As the birthplace of American democracy – where the Founding Fathers debated and signed the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution – Philadelphia is best known for its rich history. Well, that and cheesesteaks, and that movie about that boxer.
You can and should spend weeks soaking up the City of Brotherly Love and its countless treasures, including museums, murals, restaurants and gardens. But you should also make time to get out of town. Philly is a prime jumping-off point to explore beaches, farms, wineries and one delicious ice cream trail.
1. New Hope, Pennsylvania
Driving time: 50 minutes
About 30 miles north of Philadelphia, on the Delaware River, the small town of New Hope in Pennsylvania’s Bucks County is home to a notable antique shopping scene, a robust LGBTQ+ community, riverfront dining (including Stella and Odette’s at the River House) and the legendary Bucks County Playhouse (Robert Redford and Grace Kelly performed here, among other Hollywood royalty).
History buffs shouldn’t miss Washington Crossing Historic Park, a few miles downriver, where America’s first president sailed with his Continental Army in 1776. And in sunny weather, spend time outdoors at the 134-acre Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve and botanical garden or hiking around Ringing Rocks Park. Don’t forget to bring a hammer: when you strike the boulders, they ring like a bell. There’s also a lovely riverside walking path through town.
How to get to New Hope from Philadelphia: From Center City, Philadelphia, take I-95 north to I-295 east to PA-32 N in New Hope. Public transportation is not available.
2. Cape May, New Jersey
Driving time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
A day in Cape May, known as America’s original seaside resort, could be spent soaking up the sun from your patch of sand or exploring the quaint beach town. (Or stay a little longer and do both.)
Tour Cape May Brewing Co. and sample a flight of freshly brewed beers in their newly expanded outdoor beer garden, then climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse, built in 1859 and perched on the southern tip of New Jersey, for sweeping views of the area.
After working up an appetite, head to the charming Beach Plum Farm, home to a handful of luxe private cottages for overnight guests. Even those not staying on the property can tour the 62-acre working farm, feed the chickens and dine at Beach Plum Farm Kitchen. This casual outpost tucked inside an Amish barn has a menu that changes daily to highlight what’s fresh on the farm.
Don’t leave the shore without strolling through town and be sure to stop at the Original Fudge Kitchen for made-from-scratch confections and boxes of saltwater taffy.
How to get to Cape May from Philadelphia: By car, take the Atlantic City Expressway from Center City to the Garden State Parkway S until exit 0, Cape May. Trains are available from Philly’s 30th Street Station to Atlantic City, where it’s easy to take an Uber or bus down to Cape May.
3. Wilmington, Delaware
Driving time: 35 minutes
Just a short drive south of Center City, Delaware’s biggest city and its surrounding areas are filled with history, culture and an up-and-coming dining scene. Explore the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway at your own pace using the self-guided driving tour that highlights important places in Tubman’s life. Wilmington is also home to exquisite mansions and historic sites built by the Du Pont family, who founded their eponymous gunpowder manufacturing company on the nearby banks of the Brandywine River at the turn of the 19th century. Tour Hagley, site of the company’s original mills, and stroll the wooded walking trails. In the summer, check the events schedule for pop-up beer gardens, concerts and other family-friendly programming.
Just a few miles down the road the Du Pont family’s former home, Winterthur (pronounced winter-tour), is now open to the public. Housed inside the sprawling 175-room mansion is a 90,000-piece collection of American decorative arts that you could easily spend hours exploring. Leave time to walk the gardens too; kids especially love the Enchanted Woods, with their stone fairy cottage and tulip treehouse. The Du Pont home is set on the 3000-acre Nemours Estate, with gardens and fountains inspired by Versailles. Make a dinner reservation at Le Cavalier, the brasserie in the historic Hotel Du Pont in downtown Wilmington.
How to get from Philadelphia to Wilmington: By car, take I-95 south from Center City to Wilmington. Amtrak operates regular train services between 30th Street Station and downtown Wilmington.
4. Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
Driving time: 45 minutes
Just 45 minutes from bustling Philadelphia lie the rolling green hills of the Brandywine Valley, home to Revolutionary War history, small wineries and one world-class museum. Join the locals at Hank’s Place for breakfast before spending the morning at the Brandywine Valley River Museum, a gem of a collection featuring hundreds of works by the Wyeth family of artists.
Oenophiles could plan a whole day on the Brandywine Valley wine trail, with stops at the award-winning (and beautiful) Penns Woods or Chaddsford Winery. Treasure hunters should stop in at the Brandywine River Antiques Market to peruse prints, coins and art from dozens of dealers. On a warm evening, book a table on the verdant patio at Gables at Chadds Ford, where the ingredients are sourced from nearby farms.
How to get from Philadelphia to Chadds Ford: By car, take I-95 S to US-322 West from Center City. Public transportation is not available, but private and group tours are.
5. Princeton, New Jersey
Driving time: 60 minutes
Best known as the home of the Ivy League university, the lovely town of Princeton is well worth the hour-long drive from Philly. Visit the Princeton University Art Museum to see a diverse collection that includes centuries-old African art and works by Picasso. While you’re on campus, check out the Gothic-style buildings and don’t miss the Bent Spoon for scoops of small-batch ice cream in seasonal flavors.
Right outside of town is Terhune Orchards, a 200-acre farm where you can walk the gardens, pick your own fruit and meet the resident animals, including sheep, horses and chickens. Stop by the farm store to pick up provisions like fresh fruit, jams and apple cider donuts for the drive home. Also on the way back to Philly, Hamilton, New Jersey, is home to Grounds for Sculpture, a sprawling collection of outdoor art. Purchase timed tickets to stroll through the gardens, which are scattered with some 400 works of larger-than-life contemporary art.
How to get from Philadelphia to Princeton: By car, get on I-676 E from Center City, then take I-95 N and I-295 E to US-206 North. Allow for an extra 20 minutes if you stop at Grounds for Sculpture, too. Amtrak operates regular trains to Princeton Junction, which is about half a mile from downtown Princeton.
6. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Driving time: 2 hours
If you loved sampling Pennsylvania Dutch delights like whoopie pies and scrapple inside Philly’s historic Reading Terminal Market, great news: you can also go straight to the source.
On the hour-long drive to Lancaster, you’ll pass rolling farmland and Amish-driven horses and buggies. Stroll around Lancaster Central Market – dating back to 1730, it’s the oldest continuously operating public farmer’s market in the country – and stop at the stalls selling soft pretzels, scratch-made baked goods, farm-fresh meat and produce.
For a true Pennsylvania Dutch experience, dine at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, which offers 200ft of local specialties like country ham and fruit pies, and visit one of the working farms, preferably one that also makes ice cream.
At Lapp Valley Farm Creamery, you can see the Jersey cows being milked before ordering scoops on handmade waffle cones. (Side note: Lapp Valley is also part of Pennsylvania’s ice cream trail.)
How to get from Philadelphia to Lancaster: From Center City, take I-76 W by car to US-222 S to New Holland Pike. You can also take the train from 30th Street Station, which will take about the same amount of time.
7. Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Driving time: 1 hour
Known as the mushroom capital of the world for its vast farms that produce hundreds of millions of pounds of fungi each year, Kennett Square also boasts one of the most famous gardens in the country and restaurants that are alone worth the drive. Come for the Mushroom Festival, the weekend after Labor Day each year, which features a carnival, cooking competitions and lots of creminis, buttons and shiitakes.
Longwood Gardens, with 1077 acres of greenhouses and impeccable landscaping, dazzles at any time of year, though the annual holiday light show may be its most popular attraction. (It sells out quickly, so make sure to buy tickets in advance.) Also make a reservation for Talula’s Table – Aimee Olexy’s 8-seat restaurant featuring true farm-to-table cooking books up to a year in advance. For a more casual meal, stop by Victory Brewing Company’s tap room and try a flight of stouts, sours and session IPAs.
How to get from Philadelphia to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania: From Center City, get on I-95 S and follow US-322 W and US-1 S to East Baltimore Pike. Take the exit toward Kennett Square.
8. Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Driving time: 30 minutes
Valley Forge National Historical Park is a gateway to one of the most significant chapters of the American Revolution and one of the best day trips in the Northeast. Walk in the footsteps of George Washington and his troops as they endured the harsh winter of 1777, explore miles of scenic trails, visit the reconstructed soldiers’ huts and step inside the historic Washington Memorial Chapel. The park provides a beautiful tribute to the nation’s first president and his soldiers – all free for visitors to experience.
For those looking to dive deeper, guided ranger tours and living history programs provide insight into the challenges faced by the Continental Army. Afterward, you can explore nearby shopping and dining options, including the King of Prussia Mall, the second-largest shopping mall in the US.
How to get to Valley Forge from Philadelphia: Take I-76 West from Center City Philadelphia to the Valley Forge exit. Public transportation options include taking the SEPTA Regional Rail to the Norristown Transportation Center and connecting with a local bus, but it will add an additional 30 minutes.
9. Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Driving time: 2 hours
The Pocono Mountains are a four-season playground for Philadelphians looking to escape the bustling city. In the winter, hit the slopes at popular resorts like Camelback, Jack Frost Big Boulder or Shawnee Mountain. When warmer weather arrives, switch to hiking trails, mountain biking or kayaking on Lake Wallenpaupack. Families will love the indoor waterparks at resorts like Kalahari and Great Wolf Lodge, while couples can relax at one of the romantic retreats like Cove Haven Resort, famous for champagne-flute-shaped hot tubs. If you’re visiting in the fall, the autumn colors can be spectacular.
How to get to the Pocono Mountains from Philadelphia: Get on I-76 W from John F. Kennedy Blvd. Follow I-476 North to various exits in the Poconos, depending on where you’re headed. Public transportation is not available.
10. Lahaska, Pennsylvania
Driving time: 50 minutes
Looking for a storybook setting? Peddler’s Village in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is filled with shops, restaurants and a tree-filled pedestrian space, but the town is most popular for its seasonal festivities, making it an excellent day trip for families.
This small-town shopping destination set amongst rolling farmland and horse farms is most magical during the Holiday Lights Celebration from mid-November through January. Peddler’s Village becomes a twinkling winter wonderland with decorated trees, thousands of holiday lights and themed displays. In the fall, visit for the popular Scarecrow Competition from September through October and the Apple Festival the first weekend of November. Come spring, enjoy sweet treats like strawberry crumb pie, chocolate-covered strawberries and strawberry milkshakes during the Strawberry Festival the first weekend in May. Summer brings the Bluegrass & Blueberries Festival in mid-July with live music and all things blueberries.
How to get to Peddler’s Village from Philadelphia: Take I-95 North from Market Street, North Independence Mall East and Race Street. Follow I-95 and I-295 to exit 10 and continue until you hit the destination. You can find private bus tours that will take you from Philly straight to the village, or take SEPTA from City Hall to Doylestown and Uber about 15 minutes.
11. New York City, New York
Transportation time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Many forget just how close New York City is to Philadelphia, and it’s easy to spend a full day amidst the hubbub of Manhattan and still make it home in time for a good night’s sleep. Start your visit in Midtown to see iconic sights like the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. Art lovers may want to pop into a museum like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Stroll through Central Park, take a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, explore the neighborhoods of SoHo, Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side…the possibilities are endless.
How to get to New York City from Philadelphia: Amtrak offers frequent trains from 30th Street Station to Penn Station in Manhattan. While you can drive from Center City via the New Jersey Turnpike, it’s not recommended due to traffic. Start by getting on I-676/US-30 East from Race Street and get on the turnpike in Mount Laurel Township from NJ-73 S.
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