Founded by entrepreneur Milton S. Hershey, the community was originally a model town for workers of his chocolate factory. Taking the SEPTA train from the 30th street station to Philadelphia Airport will help you save on transportation costs. Its home to the Notre Dame Basilica and the bohemian Plateau district. Day 1 Morning: Start your 2 days in Philadelphia with a delicious breakfast at FRIEDA on Walnut Street. Best hotels in New York City: the hotel options are endless, I recommend you decide which borough youll explore the most and then use Booking.com or Priceline to secure an epic hotel. Not only is the two-building, 14-room bed and breakfast just steps away from the Culps Hill section of the Gettysburg battlefield, one of its two buildings the 1838-built Welty House was occupied by Confederate sharpshooters during the conflict (and has the bullet holes to prove it). It features the Gettysburg National Military Park and a historic downtown. In fact, many of the places listed in the entire guide arent specifically in the city that is listed. When choosing to go on a city break from New York, most will opt for Washington D.C. or Philadephia. It has everything youre looking for in the big city. In Philly, Reading is probably best known as being the namesake for Reading Terminal Market. Theres also the National Park Services Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River site, which brings more outdoorsy pursuits. So once youre done admiring all the flora, you can explore this charming area as well. Keep reading here. Downingtown and West Chester are two towns located only about a 10-minute drive from each other. Other hubs include historic Milford, Hawley and Stroudsburg. Its also one of the shortest day trips from Philadelphia that you can take. Situated in the southwestern part of Pennsylvania, Philly gives you access to other must-see places outside the city. Gettysburg National Military Park Distance: 142 miles Travel Time: 2 hours The Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War may have only lasted three places way back in 1863 but it changed the course of American history forever. You should also drop by the Greenpoint Historic District with its 19th-century row houses. A short drive away is Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium, where you'll find lots of sea life to love and have some close encounters of a different kind with seals, penguins, stingrays, sea lions and a whale that paints. Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. The cheapest month to fly from Philadelphia is January. This picturesque countryside region is home to six sprawling, family-owned wineries. Its famous for its beaches, boardwalk, and amusement parks. A relaxing change of scenery is just a short drive away. And each room gets inspiration from famous novels. Rates start at $161 per night. The closest corner of The Poconos to Philadelphia is the Lehigh River Gorge area, home to Jim Thorpe, the Gateway to the Poconos and a hub for white water rafting, mountain biking and hiking in nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park. However, this city a little over an hour from Philadelphia features some neat spots that are worth checking out. Just two blocks from Rehoboth beach and boardwalk, find a host of restaurants in walking distance, including Egg and Henlopen City Oyster House. Bethlehem is located in the Lehigh Valley north of Philadelphia. The Glenstone art museum in nearby Potomac, Maryland. This historic place dates back to the 1700s when it was founded as the intersection of what is now known as Route 202 and Route 611. Related: A guide to Marriott hotel brands, Distance from Philadelphia: 1 hour and 20 minutes. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, Southwest unveils stunning new Hawaii-themed aircraft, How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value, IHG Rewards Premier Business card review: The annual fee is justified. Visit Philadelphia on a Long Layover, Business Trip or Day Trip. Then take the kids to Hersheypark, touted as the biggest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Explore some of the eight trails of sprawling Central Park. Rates start under $100 a night during the off season, and as a member of MGMs M Life Rewards program, you can enjoy status matching with World of Hyatt and earn 5 Hyatt points per dollar spent on your stay. As a proud native of Nazareth, I feel compelled to point out that the Martin Guitar factory is located in Nazareth, not Bethlehem. Families are, indeed, the focus. Youll agree this is one of the best weekend getaways from Philadelphia that deserve a repeat. 25 Best Weekend Getaways From Philadelphia Quick Trips! At present, there are 91 domestic flights from Philadelphia. Its a 48-minute drive from Philadelphia to the Longwood Gardens & Kennett Square. Island getaways: The beachfront. All the good stuff is far away from touristy Inner Harbor. Where to stay: Filling a restored 19th-century train depot, the 46-room Lambertville Station offers waterside dining, as well as lodging (rooms from $199 per night). A short 55 minute drive from the city will get you to lovely Kennett Square. Visit the National Civil War Museum, with its over 21,000 artifacts. Easy Road Trips in and Near Lancaster, PA [ SHARE ] Looking to hit the road this fall? I recommend trying to see a bunch of these coastal Maryland towns during your weekend trip from Philadelphia. Recommended Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Gettysburg. So it makes for the perfect backdrop to your bonding moment with your significant other. Built in 1895, it features 18 Victorian period-themed rooms and an on-site restaurant. Rehoboth Beach, however, should be at the top of your list. Its sailing team is one of the best in the country. 5. If you live in the Philly area for any length of time, sooner or later you make your way to Ricketts . Doylestown - 45 minutes Doylestown is a charming borough and the county seat of Bucks County. Fallingwater, Fayette County WikiCommons/Public Domain Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Fallingwater house in 1935. Fly from Philadelphia to Dallas (DAL) for as low as $192 round trip Dallas Love Field Airport is about six miles northwest of downtown Dallas and is convenient for travelers looking for a quick trip (compared to DFW, which is 20 miles outside of town). 10 Cheapest International Flights from Philadelphia | Hopper Youll have the time of your life following the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln. N.C. Wyeths former residence and studio also is open for tours. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is a mash-up of luxury and family fun. The events that took place over three days in 1863 in this rural town west of Philadelphia changed the course of history. Recommended Hotel: Pocono Mountain Villas by Exploria Resorts. Note that Ocean City, New Jersey, shouldnt be confused with Ocean City, Maryland another beach town to the south that primarily caters to the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. markets. Valley Forge boasts the Bryn Athyn Historic District and Pottsgrove Manor. So if youve seen the citys tourist spots, you can still carry on with your adventures in other places. Visit the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station. Bypass the sprawling resorts and instead book a cozy Airbnb, like the Midcentury A Frame (from $275 per night) near the village of Hamlin. But if you want to take a break from the Atlantic Ocean, you can do that too. Photograph by Eric Kelley. Downtown Baltimore - an underrated city that is amazing for a day trip from New York City. Copyright 2013-2023 Uncovering Media, LLC - All Rights Reserved, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area , Find more things to do in the Philly region, American Automobile Club of America Museum, most charming small towns in Pennsylvania, Where to Eat at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, Exploring the Peter Wentz Farmsteads History and Odd Decorations, 5 Beer Gardens in Philadelphia to Enjoy this Summer, Experiencing the Magic of Christmas at Longwood Gardens, You can also find other places to stay on, Strasburgs Train Sites Strasburg is home to three great spots for train lovers: the. Flash Sale Charleston and Savannah Roundtrip from Philadelphia. 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping, 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases, Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points), Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status, Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award. Related: The best cash-back cards of 2022. 20 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways from Philadelphia, PA Alternatively, you can take a bus from Philadelphia to Short Hills Mall via Newark and Bus Lanes in around 3h 24m. 2. Additionally, dont miss The Peoples Store, which has more than 40 dealers on three floors. Ocean City, NJ Source: Photo by Flickr user LabyrinthX used under CC BY-SA 2.0 With professional and friendly drivers, a well-maintained network of fleet vehicles, and 24/7 customer support, we strive to give you a memorable bus rental experience from start to finish. Things to do near Bushkill Falls: While in the area, you can hike to each of these wonderful waterfalls, get some sweet treats at the Fudge Kitchen, and even mine for gemstones. More Hershey indoctrination awaits at nearby Hersheys Chocolate World, site of a famed ride telling the story of chocolate, a 4D chocolate-themed show and other diversions. Visit the Cayman Turtle Centre to swim with sea turtles (and learn about local marine life). Escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city in this historic hotel. Harpers Ferry is a unique location, as the National Park Service runs a large chunk of the town. Recommended Hotel: The Williamsburg Hotel, Also See:Weekend Getaways From Pittsburgh, PA, 4797 Route 660Wellsboro, PA 16901(570) 724-2868. Note that I didnt even bother to list New York City, which is just 98 miles away and, some might argue, the ultimate weekend getaway for Philadelphians. This direct flight takes around 12 hours and 20 minutes and is operated by Qatar Airways. The best part? Youll love its art collection, composed of around 1.5 million objects. This is one of the best romantic getaways from Philadelphia for a reason. Great Road Trips You Can Make from Philadelphia - Culture Trip Its Renaissance-style dome replicates the one in St. Peters Basilica in Rome. The Cardinal Amtrak route is one of the most scenic on the East Coast, with travel through the New River Gorge in West Virginia. However, the long journey is still worth your time and effort. This list is comprised of vacations that are a 4 hour drive from Philadelphia (in fact, most are under 3 hours), and is organized by (1) weekend getaways near Philly in the state of Pennsylvania, and (2) weekend road trips from Philadelphia to nearby states. (You can also check out our favorite hikes close to Philly and our favorite waterfalls near the city .) Winter is ideal for cold weather activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. 15 Best Day Trips from Philadelphia - The Crazy Tourist Take a dip in the beautiful blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. 6. 11 Best Family Vacations in Pennsylvania That All Ages Love! Direction: Southeast. Explore the Crystal & Fantasy caves here, complete with gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites. Not quite ready to book that overseas escape? Marvel at the White House, with its gorgeous Neoclassical style. It will take 1 hour and 50 minutes to get to Brooklyn if youre coming from Philadelphia. Keep reading here. During this time, you can explore beyond Philadelphias local holiday attractions and instead experience Bethlehems Christmas markets and the town festivities. The travel time from Philadelphia to Harrisburg is 1 hour and 44 minutes. It consists of 181 islands known for their pink sand beaches. Want to go overseas without spending too much time traveling? Return to sit by the fire pit, sampling house beers brewed just down the road. Getting to Cherry Springs State Park might take a little longer than usual. 18 International Getaways You Can Hit on a Long Weekend - Thrillist However, whether you live in the city and are looking to get out or are visiting and want to explore the area outside of the city, there are a ton of great day trips from Philadelphia that are worth taking. Doylestown, PA. Best hotels on Eastern Shore, MD: Princess Royal Oceanfront Resort, Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City, and Cambria Hotel Ocean City Bayfront. In addition to the destinations above, there are plenty more great getaways in the region, from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (aka Amish Country) to Cape May, New Jersey, to explore. Check here before booking an award fare. This half-hour one-way train trip which ends at TA, TB, TC/D, or TE/F, costs around $6.75. . New York City, NY Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline The Big Apple is a two-hour drive (or a quick, 90-minute Amtrak Acela high-speed train ride) from Philadelphia's William H. Gray III 30 th Street Station. Start your visit at The Hershey Story, located near the corner of Chocolate Avenue and Cocoa Avenue (really, were not making those names up). Sandy Point State Park is another great option for family fun adventures and an easy day trip from Baltimore and Washington DC. The Poconos region also offers wine tastings, waterfall hikes, and cozy porches to help you forget about the stresses of city life. This region comprises 19 counties and has centers in the cities of Lancaster, Reading, York, Allentown, and Hershey. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Overall, this is one of the most inexpensive weekend getaways near Philadelphia that deserve a repeat. Direct (non-stop) flights from Philadelphia (PHL) - FlightsFrom.com Ride the Wild Waves Coaster or the Swings with them in Playlands Castaway Cove, too. Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Blue Mountain Ski Area Just north of Philadelphia, Blue Mountain Ski Area offers stunning views of the snow-covered landscape with slopes and trails perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. There is also a vibrant downtown filled with shops and great spots to eat. View the sunrise at Spring Lake in Monmouth County. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. 60 Water St., Stonington, Connecticut, (860) 535-2000. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. The city is primarily known for its large Amish community, but this is also an area filled with a thriving art scene, great breweries, and beautiful nature. Get a taste of small town life in Chesapeake City, say hello to the wild horses at Assateague Island National Seashore, and dine on fresh seafood on Tilghman Island. Not all of the best weekend getaways from Philadelphia are in Pennsylvania. Distance from Baltimore: 41 miles (36 minutes) Sandy Point State Park. Its home to the National Civil War Museum and beautiful structures. If you're a human and see this, please ignore it. Often called "The Gateway to the Battlefield," Gettysburg National Military Park Museum is a must-see. Your journey will take you through Philadelphia where you can make a short stop to marvel at the iconic Liberty Bell, Independence National Historical Park or Philadelphia Museum of Art, a popular art museum showcasing classic artworks. Youll get to visit the Notre Dame Basilica. While Philly offers a wide variety of hotel accommodations, the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center alone is worth a weekend getaway. Best hotels near Valley Forge: Springhill Suites by Marriott, Element Valley Forge, Tru by Hilton. What to do in Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay: Take a stroll on the dock, hop aboard a boat and sail on the bay, take a helicopter tour for an aerial view, and indulge in delicious fresh seafood. That, or keep it in the Hershey family with a night at the Hershey Lodge, which has its own indoor pool complex (rooms from $129 during the off season). They get their distinctive pink color from the shells and calcium carbonate left behind by tiny marine animals. If you'd prefer a simple injection of caffeine, try, La Colombe Coffee Roasters or Old City Coffee Inc. FREIDA. Train: California Zephyr (Amtrak) Route: Chicago to Emeryville, California. Its where Lincolns train arrived in 1863. 16. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard in Charlottesville, Virginia is one of several great drivable weekend getaways from Philadelphia. Photograph by Pamela Aquilani. This little town is known for its soft sand and scenic stretch of beaches. Where to stay: Most visitors stay in weekly rentals (houses, half-houses and apartments being the norm). The Longwood Gardens stretch for 1,077 acres in Kennett Square. The latter has hundreds of campsites that cost $59 for a full hookup. That being said, here are a few of our favorite day trips from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If youre hoping for a beach weekend getaway from Philadelphia thats a shorter drive than going to Delaware, consider Cape May, New Jersey. Where to stay: Listed on the National Historic Register, The Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa is the classic place to stay in the area. You can get to the Poconos from Philadelphia in about two and a half hours, and this is a prime place to beat the city's summer heat. Visit the Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick or National Civil War Museum, grab a bite to eat at Broad Street Market, or join in a city scavenger hunt to explore deeper! Find the right card for you. Hike a portion of the trails here for stunning views of waterfalls and forests. The museum has 11 galleries, filled with amazing artifacts from the pivotal Civil War battle. Where to stay: History buffs will have a hard time passing up the Brickhouse Inn, in downtown Gettysburg (rooms from $119 per night). The nearly 14-hour road trip spans just over 700 miles and stops in such quaint small towns as Ligonier, Hollidaysburg, Elizabethtown, and Wellsboro. River House at Odettes (from $389 per night) opened on the edge of town in late September. This hotel in front of the Atlantic Ocean boasts a Victorian theme and features modern amenities, such as a heated pool and a fitness room. Have you been to one of these places or do you have a favorite Day trip from Philadelphia that we didnt mention? 1- Bucks County Wine Trail - Bucks County, PA. 2. You can build an entire weekend around a pilgrimage to one of its famed mid-century modern auctions. If they get tired of amusement park rides, take them to the beach. This borough is on the western end of Long Island. Fire up dinner in the Big Green Egg grill, screen a movie on the 8-foot projection screen, soak in the wood-fired hot tub, and take your morning coffee (made with locally brewed beans you can find in the kitchen) to the private river beach. Whether youre looking for a last-minute weekend getaway from Philadelphia, a shore getaway, or any fun driving vacation, here are 12 of the best weekend trips from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Wildwood Park. Just a short drive from many locations in the northeast, Watch Hillis an idyllic place to visit year round. You can choose a different theme for your room, though. Less than five hours by car from Philadelphia, The Tides Inn (from $199 per night) has a distinctly retro-seaside resort feel, with tennis courts, lawn games, and dockside crabbinga perfectly peaceful spot to refresh and feast on local seafood. The town takes its curious name from athlete Jim Thorpe who is buried just outside of town despite having no connection to the area. Direct flights to Miami from Philadelphia can cost as low as $198 on Frontier Airlines.