Looking for a dreamy escape made for two? These Pennsylvania day trips for couples offer romantic views, charming towns, and peaceful nature—perfect for reconnecting together!
Highlights:
Unique Pennsylvania Day Trips for Couples:
1. Enjoy the Scenery in The Pocono Mountains
The Pocono Mountains, commonly known as the Poconos, are one of the Eastern United States' top outdoor recreational destinations, stretching for over 2,400 square miles throughout northeastern Pennsylvania within the Lehigh and Wyoming Valleys. The mountain region, which is one of the most popular getaway destinations for New York and New Jersey residents, is home to nearly a dozen state and national parks, including the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, which stretches for 74 protected miles and preserves the historic Delaware and Hudson Canal. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers year-round opportunities for fishing, hunting, swimming, and skiing. Beautiful landmarks include Bushkill Falls, which offers hiking trails and photo opportunities, and Lake Wallenpaupack, a popular fishing and boat launch area.
2. Step back in time in Gettysburg
Gettysburg is a lovely historical town in central Pennsylvania, best known as the home of Gettysburg National Battlefield, which preserves one of the American Civil War's most important battle sites. Gettysburg National Military Park is home to the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, which showcases Civil War-era artifacts and weapons. Nearby, the Gettysburg National Cemetery commemorates the site of United States President Abraham Lincoln's iconic 1863 Gettysburg Address speech. A plethora of living history museums detail the region's civilian history, including the Jennie Wade House, the Shriver House Museum, and the David Wills House. Visitors can explore the region's cultural heritage at the Gettysburg Heritage Center, explore the former home of a United States President at Eisenhower National Historic Site, or tour the city's delicious food scene as part of tours by Savor Gettysburg.
3. Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe is a lovely eastern Pennsylvania town named in honor of professional athlete Jim Thorpe, the first indigenous American to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States team. Visitors can explore the town's history and learn about Thorpe's athletic legacy at the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center, which also features exhibits related to the region's mining industry. Nearby, the No. 9 Mine and Museum preserves an historic 19th-century anthracite coal mine and offers guided tours. Abstract expressionist art is on display at the Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation, while area cultural history is showcased at the preserved 1861 Asa Packer Mansion. Lehigh Gorge State Park offers excellent outdoor recreational opportunities, including chances for scenic railroad rides aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.
4. Kennett Square
Kennett Square is a charming Chester County borough that has been acclaimed as the "Mushroom Capital of the World" for its extensive mushroom farming operations, which produce over a million pounds of the funghi each year. The city's mushroom-growing heritage dates back to the late 19th century, as a complement to utilize wasted space underneath carnation-growing beds in the region's farmlands. Today, the city hosts an annual Kennett Mushroom Festival each September, which showcases an elaborate parade, mushroom farm tours, and food vendors. Annual holiday festivals include a Cinco de Mayo celebration in the city's downtown district and an annual Kennett Brewfest beer tasting event. Visitors can explore beautiful Longwood Gardens, attend summer concerts at lovely Anson B. Nixon Park, or peruse area art galleries and studios as part of the city's monthly First Friday Art Strolls events.
5. DuBois
DuBois is Clearfield County's most populous city, located approximately an hour and a half northeast of the city of Pittsburgh. The charming city is home to the beautiful Treasure Lake resort community, which offers 8,000 acres of recreational amenities for residents and visitors, including two PGA-rated championship golf courses, three swimming beaches, two boating and fishing lakes, and an overnight campground. Nearby, Cook Forest State Park preserves one of Pennsylvania's most important tracts of virgin timberland, offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The city's downtown district is known for its cultural attractions, including the Winkler Gallery of Fine Arts, which showcases art exhibits and hosts the annual DuBois Arts Festival. Couples can also taste fine wines at several area wineries, including Laurel Mountain Vineyard and Wapiti Ridge Wine Cellars.
Holiday Day Trips for Couples:
6. Ambler, PA
Ambler, PA is a charming Montgomery County borough located approximately 15 minutes north of the city of Philadelphia, known for its lovely cultural attractions, including the Barrymore Award-winning Act II Playhouse professional theater. Visitors can attend performances by the Ambler Symphony Orchestra or view showings of independent and art films at the 1927 Ambler Theater, originally opened in 1927 as a Warner Brothers cinema and recently completely renovated into a nonprofit community theater. Unique murals are on display at the city's post office, created by artist Harry Sternberg and commissioned by the United States Section of Painting and Sculpture. Nearby, Wissahickon Creek offers hiking experiences, while Fort Washington State Park offers opportunities for disc golf. Once a month, the city's First Fridays events bring live music performances, art gallery openings, and food vendors to the city's downtown district.
7. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is a lovely Lehigh Valley city near Allentown, known for its annual 10-day Musikfest, which draws more than a million attendees and showcases free live music performances. The city, which is part of Pennsylvania's third-largest metropolitan region, is known for its lovely historic downtown district, which is home to attractions such as the unique Banana Factory arts complex and the Touchstone Theatre. Visitors can peruse the city's lovely boutiques and restaurants or enjoy opportunities for urban recreational experiences at Sand Island Park, which is home to a children's playground, clay tennis courts, and hiking and biking trails. Nearby, the SteelStacks campus hosts festivals and concerts throughout the year, while Dutch Springs offers summer water thrill rides and attractions.
8. Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg is a lovely historic town in Columbia County, known for its laid-back atmosphere and lovely cultural attractions. The city, which was once a hub of textile mill production in the central Pennsylvania region, is now home to a beautiful National Historic District downtown lined with charming shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can enjoy theatrical performances by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble or bring families to Town Park, which is home to the massive Kidsburg 2.0 community children's playground. Each year, the city hosts the annual Bloomsburg Fair in September, which offers carnival rides, food vendors, and live entertainment. Other annual special events include the Town Park Ice Cream and Cake Festival and the Renaissance Jamboree.
9. Bucks County
Bucks County is a lovely district just north of the city of Philadelphia, located along the banks of the Delaware River. The charming region is known for its Revolutionary war attractions, including Washington Crossing Historic Park, which marks the spot of an important river crossing attack by George Washington's army. Visitors can explore the charming downtown district of quaint towns like Doylestown, New Hope, and Bristol, which are known for their delicious restaurants, eclectic boutiques, and unique antique stores. Peace Valley Park, anchored around the banks of Lake Galena, offers excellent outdoor recreational opportunities. Couples traveling with children in tow can enjoy the lively rides and attractions of Sesame Place. More than 15 breweries are located along the Bucks County Ale Trail, which is also home to several vineyards.
10. Bushkill, Pennsylvania
Bushkill, Pennsylvania is a lovely unincorporated community in Pike County, best known as the home of its namesake falls, considered to be the "Niagara of Pennsylvania." Visitors can explore the iconic eight-tiered falls via a network of hiking trails and bridges that are open to the public throughout the year. The Pennsylvania Wildlife Exhibit, located near the entrance to the falls' grounds, showcases displays related to the area's indigenous wildlife. Excellent outdoor recreational opportunities are offered throughout the region, including chances for all-season snowtubing, ziplining, and ropes adventure courses. The Pocono Environmental Education Center showcases exhibits related to the region's ecology, while the Pocono Indian Museum tracks the history of the region's indigenous tribes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Question: What makes Pennsylvania a great destination for visitors?
- Answer: Pennsylvania is one of the mid-Atlantic's loveliest states, home to vibrant metropolises Pittsburgh and Philadelphia on its western and eastern ends. Couples can enjoy world-class dining, shopping, and cultural attractions in both cities or explore some of the nation's loveliest small towns in the state's interior.
- Question: What are some of the amusement parks in Pennsylvania?
- Answer: Amusement parks abound in Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh's Kennywood, Allentown's Dorney Park, Altoona's Lakemont Park, Erie's Waldameer Amusement Park, and Hersheypark, the anchor attraction of chocolate-focused tourist town Hershey.
- Question: What are some charming cities in Pennsylvania?
- Answer: The Lehigh Valley is home to charming cities like Bethlehem, while Bucks County is noted for its historic city downtowns in areas such as Doylestown and New Hope.
Best Time for Romantic Day Trips in Pennsylvania:
- April to June – Spring brings garden strolls, winery visits, and charming small towns surrounded by fresh blooms.
- July to August – Summer is perfect for covered bridges, lake escapes, and sunset dinners in historic districts.
- September to October – Fall offers vibrant foliage, scenic drives, pumpkin patches, and cozy mountain getaways.
- November – Peaceful countryside, crisp air, and fewer crowds make it ideal for museums, cafés, and antique shopping.
- December to March – Winter invites couples to snowy villages, spa retreats, and festive lights in quaint towns.
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