21 Top Romantic Getaways in Pennsylvania

Couples seeking a romantic getaway in Pennsylvania will find a unique array of options that span beyond (but still include) the Poconos, Philadelphia and Hershey.

For instance, did you know you can have dinner by candlelight in a cave, or that you can spend the night in an International Dark Sky Park? You can also roam through a castle or two, sip craft beer in a church and see a show at “America’s Summer Theater.”

You might be surprised to learn Pennsylvania has a few all-inclusive resorts, too, in addition to historic hotels, spa retreats and adults-only options (and sometimes, a combination of all of the above). There’s no shortage of quaint bed-and-breakfasts, either, if you and your partner prefer something a bit more intimate. Read on to discover the most romantic getaways in Pennsylvania.

While Hershey is a popular family vacation destination, there are plenty of ways to find romance in “The Sweetest Place on Earth.” Perhaps the best place to find it is The Hotel Hershey, the first hotel to open in the town Milton S. Hershey built around his namesake chocolate factory.

The Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort is widely known for The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, where you can indulge in a chocolate-infused (or chocolate-less) spa treatment and a variety of spa amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, and gourmet lunch and/or cocktails at The Oasis restaurant and lounge. After the spa, freshen up in your luxury guest room, suite or cottage before dinner at one of the on-site restaurants. End the evening with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup martini by the fireplace at the cozy Iberian Lounge.

Guests of The Hotel Hershey enjoy complimentary access to Hershey Gardens (just steps from the hotel) and other exclusive perks. The hotel is also just a few minutes from Hersheypark and Tröegs Independent Brewing, nationally known for its Mad Elf holiday ale.

Just outside of Hershey is another romantic option: The Inn at Westwynd Farm. Located on a 32-acre equestrian farm, this quaint B&B offers rooms with fireplaces, jetted spa tubs, private balconies and private patios. Turn up the romance with the For My Special Love package, which includes sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, a dozen roses and a bed strewn with silk rose petals, or the Anniversary Celebration package with a personalized cake for you and your partner.

If you can bring yourself to leave the comfort of your room, you’ll be treated to a hearty breakfast in the inn’s restaurant, where the menu changes with the seasons. Outside, views of uninterrupted countryside will make you swoon. You can spend the day biking, hiking, horseback riding or simply strolling hand in hand. Previous guests praise everything about The Inn at Westwynd Farm, from the owners to the food.

Couples can hide away at The Glasbern Inn, located on 150 acres of rolling hills – including farm land – in the Lehigh Valley. Romantic accommodations are equal parts rustic and luxurious with features such as wood-beamed ceilings, gas fireplaces, soaking tubs and Sleep Number beds.

All guests enjoy the inn’s signature countryside breakfast, which includes fresh fruit, yogurt and scones plus a made-to-order menu with eggs benedict, French toast and more. Hike the property’s lush grounds with a koi pond, go for a swim in the seasonal outdoor pool and enjoy a couples massage at the on-site spa before a delicious farm-to-table dinner. Previous guests say The Glasbern makes for a beautiful, relaxing getaway.

You don’t have to fly to Europe to experience an overnight stay in a castle. Book a stay fit for royalty at the Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa instead. Frank Buhl, founder of the Sharon Steel Corporation (which he later sold to the United States Steel Corporation) had the castle built for his bride, Julia Forker, with construction finalized in 1896. After they both passed, ownership changed hands several times before the castle was ultimately abandoned. In 1996, it was purchased and restored to most of its original grandeur, reopening its doors the following year.

Today, all rooms offer fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, plush bathrobes and slippers, and minifridges for chilling wine and other treats. Each room also has its own story – you can stay in the late Mr. Buhl’s room or the room that was often reserved for guests. Packages can include a welcome tray of goodies, breakfast, afternoon tea and Champagne receptions on Friday and Saturday evenings. Guests are encouraged to indulge in the on-site, full-service spa, where there’s a sauna, a steam room and monsoon showers.

The Omni Bedford Springs Resort has been attracting travelers – including famous clientele such as Presidents James Buchanan and Thomas Jefferson – for centuries, first to its healing mineral springs and later to its full-service hotel.

An award-winning property, The Omni Bedford Springs Resort maintains its reputation as a healing destination with the Springs Eternal Spa, where you can start with the Bedford Bath Ritual – a seven-step process including an aromatic steam and mineral deluge – before a spa treatment, such as a HydraFacial or a Himalayan salt stone massage. Afterward, cozy up in the lounge with fruit-infused water and tea or go for a swim in the indoor or outdoor pools. The outdoor pool, open seasonally, offers private cabanas for an additional fee.

Accommodations, which include guest rooms and four suites, are beautifully appointed. Some are also pet-friendly. Choose a room with a balcony and rocking chairs to take in the history and surroundings of the hotel.

When you get hungry, there are several on-site dining options available, with more to be found in the tiny town of Bedford. While you’re in the area, make the roughly 25 mile drive to the Flight 93 Memorial National Park, honoring the bravery of those who were killed when their plane was crashed during the Sept. 11 attacks.

Though it’s less than 10 miles from Hershey, the Annville Inn is a romantic destination on its own. Here, couples retreat to comfy guest rooms with fireplaces and countryside views, plus two-person Jacuzzi tubs in the English Manor Suite and Great Southwest Room. Mornings are extra special thanks to a sumptuous farm-to-table breakfast served by candlelight. Later in the day lovebirds can relax with a swim in the outdoor pool, soak in the hot tub, enjoy a therapeutic massage or stroll through the property’s beautifully manicured gardens. Two-person hammocks are also available for quality time relaxing together, and several recent guests say this is the best B&B they’ve ever visited.

You might be surprised to learn one of the best places to snuggle under a blanket and watch shooting stars is in Potter County, Pennsylvania. An International Dark Sky Park, Cherry Springs State Park offers a rare glimpse of constellations, meteor showers, occasionally the northern lights and more. Previous visitors say the views are surreal.

Cherry Springs State Park is perfect for couples who enjoy camping (or are willing to try it), with on-site accommodations limited to 30 non-electric campsites. While there are cabin rentals available nearby, camping is the best way to take in this essential Pennsylvania experience.

If you and your significant other are interested in Civil War history – and the spookiness that surrounds it – visit the Gettysburg National Military Park, Museum and Visitor Center (where you’ll find the impressive Gettysburg Cyclorama), the Shriver House Museum and the Jennie Wade House. Ghost tours and hunts of the battlefields and town are a popular activity in Gettysburg, with previous visitors reporting legitimate paranormal activity. The Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest conflict of the Civil War, after all.

Even if you and your sweetheart don’t consider yourselves history buffs, you’ll find plenty of other reasons to visit this southern Pennsylvania town. An array of cozy restaurants, boutique shops and historic B&Bs make Gettysburg one of the most romantic getaways in Pennsylvania. There are also several wineries and tasting rooms within easy reach, such as Mount Hope Estate & Winery’s downtown Gettysburg tasting room, Buddy Boy Winery and Reid’s Winery Tasting Room and Cider House on Baltimore Street, all of which make for a lovely date night. If you like craft beer, head to Fourscore Beer Co., one of the top-rated breweries in Pennsylvania. And if you’re willing to drive out of town, you may also want to check out Halbrendt Vineyard and Winery for its stunning vistas of the grapevines and the rolling hills beyond.

Opt for a stay at the Inn at Herr Ridge for an elegant fine dining experience and the option to add a date night basket full of goodies like wine, cheese and chocolate-covered strawberries to your stay. For views of the Gettysburg battlefields and Hunter Lake, cozy up in one of the rustic cabins at The Lodges at Gettysburg, which are adorned with antique furniture and feature down bedding, electric fireplaces and kitchenettes. This is a great option if you’re traveling with several couples and want to explore the countryside. For more accommodation options, check out the best hotels in Gettysburg.

Since the 1940s, the Pocono Mountains have served as a romantic retreat thanks to year-round outdoor adventures and a variety of couples-only resorts. Cove Haven Resort and its sister hotels, Paradise Stream Resort and Pocono Palace, are practically synonymous with this region. The hotels are best known for their heart-shaped hot tubs and Champagne Tower Suite, named for its 7-foot Champagne glass-shaped whirlpool bath. The resort also offers all-inclusive packages that include breakfast and dinner, plus a range of recreational activities such as mini-golf, archery, boating and snowmobiling.

If Cove Haven sounds tacky or just too stereotypical for you, check into the Ledges Hotel, a former glass factory-turned-boutique-hotel featuring views of Paupack Falls. Guests can view the two-tiered waterfall from a series of observation decks; the Great Room (where you can simultaneously cozy up by a fire); Glass, an on-site lounge specializing in wine and light fare; and the guest rooms. Recent guests of this full-service hotel say the ambiance is top-notch.

If cozying up by a fire in the woods (either outside or inside) sounds like your idea of romance, consider renting a cabin on Lake Wallenpaupack, a stunning reservoir built in 1926. Sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo offer options at a variety of price points, as does Silver Birch Resort. A full-service hotel, Silver Birch Resort offers an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant, among other amenities (included in a resort fee). Popular lake activities include swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. There are also ample hiking trails nearby.

Located in the Poconos, The Lodge at Woodloch deserves a callout of its own. One of the best hotels in Pennsylvania, this splurge-worthy resort features a luxurious spa and all-inclusive rates, and previous guests say the experience is well worth the price.

The spa offers 27 treatment rooms, multiple saunas and steam rooms, and an Aqua Garden with hydromassage waterwalls. After your spa treatment, you and your better half can reconnect in one of the relaxation rooms: slip into a meditative state in the Whisper silent sanctuary or mingle with other couples in the Gather social suite.

Once you’re fully relaxed, enjoy the resort’s plethora of activities, which include cooking classes, discussions with a professional herbalist, yoga classes and the opportunity for a couple’s float session in a meditation pool. The Lodge at Woodloch also offers plenty of ways to experience the natural beauty of the surrounding Pocono Mountains. There are on-site hiking trails that will bring you through woods, orchards and gardens, as well as designated areas to practice archery, hatchet throwing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Accommodations are equipped with marble showers, plush furniture and private verandas, and recent guest rave about the gourmet on-site dining options such as TREE Restaurant and Bar. At this fine-dining spot, you can sip award-winning wine and craft cocktails and tuck into a meal made with organic, local ingredients amid treetop views.

The Lodge at Woodloch is reserved for adults only, with the adjacent Woodloch Pines catering to families. In fact, it’s one of the top all-inclusive family resorts.

The European-style architecture and surrounding mountain peaks have led people to call Jim Thorpe the “Little Switzerland of Pennsylvania,” and there’s no shortage of charm in this small town nestled within the Pocono Mountains. Explore the Asa Packer Mansion, the Victorian home where Asa Packer, philanthropist and founder of Lehigh University, once lived, and have cocktails on the porch of the Harry Packer Mansion (owned by one of Asa’s late sons), said to be the inspiration for Disney World’s “Haunted Mansion.” You can also catch a show at the Mauch Chunk Opera House or take a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, where you can rent a private caboose for you and your loved one. The railway also operates bike trains for cyclists heading to Lehigh Gorge Rail-Trail, another popular activity here.

The accommodation options in Jim Thorpe are just as delightful as the town itself. The Inn at Jim Thorpe is a popular choice as it offers historic charm near the many shops and restaurants in the downtown area. Couples can enjoy meals at the cozy on-site Broadway Grille, as well as spa services.

Another popular inn is the Dolon House Bed & Breakfast, which is housed within a mansion from the 1800s. Stained-glass windows and mosaic floors entice visitors to stay, and the cozy guest rooms, which feature fireplaces and antique furniture, make it hard for them to leave. The small lodge also offers a dining room where you and your partner can mingle with other guests over dinner. What’s more, the bed-and-breakfast earns rave reviews from frequent travelers for its attentive staff and impeccable decor.

Rainbow Mountain Resort has been welcoming the LGBTQ community to the Pocono Mountains since 1981. Perks at this 26-acre resort include an outdoor pool and hot tub, a nightclub, a gym with a sauna and a rotating schedule of live entertainment and events like drag shows. There’s also a pond and hiking trails on-site. Accommodations include dog-friendly cabins with private decks.

Recent reviews are mixed. Some note the property feels outdated, though all agree the staff and entertainment are superb.

Fall in love in Philadelphia, where date-worthy attractions include exploring Fishtown, a hub for all things art and music and an overall really cool neighborhood; sightseeing historic landmarks including quaint Elfreth’s Alley, one of the oldest streets in the U.S.; the Gayborhood, with especially LGBTQ-friendly restaurants, bars and nightclubs; Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a quirky indoor-outdoor art center covered in colorful tiles, mirrors and other eclectic media; Spruce Street Harbor Park, a seasonal urban beach featuring hammocks and floating gardens; One Liberty Observation Deck, where you’ll be treated to panoramic, bird’s-eye views of the city; and in the winter, ice skating and sipping hot chocolate around a fire pit at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the Delaware River Waterfront. While you’re in town, don’t forget to snap a pic in front of the LOVE sculpture in John F. Kennedy Plaza.

Romantic restaurants include Talula’s Garden (New American), Vetri Cucina and Suraya Restaurant (Lebanese); and the ice cream at The Franklin Fountain is not to be missed.

If you and your beau like craft beer, it’s time to go to Pittsburgh. The Steel City is home to some of Pennsylvania’s top-rated breweries, including Dancing Gnome, Old Thunder Brewing and Brew Gentleman in nearby Braddock. Church Brew Works, which is – you guessed it – a brewery housed in a former church, is also a must-visit.

Aside from beer, Pittsburgh features one-of-a-kind museums, from the Carnegie Museums (Natural History, Science and Art) to the Andy Warhol Museum and Randyland, which pay homage to the late Andy Warhol’s and Randy Gilson’s colorful art, respectively. For panoramic views of the city, hike to the Mount Washington Overlook or, for a unique experience, ride the famous Duquesne Incline to the top. You can also take in your surroundings via a bike tour.

When it comes to lodging, Pittsburgh offers everything from luxury hotels like the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh – which offers free bicycle rentals and a nightly wine reception – to unique spots with historic charm like the Mansions on Fifth Hotel, where guests are treated to butler service and views of “Millionaires’ Row.” Check out the best hotels in Pittsburgh for more accommodation options.

Possibly the best-known romantic lodging option in Pennsylvania is Nemacolin. The resort’s Chateau Lafayette holds the main accommodations, and its elegant marble accents and crystal chandeliers are reminiscent of palatial royal hideaways. In addition to the main lodge, the property is home to the boutique Falling Rock hotel as well as an array of private home rentals on the premises. Couples staying at this famous resort can splurge on a memorable meal at the AAA Five Diamond Award-winning restaurant Lautrec, browse the on-site art gallery, tour the resort’s wine cellar and meet the sommelier, indulge in luxury treatments at the spa and even try their luck at the on-site casino.

If you can bring yourself to leave the resort, drive about 11 miles to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. One of the late architect’s most celebrated creations, Fallingwater is a stunning home built partly over a waterfall. Guided tours, including a Forest to Table Dinner and Sunset Tour and Reception, make for the perfect date.

This lakeside city in Pennsylvania is full of outdoor adventures. As its name suggests, the city sits on the banks of Lake Erie, offering twosomes a beachlike getaway without traveling all the way to the coast.

The city is home to Presque Isle State Park, which encompasses 3,200 acres of shoreline and offers all the fun that comes with a beach vacation, including water sports rentals, fishing and picnic areas. Some tour boat companies, like Victorian Princess Cruise Line, offer sunset cruise options for another way to experience this Great Lake. You’ll also find lots of (mostly flat) hiking trails, but if you’re looking for a more challenging trek, venture to spots like Devils Backbone, Dowd Hill, Mount Pleasant and Bicentennial Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Erie and snap some unforgettable selfies.

There are quaint, casual restaurants scattered around the lakefront area in Erie. Some date night favorites include the classic Italian restaurant Mi Scuzi and Bayfront Grille for sunset views. The latter is connected to the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, a great lodging option. Many couples also choose to stay in Ohio, where popular Lake Erie destinations include Sandusky, Put-in-Bay, Port Clinton and Kelleys Island.

The small borough of Doylestown sits roughly 40 miles north of Philadelphia, making it an easy day or weekend trip from the city.

Couples can enjoy a getaway full of history amid bucolic scenery in Doylestown, with highlights including Fonthill Castle. Built in the 20th century, the property was designed by archaeologist and scholar Henry Chapman Mercer, who used it as both a residence and a place to showcase his valuable art collection, including his unique handcrafted tiles. The massive castle boasts 44 rooms, 18 fireplaces and more than 200 windows. While it’s worth going inside the building on a guided tour, you can also admire some of the best views from the grounds, which include manicured gardens, ponds and mosaic bridges. If you and your partner are intrigued by the history of the castle, venture into the on-site Moravian Pottery & Tile Works Museum, where handmade tiles are still produced (and available for purchase) using a similar method to the one Chapman used. More of Mercer’s whimsical art collection is on display at the Mercer Museum downtown, across the street from another must-visit museum: the James Michener Art Museum.

You’ll also find unique shops, art galleries, a preserved 20th-century movie theater and a diverse array of dining options downtown. Especially romantic is Honey, which serves tapas-style plates in a cozy atmosphere. Just outside of downtown, you can pick your own lavender (seasonally) and buy lavender soaps, candles and more at Peace Valley Lavender Farm. The farm overlooks Lake Galena, another lovely place to spend a morning or afternoon, whether you decide to get out on the water or just stroll around it.

When you get tired, turn in at one of the area’s romantic accommodation options. The Doylestown Inn offers jetted tubs and fireplaces in select rooms and is attached to the Hattery Stove & Still, which serves lunch, dinner and brunch in a setting that honors its former life as a hat factory, speakeasy and more. If you and your partner enjoy theater, consider a stay at Highland Farm, where Oscar Hammerstein II lived for many years and wrote the lyrics to “Oklahoma!” The legendary lyricist’s family along with the local community hope to one day convert the inn into a museum and theater education center, with fundraising efforts well underway. Until then, guests can enjoy cozy accommodations, free continental breakfast, an outdoor pool and wine and cheese upon arrival.

About 75 miles southwest of the Big Apple, New Hope is a popular weekend getaway from New York City. This Delaware River town has long been a hub for artists, with quirky galleries, shops and the storied Bucks County Playhouse, nicknamed “America’s Summer Theater,” dotting its Main Street. As a diverse community, it’s also a celebrated LGBTQ town, with LGBTQ-owned hotels, regular drag brunches at local restaurants and fun Pride Month events.

New Hope has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with romantic, riverfront additions including the boutique Ghost Light Inn and its farm-to-table restaurant, Stella, owned by Iron Chef and James Beard Award winner, Jose Garces; The River House at Odette’s, with upscale dining and accommodations; and Ferry Market, featuring a variety of food vendors plus a tap room and wine bar.

For more romantic rendezvous, head to Nektar Wine Bar for a glass of vino then to The Salt House for a meal illuminated mostly by candlelight and a log-burning fire. When it comes to accommodations, the Inn at Bowman’s Hill, an eight-room AAA Four Diamond Award-winning property and the Bridgeton House on the Delaware (in nearby Upper Black Eddy), with romantic rooms and packages, are two top-notch options. Finally, Peddler’s Village (in nearby Lahaska) is excellent for shopping and seasonal events.

New Hope is just across the river from Lambertville, an adorable town that’s reachable via a pedestrian-friendly bridge and one of the top romantic getaways in New Jersey. New Hope is also just 10 miles from Doylestown, making it convenient to visit several Bucks County towns on your romantic getaway in Pennsylvania.

The landscape and history of Amish Country draws visitors to the area, but there’s more to love about Lancaster County – particularly for couples. Highlights include hot air balloon rides over the countryside; Lancaster Central Market, the country’s oldest continually operating farmers market; Gallery Row, featuring local and national art; and pretzel making at the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. An especially unique experience is historic Bube’s Brewery in Mount Joy, where you can both imbibe and dine by candlelight underground.

For overnight accommodations in Lancaster, consider a stay at The Inn at Leola Village, an Amish tobacco farm-turned-luxury hotel featuring romantic packages and guestrooms with exposed wood beams and whirlpool tubs. There’s also an on-site spa. Previous guests rave about the hotel and its proximity to downtown Lancaster.