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10 Amazing Weekend Getaways From Philadelphia (2024)

Philadelphia is the largest Pennsylvanian city that has kept American history alive. The city is home to iconic historical monuments, vibrant culinary scenes, and charming small towns. But what if someone wants to step out a little? No issues; there are several weekend getaways spots nearby. Thanks to Philly’s exotic location (between Washington DC and New York), there are several cities within an hour or two drive away. You can take your own car or choose public transport, traveling around is really convenient here.

A variety of American cities and towns lies within a short drive away from Philadelphia. Be it the U.S. capital, the Victorian towns, or the historic cities, options here are truly diverse. You can spend your entire day exploring the museums or sit at a secluded beach. To get some insights, have a look at our choicest picks for popular weekend getaways from Philadelphia.

10 Amazing Weekend Getaways From Philadelphia

The list includes cities/towns from Pennsylvania and other nearby states as well.

1. Washington DC (2 hours and 21 minutes from Philadelphia)

While you are planning a weekend out from Philadelphia, what’s better than the U.S. capital, Washington DC. Being the capital city, it has stored some of the prominent American attractions which are popular worldwide. You can begin with the United States Capitol and Capitol Hill and learn a lot about the Nation. Here you can also explore a lesser-known place but the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress. Further steps towards the most loved memorials of all, the Lincoln Memorial. While in Washington DC, it is a sin to miss touring the iconic White House. A weekend will fall short, but if you have enough time, there are several museums and monuments to explore around.

2. New York City (1 hour and 45 minutes from Philadelphia)

New York City is an iconic city the entire world knows about. Travelers can choose N.Y. city as an ideal weekend getaway from Philadelphia without driving much afar. Though a weekend is never sufficient to explore the best of N.Y. city, you can go by some top-rated attractions. Begin with the Statue of Liberty, America’s most iconic sight. You can see the statue from both land and water. You can walk around its base, or with advanced reservation, you can climb up till its crown. N.Y. city is also home to the largest and most popular museum in America, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Apart from that, do add the Empire State Building and 9/11 Memorial and Museum to your itinerary.

3. Jersey City (1 hour and 25 minutes from Philadelphia)

Jersey City is a weekend getaway near Philadelphia that you cannot simply miss. There is so much to explore around the city, especially the outdoor attractions. Begin with the Statue Cruises that will take you to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Food enthusiasts can also go for Jersey Girls Food Tours (walking tours around the city). These tours offer everything from sample bites to gourmet tours in an unforgettable experience. If you have an interest in Art, go shop at the Artist and Maker Market. Or Liberty Landing Marina alone is good enough to spend a leisurely weekend.

4. Jim Thorpe (1 hour and 31 minutes from Philadelphia)

Jim Thorpe’s a Pennsylvanian town known for its beautiful landscapes, and thus it is often called the Switzerland of America. The town offers remarkable scenery, several historic attractions, interesting restaurants, and unique inns. Some of the popular weekend getaway attractions here include the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, the old jail museum, and the Mauch Chunk Opera House. Though keeping all of this apart, the scenic Lehigh Gorge railway takes away all the limelight. Visitors can book a 70-minutes historic train tour that will take them through bridges, dramatic cliffs, and breath-taking mountain scenery. Lastly, end your trip with the field trips of Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary.

5. Bethlehem (1 hour and 20 minutes from Philadelphia)

Bethlehem is a vibrant historic city and a common weekend getaway from Philadelphia and New York City. For over a century, the city was known for its Bethlehem Steel plant, an important part of American industrial development. Today, for a quick refreshment, Bethlehem is an ideal weekend getaway for the local Phillis. You can visit the historic farm, Burnside Plantation, and spend an entire day there. The city also offers several historic tours, including walking tours, custom tours, themed tours, and special seasonal tours. Apart from exploring the well-knowns, do try exotic ice-creams from the Nuts About Ice Creams.

6. Fogelsville (1 hour and 11 minutes from Philadelphia)

If you like to stay away from the crowd, Fogelsville is a perfect weekend destination for you. It is a small town in Pennsylvania that isn’t popular but don’t let the size fool you. Fogelsville is extremely beautiful and peaceful when we compare it with other leading tourism cities. It offers you several opportunities to step out on the Lehigh Valley Wine trails and unwind yourself. Try the local bright, fruity reds and crisp whites and shop back some at cheap rates. Though Fogelsville remains beautiful all throughout the year, Spring here is exceptional. Explore the town on foot or book yourself a bike. Fogelsville is by far the best weekend getaway spot for adults near Philadelphia.

7. Wilmington, Delaware (38 minutes to Philadelphia)

Wilmington is one of the nearest weekend getaways from Philadelphia but in a different State. Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware and one of the most historic cities in America (founded in the early 1600s). Today the city is home to several prominent museums and beautiful gardens. Since it is home to U.S. President Joe Biden, the city is continuously growing in all fields and directions. Visitors can explore the well-known Rehoboth and Delaware Beaches or pay a visit to the Nemours Mansion and Garden. The huge Brandywine Creek State Park in Wilmington is important for birds, wildlife, and natural walking. From families to couples and kids, Wilmington has tons of weekend things to do for all.

8. New Hope (50 minutes from Philadelphia)

New Hope is an eastern Pennsylvanian town and not very far away from Philadelphia. Be it permanent attractions, festivals, events, or food, everything about New Hope always rocks. This quint town is home to the 500-acre Washington Crossing Park that alone can engage you for a whole day. When in New Hope, begin your day by sipping a hot cup of coffee at the Ferry Market. Further, go for a biking trip at the Delaware Canal State Park and soak in the tranquillity. Shopping enthusiasts can spend some time on Main Street. Here you will find everything from flea markets to brands and boutiques. Along with that, do not miss riding the 1925 special locomotive at the New Hope Railroad.

9. Pocono Mountains (1 hour and 58 minutes from Philadelphia)

Pocono Mountains is a spectacularly beautiful region, and almost every Philadelphian knows about it. The mountains are home to clear lakes, flowers, valleys, woodlands, rivers, creeks, waterfalls, zoos, and parklands. Unlike Poconos are thought off, several resorts open up waterparks amidst the most natural settings. You can be of any age or distinct interest; Pocono Mountains will never let you go back disheartened. Though tourism here is flourished all throughout the year, Winters at Poconos are exceptionally cherished of all. While all the peaks and hills are capped with snow, winter adventures are in bloom at Poconos. You can plan a weekend for snow skiing and snowboard at one of the Pocono Mountain resorts.

10. Cape May (1 hour and 30 minutes from Philadelphia)

Cape May is the ultimate holiday destination and a weekend getaway spot near Philadelphia. It is a picturesque beach town lined with dainty Victorian homes on one side and Atlantic on the other. While beach enthusiasts can go and explore the quaint beaches, others can go explore the fashionable town side. The first place to stop at is the Cape May historic district, where you can explore museums, malls, and several fun spaces. Next, head towards West Cape May and watch over 450 bird species. To catch the bird’s eye view of the sight, visit the Cape May Lighthouse, climb 199 steps and capture the panorama.

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