31 Secret Places In Pennsylvania To Bring Your Girlfriend This Summer
Anyone who's been in a relationship will tell you first hand how difficult it can be to make plans. Deciding what to do or where to eat can be one of the most annoying, time-consuming decisions you'll face with your s/o because it seems like you can never agree on anything.
As a woman, I'll be the first to admit that we girls love nothing more than when a man takes initiative and plans the date for us. Gentleman, if you have trouble with this, I'm here to help. The following is a list of super-cool, low-key spots in PA that are sure to win your girlfriend over.
There's something for everyone on the list—artsy girls, adventurous girls, outdoorsy girls...the list goes on and on. Take a peak, and plan the dream date that the special girl in your life deserves.
Content disclaimer: We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit a potentially hazardous location, you check for the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. The locations listed below may or may not have changed their regulations in regards to what you can or cannot do on site since the article was last updated. Always consult with local authorities. If you do plan to visit a location, know the risks beforehand and respect the environment
Susquehanna State Park
Williamsport
Sometimes, you've just got to get away from it all. If you make the trip to Susquehanna State Park, you'll forget your troubles before you even hit the road! This park is a great place to cool off by the water, take a hike, enjoy a picnic, or take your bike for a ride.
The Rose Gardens
Allentown
It's no secret that the key to a woman's heart is through flowers, so why not take your girlfriend to a whole garden full of them? The Allentown Rose Gardens are one of the most beautiful spots you'll find in any state. Take a walk or ride your bike along the many trails and be sure to stop and snap some photos.
Crystal Cave
Kutztown
embedded via Does your girlfriend have a wicked sense of adventure? She'll definitely love you forever if you take her to the Crystal Cave of Kutztown. This unique spot offers guided tours of the mysterious and beautiful cave and gives you plenty of cool photo ops.
Presque Isle State Park
Erie
You may not be able to afford a trip to the beaches of California, but you can afford a trip to Presque Isle State Park, which is just right outside of Erie. The park has a beautiful beach where you and your boo can spend a day relaxing in the sand, going for a swim, or watching the sunset.
Skytop Lodge
Skytop
If a romantic weekend getaway is what you're in the mood for, look no further than the beautiful Skytop Lodge. This hidden oasis is located among some beautiful sights, including lush greenery, trees, and a stunning lake. Stay at a room in this fairy tale inn or book a private cottage — your girlfriend will definitely be impressed.
Seven Tubs Natural Area
Sure, hot tubbing in your backyard is cool and all, but what about sitting back and relaxing in a tub made by Mother Nature herself? Slip down the natural water slides, jump into the pools, or take a walk through the creeks all while taking in the beauty surrounding you.
Abandoned Williams Grove Amusement Park
Mechanicsburg
If you're not the type to get easily spooked, we recommend taking a trip to the super creepy abandoned Williams Grove Amusement Park. Once filled with the laughter of children and families, this spot has been left to decay since 2005.
Penn's Cave
Centre Hall
For some reason, something about exploring caves is incredibly enticing. Perhaps it's that Indiana Jones-esque feeling, or the sheer mystery of not knowing what's beyond. Penn's Cave is a great spot to take your adventurous girlfriend in Pennsylvania. You can take a boat tour, explore the nearby wildlife park, or pick up some fun historical facts during your visit.
Lost River Caverns
Hellertown
Yet another cool cave you can explore is located in Hellertown — the Lost River Caverns. Be sure to bring along your camera on the guided tour so you can capture all the amazing moments and wonders you come across on your adventure.
Bushkill Falls
Bushkill
These waterfalls have been dubbed the "Niagra of PA." The scenic trail through this park will take you to many stunning waterfalls, and is best visited after a rainy day so you can admire the rushing water.
Wolf Sanctuary of PA
Lititz
A trip to the zoo seems like a fun date idea, but why not up the ante a bit and make it a trip to the Wolf Sanctuary of PA? Here you can spend the day with some of the most beautiful and majestic creatures on earth. It's like Game of Thrones but happy.
Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle
Doylestown
A lot of guys refer to their girlfriend as their "princess," and now, you can take your princess to a real-life castle. Fonthill Castle was built in 1912 and has 44 rooms and over 200 windows. Take a guided tour of the castle turned museum, and see what it's really like to live like royalty for a day.
Buttermilk Falls
New Florence
There's something so mysterious and magical about waterfalls — they definitely make the perfect spot for a super romantic date. You'll feel like a scene straight out of a cheesy romance movie when you visit Buttermilk Falls. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit and a picnic lunch for the best day ever.
Benezette
Benezette
If you want to get away from city life and feel a little bit country, may we suggest you take a trip to Benezette? This lowkey community is a great spot to go nature watching (you can get some seriously amazing views of the elk), go fishing, four-wheeling, and much much more.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Benton
As kids, we all grow up watching Disney movies and dreaming of enchanted forests. Now as adults, we actually get the chance to explore those enchanted forests — or as close to them as we can find, anyways. Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most gorgeous spots in PA. You'll find waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife all around you.
Joe's Bar
Ligonier
You may be saying to yourself, "A bar date? Really?" But hear me out. Joe's Bar is like nothing else you'll find in Pennsylvania — it's actually a hub full of giant preserved animals for you to marvel at. Down some tasty drinks and then snap a photo with giant polar bears, giraffes, and elephants—it'll definitely be a date to remember. Just make sure you're both ok with the decor before heading out.
Columcille Megalith Park
Bangor
You and your girlfriend may have dreams of traveling the world, but your bank accounts are probably holding you back. If you want to get a little taste of Scotland and Celtic tradition, a trip to Columcille Megalith Park will do the trick! It's a soothing, tranquil spot with some seriously amazing architecture.
Camel Beach Waterpark
Tannersville
As a kid, you likely spent a lot of time at the waterpark, but that doesn't have to stop just because you're an adult now. The Camel Beach Waterpark is a ton of fun, no matter how old you get. Hit the slides, laze around in the sand, grab a bite to eat, or hang out in the pool — your options are endless.
Mattress Factory
Pittsburgh
Is your girlfriend the artsy type? A trip to the Pittsburgh Mattress Factory will definitely rock her world. This spot was formerly a hub for local artists to work together and showcase their stuff, but it has since been turned into a non-profit organization full of unique and interesting exhibitions.
Grafitti Highway
Centralia
Have you heard of the town that's been on fire for more than 50 years? That would be none other than Centralia. The town was set on fire in 1962 and continues to burn underground to this day. The highway is covered in graffiti and definitely makes for some seriously cool photos.
Poe Valley State Park
Penn Township
Now that summer is in full swing, it's likely that you want to get outside and enjoy it. Luckily, Pennsylvania has no shortage of beautiful parks to visit, including Poe Valley.
Trundle Manor
Swissvale
If you haven't at least HEARD of Trundle Manor, there's no way you're really from Pennsylvania. This spot is widely known for being one of the strangest in the state, as it's home to an abundance of odds and ends that are incredibly weird and may even freak you out a bit. You'll find antique taxidermy, coffins, and much much more.
Salt Springs State Park
Montrose
Hopefully, you're not sick of waterfalls yet — we definitely aren't. Salt Springs State Park is yet another beautiful park in PA which has an insanely picturesque boardwalk for you to explore, beautiful waterfalls, and a mini Stonehenge.
Coudersport Ice Mine
Sweden Township
We spend all winter waiting for summer to come, and when summer finally gets here, what do we do? We complain about the heat. If you want to cool off a bit this summer, pay a visit to the Coudersport Ice Mine which stays frozen all year round — even in the summer heat. It truly is a crazy scientific miracle!
Hammersley Wild Area
Austin
Hoping to plan a camping trip this summer? Hammersley Wild Area may be your best bet. This gorgeous spot is full of breathtaking views, hiking trails, wildlife, and perfect spots to pitch a tent and enjoy the company of your loved ones.
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Schnecksville
If your girlfriend loves animals like I do, a trip to the zoo will definitely win her over. What better way to spend a hot summer day than by checking out all your favorite critters. The zoo is home to many animals from around the world including African penguins and mongoose lemurs.
Swatara State Park
Pine Grove
Horseback riding through the forest? That sounds like something straight out of a Disney movie, so you can count us in. Swatara State Park is another hidden gem where you can explore creeks, woodlands, and fields by walking, biking, or horseback.
Martin Guitar Factory and Museum
Nazareth
Yet another cool Pennsylvania gem worth checking out is the Martin Guitar Factory and Museum. This is the perfect spot for music lovers to head on a date and learn about music history, culture, and craftsmanship.
The Linesville Spillway
Linesville
The Linesville Spillway is known as one of the strangest spots in the state, but we definitely recommend going if you want to see some wildlife up close. This place has a lot of fish. A lot.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Oakdale
There's something so strangely calming about walking through a Botanic Garden. Hey, it might even be the perfect spot to go to calm your nerves on a first date! The particular garden has some super cool spots, including a life-sized bird nest, a magical fairy garden, and a tranquil pond topped with lily pads.
Bube's Brewery
Mount Joy
If you're looking for an excuse to get drunk, this is it. Bube's Brewery is an authentic 19th-century brewery, so not only will you enjoy some amazing drinks, you'll also get a little history lesson while you're at it. The folks at Bube's know exactly what they're doing when it comes to booze — we can guarantee that you'll be back again.
Moravian Book Shop
Bethlehem
If your bae is a big reader, this cute little bookshop in Bethlehem will be her new heaven on earth. The Moravian Book Shop is the oldest bookshop in the United States and has been operating since 1745 — talk about impressive.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
