The 5 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Pennsylvania

I'm not as much of an outdoor person as some, usually preferring my vacations to center around air-conditioned destinations! But once in a while, I see a spot that changes my mind. Some of Pennsylvania's spots boast a type of natural beauty that just commands you to stop, take it easy, and take in all of the splendor waiting for you. Some are at their best during the flower season of the spring, while others wait until the fall to show off their best colors. And some are man-made and waiting for you, no matter when you pull into town. But the most colorful places in Pennsylvania all have one thing in common—they can only be seen in the Keystone State, and each of them features countless points where you just have to stare in awe at what this amazing state is capable of showing us. And the best part is, none of these is likely to ever be the exact same experience twice.

What Makes Pennsylvania So Colorful?

Pennsylvania is one of the most unique states in the country because of how diverse it is. If you're mostly familiar with the eastern part of the state like I am, you'll be familiar with its big cities and smaller towns, where you'll find urban art and botanical gardens. However, as you head further west, you'll find wide open spaces home to expansive parks, many of which are home to incredible fall foliage. Pennsylvania is home to an incredible level of natural beauty if you know where to look.

The Most Colorful Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

While there are plenty of stunning spots all around the Keystone State, we've chosen to focus today on ones in the eastern part. You'll find two incredible botanical gardens or arboretums near Philadelphia, along with a truly unique art park. From there, you'll find a historic rail trail filled with natural beauty in the south, or the most stunning vista in the east, all the way in the north.

1. Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square)

The largest botanical garden in Pennsylvania, Longwood Gardens has long been acclaimed for its stunning variety of flowering plants and trees, and its historic atmosphere has made it incredibly popular with fans of shows like "Bridgerton." Equal parts museum and natural landscape, it's the kind of place you can spend a whole day exploring. And during the holiday season, it turns into the most spectacular Christmas lights display in Pennsylvania.

2. Morris Arboretum (Philadelphia)

Located in the heart of Philadelphia's University of Pennsylvania, the Morris Arboretum is an incredible sight when it turns to spring. The garden is home to one of Pennsylvania's best displays of tulips anywhere, and it also features the longest elevated canopy walk through the trees in the state. No matter what season you come, there's likely to be something beautiful and eye-catching here.

3. Magic Gardens (Philadelphia)

For something completely different, you don't even have to leave Philadelphia. Welcome to the Magic Gardens, one of the strangest art exhibits you'll ever see. Created by Isaiah Zagar in the 1960s, Magic Gardens is a unique example of urban art, crafted out of empty lots and everyday objects. It went from being a niche exhibit to one of the most popular spots in Philly, and tickets must now be purchased in advance for the massive exhibit. No walk-through is the same twice!

4. Pine Creek Gorge (Wellsboro)

It's not often you see a site so beautiful it's called the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania", but Pine Creek Gorge is just that sweeping. Accessible from both Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park, the absolute best view is found on the Barbour Rock Blue Overlook Trail, where you can see what's easily the best fall foliage in the entire state when the time is right.

5. Heritage Rail Trail (New Freedom)

Amish Country is one of my favorite spots in Pennsylvania, because you get a unique look into a type of life most of us have never experienced. Central Pennsylvania is full of small Amish towns, and the best way to see all of them is on the Heritage Rail Trail. This ten-mile journey that starts in New Freedom will take you past lush green woods, stunning historic red farmhouses, and countless other sites that you can only see in Pennsylvania.

Have you gotten to visit any of the most colorful places in Pennsylvania before? If not, tell a friend about this article so you can plan your own journey to experience them! If you'd like some more ideas on how to spend a road trip to these spots, head over to Only in Your State's AI-powered travel planner and let it create a customized itinerary for you based on a few simple questions. And if you're up for a bigger challenge in the great outdoors, check out our picks for the best hikes in Pennsylvania.