What does summer of 2016 have in store for you this summer? There are many beautiful places in Pennsylvania to visit if you are in an exploring mood this summer! Here is a list of 11 places that you and family or friends can take a memorable trip to!

1. Gettysburg

Gettysburg is one of my personal favorites. Gettysburg is a historical mark in American History, and it holds a very significant story from the Civil War. The Battle of Gettysburg started on July 1, 1863, and lasted until the July 3. It is known as the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. There are plenty of things to do in Gettysburg, Penn. You can explore the battle field and take the course that the Union and Confederates took whenever they were fighting. You can tour the field hospitals that many injured soldiers went, as well as explore the historic homes and houses that stood during the battle. Don't forget to end your day with some Mr. G's Ice Cream, and if you are up for it, you can even do a ghost tour around the area!

2. Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park is a beautiful, scenic area to explore. This State Park is full of beautiful waterfalls, that are able to be explored while you are hiking. There are 10 different paths in the park that are hike-able, and they each have their own marvelous scenes to be captured. Not only can you hike, but you can also picnic, go boating and swimming, and also go fishing. Take your tent and go camping for the weekend if you are feeling super adventurous! This is such a beautiful park to spend a weekend at.

3. Lake Raystown

Similar to Ricketts Glen, Raystown Lake is beautiful lake in the heart of Huntington County. It is 29,000 acres that contains 12 public beaches. This would also be another great place to take a weekend camping trip to. Go hiking, fishing, and boating at the lake. There is also Lake Raystown Resort that includes a marina, water slides, and mini golf. Maybe if you're even lucky, you will spot the mythical Raystown Ray. This area is a great place to make wonderful memories!

4. Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania

This beautiful location is found in Pine Creek Gorge, and is known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. One of the most popular attractions here is the tours that it offers. Not only is the biking pathes easy to travel, but they are a great area for hiking as well. Take a weekend off and head out to Tioga State Forest to experience this wonderful place!

5. Pittsburgh

In Pittsburgh, there are a variety of things to do. You can go to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, go watch the Pirates play baseball, go to Point State Park, visit the Fort Pitt Museum, go to the Sandcastle Water Park or even go to the Carnegie Science Center/Sportsplex. Pittsburgh offers a variety of things to do that could make for a weekend of fun. It also has tons of good restaurants to eat at, such as the orignal Primanti Brothers or the Cheesecake Factory.

6. Philadelphia

Philadelphia, or the City of Brotherly Love, is full of history for Pennsylvania. It is the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed, so make sure to stop at Independece Hall, and visit the famous Liberty Bell. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is also another famous attraction, but if you're in for something more eerie, stop in at the Eastern State Penitentiary. Don't forget to get a famous Philly Cheese Steak!

7. Valley Forge

Valley Forge is located in Montgomery County, and is a historically rich area. Valley Forge is where the American Continental Army spent the winter of 1777-1778. You can visit the historical aspects of this area, or you could even visit the King of Prussia Mall if you are in a shopping mood! There is also the Elmwood Park Zoo that can be visited to see lot of exotic animals.

8. Poconos

The Poconos Mountains would make for a nice weekend getaway. You can rent a cabin for the weekend and go boating, ziplining, hiking and exploring in this goregous area. If you are feeling very outgoing, you can go to Sky's the Limit Sky Diving Center and go sky diving for a memorable experience. There are a lot of outdoor adventures that will be included to your trip to the Poconos!

9. Hershey

If you're in Hershey, Penn., make sure you go to Chocolate World and watch chocolate being made right in front of you! Not only is there the Chocolate World, but you can also go to the amusement park and ride thrilling rides and rollercoasters. Not to mention, there is a very fun waterpark that the park offers. Make a day out of this wonderful area, and if you are up for it, even spend a night in the Hershey Lodges.

10. Bedford

Bedford, Penn., is a small historical town that could make for a day of adventures. Here, you can visit the coffee pot that attracts many tourists all throughout the year. Also, you can visit the Old Bedford Village where you can see a historical village, or you can tour Fort Bedford Museum. Make sure to make a pit stop at Bedford Candies and eat some of their delicious popcorn!

11. Altoona

Finally, Altoona can be an interesting stop to make. Visit the Horseshoe Curve Museum or stop at Lakemont Park where you can see the world's oldest operating roller coaster. You can also stop at the Altoona Curve and watch the Pirate's Minor League team play baseball. If you're lucky, you'll even see Al Tuna pop out of the wall!

Here are a few fun things to do this summer! Enjoy!