July 25, 2018

Are the lazy days of summer behind you? No way! There’s still time to squeeze in some summer fun. Pack up the car (or hop on a train), grab some road treats and head off on one of these great day trips from the Philly area.

1. WISSAHICKON VALLEY PARK

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Find your adventure without leaving the city limits at Wissahickon Valley Park. With over 50 miles of trails crisscrossing a seven-mile stretch of wilderness along the Wissahickon Creek, the 1,800-acre park offers a mini-retreat from urban life. Join the over one million hikers, bikers, bird watchers, picnickers and horseback riders who retreat to the trails every year.

Drexel distance: 5 miles, 10 minutes by car or 45 minutes by train
Price: Free
Travel tip: Make it a full day experience by visiting the nearby Morris Arboretum, the official state arboretum of Pennsylvania.

2. SOCCER AT TALEN ENERGY STADIUM

Chester, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia sports fans are some of the most storied in the country! Tap into the city’s passion at one of its many sports venues — or take a quick trip out to the Talen Energy Stadium in Chester to cheer on one of the city’s newest professional teams, the Philadelphia Union soccer team. The season runs through October, so there is still plenty of time to enjoy a breezy summer evening at the stadium on the banks of the Delaware River.

Drexel distance: 16 miles, 30 minutes by car or 1 hour by train
Price: $27 - $158
Travel tip: Don’t worry about buying the most expensive tickets — there isn’t a bad seat in the house!

3. THE LEHIGH VALLEY

Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, Pennsylvania

Photo Credit: Lehigh Valley, PA

The Lehigh Valley is home to a thriving food scene, quaint main streets and a ton of annual festivals to make the most of every season. Bethlehem’s SteelStacks — the former home base of Bethlehem Steel — has been renovated into a modern music and arts venue. This year’s MusikFest, which runs from August 2 to 12 throughout Bethlehem, will feature ticketed shows with Daughtry, Kesha, Jason Mraz and Dierks Bentley, in addition to tons of free acts.

Drexel Distance: 57 miles, 1 hour and 15 minutes by car or 2 hours by bus
Price: Free, plus ticket fees
Travel tip: Try the “Aw Shucks” corn, a beloved festival staple made by a family in Allentown with butter and a “secret family blend” of spices.

4. LANCASTER COUNTY

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

A visit to Pennsylvania Dutch country, America’s oldest Amish settlement, is a journey back in time. Chat with locals as you explore the countryside in a horse and buggy and enjoy Amish-made goods, antiques and home cooking. Be sure to visit downtown for the Lancaster Central Market, the country’s oldest continuously operated public farmer’s market.

Drexel distance: 62 miles, 1 hour and 19 minutes by car
Price: Free, plus activity fees
Travel tip: Save room for desserts like the traditional “shoofly pie,” a molasses-based pie that dates back to the 19th century.

5. THE JERSEY SHORE

New Jersey

Summer wouldn’t be complete without soaking in the sun, sand and boardwalks of the New Jersey coastline. From the bright lights of Atlantic City to the world’s longest boardwalk in Wildwood, there is a destination perfect for every beachgoer. North Jersey’s Asbury Park is home to quirky restaurants, open-air art displays and at least 10 live music venues packed into the 1.6 mile town.

Drexel distance: 63 - 94 miles, 1 - 1.5 hours by car
Price: Free to $6 for beach tags, depending on the township
Travel tip: Atlantic City — easily accessible by train out of 30th Street Station — hosts big name artists in concert right on the beach.

6. THE INNER HARBOR

Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore’s inner harbor is one of the best-kept secrets around, with enough action to rival its larger neighbor, Washington D.C. The popular suite of restaurants, music venues and clubs at Power Plant Live! makes it easy to hop around to some of the city’s favorite spots. As one of America’s oldest seaports, Baltimore also offers colonial charm and plenty of attractions, including the Baltimore Aquarium, the Maryland Zoo and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Drexel distance: 101 miles, 1.5 hours by train or 2 hours by car
Price: Free, plus activity fees
Travel tip: Power Plant Live! hosts tons of events, like the Bacon Jam Fest on August 8 and the Baltimore Taco Fest on October 6.

7. THE POCONOS

The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

A favorite skiing and snowboarding destination, the Poconos offer adventure sports and stunning scenery year-round! Explore the eight waterfalls at Bushkill Falls, scramble across the inflatable water-slides at Dutch Springs, canoe through the picturesque Delaware Water Gap, soak in unique Pennsylvania history at Jim Thorpe, or go hiking at nearby Mount Tammany, one of New Jersey’s most iconic mountains.

Drexel distance: 102 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes by car
Price: Free, plus activity fees
Travel tip: The fall is also a great time to visit the Poconos. There are plenty of fall festivals, apple picking and, of course, the gorgeous changing leaves!

8. NEW YORK CITY

New York, New York

At Drexel, the “city that never sleeps” is just a short train or bus ride away — putting the rich culture and opportunities of one of the world’s favorite cities at your fingertips. Go beyond Times Square to check out some of the city’s trendier corners, like the bohemian hangouts in Greenwich Village. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge to sample food on both sides, or enjoy mild summer weather along the High Line, an elevated park on a former freight rail line.

Drexel distance: 102 miles, 1.5 hours by train or 2 hours by car
Price: Free, plus activity fees
Travel tip: In August, the city will host the Afropunk Festival (August 25 - 26, in Brooklyn) and Shakespeare in the Park performances of Twelfth Night (through August 19, in Central Park).