Reading, PA

Travel Guide
Photo by Gregory Linton
Mountaintop monuments, countryside lakes and millions of years of historical artifacts are just some of highlights of this city in the Greater Reading Area.

Reading is a southern Pennsylvanian city and the seat of Berks County. This small city was founded in the late 18th century and has preserved much of its historical and industrial heritage. Dig into its past at fascinating museums, explore the local countryside and drive to the top of the mountain that overlooks the city.

Visit one of Reading's most iconic sights, the Pagoda on Mount Penn. The seven-story red structure has been a city fixture for more than 100 years and was initially meant to be a luxury resort, but those plans fell through. Go inside for refreshments in the Pagoda Café and enjoy the gorgeous views of Reading.

Approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from the Pagoda and still on the mountain is another lofty attraction, the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower. Climb up the 120-foot (37-meter) structure for views that extend for 60 miles (97 kilometers).

If you're a fan of history, get insights into the region's past at the Berks History Center. Examine artifacts such as agricultural and industrial tools, furniture and clocks. Devote at least half a day to exploring the Reading Public Museum, home to a planetarium, an arboretum and cultural and scientific artifacts covering millions of years of history. Learn about the region's contribution to aviation history at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum.

For entertainment, there are ice hockey matches and theatrical performances at the Santander Arena. Catch a concert or show at the Genesius Theatre, a 100-seat community theater.

Venture out of the city to discover more of what Berks County has to offer. Go hiking, biking and fishing at French Creek State Park and enjoy swimming and boating at the Blue Marsh Lake Recreation Area. Historic Crystal Cave has a subterranean world of rock formations to discover.

Located approximately 63 miles (101 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia, Reading is easy to get to by road or rail. Alternatively, fly into Philadelphia International Airport. From there come by rental car or shuttle bus to experience the cultural and natural attractions the region has to offer.

Holiday Inn Express Allentown North, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Allentown North, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1715 Plaza Lane, Allentown, PA, 18104
The price is $114 per night from Jun 7 to Jun 8
$114
per night
Jun 7 - Jun 8
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Allentown. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (958 reviews)
"Very clean"

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2023

Holiday Inn Express Allentown North, an IHG Hotel
Doubletree By Hilton Reading
Doubletree By Hilton Reading
4 out of 5
701 Penn Street, Reading, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $161 per night from Jun 18 to Jun 19
$161
per night
Jun 18 - Jun 19
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Reading. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
Great Family Friendly Hotel
"This is our second stay at Doubletree Reading. The first was in 2019. We love this hotel. It is so nice and the staff are very kind and friendly. The breakfast is amazing and caters to many different tastes. We will be back!"

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2023

Doubletree By Hilton Reading
Cartoon Network Hotel
Cartoon Network Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA
The price is $170 per night from Jun 19 to Jun 20
$170
per night
Jun 19 - Jun 20
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,032 reviews)
"Staff were very welcome"

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2023

Cartoon Network Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Peaceful, country setting on active dairy farm
Peaceful, country setting on active dairy farm
Gap
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Gap. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a water park. Popular attraction National Christmas Center is located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (151 reviews)
Perfect place to stay!
"We loved staying at the Lapp's farm- comfortable, beautiful, close to everything we wanted to visit."

Reviewed on May 31, 2023

Peaceful, country setting on active dairy farm
1800's Restored Log Cabin in Woods - 15 Min. Off Pa Turnpike
1800's Restored Log Cabin in Woods - 15 Min. Off Pa Turnpike
Narvon, PA
Stay at this cabin in Narvon. Enjoy onsite parking, a garden, and barbecue grills. Our guests praise the comfy beds in our reviews. Popular attractions Maple ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (409 reviews)
Great little place!
"Quiet, relaxing, surrounded by woods with a pond… just an excellent little place to unwind."

Reviewed on May 31, 2023

1800's Restored Log Cabin in Woods - 15 Min. Off Pa Turnpike
Renovated barn stay, fresh and cozy for the family!
Renovated barn stay, fresh and cozy for the family!
Lebanon
Stay at this vacation home in Lebanon. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Union Canal Tunnel Park and Lebanon Valley Mall are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
Beautiful, welcoming Pennsylvania farm
"Very relaxing, beautiful scenery, helpful hostess"

Reviewed on May 27, 2023

Renovated barn stay, fresh and cozy for the family!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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