20 Day Trips From Philadelphia In 2022 – Travel2Next

Philadelphia (or Philly for short) is a great city, but sometimes you just need to get out of the concrete jungle and explore what else is out there. Luckily, the city is surrounded by small towns, historical landmarks, beautiful nature trails plus iconic areas – all perfect for the day trip from Philadelphia. So whether you’re looking to explore some history, get your tourist on, or want to take a hike, here are twenty day trips from Philadelphia that are definitely worth the journey.

There are some exciting day outings from Philly; it all depends on your interests, how long you are usually willing to travel and regardless of whether you prefer public transport or have a car rental. So read upon for a highlight of the best day trips from Philadelphia, the City associated with Brotherly Love. Will you choose to ride in a buggy with the Amish in Lancaster Country, become part of history in Gettysburg or opt for the particular big town lights of New York City? If you have a day to spare, the choices are fascinating.

20 Time Trips From Philadelphia

Day Excursions From Philadelphia – Below 1 Hour

1- Bucks County Wines Trail – Bucks Region, PA

Dollars County will be the perfect day trip from Philadelphia for all a person wine lovers.

There are over 20 wineries along the Bucks State Wine Trail, so you can spend the day visiting different vineyards and doing tastings.

Aside from wine, Bucks County is home to beautiful countryside views and several small cities worth exploring.

Some outdoor activities here include hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing or kayaking.

Escape the particular concrete jungle for a day and explore character instead.

Bucks County is the perfect place to go.

The wine trail is usually extensive, and you may need more than a day, but it will take you only an hour to obtain there from Philadelphia (36 miles or 150km).

2- New Wish, PA

New Hope is a quaint little town along the Delaware River filled with cute shops, great restaurants and art galleries.

It’s the ideal place to stroll around plus enjoy the small-town charm.

Stroll down Main Street and do some window shopping at the unique boutiques and galleries.

Stop for lunch or even coffee at one associated with the many casual or upscale dining places.

In the afternoon, walk or even ride the bike along the scenic Delaware Canal towpath. Check out this guided e-bike trip .

If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a kayak or canoe and paddle down the Delaware Water.

New Hope is about an hour from Philadelphia plus a 42-mile (67 km) drive. If you prefer public transport, SEPTA offers the Regional Rail service through Philadelphia to the Brand new Hope station.

3- Valley Get National Historic Park – Valley Make, PA

Nestled in the particular rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania, Area Forge National Historical Park is the ideal day trip destination for background buffs and nature lovers.

Just a short drive from Philadelphia, this 3, 500-acre (1416 ha) park offers plenty of opportunities to explore the American Revolution, hike panoramic trails, plus breathe fresh air.

This recreation area commemorates the site of George Washington’s winter encampment during the Revolutionary War.

Admission is definitely free, making it a great option if you’re on a budget and excellent for the particular whole family.

It’s regarding 30 minutes outside Philly and only the 20-mile generate (32km) or even take a private tour in order to learn more from a guide.

4- Peddler’s Village – Lahaska, PENNSYLVANIA

Peddler’s Village can be an outside shopping mall with more than 70 stores selling everything from clothes to house goods to food.

There’s also a spa on-site if you want to relax and pamper yourself with regard to the time.

Peddler’s Village is in Dollars County, about an hr from Philadelphia.

It’s great for a day trip if you want somewhere different, away from Philadelphia’s history and natural landmarks.

The drive will be around 44 kilometers (70km), and parking is easy and free.

5- Media – Media Borough, PA

Media is a historic town in Delaware County filled with antique shops, artwork galleries, cafes and boutique stores.

Should you be looking in order to do some fun shopping or wish to explore a little bit of background, Media makes for an excellent day journey from Philadelphia.

Media Borough is about 20 minutes outside Philly simply by train or even car (22 miles or 35km) and a great option to escape through the city but not go too far away.

6- Eastern State Penitentiary – Fairmount, PA

One of Philadelphia’s most well-known attractions is certainly just outside the city – Eastern State Penitentiary.

It was operational regarding 140 years, from 1829 to 1969, and during that time, it housed some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone plus bank robber Willie Sutton.

Even in case you are unfamiliar with the story associated with Al Capone, you will certainly appreciate the dramatisation that is brought to the particular tours.

Time your visit well, and you can also do Halloween-themed ghost tours.

Make sure you wear comfy shoes as you’ll do a bit of walking. Right now there are a few great cafés and restaurants within the neighbouring area.

The particular penitentiary is only the 10-minute drive from Philadelphia (1 mile or 1 . 5km).

7- Wissahickon State Recreation area

Wissahickon Valley Park is northwest of downtown Philadelphia and one of the area’s largest parks.

With more than 50 mls of trails, it’s an excellent spot to hike, no matter your skill level.

There are usually also plenty of scenic spots to take a break and enjoy the particular scenery, and in the warmer months, you can wade ankle-deep into the cooling water (although swimming is not allowed for safety).

There are several various starting places across the park, however it may take approximately 25 moments to drive there (10 miles or even 16km).

8- Tyler State Park Waterfall, Bucks County, PA

The waterfall in Tyler Condition Park will be a 40-foot (12 m) beauty that you can reach via a short (. 25 kilometer or 400m) hike from the main parking area, plus it’s definitely worth your time.

The falls flow over a series associated with large rocks into a deep pool below, and it’s simply breathtaking (especially after a rain).

It is family-friendly, and you can choose a number of trails depending on how challenging you want it to be.

The waterfall is simply under a good hour’s generate from Philadelphia (35 miles or 65km).

9- Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, PENNSYLVANIA

Longwood Gardens is usually a beautiful place to visit almost all year round, especially in the spring when myriad flowers bloom.

In addition to walks through gardens filled up with flowers of every colour imaginable, there are fountains, ponds plus streams throughout the property.

There are also indoor landscapes with tropical plants if you need a break from your cold weather outdoors.

One of the most popular attractions at Longwood Gardens is definitely the four-acre (1. 6 ha) conservatory that houses different backyards, including a cactus garden and an orchid house.

It’s not really hard to invest an entire day exploring Longwood Gardens.

You can get in order to the gardens in a good hour’s push (37 kilometers or 60km) or let someone else drive and get a guided tour .

10- Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington may not automatically be high on your list of go-to places, but you should consider several great sights in this particular city just out of Philadelphia.

Hagley Museum is a National Historic Landmark that features the historic home, a working gristmill, and many hands-on exhibits.

If you’re interested in early American history, this is the perfect place.

Wilmington is also home to the French-inspired Nemours Mansion.

Explore the landscapes, tour the particular mansion and enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds. It is a relaxing way to spend each day within Delaware.

Along with over 10 miles (16 km) of walking paths, it’s one of the largest formal gardens in North America, or go on an e-bike cycling tour along with a local guide.

Wilmington is an easy generate from Philadelphia and can take a person under a good hour through the city (32 miles or even 50km)

11- Brandywine Battlefield State Park, Chadds Ford, PA

Brandywine Battlefield Condition Park is perfect for history buffs who will appreciate a visit towards the Visitor Center, where they can learn regarding the Battle of Brandywine that occurred on 11 September 1777.

The Visitor Center also houses the museum with artifacts from the battle and an auditorium where presentations are given on various topics related to the American Revolution.

Nature lovers will relish trekking the trails that wind through the particular 1, 100-acre (445 ha) park.

Keep your eyes peeled intended for wildlife as deer, turtles and birds are just about all known to make appearances.

The particular State Recreation area is about 32 mls from Philadelphia (50km), and the travel will consider about 50 minutes in order to an hour. This private Brandywine Valley Tour will take you to many places associated with your choice, including the Brandywine Battlefield.

Day time Trips Through Philadephia – Under two Hours

12- Lancaster County – Lancaster, PENNSYLVANIA

Lancaster Region is recognized for its Amish community.

Visitors can take horse-and-buggy rides through picturesque farmland or go on walking tours associated with Amish businesses and homes.

Additionally, there are various farmer’s markets and craft stores in Lancaster State where you can find locally made goods.

It has the particular largest continuously operating farmer’s market in the country.

Lancaster State is regarding one hour plus a half drive through Philadelphia – around 62 miles (100km). Find out more right here .

13- Atlantic City, NJ

Just the short drive from Philadelphia is Atlantic City, New Jersey, home of sunny beaches, boardwalk adventures and world-class casinos.

Try your hand at blackjack or slots at one of the many casinos or relax around the beach with a good book.

No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Ocean City.

The boardwalk is usually open year-round; however, the pier using the amusements can be seasonal, so best to go in the particular summer plus spring months.

Atlantic City is close to an hour’s drive through Philadelphia (60 miles or even 95km) or just over two hours by train.

14- Cape May, NJ

Cape May is a charming small town in New Jersey which is hugely popular in the warmer weeks.

This seaside town is certainly perfect pertaining to a summer day trip and offers lots of activities like fishing, windsurfing and sailing. One of the most well-known activities will be to carry on a whale and dolphin-spotting cruise .

Check out the Cape May Lighthouse meant for stunning sights of the particular shoreline.

Cape May is a 1 . 5-hour drive through Philadelphia (93 miles or even 150km) plus a stunning drive along the shore.

15- Jersey Shore

The trip to the shore is always a good idea, and there are plenty of options within driving distance of Philadelphia.

Whether you’re keen on calming on a beach or discovering the Boardwalk, there’s sure to be a beach city perfect designed for you. And don’t forget about all the delicious seafood.

You may be familiar with the Jersey Shore in the movies and TV, but it is even more beautiful within real life.

You may get to the Shirt Shore in around an hour or so and 20-minute drive (50 miles or 80km).

16- New York City

NYC is close to Philadelphia and may easily be done as a day trip.

In just 1 day, you can visit some associated with the majority of iconic attractions, enjoy world-class shopping plus dining and take in incredible views of the cityscape.

No matter what your own interests are usually, there’s sure to be something for everyone in NYC.

Just remember in order to pace yourself as there’s a lot of ground to cover within a time. This visit will give you a good idea of how much you are able to cram into a visit to New York in one day time.

Remember that NYC is usually huge, so you won’t be able to see every thing in just one day, thus try to focus on one or two specific locations.

Traffic between Philadelphia plus New York can add hrs towards the journey (and parking is extremely expensive), so the greatest way to travel is by teach.

You will get presently there in 1. 5 hours within the Amtrak rail system. It’s comfortable, safe and quick.

Time Trips From Philadephia – Over 2 hours

17- Gettysburg National Military Park – Gettysburg, PA

This historical site needs no introduction.

The particular Battle associated with Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, plus this park allows visitors to explore the particular battlefields, monuments and museums dedicated in order to preserving its memory.

The park is definitely about two hours outside of Philly, and the best way to get there is by car, and it will be a 142-mile commute (228 km).

There are many totally free attractions inside Gettysburg, including the Soldier’s National Cemetery, the final resting location for soldiers who died throughout the Fight of Gettysburg.

The cemetery is open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to half an hour right after sunset.

Another free attraction is Seminary Ridge Museum, which tells the story of how this area was used like a hospital during the battle. It also served being a lookout stage for Confederate troops.

Get your bearings on this two-hour guided history bus tour of Gettysburg Battlefield.

18- Hershey, PENNSYLVANIA

Who doesn’t love Hershey’s chocolate? Hershey, Pennsylvania, is house to Hershey Park , a world-famous amusement park your car with rides for everybody within the family members.

This is a day trip through Philadelphia for the young and young at heart.

Don’t miss out on the chance to trip the Hershey Chocolate Factory while in town.

It’s a sweet method to invest per day.

A person will know you are near when you start smelling the sweet chocolate aroma wafting from the chocolates factory in town.

Hershey is really a two-hour generate from Philadelphia (93 miles or 150km).

19- Delaware Water Gap Nationwide Recreation Area

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a lovely spot for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.

With more than 70 kilometers of paths, the recreation area offers some thing for everyone – whether or not you want to proceed hiking, biking, fishing, or even canoeing/kayaking plus admission can be free.

Raymondskill Falls is certainly a three-tiered waterfall popular with families and can be reached via the short, half-mile hike through the main parking area.

Once you see it, you’ll understand why it is one of the most popular waterfalls within Pennsylvania.

A thrilling way to explore would be to go on a personal flightseeing sight from the region .

You would be looking to get for about 2 . 5 hours in order to get to the main part of the park your car (112 miles or 180 km).

20- Washington DC

D. C. is a great place for a day trip through Philadelphia to obtain away to a quieter town with a lot to see and do.

The particular best part is that many attractions are free.

The National Mall is the pick of locations to start your day while it’s home to some associated with D. Chemical. ’s most iconic ancient monuments and memorials.

Other can’t-miss attractions include the U. S. Capitol building, the particular White House, and the Smithsonian museums. Here’s exactly how many monuments you can cram into a trip to DC in a day .

You can drive to Buenos aires DC, in under three hrs (140 mls or 225 km) or even take the particular AMTRAK train there in about two. 5 hours.

These day trips from Philadelphia offer something just for everyone. Whether you’re thinking about history or shopping or even want in order to escape city life for the purpose of a day, grab your friends or family and hit the road for one of these great destinations.