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Need a relaxing weekend or a fun day trip near Philly? Head to Exton! Nestled in scenic Chester County, Exton blends suburban charm with history, shopping, nature, and great eats. Whether you're hiking trails, browsing shops, or exploring heritage sites, Exton offers something for everyone.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Exton is from late spring through early fall (May to October). This season brings mild weather, blooming parks, and outdoor festivals perfect for hiking, biking, or exploring the nearby Brandywine Valley.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Exton is conveniently located at the junction of U.S. Route 30 and PA Route 100, just 45 minutes west of Philadelphia.
  • By Train: The Exton Amtrak and SEPTA stations offer regular service to Philadelphia and Harrisburg.
  • By Bus: SEPTA buses connect Exton to nearby towns, and Greyhound provides service to larger cities.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Indigo West Chester – Exton – Stylish rooms and a bistro just minutes from Exton Square Mall and hiking trails.
  • Fairfield Inn by Marriott – Reliable comfort and complimentary breakfast near shopping and dining hubs.
  • Duling-Kurtz House & Country Inn – Historic inn and fine dining in a restored 19th-century farmhouse.

Top Attractions

1. Walk, Run, or Ride the Scenic Chester Valley Trail

Walk, Run, or Ride the Scenic Chester Valley Trail

© WavebreakMediaMicro/stock.adobe.com

Chester Valley Rail Trail is a 13 miles long rail trail running through the Chester and Montgomery counties near Exton, south east Pennsylvania. The Chester Valley Trail is a multi-use, rail-to-trail roadway that runs through central Chester County from West Whiteland Township, into Montgomery County. The 10- to 12-foot-wide asphalt trail is open daily, from 8 a.m. to sunset and has a mild uphill grade from King of Prussia to Exton. There are a couple of short hills in Malvern, just past PA 29.

Chester Valley Trail runs along US 202, travelling through a wooded corridor followed up by farmland as it approaches Exton. The area is one of the most populated and with the largest employment concentrations in the Philadelphia. The trail provides a crucial connection to the planned 750-mile trail network throughout Greater Philadelphia.

Chester Valley Trail, Exton, PA

2. Grab a Hearty Bite at Ron’s Original Bar & Grille

Grab a Hearty Bite at Ron’s Original Bar & Grille

© Ron's Original Bar and Grille

For the last 28 years Ron's Original Bar and Grille has been the place where locals go for a homey, cozy vibe and great menu with something for everyone. Exposed brick walls, comfortable booths, large semi-circular bar and plenty of TVs to watch your favorite team make Ron’s one of the favorite spots in Exton. The food is mostly Italian with many gluten-free options. The salad dressings, soups and appetizers are mostly made in-house. All ingredients are natural, with no preservatives, no MSG, hormones, trans fats or high fructose corn syrup. They use organic produce whenever available. The bar is very popular and is always buzzing with activity. It offers 20 draft beers and great choices of wines, vodkas, whiskeys and other drinks. There is live music on the weekends.

Ron's Original Bar and Grille , 74 E Uwchlan Ave #1203, Exton, PA 19341, Phone: 610-594-9900

3. Play, Bowl, and Game at Round 1

Play, Bowl, and Game at Round 1

© zinkevych/stock.adobe.com

Round 1 is an entertainment facility offering bowling, arcade games, billiards, karaoke, ping pong, darts, a Kids Zone play area and food court within the complex. With numerous facilities in Japan and the USA, Round 1 offers huge range of entertainment options in about 50,000-square feet space. Their Exton location is located in Exton Square shopping center, and it attracts players from the many communities in the area. Round 1 can be rented for all kinds of parties and celebrations and with the Kids Play Zone, makes wonderful location for memorable birthday parties.

Round 1, 172 Exton Square Mall d100, Exton, PA 19341, Phone: 484-252-2819

4. Step into History at the Duling-Kurtz House and Country Inn

Step into History at the Duling-Kurtz House and Country Inn

© Duling-Kurtz House and Country

Duling-Kurtz House and Country is a country-style B&B in a charming 1830 building about four miles from Gibson's Covered Bridge and five miles from the American Helicopter Museum. It is not far from the local shopping malls and restaurants, in a pleasant wooded area off Highway 30. The rooms are all uniquely styled and warm, with antique furniture, four poster beds and wooden floors. Some have fireplaces and private patios. Guests enjoy free wifi, continental breakfast and a cozy lounge, a bar and an upscale restaurant with eight private dining rooms. There is a frequent live entertainment.

Duling-Kurtz House and Country, 146 S Whitford Rd, Exton, PA 19341, Phone: 610-524-1830

5. Catch a Game and a Burger at Appetites on Main

Catch a Game and a Burger at Appetites on Main

© Appetites on Main

Appetites on Main is a sports bar located in Main Street at Exton shopping mall in Exton, Pennsylvania, known for its American pub grub menu, 19 TVs , regular live entertainment such as pub quiz nights and a large dog-friendly patio. Cheerful and lively, Appetites has a pleasant pub atmosphere similar to the popular show Cheers. Appetites is Exton’s March college basketball headquarters, so visitors can be sure to see all their games while enjoying comfort food and cool beers. The bar has 14 beers on tap and about 80 craft bottles and just about any other drink the guests can think of. During the day, on warm days, one wall of the restaurant opens up to the large patio where guests can bring their best four-legged friends. Appetites has a special menu just for them.

Appetites on Main, 286 Main St, Exton, PA 19341, Phone: 610-594-2030

6. Challenge Your Wits at Elite Escape Rooms

Challenge Your Wits at Elite Escape Rooms

© Elite Escape

Booking a family adventure at Elite Escape is a sure-fire way to get the kids off their screens and using their problem solving skills in a fun way. Ideal for family groups, date nights, birthday celebrations or team-building events, Elite Escape has provided hours and hours of fun for people from all walks of life. To join the adventure all you need to do is round up a team and book your favorite escape. Escape from Oz is the best room for newcomers, while Playroom Pandemonium is the most difficult room. Regardless of which room you choose, you and your team will need to work together to solve the puzzles and codes needed to escape in 60 minutes.

Elite Escape, 264 Eagleview Blvd, Exton, PA 19341, 484 879 4196

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Exton Park – 700-acre public space with walking trails, sports fields, and birdwatching areas.
  • Exton Square Mall – A shopping and dining destination with national brands and local favorites.
  • American Helicopter Museum – Explore aviation history with hands-on exhibits and real helicopters.
  • Historic Yellow Springs – A short drive away, offering art galleries, colonial buildings, and natural springs.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Exton Park Summer Concert Series – Enjoy live music and food trucks during warm summer evenings.
  • Chester County Restaurant Festival (September) – Sample dishes from local eateries in nearby West Chester.
  • Applebrook Fall Fest (October) – Seasonal fun with hayrides, pumpkins, and artisan vendors.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Exton, Pennsylvania:

  • West Chester (10–15 min) – Stroll historic streets, dine at charming cafés, or catch a show at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center.
  • Valley Forge National Historical Park (25–30 min) – Tour Revolutionary War sites, bike trails, and monuments.
  • Longwood Gardens (30 min) – Explore world-renowned botanical gardens with fountains, meadows, and greenhouses.
  • King of Prussia (20–25 min) – Shop at one of the largest malls in the U.S. or enjoy upscale dining.
  • Marsh Creek State Park (15–20 min) – Kayak, fish, or picnic around the peaceful lake surrounded by trails.
  • Downtown Phoenixville (25–30 min) – Known for craft breweries, quirky boutiques, and its historic Colonial Theatre.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Exton located?
    • Exton is a small town in Chester County.
  • What is the Chester Valley Rail Trail?
    • The Chester Valley Rail Trail is a 13-mile-long paved multi-use rail trail connecting Chester and Montgomery counties.
  • What entertainment options does Round1 offer?
    • Round1 is a popular entertainment facility featuring bowling, arcade games, billiards, karaoke, ping pong, darts, and a Kids Zone play area.
  • What can visitors do at Boot Road Park?
    • Boot Road Park is a small urban park with several sports fields, a kids' playground, and paved walking paths.
  • What is Pinot’s Palette Exton?
    • Pinot’s Palette Exton is a unique art studio that offers art classes where students are encouraged to bring wine and food while creating their masterpieces.

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