6 best day trips from Philadelphia

Day trips compared

The day trips

35 km · About 40 minutes by car

1.Valley Forge National Historical Park

The site of the Continental Army's hard winter encampment of 1777–1778, with reconstructed log huts, Washington's stone headquarters house and the National Memorial Arch. A 16-km loop trail and road link the main sights through rolling meadows.

Getting there

Car, or SEPTA train and bus

Best for

Families, Culture, Quiet stays

50 km · About 1 hour by car

2.Longwood Gardens

Pierre S. du Pont's former estate in Kennett Square is one of the country's great display gardens, with a huge conservatory, Italian water garden and illuminated fountain shows on summer evenings. The Christmas lights season is one of its busiest times.

Getting there

Car or organised tour

Best for

Couples, Families, Quiet stays

105 km · About 1 hour 30 minutes by car

3.Lancaster County

Pennsylvania Dutch country, where Amish and Mennonite farms, horse-drawn buggies and covered bridges surround villages such as Intercourse and Bird-in-Hand. Lancaster city has the long-running Central Market, and farm stands sell shoofly pie and whoopie pies.

Getting there

Car, or Amtrak to Lancaster

Best for

Families, Culture, Quiet stays

150 km · About 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by Amtrak

4.New York City

Fast trains make a day in Manhattan practical: arrive mid-morning for a walk through Midtown, the High Line or a single big museum, and return in the evening. NJ Transit and SEPTA trains via Trenton are a slower, lower-cost alternative.

Getting there

Amtrak from 30th Street Station to Penn Station

Best for

First-timers, Culture, Shopping

65 km · About 1 hour by car

5.New Hope

A riverside town on the Delaware with galleries, antique shops and a steam railway, linked by a footbridge to Lambertville, New Jersey. The towpath of the Delaware Canal makes a flat, shady walk or bike ride.

Getting there

Car

Best for

Couples, Quiet stays, Shopping

150 km · About 1 hour 45 minutes by car

6.Cape May

A seaside town at the southern tip of New Jersey known for rows of painted Victorian houses, a lighthouse and wide beaches. It is the classic summer escape 'down the shore' for Philadelphians.

Getting there

Car

Best for

Couples, Families, Beach

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• SEPTA buses and trolleys cover the rest of the city, including routes along the Parkway and to the Italian Market and East Passyunk.
• Regional Rail stops at Jefferson, Suburban and 30th Street stations in Center City and serves the airport, the suburbs and Chestnut Hill. Amtrak trains from 30th Street Station reach New York in about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask