25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania

Relax on the beach in Cape May, stroll through the romantic Longwood Gardens, hike through the Susquehanna River Valley or take the kids to Hershey's Chocolate World. Or plan a fun day trip from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and experience the allure of New York City, explore the heritage of Washington, D.C., or bask in the glamour of Atlantic City. Photo: Andrew Kazmierski /Fotolia

There is so much to see and do in the nation’s capital that it is impossible to see it all on a day trip. Visitors who limit their visit to a single neighborhood may choose among the classics – National Mall, Capitol Hill, and Downtown.

National Mall is the location of several historic monuments and revered museums. Capitol Hill is home to the U.S. Capitol Building and the Supreme Court, while Downtown runs from the White House to the Capitol Building. There are a number of upscale restaurants and high end shops in Downtown, plus world-renowned museums and the National Gallery of Art. Photo: Felix Mizioznikov/Fotolia

Romantic Getaway, Places to Visit, things to do with kids near me & beaches near me: Williamsburg VA, Weekend trips from San Francisco, Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Michigan

Chanticleer Garden is 40 minutes outside Philadelphia in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and is known as one of the best gardens in the area. The estate itself dates back to the early 20th century, giving the space a historical feel, yet the colorful design of Chanticleer lends the garden a contemporary vibe.

Visitors will enjoy exploring eight distinct gardens and various themed wooded areas, such as the Asian woods. There is a meadow, a creek, and an orchard, along with elevated walkways amid flowers and plant life. Guests may also take classes and workshops or join guided tours. Address: 780 Church Road, Wayne, PA, Phone: 610-687-4163 Photo: ajamils/Fotolia

Vacation Ideas: Things to do in Arizona, Weekend getaways from Seattle, Things to do in MS, Things to do in Nashville

Located an hour outside Philadelphia is the town of Doylestown in Pennsylvania. Visitors will enjoy hiking and biking along a 16-mile shared network of paths, roadways, and trails that also connect with two larger trail systems – 202 Parkway trail, and Bicycle Route “S”.

There are two museums in town, the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, and the James A. Michener Art Museum. A historic shopping district features unique specialty stores. Doylestown has seven municipal parks on more than 80 acres of land, each distinct from the others. Some are neighborhood parks, some are nature focused, and some have athletic facilities. Photo: Jin/Fotolia

Vacation Ideas: Best California beaches, Romantic weekend getaways, Romantic weekend getaways in Texas, DC

Baltimore, an hour away from Philadelphia, is a city with extraordinary historical and cultural offerings. Themed tours abound, such as tracing the story of Baltimore and the National Anthem during the War of 1812, offered by the Baltimore National Heritage Urban Rangers.

Legends & Legacies Heritage Bus Tour highlights African American contributions to the city. Museums such as the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art showcase permanent and temporary historic exhibits. Historical attractions such as the Edgar Allen Poe House offer glimpses of the past and visitors will also appreciate cultural experiences such as the Baltimore Symphony, led by Marin Alsop. Photo: modeh9090/Fotolia

You are reading "25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania Today" Back to Top or Closest Weekend Vacations with Kids, Trip finder, Getaways near me & Scenic places near me

Vacation Ideas: Places to visit in Alabama, Things to do in New Jersey, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Missouri, Places to visit in Arizona, Romantic weekend getaways in Wisconsin, Best Things to do in Hawaii

In Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, visitors will discover 1,000 acres of gorgeous Longwood Gardens. Stunning architecture, indoor and outdoor gardens, and water fountains give visitors many areas to explore while the formal, themed, and children’s gardens offer a little something for everyone throughout the gardens’ changing seasons.

Highlights like the green wall, which is reminiscent of a lush jungle, and the Silver Garden, an awe-inspiring vision in the moonlight, delight visitors. There is an open-air fountain show, an on-site cafe, and a fine dining restaurant. Beer gardens provide a place to relax after a day tour, workshop, class, or other activity. Address: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA, Phone: 610-388-1000 Photo: Panitan/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania" Back to Top or More Famous Landmarks, Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Food near me, Activities, Fall Honeymoon, Downtown Wedding Venues

Free things to do near me: Things to Do in Panama City Beach, Family vacations in California, Sedona AZ, Day trips from Las Vegas, Day trips from LA, Places to Visit in Colorado, Places to Visit in Montana, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Mississippi

Ricketts Glen State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s most treasured natural areas and has earned the distinction of being a National Natural Landmark. The number one activity here is hiking the Falls Trails System, where you can explore the park’s 22 waterfalls, including 94-foot Ganoga Falls. You’ll be surrounded by old-growth trees in this 13,050-acre park.

Other activities include swimming, boating, and fishing on Lake Jean; rustic camping; and exploring the park’s abundant flora and fauna. Mountain laurel blooms are particularly striking on the Grand View Trail in early summer. During winter, visitors can rent cabins, snowmobile, cross-country ski, ice fish, and snowshoe. Address: 695 State Route 487, Benton PA, Phone: 570-477-5675 Photo: demerzel21/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania Cool Points of Interest" Back to Top or Best Towns and Historic Cities for Travel, Popular day trip ideas, Farmers Markets, Places to eat near me, Living & Vacation Deals

Vacations: Places to visit in Oklahoma, Places to visit in Kansas, East Coast vacations & places to visit, Places to visit in Delaware, Best East Coast beaches, Things to Do in Cleveland

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg is home to one of the world’s most remarkable collections of railroad artifacts. The museum is dedicated to maintaining and understanding the vast impact the railroads had, and continue to have, on society.

They do this with displays of more than 100 locomotives, educational programs, tours, and special events. There is also a plethora of exhibits featuring railroad artifacts, art work, photographs, books, and other materials. In addition to the extensive exhibits, the museum also restores many unique locomotives that managed to survive their time, giving visitors a look at how designs have progressed. Address: 300 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA, Phone: 717-687-8628 Photo: Pabkov/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania" Back to Top or More Family Weekend Trips, Excursions, Nearby Restaurants, Cool Vacation Spots & Fall Destination Facts

Fun Romantic Weekend Getaways, Beach Resorts, Wedding Venues: New Jersey beaches, Places to Visit in North Carolina, Things to Do in Denver, Things to Do in Dallas, Things to Do in Seattle, All inclusive resorts in USA, Places to Visit in Utah, Getaways in Oregon, Places to Visit in Louisiana, Things to do in Montauk, Couples vacations

The Lapp Valley Farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, produces hormone-free dairy products and homemade ice cream. Visitors can walk the grounds, where bulldogs, peacocks, and cats roam freely, and watch how the farm’s Jersey cows are milked.

As a special treat, guests can pet the calves while they’re being bottle-fed. Visitors can enjoy a few scoops of creamy ice cream inside homemade waffle cones, or a rich milkshake at the farm’s Ice Cream Shop. Lapp Valley Farms also offers several dairy products to-go like butters, various types of milk, and a wide range of ice cream flavors. Address: 244 Mentzer Road, New Holland, PA, Phone: 717-354-7988 Photo: Lapp Valley Farm

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top or Romantic Places to live, September Last Minute Travel, Beach Vacations, Photos and Map of Conference & Wedding Destinations near my location

Family vacation Spots near me, weather: Places to Visit in Mexico, Things to Do in Destin Florida, Places to Visit in Kentucky, Places to Visit in Nebraska, Things to Do in Scottsdale, Things to Do in NYC, Places to Visit in Minnesota

Located in Jackson, New Jersey, Six Flags Great Adventure Park has more than 60 rides that cater to all ages, from kids’ rides like Bugs Bunny Ranger Pilots to thrill rides like Dare Devil Dive, which plummets over 15 stories at 60 mph.

There are numerous live entertainment venues throughout the park, like Looney Tunes Dance Party, which takes place at the Main Street Fountain, and Trainer Talks that feature feathered and flippered animals, their habitats, diets, habits, and more. Visitors will also delight in a wide array of fresh food and beverage options, from sit-down meals to sweets on-the-go. Address: 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson, NJ, Phone: 732-928-2000 Photo: pixelfreund/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania & Things to Do near Me Today" Back to Top or Best Restaurants near me, Images of Hotels, Discounts, Boutique Hotels, Inn & Bed and Breakfasts

Fun places near me & How far is: Things to Do in Columbus, Things to Do in Kansas City, Romantic weekend getaways Rhode Island, Alabama beaches, Things to Do in St Augustine, Galena IL, Boise

The Gettysburg National Military Park is located east of the Appalachian Mountains in the Piedmont Province of south central Pennsylvania on nearly 6,000 acres of land. This park contains woodlands, pasturelands, woodlots, streams, and agriculture fields providing habitats for various mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and flora.

It is well known for educating and entertaining visitors on the historical Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the Civil War. Here guests can learn about the various people and places that were a part of the battle through photos and other multimedia presentations as well as through reenactments and audio battlefield tours. Photo: Refocus Photography/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania & Destinations this Weekend" Back to Top or Free Beaches near Me, Dog Friendly & Known for Attractions this month

Family vacation Spots near me: Things to Do in Salt Lake City, Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Things to Do in Cincinnati, Things to Do in Indianapolis, Indoor Amusement Parks, Things to Do in Fort Wayne, Eugene, Oregon, Oxnard CA, Marco Island

Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, is the largest free-admission amusement park in the United States, with on-site amenities that ensure visitors never have to leave the grounds. Kiddie, family, and thrill rides offer a little something for everyone.

Fun carnival-style games, museums, theatres, animal habitats, a mini-golf course, and laser tag facilities appeal to a wide range of personalities, so no one in the family is ever bored. There is a swimming area featuring a sun deck, slides, a climbing net, and a kiddie pool. Families can also take advantage of a golf course, several restaurants, and resort lodging. Address: 391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824, Phone: 570-672-2572 Photo: Aneese/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania" Back to Top or Romantic Wedding Ideas, Honeymoon, Anniversary Ideas, Getting Married & Romantic Places

Weekend getaways: Kansas City day trips, Day trips from Nashville, Montana vacations, Miami weekend getaways, Things to Do in Monterey, Things to Do in Wisconsin, Florida family resorts, Things to Do in North Dakota

Atlantic City is the Las Vegas of the East Coast, just over an hour outside Philadelphia in New Jersey. This resort and gaming capital welcomes nearly 30 million visitors a year, making it one of the most popular attractions in the nation.

It features several elite restaurants with world-renowned chefs, amazing casinos, hotels, and resorts, and extravagant spas. Atlantic City is also known for having A-list entertainment, high-end shopping, and championship golf. Visitors can walk the historic boardwalk featuring the bright lights and nightlife reminiscent of the strip in Las Vegas, with the added benefit of being beachside. Photo: SeanPavonePhoto/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania" Back to Top or Places to Eat, Excursions, Bucket list, Fun & Cheap Weekend Getaways, What's near me

Trips: Things to Do in Pigeon Forge, Things to Do in Tacoma, Things to Do in Sioux Falls, Things to Do in Moab, Pokemon go tracker, Things to Do in Annapolis, Things to Do in Bethlehem, Bradenton, Things to Do in Santa Monica, Things to Do in Catalina Island

The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is the most decorated ship in the United States and provides visitors with a unique perspective into its glorious history. Guests get to climb aboard this 45,000-ton vessel and explore the various military artifacts and exhibits as they tour the ship.

The interactive museum lets visitors do more than look; they can actually lay down on sailor bunks, sit in Admiral Halsey’s chair, and learn how the guns were loaded into the gun turret. Visitors can choose from one of five available tours and can even choose to spend a night aboard the ship. Address: 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ, Phone: 856-966-1652 Photo: KAZMAT/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania for Seniors, Locals & Tourists - Essential Restaurants, Favorite Wedding Venues & Hotels" Back to Top or Beautiful places near me, Travel guide & More Pictures of Fun Vacation Spots

Trips: Things to Do in Madison, Things to Do in Dayton, Things to Do in Woodstock, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Utah, New Braunfels, Things to Do on Long Island, Things to Do in Anaheim, Things to Do in Leavenworth

Lambertville, located just under an hour from Philadelphia, is the “Antiques Capital of New Jersey”. Founded in 1705, many of its buildings have been perfectly preserved as a reflection of the historical era. Victorian homes, federal townhouses, and Lambertville Station are a few standouts.

In keeping with the town’s stunning architecture, visitors will experience quaint coffee houses, unique galleries, and a plethora of antique shops along the streets. Lambertville’s artists and craftsmen are as interesting as the picturesque Delaware River town itself. For those visitors on the lookout for rare finds, the Golden Nugget Antiques Market is held three days a week. Photo: Andrew Kazmierski/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania" Back to Top or Essential Conference Venues & Places to Get Married, Where is the Closest Great Place to Elope

Vacations: Things to Do in Grand Canyon, Things to Do in Nebraska, Best Hot Springs, Things to Do in Carlsbad, Things to Do in Chadds Ford, Things to Do in Pigeon Forge, Things to Do in Laguna Beach, Things to Do in Fort Collins

Named one of “America’s Favorite Towns” by Travel + Leisure Magazine, New Hope is a small town 45 minutes outside Philadelphia with an old world charm. Among the town’s treasures is the Delaware Canal, where visitors can walk or bike along a portion of the 60-mile-long towpath offering scenic views of the canal and surrounding foliage.

The New Hope & Ivy Railroad offers visitors a 45-minute narrated ride aboard a 1925 steam train from New Hope to Lahaska. A walk down New Hope’s Main Street reveals an art gallery featuring local artists, independent shops, homespun restaurants, and a live summer theater. Photo: New Hope

You are reading "25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania with Kids" Back to Top or Closest places near me, Threeday weekend, Solo travel, National parks, Day trip, Travel inspiration

Vacations: Things to Do in Wichita, Things to Do in Duluth, Oahu beaches, Things to Do on Fire Island, Italy beaches, Northern California beaches, Black Sand beaches, Arizona beaches, Delaware beaches, Things to Do in Bethesda, Things to Do in Claremont, Things to Do in Paso Robles, Things to Do in Clearwater

Winterthur Museum and Country Estate, established by Henry Francis du Pont, is less than an hour from Philadelphia. It is most notable as a leading museum for American decorative arts showcasing the early life of the du Pont family and other early Americans.

However, there is also a well-known and stunning 60-acre garden with annual orchestrated blooms. The rest of the 1000-acre property consists of meadows, forests, and quiet streams. The estate has a decorative arts research library open to the public and visitors can indulge in various tours, educational programs and activities, and dine at the Visitor Center Garden Café. Address: 5105 Kennett Pike (Route 52), Winterthur, DE, Phone: 800-448-3883 Photo: Winterthur Museum and Country Estate

Fun places to visit, events, facts, tours, all inclusive & photos of fun things to do near me last minute: Great Attractions near my location & Free Activities

Ideas: Things to Do in Spokane, West Coast vacations, Things to Do in Venice Beach, Things to Do in Rapid City, Things to Do in Irvine, Things to Do in Bellevue, Things to Do in Columbus GA

Hershey’s Chocolate World is located two hours north of Philadelphia, providing fun for the whole family. Visitors can design and create their own chocolate bar and do a little taste testing in the chocolate tasting room.

Children will enjoy the 4D Chocolate Mystery, an interactive game that utilizes digital animation and special effects, inviting them to become part of the show and interact with the characters while they race to solve a mystery. History buffs can enjoy a guided trolley tour through the town that chocolate made, while foodies will appreciate the onsite food court and bakery. Address: 251 Park Blvd, Hershey, PA, Phone: 717-534-4900 Photo: Hershey's Chocolate World

You are reading "25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania this Weekend" Back to Top or More Unique Family Vacations, Pet-friendly, Interesting Excursions, Food near me, Road trips & Cool places to visit

Vacation ideas: Cheap romantic vacations for couples, Things to Do in Hudson, Things to Do in Alaska, Things to Do in Fargo ND, Last minute family vacations

New York City is 90 minutes north of Philadelphia. Five distinct boroughs – Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx, Staten Island, and Brooklyn – make up this vibrant city that offers a wide range of attractions for visitors. The shopping scene has everything from rare books and underground music to gourmet goods and the latest tech.

The museums are out of this world, from The Regal to The Met to various free museums featuring emerging styles like graffiti art. Broadway shows, the Brooklyn Bridge, grand skyscrapers, historic landmarks, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty are just a few of the additional wonders found in this city. Photo: FotoMak/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania" Back to Top or Traveler trip finder, Air travel, Guide App channel, Live music, Art institutes

Family attractions, points of interest, weather & fun places to go near me: Things to Do in Montreal, Hudson Valley, San Diego to SF, SF to Napa, Honeymoon, Things to Do in Key Largo, China, Atlanta to Savannah, Hershey, Delaware wedding venues, Orlando to Tampa, Greece, to West Palm Beach, Sept, Dec, Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta, San Jose Weddings, San Francisco with kids, Cherokee, Taco Bell, romantic WA, Deals

Visitors to the Susquehanna River Valley may get the sense they’ve traveled back to a simpler time. The Covered Bridges self-driving tour passes through 17 covered bridges in three counties where you may share the road with Mennonite or Amish buggies. Other tours are Every Town a Treasure, which includes seven historic river towns; the Post Office Art and Architecture Tour; the historic Underground Railroad Tour; the Native Paths Driving Tour; and the Heritage Trail Tour. Susquehanna River attractions are nearly endless, from a paddlewheel riverboat ride to cave explorations to an alpaca farm. Biking, bird watching, fishing, and fall foliage touring are also popular. Photo: chinkle/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania" Back to Top or Contemporary art, Spa Treatment, Watch live, Trip ideas, Beach vacations, Weekend getaways

Fun places to go near me & affordable weekend getaways near me: Things to Do in Canada, Places to visit in India, Things to Do in Greenville, Honeymoon destinations in US, Things to Do in Plattsburgh, Seafood Near Me, NC Getaways

Cape May is a seaside vacation destination located less than two hours outside Philadelphia. During summer, visitors can take advantage of wide, sandy beaches and cool waters where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Surfing, boating, fishing, golfing, kayaking, parasailing, and boat cruising at sunset are a few of the dozens of activities on offer at the cape.

During cooler off-season days, the shops and restaurants of Washington Street Mall take center stage. You can catch a show at one of the local theater companies, visit a museum, or take a spa day. Cape May also offers seasonal activities like whale watching. Photo: eduard4us/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania" Back to Top or Fun places to go, Travel inspiration, Insider's guide & Vacation spots near me

Places to visit near me, inexpensive romantic getaways: West Coast vacations, Things to Do in Sonoma, Things to Do in Waco, Ice Cream, Apr, Ohio lakes, May, Things to Do in Nassau, Romantic Scotland, Things to do in Lake Geneva, Things to Do in Tyler TX, Things to Do in Laughlin

The Tuckahoe River weaves through a salt marsh, six impoundments, and tidal creeks, making its way to Great Egg Harbor River and Bay. This area has an eight-mile, self-guided driving tour where visitors drive along a sandy gravel road among the impoundments, a hardwood swamp, and a pine-oak forest called Pine Barrens.

It’s a bird watcher’s paradise due to the amazing diversity of birds and waterfowl the area supports. There are numerous pull-outs along the way that offer visitors hiking opportunities. There are no facilities here, but there is a boat ramp for large and small boats as well as a parking lot. Address: P.O. Box 402, Trenton, NJ, Phone: 866-337-5669 Photo: watcherfox/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania for Couples" Back to Top or More ideas: malls near me, nightlife, water park, shopping center, nightclubs, breakfast

Things to do with kids in: Honeymoon Ideas, Wisconsin waterfalls, Train, Las Vegas Shows, Places to Visit in France, Things to Do in Milford, Things to Do in Kennett Square, Things to Do in Reading, Things to Do in Vancouver WA, Ireland cities, More fun stuff to do near me

Belleplain State Forest is a quick way to trade in city life for a day immersed in nature. Visitors can go on guided nature walks with a park trail guide or set off on their own on one of the many trails that wind through the forest.

This is also a great place for mountain biking and horseback riding. There is even a fitness trail available for the hard core hiker. There are also a variety of interpretive programs for which visitors can preregister all year round. During summer, picnicking, boating, camping, and swimming are popular activities here. Winter sets the stage for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Address: 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ, Phone: 609-861-2404 Photo: Pakhnyushchyy/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania" Back to Top or Travel tips, Hiking trails, Beach vacations, Golf courses, Arts center, Travel guide, Amusement parks

Fun places to go near me & affordable weekend getaways near me: Redwood, Vegas to Grand Canyon, Bakersfield, Dominican Republic, Frisco, Things to Do in Prescott, Spain, WY, Things to Do in Cape Coral, Wisconsin lakes, Underwater, ND, places to stay in Nebraska

Wharton State Forest is not your typical outdoor recreational area. Within the forest, visitors will be dazzled by Batsto Village – an 18th century historic village – with 33 preserved structures including a general store, sawmill, gristmill, post office, and a blacksmith shop that provides live demonstrations.

There are also the Batsto Mansion and the homes of former village workers here. Even deeper into the forest is Harrisville Village, an abandoned mill town turned ghost town; it too is open for tours. The 1826 Greek Revival style Atison Mansion is also located in the forest and tours are available. Additionally, Wharton has everything you would expect from a recreational state forest. Address: 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ, Phone: 609-561-0024 Photo: Macier 3 Photography/Fotolia

"25 Best Day Trips in Pennsylvania for Couples" Back to Top or Travel destinations, Family Travel, Summer Getaways, Travel Tips, More Unique Elopement Ideas & Sights

Fun Weekend Getaways & Things to do near me: Huntington Beach, Disney, Things to Do in Chelsea, NantucketOrange County trails, Beckley, Things to Do in Silverton, Murfreesboro, Palm Springs hotels, Luxury, Romantic weekend getaways in SD, family vacations in Wisconsin, Golf, Scottsdale weather, More fun stuff to do near me

At 18 miles long and half a mile wide, Long Beach Island in New Jersey is a beach lover’s dream come true. Small towns like Viking Village, the island’s northern commercial fishing hub and home to Barnegat Light House, and the laidback neighboring seaside towns of Surf City, Harvey Cedar, and Loveladies give the island its charm.

Towns at the island’s southern end are the hip and happening yang to the northern end’s yin. Visitors will love the island’s two waterparks here as well as the fascinating Schooner’s Wharf shopping hot spot inside the hull of a tall ship. You can swim, sightsee, bike, shop, and dine on the island. Photo: Andrew Kazmierski/Fotolia

Family Weekend Trips: where to get married, Things to Do in PaducahCripple Creek, Texas hiking, LA museums, Joplin, NYC museums, Things to Do in Port Aransas, Things to Do in Shreveport, Attalla, Kauai resorts