3 Best Sights in Pennsylvania, USA

Literally the high point of a visit to Fairmount Park, the plateau has a stunning view from 243 feet above river level that takes in sweeping park vistas, recreation areas, and, 4 miles away, the Philadelphia skyline. This area is busy on weekends but may be empty during the week, depending on the weather. The large Palladian house on the plateau, Belmont Mansion, dates to 1745 and is an event space. It's also home to the small, rather dated but moving Underground Railroad Museum at Belmont Mansion ( belmontmansion.org  215/878–8844 or 267/736–0007  $15  closed Fri.–Wed. ), which has an introductory room with panels of historical information to read and some artifacts, a film with information about the Underground Railroad and the mansion's role as a stop on it, and additional displays seen on a tour in some of the mansion's rooms. 

On top of Bowman's Hill, this 125-foot fieldstone tower provides a spectacular view that extends up to 14 miles, weather permitting, taking in the Delaware River and countryside. It was built in 1929–31 to mark what might have been a lookout point for Washington's army, but historians have found no evidence of this. You can walk up to the observation deck; an elevator (out of service at this writing; call ahead) will take you far enough that you have just 23 steps via a narrow circular staircase.

A short walk or drive away is the Both 19th-century funiculars edge up ever-so-steep hillsides. The view at the top is well worth the $3.50 round-trip. Several restaurants at the top have great views.