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If you’re looking to plan fun day trips near Philadelphia, you’re in luck! Thanks to Philly’s proximity to so many other states and surrounding cities, there are countless places to explore nearby.
States like Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland are just a quick drive away from Philadelphia. That means there’s no need to organize elaborate trips or book overpriced flights and hotels with high season rates.
With these fun day trips from Philly, all you need is a car, your road trip snacks of choice, and a nice Spotify playlist to hit the road. And if you don’t have a car, you’ll find there are plenty of bus and train routes too!
Day Trips from Philly within Pennsylvania
Here are some of the best day trips from Philadelphia to other PA cities and towns that are perfect for any spontaneous traveler.
1. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Distance from Philly: 2 hours 25 minutes
If you’re interested in history, you should add a trip to Gettysburg to your bucket list. Visiting Gettysburg will give you an exciting insight into America’s history and the happenings of the Civil War.
Here you can walk around Gettysburg National Military Park and see Civil War artifacts at the Visitor Center. The National Cemetery is on-site as well, where you can see where Abraham Lincoln held the historically significant Gettysburg Address. Make sure you don’t miss a thing with a self-guided driving tour of the Battle of Gettysburg battlefield.
2. Hershey, Pennsylvania
Distance from Philly: 1 hr 45 minutes
If you’re a chocolate lover, you’re not going to want to miss visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania! Hershey is a charming city located just an hour and a half west of Philly, making it a perfect day or weekend trip.
There are so many fun activities in Hershey! Visit the famous Hershey Chocolate Museum or spend the day at Hershey Park, an amusement park full of rides and attractions. If museums or amusement parks aren’t your thing, you could also explore and admire the beautiful Hershey Gardens and a butterfly house.
3. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Distance from Philly: 1 hour 30 minutes
Lancaster is a town known for its traditional and quaint atmosphere. There’s also a thriving Amish population here that gives you the interesting opportunity to see how this community lives.
Lancaster is beautiful and unique in its own way. With its lush green countryside, horse carriages, and fun shopping options, you won’t run out of things to do in Lancaster. When I was a kid, we’d come to Lancaster to buy some of their unique handcrafted furniture. Also plenty of farmers markets here too!
4. Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Distance from Philly: 2 hours
The Poconos is a popular year-round destination for folks in Pennsylvania and the tri-state area. Whether hitting slopes in the winter, enjoying a blissful wellness getaway in the northeast, or adventuring and hiking in the mountains during summer – there is plenty to do! Be sure to visit Bushkill Falls and the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area while there.
5. Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania
Distance from Philadelphia: 1 hour
Longwood Gardens is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the U.S. With 90,000 species of plants and 1,000 acres of land, it is located in the Brandywine region. While visiting the gardens, be sure to explore Kennett Square: shop for mushrooms or go wine tasting!
Best Day Trips from Philly Outside of PA
Want to leave the state of Pennsylvania for the day? Well there’s plenty to do and you’ll still get back in time to snuggle in your own bed. Read on for my recommended day trips from Philadelphia outside of the state.
6. Dover, Delaware
Distance from Philly: 1 hour 20 minutes
Dover, Delaware, is an excellent option if you’re looking for day trips near Philadelphia. It’s the perfect place to explore museums, historic landmarks, and beautiful parks. See old famous planes at the Dover Air Force Base, or try a local beer at one of the breweries.
This mid-sized city is also a great spot for foodies! If you’re looking for a relaxing and adventurous weekend trip, definitely check out Dover.
7. New York City
Distance from Philly: 2 hours
If you’re looking for a big city getaway that isn’t too far from Philly, New York City. New York is just a short train or bus ride away! (I don’t recommend driving)
With so much to do in the Big Apple, New York is great for an exciting day out on the town. Don’t forget to see the main attractions like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building if you’re feeling touristy. Or take a break from that tourist track and enjoy the endless varieties of cuisine and culinary excellence found around the city.
Things to consider are plenty of museums and institutions like the Met, Botanic Gardens, and the Cloisters. Walk the Highline, take the tram to Roosevelt Island, go to a Yankees game in the Bronx or a Mets game in Queens, or enjoy a shopping spree on Canal St. or in Soho.
8. Lambertville, New Jersey
Distance from Philly: 45 minutes
Lambertville is the perfect spot for antique lovers and art fanatics. This charming little New Jersey town is a short 45-minute day trip from Philly, making it a great option if you’re low on time but still want to experience something new. It is also directly across from the coveted and affluent town, New Hope in Pennsylvania so you can walk across the bridge to explore both!
Take in its vibrant and relaxed atmosphere and explore the many unique shopping options like flea markets and antique shops. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes for your day of shopping and sightseeing.
9. Washington, DC
Distance from Philadelphia: 2 hours
A day trip to Washington, DC from Philly is a long but wonderful day trip! (Kids do it for school field trips all the time. Here’s why I love it as much as I love a day trip to NYC: there are so many direct trains and buses to DC from Philly that you can hop on one and fall back asleep – wake up when it is time to explore!
Take an Amtrak train from Philadelphia’s 30th Street station to DC’s Union Station and you’ll be right in the thick of the action. Explore the many free Smithsonian museums and try some of the suggested activities in this DC travel guide.
Beach Day Trips From Philadelphia
10. Avalon Beach, New Jersey
Distance from Philly: 1 hour 20 minutes
Avalon Beach is on the southern shore of New Jersey. It’s just an hour’s drive away from Philly and is known for it’s slogan “cooler by a mile.” This is a perfect place for a quieter and more laid-back beach day away from the typical New Jersey beach crowds.
With Avalon’s clean beaches, chill atmosphere, and close distance to Philly, you truly can’t go wrong. Finish your beach day by grabbing dinner and walking around the shops on Dune Drive for the perfect end to your quick getaway.
11. Cape May, New Jersey
Distance from Philly: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cape May is another famous city in New Jersey that is known for its beautiful beaches. It was once known as a popular destination for wealthy Victorian families, and some of the beautiful historic villas still standing in the city today.
The beaches here are great for families, as they are quiet, incredibly clean, and well-kept. You can even take a morning dolphin-watching cruise to start your day off right.
12. Ocean City, Maryland
Distance from Philly: 3 hours
Another fun option for your beach day trip is Ocean City, Maryland. OC is farther away than others on this list so you’ll definitely have to do some sufficient planning, but the views are fantastic and well worth the drive for many day-trippers.
Ocean City is known for its wooden boardwalk that stretches along the water. There are countless shopping options, restaurants, and bars to enjoy while you’re not getting your tan on at the beach. You can even take a downtown and boardwalk foodie tour to get the most out of your Ocean City adventure!
Which Philadelphia day trip will you take first?
There are so many things to do and see within driving distance of Philly! Get out and explore with a beach day or a historic day trip just a few hours away. You’ll never run out of adventure opportunities in this city of brotherly love!
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