Road Trips from Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia sets you up for a variety of day trips. You've got several options within a couple of hours, featuring mostly highway driving with gently rolling terrain and good access to parks. For longer excursions, there are destinations over 4 hours away that offer more varied terrain, including hilly sections, and still provide park access. Whether you're looking for a quick escape or a more substantial drive, these routes offer distinct experiences.
Total Routes
148
Shortest
0.7h
With Parks Nearby
148
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
Gold Key Lake, PA
3h 13m131 mi one way
This 3.2-hour drive heads north with gently rolling terrain, offering a longer option than many other nearby destinations. It's a good choice if you want more time on the road and access to parks like the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Birchwood Lakes, PA
3h 3m125.7 mi one way
Clocking in at 3.1 hours, this trip is similar in distance and drive time to Gold Key Lake. It also features gently rolling terrain and park access, making it a comparable alternative for a mostly highway excursion.
Parkside, PA
2h 21m103.7 mi one way
At just over 2 hours and 103 miles, this is one of the closer options available. The drive is mostly highway with gently rolling terrain and provides access to parks like Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Tannersville, PA
2h 11m97.3 mi one way
This is the shortest drive of the bunch, under 100 miles and just 2.2 hours. It's a mostly highway route with gently rolling terrain, offering quick access to parks including Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Weekend trip
143 total in this range
Mount Joy, PA
4h 54m255.3 mi one way
Clearfield, PA
4h 47m254.2 mi one way
Central City, PA
4h 4m215.3 mi one way
Hyde, PA
4h 50m256 mi one way
This longer, 4.8-hour drive is distinct for its hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes. It covers 256 miles and offers a mixed highway and surface road experience, providing a different feel than the predominantly highway routes.
Eden, PA
4h 58m255 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Mount Joy, PA
4h 54m255.3 mi one way
Clearfield, PA
4h 47m254.2 mi one way
Central City, PA
4h 4m215.3 mi one way
Hyde, PA
4h 50m256 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
The gently rolling and hilly terrains are accessible year-round, with parks offering opportunities for exploration as temperatures rise.
Summer
With multiple park options nearby, summer provides ample chances to enjoy outdoor activities during these mostly highway drives.
Fall
The varied terrain on longer drives, like those heading towards Hyde or Corry, should offer scenic autumn views.
Winter
The predominantly highway routes offer efficient travel, while park access remains available for those seeking outdoor experiences.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Philadelphia, PA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.