10 Easy Road Trips From Reading, PA: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Berks County
If you live in or around
Reading, Pennsylvania, you don’t have to drive across the country to find fun. Within about an hour or so, you’ll hit charming small towns, hiking trails, outlet shopping, historic sites, and even world-famous Amish country.
The best part? All of these ideas are
out-of-county road trips, so you’ll be exploring beyond Berks County while still staying close to home.
1. Explore Amish Country in Lancaster County
When people think of
road trips from Reading, PA,
Lancaster County is usually near the top of the list — and for good reason. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and feels like stepping into a slower time.
From Reading, it’s usually about a 45–60 minute drive, depending on where you’re headed.
- Ride a buggy through the countryside with an Amish or Mennonite guide.
- Visit Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse for farm stands, craft shops, and baked goods.
- Stop at a roadside stand for homemade whoopie pies or fresh produce in season.
- Browse outlets and shops in Lancaster City or along Route 30.
If you’ve never heard the clip-clop of a horse and buggy while driving alongside cornfields, this is a must. It’s also an eye-opener for kids who’ve only known life with smartphones and streaming.
Looking for a simple plan? Spend half the day driving the back roads, then finish with dinner at a family-style Amish or PA Dutch restaurant.
2. Stroll the Historic Streets of Lancaster City
Yes, it’s in the same county, but
very different from the farmland.
Lancaster City mixes history, art, and food in a compact, walkable downtown that makes an easy day trip from Reading.
Some ideas once you park:
- Check out the Central Market (one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the country).
- Walk the brick sidewalks and browse local boutiques and galleries.
- Grab coffee at a local shop and people-watch in a downtown square.
- Look for murals and street art tucked between older buildings.
I like visiting in the late morning, grabbing lunch in town, and then heading home before dark. It’s a low-stress day that still feels like a little getaway.
3. Valley Forge National Historical Park (Montgomery County)
If you enjoy American history or just a peaceful place to walk,
Valley Forge National Historical Park is a classic. It’s about an hour from Reading, mostly easy highway driving into
Montgomery County.
Once you arrive, you can:
- Drive the auto tour route to see key sites from Washington’s winter encampment.
- Walk or bike the paved trails that roll through wide open fields and wooded areas.
- Check out reconstructed log huts and the Washington’s Headquarters area.
- Pack a picnic and spread out on the grass with a view of the hills.
History here doesn’t feel stuffy. Standing where Washington’s army camped in the brutal winter makes the Revolutionary War feel more real than any textbook.
And if you want to turn it into a full-day outing, the King of Prussia Mall is only a short drive away for dinner or shopping before heading back to Reading.
4. King of Prussia: Shopping & Dining Getaway (Montgomery County)
If your dream road trip involves stores, food, and more stores, then
King of Prussia is your playground.
This massive shopping area in
Montgomery County is roughly an hour from Reading, depending on traffic.
Here’s what you can do:
- Wander the huge King of Prussia Mall — one of the largest malls in the United States.
- Grab lunch or dinner at the many restaurants, from quick bites to sit-down spots.
- Browse everything from high-end brands to more everyday chains.
- On nice days, explore nearby outdoor shopping areas like King of Prussia Town Center.
This is an easy rainy-day or winter road trip when hiking and outdoor stuff don’t sound appealing. Just be warned: it’s very easy to lose track of time (and your budget) here.
5. Lebanon County Wineries & Countryside Drives
For a quieter day, head west into
Lebanon County, just past the Berks County line. It’s a gentle mix of farms, rolling hills, and small towns, and it’s usually less crowded than Lancaster.
Ideas for a relaxed Lebanon County road trip:
- Visit a local winery or vineyard for a tasting and views of the countryside.
- Take the back roads and stop at farm stands for seasonal produce.
- Walk through historic downtown Lebanon and check out local cafés.
- Plan a simple photo drive at sunset when the fields light up with golden colors.
If you’re used to busier areas, the quiet of Lebanon County can be a nice reset — just you, the open road, and wide stretches of sky.
6. Jim Thorpe: “The Little Swiss Town” of Pennsylvania (Carbon/Lehigh Area)
While the town of
Jim Thorpe is technically in Carbon County, most folks from Reading reach it by passing through or near
Lehigh County. It’s about 1 to 1.5 hours from Reading and feels like a true mountain getaway.
This historic town sits in a narrow valley and has a cozy, almost European feel.
Once you’re there:
- Walk the charming main street lined with shops, cafés, and old-time buildings.
- Take a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (check seasonal schedules).
- Hike nearby trails or just enjoy the river views along the Lehigh Gorge.
- Grab ice cream or a hot drink and enjoy the mountain air.
If you only have time for one “mountain town” trip from Reading, this is a strong choice. Fall foliage season can be busy, but the colors are worth it.
7. Allentown & Lehigh County Parks
Looking for an easy city-and-nature combo?
Allentown and the rest of
Lehigh County offer a nice balance and are only about an hour from Reading.
You can:
- Wander a large city park with walking paths, ponds, and bridges.
- Visit local museums or family attractions depending on your interests.
- Try new restaurants, diners, or bakeries in and around Allentown.
- Use Allentown as a base to explore smaller towns and country roads in Lehigh County.
For families, this is an easy day trip: drive up late morning, have lunch, walk a park or two, then head home before bedtime.
8. French Creek State Park & Nearby Chester County Stops
While part of
French Creek State Park lies in Berks County, the park also extends into
Chester County, and the region just south and east of the park makes for a fun out-of-county loop from Reading.
From Reading, you can be in the French Creek area in under an hour.
What you can do:
- Hike one of the many forest trails (pick an easier loop if you’re just starting out).
- Relax by the lake or try fishing if you have the proper license.
- Bring a cooler with snacks or lunch and use one of the picnic areas.
- Then continue into Chester County to explore back roads, barns, and small historic villages.
If you like trees, fresh air, and a little bit of adventure without a long drive, this is a solid choice for a half-day or full-day road trip.
9. Phoenixville: Small-Town Charm With Big Personality (Chester County)
Just over the line into
Chester County,
Phoenixville has grown into one of the more popular small-town destinations near Reading. It’s roughly a 45–60 minute drive, depending on your route.
Phoenixville’s walkable downtown makes it a great “park once and wander” stop.
You can:
- Stroll the main street and pop into locally owned shops and boutiques.
- Enjoy a meal at a café, brewpub, or restaurant with outdoor seating in good weather.
- Walk near the old steel mill sites and get a feel for the town’s industrial past.
- Look out for events and festivals — they host them often, especially in warmer months.
If you’re in the mood for conversation, craft beer, and a lively main street instead of quiet farms, this Chester County town is a fun option.
10. Yuengling Brewery & Coal Country, Schuylkill County
Head north from Reading and you’ll reach parts of Pennsylvania’s old coal region in about an hour. One highlight is the city of
Pottsville in
Schuylkill County, home of the famous
Yuengling Brewery.
For adults who enjoy beer, this is a classic Pennsylvania road trip.
Here’s how to shape the day:
- Tour the historic brewery (check tour times and age rules before you go).
- Walk the hilly streets of Pottsville and check out local architecture.
- Drive through nearby coal towns for a look at Pennsylvania’s industrial history.
- Combine it with a scenic drive through the mountains and valleys of Schuylkill County.
Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, seeing how a historic brewery operates — and how it’s tied to the region’s coal-mining past — can be surprisingly interesting.
Tips for Planning Easy Road Trips From Reading, PA
To make these short drives from Reading more enjoyable, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check drive times on a map before you go so you’re not rushed.
- Pack basics like water, snacks, a phone charger, and a light jacket.
- Look up hours for markets, museums, tours, and restaurants — some spots close early or have seasonal schedules.
- Have a backup plan in case a place is unexpectedly busy or closed.
Think of each of these ideas as building blocks. You can mix and match: maybe a morning hike near Chester County and an afternoon meal in Phoenixville, or a Lancaster County backroads drive followed by dinner in Lancaster City.
Have a Favorite Road Trip Near Reading, PA? Share It!
These are just 10 of the many
things to do near Reading, PA once you venture into
Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Chester, and
Schuylkill Counties. There are countless side roads, small towns, and hidden gems waiting just beyond Berks County.
Now I’d love to hear from you:
- Do you have a go-to out-of-county day trip from Reading?
- Did I miss one of your favorite spots in these nearby Pennsylvania counties?
Drop your ideas and experiences in the comments so other readers can discover them too. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for easy weekend escapes from Reading, PA.
Your next great little adventure might be just an hour down the road.
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