8 days in Pennsylvania Itinerary

Located near the memorial park marking the site of one of the largest Civil War battles, the town of Gettysburg sits in a landscape of rolling green hills with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.

On the 13th (Wed), stroll the grounds of Gettysburg National Cemetery, witness the site of a historic battle at Gettysburg National Military Park, and then go on a hair-raising tour with a ghost and vampire tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 14th (Thu): trot along with a tour on horseback, then contemplate the long history of Dobbin House Tavern, then take in the dramatic natural features at Devils Den, and finally steep yourself in history at Little Round Top.

To see photos, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Gettysburg travel route planning tool.

Philadelphia to Gettysburg is an approximately 2.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Philadelphia in September, expect a bit cooler with lows of 57°F in Gettysburg. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Lancaster.

The heart of Pennsylvania's famous "Dutch Country," Lancaster is one of the nation's oldest inland cities, founded in 1730.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Fri): steep yourself in history at The Amish Farm and House, take an in-depth tour of Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, experience rural life at Old Windmill Farm, then stop by Kitchen Kettle Village, and finally don't miss a visit to Annex 24 Gallery. On the next day, don't miss a visit to The Old Candle Barn, relax in the rural setting at Lapp Valley Farm, then examine the collection at Landis Valley Museum, and finally get in on the family fun at Dutch Wonderland.

To find photos, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Lancaster road trip tool.

Traveling by car from Gettysburg to Lancaster takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train. In September in Lancaster, expect temperatures between 78°F during the day and 57°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) so you can drive to Philadelphia.

Steeped in cultural and historical heritage, Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of U.S. democracy, as it was once the meeting place for the country's Founding Fathers.

Get out of town with these interesting Philadelphia side-trips: Stroud Preserve (in West Chester), Longwood Gardens (in Kennett Square) and Brandywine River Museum of Art (in Chadds Ford). There's lots more to do: get a sense of history and politics at Independence Hall, see the interesting displays at The Franklin Institute, take an in-depth tour of National Constitution Center, and explore the world behind art at Philadelphia Museum of Art.

For where to stay, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Philadelphia route planning app.

Traveling by car from Lancaster to Philadelphia takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Traveling from Lancaster in September, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 63°F in Philadelphia. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Wed) so you can travel back home.