Best hotels in Annapolis: Crowne Plaza Annapolis, Graduate Annapolis, and Gibson's Lodgings of Annapolis. 4 Sustainable Travel Innovations Shaping the Future of the Tourism Industry, These Small Towns in France Are Straight Out of a Storybook, Our most popular newsletter for destination inspiration, travel tips, trip itineraries, and everything else you need to be an expert traveler in this beautiful world, The Best Small-Town Day Trips From Denver, Colorado, A Guide to Maryland's Eastern Shore: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play, 13 Best Cape Cod Hotels, From Falmouth to Provincetown, The 13 Best Hotels in Jackson Hole for a Warm-Weather Trip, How to Spend a Weekend in Palm Beach, Florida, Courtesy Amber Waves Farm Market & Kitchen. When youre done exploring this chocolate wonderland or Hersheys AACA car museum, see what the town of Harrisburg, Pennsylvanias state capital, has to offer. Missing travel? Between games of skee-ball and a ride on the iconic Giant Wheel at Gillians Wonderland Pier (one of the East Coasts largest Ferris wheels), be sure to grab a cut at Manco and Manco Pizza, a tub of caramel corn at Johnsons Popcorn and a twist of frozen custard at Kohr Bros. Then head over to Shrivers for a box of its famous saltwater taffy (and to watch the taffy made in the back). However, as we Philadelphians know (until recently, I lived there for more than 20 years and I still come back regularly), sometimes you just need to get away. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? State: Maryland. Milton Hershey himself had it built on a hill overlooking the town in the 1930s. . If youre using a car from Philadelphia, you can get to Rehoboth Beach in 2 hours and 6 minutes. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. So it makes for the perfect backdrop to your bonding moment with your significant other. Splash in the waters under the blue skies for the perfect family bonding moment. With a last minute deal, you can easily book your round-trip air from Philadelphia, accommodations, local representative and hotel taxes for one discounted price. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Washington DC usually takes around 3 hours, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex is a must-see, too. Try a whiskey tasting at the Cannon Room (named for the 17th-century cannons unearthed on site during the hotels construction), and come back in the summer, when the pool set on the edge of Rec Pier opens for sunbathing and socializing. You can enjoy the territorys beautiful beaches. 6. 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. While there, you can explore the many boroughs of the city: Visit the Botanical Gardens or experience a Yankees game in the Bronx; indulge in the diverse flavors of Astoria, Queens food scene; take iconic bridge photos in Dumbo, Brooklyn; or get lost perusing the many neighborhoods of Manhattan after an epic private helicopter tour. So it makes for the perfect backdrop to your bonding moment with your significant other. Phototgraph by Iwan Baan/Glenstone Museum. Weekend trips (3-5 hours each way) If you have the time to head out a bit further, there are plenty of drives that are worth getting up early for, or even turning into an overnight break. If you have the budget, staying in Manhattan will help you be most central to top attractions. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard in Charlottesville, Virginia is one of several great drivable weekend getaways from Philadelphia. Related: How to redeem points with the World of Hyatt program. In Philly, Reading is probably best known as being the namesake for Reading Terminal Market. This city stretches for 12,454 acres in Northampton and Lehigh Counties. 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. While the city is known as Christmas City USA, its not just a great holiday season destination, but offers a bit of something for visitors to enjoy throughout the year. Philadelphians love to come to this little town to get away from the hustle of the big city for a little while. Its home to historical structures, Bethlehem Steel, and a wide array of shopping options. If youre up for a more challenging hike, try the Chimney Hollow Falls trail. Hickory Run has two dozen hiking options over 44 miles of trails. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Its Renaissance-style dome replicates the one in St. Peters Basilica in Rome. A barrier island that bills itself as Americas Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City is, notably, a dry town there are no bars and no liquor stores once you cross the bridge from the mainland. In fact, there are so many things to do in Jim Thorpe, PA that youll likely need more than a day. Visit the National Museum of Industrial History, check out SteelStacks, and stop by Dutch Springs Aqua Park. Its where Lincolns train arrived in 1863. 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. Best hotels near the Poconos: home rentals are common because of group travel, but these hotels are wonderful options: Settlers Inn, Skytop Lodge, Ledges Hotel, and Hotel Anthracite. Whether you are a thrill-seeker, are looking for things to do with kids, love great beer, or simply enjoy history, this is one of the best spots to check out near Philly. Its four-poster antique wooden bed in the center catches the eye. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world. If youre coming from Philadelphia, you can reach Inn BoonsBoro in 2 hours and 37 minutes. JetBlue's tickets on the Philadelphia-Charlotte Amalie route are $200 cheaper, on average, than their closest competitor, making them fantastic value for money. Hop over to Lancaster and take a horse-drawn buggy ride through Amish farm country. And the three-bed, two-bath A-Frame vacation home, set on a wooded 2.5 acres, takes it to the next level. Harpers Ferry is a unique location, as the National Park Service runs a large chunk of the town. Pack a picnic lunch with provisions from the Ferry Marketa salad from Little Radish, made with produce from nearby farms, or a vegetable empanada from Lima Fusionbefore pedaling two miles down the canal path to explore whats in season at Bowmans Hill Wildflower Preserve. Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $24 for one-way flights and $43 for round trip, for the period specified. N.C. Wyeths former residence and studio also is open for tours. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. 1. Youll love its beautiful facade made of marble and the courtrooms grand 24 columns. Erie Zoo, located in northwestern Pennsylvania, is your go-to place for fun-filled days of animal viewing. Airport. So once youre done admiring all the flora, you can explore this charming area as well. However, they are close to them, so they make easy trips from those cities, which serve as a great base from which to explore the areas. Heres how to explore it. Book a private cottage at recently opened The Roundtree (from $395 per night) in Amagansett. 60 Water StreetStonington, CT 06378(860) 535-2000. That being said, here are a few of our favorite day trips from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For a respite from Civil War history, the area also is home to Eisenhower National Historic Site, the home and farm of President Dwight Eisenhower. Top Bethlehem, PA hotels to stay at: Historic Hotel Bethlehem and The Sayer Mansion. Editors note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Its also one of the shortest day trips from Philadelphia that you can take. At the Bellmoor Inn + Spa (from $199 per night) in downtown Rehoboth, take your breakfast into the quiet courtyard, read by the fire in the Jefferson library, or schedule an in-room massage. Post-pandemic, the hot spots are still hot though in some cases not yet fully out of hibernation and new options keep right on opening. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. So youll get to the Canadian city in 7 hours if you travel by car. Youll learn more about how Bermuda came about and its maritime history. It features the Gettysburg National Military Park and a historic downtown. Keep reading here. Then head out to the battlefield, preferably with a licensed guide who will hop in your car for a two-hour tour (guide fee: $75 per car). I encourage you to plan for a stay of at least a night or two at each. Its home to famous landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Soldiers and Sailors Arch. 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). Robb. In short, you will definitely see all the highlights that Philadelphia has to offer. Venture out to walk Main Street in nearby Honesdale, and stop for a cup of coffee at Black and Brass, made with beans roasted on-site, or plates of handmade fettuccine and whole roasted trout at Native. In the unlikely event cabin fever hits, break the off-the-grid illusion with a visit to the nearby East Point Lighthouse, or with a scenic drive to one of the New Jersey shore towns. The outdoor patio at Bluecoast in Bethany Beach, one restaurant to try while youre visiting Delaware. Instead of kiddie rides and miniature golf, the big allures of its boardwalk are the giant casinos loaded with adult-only gaming areas there are nine across Atlantic City in all. Add to that the citys location: right between New York City and Washington, D.C. and conveniently well-positioned for so many road trips. Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Finally, check out the Presbyterian Church, which is the last stop in his Gettysburg itinerary. Its also because its in an excellent location. (five-hour drive from Philadelphia). Just a short drive from many locations in the northeast, Watch Hillis an idyllic place to visit year round. And each room gets inspiration from famous novels. This unincorporated community encompasses 9,216 acres in Derry township. Fly from Philadelphia to Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas for as low as $481 round trip. Its about 20 minutes north of Bethlehem and worth the trip. This capital of Pennsylvania sits on the east bank of the Susquehanna River. Even if you have no connection to the battle, though, its a fascinating destination. 6. The site of former country mansions of the du Ponts and other wealthy families, it offers a pastoral, chteau country-like scene. . 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. 2023 Cond Nast. Longwood Gardens is located in the Brandywine region in an area called Kennett Square. 2. 6. This city consists of five boroughs sitting at the intersection of the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean. Sample Seasonal Wines in Kennett Square. 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. Photo by Famartin/Wikimedia. 21 Best Day Trips from Philadelphia Longwood Gardens The Longwood Gardens is a vibrant, beautifully curated wonderland of plants, flowers, and trees just about one hour drive from Philadelphia. Brandywine Valley Wine Tour. Just marvel at the over 3,000 boats that occupy the citys harbors and marinas. Where to stay: History buffs will have a hard time passing up the Brickhouse Inn, in downtown Gettysburg (rooms from $119 per night). If youre hoping for a beach weekend getaway from Philadelphia thats a shorter drive than going to Delaware, consider Cape May, New Jersey. Theyll love the Wildcats Revenge, the parks all-new wood, and steel hybrid coaster. Youll have the time of your life following the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Just two hours outside of Philadelphia, this Delaware beach town is quite convenient for beach goers looking to escape the city, go paddle boarding, and maybe even take some windsurfing lessons. There's a lot of great history to uncover in Philadelphia. The New Hope Arts Center is your stop for your artistic fix. 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. If they get tired of amusement park rides, take them to the beach. Tours to book in Ocean City, MD: Parasailing, sail on a catamaran, book a sunset cruise, or try a banana boat adventure. Stay for the night, and youll see the beautiful Milky Way if you look up. You can get your daily dose of exercise in the gym, too. Take your pick, and enjoy! 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. That makes it the perfect home base for a low-key weekend centered on water sports and quality seafood. One of the best nature-focused weekend trips from Philadelphia is undoubtedly the Pocono Mountains. If thats not enough Hershey for you, theres also Hershey Gardens, a 23-acre botanical park that, yes, has a tad of Hershey theming, too. The Poconos region also offers wine tastings, waterfall hikes, and cozy porches to help you forget about the stresses of city life. The Longwood Gardens stretch for 1,077 acres in Kennett Square. You can also take Amtrak from Philadelphia to downtown Lancaster if youd rather travel by train. All of these official Hershey resorts come with free shuttle service to Hersheypark, extra hours inside the park, tickets to The Hershey Story and Hershey Gardens, and free chocolate at check-in. Room designs reflect the low-key luxury that defines the region, with a subdued color palette, Frette linens, and Grown Alchemist bath products. It features 18 rooms, massage rooms, and a fitness room. In winter, snuggle under a blanket by the fire pit during a smores-filled happy hour. Want to go overseas without spending too much time traveling? 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. Built in 1857, the headquarters of Bethlehem Steel, once the countrys second-largest producer, remains here. You can take a train from Philadelphia to Short Hills Mall via Newark, Penn Station Light Rail Departure, BROAD STREET station, Newark Broad St, Summit, and Broad St At Maple St in around 2h 32m. Located in the Pocono Mountains near the Delaware Water Gap, Bushkill Falls is undoubtedly one of the best natural gems in the state, and one of our recommended places for autumn hikes. Terms and Conditions Apply. Experience nature at its finest in this stunning nature oasis. End the day at the hotels members only rooftop lounge, with a local beer from Free Will Brewing and panoramic river views. You can build an entire weekend around a pilgrimage to one of its famed mid-century modern auctions. The longest flight from Philadelphia PHL is a 4,214 mile (6,781 km) non-stop route to Doha DOH. Check out the Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883. You can choose a different theme for your room, though. For the ice cream Best known as the home of the Ivy League university, the lovely town of Princeton is well worth the hour-long drive from Philly. Find the right card for you. Visit the National Civil War Museum, with its over 21,000 artifacts. 9 Easy, Breezy Island Trips to Take from Philadelphia Let the last two years of frustration and complications drift away at these beachy island getaways. Looking for even more places to explore? 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. That keeps the rowdy crowd away, and the evening scene is all about strolling the boards with the little ones in tow. These trips offer the chance to get off the grid in dense forests, snowy mountains and stunning hiking trails. 10 Days From $3,349pp. Doylestown - 45 minutes Doylestown is a charming borough and the county seat of Bucks County. This may be one of the long weekend trips from Philadelphia youll take. And I do mean extraordinary. This picturesque countryside region is home to six sprawling, family-owned wineries. This borough in Pennsylvania stretches for 1,062 acres in Adams County. Ride the Wild Waves Coaster or the Swings with them in Playlands Castaway Cove, too. Who says you need to go far away for a cool overnight trip? Known to tourists as "the End," the . Baltimore, MD Aquarium, Museum The buildings once housed workers from nearby DuPont powder mills. Getting to Cherry Springs State Park might take a little longer than usual. This boutique hotel dates back to the 1790s. Where to Go Ice Skating in Philadelphia: 7 Ice Rinks to Visit, 14 Beautiful Parks and Hikes Near Philadelphia, My Experience at Feria del Barrio Philadelphia (Hispanic Heritage Month), Itineraries: A 3-Day Weekend Getaway in Philadelphia, The Art Lover's Guide to Philadelphia: 18 Places You Can't Miss. 4. You can reach the Atlantic Hotel in 2 hours and 25 minutes. Or head across the river to the recently renovated Logan Inn in New Hope. You can explore the Plateau district, too, with its colorful houses and neo-Art Deco exterior. The museum has 11 galleries, filled with amazing artifacts from the pivotal Civil War battle. Consider booking your tickets to Charleston, WV from cities including New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C. This bed and breakfast is just a 7-minute walk from Lewes downtown. Shed your road clothes, take a bath and dine in style at the Savage River Lodge. 1600 Mt. Since they are so close together, they make for a great day trip when combined together. We look forward to hearing from you! Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Island getaways: The beachfront. Recommended Hotel: Best Western Premier the Central Hotel & Conference Center, 1001 Longwood RoadKennett Square, PA 19348(610) 388-1000. Check out the camellias and poinsettias in the Conservatory, too. Montreal is 452 miles away from Philadelphia. Distance from Harrisburg to Hershey: 30 minutes. State: MD. You might even see planets from far away. Lucky for you, there are loads of options! You can have the ultimate nature experience in this beautiful place. For some history, visit the National Museum of Bermuda. Its newest attraction, Jolly Rancher Remix, is a revamped roller coaster that includes a blast through a Jolly Rancher flavor-infused tunnel. On a short trip, you'll get the most out of your time on Grand Cayman, the largest. Its permanent collection includes more than 44,000 works of art. Longwood Gardens is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the U.S. With 90,000 species of plants and 1,000 acres of land, it looks like its right out of a floral fairytale! The town takes its curious name from athlete Jim Thorpe who is buried just outside of town despite having no connection to the area. For something more budget-friendly, try the Inn at Jim Thorpe with rooms starting for just $133 a night. 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. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Since Hersheypark and Harrisburg are so close to each other, you can easily visit both of these wonderful stops in one weekend. (two-hour drive from Philadelphia), While out east for sun-seeking Philadelphians typically means the Jersey Shore, in under four hours from Center City, the Hamptons are a refreshing change of coastal scenery. Jersey Shore is 52 miles away from Philadelphia, and you can reach it in 1 hour and 7 minutes by car. You can reach The Poconos in 1 hour and 36 minutes by car. And spring is great for hiking trails like Lehigh Gorge Trail, Bushkill Falls Trail, and nearby Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area.