25 Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania for Couples

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Do you live in Pennsylvania with your other half and want to try some different date ideas? Or are you visiting and want to learn about all the romantic things to do in the Keystone State? If so, this list of fun things to do in Pennsylvania for couples is for you!

You can find great couples attractions across the state, including in popular cities like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and the state capital of Harrisburg. Just a few date ideas include going to Presque Isle State Park, wandering around Longwood Gardens, and catching a Pittsburgh Penguins game. Keep reading for all of the best date ideas in Pennsylvania!

Organizing a last-minute visit to Pennsylvania?

Book your Pennsylvania accommodations and experiences early! Here are some top choices to make your trip enjoyable.

🏨 Top accommodations in Pennsylvania

• Genetti Hotel, SureStay Collection by Best Western (relax by the pool)
• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Clarion (rated highly)
• Wingate by Wyndham Erie (under $100 USD a night)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Pennsylvania

• True Crime Philadelphia & History Tour (rated highly)
• Badass Women's History Walking Tour of Philadelphia (rated highly)
• BYOB Historically Hilarious Trolley Tour of Philadelphia (rated highly)
• Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour by US Ghost Adventures (very popular)
• Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour With 10 Top Sites (very popular)

25 Fun Things to Do in PA for Couples

Date Ideas in Pennsylvania

Travel back in time at Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg National Military Park, or Gettysburg Battlefield, is a must-visit historical site in Pennsylvania. This landmark is the location of an important Civil War battle that ended in Union victory, despite around 50,000 casualties occurring.

During a trip to Gettysburg, you and your date can explore the site and learn more about the battle and its importance in the eventual Union victory in the Civil War. You could explore alone or book an informative Gettysburg Battlefield tour.

🏨 Stay nearby Gettysburg National Military Park

• 1863 Inn of Gettysburg (offers a pool)
• Best Western Gettysburg (well-rated)

Visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site

If you and your partner like history, a visit to the Eisenhower National Historic Site is a must. The site is found in Gettysburg and preserves the home and farm of the 34th president of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower.

You and your date will be able to tour the home and beautiful grounds. You can also learn more about Eisenhower, his life, and the famous people and world leaders that visited the property.

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Stroll through Longwood Gardens

Located in the city of Kennett Square, Longwood Gardens is a scenic spot to take your date. The over 1,000-acre gardens feature various flower and plant displays, ponds and water features, as well as a conservatory with many tropical plants.

While strolling through the gardens, you'll also come across 1906 at Longwood Gardens restaurant, where you can stop for a romantic lunch. There's also a winery nearby, Galer Estate, that you can visit.

Have a fun day at the Hershey Story Museum

A fun Pennsylvania fact is that the state is often considered the chocolate capital of the US and is notably home to the Hershey chocolate brand, founded in Hershey, Pennsylvania. One of the cute couples activities in PA is going to the Hershey Story Museum to learn more about this iconic brand.

The museum has exhibits on the brand's history, marketing efforts, and product lines released since the company's founding in 1894. You can also sample some Hershey chocolate products.

🏨 Stay near The Hershey Story Museum

• White Rose Motel - Hershey (take it easy by the pool)
• Bluegreen Vacations Suites at Hershey (scored highly by guests)

Walk around Valley Forge National Historical Park

Another historical site to visit with your date is Valley Forge National Historical Park. Located to the northwest of Philadelphia, the park is the site of a Revolutionary War encampment. George Washington also had a residence in the area between 1777 and 1778.

During a visit, you can explore the vast outdoor area, which features informational plaques and old buildings. The natural scenery is also beautiful, and you'll likely see lots of wildlife.

☂️ Visit Valley Forge National Historical Park with an excursion

• Half-Day American Revolution Tour in The Valley Forge (rated highly)
• Valley Forge Revolutionary War Self-Guided Driving Tour

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Stay at Polymath Park

Polymath Park is one of the most unique places to stay in Pennsylvania. Located in Acme, the resort was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1960s and also features a restaurant.

Each guest house has exposed wood, cozy fireplaces, and many other beautiful design elements. You can also check out Fallingwater, a National Historic Landmark, and another of Frank Lloyd Wright's designs, which is only 30 minutes from Polymath Park.

Spend the day at Hersheypark

Hersheypark is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania and is a fun place to spend a day with your date. The park in Hershey has an array of roller coasters and water rides, as well as Hershey chocolate-themed attractions and characters.

After enjoying the rides, you can dine at one of many eateries, including The Chocolatier, which serves delicious Hershey chocolate desserts.

🏨 Places to stay near Hersheypark

• Tru by Hilton Hershey Chocolate Avenue (chill out by the pool)
• Days Inn by Wyndham Hershey (good value)

Check out Splash Lagoon

Splash Lagoon is a laid-back and fun place to spend the day with your date. The indoor water park in Erie has multiple pools, water slides, and other attractions to enjoy. You and your date can also rent a poolside cabana, and food and drinks from the on-site bar and grill can be delivered directly to you.

🏨 Places to stay close to Splash Lagoon

• Holiday Inn - Erie (relaxing pool)
• Sleep Inn Erie by Choice (highly rated)

PA Day Trips for Couples

Plan a trip to Presque Isle State Park on Presque Isle Bay

Presque Isle State Park, located on Presque Isle Bay, is an excellent day trip location. The natural bay and park are found close to Erie and the Allegheny National Forest. Once you arrive, you'll find many pretty beaches.

You and your partner can go for a coastal walk or sunbathe and enjoy a picnic when the weather is nice. There are also hiking trails around the beaches, and there's lots of wildlife to see, including many seabirds.

Explore the Indian Echo Caverns

One of the fun things to do as a couple in PA if planning a full-day date is going to the Indian Echo Caverns. This is a great day trip location as it's close to many Pennsylvania towns and cities, like Harrisburg, Hershey, and Philadelphia.

At the caverns, you can explore the underground systems and learn more about the ecology of the area. You may even spot some animals in the caves, like bats.

🏨 Accommodation nearby Echo Dell Indian Echo Caverns

• Comfort Suites Hummelstown - Hershey (good value)

Sip locals wines on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail

Known as 'Pennsylvania's First Wine Trail,' the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is located in Eastern Pennsylvania's wine region. It's the perfect place to visit if you and your partner want to try some delicious wines local to PA.

During your visit, you can opt to go to as many wineries as you like or pick one or two to spend the day at. At each winery, you can learn more about the production process and do tastings. Of course, you can also pick up a few bottles to take home, perfect for enjoying on your next date night!

Fun Date Ideas in Philadelphia, PA

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Look around the Rodin Museum

Art enthusiasts will definitely want to plan a date at the Rodin Museum. This gallery has the largest collection of Rodin works outside of Paris. Visitors can see various sculptures in the gallery before exploring the beautiful gardens. While wandering around the scenic outdoor space, don't forget to take some couples pictures together!

☂️ Explore the Rodin Museum with a tour

• BYOB Historically Hilarious Trolley Tour of Philadelphia (rated five stars)
• Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour (well-attended)

🏨 Places to stay near the Rodin Museum

• The Windsor Suites Philadelphia (unwind poolside)
• Sonder The Heid (highly rated)

Go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art is another of the top Pennsylvania date ideas for art-loving couples. The art museum is housed within a beautiful Greek Revival building and has a collection of around 240,000 objects.

Artworks to see when exploring this Philadelphia landmark include paintings, photographs, drawings, and sculptures by many world-renowned artists, such as Matisse, Picasso, and Salvador Dalí.

🏨 Stay near the Philadelphia Museum of Art

• W Philadelphia (offers a pool)
• The Study at University City, Study Hotels (4-star rating)

☂️ Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art with an experience

• Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Philadelphia 1, Two, or Three-Day

Paul Brady Photography/Shutterstock.com

Shop at Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market is a fun place for a laid-back date in Philadelphia. This vast indoor market houses many vendors selling all kinds of products, from arts and crafts items to baked goods and ready-to-eat dishes. You can also discover some unique Pennsylvania Dutch items.

If you and your date can't decide what dishes to try, wander around and pick up a few to share! After eating, you can check out the art, crafts, and gift vendors or pick up some desserts.

☂️ Visit Reading Terminal Market on a tour

• Best of Philadelphia Food Tour - Small Group Walking Tour (widely acclaimed)

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Reading Terminal Market

• Luxury Rooms Near Temple u, Drexel, UPenn, & the MET (value for money)
• Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Tour the Eastern State Penitentiary

The Eastern State Penitentiary is a highly unique landmark that's an interesting place for a fun date. The prison was operational from 1829 to 1971 and now offers fascinating tours.

You and your date can take a daytime tour or opt for a spooky nighttime excursion. Both tours allow you to explore the abandoned prison and learn more about its past.

🏨 Places to stay close to Eastern State Penitentiary

• The Franklin on Rittenhouse, A Boutique Hotel
• Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown Center City

Learn new things at the Benjamin Franklin Museum

The Benjamin Franklin Museum is another excellent museum to check out with your date in Philadelphia. At the museum, you'll see a range of exhibits relating to Benjamin Franklin's life and career. As you look around, you'll find interactive exhibits as well as many fascinating artifacts.

🏨 Places to stay close to the Benjamin Franklin Museum

• Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
• Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel - Philadelphia

Fun Things to Do in Pittsburgh for Couples

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Wander around the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is one of the best outdoor attractions in Pittsburgh. Its also one of the top PA attractions for couples and the ideal place to go for a daytime date.

The vast gardens feature beautiful displays that include many varieties of plants, flowers, and trees, as well as water features and a glass conservatory with tropical plants. The pretty and colorful backdrops also look great in photos!

☂️ Visit Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens on a tour

• HOP ON-HOP OFF TOUR PASS- All Day Sightseeing Tour Pass

Admire artworks at the Andy Warhol Museum

The Andy Warhol Museum is a Pennsylvania landmark located in Pittsburgh, Warhol's birth city. If you and your date like art, visiting this gallery is a must. You can see all of the artist's most famous works as well as Andy Warhol memorabilia.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to The Andy Warhol Museum

• Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh Downtown (rated very highly)
• Residence Inn Pittsburgh North Shore (very highly rated)

Attend a Pittsburgh Penguins game

Going to a Pittsburgh Penguins game is one of the best date ideas in Pittsburgh for couples that love sport. The highly popular team plays at PPG Paints Arena between October and April in the regular season.

Cheering the team on with their dedicated fans is guaranteed to be a good time! When in Pittsburgh, you can also go to a Pittsburgh Steelers NFL game or Pittsburgh Pirates MLB game.

🏨 Places to stay close to PPG Paints Arena

• HYATT House Pittsburgh-South Side (relax by the pool)
• EVEN Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown

Date Ideas in Lancaster, PA

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Enjoy the rides at Dutch Wonderland

Another amusement park in Pennsylvania to check out is Dutch Wonderland. This park is one of the most fun attractions in Lancaster and features many rides and rollercoasters for all thrill levels.

You can also pick up lots of delicious theme park treats, like soft pretzels, slushies, and ice cream. Alternatively, stop for a meal and drinks at a sit-down eatery.

Eat your way through a Lancaster food tour

Foodie couples won't want to miss out on going on a Lancaster food tour. Your local guide will take you to some of the best eateries in the area, where you can sample the most popular dishes and food items. You'll also get to visit Lancaster Central Market and pass by many historical sites located in the city.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Penn Square

• Lancaster Arts Hotel (well-rated)
• Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square

Watch a performance at the Fulton Opera House

Spending the evening at a show at the beautiful Fulton Opera House is one of the most romantic things to do in Pennsylvania. This over 150-year-old opera house hosts a range of plays and musicals. Things to see include renowned shows like Grease and memorable independent performances.

Fun Things to Do in Harrisburg, PA, for Couples

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Ride the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat

When in the capital city, hopping aboard the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is a great date idea. The paddle-wheel riverboat sails along the Susquehanna River and allows you and your partner to see a range of Harrisburg landmarks. Some themed events on the boat are also arranged, like wine nights, live music events, and even murder mystery dinners.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat

• Comfort Suites Camp Hill-Harrisburg West (rated very highly)

Find out more about PA at The State Museum of Pennsylvania

The State Museum of Pennsylvania is one of the best Pennsylvania attractions for couples that want to learn more about the state. Run by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the museum focuses on the state's culture and rich history.

Just a few of the things to see include a replica of a 19th-century Pennsylvania village, archaeology items, and old photographs.

Purchase products from local vendors at Broad Street Market

Broad Street Market has been in Harrisburg since 1863 and is still a popular attraction to visit. You and your partner can wander around an array of market stalls that sell many kinds of products.

Just a few of the things to purchase include baked goods, cold-pressed juice, and skin care products. Even if you don't buy anything, exploring the bustling market is a great way to spend the morning or afternoon.

In Conclusion

Whether you live in Pennsylvania with your partner or are visiting, you'll find many fun things to do together across the state! This list of top PA date ideas should have given you an array of suggestions, from exploring botanical gardens to planning a beach day or shopping at local markets.

If you're looking for other day trips, you could also go to nearby out-of-state destinations, like New York City near Philadelphia or Columbus, which is under three hours from Pittsburgh.

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