Located across the street from the Convention Center’s Broad Street entrance, PAFA is the country’s oldest art museum and school that trained the likes of Thomas Eakins, Mary Cassatt, and many more. The museum is currently home to a groundbreaking exhibition of American art, A Nation of Artists, which includes rarely seen pieces from the Middleton Family Collection.

Also located steps from the Convention Center, the Fabric Workshop and Museum is a free, internationally acclaimed contemporary art museum, featuring works by artists with diverse artistic backgrounds, including sculpture, installation, video, painting, photography, ceramics and architecture.

Philadelphia is known for its revolutionary history, but for a truly extraordinary experience, visit the Masonic Temple and Library and Museum of Pennsylvania. A National Historic Landmark, the Temple was constructed in 1873 and is considered one of the great “wonders” of the Masonic world. The building is resplendent with artwork, frescos, stained glass and sculptures. It’s a visual treasure waiting to be discovered.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia offers visitors a moving experience that highlights the achievements and aspirations of African Americans from pre-colonial times to the present day. Currently on view is a can’t-miss exhibition, “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design,” with costumes on display from the two-time Oscar® Winning Costume Designer’s filmography (Sinners, Black Panther, Do the Right Thing, and many more).

Down the street and under the Friendship Gate lives Philadelphia’s Chinatown, one of the largest on the East Coast. Here, you’ll find a treasure of hidden gem dining options, including roasted duck, bubble tea and stuffed waffles. Chinatown is also home to many neighborhood markets with a wide selection of sweets, packaged snacks and dry goods.

• Independence Hall - Take a $1, ticketed tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site where America’s Founders signed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
• Liberty Bell - The symbol of American Independence is free to see (and snap a selfie with), as are the accompanying exhibits inside the Liberty Bell Center.
• Elfreth’s Alley - Stroll down the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street and admire the carefully preserved 18th-century homes that line this historic block in Old City.

• City Hall & Dilworth Park - Take a photo of the architectural treasure that is City Hall, then head up to the top of the tower for a guided tour and panoramic views of the city.
• Love Park - Strike a pose in front of Robert Indiana’s iconic sculpture at the gateway to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Philadelphia’s Museum Mile.
• Philadelphia Museum of Art & Rocky Steps/Statue - Scale the 72 “Rocky Steps” and take your photo with arms raised high next to the iconic statue of the Italian Stallion. Then, enter one of the largest art museums in the nation, with new spaces to explore and a collection that spans 2,000 years.

• Reading Terminal Market - With more than 80 merchants – including several Pennsylvania Amish favorites – this iconic landmark is one of America’s oldest and largest public markets and a must-see for visitors looking to sample a taste of Philadelphia.
• McGillin’s Olde Ale House - Raise a glass at Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern. Since 1860, McGillin’s has been pouring pints and welcoming guests with classic pub fare and true Philly spirit.
• Cheesesteak Time - The city’s trademark sandwich is a mouthwatering masterpiece of tender pieces of beef combined with melted cheesy goodness on a fresh Italian roll. Jim’s South Street, Cleavers in Rittenhouse Square and Angelo’s Pizzeria in South Philly each serve up their own beloved takes and have become the ultimate go-to for many locals.

Half Day: Step back in time at Bethlehem’s Moravian Church Settlements, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where cobblestone streets, 18th-centruary architecture, and living history bring America’s earliest communal spirit to life.

Full Day: Discover the magic of Lancaster’s Amish Country, touting rolling farmlands, horse-drawn buggies, and handmade treasures, creating an escape that’s both timeless and unforgettable.

Full Day: Walk the storied fields of the Gettysburg Battlefields, where a turning point of the Civil War unfolded and President Lincoln’s famous words forever redefined the nation’s promise.

Half Day: In Doylestown, discover the creative genius of archaeologist and tilemaker Henry Chapman Mercer at the Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle, two castles containing a treasure trove of pre-industrial tools, Bucks County History and Mercer’s tiles and prints.

Full Day: At the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading, wander through galleries, watch glassblowers and ceramicists at work, shop one-of-kind creations in the artisan store, and even catch and indie film—all inside a reimagine factory turned creative hub. At Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, explore a 19th-centruy ironmaking village with an ironmaster’s mansion, workers’ homes and a massive iron furnace.

Half Day: Wander Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, where 1,100 acres of seasonal displays, soaring fountain shows, and one of the world’s greatest conservatories invite you to explore beauty in every bloom. Dine on-site at the Café, Beer Garden (open seasonally) or the elegant 1906 restaurant.

Full Day: Follow the path of America’s industrial past through the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, where you can bike stretch es of the 165-mile D&L trail, ride on the historical Josiah White II mule-drawn canal boat and see a century-old locktender house.

Full Day: At Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, hike miles of scenic trails, watch the world’s greatest raptor migration (spring and fall), from cliffside lookouts, and learn about bird conservation at the visitor center. Hawk Mountain also offers a fully accessible trail.

Half Day: Get wild at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, where you can hand-feed giraffes, zipline over animal habitats, meet eagles and bison up-close and enjoy family-friendly fun in a walkable setting.

Full Day: Go old-school with Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. Ride classic wooden rollercoasters (including the Phoenix, crowned “Best in the World” at the 2025 Golden Ticket Awards), splash down water slides, play midway games and float through a retro carousel with hand-carved horses—all in a wallet-friendly, pay-as-you-go setting.

Foodies will love touring and tasting their way through these delightful stops.

Lancaster Central Market, Lancaster: Taste your way through the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers' market.

York Central Market, York: Shop and snack at this lively market filled with local flavors and fresh finds.

Shady Maple Smorgasbord, East Earl: Indulge in endless Pennsylvania Dutch-style dishes at this USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Winner for No. 1 Best Buffet Restaurant.

New Hope Ferry Market, New Hope: Savor riverfront bites and eclectic eats in a bustling market setting.

D.G. Yuengling & Sons, Pottsville: Tour America’s oldest brewery and raise a glass to tradition.

Herr’s Snack Factory, Nottingham: Go behind the scenes to watch – and taste – how these legendary chips are made here in PA.