Attractions Nearby Philadelphia, Day Trips and Excursions

(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - PA, USA)

Philadelphia's nearby attractions are diverse, with the Adventure Aquarium situated on the other side of the Delaware River and the brilliant Barnes Foundation art museum in the opposite direction, while Amish Country and Bucks County are also within reach of Philadelphia.

The Amish people retain their quirky traditions and religious doctrine, while Bucks County offers respite from the city with its wide open spaces, recreational activities and intriguing towns.

Adventure Aquarium

Address: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey NJ, USA
Tel: +1 609 365 3300
Just over the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey, the recently renovated Adventure Aquarium features over 4,000 creatures from the deep and America's second largest water tank, holding 760,000 gallons. The seating around the tank is arranged in a typical amphitheater set-up to give visitors adequate viewing of the shows from any position. Other attractions include the Caribbean section, with its myriad of tropical fish and beach birds; hands-on exhibits; a new crocodile attraction known as the West African; and the shark tunnel, where visitors have the option of swimming with the beasts.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:30, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge, discount for seniors, students and children, children under three free

Amish Country

Address: Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PA, USA
The Amish Country is a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside situated west of the Philadelphia city. The center and main city of the Amish region, Lancaster is an easy drive from Philadelphia. Also known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Amish Country is an area of peace, tranquility and tradition. The locals retain their old ways and customs, such as wearing traditional garb and not using motorized machinery on the farms. Take a drive around the many towns and villages in the area and visit an Amish and Mennonite market, where you will find a large range of quality handicrafts and attractions, made by skilled hands with knowledge passed down through generations.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Barnes Foundation

Address: 300 North Latch's Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PA, USA
Tel: +1 610 667 0290
Located to the west of Philadelphia in nearby Merion is the famous Barnes Foundation art gallery, containing some of the world's most prized masterpieces. Once reserved only for the eyes of a select few through the stubbornness of the founder, Albert Barnes, the gallery is now open for public viewing and attractions include numerous works by Renoir, Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse and Cézanne among others. The Degases, Gauguins and Tintorettos should also not be missed and are displayed in their original layout.
Open hours: Friday to Sunday - 09:30 to 17:00, seasonal variations apply, advance reservation necessary
Admission: charge

Longwood Gardens

Address: US 1, Kennett Square, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PA, USA
Tel: +1 610 388 1000
Situated to the west of Philadelphia between the city and Amish Country, Longwood Gardens is well loved among the green-fingered and boasts 350 acres / 142 hectares of natural beauty. Set up in 1906 by Pierre South du Pont, Longwood has a variety of colorful flower-strewn meadows where visitors can see roses and water lilies, chrysanthemums and orchids, palms and camellias, as well as magnolias and azaleas. Major attractions at the gardens include the Italian water garden; heated conservatories loaded with bonsai, cacti and ferns; an exciting children's garden complete with fountains; and a maze and weather station. There is also a café area and fountain displays in the summer.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge, discount available on Tuesdays

Bucks County and Nearby New Jersey

Address: Bucks County, Pennsylvania PA, USA
Bucks County is a pretty outdoor area to the north of Philadelphia, with the Delaware River as its eastern border. It is a far cry from the bustle of the big city and is more in line with ancient estates, country inns and wide-open spaces than skyscrapers, chic restaurants and city parks. The area is a favorite weekend getaway for both New York and Philadelphia dwellers, as well as for lovers of the outdoors. Ecotourism, biking and walking are all major attractions here, while Bucks County is also very popular with the gay and lesbian community and the town of New Hope, lying in east of the County, is a favorite gay retreat.