Bensalem might sit quietly just outside the buzz of Philadelphia, but spend a day here and you’ll quickly realize—it has its own rhythm. From the heart-racing thrill of live horse races and the bright lights of Parx Casino to the peaceful stretch of shoreline at Neshaminy State Park, this town knows how to surprise you.
What struck me most wasn’t just the variety, but how each stop had its own story to tell. “It’s the kind of place where a full day somehow feels unhurried—where adventure and calm don’t compete, they coexist.”
Whether you're chasing adrenaline, wandering nature trails, sampling smoked barbecue, or solving clues in an escape room, Bensalem invites you to take your time—and enjoy every turn.
Best Things to Do in Bensalem, PA
Bright Lights and Big Wins at Parx Casino
Parx Casino felt like stepping into another world—where neon lights danced across the ceiling, the sound of slot machines hummed like background music, and there was a buzz in the air you could actually feel. I walked in a little unsure, but after a round of roulette and a surprisingly good cocktail, I was thinking, “Maybe a little risk isn’t such a bad thing.”
What I Loved Most: The variety—not just gaming, but live music, comedy shows, and high-energy bars that make it more than just a casino night.
My highlight? A bourbon-glazed burger and truffle fries at Liberty Bell Gastropub, enjoyed at a cozy booth after cashing out with a modest win. I wasn’t in Vegas, but it felt just as fun.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Right off Street Road in Bensalem
- Vibe: Lively, grown-up, glitzy
- Highlights: Slot machines, table games, sportsbook, restaurants, shows
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings for the full experience
- Cost: Free entry, gaming optional
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Address: 2999 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Nature Break at Neshaminy State Park
After the flashing lights of the casino, Neshaminy State Park was like a deep breath. The river breeze carried the scent of salt and pine, and the trails curved gently through tall trees and open grassy fields. I remember sitting on a bench by the water, watching a sailboat drift by, and thinking, “This is what balance feels like.”
What I Loved Most: The mix of everything—wooded trails, open picnic spaces, and beautiful views of the Delaware River that make it feel farther from the city than it is.
My highlight? A packed picnic of deli sandwiches and kettle chips under a shady tree near the marina. No phone. Just sun, breeze, and stillness.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Just east of I-95, near the river
- Vibe: Relaxed, natural, family-friendly
- Highlights: Hiking, picnicking, river views, boating access
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for ideal weather
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Address: 3401 State Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Thundering Hooves at Parx Racing
There’s a kind of thrill that only comes from live horse racing. The thundering hooves, the crowd rising to cheer, the intense focus in the jockeys’ postures—it’s electric. At Parx Racing, I stood by the rail with a betting slip in hand and thought, “Win or lose, this moment is the real rush.”
What I Loved Most: Being so close to the track and watching the horses charge toward the finish—it made the whole day feel larger than life.
My highlight? A soft pretzel and cold lemonade between races, sitting under the grandstand shade, soaking in the sun and the soundtrack of excitement all around.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Adjacent to Parx Casino
- Vibe: Old-school excitement with a modern edge
- Highlights: Live racing, betting, food court, shaded seating
- Best Time to Visit: Live race days—typically Mondays, Tuesdays, and select Saturdays
- Cost: Free admission
- Hours: Varies by race schedule
- Address: 3001 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
Retro Feels and Local Finds at Neshaminy Mall
Wandering through Neshaminy Mall felt a little like stepping into a time capsule—with just enough updates to make it feel familiar and fresh. I popped into a few classic stores, caught a matinee at the theater, and browsed a local artisan booth in the center court. I remember thinking, “Not everything needs to be flashy—sometimes comfort feels like nostalgia.”
What I Loved Most: The mix of big-name stores and quirky smaller shops, plus the movie theater with buttery popcorn and comfy seats.
My highlight? A stop at Auntie Anne’s for cinnamon sugar pretzel bites (because some mall traditions are too good to skip) and a quick recharge at the indoor café with an iced chai.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Off Route 1, near the casino
- Vibe: Chill, nostalgic, casual
- Highlights: Shopping, dining, movie theater, pop-up booths
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for quieter strolls, weekends for more energy
- Cost: Free to enter, varies by activity
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (may vary by store)
- Address: 707 Neshaminy Mall, Bensalem, PA 19020
Stories from the Past at The Historical Society of Bensalem
Sometimes it’s the smallest buildings that hold the biggest stories. At The Historical Society of Bensalem, I found myself paging through old photos, listening to tales of local families and long-gone landmarks. It was quiet, almost meditative, and I remember thinking, “This town has layers I never even imagined.”
What I Loved Most: The genuine passion of the volunteers—it felt like stepping into someone’s well-loved scrapbook.
My highlight? Learning about the local Lenape history and seeing artifacts from Bensalem’s earliest settlers. A simple visit, but a memorable one.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: In the historic district of Bensalem
- Vibe: Quiet, thoughtful, informative
- Highlights: Local archives, exhibits, guided stories
- Best Time to Visit: Check for open house events or appointment times
- Cost: Free (donations appreciated)
- Hours: Limited; check ahead for availability
- Address: 3211 Knights Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Solitude and Sky at Benjamin Rush State Park
I didn’t expect to find so much quiet so close to the city. But Benjamin Rush State Park gave me just that—wide open meadows, walking paths edged by tall grass, and the simple comfort of watching the clouds move slowly across the sky. As I strolled past the community gardens, I found myself thinking, “This is where busy finally stops.”
What I Loved Most: The open space—it’s one of the few undeveloped parks in the area, which means there’s room to breathe, walk, bike, or just exist without distraction.
My highlight? Finding a bench near the wildflower fields and just sitting for a while, watching birds flit between tree branches and feeling the sun warm my shoulders.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Northeast Philadelphia, bordering Bensalem
- Vibe: Natural, peaceful, uncrowded
- Highlights: Walking trails, community gardens, birdwatching, wide open fields
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for blooming wildflowers, or early fall for cooler walks
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Address: 15001 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Sticky Fingers and Smoked Meats at Smoke’n Dudes Barbecue Company
The second I walked into Smoke’n Dudes, I knew I’d be leaving with sauce on my hands. The smell of hickory smoke hit first—followed closely by the warm welcome of a place that knows its way around a smoker. After one bite of brisket, I found myself thinking, “This might be the best thing I’ve eaten all week.”
What I Loved Most: The juicy pulled pork, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and house-made sauces in squeeze bottles that encouraged generous drizzling.
My highlight? The combo platter—brisket, ribs, and spicy sausage—served with smoky baked beans and mac and cheese that deserved its own spotlight.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Near Street Road, close to other attractions
- Vibe: Laid-back, family-style, hungry-friendly
- Highlights: Meats smoked on-site, bold sauces, casual seating
- Best Time to Visit: Lunch or early dinner to avoid sell-outs
- Cost: ~$15–25 per person
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Address: 3400 Neshaminy Blvd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Time-Ticking Thrills at Adventures Escape Rooms
I didn’t expect to get so caught up in the story, but as the countdown began, the clues started clicking into place—and so did the fun. Adventures Escape Rooms had just the right mix of challenge and laughter. Somewhere between solving a lock combo and shouting “Wait, I think I found it!” I thought, “Why don’t I do this more often?”
What I Loved Most: The creativity of the rooms—each one with its own world, its own mystery, and enough twists to keep everyone on their toes.
My highlight? Escaping with two minutes to spare, hearts pounding, high-fives flying. We earned those bragging rights.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Just minutes from Neshaminy Mall
- Vibe: Energetic, playful, interactive
- Highlights: Themed rooms, team problem-solving, group fun
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings or weekends with friends
- Cost: ~$30 per person
- Hours: Varies; reservations recommended
- Address: 2118 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Conclusion: A Town That Balances Play and Pause
What I found in Bensalem was more than just a packed itinerary—it was a reminder that a great getaway doesn’t always require crossing state lines or checking into a hotel. Sometimes, it’s just a day spent somewhere new, where local charm meets unexpected energy. So next time you need a change of pace, Bensalem’s got you—whether you're betting big, hiking quiet trails, or sinking your teeth into brisket straight off the smoker.
More to explore...
Jump to a Spot...
- • Bright Lights and Big Wins at Parx Casino
- • Nature Break at Neshaminy State Park
- • Thundering Hooves at Parx Racing
- • Retro Feels and Local Finds at Neshaminy Mall
- • Stories from the Past at The Historical Society of Bensalem
- • Solitude and Sky at Benjamin Rush State Park
- • Sticky Fingers and Smoked Meats at Smoke’n Dudes Barbecue Company
- • Time-Ticking Thrills at Adventures Escape Rooms