America

The 8 Best Day Trips from Philadelphia

Discover unforgettable day trips from Philadelphia with Civitatis! Explore beyond the city limits and make the most of your visit to the United States.
3 April 2025

Philadelphia, home of the Declaration of Independence and the Philly cheesesteak, is bursting at the seams with history around every corner. Not only is it one of the oldest cities in the United States, but it’s also the perfect launchpad for some incredible day trips. Just a couple of hours outside the city, you’ll find everything from pristine beaches and rolling countryside to small towns and outdoor wonderlands.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or visiting the US for the first time and trying to see it all, we’ve got you covered. Many of these day trips are super easy (not to mention budget-friendly) to reach by bus or train. But if you’re up for a short drive, no more than a couple of hours, renting a car is totally worth it. We’ve rounded up the best day trips from Philadelphia, so no matter how you travel, an unforgettable adventure is waiting.

1. Take a Bite of the Big Apple, New York

Travel time: 1.5 hours by train or bus

Trade the cheesesteaks for iconic skyscrapers with a visit to New York City. As one of the easiest day trips from Philadelphia, a 1.5-hour train ride drops you off in the heart of the concrete jungle.

Start your NYC immersion with a free tour of Manhattan—stroll down the iconic Wall Street, where financial history unfolds, and snap a pic outside the New York Stock Exchange before hunting for that perfect, foldable New York slice (because yes, pizza here is an art form).

Pro tip: if you arrive early enough at the stock exchange, keep your ears open for that morning bell, marking the start of a new trading day.

Panoramic view of New York skyline with the Empire State Building in the middle as the sun is rising.
Climb to the top of the Empire State Building, a must-see in New York

Check out more of the top things to do in New York with the Go City: New York Explorer Pass. You can soar up to the top of the Empire State Building for skyline views, and head to the Top of the Rock Observatory for a different (and arguably even better) perspective. Plus, you can hop on a ferry to see New York’s Statue of Liberty, an absolute must-do in the Big Apple.

On the other hand, no visit to New York would be complete without seeing Central Park. As one of the most visited urban parks in the United States, New Yorkers and travelers alike come here to unwind, picnic, and soak in the skyline views. Hop on a bike tour of Central Park and cruise past the park’s famous landmarks—because exploring on two wheels is the best way to see it all without missing a beat.

2. Visit the Nation’s Capital, Washington, D.C. 

Travel time: 2 to 2.5 hours by train or bus

With so many museums, monuments, landmarks, and overall fun, Washington, D.C. makes for a perfect family-friendly day trip from Philadelphia. 

See the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the National Mall, and many more iconic sites with this sightseeing bus tour. Not only does it take you to explore the heart of the city, but you’ll also venture beyond the city limits to Arlington Cemetery, in Virginia! Without a doubt, one of the best ways to see the nation’s capital in one day.

Angled view of the Capitol building in Washington, DC on a sunny day.
Visit Washington, DC, one of the best day trips from Philadelphia

If you’re eager to dive into US history and see how the government operates, this tour of Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress is a must. Get an up-close look at the iconic Capitol building, learn about the judiciary branch, and explore the Library of Congress, home to one of the first Bibles ever printed by Gutenberg. Another cool option is this tour of D.C.’s contrasts, where you can explore areas like Embassy Row where global diplomacy unfolds and the trendy Kalorama neighborhood where the Obamas once lived.

But D.C. isn’t just about politics and historical monuments. It’s also home to the incredible network of Smithsonian Institution museums, that have been preserving cultural heritage for decades. The best part? All Smithsonian museums are free! Check out the Hope Diamond at the Natural History Museum, and make friends with elephants and giraffes at the National Zoo—all in one day.

3. Explore the Charm of Baltimore

Travel time: 1.5 hours by train or bus

Good Morning, Baltimore! Another easy day trip from Philadelphia, you can arrive in the historic port city in just 1.5 hours by bus or train. 

Kick off your day at the famous Inner Harbor, the city’s top attraction. You can stroll around the area and soak up the views, or you can kick it up a notch and hop on a scenic harbor cruise. Set sail on the Chesapeake Bay and catch a glimpse of the historic Fells Point, a National Register Historic District rich in maritime charm.

As you soak up the views, be sure to look out for the USS Constellation, a 100-year-old warship that’s never lost a battle, and now calls the Bay her home. For more on US history, check out Fort McHenry, just 35 minutes south of the city. This is where Francis Scott Key, trapped aboard a British ship during the 1814 Battle of Baltimore, was inspired to write the country’s national anthem.

Aerial panoramic view of Baltimore and the Inner Harbor on a sunny day. The National Aquarium visible and the USS Constellation.
Baltimore, known as Charm City, makes for a great day trip from Philadelphia

Take your city exploration to the next level and uncover Baltimore’s Prohibition-era legacy. As part of the only state to reject the alcohol ban in the 1920s, the city thrived as a hub for the underground liquor trade. Today, distilleries continue to produce locally made spirits but with a modern twist. Try it for yourself with this whiskey tasting pass that allows you to visit several distilleries, each offering a unique tasting experience.

4. Relax Seaside in Ocean City, Maryland

Travel time: 3 hours by car

Escape the city for a beach day trip from Philadelphia! While you’ll need a car to reach Ocean City, Maryland, this beloved coastal town is one of the top vacation spots for locals.

Stroll along the iconic boardwalk, take in stunning ocean views, and hop on a few classic rides. Don’t forget to snag a box of the famous saltwater taffy, a classic beach treat along the East Coast! For a closer look at the Atlantic’s marine life, hop on a thrilling dolphin-watching speedboat tour. Have some major fun in the sun while also looking out for friendly dolphins that often frequent these waters.

If you’re looking for an extra pump of adrenaline, consider parasailing over Ocean City. With a bird’s eye view of the beach town, it’ll feel like you’re flying. Then again, if you prefer a more chill experience, check out this sunset cruise. Soak up a beautiful golden hour over the Atlantic and make memories that will last a lifetime.

5. See the Amish in Lancaster

Travel time: 1.5 by car, train, or bus

Just over an hour away from Philly, Lancaster feels like another world—rolling farmlands and horse-drawn buggies live side by side with modern cars and paved streets. As the oldest inland city in the United States, Lancaster is also home to the oldest Amish settlement in the US.

The Amish community has fascinated travelers for decades, as a culture that thrives without modern technology, yet produces some of the best wooden furniture and baked goods in town. Take a break from bustling major cities and step into the tranquil countryside of Pennsylvania on this day trip from Philadelphia. Tour a working dairy farm, shop for handmade quilts, and savor a classic shoofly pie for a real look into the rural side of the United States.

A horse-drawn carriage carrying an Amish family of three rides down an empty paved road in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Lancaster is home to Amish Country

Pro tip: Visiting the Amish is an incredible opportunity to experience a unique cultural lifestyle, but remember to be respectful! No photos of faces, this is very important within the Amish community.

6. Step onto Historic Battlefields at Gettysburg

Travel time: 2.5 hours by car

The sleepy town of Gettysburg, just 2.5 hours from Philadelphia, offers an amazing day trip adventure, especially for history buffs. As the site of the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg, this is where the fate of the American Civil War was decided and where President Abraham Lincoln gave his iconic address.

Arriving in town, you’ll immediately notice the colonial charm emanating from traditional brick style buildings lining the small streets. Step onto the historic battlefield with a guided tour, or, for a more chilling experience, visit at night to hear eerie ghost stories about the town. For the full experience, time your visit with one of the dramatic summer reenactments, often the first week of July, when the battlefield echoes with cannon fire and cavalry charges.

Angled view of several statue monuments at Gettysburg on a sunny day.
Gettysburg Battlefield, a must-see day trip from Philadelphia

7. Try Your Luck in Atlantic City

Travel time: 1.5 hours by train

Affectionately known as the East Coast alternative to Las Vegas, Atlantic City is a great day trip from Philadelphia. Home to the oldest boardwalk in the United States, AC has got something for everybody.

In Atlantic City, you’ll find glittering casino resorts and hotels around every corner. While gambling is one of the town’s main attractions, there’s plenty of room for families to have fun along the boardwalk, enjoying some rides at Steel Pier for example. Plus, be sure to check out the lively entertainment scene in town. Atlantic City is a major venue for world-class performers, from singers like Lady Gaga to The Rolling Stones and comedy legends like Kevin Hart, there’s sure to be a show for you during your visit.

Steel Pier seen from a distance as the sun begins to set, in Atlantic City.
There’s fun for the whole family on a day trip to Atlantic City

8. Connect with Nature at Longwood Gardens

Travel time: 1.5 hours by car or bus

One of the most popular day trips from Philadelphia is a visit to Longwood Gardens, one of the largest botanical gardens in Pennsylvania. Wander through lush garden spaces, exploring scenic trails lined with stunning blooms. This magical spot is an ideal day trip from Philadelphia for couples, as there are tons of romantic trails lined with beautiful florals bound to make anybody fall in love.

Beyond its natural beauty, Longwood Gardens hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Check the calendar for garden demonstrations, educational workshops, concerts, and even theater performances.

A path lined with blooming flowers and verdant greenery leading to a running fountain in Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.
Fall in love with Longwood Gardens, one of the most popular things to do outside Philadelphia

And that’s a wrap, folks! Our favorite day trips from Philadelphia that guarantee you’ll have the ultimate experience during your visit to the United States. While some require a little more planning than others, each destination is well worth the effort to see. Regardless of where you want to go, be sure to check out all the tours and experiences available along the East Coast with Civitatis.

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