Philadelphia is a historic and exciting city that can easily keep families, couples, and solo travelers entertained for a week-long vacation or even longer. However, it’s also fun to get out of the city for a weekend getaway to experience other parts of this region. Here are a few of our favorite weekend getaways from Philadelphia next time you want a change of pace or to satisfy your thirst for adventure.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
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. Come here for lodge stays, farm-to-table meals, and beautiful mountain views. The Poconos region also offers wine tastings, waterfall hikes, and cozy porches to help you forget about the stresses of city life.
Lake Placid, New York
The Lake Placid area of New York is also a great place to get away for the weekend if you live in or are visiting Philadelphia for a while. Explore the large Adirondack Park, which has hosted Olympic Games events, and stay in warm and cozy accommodations at the Lake Placid Lodge. The drive to get to Lake Placid from Philadelphia is just a little over six hours.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
The Shenandoah National Park of Virginia is about three and a half hours from Philadelphia, making it the perfect distance for an outdoorsy weekend getaway. This is an epic place to get away during the fall season because of the colorful leaves on all the trees here.
Roanoke, West Virginia
Most people think of the state of Virginia when they hear the name Roanoke, but there is a Roanoke in West Virginia, too, about six hours from Philadelphia. This is home to the Stonewall Resort and near the Civil War Discovery Trail, as well as some great shopping for local handmade crafts and works of art. Visit the wineries in this region, snoot sporting clays, ride specialty trains with Mountain Rail Adventures, and take the kids to the Splash Zone Water Park in the summer. The Stonewall Resort itself is a premier destination for golfing, boating spa treatments, and outdoor recreation.
Strasburg, Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania town of Strasburg offers a real Lancaster County experience where you can step back in time with historic trains, an Amish buggy ride, and cozy bed and breakfasts. Come here for the weekend to learn about how Amish farms operate, eat delicious home-cooked food, and slow down the pace of life on the quiet backroads with gently rolling hills. It’s less than an hour and a half from Philadelphia to Strasburg, making this weekend getaway destination perfect if you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the car.
The Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondacks are a beloved East Coast destination and a great weekend trip from Philadelphia. It takes less than six hours to get here, but once you arrive, you’ll understand why it’s well worth the drive. The region is colorful in the fall, pleasant in the spring and summer, and a winter wonderland when the snow falls and the temperatures drop. Come here for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or even winter camping if you’re feeling brave. Adirondack maple syrup is perfect for sampling in the spring, the 46 High Peaks are perfect for summer hikes, and scenic drives are very popular in the fall season. When you visit the Adirondacks from Philadelphia, don’t miss out on the local wine and craft beer scenes, as well as the walking tours and museums to learn about the region.
Newport, Rhode Island
To beat the heat or just change your pace of life, take a weekend trip to the Newport, Rhode Island area. This part of New England is about five hours by car, or alternatively, you can hop on a one-hour flight to Providence Airport from the city. Come here to see the historic summer mansions and dine on some delicious local cuisine to indulge your foodie side.
Green Mountains, Vermont
The Green Mountains of Vermont are also a wonderful place to visit if you have an extended weekend and are up for about an eight-hour drive. Here you can spend time in quaint towns like Stowe and Montgomery and experience everything from apple orchards to farm-to-table cuisine, covered bridges, and snow sports. There are some excellent resorts here to stay at for your retreat getaway, including the Equinox Golf Resort and Spa in Manchester Village, which offers lots of activities like fly fishing and snowmobiling.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
We also love visiting Rehoboth Beach in Delaware as a weekend getaway from Philadelphia. This weekend destination is only a little over two hours away and is fun for the whole family. Here you can enjoy tax-free shopping, delicious salt water taffy, a nice boardwalk, amusement park rides, and plenty of fun in the sun. If you time your visit, you can also join in the fun at a local event, such as the Fiddlers’ Festival or the Sea Witch Halloween.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
It’s only about two hours by car to get from Philadelphia to Hershey, a Pennsylvania town that’s famous for chocolate. Hersheypark is a family-friendly local attraction with roller coasters, carousels, and activities for kids. Meanwhile, The Hershey Story Museum is interactive and has an excellent gift shop to look for souvenirs. Hershey Gardens is a beautiful place to visit, and there’s even a zoo nearby. Come here for the weekend if you’re looking for endless entertainment options for the whole family.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
If you’re interested in history, there are few better weekend getaways in Pennsylvania than Gettysburg. This town has an important place in American history because one of the largest Civil War battles was fought here. This is also where Abraham Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address, and you can experience lots of museums and reenactments when you visit. It’s also fun to stay in a locally owned B&B when you visit Gettysburg for the weekend to meet some locals and get an authentic and historic experience.
