Need a fun day trip or weekend escape in the Brandywine Valley? Head to West Chester! Stroll historic brick-lined streets, savor farm-to-table dining, and dive into the vibrant arts scene. Whether you're shopping boutiques, hiking scenic trails, or exploring Revolutionary War sites, West Chester blends small-town charm with rich history and lively culture.
West Chester, PA Highlights:
- Downtown West Chester: Explore a walkable downtown packed with boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and historic architecture.
- American Helicopter Museum & Education Center: Discover the history of rotary flight with hands-on exhibits and historic helicopters.
- Chester County History Center: Learn about local history through engaging exhibits and archives housed in a beautiful 19th-century building.
- Stroud Preserve: Hike peaceful trails through rolling hills, woodlands, and fields protected by Natural Lands Trust.
- West Chester Railroad: Ride a vintage train through the scenic Chester Creek Valley on seasonal excursions perfect for families.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit West Chester is during the spring and fall (April–June and September–November). Enjoy blooming gardens, colorful foliage, outdoor festivals, and mild weather ideal for walking tours and hiking. Winter brings festive holiday markets, while summer offers patio dining and lively street events.
Tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: West Chester is located off U.S. Route 202, about 45 minutes west of Philadelphia and 30 minutes north of Wilmington, Delaware.
- By Train: SEPTA Regional Rail connects Philadelphia to Exton Station (10 minutes away); taxis or rideshares can take you into downtown West Chester.
- By Plane: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is about a 40-minute drive from West Chester.
Where I like to stay
- Hotel Warner – Boutique hotel located right in downtown, offering stylish accommodations within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
- Faunbrook Bed & Breakfast – Romantic Victorian inn featuring antique-filled rooms, gourmet breakfasts, and serene garden grounds.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Chester – Convenient modern hotel great for families or business travelers, with easy access to area attractions.
Best Things to Do
1. The American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center
The American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center is a tribute to those who pioneered rotary wing aircraft and seeks to encourage those who will do so in the future. It is the only helicopter museum in the USA and attracts around 35000 visitors annually for a hands-on, climb aboard experience. There are ongoing drives to fund improvements such as the Adopt-a-Copter campaign. Once a month, helicopter rides are offered and Fathers' Day and Santa Fest are celebrated annually.
An interactive helicopter can be hired to travel to schools and events for a day. The shop at the museum sells pilot plushies and art prints.
1220 American Boulevard, West Chester, PA 19380, Phone: 610-436-9600
2. Stroud Preserve
The Stroud Preserve encourages open air activities. It is 571 acres of grasslands, farmlands and woodlands which brings together people and nature. Part of the preserve was donated by Dr Morris Stroud as a study site for water research. It demonstrates the balance between conserving natural habitats and protecting a watershed that provides drinking water for thousands of people. There are hiking trails laid out and kayaking and canoeing are allowed in the rivers. Regular outdoor events are held, such as evening music concerts, butterfly walks and a family splish-splash. The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset all year round.
1031 Palmers Mill Road, Media, PA 19063, Phone: 610-353-5587
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3. Sandy Hollow Heritage Park
Sandy Hollow Heritage Park marks the spot where, during the Revolutionary War, on 11 September 1777, the Battle of Brandywine was fought. It is a place intended for quiet reflection and passive recreation. On the one mile long pedestrian path, there is a board commemorating those who fell on both sides of the conflict. There were substantial casualties on the day and many were buried where they fell. British and American soldiers are buried in a common grave in the nearby Birmingham Burying Grounds. Although General Washington was defeated on the day, it deepened the resolve to fight on.
Sandy Hollow Heritage Park, 1040 West Street Road, West Chester, PA 19382-8012, Phone: 610-793-2600
4. William Brinton 1704 House
William Brinton was born in Britain and built his two story, stone home in the style of medieval England. It is a Quaker home and an excellent example of early Delaware Valley houses. The walls are 22 inches thick and the steep roof is supported by chimneys at each end. It was built in 1704 and was one of 14 houses in the battlefield area of the 1777 Battle of Brandywine. It changed hands several times and was finally repurchased by Brinton decendants in 1947 and donated to the West Chester Historical Society. It is open for tours on weekend afternoons from May to October.
William Brinton 1704 House, 21 Oakland Road, West Chester, PA 19382, Phone: 610-399-0913
5. Chester County History Center Museum
The Chester County History Center was established by the community back in 1893. At first the center was dedicated to locating and preserving just about anything related to West Chester history and this collection formed the core of the museum when it eventually opened in the historic Horticultural Hall in 1942. The collection includes hundreds of documents and artifacts which tell the story of all historic aspects of life in the south east of Pennsylvania. Today the Chester County History Center Museum boasts both permanent and changing exhibits aimed at educating visitors about how history has impacted our modern lives. The museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Chester County History Center Museum, 225 N. High Street, West Chester, PA 19380, 610 692 4800
Where to Eat
6. High Street Caffe
Donny Syracuse and Jay Wenner, a musician and a chef, established the High Street Caffe in 1996. The restaurant specializes in Cajun and Creole cuisine as well as exotic dishes, such as wild boar, kangaroo, ostrich and alligator. There are 20 appetizers and 30 entrees on the menu. Wine, beer and cocktails are served from the bar. High Street Caffe is a popular venue and has won numerous awards. Booking is advised on weekends. Take-out is also an option. The restaurant is open 7 days a week.
West Chester, PA 19382, Reservations, Phone: 610-696-7435
7. Four Dogs Tavern
Four Dogs Tavern is situated in the former stables of the Marshalton Inn, an historic building on the Strasburg Road which was the main road between Pittsburg and Philadelphia. The tavern's name is taken from a painting by Frenchman, Godefroy Jadin. Co-owner and chef, David Cox had an illustrious track record before returning to his home town to open an American brasserie. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are made into haute cuisine. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas and live music from Thursday to Sunday. The tavern is open 7 days a week.
1300 W Strasburg Rd,West Chester, PA 19382, Phone: 610-692-4367
8. Penn's Table Restaurant
Penn's Table Restaurant has been in business since 1976. It has changed hands twice since then but the welcoming atmosphere and good American food remain the same. It is open 7 days a week and breakfast is served all day. The restaurant offers catering services for a range of functions. Online ordering is possible for a pick up time determined by the customer
100 W Gay St, West Chester,PA 19380, Phone: 610-696-0677
9. Mather Planetarium
Operated by the Department of Earth and Space Science, the Mather Planetarium forms part of the West Chester University. The original planetarium was built in 1969, but received a major upgrade in 2013, due to a generous donation from Dr. Sandra Mather. Today’s planetarium is a state-of-the-art modern facility which boasts a 32ft nanoseam dome and an amazing digital projector. The facility is mainly used for educational purposes for university and school groups, but it also hosts public astronomy programs. The public is invited to attend public programs on Friday evenings during the academic year. These take the form of live shows (once a month) and pre-recorded movie shows.
Mather Planetarium, 700 S. High Street, West Chester, PA 19383, 610 436 1000
My favorite local events:
- West Chester Restaurant Festival (September) – Savor food samples from dozens of local restaurants alongside live music and craft vendors downtown.
- QVC West Chester Christmas Parade (December) – One of the biggest holiday parades in the region, featuring floats, bands, and a festive tree lighting ceremony.
- West Chester Summer Sidewalk Sale (July) – Stroll downtown and find deals from local boutiques, plus outdoor dining and family activities.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of West Chester, Pennsylvania:
- Longwood Gardens (25 min) – Stroll through 1,000 acres of world-famous gardens, conservatories, and fountains in nearby Kennett Square.
- Brandywine River Museum of Art (20 min) – View the iconic works of Andrew Wyeth and explore scenic river trails near Chadds Ford.
- Marsh Creek State Park (25 min) – Swim, kayak, or picnic at this beautiful lakefront park surrounded by rolling hills.
- Valley Forge National Historical Park (30 min) – Explore historic Revolutionary War sites, hike wooded trails, and tour Washington’s headquarters.
- Chaddsford Winery (20 min) – Sample local wines and enjoy outdoor tastings at one of Pennsylvania’s top wineries.
Plan Your Trip