26 Essential Pennsylvania Experiences To Plan for 2026

Can you believe we’re already a quarter of the way through the 21st century—and about to enter 2026? That’s something to celebrate as we look forward to many more years of epic adventures in Pennsylvania. My grandfather would have turned 100 in 2025 (he only missed it by a few years). I always told him he had to go big that milestone day and jump out of a plane while I waved from the ground, which always elicited a laugh from both of us. In honor of what would have been his 101st birthday, I decided that this year is the perfect time to stop dreaming and start doing, beginning with some of the best things to do in Pennsylvania in 2026.

1. Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park – Benton

Sometimes the biggest challenges come with the best rewards, and that's why hiking Falls Trail, a difficult trail in Ricketts Glen State Park, is at the top of my must-do list in 2026. While it might take me longer than more experienced hikers, the chance to see 21 named waterfalls along the way will be more than worth the effort.

2. Bushkill Falls – Bushkill

I love waterfalls, so a hike along the two-mile Red Trail to see all eight waterfalls at Bushkill Falls, a seasonal park in Pennsylvania, is something I've wanted to do for a long time. While the trail closes for the winter season, it usually re-opens in early April. Finally, this will be the year, and after the hike, I'll stop by the Fudge Bar and Snack Kitchen for a sweet treat.

3. Pymatuning State Park – Jamestown

Ever since I saw photos of ducks walking on the backs of fish at the Spillway at Pymatuning State Park, I knew I had to visit what's one of the largest state parks in Pennsylvania. It's also home to bald eagles, hiking trails, a disc golf course, and three swimming beaches.

4. Pennsylvania Maple Festival – Meyersdale

Even if you’ve been before, the Pennsylvania Maple Festival in Meyersdale is always worthy of a second visit. Occurring every spring since 1948, the 2026 festival dates will be April 18 - 19 and April 22 - 26. Delicious eats, maple treats, and fun activities are available for the whole family, including the Pennsylvania Maple Festival Parade, a tree tapping ceremony, and an annual quilt show.

5. Koziar’s Christmas Village – Bernville

It's never too early to start planning for next year's holiday season. Sipping hot chocolate while strolling through a winter wonderland twinkling with more than one million lights at Koziar’s Christmas Village is the perfect way to feel that childhood magic of the season again.

6. Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest – Philadelphia

Ice skating is one of my favorite winter activities, and I’ve been fortunate to skate around the massive tree at PPG Place in Pittsburgh several times. With ice skating, fire pits, and tasty treats, RiverRink Winterfest in Philly is next up for my wintertime adventures. A favorite of Philadelphia residents, Winterfest runs from late November to March.

7. Groundhog Day – Punxsutawney

Yeah, I know. Punxsutawney Phil gets a lot of flak for his weather-predicting skills, especially when he proclaims six more weeks of winter, but going to Gobbler’s Knob on Groundhog Day is one thing we as Pennsylvanians have to do once, don’t you think? Even if you've missed the actual Groundhog Day celebration, Punxsutawney makes for a fun Pennsylvania day trip destination.

8. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve – New Hope

No matter how many times I wish for that one blizzard every winter, I always get anxious for the colorful landscape of spring and breaking out the flip-flops. That first flip-flop day of spring 2026 belongs to Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, a botanical garden with meandering paths, a waterfall, and blooming wildflowers of all species.

9. Edwardsville Pierogi Festival – Edwardsville

Even though I’m epically picky, I’ve somehow become obsessed with pierogis, homemade pillows of potato-y goodness. For two glorious days in June, probably the most delicious time of the late spring, the Edwardsville Pierogi Festival will serve some of the best homemade pierogis in Pennsylvania. If you miss the springtime festival, fret not; Pennsylvania is home to some seriously delightful pierogis. For proof of this, head to Pierogis Plus in McKees Rocks.

10. Chester County Hot Air Balloon Festival – Kennett Square

I’m admittedly not brave enough to go on an untethered hot air balloon ride (at least not yet), but I’m all for a tethered ride, and the Chester County Hot Air Balloon Festival offers both, plus the chance to watch dozens of colorful balloons floating in the sky.

11. Coal Tubin’ – Johnstown

Summer’s heat can be downright smothering sometimes. But why hide inside in the AC when we can float down the Stonycreek River in Johnstown, our feet dangling in the cool water, on an epic summer tubing adventure with Coal Tubin’? If you're feeling extra adventurous, they offer white water rafting as well.

12. Canoe Creek State Park – Hollidaysburg

Canoe Creek State Park is at the top of my nature bucket list for one reason: bats. Yep, the state park has a bat nursery, and on evenings from June through August, visitors can watch the bats as they fly out of the sanctuary.

13. Port Farms – Waterford

After experiencing the total solar eclipse of 2024 at Port Farms in Waterford, I can’t wait to return for its many festivals throughout the year, especially the fall festival with an eight-acre corn maze and Country Christmas for a horse-drawn carriage ride.

14. Pine Creek Gorge/Grand Canyon of PA – Watson Township

Pennsylvania has some attractions that we all have to experience at least once in our lives, and for me, that’s Pine Creek Gorge. Especially stunning at the peak of the fall foliage, this stunning sight spans almost 50 miles. On one side sits Leonard Harrison State Park, and on the opposite side lies Colton Point State Park. At the bottom of the gorge, visitors can enjoy the scenery firsthand by kayaking or fishing.

15. Shady Maple Smorgasbord – East Earl

My favorite places to eat growing up in the 80s were our local buffets—Ponderosa, Bonanza, and Duff’s, in particular—but none was as epic as Shady Maple Smorgasbord. Home to a 200-foot buffet—the largest in the United States—it is at the top of my must-visit restaurants this year.

16. Glass – Wine. Bar. Kitchen – Hawley

If a destination has a waterfall, I’m all in, and that’s why Glass – Wine. Bar. Kitchen is on my dining bucket list (that and the tasty-looking menu, of course). Found in the Ledges Hotel in Hawley, this unique eatery offers plenty of dazzling drinks and creative appetizers to pair with this stunning setting. Sitting outside on a warm day at a table next to Paupauk High Falls and digging into a delicious meal… pure perfection.

17. A Slice of the 80s – Bradford

Pizza, arcade games, and an 80s-themed escape room. What's not to love? A Slice of the 80s will be a journey back to childhood for this Gen Xer.

18. Farmer’s Inn Restaurant, Animal Park, and More – Sigel

Good food, a candy shop, a petting zoo, and more? Farmer’s Inn is the perfect day trip in Pennsylvania, especially for those of us who love a hearty meal, a sweet treat, and the chance to make some new furry four-legged friends.

19. Street of Shops – Lewisburg

The super adorable Street of Shops, a collection of small stores that looks like an old-fashioned village, has been on my must-visit list for far too long. This Lewisburg destination even has an old-school eatery known as the Street of Shops Restaurant (I can never pass up the chance to eat at a diner), along with several antique malls and a huge flea market in town as well.

20. Top City To Visit in Pennsylvania in 2026 – Lititz

Small towns in Pennsylvania are like stepping back in time, and I'm finally going to take a getaway to the darling town of Lititz, home to Wolf Sanctuary of PA, Julius Sturgis Pretzel Factory, Wilbur Chocolate, and Lititz Springs Park. The biggest challenge? Deciding what to do first in this charming small town!

21. Treehouse at Fernstone – Farmington

I remember wistfully looking at treehouses growing up, wishing I had one. Little did I know then that I would grow up and be able to stay at the Treehouse at Fernstone, one of the most enchanting treehouses in Pennsylvania.

22. Sky Meadow Farm Sanctuary Cabin – Greentown

I love animals and dream of having my own mini sanctuary, so when I discovered Sky Meadow Farm Sanctuary, I knew I had to add this farm stay in Greentown to my bucket list. Run by a nonprofit, all proceeds go towards supporting the animals at this sanctuary in the Pocono Mountains region. Guests can even request a tour to meet the animals.

23. The Shoe House Airbnb – Yorkana

I’ve stayed in some incredibly unique places during my travels, but a shoe (with a hot tub, no less)? The Shoe House in Yorkana has some super cool features, including a stained glass window of the shoe house and a mini-shoe house in the yard.

24. Historic Hotel Bethlehem – Bethlehem

I love a good haunted tale and have stayed in a few haunted places, so Historic Hotel Bethlehem, home to a few friendly ghosts, is a natural choice for my 2026 bucket list. While I might not spot the famous ghostly Mary, hopefully, I’ll be lucky enough to hear her singing.

25. Nature Inn at Bald Eagle – Howard

If I had unlimited free time, I’d spend every moment in the quiet of nature, starting at the Nature Inn at Bald Eagle in Bald Eagle State Park. I can only imagine how relaxing it will be to wake up after a cozy night at the inn and only have to walk a few steps to start exploring the park.

26. Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre – Orefield

Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in Orefield is definitely worthy of your Pennsylvania bucket list. Known as Pennsylvania’s oldest drive-in theater as well as the oldest still operating drive-in theater in the world, this retro establishment shows a variety of films year-round, delighting moviegoers with double features under the open night sky. Experience a sense of nostalgia as you purchase popcorn, candy, and drinks from their snack bar before settling in for the show from the comfort of your car.

What do you think the best things to do in Pennsylvania are? What will you add to your list of 26 things to do in 2026? Let us know by filling out a nomination form for your top choice, and we might feature it in an upcoming article.

A new year is the perfect time to get out and explore. Why not start with some of the best hikes in Pennsylvania? AllTrails+ features a comprehensive list, including hiker reviews, photos, and maps. Once you choose your next destination, Only In Your State's itinerary planner will help you plan the perfect trip, surprising you with hidden gems and delightful eats to experience.