden Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking Internet services Heating WiFi Available

Make your weekends special

There are tons of stress-relieving activities or getaways in Pennsylvania. A few of these will perfectly suit your tastes and preferences. Rest up over the weekend so you can muster up the courage to face a new week ahead of you. You will be surprised to discover that you only need to take a much-deserved weekend off to regain your energy.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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