5 Easy Day Trips From Philadelphia

Aside from New Jersey and my second home, New York, Pennsylvania is the state I spend the most time in. It's the largest state in the region, home to several major cities, and might just be one of the best food states in the country, thanks to its diversity and large Amish population. As an amusement park fan, I believe it's also one of the best coaster states in the country—certainly the best in the region. The best part is that it's relatively easy to navigate, with a great Amtrak system and many other ways to travel, whether you have a car or not. That's why I keep coming back; it's a great jumping-off point for endless adventures. There are so many amazing day trips near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that you'll never run out of things to do in the region—I've even turned some of these into a yearly recurring jaunt.

1. Knoebels Amusement Resort

This remote theme park in the Pennsylvania mountains is one of the most acclaimed in the country, and I finally got to visit Knoebels Amusement Resort in 2024. It's a unique paradise filled with historic roller coasters, quirky dark rides, delicious, internationally inspired foods, and even some specialty museums. The park is free to enter; you pay for each ride with tickets. The park is around two and a half hours outside of Philadelphia, and the closest major city is Allentown. While it can be done on a day trip, you might also want to consider a cabin at the famous Knoebels Campground.

2. Gettysburg

Pennsylvania played a critical role in the American Revolution and the Civil War, and there's no spot in the state more historic than Gettysburg. It is home to a military cemetery and a National Historic Park, and it's one of the best small towns in the state. You'll find a rich cultural and dining scene here. It's a great educational road trip with kids, and it can be found around two and a half hours west of Philadelphia.

3. Hersheypark and Hershey's Chocolate World

Pennsylvania is the birthplace of America's favorite chocolate brand, and the town of Hershey—just minutes away from the state capital of Harrisburg, under two hours from Philly—has become a shrine to the iconic world of Hershey. My favorite spot is Hershey's Chocolate World, a free-admission attraction featuring a charming educational dark ride about the chocolate-making process and a huge chocolate shop. And if you can't get enough of the rides, head next door to Hersheypark, where you'll find dozens of roller coasters and thrill rides.

4. King of Prussia Mall

As a '90s kid, the mall was a huge part of my teenage identity, and I still can't get enough of these indoor shopping paradises. They don't get much bigger than King of Prussia, one of the largest shopping malls in the United States. Featuring hundreds of stores and dozens of restaurants, it's the kind of place where you can truly shop till you drop, and it's less than 40 minutes away from Philadelphia by car.

5. Shady Maple Smorgasbord and Farm Market

I rarely visit a destination more than once a year, but the exception to this may be...East Earl? This tiny Amish spot in Lancaster County is home to my favorite spot in Pennsylvania, Shady Maple Smorgasbord. The largest buffet in the United States, it's an all-in-one destination featuring massive Amish feasts at an affordable price. After feasting, I head next door to Shady Maple Farm Market and load up on specialty goods, baked treats, and local produce to take home. Just an hour out of Philadelphia, it's an easy jaunt and my favorite local day trip.

Have you enjoyed any of these day trips near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, yet? If not, tell your travel partner about this article and see which adventure appeals to you! While you're in Philadelphia, don't miss out on my favorite food hall in the country: Reading Terminal Market.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.