The best destinations for memorable weekend getaways in PA
While Bruce Springsteen has helped to immortalize the streets of Philadelphia in his music, there are many other places in Pennsylvania that enjoy renown for their natural beauty, history, and culture. You’ll find cities and towns with storied pasts, lakefront and riverfront beaches ideal for romantic strolls, and mountains prime for hiking. From amusement parks to historic relics to ski slopes, there’s something to interest vacationers of all ages all throughout the year. And with the abundance of vacation rentals in the Keystone State, finding a place to stay for a weekend getaway in PA is easy.
Weekend getaways in Eastern PA that everyone can enjoy
The past meets the present in Eastern Pennsylvania, where you’ll find heritage sites and museums commemorating America’s birth sitting side by side with gleaming skyscrapers and huge shopping malls. It’s also rich in nature and culture, so whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway where you can browse through art galleries, soak up the small-town atmosphere, or breathe in the fresh mountain air, you’re in for a treat. Choose from vacation rentals ranging from tiny homes and condos to chalets and mountain cabins for a memorable weekend.
Delaware Valley weekend getaways for culture and history
The Delaware Valley—also called Greater Philadelphia, or Philadelphia and the Countryside—boasts plenty of options for weekend getaways in PA. Book a summer rental in Philadelphia, roughly a 2-hour drive or a 1.5-hour train ride from NYC. There, you can visit famous historical landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and enjoy all-day beer and music festivals. Head to Bensalem Township to test your luck at the casino and horse racing track, or perhaps practice your swing at Haverford Township’s world-class golf courses.
Winter weekend getaways in the Pocono Mountains
December through March are great months for weekend getaways in the Pocono Mountains. Gather your friends and go skiing and snow tubing down the slopes, skate on a frozen lake in Gouldsboro State Park, and buy gifts at the Olde Time Christmas markets in the town of Jim Thorpe. Bonding over good conversation and glasses of wine in front of your mountain cabin rental’s fireplace is a great way to end a long day of sightseeing, shopping, and outdoor adventure.
Weekend getaways in Central PA for couples
When it comes to romantic places for a weekend getaway, Central Pennsylvania has you covered. There’s no shortage of things to see and do here all throughout the year, from winery tours in spring and river cruising in summer to bar-hopping in fall and snowmobiling in winter. And with the wealth of vacation homes here, finding your own personal love shack is no problem at all, whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway to celebrate Valentine’s Day or an anniversary.
Romantic vacation homes in the Susquehanna Valley
Within the Susquehanna River Valley, you’ll find fascinating cities and towns that offer plenty to those seeking urban getaways or quiet weekends close to nature. Couples who are into history might want to check out the Pennsylvania State Capitol and the Fort Hunter Mansion and Park in Harrisburg, the state’s capital. If a weekend by the water sounds more appealing, you can book a boat house on Harveys Lake and let the sound of the water lapping on the shore lull you to sleep.
Secluded cottage and cabin rentals in the Southern Alleghenies
In this mountainous Central PA region, you can enjoy a secluded weekend yet still be close enough to civilization if you feel like painting the town red. For instance, a creekside cottage rental with a hot tub in Bellefonte is perfect for an intimate vacation for 2, yet offers easy access to the old Victorian houses and heritage buildings in the Bellefonte Historic District. Or try a luxury cabin rental near Bedford Township, whose historic downtown area also boasts world-class dining and shopping.
Family weekend getaways in Western PA
Separated from the east by the Appalachian Mountains, Western PA’s abundance of natural and man-made attractions contributes to its popularity as a weekend getaway destination for visitors of all ages. It’s brimming with entertainment options for young and old alike: from amusement parks to zoos to science and art museums. Finding lodging is no problem, even if you bring the extended family. There are plenty of spacious home vacation rentals here that are perfectly capable of accommodating large groups—and pets, too.
Pet-friendly vacation homes in Laurel Highlands
Mountain getaways are as good as they can get in Laurel Highlands, a region of breathtaking beauty all year round. You’ll find large farmhouses, cabins, and lake houses for rent—all with more than enough space to let Fido run around to his heart’s content. There are plenty of dog parks in the region’s towns and communities, and at the pet-friendly Laurel Hill State Park, you can take your pooch hiking across acres of forest lands and let her roam on the beach at Laurel Hill Lake.
Weekend getaways in Greater Pittsburgh for the whole family
The Greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area is an always-buzzing beehive of activity, and there’s plenty of fun to be had for the whole family during a weekend getaway. In the city of Pittsburgh, summers are extra fun at the popular Sandcastle Waterpark, while the Kennywood Amusement Park in West Mifflin has been entertaining families since 1898. Bonkers over baseball? Catch a game at the PNC Park, then head to the nearby Strip District for some of the best food in the city.