There are so many things to do in Philadelphia, but sometimes you want to escape the city and take a day trip. In those times, you’ll be grateful to have this list of best day trips near Philadelphia handy! We looked all over Philly and compiled some of our favorite picks for fantastic adventures you can have within a short drive of the city, and a few that you can reach from PATCO or SEPTA, if you don’t feel like driving at all. so the next time someone asks, “Do you know of any unique day trips near Philly?” you’ll know what to say!

1. Ringing Rocks State Park
Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, USA
Flickr / Gavin M. Roy
Ringing Rocks State Park is one of the most interesting places in the area. It's the one hike where you'll want to take a hammer with you because you'll arrive at a boulder field where the rocks, when struck, sound like bells.

Read more about Ringing Rocks State Park in this feature article.
2. Visit the charming town of Haddonfield, New Jersey.
Haddonfield, NJ, USA
Facebook / Downtown Haddonfield
Haddonfield is home to one of the best British shops in the world, believe it or not. With world-class shopping, pretty parks, and delicious restaurants, this town is the perfect place to escape. Plus, there's a PATCO stop right in town.

Read more about this charming Garden State town in this article.
3. Dine in Collingswood, the best foodie town.
Collingswood, NJ, USA
Facebook / Collingswood Life
Collingswood is another town along the PATCO Speedline, and it's one of the best destinations for foodies in the area. From Italian BYOBs to lively sushi bars, you'll find whatever your taste buds are craving here.

Read more about this foodie favorite in this article.
4. New Hope and Lambertville
New Hope-Lambertville Bridge, W Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938, USA
Flickr / Ron Bowan
There's no better pair of towns than New Hope and Lambertville. They are both historic towns full of charm, restaurants, shopping, and art.

Read more about this dynamic duo in this article.

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5. The Village of Arden, Delaware
Arden Club/Google Maps
Arden is a fairy tale village that you won't believe is real. Attend their Shakespeare showings, join the dinner guild for supper, visit the Oddporium, or just admire the unique architecture. There's no other town like this in the world.

Read more about this charming village in this article.
6. The Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion
Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, 8046 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136, USA
Facebook / Insectarium
This northeast Philly museum and butterfly house is a perfect place for a day trip without straying too far from the city. Visit their bearded dragon named "Trash Dragon," and enjoy the butterfly pavilion where monarchs may land on your shirt!

Check out this article to learn why The Insectarium is one of the best day trips near Philadelphia.
7. Visit Jim Thorpe, the Gateway to the Poconos.
Jim Thorpe, PA, USA
Flickr / Ameilie New York
Jim Thorpe is one of Pennsylvania's best towns! You can hike the wild Glen Onoko Falls trail, enjoy the scenic railway, stroll the town's quaint shops, and dine at several delicious eateries.

We wax poetic about Jim Thorpe in this article.
8. Longwood Gardens
Chester County, PA, USA
Flickr / Peter Miller
One of the most favorite day trips from Philly is to Longwood Gardens, one of the best gardens in the entire country. It's a place of magical walking paths, mesmerizing fountains, and stunning displays. No wonder it made our list of 10 Most Beautiful Gardens in Pennsylvania.
9. Any Jersey Shore
Flickr / Peter Miller
Of course, nothing can beat a trip to the shore! No matter the weather — something about salt air and sand on your toes is the cure for every ailment. If you want to go north, check out Asbury Park. If you choose to head south, Sea Isle is perfect. What's your favorite Jersey Shore town?

Did any of these places pop up when you did a search for “best day trips near me?” If so, which ones? Where is your favorite place to spend a day when you’re running away from the city? Share your picks for the best day trips near Philadelphia with us in the comments below!

If you’re still in the mood for more Pennsylvania adventures, take a look at this video about the Philadelphia Magic Garden:

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More to Explore

Out and About in Pennsylvania

Sarah M. | June 22, 2022

Where can we find hiking trails in and around Philadelphia?

  • Wissahickon Valley Park features over 2,000 acres of beautiful woodlands surrounding the Wissahickon Creek in urban Philly.
  • Valley Forge in King of Prussia offers miles of beautiful trails that meander near the confluence of Valley Creek and the Schuylkill River.
  • The Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough Township extends 6,300 acres and is peppered with stunning hiking trail options.

Read on to learn about some of the many other wonderful hiking trails in and around Philadelphia.

Where can we find state parks in Pennsylvania?

  • Allegheny Islands State Park in Cheswick is a 43-acre state park only accessible by boat.
  • Erie Bluffs State Park in Lake City features soaring bluffs and fishing and boating opportunities.
  • Ravensburg State Park along the Jersey Shore features a hiking trail, picnic spots, and campsites.

Read on to learn about some of the many other amazing state parks in Pennsylvania.

Where can we find small towns in Pennsylvania?

  • Lititz features a wealth of history and has been recognized as “The Coolest Small Town in Pennsylvania.”
  • Bedford is a big draw for its great museums, boutique shops, and delicious restaurants.
  • Bloomsburg is known for its fun annual events throughout the year, including the Renaissance Jamboree, and its charming downtown area.

Read on to learn about some of the many other charming small towns in Pennsylvania.

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