The East Coast has many places to explore, and many are easily reachable from The Keystone State. If you and your significant other want to explore, we’ve got the best road trips from Pennsylvania to get you on your way.
This article was written by Lola, the blogger behind Deyewa, a family travel blog focused on helping families explore the best places in the state of Maryland. This post may also contain affiliate links.
Why should couples consider road trips from Pennsylvania?
Are you and your partner looking for places to add to your road trip list but don’t want to leave the East Coast? There are so many great options for road trips on the East Coast of the US, especially if you start from Pennsylvania.
From beachside vistas, historic areas, small towns, busy cities, and more, there’s a place for every type of couple. Whether a romantic weekend getaway or an extended honeymoon, packing up the car and hitting the road is a fun experience for couples. So, let’s go!
Top 10 East Coast Road Trips from Pennsylvania
1. St Michaels, Maryland
Saint Michaels is a charming town in Maryland, and it’s about 4 hours and 30 minutes away from Pennsylvania. It is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and maritime history, thus providing a perfect destination for a road trip.
There are so many great things to do while in St. Michaels, MD. You can explore the historic streets, visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and grab fresh seafood at local eateries.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum provides an engaging look at the history, culture, and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay. Honeymooners can explore the exhibits and galleries, historic buildings, watercraft collections, interactive displays, and more.
Be sure to test the fabulous seafood options in St. Michaels like the Crab Claw Restaurant, Miles River Yacht Club, and Limoncello Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar.
For newlyweds who enjoy fishing or crabbing, the Chesapeake Bay is great for that. Plus, the local charters and rental options make it easy for beginners and experienced anglers.
St. Michaels is perfect for couples considering weekend road trips from Pennsylvania.
2. New York City, New York
For visitors looking for a busy city, New York City is always alive. It is located about 3 hours and 30 minutes from Pennsylvania and has many options in entertainment, attractions, and food, making it an excellent city for couples. It’s well-known as a great place for newlyweds to enjoy and create unforgettable memories.
For a calm day out, visit Central Park which is one of the most iconic parks in the world and is a must-see destination. Couples can stroll through the park, visit the Central Park Zoo, ride bikes, or enjoy a romantic picnic on the lawn.
Another great stop is the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island which are symbols of freedom. You and your partner can take a ferry ride from Manhattan and explore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
For a busy day out, Times Square is the place to check out. It is the heart of NYC and a very popular tourist destination. A stop here is full of so much entertainment that’s sure to excite you both. There are often street performances, musicals, and other events that take place in Times Square throughout the year.
One of the best road trips near Pennsylvania is bustling New York City.
3. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Located about 5 hours from Pennsylvania, Rehoboth Beach is a nice summertime day trip for those in love. The beach is a great starting point for vacations. Couples can build sandcastles, relax, play beach games, and do many other beach-centric activities.
When ready to take a break from the beach, head over to Cape Henlopen State Park. It has nature trails and bike paths that show great views of the beach and dunes. Visitors can also go camping, fishing, and crabbing, or visit the World War II Observation Tower.
Be sure to check out the Delaware Seashore State Park. It has a nature center featuring exhibits about the different species of marine life living in the area. You and your partner can learn about crabs, fish, and other creatures you might encounter at the beach.
Heading to the beach in Delaware is one of the idyllic road trip ideas from Pennsylvania.
4. Baltimore, Maryland
When it comes to road trips from Pennsylvania, Baltimore is always a hit. There is so much to do in Baltimore, especially for those on a romantic trip. Baltimore is about 3 and half hours away from Pennsylvania.
Make a stop at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, one of the city’s top tourist destinations. It’s home to over 20,000 animals, and it’s the perfect place to explore. You and your significant other can learn about marine life, including sharks, dolphins, and jellyfish. The aquarium also offers interactive displays, animal feedings, and hands-on exhibits.
Another top attraction is the Maryland Science Center, especially for science lovers. It’s home to over 200 exhibits, including a planetarium and a science lab.
The Inner Harbor in Baltimore is also a must-visit. It is a beautiful waterfront perfect for walks with your loved one. There are tons of shops and restaurants, live music, and street performers in the area plus other attractions such as the Baltimore Maritime Museum and the Historic Ships in Baltimore. Of course, if you live in Baltimore, take a day trip in reverse to Pennsylvania!
Baltimore is one of the day trips around PA that is very doable if you only have a day to get away.
5. Rochester, New York
Rochester definitely offers a variety of unique activities to keep you entertained and engaged. It is located about 3 hours drive from Pennsylvania.
Visit the Rochester Museum and Science Center which features exhibits on science, technology, and natural history. Adults and kids at heart can learn about dinosaurs, space exploration, and much more.
For an adventurous day, stop at the Seabreeze Amusement Park which has thrilling rides, a water park, and plenty of games and food options. If you enjoy wine country and breweries, there are several beverage trails you and your spouse can explore. There’s also a zoo, an art museum, botanical gardens, and Susan B. Anthony’s historic home.
Looking for road trips near Pennsylvania? Head to Rochester, New York!
6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Looking for day trips in PA for couples? Phily is the answer! Philadelphia is a popular tourist city in Pennsylvania with lots of history, museums, restaurants, and activities.
Visitors can visit the Philadelphia Zoo, which was the first zoo in America and is home to tons of animals. Visit the Big Cat Falls, see the African Plains, and check out the Rare Animal Conservation Centre.
Next, check out the Independence National Historical Park. Stop at Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Then take a walk around the Liberty Bell Pavilion.
You can also explore the Benjamin Franklin Museum and the National Constitution Center, which offers interactive exhibits on the history of the founding of the country.
While you’re in town, be sure to get a cheesesteak at Reading Terminal Market, where you can also sample a variety of interesting foods. SEPTA also runs trains to other small towns throughout the region, so it’s a great way to get around.
When searching for weekend trips in PA for couples, consider Philadelphia.
7. Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City is one of the top tourist destinations, especially during the summertime and wedding season. It is located about 5 and a half hours drive from Pennsylvania. There is so much to do OCMD.
It has three miles of beach boardwalks, amusement parks, multiple restaurants, and more. First, spend a day building sandcastles, playing beach games, and soaking up the sun. Perfect for a romantic trip!
The boardwalk is a 3-mile stretch of shops, restaurants, and attractions along the beach. It’s a great place to take a stroll, rent a bike, or ride the tram. There are also amusement rides, including a Ferris wheel, carousel, and the famous Trimper’s Rides.
Also, visit the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. It is a great place to learn about the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the role it played in saving lives along the coast.
Finally, you have to visit the Assateague Island National Seashore. It is located just a few miles south of Ocean City and is a great day trip for couples. The most popular thing here is the wild ponies roaming freely on the island. It is a great sight to behold.
Need weekend trips from central PA? Consider heading to the beach in Ocean City, Maryland.
8. Washington, DC
Thinking about road trips from Pennsylvania, DC is a tourist favorite. It is about 4 hours from Pennsylvania depending on your starting and end points. Washington DC, the vibrant US capital, is full of fun and engaging activities catered to those who love history, museums, art, and adventure.
A popular stop is the National Mall which stretches from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. The Mall has world-famous monuments and memorials, including the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial. It is a great place for couples to relax while learning the rich history of the city.
Another great spot is the National Zoo which is a must-see attraction in Washington DC, especially for animal lovers. The zoo is home to over 1,800 animals from 300 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Some of the popular exhibits at the zoo include Lions, Tigers, and Elephants. The zoo also offers interactive animal experiences, educational programs, and animal feedings. Admission is free, but donations are always encouraged.
Other great museums perfect for a 4 day itinerary in DC include the National Air and Space Museum, Planet Word, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the National Building Museum.
It’s easy to take a road trip from Pennsylvania to Washington DC for a long weekend.
9. Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Doylestown is such a quaint town filled with shops, restaurants, and so many unexpected delights. It’s one of the day trips in Pennsylvania for adults that is reachable from Philadelphia via SEPTA (the train).
Check out the Mercer Museum, a must-visit for any couple interested in history. It is a concrete castle-like structure that houses an extensive collection of tools and artifacts from early American history.
It’s home to over 40,000 artifacts that showcase American life in the early 19th century. Everyone enjoys the interactive exhibits that give a hands-on experience of how things were made and used during that time.
Next, visit Fonthill Castle which is a unique castle-like mansion that was also built by Henry Mercer of Mercer Museum. It boasts over 900 prints, 3,000 tiles, and hundreds of decorative objects.
Doylestown is also perfect for strolling. Therefore, make time to pop into locally owned boutiques and charming restaurants as you walk along the avenue.
Day trips in PA for adults should include a stop in Doylestown.
10. Boston, Massachusetts
If you’re looking for a road trip from PA to Boston, it is about 7 hours drive. However, it is certainly a fantastic city for a few days of relaxation. There are many great options such as the Boston Common, New England Aquarium, and more.
The Boston Common is the oldest public park in the US and is nice for a peaceful escape. You can take a picnic, ride the carousel, or enjoy a movie on the lawn with your sweetie in the summertime.
The New England Aquarium is always a great day out. See the penguins, sea turtles, and seals, and even catch an IMAX film for an immersive experience. It’s the perfect way to spend a rainy or chilly day indoors.
Boston is also full of history and spookiness. If you’re there in October, head to the Salem Witch Museum or take a ghost tour. You’ll want to snuggle close as you hear the chilling tales.
A road trip from PA to Boston is long, so spend a few days to make it worthwhile.
11. Atlantic City, New Jersey
Located about 4 hours from Pennsylvania, Atlantic City is usually popular in the summertime. However, it also has a variety of couples-friendly activities and attractions beyond its famous casinos.
For indoor waterpark fun especially when it’s winter or raining outside, visit the Island Waterpark at Showboat. It was recently opened and is a nice place for water activities. It has about 11 slides and several restaurants. Couples can have fun sliding and soaking the day away.
During the summertime, visit the Atlantic City Boardwalk which stretches for miles along the coast. It also offers plenty of entertainment for visitors. There are amusement parks, arcades, and shops selling souvenirs and snacks. You can also find street performers, magicians, and musicians entertaining visitors along the boardwalk.
Finally, visit the Atlantic City Aquarium, home to tons of species of marine life, including stingrays, sea turtles, and sharks. There are touch tanks where you can interact with the animals, as well as educational exhibits that are informative and fun. The aquarium also offers a variety of programs, including behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters.
If your ideal is beach road trips from Pennsylvania, go and have fun at Atlantic City.
12. Richmond, Virginia
If you are heading to Virginia, make a stop in Richmond. It is 5 and half hours from Pennsylvania and offers a variety of exciting activities and attractions. The food scene in Richmond is also bustling, so be sure to try a few locally-owned restaurants and sample flights at local breweries.
Visit the Science Museum of Virginia, which offers a wide range of exhibits and interactive displays. For a simple and relaxing day out, visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, a stunning space with several gardens, including a habitat for butterflies.
If you’re in town during the summer, you may be surprised to find out that you and your partner can go white water rafting right in the city. It’s fun to explore the river with the city skyline within view. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is also a lovely stop if you want to experience creativity and culture.
Richmond, Virginia is also a fun trip to take from Pennsylvania.
Save our 10 top East Coast road trips from Pennsylvania!
As you can see, an East Coast road trip from Pennsylvania is well worth exploring. It’s an opportunity to learn rich history, explore beaches, peruse museums, expose yourself to diverse cultures, and taste fine cuisine.
No matter what you may be looking for, each destination offers its own unique experience that you and your partner are sure to enjoy.
