Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Allentown, PA
Allentown sits in the Lehigh Valley with access to the Lehigh Valley Zoo, the Dorney Park, and the Lehigh River.
The Dorney Park and the Lehigh River offer family fun and outdoor recreation.
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or browse all12 destinations near Allentown
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.9 by 31.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 31 min from Allentown · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Canopy Cathedral Treehouse
PA 19348, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.9 stars) · 1 hr 30 min from Allentown · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 8.7k+ visitors) · 59 min from Allentown · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 2.8k+ visitors) · 59 min from Allentown · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Benton, PA 17814
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 5.7k+ visitors) · 1 hr 45 min from Allentown · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Fort Delaware State Park and Pea Patch Island
DE 19706, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 40 min from Allentown · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Grounds For Sculpture
Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.8 by 9.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 26 min from Allentown · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Winterthur Enchanted Woods
DE 19807, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 33 min from Allentown · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
First State National Historical Park
New Castle, DE 19720
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 34 min from Allentown · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Bushkill, PA 18324
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 6.7k+ visitors) · 51 min from Allentown · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
Scranton, PA 18411
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.6k+ visitors) · 1 hr 20 min from Allentown · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park
Centre Hall, PA 16828
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 4.9k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 44 min from Allentown · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Allentown, PA?
The best day trips from Allentown include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Allentown?
Most great day trips from Allentown are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Allentown?
Many of the best day trips near Allentown are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Allentown?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Allentown, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Allentown?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Allentown make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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