These 10 Unique Day Trips in Pennsylvania Are an Absolute Must-Do

Are you wondering what to do this weekend? Maybe your parents are visiting, and you want to take them on a fun mini-trip. Perhaps friends from far away are heading your way, or you simply want to get out and explore. No matter the occasion, these 10 unique day trips in Pennsylvania showcase some of the best that our beautiful state has to offer. Take your pick, and enjoy one of the best day trips in Pennsylvania.

1. Fallingwater, Mill Run

Frank Lloyd Wright designed Fallingwater in 1935. Since then, it has been declared a National Historic Landmark and lauded as the architect's most beautiful creation. The house, with the famous waterfall underneath its foundation, is tucked away in the mountains. Originally, Fallingwater was built as a residence for the owners of Kaufmann's Department Store, but it is now open to visitors for guided tours. Advanced reservations are required, and several tours are offered, including the Architectural Tour, the Guided Grounds Walking Tour, and the In-Depth Guided Tour. If you prefer just exploring the grounds, you can also purchase a day pass.

2. The Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest and most impressive art museums in the United States, and it is well worth traveling to from anywhere in the state. If it's your first visit, join a free guided tour or explore on your own. Save time to go outdoors to wander through the sculpture garden and grab a bite to eat at the Stir Restaurant, the museum cafe, or the Balcony Cafe.

3. Bethlehem

Bethlehem is an often-overlooked town that has much to offer. If you're looking for something unique to do, explore the Moravian Book Shop, the oldest bookstore in the world, and the row of shops and businesses on Main Street. Throughout the year, Bethlehem rings in various seasons with different festivals and events. Every fall, the Celtic Classic is held, and every summer, it hosts Musikfest.

It's also one of the best day trips in Pennsylvania during the Christmas season. Known as the Christmas City, Bethlehem transforms into a wonderland during the holidays. Christkindlmarkt, an authentic German market that runs from late October through early December, is perfect for finding Christmas gifts and indulging in delicious food. Plan a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, and spend the night at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, which gets decked out for the holidays.

4. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square

One of the top botanical gardens in the United States, Longwood Gardens promises an enchanting experience. Open year-round, it has extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits and events for every season. Stroll through the gardens and past fountains, and check out a pipe organ with 10,000 pipes. Longwood Gardens hosts events and programs throughout the year. Get into the Christmas spirit, for example, with a visit during A Longwood Christmas, usually held from late November through mid-January.

5. The Amish Experience, Bird-in-Hand

Pennsylvania is famous for its thriving Amish community, which inhabits much of the countryside. The Amish Experience, located at Plain & Fancy Farms in Bird-in-Hand, allows visitors to explore the area's culture with guided tours of farmland, a theater showing "Jacob's Choice," and an Amish house and a one-room school open for exploration. While in town, take a buggy ride and try decadent baked goods at one of the local bakeries, including the Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe.

6. Carnegie Museums, Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has plenty to offer, but the Carnegie Museums are one of the first stops we'd recommend. You'll have a difficult time deciding which museum to visit first. There are four: the Carnegie Museum of Art, which was one of the first museums of modern art in the country; the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, which has one of the most impressive collections of dinosaur skeletons in the world; the Andy Warhol Museum; and the Carnegie Science Center, which is the most visited museum in Pittsburgh.

The Carnegie Science Center is a must-stop, especially if you have little ones. Kiddos can have fun and exercise at Highmark SportsWorks. Stargaze or jam to a laser show set to music in the planetarium, or tour the USS Requin, a submarine docked right outside the science center. Because there was so much to do, I had annual passes to take my daughter and her friends when they were younger. (It's a solid investment if you plan to visit more than once.)

7. Crystal Cave, Kutztown

One of the most popular natural attractions in Pennsylvania, Crystal Cave promises plenty to do. Start your day with a guided tour of the cave, then play a round or two of mini golf, pan for gems, stock up on souvenirs at the gift shop, and explore the nature trail. Follow up your outdoor adventure with a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant before indulging in a sweet treat at the ice cream parlor. Crystal Cave is open seasonally, from March through November. Hours vary.

8. Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg is famous for being the deadliest battle during the American Civil War, and it is also considered the war's turning point. Gettysburg, one of the best small-town getaways in the United States, is also rumored to be incredibly haunted. The Gettysburg Battlefield is a popular destination for those who wish to explore a rich piece of our country's heritage or to seek paranormal encounters.

9. Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon admiring the animals at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, including the Mexican Wolves, North America's most endangered land mammal. The non-profit zoo houses more than 300 animals across 130 species, including red pandas, giraffes, North American otters, and African penguins. One of the best day trips in Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley Zoo offers animal encounters and giraffe feeding, and hosts special events throughout the year, including Boo at the Zoo during Halloween and the Winter Light Spectacular.

10. Hersheypark, Hershey

Hershey is famous for its kisses and other chocolate treats, drawing thousands of locals and tourists to the small town in Pennsylvania to tour Hershey's Chocolate World before heading into Hersheypark, one of the best amusement and water parks in the country. The park's roller coasters, including Candymonium and Great Bear, promise an epic adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers. Hersheypark also hosts seasonal events, including Hershey Sweet Lights, a drive-thru display with nearly two million lights, and Christmas Candyland, which features rides, lights, and seasonal treats.

We have so many day trip destinations in Pennsylvania that we might not know where to start. What are your favorite unique day trips in Pennsylvania? On the lookout for free activities? Check out these fun and free things to do in Pennsylvania.