1. Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C., located on the East Coast of the United States, is a perfect day trip destination from Philadelphia.

Washington, D.C., to be honest, has plenty of beautiful sites and history that you shouldn't miss. There is so much to see and do in the nation's capital that seeing it all in a single day is impossible.

A tour to the nation's capital would be incomplete if it didn't include a stop at the White House. The White House, with its renowned address of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, is the President of the United States' primary living and working facility.

Millions of visitors visit the National Mall each year to witness the monuments and memorials that dot the more than 1,000 acres of land that is flanked on one end by the US Capitol Building, which houses the US legislature, and on the other end by the Lincoln Memorial. The Washington Monument, located in the park's "America's Front Yard," honors the first president of the United States and the founding of American democracy. Though the National Mall has been in numerous films and television shows, it is even more impressive in person.

Don't skip the Library of Congress, which is both the world's largest library and the country's oldest cultural institution. Take a free one-hour guided tour of the building, which is ideal for history junkies like us. It's honestly one of the most beautiful sites to see in Washington, D.C.

Don't miss the Smithsonian Institution, the world's biggest museum and educational complex, which houses over 154 million artifacts from collections spanning the arts, science and technology, history, and design. More than 30 million people visit the Institution's 11 museums and art galleries each year, which are all free to the public every day except Christmas Day.

Best time to travel: September to November and March to May are the best times to visit Washington, D.C. The hot summer is over in the autumn, and with it, most of the busy season tourists too.

Distance and driving time: 139 miles, 2 hours and 23 minutes drive from Philadelphia. 

2.  New York City

New York is a city that offers an array of gems to visitors, from five-star hotels and Michelin-star restaurants to boutique stores and street art. Its name, "the city that never sleeps," describes the liveliness of this city perfectly. You could literally spend a lifetime in this city and do something different each day. With so much to see, it can be overwhelming trying to plan a day trip to this beast of a city.

The Statue of Liberty, one of the world's largest statues, is a must-see for any first-time visitor to New York. France had given it to the United States as a present. It is a universal emblem of independence and one of America's most popular tourist sites, having been built in 1886. The statue can be seen from land, with views from Battery Park on Manhattan's southern point being particularly good.

A stroll, pedal, or carriage ride through Central Park's crisscrossing pathways is a must-do for anybody visiting New York City. You can even put on your skates and skate over Wollman Rink in the winter.

One of the things that make New York so beautiful and livable is this massive park in the city center, which is a half-mile broad and 2.5 miles long.

Times Square, which is lined with massive, brilliantly lit billboards and displays, is the place to be in New York in the evening, but it's fun at any time of day. Times Square is always packed and crowded, yet it has its own distinct charm.

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the city's most famous monuments, with Gothic-shaped arches and suspension cables that have inspired generations of poets, musicians, and artists. Many ferries on the east side of Manhattan offer views of it, but the best way to see it is to stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge for an hour.

Fifth Avenue is one of America's most well-known retail streets, and it is home to many of the world's most well-known designers.

The Empire State Building is a well-known landmark and a popular tourist attraction in New York City. The city's highest open-air observation deck, the 86th Floor Observatory (1,050 feet), is what most visitors anticipate seeing when they visit the Empire State Building.

Best time to travel: The best months to visit New York City are April to June and September to early November, when the weather is warm and pleasant, but the tourist crowds are not overwhelming. Weekends from mid-January to the end of February are the cheapest times to visit New York.

Distance and driving time: 95 miles, 1 hour and 36 minutes drive from Philadelphia. 

3.  Baltimore, MD

Baltimore is Maryland's largest city and a major seaport on the Patapsco River's extensive estuary. For travelers seeking a weekend getaway from Philadelphia, Baltimore provides a variety of free activities, wonderful museums, parks, hotels, wedding locations, and terrific breakfast spots. 

Spending a day in Baltimore will show you why the city's gorgeous waterfront views, people, and activities have earned it the nickname "Charm."

The Walters Art Museum, founded in 1934 and located on North Charles Street in Baltimore's Mt. Vernon Cultural District, is one of the city's main attractions. The Walters Art Museum houses Asian, Byzantine, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art from antiquity to the twentieth century. Free self-guided tours are available, as well as family and school visits gave by certified volunteer docents.

You'll feel as if you've been on a journey through the African savannahs after visiting the Maryland Zoo. You may meet Samson the elephant or Hassan the lion and his kids, Luke and Leia, at this fantastic zoo. When you see the endangered Panamanian Golden Frogs in the Chimp forest, you'll get a sense of the Panamanian jungle.

The National Aquarium, on East Pratt Street in the Inner Harbor, is a must-see. This massive aquarium is home to approximately 17,000 aquatic animals representing over 750 species and holds over two million gallons of water.

Best time to travel: The months of June through August are the best for exploring Baltimore, but you'll need to book ahead of time. Summer brings large crowds, high hotel rates, and scorching heat, but it also offers a variety of unique events and festivals to the city.

Distance and driving time: 106 miles, 1 hour and 41 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

4. Doylestown, PA

Source: https://www.mercermuseum.org

Doylestown is well renowned for the Bucks County Historical Society's "Tools of the Nation-Maker" exhibit, which opened in the early twentieth century. This lovely city is approximately 25 miles from Philadelphia, making it the perfect day trip location for Philadelphia visitors and residents.

Doylestown Farmer's Market is one of many reasons to visit Doylestown every week. Hundreds of local Bucks County vendors, live music, and tasting events are all part of this open-air market. Special events, cooking classes, and demonstrations by prominent local chefs are held throughout the year at the market. Local musicians play for entertainment, and scavenger hunts for kids are held on the occasion.

Visit the Fonthill, which was Henry Chapman Mercer's quirky and eccentric residence. It's an autobiography of his life as an archaeologist, historian, and pioneer of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. His inspiration for the design came from his readings, travels, and his inventive imagination.

If you want to learn more about the American industrial revolution, go to the six-story Mercer Museum, which is one of three concrete structures built by Henry Chapman Mercer. He anticipated the industrial revolution and its plethora of machine-made things, so he began collecting obsolete hand-made antiques from ordinary life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Mercer personally collected 30000 of the 40000 artifacts on show.

Best time to travel: The best time of year to visit Doylestown for warm-weather activities is from mid-June to late September.

Distance and driving time: 39 miles, 48 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

5. Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, the seat of Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, is one of the most fascinating cities in the state, offering a diverse range of historical attractions, museums, tours, markets, and restaurants. It has a long history that can be traced back to Dutch, German, and English influences, and it's particularly popular among the Amish and Mennonites.

Long's Park is an 80-acre park located in Lancaster's northwest corner. The park has been there since 1900 and holds a variety of events each year, making it one of Lancaster's main attractions. A season-long music festival, a BBQ competition, and a fine arts display are among the highlights. They also feature tennis courts, exercise pathways, and a gorgeous spring-fed lake in addition to these activities. The playground, petting zoo, and picnic spaces are all available to families.

One of the best things to do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is to visit Dutch Wonderland, which is a "Kingdom for Kids." The amusement park is intended to be a fun family destination for visitors to the Lancaster and Philadelphia areas. There are over 30 rides for people of all ages to enjoy. Dukes Lagoon, a tropically styled water park with tipping buckets and bubblers that is open during the summer, is another feature.

Lancaster's Central Market is the oldest farmers' market in the country. It takes place in a 120-year-old brick structure with a lot of local character. There's a lot of unique local food at the market that you won't find anyplace else in the country. Scrapple, breakfast meat made from pig scraps and cornmeal, is the most popular local dish.

Best time to travel: May and June are good times to visit Lancaster with excellent weather to enjoy.

Distance and driving time: 70 miles, 1 hour and 27 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

6. Coney Island, NY

Coney Island, located in Brooklyn, on the Atlantic Coast is a seaside neighborhood that is covered in a delightful layer of nostalgia, attracting tourists, thrill-seekers, and natives who have seen the town change over the years.

The ocean and sand run for almost three miles and the whole area is free to anyone who wants to embrace the intense metropolitan heat.

For those who adore rides, especially carnival games and roller coasters, the neighboring boardwalk is absolute heaven, offering rides, concessions (which mostly offer funnel cakes and hot dogs), and souvenir shops loaded with beach apparel.

New York Aquarium- the city's only major aquarium, is located in Coney Island. The 14-acre water world is home to over 300 marine species. You can see a variety of exhibits, including outdoor touch pools with sea stars, turtles, and other sea creatures. Acrobatic sea lions can be seen stealing the show by dancing, diving, and competing for your attention.

The two beaches of Coney Island and Brighton Beach are just a few blocks away from each other, and they have the same boardwalk and beach. You can find a wide array of restaurants and cute little shops around to explore or relax in.

As one of the city's landmarks, the Cyclone Roller Coaster on Coney Island is popular with tourists. The rollercoaster is a great memory of Coney Island's past. Although this rollercoaster has been around for more than eight decades, it's as popular today as it was when it was first installed.

The Coney Island Museum is one of the most fun museums in Brooklyn. There are over 5,000 items in the permanent collection of the Coney Island Museum, with the majority of them consisting of photos, paintings, and vintage signs. This is a fantastic change of pace from the boardwalk to visit the different aspects of Coney Island, from its history to its influence on the city, all in one place. Admission costs $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors.

Best time to travel: The best time to visit Coney Island is during the 'season,' which starts from Memorial Day weekend (late May) until Labor Day weekend (late September) (early September). During this period, everything is open seven days a week, and Coney Island is packed, particularly on weekends.

Distance and driving time: 94 miles, 1 hour and 33 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

7. Hamilton, NJ

Magnificent mountains, beautiful beaches, charming villages, and ancient landmarks are only the beginning of what you'll find when you explore Hamilton. While this destination is less well-known than many other renowned beach spots, it offers all of the summer pleasure that any other popular destination does.

The 30-acre Sayen Botanical Gardens and the Sayen House, conveniently located in historic Hamilton Square, are retreats for those interested in history, wildlife, and gardens.

Veterans Park, Hamilton's largest municipal park, is home to the state's largest playground. The park contains a variety of playing fields, walking paths, tennis courts, a dog park, fitness equipment, a skate park, a pavilion, a lake, and monuments honoring the troops and branches of the military.

Because there are so many wonderful restaurants in Hamilton, it is sometimes referred to as the "restaurant capital of the area." There are Italian, French, Portuguese, Indian, Chinese, and Irish restaurants, as well as Jersey diners for exquisite and casual dining. Aside from local businesses and retail stores, there are a variety of service providers to choose from, all of which are conveniently accessible nearby.

Best time to travel: From mid-June to early July, and from early August to late September, are the ideal times to visit Hamilton Square for warm-weather activities.

Distance and driving time: 42 miles, 44 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

8. Atlantic City, NJ

Head to Atlantic City for a weekend trip of fun in the sun, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Atlantic City is a popular getaway destination on the East Coast that attracts couples and families alike with a broad range of things to see and do.

Anyone visiting Atlantic City should take a stroll down the world-renowned Atlantic City Boardwalk, which is famous for its entertainment. The Boardwalk, which stretches about four miles, is lined with bars, restaurants, shops, and carnival-themed activities. The Boardwalk connects several of Atlantic City's major hotels and casinos, making it simple to travel between them.

You can ride your bike or rollerblades along the Boardwalk if you don't want to stroll the four-mile stretch. The boardwalk is a family-friendly location with cafes, miniature golf in the dark, and an escape room for visitors of all ages.

One of the most popular attractions in Atlantic City is Steel Pier. The pier, which stretches over 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and is located on the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk near Trump Taj Mahal, includes an amusement park with over 25 themed rides, challenging games and adventures, food kiosks, street vendors, and a family-friendly pub overlooking the water.

The Absecon lighthouse, which is reminiscent of coastal Maine, is 171 feet tall and is New Jersey's tallest lighthouse, as well as being one of the country's oldest. The lighthouse's highest level provides spectacular views of the lake and beach, so don’t miss out.

Last but not least, Caesars Atlantic City Casino, which is one of the most renowned casinos in the world, is a must-see. This Roman Empire and Greek-themed casino has undergone several repairs and improvements during the previous decade.

Best time to travel: The best months to visit Atlantic City are March through May or June through August.

Distance and driving time: 62 miles, approximately 1-hour drive from Philadelphia.

9. Pocono Mountains, PA

The Poconos is a popular destination for vacationers in the US state of Pennsylvania because of its numerous forested mountains, lakes, and valleys. The gorgeous natural landscape is beautifully woven into every element of the Poconos.

Bushkill Falls, also known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," is one of the most well-known beautiful attractions in Keystone State. This one-of-a-kind sequence of eight waterfalls, located deep in the wooded Pocono Mountains, is accessible by an outstanding network of hiking paths and bridges that provide spectacular views of the falls and surrounding forest.

The breathtaking natural splendor of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has been attracting visitors for almost a century, and it is regarded as one of the world's natural marvels. In 1978, the region was designated as a National Recreational Area in order to protect it, maintain it, and inform the public about it.

Hickory Run State Park, in Carbon County, covers 15,990 acres in the less forested western Pocono Mountains foothills. Boulder Field, a flat field strewn with big, spherical rocks that resemble the Moon's surface, is the park's most famous feature.

These parks are popular for hiking throughout the summer. In the winter, though, they attract cross-country skiers and snowshoers as well as downhill skiers and snowboarders.

You may make the most of your day vacation to the Pocono Mountains by golfing, rafting, or watching the fall colors from the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.

Best time to travel: Summer, fall, and winter are the best times to visit the Poconos. Spring isn't exactly a bad time to visit the Poconos; rates are at their lowest, but there aren't any special activities available during this time.

Distance and driving time: 108 miles, 1 hour and 43 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

10. Cape May, NJ

Cape May, New Jersey, one of the oldest coastal resorts, is a National Historic District with almost 600 Victorian buildings that have been restored. A lovely promenade runs beside the sandy beaches, making it ideal for biking or jogging. Because of its natural beauty and historical value, visitors from all over the world flock to this coastal area.

Begin your trip by visiting the Cape May beaches, which are a beach lover's dream, with some of the most gorgeous East Coast beaches. The beaches are all family-friendly, and dogs are not permitted during the summer. Higbee Beach, for example, has a beautiful view of the sand dunes.

Poverty Beach features great food vendors, Steger Beach has volleyball nets, and Sunset Beach has spectacular sunset views. On the majority of the beaches, fishing is permitted.

Built-in 1859, the Cape May Lighthouse is located two miles from the city of Cape May. Visitors are treated to stunning views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. Learn about the history of the lighthouse, which served as significant navigational assistance for earlier mariners.

Visit the Washington Street Mall, an open-air mall where bicycles and skateboards are not permitted. This shopper's paradise is open all year and is conveniently located near the beach. Visitors may shop for unique items in confectionery stores, jewelry stores, clothes stores, and boutiques.

Then, if you're tired, take a break on one of the benches that line the pathway or beside the fountains, which provide a refreshing wind throughout the summer. There are various restaurants that serve fresh seafood, and on weekends, guests may listen to live music.

Best time to travel: The best time to visit Cape May is from May to September when the air and water temperatures are warm enough for sunbathing and swimming.

Distance and driving time: 94 miles, 1 hour and 32 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

11. Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park, located mostly in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, is one of the most scenic regions in the state, with a surprising number of waterfalls and hiking paths to explore. The natural beauty of the area is enhanced by the presence of old-growth trees and a broad range of wildlife.

Ganoga Falls, at 94 feet tall, is the tallest waterfall at Ricketts Glen State Park, with breathtaking scenery you won't want to miss. The Glens Natural Area contains more than 20 waterfalls, including Ganoga Falls.

The hiking trails at Ricketts Glen provide breathtaking views. Hikers can follow the famous Falls Trail, which takes them past waterfalls and rugged hillsides. The hike is difficult, but it is well worth the effort. The Grand View Trail leads to Red Rock Mountain's top. The peak offers views of miles of trees and mountains, which are particularly beautiful in the autumn.

The Midway Crevasse, a corridor between two massive boulders, is located on the Highland Trail. Other pathways run through ancient forests and rare rock formations. Keep a lookout for wildlife. At least 75 different migrating bird species can be found in the area.

After a hike, relax on the beach or swim in Lake Jean to cool off. Lunch can be had at one of the lakeside picnic tables, or sandwiches, drinks, and ice cream can be purchased at the snack bar. Rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes can all be rented at the lake's two boat launches.

Best time to travel: To begin, the best time to trek Ricketts Glen's Falls Trail is weekdays while school is in session (April-May and September-October). Expect to share the route with hundreds, if not thousands, of other hikers if you visit during the summer, on a weekend, or, even worse, on a summer weekend.

Distance and driving time: 140 miles, 2 hours 26 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

12. Six Flags Adventure Park

Six Flags Great Adventure is a New Jersey amusement park located in Jackson. Six Flags owns and operates the parking facility, which is located between New York City and Philadelphia and includes Hurricane Harbor, a water park.

There are over 60 rides for all ages, ranging from family attractions like Bugs Bunny Ranger Pilots to thrill rides like Dare Devil Dive, which drops over 15 stories at 60 mph.

The park offers a variety of live entertainment options, including the Looney Tunes Dance Party at the Main Street Fountain and Trainer Talks on feathered and flippered animals, their habitats, diets, habits, and more. Visitors will also enjoy a wide variety of fresh food and beverage options, ranging from sit-down meals to on-the-go treats.

It may be difficult to fit this excursion into a single day, nothing like live entertainment, a safari park with animal feeding, and an unending assortment of shopping and dining possibilities.

Best time to travel: The best time to visit Six Flags is from Early April to Late May when the crowd is less so can enjoy the fullest.

Distance and driving time: 53 miles, 58 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

13. Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks

Source: www.njea.org/moreys-piers-wildwood

Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks is a classic seaside amusement park with water parks, rides, restaurants, shopping, and more located on The Wildwoods Boardwalk. Morey's Piers, which was founded in 1969 by the Morey family, has grown year after year to reach even greater heights and bring a little more enjoyment to the lovely New Jersey coast.

PigDog Beach Bar, Wildwood's Largest Beach Bar, is the perfect spot to drink and pig out! Family-friendly, dog-friendly, and the best BBQ site on the beach, the barefoot beach bar is a must-visit. This type of beach bar serves up delicious BBQ classics, refreshing summer drinks, and a mix of domestic and warm-weather imports. Every day, they feature live music, beach games galore, and more!

Ride the Newly Improved Sea Serpent Roller Coaster, which received upgrades this season to make it a smoother ride, something you'll appreciate when you're looping through not one, but two 120-foot hills and upside-down not twice, but three times! Isn't that enough? No? Good. Because the Sea Serpent makes a U-turn and carries you back through the ride. Take a seat and hold on tight because this serpent can attack at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour!

The wet and furious fun at Raging Waters Water Park will make your heart race! Raging Waters, located at the end of Mariner's Pier, is home to slides, pools, shipwrecks, a rope swing, and a plethora of treasures for the whole family to discover.

Take a ride on one of the east coast's largest Ferris wheels! The Giant Wheel, at 156 feet in height, offers the greatest views on the island. Roller coasters have the appearance of anthills. Is it the sea? A tiny pool!

Best time to travel: The best time to visit Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks is from Early April to Late May when the crowd is less so can enjoy the fullest.

Distance and driving time: 91 miles, 1 hour and 32 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

14. Belleplain State Forest

Belleplain State Forest was established in 1928 by the State of New Jersey for recreation, wildlife management, timber production, and water conservation. Belleplain's forested acres feature stands of young pine, oak, and Atlantic white cedar, indicating better soil conditions and less fire damage than the Pine Barrens to the north.

Hiking aficionados will be able to benefit from the route, which includes over forty miles of hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding pathways. In addition, Belleplain is a popular birdwatching area, especially during the spring migration, so bring your camera.

Swimming is permitted on the north shore of Lake Nummy while lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Changing rooms, restrooms, a first-aid station, and a concession offering snacks, novelty items, and beach supplies are all part of the beach complex.

Best time to travel: The best time to visit Belleplain State Forest is during Summer and especially Spring if you don’t want to miss out on seeing the migrating birds.

Distance and driving time: 63 miles, 1 hour and 7 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

15. Long Beach Island, NJ

Long Beach Island is a barrier island and summer community off the coast of Ocean County, New Jersey. Long Beach Island is still the best place in New Jersey to relax and unwind by the sea. Visitors from Northern New Jersey, New York City, and the Philadelphia area flock to Long Beach Island for vacations or weekend getaways.

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is located in Ocean County, New Jersey, on the northern tip of Long Beach Island. The lighthouse's location was once considered one of the most critical navigating sites for ships traveling for and from New York Harbor. To avoid the shoals that extended from the shoreline, the ships relied on the Barnegat Lighthouse. Sailing was difficult due to strong currents, shifting sandbars, and offshore shoals.

One of Long Beach Island's crown jewels is Fantasy Island Amusement Park. Fantasy Island is a clean, safe amusement park that is fun for individuals ages 2 to 92. It features 18 amusement rides, various games, an arcade, restaurants, an ice cream shop, a vintage carousel, private parties, and much more.

You can see a live show right on the beach on Long Beach Island at Surflight Theatre. This seaside live performance facility is a community cultural staple, committed to providing professional productions to both visitors and locals.

Best time to travel: Consider going on a vacation during the off-season. The months of April through June and September and October are cool, beautiful, and packed with entertaining events while remaining relatively uncrowded.

Distance and driving time: 62 miles, 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

16. Jones Beach, NY

Long Island's most popular beach and tourist destination, Jones Beach, offers breathtaking views and ambiance for its visitors. 

This great stretch of sand at Jones Beach offers beachgoers many excellent features such as building sandcastles, relaxing on the beach with a picnic basket, playing sports such as volleyball and surfing.

The waterfront at Jones Beach is abuzz with a number of bars and restaurants, several smaller parks, and vast stretches of natural land that are relatively untouched.

If you like the idea of enjoying nature while at Jones Beach, the Jones Beach Nature Center is definitely something you should see. While you're here, be on the lookout for any of the many dozen shorebird species, and if you are there during their migration season, you might even spot a hawk or a falcon! However, make sure to bring your binoculars.

You can visit Jones Beach State Park when you are in the area. Not only do you have the opportunity to swim, surf, lie out in the sun and have a picnic here, but you can also use the nearby marina, 2-mile boardwalk, pool, nature center, amphitheater, snack bars, and mini-golf.

Best time to travel: If you plan to visit this place, the month June, July, August, September would be the best time.

Distance and driving time: 133 miles, 2 hours and 13 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

17. Rockaway Beach, NY

Rockaway Beach is one of the most amazing day trips from Philadelphia. This place is great if you want to relax on the beach, enjoy some good food, and enjoy the ocean. Since it is within the city, you can get to it via public transit or on foot.

Nestled in between  67-69 Street and 87-92 Street, this is the city's only legal surfing beach. Visitors can enjoy the sand and water, and, while doing so, have the opportunity to take advantage of all the various attractions.

The Rockaway Beach neighborhood is at its busiest in the summer months, especially for people who are vacationing. They come to the beach for swimming, lounging in the sun, surfing, and participating in various sports and games on the expansive sandy beach and 5.5-mile boardwalk. 

During the Spring and Summer, vendors that sell pizza, arepas, and Italian ice are found. Restaurants with outdoor seating tend to be most active during the warm months. Just about everywhere along the coast, surfers can find good waves year-round.

A sea of pastel condos and houses stretches along the streets as far as the eye can see, and many of them have been reconstructed since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Rockaway Beach also serves as a powerful symbol of New York's strength and resilience and a case study of sustainable rebuilding.

Best time to travel: The best times to visit Far Rockaway for ideal weather are April 30th to June 24th Or August 20th to October 28th.

Distance and driving time: 104 miles, 1 hour and 46 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

18. Knoebels Amusement Resort

Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, is the largest free-admission amusement park in the United States, with on-site amenities that ensure visitors never have to leave the grounds. 

The park and its rides have won awards from organizations such as Amusement Today, American Coaster Enthusiasts, and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Knoebels was named one of Travel Channel's Top 10 Family-Friendly Amusement Parks in the United States in 2014.

In addition to the park's approximately 60 rides, award-winning food, swimming, gaming, and gift shops, guests may play golf at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Club, which is directly next door. Fun carnival-style games, museums, theaters, animal habitats, a mini-golf course, and laser tag facilities appeal to a diverse variety of personalities, ensuring that no one in the family gets bored.

You can swim in the park's 900,000 gallons Crystal Pool, which is filled with cool mountain stream water. There are waterslides, diving boards, and a separate play area for young children in the pool area. A sun deck, slides, a climbing net, and a kiddie pool are all part of the swimming area. A golf course, many restaurants, and resort housing are available to families.

You can spend the night in one of two campgrounds, which contain cabins and over 800 tent and camper spots, or in our on-site villas.

Best time to travel: The best time to visit the park is during the weekdays. You can expect a wait at any of the feature coasters, but weekdays will have the shortest wait.

Distance and driving time: 128 miles, 2 hours 30 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

19. Rehoboth Beach, DE

On the East Coast, Rehoboth Beach is a popular weekend getaway destination from Philadelphia.

With 30 miles of coastline, sports enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and surfing, while others can relax and enjoy the landscape by strolling along the beautiful walking trails. Throughout the year, visitors can attend a variety of events, get married, dine at excellent restaurants, and explore the attractions.

The finest scenic place in town and one of the top Rehoboth Beach attractions, with intriguing local stores, family amusements, and restaurants, is Rehoboth Beach and Boardwalk. Don't forget to take a stroll down the one-mile-long boardwalk to appreciate the area's picturesque charm.

Gordons Pond is a beautiful Delaware hiking and bike trail that you don’t want to miss out on. The trail, which was recently enlarged, continues past the pond and into the lush woodland. Admire the wetlands and dunes, which provide breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Delaware Seashore State Park is a 2825-acre water-surrounded park, between Rehoboth and Indian River Bay on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east, and was mostly inaccessible until the construction of two enormous steel and stone jetties.

The state of Delaware's largest waterpark is Jungle Jim's. A wave pool, water slides, an activity pool, a kiddie pool, and a lazy river are among the attractions. It also boasts a bumper boat pool, which is a water-based variation of bumper cars with the added benefit of each boat having a water pistol. This is a terrific site to visit if you're looking for things to do in Rehoboth Beach with kids.

Best time to travel: Between May and August is the best time to visit Rehoboth Beach. The neighborhood promotes itself as a year-round attraction, but the beach and boardwalk are at their best during the summer months when visitors and locals alike can enjoy them.

Distance and driving time: 124 miles, 2 hours 12 minutes drive from Philadelphia.

20. Hershey's Chocolate World, PA

Source: https://www.chocolateworld.com

Hershey's Chocolate World, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, next to HersheyPark, down the hill from the Hotel Hershey and Hershey Gardens, and just down the road from the Hershey Chocolate plant, is a terrific destination for both kids and adults. 

Because actual factory visits were becoming overcrowded due to their popularity, Hershey's Chocolate World was founded in 1973.

When you enter the Creation studio, you have complete control over everything from the design of your wrapper to the ingredients that go into your candy bar. The entire process is completed online, and there are enough possibilities to ensure that you will find something delectable. 

The Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction at Hershey's Chocolate World is the trendiest new thing to do.

A 25-minute chocolate tasting will walk you through the process of making chocolate and how to taste it to determine which tastes are there. If you've ever done a wine or beer tasting, you'll recognize this.

Hershey has a remarkable history that is inextricably linked to the Hershey Chocolate Company. Taking a ride through Hershey with Hershey Trolley Works is a fantastic way to learn more about this heritage. So, enjoy the 75-minute trip through town, through notable buildings like the Hershey Chocolate Factory (where 94 percent of Hershey's Chocolate is still created), the first Reese's Peanut Butter Cups factory, Milton Hershey's birthplace, and many others.

Visit Hersheypark, one of Pennsylvania's best amusement parks, which offers a variety of thrilling roller coasters and other family-friendly rides.

Best time to travel: It's also a great place to visit during the year's best chocolate-gobbling holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter when their calendar is packed with seasonal family events.

Distance and driving time: 97 miles, 1 hour and 47 minutes drive from Philadelphia.