Let’s have some fun! Grab your planner before you start reading because you just might want to add the best day trips in Pennsylvania to the calendar. These one-day getaway ideas will make your year oh-so-exciting!

Note: Remember to contact the attraction featured in the day trip before hitting the road to check for current hours, prices (if applicable), and to ensure it is still open.

1. January – Eagles Mere
Eagles Mere, PA, USA
Facebook/Eagles Mere Borough
Let’s kick off the year with a day trip to the enchanting town of Eagles Mere, home to just about 150 residents all year around. Stroll through the town, stopping by the Eagles Mere Museum and checking out the frozen lake. If you’re lucky, the Eagles Mere Toboggan will be up and running, too. No need to Google search "day trips near me"--just head over to Eagles Mere!
2. February – Camelback Mountain in Tannersville
Camelback Mountain, Jackson Township, PA 18372, USA
Facebook/Camelback Mountain
Embark on an epic winter adventure at Camelback Mountain, which boasts a pretty impressive snow tubing run. Spend the day zipping down the mountain on a snow tube, or stop by for a nighttime adventure. Galactic Snow Tubing features colorful LED lights and 42 runs, so you’ll always be on the go.
3. March – Pine Creek Gorge in Wellsboro
Pine Creek Gorge, Watson Township, PA 17740, USA
Flickr/likeaduck
We’re barreling towards spring – yay! Whether there’s snow or not, now is the perfect time for a visit to Pine Creek Gorge in Wellsboro. Try to go after a fresh snowfall, however, so you can admire the Grand Canyon of PA as a winter wonderland. It's easy to see why Pine Creek Gorge is one of the best day trips in Pennsylvania.
4. April – Bent Pine Alpaca Farm
Bent Pine Alpaca Farm, 65 Old Stonehouse Rd S, Carlisle, PA 17015, USA
Facebook/Bent Pine Alpaca Farm (and store)
Meet some of the sweetest animals around – furry, friendly alpacas – at Bent Pine Alpaca Farm in Carlisle. Tour the 16-acre farm that’s home to nearly two dozen alpacas, llamas, and chickens. Stop by the store, too, which sells beautiful products made with alpaca fleece.
5. May – Tyler Arboretum in Media
Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Rd, Media, PA 19063, USA
Facebook/Tyler Arboretum
Bring your hiking boots along for your visit to Tyler Arboretum, which boasts 20 miles of hiking trails. Explore the trails, dotted with blossoming flowers and treehouses. The arboretum also features a butterfly house and a meadow maze.
6. June – Bucks County River Country in Point Pleasant
Bucks County River Country, 2 Walters Ln, Point Pleasant, PA 18950, USA
Facebook/Bucks County River Country
Stay cool during the long hot summer with a bit of tubing, canoeing, or kayaking with Bucks County River Country. For the most relaxing option, slide into one of the tubes for a leisurely float along the Delaware River.

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7. July – Hope Hill Lavender Farm in Pottsville
Hope Hill Lavender Farm LLC, 2375 Panther Valley Rd, Pottsville, PA 17901, USA
Google Local/Hope Hill Lavendar Farm, LLC
Definitely consider adding a day trip to Hope Hill Lavender Farm twice – once during the spring and the second time during mid-July when the lavender’s at its peak. Tour the breathtaking farm on your own and from May through July, go on a guided tour of the farm. You can also meet the resident miniature donkeys and hens. Those are just some of the many reasons we named Hope Hill Lavender Farm one of the best day trips in Pennsylvania.
8. August – Dutch Springs in Bethlehem
Dutch Springs, Pennsylvania 18020, USA
Facebook/Dutch Springs
Cool off and have a ton of fun at Dutch Springs in Bethlehem, a water park that boasts giant inflatables (perfect catapulting from into the water). You can even go kayaking, and if you have experience, go scuba diving or snorkeling.
9. September – Kinzua Bridge State Park in Mt. Jewett
Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA
Facebook/Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau
Keep an eye on when the fall foliage is going to be at its finest this year, but consider a trip to Kinzua Bridge State Park toward the end of September. Cross the Kinzua Park Skybridge for sensational views of the surrounding forest. (At the end of the skywalk is a glass floor that allows you to look down 301 feet to the forest floor.)
10. October – Pocono Tree Ventures in East Stroudsburg
Pocono TreeVentures, 1575 Fairway Blvd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302, USA
Facebook/Pocono Tree Ventures
Buckle up for a fast-paced, breathtaking treetop canopy tour with Pocono Tree Ventures this fall. Embark on a two-hour canopy tour that promises a ton of fun, including seven ziplines, bridges, and climbing walls. You’ll also get to admire the sensational fall foliage.
11. November – Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square
Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
Facebook/Longwood Gardens
The Christmas season in Pennsylvania is simply spectacular. November takes us to Longwood Gardens for its popular Christmas lights displays. Explore both indoors and outdoors, admiring the twinkling lights, and stop by the Garden Railway.
12. December – Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville
Koziar's Christmas Village, 782 Christmas Village Rd, Bernville, PA 19506, USA
Facebook/Koziar’s Christmas Village
Start or continue a treasured Christmas tradition with a visit to Koziar's Christmas Village, a sensational walk-through Christmas attraction that boasts more than one million lights. Bundle up so you’re cozy along the walk that features Santa’s house and other surprises. You can't miss out on one of the best PA day trips!

What do you think are the best day trips in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! When was the last time you visited some of our amazing state parks? Pack your bags, and hit the road on this weekend road trip to some awesome state parks. With just under six hours of driving, you will see seven stunning state parks!

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best day trips in pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | September 04, 2020

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Looking for one-of-a-kind destinations in Pennsylvania? Plan a stay in Lititz, certainly a one-of-a-kind destination. The small town, which looks as though it’s stepped straight from the pages of an old-fashioned postcard, is dotted with charming shops and quaint restaurants; Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, and Wolf Sanctuary. You’ll find a ton to do, no matter how long you stay. Another picture-perfect getaway will take you to the tiny yet breathtaking village of Eagles Mere. The small village is home to just 120 full-time residents and is within easy distance of Worlds End State Park.

What are the best day trips in Pennsylvania?

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When we can’t carve out time for a road trip in Pennsylvania, we certainly can hit the road on a day trip. Pennsylvania is home to quite a few covered bridges, for example. You can even spend a day visiting five of the most charming covered bridges in Pennsylvania, including Lime Valley Covered Bridge, Keller’s Mill Covered Bridge, and Jackson Saw Mill Covered Bridge. Visit the only all-water cave in Pennsylvania when you day trip to Penn’s Cave, which also features gem mining, a nature bus tour, and an off-road Jeep Tour. (Before you head to any destination, be sure to check that it’s open and confirm the hours.)

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