8 Best Things to Do in Bensalem, PA

By VI Staff on April 10, 2020

The township of Bensalem in Pennsylvania is a suburb of Philadelphia that is partially surrounded by the Neshaminy Creek and the Delaware River. This residential community offers visitors a peek into their history, lots of recreational activities, outdoor events, several parks to explore, and great shopping. There is a large casino, shopping mall, racehorse track, admired eateries, and more.

1.Parx Casino

Parx Casino in southeastern Pennsylvania is the largest casino gaming complex in the state. It’s also rated the number one casino in all of Pennsylvania. Besides gaming, Parx Casino offers live entertainment, promotional events, along with thoroughbred racing. In total, there are more than 150,000 square feet of space dedicated to casino games and over 3,330 slot machines. While gambling at Parx Casino, guests have several dining options to choose from, like ‘to-go’ service, sit down waiter service, or award-winning fine dining. And the venue, Xcite Center, hosts exciting entertainment events like such as performances, boxing matches, and comedy shows.

2999 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 888-LUV-PARX

2.Neshaminy State Park

Neshaminy State Park was established in 1956 and encompasses 330-acres of land in Bensalem. An area of this park includes the Neshaminy Creek and the Delaware River. Although swimming in the river is not allowed, there is a swimming pool open daily during the summer months. Lifeguards are present and there is an admission fee to swim. Also, a boat marina is located at the Delaware River, attracting many boaters when the weather is warm. Besides swimming and boating, people visit the park to hike. In fact, hikers who walk along the Logan Point trail can see the Philadelphia skyline.

3401 State Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 215-639-4538

3.Parx Racing

Parx Racing opened in 1974 as a thoroughbred horse racing venue. Formerly called Keystone Racetrack, this venue became Parx Racing in 1984 when it got bought by International Thoroughbred Breeders for $40 million. The horse racing season runs all year long and the venue hosts a number of different private events. Events like parties and corporate functions are held here in the indoor pavillions or outdoor picnic areas. And racing events that take place here include the Pennsylvania Derby, Kentucky Derby, Belmont, Preakness, Breeders Cup, and more. In total, Parx Racing sits on 417 acres, has 1,400 stalls, and a one-mile long sand, clay and loam track.

2999 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 215-639-9000

4.Neshaminy Mall

The Neshaminy Mall is a one-million-square-foot indoor shopping mall that opened in 1968. It was named in honor of the nearby Neshaminy Creek. As such, the mall includes natural features, like a fountain with a waterfall, and several plants and trees native to the area. One of the highlights of this mall is the cinema theater, once ranked as a top 30 North American theater. Over 120 retailers occupy the mall offering guests countless shopping options. Also, the Neshaminy Mall has a variety of top-notch restaurants, and cafes for visitors to enjoy lunch, a hot coffee, or dessert.

707 Neshaminy Mall, Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 215-357-6100

5.The Historical Society of Bensalem

The Historical Society of Bensalem became a non-profit organization in 1977, the year it was founded. One of their first priorities upon incorporation was to write a book on the history of Bensalem. They accomplished this goal in 1984 when they published the book entitled, “Traveling Through Bensalem 1692-1984.” Since this time, the Historical Society has been a part of many community events, like the Bensalem Pride Day and the annual Civil War Reenactment that takes place in Neshaminy State Park every April. Visitors can walk through the Society’s learning center, look up property deeds, genealogy files, and study various historical artifacts.

3211 Knights Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 215-639-6575

6.Bensalem Township Country Club

The Bensalem Township Country Club features an exquisite 18-hole, par 70 golf course, a lovely clubhouse, and several refined banquet halls. Many couples choose this country club for their wedding destination because of the beautiful and pristine setting. There is an outdoor gazebo as well, where many of these couples say their ‘I-dos’. What also makes weddings here possible is the incredible catering service made up of a professional culinary team that prepares a variety of foods and hand-crafted drinks. And there is an attentive and friendly waitstaff that helps bring it all together. Besides weddings, other events like anniversaries, bar mitzvahs, and birthday parties get celebrated here.

2000 Brown Avenue Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 215-639-5556

7.Bella Maria Tomato Pies

Bella Maria Tomato Pies is an authentic Italian pizza shop owned by a man named, Alex. His maternal and paternal family members were bakers who emigrated to the United States from Naples and Calabria, Italy during the 1920s. So, making pizza is more than just a craft for Alex, it’s an art form that he takes seriously. And the pizzas at Bella Maria Tomato Pies are not only made with his expertise, but they’re also made with love. Each day, the pizza dough and sauces are made fresh on-site. Besides pizza, customers can order pasta, salads, sandwiches and more.

3718 Bristol Pike., Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 215-244-8885

8.Smoke'n Dudes Barbecue Company

Smoke’n Dudes BBQ Company opened for business in the 1990s. Their emphasis is on serving the best quality BBQ food around, yet they go steps beyond this call. They employ some of the best chefs and cooking professionals from schools like The Culinary Institute of America and The New England Culinary School. When it comes to their meats, they only provide the best quality. For instance, every pig is prepared in the same exact way. It gets smoked to perfection, then is served with homemade gravy. Catering is also a big part of their business, and they cater hundreds of events each year.

3400 Neshaminy Blvd, Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 215-752-5500