9 Best Pennsylvania Road Trips

We have nine road trips that we’ve designed to take in the very best that Pennsylvania has to offer, including famous filming locations, scenic state parks and rollercoasters that’ll make your heart pound.

Use our American Road Trip Planner to create the perfect adventure for you and your family – you’ll be exploring the East Coast in no time.

New York to Illinois: Grit, Gangsters and Gasoline

1283 miles, 10 days, 12 stops

Discover the underworld of gangsters on this fascinating road trip through New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Visit legendary prisons and Mafia hangouts along the way, where you can learn all about the gangsters that once ruled the streets.

In Philadelphia, you’ll visit the Eastern State Penitentiary. Once the most expensive public building on earth, the likes of Charles Dickens came to visit and see various revolutionary techniques in practice. Al Capone was incarcerated here, and there are plenty of ghost stories about the former inmates.

While visiting the state, take a break from all the murder and mayhem on the Monongahela Incline – the oldest operating cable car in the US. Enjoy a few moments of peace as you look out at the stunning views on offer.

Follow the Grit, Gangsters and Gasoline road trip

New York to Philadelphia: Haunted America

1208 miles, 16 days, 12 stops

Feeling brave? This road trip is curated especially for those who can handle things that go bump in the night.

Drive between spooky sites, abandoned prisons and haunted houses, as you listen to ghost stories from the past. Starting at the Ghostbusters Firehouse in New York City, you’ll drive through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire before heading to Pennsylvania.

When you get to Pennsylvania, take a tour of Centralia – an abandoned ghost town where z coal mine fire still burns underground. After seeing this fascinating site, head over to the Gettysburg Battlefield where the infamous Civil War battle saw over 50,000 people killed or injured. It’s no wonder it’s said to be one of the most haunted places in the US.

Plan your Haunted America road trip

New York to Minnesota: Filming Locations

1657 miles, 11 days, 12 stops

Our filming locations road trip is ideal for those who love the movies. Take this trip to see various locations of your favorite films, including Rocky, Ghostbusters, and Friday the 13^th.

From New York, head to New Jersey before crossing the border into Pennsylvania. Drive over to Philadelphia, where you’ll see the iconic steps from Rocky right outside the Museum of Art – run up to the top to capture your own Rocky moment.

While in Pennsylvania, you can also head to the Monroeville Mall where Dawn of the Dead was shot, as well as Evans City from Night of the Living Dead.

Be the main character of our Filming Locations road trip

New Orleans to New York: Eat the East Coast

1537 miles, 10 days, 12 stops

There’s nothing quite like finding the perfect food stop on a road trip. So, why not follow a route that’s all about touring the best restaurants, diners, and cafes on the East Coast?

You’ll hit up some incredible lunch spots on this mouthwatering road trip. Try creole cuisine at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, before sampling oysters in Alabama and authentic Italian pizzas in Atlanta.

Then it’s on to Pennsylvania – the home of the Philly cheesesteak. These melt-in-the-mouth sandwiches are popular all over America, but you'll find the very best at John’s Roast Pork.

Eat your way down the East Coast

Boston to Virginia: Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks

675 miles, 10 days, 12 stops

Fancy ticking off your East Coast bucket list with a road trip to some of the best sights? Then this route is just the one for you.

With stops in Boston, New York, Baltimore and Richmond, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out Fenway Park – home of the Boston Red Sox – before a day out to Colt State Park and a boat ride around Liberty Island.

In Pennsylvania, you can visit the Christ Church Burial Ground and resting place of Benjamin Franklin. Christ Church is a fascinating place to visit, whether for an hour or just a few minutes. Then head to the King of Prussia Mall – the largest mall in the US. Home to 450 stores, it's a fascinating and exciting destination to explore, shop, and dine.

Go Shopping & Sightseeing in Pennsylvania

Wisconsin to New Jersey: Roller Coaster Tour

2841 miles, 16 days, 13 stops

Get your adrenalin pumping on this thrill-seeking road trip. Visit 13 amusement parks from Wisconsin to New Jersey – and everywhere in between – and discover their best coasters to make you scream.

When you reach Pennsylvania, you’ll head to Waldameer Park at Eerie. Join the Ravine Flyer II queue and enjoy the view over Lake Eerie for a second until you get taken down the track.

After Waldameer Park, drive down to West Mifflin to get to Kennywood. Here you can brave the Phantom’s Revenge, with multiple stomach-churning drops to take your breath away.

Follow the Roller Coaster Tour

Georgia to Maine: Appalachian Trail

1332 miles, 10 days, 14 stops

The Appalachian Trail is an impressive set of scenic roads, mountains, and hills spanning much of northeast America. This road trip takes you north along the trail, starting in Georgia and finishing in Maine at the Monson Visitors Center.

Take in the breathtaking views, stunning scenery, and wonderful walking trails as you stop off at popular sights like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

As you follow the route through Pennsylvania, take a break from hiking and biking at the Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. The theme park is home to thrilling rides like the Steel Force rollercoaster and 20 water slides for a family splash around. It’s guaranteed fun for all ages and a nice rest stop to break up the Appalachian Trail.

Discover the Appalachian Trail road trip

Arlington to New York: Veterans Day Trail

266 miles, 5 days, 10 stops

Take this road trip in November to be a part of the Veterans Day celebrations and memorial ceremonies. Starting at the National Museum of the United States Army and heading to the New York City Veterans Day Parade, you’ll learn plenty about the legacy of the US Military.

In Pennsylvania, travel to the Independence Hall & Liberty Bell where you can see the Declaration of Independence, which dates back to 1766. Then head to Washington Square, a lovely park featuring memorials that include the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier.

Plan your Veterans Day Trail

Kentucky to Massachusetts: Cross-Country Sporting Successes

1157 miles, 10 days, 13 stops

A fantastic road trip for sport lovers and sporting historians alike, this tour will take you to a series of famous stadiums and sporting Halls of Fame in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and New York.

Kick-start your journey at the home of the Louisville Slugger – the world’s most famous baseball bat manufacturer. Tour the factory and show off your skills in the batting cages.

Then it’s on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, before making your way through Pennsylvania and up to Boston for a visit to the renowned Fenway Park baseball ground.

Hit a home run with this Cross-Country Sporting Successes road trip

Rent a car for your next Pennsylvania road trip with Hertz to take in some of the incredible history, awe-inspiring scenery, and impressive heights that the Keystone State has to offer.