Pennsylvania Travel Guide

Pennsylvania Travel: General Information

Pennsylvania tourism represents historic tourism in USA. Actually, Pennsylvania is the state where liberty-movements gained momentum and the Declaration of Independence was signed. Every year millions of tourists visit the state to see the former capital, Philadelphia, and the other historic sites of Pennsylvania like the Independence National Historic Park and Valley Forge. Of course, Pennsylvania has much more to lure tourists besides its historic treasures; Pennsylvania’s mesmerizing natural beauty – be it the mountain regions of Appalachian or the Poconos or the short Lake Erie coastline, the woodlands of the National Forests or the glistening river banks – is something to die for and then there are plenty of outdoor sports and activities. The Pennsylvania Dutch Country with its ‘plain people’ is an altogether different experience. The cultural aspect of Pennsylvania with its art-culture, events, festivals, theaters, etc. also needs to be explored.

Pennsylvania Travel: Key Facts

Capital City: Harrisburg

Area: 119,283 sq km

Population: 12,488,279

Monetary Unit: USD

Official Language: English

International Dialing Code: 001

Pennsylvania Travel: Popular Tourist Destinations

• Harrisburg: Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, is an interesting city with varied topography, some architectural wonders like the Pennsylvania State Capitol (which is a National Historic Landmark), about half-a dozen bridges and its recreational water-front areas and parklands. Harrisburg’s agricultural/farm shows are a huge attraction among tourists. Harrisburg has a number of museums like the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Susquehanna Art Museum and the National Civil War Museum.

• Philadelphia: Philadelphia, the undisputed historic city of the USA, is full of sights of interest like Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Benjamin Franklin National Memorial and the Philadelphia City Hall as well as a number of governmental buildings. Homes and living quarters of luminaries like Edgar Allen Poe and Betsy Ross are also among the top attractions of Philadelphia. While tours of Philadelphia’s many fine-arts/science/history museums will prove enlightening, the city’s parks and gardens are essentially refreshing. Philadelphia has the oldest zoo in USA. Philadelphia has a thriving art/cultural scene, but it is also hugely popular with shopaholics (the world’s largest mall is located in this city). Philadelphia is an ideal place to explore nearby attractions like Brandywine Valley, Pennsylvania Dutch Country and Gettysburg National Military Park. Round-off your Philadelphia-tour by paying a short visit to the sweet, chocolaty world of Hershey’s Chocolate World.

• Pittsburgh: Set against the backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains and surrounded by the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers, Pittsburgh is a place of great natural beauty. Apart from its bridges, funicular railroads and stairs, the city has a wide range of attractions like the National Aviary, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Heinz History Center, Sandcastle Park, etc. There are a number of museums like Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museums and the Children’s Museum in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh promises water-sporting entertainment and adventure activities.

Pennsylvania Travel: Economy and Infrastructure

Pennsylvania is one of the economically strong states of USA with much of the economic activities centered round the key-cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburg. While Philadelphia is primarily a commercial center, Pittsburg is the industrial hub of Pennsylvania. The tri-cities of Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton and Scranton-Wilkes-Barre are among the other important industrial centers of the state. The state’s performance in the agricultural sector is not to be underestimated and some key agricultural products of Pennsylvania-farmlands are Christmas trees, wine and mushrooms apart from dairy products, fruits, cereals, etc.

Pennsylvania is one of the most well-connected states with adequate road and rail networks. Connections via air and water-ways are also quite strong.

Pennsylvania Travel: Culture

Pennsylvania’s mixed populace of European parentage, African-Americans, Latin Americans, Hispanics and Asians has resulted in the evolvement of a rich culture. The Pennsylvanians speak different languages, eat different food, follow different religions and traditional mores and their different art and culture. Pennsylvania’s cultural centers, museums and theaters, fests and events showcasing this cultural diversity is a huge pull with tourists worldwide as is its multi-ethnic cuisine. As the birth-place of genius’ – artists, authors, musicians, statesmen who have earned name and fame not only for themselves but for the state too – Pennsylvania has evolved as a not-to-be missed part of US’ cultural experience.