Make adventure your top priority this summer by creating an epic summer itinerary that will take you to some of Pennsylvania’s hottest places. Whether you prefer to take things slow by meandering down a lazy river or you’re in the mood for fast-paced excitement by zooming down a mountain slide, here are nine of the best day trips in Pennsylvania.

1. Float down a lazy river.
Facebook/Coal Tubin’
Spend a leisurely day meandering down the lazy river on an inner tube. Rent an inner tube - rates usually vary between weekdays and weekends - and hitch a shuttle ride with Coal Tubin' for a day of adventure. Short runs down the river take approximately 90 minutes while long runs last around three hours. Get all of the details on the official website of Coal Tubin'.
2. Zoom down a mountain coaster.
Camelback Resort & Indoor Waterpark, 193 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372, USA
Facebook/Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark
Climb aboard the Appalachian Express Mountain Coaster and zip and zoom down hills and around corners. After riding Pennsylvania's only mountain coaster at Camelback Mountain Adventures, try another outdoor adventure such as zip lining, riding a segway, and a taking on the treetop obstacle course. Camelback Mountain Resort is also home to an epic waterpark. A day just might not be enough time to do everything on your wish list, so you might want to make it a weekend getaway. Learn more about the Appalachian Mountain Express and all of the resort activities on the official website of Camelback Mountain Resort.
3. Feel the mist of a waterfall.
Dingmans Falls, Delaware Township, PA 18328, USA
Flickr/pickselated Jim
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Dingman Falls Waterfall, the second largest waterfall in Pennsylvania, and guess what? You don't even have to hike to get there. Simply follow the wooden boardwalk, wheelchair and stroller accessible, for .04 of a mile. Take a rest on one of the benches along the way before the waterfall comes into full view. For an overhead view of Dingman Falls, climb the wooden staircase. Just make sure you don't forget your camera, and be prepared for crowds if you go on a warm Pennsylvania day. Head over to the official website of the National Park Service to learn more about Dingmans Falls.
4. Explore a secret garden.
Chanticleer, a pleasure garden, 786 Church Rd, Wayne, PA 19087, USA
Facebook/Chanticleer Garden
Stroll through the enchanted Chanticleer Garden where water gently rolls in the brooks and bright flowers sprout in the Asian garden, the teacup garden, and the pond garden. Relax on a stone bench or a wooden chair as you admire your surroundings. Join a guided tour of or explore Chanticleer House on your own after wandering through the gardens. The enchanted garden, which is just a 30-minute drive from Philadelphia, is open seasonally. You must make parking reservations ahead of time. Visit the official website of Chanticleer Garden for season opening date, days, hours, and more information. You can also make parking reservations right on the website.

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5. Play among the treetops.
Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA 19401, USA
Facebook/Elmwood Park Zoo
Play among the trees on this treetop obstacle course in Elmwood Park Zoo. The Treetop Adventures features more than 50 challenges and zip lines, one of which will take you directly over the bison exhibit. Adult and kids adventures are available and for an even more thrilling experience, try the night adventures when the sun sets. Reservations are required, and you can fill a waiver out online before you head to the zoo. See a list of challenge courses; make reservations, and fill out a waiver on the official website of Elmwood Park Zoo Treetop Adventures.
6. Pick your own lavender bouquet.
Peace Valley Lavender Farm, 802 New Galena Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901, USA
Facebook/Peace Valley Lavender Farm
Breathe in the sweet aroma of lavender as you enjoy a relaxing stroll through the lavender fields at Peace Valley Lavender Farm. Pick your own bouquet from more than 3,000 lavender plants and stop for a quick visit with Lily, the resident pooch. Peace Valley Lavender Farms also features a gift shop. If you can't make it to the farm, you can purchase lavender-themed items from the online shop. Here's the official website of Peace Valley Lavender Farm.
7. Visit the smallest city in America.
Parker, PA 16049, USA
Facebook/City of Parker
Spend a delightfully relaxing day in America's smallest city - Parker, PA. The enchanting city of a little more than 800 residents sits along the Allegheny River and offers boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Stop by one of the cozy restaurants for lunch or explore the town on foot. Plan your visit on the official website of Parker, PA.
8. Climb aboard this mountain train for a scenic tour.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: Trademark of the Reading & Northern Railroad, 1 Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, USA
Facebook/Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Soak up breathtaking views of the Pennsylvania's mountains and Lehigh Gorge aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad. The 70-minute train ride will take you from Jim Thorpe to Lehigh Gorge State Park and back. Well-behaved dogs are permitted on the train. On select weekend days from April through September, and in November, you can bring your bike along on one of the special bike trains. (Bikes are also available to rent.) Hitch a ride on the train to nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park then bike back to Jim Thorpe on the Lehigh Gorge Rail-Trail. View a list of scenic train rides, special events, and book your trip on the official website of Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.

Gear up for a summer of adventure by hitting the road on some of the best day trips in Pennsylvania. What are your favorite Pennsylvania day trips? Let us know in the comments!

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Best Day Trips In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | March 25, 2022

What are some unique things to do around Pennsylvania?

We can all probably agree that it doesn’t get much more unique than Pennsylvania. After all, in how many places can you find a town named Mars, where the townspeople are known as Martians and there’s a flying saucer in the town center? Only in Pennsylvania. Oh, but it gets so much better. If you’ve ever wondered what the old lady in the shoe felt like, make a beeline for the Haines Shoe House. Go for a tour of this one-of-kind (seasonal) destination then grab an ice cream treat right inside of the shoe. We also have two gravity hills – one in Bedford and one outside of Pittsburgh. With both if you stop your car, you’ll feel like it’s rolling uphill. Optical illusion or something that cannot be explained? You’ll have to decide for yourself. Finally, one of the most unique places in Pennsylvania is now closed to visitors, but it is still legend in the state. The mine under the town of Centralia has been on fire for more than five decades, and those fires are expected to burn for decades to come.

What are some of the best day trips near me?

No matter where you live, you’ll find some amazing day trip destinations in Pennsylvania. Seven Tubs Natural Area in Wilkes-Barre is perfect if you love spending time outdoors. Stroll along a picturesque path that offers views of a series of tubs, maybe a waterfall or two, and even a fairy house. Explore Penn’s Cave in Centre Hall, the only all-water cave in America. Tours will take you through the cave on a boat then explore aboveground, where you’ll find a wildlife park and an abundance of family-friendly activities. Enjoy an old-fashioned shopping adventure at the charming Street of Shops in Lewisburg. It features an assortment of shops, a huge flea market, and an old-school diner.

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