The weekend is precious, and in order to make the most of it, you may be looking to get away for just a few days. If you’re hungry for a bite-sized vacation in Pennsylvania, you’ve got plenty of incredible opportunities to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for a foodie tour, an amusement park for the kids, or a cozy getaway with your significant other, road trip and

car insurance

expert

Jerry

has all the information you need to plan your next Pennsylvania vacation. In this article, we’ll cover the best weekend getaways for different types of travelers, where to stay, and how to spend your precious time away.

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The best weekend getaways for couples in Pennsylvania

Doylestown

Stay at: The Doylestown Inn (rooms from $185 per night)

Or: The Hargrave House Bed and Breakfast (rooms from $195 per night)

Recently called the

Best Small Town Cultural Scene in America

by USA Today, Doylestown is the perfect choice for a romantic weekend getaway. Start your morning off at

Aunt Judy’s

for a homestyle American breakfast, followed by a romantic stroll through Peace Valley Park.

Next, head to

Fonthill Castle

to see one of Pennsylvania’s most majestic manor houses, and stop by the

Mercer Museum

to learn about the castle’s original owner, the eccentric Henry Mercer.

For dinner, stop by

Stove and Tap

for fresh, local perfection. Or, head to

Red Cedar

and share a quality craft cocktail with your loved one.

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Erie

Stay at: The Courtyard by Marriott (rooms from $150 per night)

Or: The Hampton Inn Erie South (rooms from $92 per night)

For a romantic atmosphere, you can’t beat the misty shores of Erie. This quiet, picturesque town is packed with opportunity.

Grab breakfast at

The Original Breakfast Place

, and then head to one of Erie’s many museums. The

Erie Maritime Museum

, the

Erie Art Museum

, and the

Erie Art Gallery

are all excellent choices for a cultural and educational tour of this small lake town.

For lunch, head to the

Shoreline Bar and Grille

for a tableside view of the lake. Spend your afternoon along the banks of Lake Erie, and traverse the peninsula to Presque Isle State Park.

From there, you can visit Leo’s Landing, two lighthouses, and head to Gull’s Point Observation Deck for sweeping views of the water.

The best weekend getaways for families in Pennsylvania

Hershey

Stay at: 1825 Inn Bed and Breakfast (rooms from $179 per night)

Or: The Hotel Hershey (rooms from $299 per night)

What better place to take the kids than the Sweetest Place on Earth? Originally built as a leisure ground for employees of the Hershey factory,

Hersheypark

is one of the most popular theme parks in Pennsylvania. Tour the factory, ride roller coasters, and indulge in countless sweet treats your kids will love.

For fun in town, stroll through 83 acres of fresh, botanical green space at

Hershey Gardens

, including their award-winning Children’s Garden! Favorite spots to eat in town include

Le Bon Lieu French Creperie

, the

Chocolate Avenue Grill

, and

Devon Seafood and Steak

Lancaster

Stay at: The Cork Factory Hotel (rooms from $96 per night)

Or: The Lancaster Arts Hotel (rooms from $99 per night)

Home to one of Pennsylvania’s oldest Amish communities, Lancaster has plenty of fun opportunities for visitors of all ages. Experience a mix of authentic farm life with family-friendly fun at the

Cherry Creek Adventure Farm

, with mazes, rides, and live music. Or, head to

Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park

for an exciting roller coaster experience the kids will never forget.

Stop by the

Hands on House Children’s Museum

for hands-on exhibits or check out the

Lancaster Science Factory

for interactive experiences in science, industry, and technology. Step back in time at the

1719 Museum

, a wonderfully preserved campus of houses, barns, and historic workshops.

Have history buffs in the family? Head to the

Mennonite Life Visitors Center

to learn about local Amish and Mennonite history stretching back generations. You can even schedule a countryside tour to see the communities in action.

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The best weekend getaways for music lovers in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh

Stay at: Hyatt Place Pittsburgh North Shore (rooms from $164 per night)

Or: Distrikt Hotel Pittsburgh (rooms from $225 per night)

Pittsburgh’s hopping nightlife has a lot to offer music lovers. Check out the

Thunderbird Cafe and Music hall

for local and touring artists, or grab tickets to a show at the

Stage AE

, one of Pittsburgh’s most popular music venues.

Cattivo’s

friendly atmosphere welcomes artists from all walks of life, and

Howl at the Moon Pittsburgh

brings an eclectic mix of musicians onto their stage every weekend.

For fans of jazz, check out

MCG Jazz

for the latest in local jazz musicians. Or, grab a ticket to a show at the

Roxian Theatre

, one of Pittsburgh’s classic venues. You can head to

Backstage Bar

for jazz, cabaret, and more!

York

Stay at: Wyndham Garden York (rooms from $116 per night)

Or: Courtyard by Marriott York (rooms from $144 per night

York has no shortage of live music venues. Stop by the

Handsome Cab

for local artists and excellent wine. Or, try the

Granfalloons Tavern

for classic pub fare and live events.

For up-and-coming local and national tours, try

Kable House Presents

, a local concert series hosted in York’s Central Market House.

Mudhook Brewing Co

also hosts live music on the weekends, with craft brews and spirits to enjoy while you listen. Check out the

Cantina York

for classic Mexican street food and local musicians, or, for classical fans, head to the

York Symphony Orchestra

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The best weekend getaways for foodies in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg

Stay at: The Manor on Front (rooms from $136 per night)

Or: The Crowne Plaza Harrisburg (rooms from $96 per night)

Pennsylvania’s capital is an up and coming foodie destination with endless opportunities for a practiced palette. Great breakfast spots include the

Tomato Pie Cafe

for eclectic seasonal favorites,

Fisher’s Deli and Bakery

for craft pastries, and

Roxy’s Cafe

for fresh American fare.

For lunch and dinner favorites, try

Cork and Fork

for a tasteful spread and craft cocktails, or stop by

Gilligan’s Bar and Grill

for the perfect prime rib. For great veggie options, check out

Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar

for a mix of vegetarian and meat-centered cuisine.

For craft beer, you won’t want to miss

Grateful Goat Brewing

and

Zeroday

for the latest in local beers and spirits.

Pittsburgh

Stay at: The Inn on the Mexican War Streets (rooms from $150 per night)

Or: The Maverick by Casa (rooms from $101 per night)

Pittsburgh has a thriving foodie scene sure to satisfy any connoisseur. The city’s famous

Strip District

is a haven for restaurant lovers, with ample shops and eateries in its half-mile stretch. For breakfast, check out the

Square Cafe

Pamela’s Diner

, and the

Pear and Pickle

, to name a few.

For lunch and dinner, check out

Ladybird’s Luncheonette

for a fresh-foraged selection of soup, salads, and pastries.

Eleven Contemporary Kitchen

offers a vibrant seasonal menu out of a rehabilitated warehouse.

Stop by

Driftwood Oven

for the best pizza in Pittsburgh, or grab a high-class meal with views of the river at

Fig and Ash

. Finally, stop by

Brillobox

for all things libations—you’ll be treated to an eclectic drink menu at affordable prices.

The best outdoor weekend getaways in Pennsylvania

The Poconos

Stay at: The Split Rock Resort (rooms from $150 per night)

Or: The French Manor Inn and Spa (rooms from $332 per night)

For fans of the outdoors, you can’t go wrong with Pennsylvania’s iconic Poconos mountain range.

If you’re the adventure-seeking type, check out

Jim Thorpe’s River Adventures

for white river rafting and kayak rentals. In the winter months, the Poconos has several excellent ski resorts, including

Jack Frost

Blue Mountain Resort

, and

Camelback Resort

. You can also experience a real dog sled ride with

Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours

Hike through the

Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area

, the

Browns Hill Preserve

, or see the impressive

Bushkill Falls

, lovingly called the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.”

If you’re looking for something less intense, check out the

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

to take a train tour of the Poconos’ most beautiful sites.

Allegheny National Forest

Stay at: Dewdrop Campground

Or: Farnsworth Cabin

Located on the Allegheny Plateau, Allegheny National Forest features over half a million acres of gorgeous forested landscape. For mountain biking, check out the

Jakes Rocks Overlook and Mountain Bike Trail

—you’ll enjoy stunning views of Jackson Bay.

Hikers will love to view incredible northern hardwood forests and wildlife in the

Hickory Creek Wilderness

. Four-wheeler fans should head to the

Penoke, Marienville, and Timberline ATV/OHM Trails

for an ATV excursion. Or, if you have a treasured equine friend, the

Spring Creek Horse Trail

features 40 miles of equestrian trails.

The best weekend getaways for history buffs in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia

Stay at: La Reserve Bed and Breakfast (rooms from $168 per night)

Or: The Conwell Inn (rooms from $154 per night)

What would get history buffs more excited than reliving the founding of the United States? If you’re at all a fan of history, you have to visit Philadelphia's

Independence Hall

, where the nation’s first congress voted to declare independence. On the same street, you’ll find the

Liberty Bell

and

President’s House Site

, attractions as iconic as they are fascinating.

There are so many great museums in Philly: the

Museum of the American Revolution

, the

Betsy Ross House

, the

Weitzman National Museum of Jewish History

, the

Benjamin Franklin Museum

, the

African American Museum in Philadelphia

, and the

American Philosophical Society

, to name a few.

Just be sure to pace yourself; the sheer volume of national and local history in Philadelphia may make your head spin.

Gettysburg

Stay at: The Gettysburg Hotel (rooms from $140 per night)

Or: 1863 Inn of Gettysburg (rooms from $111 per night)

Gettysburg is, of course, most famous for being the site of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

Start your tour of this pivotal Civil War location by visiting the

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center

. From there, check out the many historical buildings of Gettysburg, including the

Historic Daniel Lady Farm

, the

Shriver House Museum

, and the

David Wills House

, where President Lincoln put the finishing touches on his famous speech.

For more information about the famous battle, check out the

Seminary Ridge Museum

for a comprehensive look at the Civil War and Gettysburg’s place in it. Be sure to hike to

Little Round Top

, a historic hill overlooking the battlefield.

If you’re a fan of the paranormal, take a

ghost tour

and commune with Gettysburg’s forgotten souls. Finally, if you’re in town during Gettysburg’s famous

Battle of Gettysburg Reenactment

, it’s an absolute must-see.

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The best cheap weekend getaways in Pennsylvania

Allentown

Stay at: The Sayre Mansion (rooms from $131 per night)

Or: Hilton Garden Inn Allentown (rooms from $99 per night)

Allentown is chock-full of fun things to do at a great price. If you’re interested in local history, check out the

Lehigh Valley Heritage Center

. Or, check out the

Lehigh Valley Zoo

for the county’s largest collection of exotic animals. Head to the

Allentown Art Museum

for local and international works.

Stop by the

Museum of Indian Culture

to learn about the history of the Lenape tribe, or take a hike down the

Hassan Creek Trail

through Allentown’s Fogelsville Dam Park.

Be sure to stop by

Yocco’s

, a local hot dog icon since 1922, and if you have time, you can’t miss the

Allentown Rose Gardens

for a fresh and fragrant stroll.

Lancaster

Stay at: The Cork Factory Hotel (rooms from $96 per night)

Or: The Lancaster Arts Hotel (rooms from $99 per night)

Historic Lancaster offers a lovely rural experience with tons of visitor opportunities. For your Friday night, take a

wine and cheese train ride

where you can sample the best of Waltz Vineyards with local cheese pairings. Stop by the

Amish Farm House

for a taste of Amish living or peruse the

Central Market

to pick out some local goods.

Reserve a tour at the

Wolf Sanctuary of PA

for a chance to view these majestic canines in their habitat. For more outdoor fun, visit the

Middle Creek Wildlife Preservation Area

for wildlife viewing and photo ops.

Finally, be sure to stop by

Dutch Haven

for a taste of their original shoo-fly pie, the oldest in Lancaster county.

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