The Most Instagrammable Spots in Pennsylvania
Nestled just a short drive southwest of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens offers an enchanting escape for anyone eager to capture nature’s elegance in every frame. Located in Kennett Square, about 30 miles from the city, this sprawling horticultural paradise features over a thousand acres of meticulously designed gardens, woodlands, and meadows. The conservatory, with its soaring glass ceilings and vibrant seasonal displays, creates a kaleidoscope of colors perfect for photos year-round. The outdoor Italian Water Garden, with its fountains synchronized to music, offers magical sunset moments that come alive in golden-hour light, making it a dream spot for both amateurs and professionals seeking botanical beauty.
Driving roughly two hours northeast from Pittsburgh takes you to Ohiopyle State Park, a rugged outdoor haven in the Laurel Highlands. The park’s highlight for photographers is the easy 1.5-mile hike to Cucumber Falls, a 30-foot cascade tumbling into a misty pool framed by mossy rocks and towering trees. This accessible waterfall is renowned for its striking contrasts in every season—from icy blue and white in winter to lush green and fiery reds in fall. The nearby Ferncliff Peninsula Trail offers sweeping views of the Youghiogheny River Gorge, perfect for wide-angle shots of Pennsylvania’s wild side. Early morning light or late afternoon in autumn brings out the park’s most vivid textures.
Heading east from Harrisburg, the quaint town of Lititz sits about 45 minutes northeast and feels like a storybook come to life with its charming Main Street lined with pastel storefronts and historic architecture. The area around the Lititz Springs Park is especially photogenic, with a century-old spring-fed pool, decorative ironwork, and seasonal flower beds that provide a serene, almost nostalgic atmosphere. In winter, the town’s brightness contrasts with snow-dusted rooftops, while springtime blooms bring an explosion of color, ideal for capturing small-town Americana at its most inviting.
For fans of urban charm and historic vibes, the Strip District in Pittsburgh is roughly a ten-minute drive from downtown and pulses with vibrant street art, bustling markets, and industrial-era architecture. This neighborhood’s murals and neon signs provide a dynamic backdrop for lively, candid shots. The Saturday market atmosphere adds layers of color and texture, with fresh produce stalls and artisan goods creating a visual feast. Capture the scene in the soft light of early morning before crowds swell, or during the golden hour when the warehouses turn molten gold.
About an hour north of Philadelphia, Ricketts Glen State Park is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities with its 22 named waterfalls scattered along the Falls Trail. This moderately challenging 7.2-mile loop gives access to spectacular cascades like Ganoga Falls, the park’s tallest at 94 feet. The lush forest setting changes dramatically with the seasons, transforming the waterfalls into icy cathedrals in winter or surrounded by fiery fall foliage in October. The interplay of flowing water and dense woodland makes every shot feel alive, especially on overcast days when the softer light enhances the waterfalls’ silver tones.
In the southeastern corner of the state, a little under an hour from Philadelphia, the town of New Hope on the Delaware River charms visitors with its eclectic art galleries, historic buildings, and the iconic New Hope-Lambertville Bridge. The riverfront offers stunning reflections at dawn and dusk, with boat traffic and colorful rowhouses providing a painterly composition. The nearby Bucks County Playhouse and cobblestone streets add old-world character to every frame. Springtime, when the cherry blossoms bloom along the riverfront, creates a soft, romantic palette perfect for portrait sessions or leisurely strolls with a camera.
Lastly, in the heart of the Pocono Mountains about two hours from New York City, Bushkill Falls, often called the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” boasts a series of eight waterfalls accessible through a network of well-maintained trails and wooden bridges. The main trail to the Upper Falls offers panoramic views that combine dramatic cliff faces and cascading water, ideal for those looking to capture the power of nature. Summer brings lush greenery that contrasts beautifully with the white foam of the falls, while autumn bursts with fiery hues that frame the waterfalls with an unforgettable glow. Early morning visits reward photographers with softer light and fewer crowds.
Each of these spots reveals a distinct aspect of Pennsylvania’s rich tapestry, from tranquil gardens and bustling urban streets to wild rivers and quaint historic towns. They invite travelers to explore the state through a lens, discovering moments that linger long after the camera clicks. Whether chasing waterfalls in the woods or soaking up the glow of a neon sign, Pennsylvania’s diverse settings offer endless inspiration for crafting memorable images.