Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Scranton, PA
Scranton sits in the Lackawanna Valley with access to the Steamtown National Historic Site, the Electric City Trolley Museum, and the Pocono Mountains.
The Steamtown trains and the Poconos offer historic and outdoor experiences.
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or browse all12 destinations near Scranton
The Preserve
Harpursville, NY 13787
Why this destination?
Recommended because: highly rated (4.9 by 0.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 6 min from Scranton
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.9 by 31.5k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 22 min from Scranton · 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) · 57 min from Scranton · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Delphi Waterfall
NY 13035, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.1k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 4 min from Scranton · fits Free - $20 budget
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
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 8.7k+ visitors) · 1 hr 50 min from Scranton · 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) · 1 hr 50 min from Scranton · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Vine elephant sculpture
West Winfield, NY 13491
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.7 stars) · 2 hrs 23 min from Scranton · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Tinker Falls
Tully, NY 13159
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 50 min from Scranton · fits $15 - $50 budget
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
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 6.7k+ visitors) · 51 min from Scranton · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Ithaca, NY 14850
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 5.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 51 min from Scranton · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
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 Scranton · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Luke's Falls
Weatherly, PA 18255
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.6 stars) · 53 min from Scranton · fits $15 - $50 budget
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 Scranton, PA?
The best day trips from Scranton 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 Scranton?
Most great day trips from Scranton 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 Scranton?
Many of the best day trips near Scranton 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 Scranton?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Scranton, 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 Scranton?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Scranton 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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