From charming small towns to roller coasters, here are 10 Pennsylvania day trip ideas to help you squeeze in one last trip this summer.
Summer may (somehow!) already be winding down, but there’s still time for one last adventure before the school bell beckons kids back. We’ve put together a list of 10 of our favorite day-trip destinations, whether we’re talking about beautiful natural spaces like Pennsylvania state parks, cute small towns, or commonwealth treasures like gardens and amusement parks. You can make a plan to visit all of these destinations on short notice—and if you start planning now, maybe you can pack the rest of your summer with a few memorable day trips.
Spend a day swimming at Erie’s Presque Isle State Park
Did someone say “beach trip”? (Yes, it was me!) Erie’s Presque Isle State Park is the state’s only “seashore”—and it truly does feel like the seashore, because the waves and sheer breadth of Lake Erie more closely evoke a freshwater sea than a lakeshore. And the state park certainly offers a beach day experience with its sandy beaches, kayaking and biking opportunities, and beautiful sunsets. Be sure to round off your day trip with visits to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center to learn the ecology of Presque Isle and a visit to the top of the Presque Isle Lighthouse for scenic views of the area.
Explore the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Pennsylvania’s Pine Creek Gorge—affectionately known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon—cuts a 50-mile-long slice into the landscape of north-central Pennsylvania. The gorge offers incomparable panoramic views, stellar hiking and biking, and boating on Pine Creek.
Take a day trip to the gorge and stop at scenic overlooks at either Colton Point State Park or Leonard Harrison State Park, each on either side of the canyon. You can also hike the gentle, 1-mile Rim Trail along the top of the gorge—or perhaps the more challenging 1.5-mile Turkey Path, which leads down into the gorge. That’s where you’ll find the incredible Pine Creek Rail Trail, a 62-mile-long journey through the area’s beautiful scenery.
Go whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle
The best whitewater rafting in Pennsylvania—arguably the best on the East Coast—can be found in Western Pennsylvania’s Ohiopyle State Park on the Youghiogheny River. The “Yough”—pronounced “Yawk”—offers rapids from Class I through Class IV for an exciting journey on the water.
You can take a raft, a smaller inflatable ducky, or a kayak on the river, with different sections offering varying levels of difficulty. The Middle Yough’s Class I and II rapids are gentler, and more suitable for families and beginners, while the Lower Yough’s Class III and IV rapids are more challenging. Check out trips via Ohiopyle-based outfitters like Wilderness Voyageurs and Ohiopyle Trading Post & River Tours.
Dive into Civil War history in Gettysburg
The main attraction in Adams County’s Gettysburg is, of course, the field where one of the most important battles of the American Civil War took place, memorialized at Gettysburg National Military Park. A day trip to the battlefield is an opportunity to be immersed in U.S. history, either through a self-guided tour or any number of guided tour opportunities by private car, bus, bicycle, or even Scoot Coupe.
But you can also explore Gettysburg beyond the battlefield, as Civil War history—and other facets of history—also unfolded within the small town. You might check out the Jennie Wade House, where the only civilian to die in the battle lost her life, or the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum. Gettysburg is also home to dining experiences, such as those at the circa-1776 Dobbin House Tavern, where great food meets stories of the past.
Admire the iconic house that is Fallingwater
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Fallingwater, can be found within the woods of Western Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, and indeed, the home is meant to be part of the landscape—it’s built directly on top of a waterfall within Bear Run Nature Reserve. Each year, more than 160,000 visitors tour the house and surrounding grounds to learn more about Wright’s vision and the Pittsburgh family that commissioned him to design their holiday retreat.
Reservations are strongly encouraged if you want to take a guided tour of the home—you can usually book a few days in advance and successfully grab a spot. But you can also get a grounds pass to check out the exterior of the home and its beautiful surroundings.
Cool off at Raystown Lake
Raystown Lake is the largest lake located fully within Pennsylvania, and it’s been a favorite of Pennsylvania families for decades. Unlike many lake destinations, Raystown Lake isn’t heavily developed, so you can still feel like you’re surrounded by untouched nature. You might choose to swim or rent a boat to further explore the waters—or see if you can spot rumored lake resident and area cryptid, Raystown Ray.
Stop and smell the flowers at Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens in Bucks County’s Kennett Square is one of the most famous botanical gardens in the country—and for good reason. The area is home to more than 1,100 acres of gardens, meadows, and woodlands filled with flowers and plants that celebrate the natural world.
You can also participate in Longwood Gardens programs and events, such as live music performances, hands-on workshops like floral design, and seasonal festivals like this summer’s Festival of Fountains and its incredible illuminated fountain shows.
Check out the galleries of New Hope
The charming town of New Hope, just under an hour from Philadelphia, is a favorite destination for many urbanites looking to spend a day in a small town, and we understand why. Long an artists’ enclave, New Hope is home to several galleries for visitors to browse as well as small businesses like independent bookstores and unique gift shops.
Located along the Delaware River, New Hope is also a great place to grab a bite to eat while taking in a beautiful waterfront view. And if you plan your trip right, you can also see a show at the famed Bucks County Playhouse.
Wander the streets of “America’s Switzerland” in Jim Thorpe
The town of Jim Thorpe is known as “America’s Switzerland” because of the way it’s seemingly been dropped within the Pocono Mountains, resembling a charming town in the Swiss Alps. Besides walking through the picturesque downtown and visiting businesses like The Silly Goose gift shop and Curiosities Coffee and Ice House, you can also take a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for a lovely tour of the area along the Lehigh River, or plan a hike on the easy yet stunning 3.3-mile Tank Hollow Trail.
Ride coasters at Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels Amusement Resort is one of Pennsylvania families’ favorite amusement parks—it’s fun, unique, yet wildly affordable. Knoebels, after all, doesn’t charge admission; instead, it charges per ride, meaning families can design a day well within their budgets based on who is actually riding coasters versus who is there just to spend a day with their loved ones in the sun. Speaking of coasters, Knoebels is home to Phoenix, the 1947 wooden coaster widely considered among the best in the world.
Knoebels is known not only for affordable fun but also for great amusement park eats. Check out the giant menu of delicious-yet-easy-on-the-budget meals at The Alamo, which USA Today has named the best amusement park restaurant in the country for four straight years.
