The Best Day Trips from Philadelphia

This walkable town on the Delaware River packs art galleries, indie boutiques and riverside restaurants into a few charming blocks. Cross the bridge to Lambertville, ride the New Hope Railroad or wander the towpath for an easy, low-key escape from the city.

The crown jewel of the Brandywine Valley, Longwood spreads more than 1,000 acres of manicured grounds, fountains and a vast heated conservatory. Pair it with a nearby winery or the DuPont estates for a full day of gardens and countryside.

Rolling farmland dotted with horse-drawn buggies gives this region its timeless, unhurried feel. Tour a working Amish homestead, browse Lancaster's Central Market and load up on shoofly pie, whoopie pies and roadside farm stands.

America's oldest seaside resort is famous for its candy-colored Victorian houses and gaslit streets. Beyond the sand, you can climb the lighthouse, go birding at the point or sip your way through the town's growing wine and restaurant scene.

The six-mile boardwalk fronts a wide beach lined with casinos, arcades and saltwater taffy shops. It's an easy shore fix for a day of gaming, people-watching and ocean views without a long drive.

This sprawling national park preserves the ground where Washington's Continental Army endured the winter of 1777-78. Miles of trails, reconstructed log huts and a visitor center make it as good for a bike ride or picnic as for a history lesson.

The only U.S. theme park built entirely around Sesame Street, it blends gentle rides, character parades and a full water park for young kids. It's tailor-made for families with preschoolers looking for a manageable, one-day outing.

Stroll the Gothic quads of Princeton University, then browse the shops and cafes around Palmer Square and Nassau Street. Nearby Grounds For Sculpture adds 42 acres of gardens studded with playful, large-scale artworks.

This forested mountain region offers waterfall hikes, whitewater on the Lehigh and scenic rail rides through the gorge. In warmer months it's all about lakes and trails, while historic Jim Thorpe makes a picturesque base for wandering.

Henry Francis du Pont's former country estate houses one of the finest collections of American decorative arts, set within a romantic 60-acre naturalistic garden. Kids can explore the whimsical Enchanted Woods while adults tour the mansion's period rooms.

Pennsylvania's sweetest town centers on Hersheypark, the state's largest amusement park with dozens of coasters and a summer water park. Cap the day at the free Hershey's Chocolate World tour, where even the streetlights are shaped like Kisses.