On Memorial Day, honor the memory and service of fallen soldiers by attending a patriotic parade or event in Pennsylvania. The holiday also marks the time of year when winter temperatures give way to the warmer weather of early summer. From cities such as Philadelphia to resort towns like Hershey, Pennsylvania offers something for everyone to enjoy. Staying at a Pennsylvania vacation rental over Memorial Day weekend puts you in the center of all the fun, from festivals and celebrations to outdoor adventures. When you’re ready to start looking for a place to visit in Pennsylvania, start with the nine best Memorial Day weekend getaway spots.
1. Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love offers a bustling landscape and rich history. Start your celebration of this patriotic weekend with a visit to the Museum of the American Revolution. Take a tour and learn more about this city’s role in winning independence for the colonies. Next, head over to the Please Touch Museum, where kids learn through interactive play. Each year, this museum has a new theme for its Memorial Day party. Finally, visit the Laurel Hill Cemetery. Breathe in the fresh air at the site of the city’s first celebration of Memorial Day, and enjoy this year’s events.
Find vacation rentals in Philadelphia
2. Hershey
There’s no better way to kick off the summer than with a visit to an amusement park, and Hershey combines chocolate and rides. Hersheypark is a large amusement park with coasters for your teens and tweens, while younger kids choose their favorite kiddie rides, from a carousel to a firetruck. Enjoy all your favorite carnival foods, and play midway games to win chocolate-themed prizes. Take a tour of Hershey’s Chocolate World to learn more about Milton Hershey and how he founded this chocolate empire. Enjoy the beautiful weather with a walk through the Hershey Gardens. When you need a snack, Duck Donuts makes and decorates your donuts while you wait.
Find vacation rentals in Hershey
3. Pittsburgh
Memorial Day weekend marks the opening of most pools, so a visit to Sandcastle Waterpark in Pittsburgh is a must when you book a vacation rental in this city. Little ones stake their space at the Wet Willie Water Works, where the slides are just the right size, while teens hit the taller slides. The Lazy River provides the perfect escape for mom. Tour the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum to remember the service members who sacrificed everything for the safety of their fellow Americans. The annual Lawrenceville Memorial Day Parade gets everyone in your family in a patriotic mood as bands, floats, and dancers march past.
Find vacation rentals in Pittsburgh
4. Tannersville
Get all wet at the outdoor waterpark at Camelbeach Mountain Resort in Tannersville. Kahuna Cove is the hot spot for little ones, while the older kids clamor to zoom down the Triple Venom and Sand Storm. Outdoor enthusiasts find a haven in this natural space with hiking paths that double as ski trails during the winter months. Hop on the Appalachian Express Mountain Coaster in an individual car where you control the speed. See for miles around when you brave the Dual Zip Lines that run for 1,000 feet six stories above the ground.
Find vacation rentals in Tannersville
Find the perfect Pennsylvania vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
5. Erie
Nestled on the shores of Lake Erie, this city provides you cultural activities and outdoor fun wrapped into one trip. Filled with beaches and secluded lagoons, the Presque Isle State Park is the place to play in the water and soak up the sun during the long weekend. Waldameer Park is the place for families with more than 70 rides, from roller coasters and kiddie rides to water slides and a carousel. Spend an afternoon walking around the Erie Zoo. This intimate zoo has all your favorite animals and an educational program to learn more about their care.
6. Reading
Explore the great outdoors as the temperature warms up in Reading. Start your visit to the area with a stop at the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center. Learn more about the wildlife and ecosystem in the forest before enjoying an afternoon of hiking. Go out on the lake at Blue Marsh National Recreation Area with kayak rentals from Blue Marsh Rentals. The one must-see site is the Pagoda at the top of Mount Penn. This Japanese-inspired building dates back to the early 20th century and offers stunning views of the city below.
Find vacation rentals in Reading
7. Harrisburg
On the eastern banks of the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg provides fun for every member of your family. See genuine artifacts and learn more about the men who fought at the National Civil War Museum. Pack a picnic lunch before leaving your vacation rental for a day at the Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area. This conservation area brims with wildlife and lush greenery. After enjoying your picnic treasures, hit the walking paths to make the most of the beautiful weather. For dinner, grab an outdoor table and chow down at Burger Yum.
Find vacation rentals in Harrisburg
8. Lancaster
Lancaster is located in southern Pennsylvania, and families come here for the holiday weekend to let kids play at the Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park. This intimate amusement park offers more than 30 rides and an interactive water area. There are numerous shows for children of all ages to sing along and dance around. Learn more about the Amish with a tour of The Amish Farm and House. Afterward, try to find your way out of the corn maze and pet the farm animals.
Find vacation rentals in Lancaster
9. Scranton
Scranton is a mid-size city with a small-town feel. Start your visit with a journey into the mountain at the Lackawanna Coal Mine, where you board a coal cart and ride into the mine. After a ride on a coal cart, a trip on the trolley at the Electric City Trolley Museum might seem pretty tame, but children still love it. At the Steamtown National Historic Site, you can take a seasonal train ride that kicks off during this holiday weekend.
Find vacation rentals in Scranton
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Pennsylvania vacation rentals on Tripping.com.