Need a quick escape from Philadelphia or a fun weekend in Bucks County? Head to Bensalem! This diverse town combines riverside beauty, historical roots, and modern thrills like casino gaming and horse racing. Whether you're after nature trails, outlet shopping, or date night entertainment, Bensalem has something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bensalem is from spring through fall (April to October). These months offer ideal weather for exploring parks, attending outdoor events, and enjoying waterfront views. Fall foliage in nearby state parks is a bonus!
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Bensalem is conveniently located near I-95, Route 1, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike—just 30 minutes northeast of downtown Philadelphia.
- By Train: The SEPTA Trenton Line stops at nearby Cornwells Heights Station, offering access from Center City Philadelphia and Trenton, NJ.
- By Air: Philadelphia International Airport is about 40 minutes away, with easy car or train connections.
Where to Stay
- Holiday Inn Bensalem-Philadelphia Area – Contemporary hotel near Parx Casino, with a pool and on-site dining.
- Candlewood Suites Bensalem – Extended-stay option with full kitchens and a quiet location for longer visits.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Philadelphia/Bensalem – Clean, comfortable, and close to major attractions and restaurants.
Top Attractions
1. Try Your Luck and Catch Live Entertainment at Parx Casino
Rating: ★★★★★
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What is the largest casino gaming complex in Pennsylvania?
- 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.
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What amenities does Parx Casino offer?
- Besides gaming, Parx Casino offers live entertainment, promotional events, along with thoroughbred racing.
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How large is the gaming area at Parx Casino?
- In total, there are more than 150,000 square feet of space dedicated to casino games and over 3,330 slot machines.
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What dining options are available at Parx Casino?
- 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.
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What kind of entertainment events does Parx Casino host?
- The venue, Xcite Center, hosts exciting entertainment events such as performances, boxing matches, and comedy shows.
Address: 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 888-LUV-PARX
2. Hike, Picnic, or Boat at Neshaminy State Park
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When was Neshaminy State Park established?
- Neshaminy State Park was established in 1956 and encompasses 330 acres of land in Bensalem.
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What bodies of water are within Neshaminy State Park?
- An area of this park includes the Neshaminy Creek and the Delaware River.
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Can visitors swim in the Delaware River at Neshaminy State Park?
- Although swimming in the river is not allowed, there is a swimming pool open daily during the summer months.
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Are there lifeguards and fees for the swimming pool?
- Lifeguards are present, and there is an admission fee to swim.
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What other water activities are available at Neshaminy State Park?
- A boat marina is located at the Delaware River, attracting many boaters when the weather is warm.
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What land-based activities can visitors enjoy?
- Besides swimming and boating, people visit the park to hike.
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What scenic view can hikers see at Neshaminy State Park?
- Hikers who walk along the Logan Point trail can see the Philadelphia skyline.
Address: 3401 State Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 215-639-4538
3. Experience the Thrill of Live Horse Racing at Parx Racing
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When did Parx Racing open?
- Parx Racing opened in 1974 as a thoroughbred horse racing venue.
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What was Parx Racing originally called?
- Formerly called Keystone Racetrack, this venue became Parx Racing in 1984 when it was bought by International Thoroughbred Breeders for $40 million.
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How long does the horse racing season last at Parx Racing?
- The horse racing season runs all year long and the venue hosts a number of different private events.
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What types of private events are hosted at Parx Racing?
- Events like parties and corporate functions are held in the indoor pavilions or outdoor picnic areas.
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What major racing events take place at Parx Racing?
- Racing events hosted here include the Pennsylvania Derby, Kentucky Derby, Belmont, Preakness, Breeders Cup, and more.
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How large is Parx Racing?
- In total, Parx Racing sits on 417 acres, has 1,400 stalls, and features a one-mile-long sand, clay, and loam track.
Address: 2999 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 215-639-9000
If you are traveling with kids:
4. Shop, Dine, and Catch a Movie at Neshaminy Mall
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When did Neshaminy Mall open?
- The Neshaminy Mall is a one-million-square-foot indoor shopping mall that opened in 1968.
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Why is it called Neshaminy Mall?
- It was named in honor of the nearby Neshaminy Creek.
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What natural features are included in Neshaminy Mall?
- The mall includes natural features like a fountain with a waterfall and several plants and trees native to the area.
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What is one of the major attractions of Neshaminy Mall?
- One of the highlights of the mall is the cinema theater, which was once ranked as a top 30 North American theater.
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How many retailers are in Neshaminy Mall?
- Over 120 retailers occupy the mall, offering guests countless shopping options.
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What dining options are available at Neshaminy Mall?
- The Neshaminy Mall has a variety of top-notch restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy lunch, a hot coffee, or dessert.
Address: 707 Neshaminy Mall, Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 215-357-6100
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
5. Step Back in Time at The Historical Society of Bensalem
© The Historical Society of Bensalem
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When was the Historical Society of Bensalem founded?
- The Historical Society of Bensalem became a non-profit organization in 1977, the year it was founded.
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What was one of the first goals of the Historical Society?
- One of their first priorities upon incorporation was to write a book on the history of Bensalem.
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When did the Historical Society publish their book?
- They accomplished this goal in 1984 when they published the book entitled, “Traveling Through Bensalem 1692-1984.”
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What community events does the Historical Society participate in?
- The Historical Society has been a part of many community events, like Bensalem Pride Day and the annual Civil War Reenactment that takes place in Neshaminy State Park every April.
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What can visitors do at the Historical Society?
- Visitors can walk through the Society’s learning center, look up property deeds, explore genealogy files, and study various historical artifacts.
Address: 3211 Knights Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 215-639-6575
6. Tee Off at Bensalem Township Country Club
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What features does Bensalem Township Country Club offer?
- The Bensalem Township Country Club features an exquisite 18-hole, par 70 golf course, a lovely clubhouse, and several refined banquet halls.
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Why do many couples choose Bensalem Township Country Club for their wedding?
- Many couples choose this country club for their wedding destination because of its beautiful and pristine setting.
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What outdoor wedding feature is available at the country club?
- There is an outdoor gazebo where many couples say their ‘I-dos’.
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What makes weddings at Bensalem Township Country Club special?
- The country club offers an incredible catering service, made up of a professional culinary team that prepares a variety of foods and hand-crafted drinks.
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Who helps ensure a smooth experience for wedding guests?
- An attentive and friendly waitstaff helps bring everything together for a seamless experience.
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What other events are celebrated at Bensalem Township Country Club?
- Besides weddings, other events like anniversaries, bar mitzvahs, and birthday parties are celebrated here.
Address: 2000 Brown Avenue Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 215-639-5556
7. Feast on Award-Winning BBQ at Smoke’n Dudes Barbecue Company
© Smoke'n Dudes Barbecue Company
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When did Smoke'n Dudes Barbecue Company open?
- Smoke'n Dudes Barbecue Company opened for business in the 1990s.
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What is the emphasis of Smoke'n Dudes Barbecue Company?
- Their emphasis is on serving the best quality BBQ food, yet they go steps beyond by employing top-tier chefs and cooking professionals.
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Where do the chefs at Smoke'n Dudes receive their training?
- They employ some of the best chefs and cooking professionals from schools like The Culinary Institute of America and The New England Culinary School.
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What makes their meat preparation stand out?
- They provide only the best quality meats. Every pig is prepared in the same exact way—smoked to perfection and served with homemade gravy.
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Does Smoke'n Dudes Barbecue Company offer catering?
- Catering is a big part of their business, and they cater hundreds of events each year.
3720 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA 19020, Phone: 215-752-5500
8. Test Your Wits at All in Adventures Escape Rooms
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Where is All in Adventures Escape Rooms located?
- Located in the Neshaminy Mall, All in Adventures Escape Rooms offers a fun outing for families or groups of friends.
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How many escape rooms does the facility offer?
- The facility offers a choice of 9 escape rooms with varying levels of difficulty, ensuring a fun but challenging experience for players of all ages.
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What themes are available in the escape rooms?
- Without leaving the mall, these escape rooms can transport you all over the globe as you solve problems and save cities, treasures, and more in Paris, Alcatraz, and the Bermuda Triangle.
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What is the goal of the escape room experience?
- Each team must work together to solve the clues and unravel puzzles before their time runs out.
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Are escape rooms suitable for special events?
- The escape rooms are great fun for birthday parties and other group celebrations.
Address: All in Adventures Escape Rooms, 707 Neshaminy Mall, Bensalem, PA 19020, 267 227 1101
Plan Your Trip