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Day Trips & Weekend Getaways

Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem sits in the Lehigh Valley with access to the Bethlehem Steel Stacks, the Saucon Rail Trail, and the Lehigh River.

The Steel Stacks and the Saucon Creek offer industrial heritage and trail recreation.

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Try: birdwatching, disc golf, covered bridges, antique shopping, hot springs, photography spots

12 destinations near Bethlehem

Canopy Cathedral Treehouse, PA 19348, USA

Canopy Cathedral Treehouse

PA 19348, USA

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.9 stars) · 1 hr 31 min from Bethlehem · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 31 min4.9 (12)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA 19348

Longwood Gardens

Kennett Square, PA 19348

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.9 by 31.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 33 min from Bethlehem · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 33 min4.9 (31,520)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19118

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) · 1 hr from Bethlehem · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr4.8 (2,839)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619

Grounds For Sculpture

Hamilton Township, NJ 08619

Why this destination?

Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.8 by 9.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 27 min from Bethlehem · fits $10 - $25 budget

1 hr 27 min4.8 (9,810)HistoryNatureAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Raymondskill Falls, Milford, PA 18337

Raymondskill Falls

Milford, PA 18337

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 1.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 22 min from Bethlehem · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 22 min4.8 (1,410)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Winterthur Enchanted Woods, DE 19807, USA

Winterthur Enchanted Woods

DE 19807, USA

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 35 min from Bethlehem · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 35 min4.8 (175)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton, PA 17814

Ricketts Glen State Park

Benton, PA 17814

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 5.7k+ visitors) · 1 hr 47 min from Bethlehem · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 47 min4.8 (5,699)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Valley Forge National Historical Park, King of Prussia, PA 19406

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) · 1 hr 1 min from Bethlehem · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 1 min4.8 (8,650)NatureAdventureFree - $20

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

Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour

Scranton, PA 18411

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.6k+ visitors) · 1 hr 22 min from Bethlehem · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 22 min4.7 (606)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Bushkill, PA 18324

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Bushkill, PA 18324

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 6.7k+ visitors) · 45 min from Bethlehem · fits Free - $20 budget

45 min4.7 (6,739)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Bushkill Falls, Bushkill, PA 18324

Bushkill Falls

Bushkill, PA 18324

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.6 by 10.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 2 min from Bethlehem · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 2 min4.6 (10,152)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Tanner Falls, Honesdale, PA 18431

Tanner Falls

Honesdale, PA 18431

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 51 min from Bethlehem · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 51 min4.6 (151)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best day trips from Bethlehem, PA?

The best day trips from Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem?

Most great day trips from Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem?

Many of the best day trips near Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem?

Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem?

Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Bethlehem 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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