10 Easy Road Trips from King of Prussia, PA (That Are Totally Worth the Drive)
If you live in or near
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, you’re in a pretty sweet spot for quick getaways. In less than an hour or so, you can be exploring small towns, hiking along rivers, sipping wine in the countryside, or eating your way through Philadelphia.
This guide shares
10 short out-of-county road trips near King of Prussia, all in neighboring counties like Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, and Philadelphia. Each spot is perfect for a day trip or an easy weekend adventure.
1. Philadelphia, PA – Classic City Day Trip (Philadelphia County)
Philadelphia is the obvious choice, but there’s a reason locals keep going back. It’s about a 30–40 minute drive from King of Prussia, depending on traffic, and it has a little bit of everything.
Why go: History, food, museums, and neighborhoods with personality.
Things to do in Philadelphia:
- Walk around Old City and see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and cobblestone streets.
- Eat your way through Reading Terminal Market – think cheesesteaks, roast pork, donuts, and more.
- Stroll the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and visit the art museums, including the famous “Rocky Steps.”
- Check out murals and street art in neighborhoods like Fishtown and South Philly.
I like to park once, then just walk or hop on the subway. Philadelphia is compact enough that you can hit history in the morning and be by the river with an ice cream that same afternoon.
2. New Hope, PA – Riverfront Charm and Artsy Vibes (Bucks County)
About an hour from King of Prussia,
New Hope in Bucks County feels like a mini-vacation without the long drive. It sits right on the Delaware River, across from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Why go: Cute river town, walkable streets, and artsy energy.
Things to do in New Hope:
- Walk along the Delaware River and enjoy the views from the bridge to Lambertville.
- Browse indie shops, art galleries, and antique stores downtown.
- Catch a live show at a local theater or enjoy live music at a bar or café.
- Take a scenic walk or bike ride on the Delaware Canal Towpath.
If you like relaxed strolls, coffee shops, and people-watching, New Hope is tough to beat. It’s one of the most popular road trip ideas from King of Prussia for couples and friends.
3. Doylestown, PA – Small-Town Feels with Big Culture (Bucks County)
Just a bit farther inland in Bucks County,
Doylestown has a cozy downtown and some surprisingly unique attractions.
Why go: Quirky museums, historic charm, and an easy walkable center.
Things to do in Doylestown:
- Wander around the local shops, cafés, and restaurants in the downtown area.
- Check out the town’s unique castle-style museums and nearby historic buildings.
- Walk or picnic at a nearby park to break up the day.
Doylestown makes a great pair with New Hope. You can visit both in one long day or split them into two different short road trips from King of Prussia.
4. West Chester, PA – College Town Energy and Good Food (Chester County)
Head about 35–45 minutes south from King of Prussia and you’ll hit
West Chester, a lively town with a big dining scene and a laid-back vibe.
Why go: Great restaurants, walkable downtown, and plenty of events.
Things to do in West Chester:
- Stroll the downtown streets and pop into clothing boutiques and local shops.
- Try one of the many bars or restaurants with outdoor seating when the weather’s nice.
- Visit during a street festival or seasonal event for extra fun.
I like West Chester for evenings: arrive in late afternoon, walk around a bit, grab dinner, and then enjoy dessert or a drink before heading back to King of Prussia.
5. Kennett Square, PA – Mushroom Capital and Garden Gateway (Chester County)
About an hour’s drive,
Kennett Square is famous for mushrooms and its proximity to one of the region’s most beautiful gardens.
Why go: Quaint downtown and easy access to world-class gardens and countryside.
Things to do in and around Kennett Square:
- Explore the small downtown area with its restaurants and shops.
- Sample dishes that use local mushrooms – they take it seriously here.
- Make time for the nearby formal gardens and fountains that draw visitors year-round.
This makes an ideal relaxed day trip from King of Prussia if you’re looking for scenic drives and peaceful walks.
6. Media, PA – “Everybody’s Hometown” (Delaware County)
Media sits in Delaware County and is roughly 35–45 minutes from King of Prussia. It’s known for its welcoming downtown and strong community feel.
Why go: Friendly main street, trolley, and fun weekly events.
Things to do in Media:
- Walk along State Street, the heart of town, and check out the shops and cafés.
- Enjoy outdoor dining during special summer evenings when the street is closed to cars.
- Catch a movie at the historic local theater.
Media is low-key but charming. It’s the kind of place where you park once, wander slowly, and just enjoy a simple day out.
7. Ridley Creek & Surrounding Area – Wooded Escape Close to Home (Delaware County)
If you’re craving trees and trails instead of shops and restaurants, the wooded areas of
Delaware County are an easy nature escape.
Why go: Hiking, picnics, and a real “I’m out of the city” feeling without a long drive.
Things to do around Ridley Creek and nearby parks:
- Take a hike or casual walk on the many forest trails.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy open fields or quiet shaded spots.
- Spot local wildlife and enjoy fall colors when the leaves change.
This is one of the best short road trips from King of Prussia when you just need to unwind and breathe fresh air for a few hours.
8. Bethlehem, PA – Historic Steel Town Turned Cool Destination (Lehigh County)
Drive about an hour north and you’ll reach
Bethlehem in Lehigh County. Once known for steel, it’s now a mix of history, arts, music, and festivals.
Why go: Industrial history, live music, and lively festivals.
Things to do in Bethlehem:
- Walk around the former steel complex area, now turned into a cultural and events space.
- Explore the historic downtown streets with shops and restaurants.
- Visit during a festival or holiday season for markets, lights, and live entertainment.
Bethlehem is especially magical in winter, but it’s a fun road trip from King of Prussia all year long.
9. Kutztown & Rural Berks County – Country Roads and Craft Culture (Berks County)
If you enjoy rolling fields, farm stands, and small-town charm, head about an hour northwest to
Kutztown and the surrounding parts of Berks County.
Why go: Laid-back country vibe and local traditions.
Things to do around Kutztown and Berks County:
- Browse local shops for regional crafts and foods.
- Drive the back roads and stop at farm markets or roadside stands.
- Time your visit with a local fair or festival to see traditional crafts and food.
This is a great option when you want to slow down, take in the scenery, and get away from busy suburban life near King of Prussia.
10. Peddler’s Village – Shopping, Festivals, and Fairytale Feels (Bucks County)
Located in Lahaska, about an hour from King of Prussia,
Peddler’s Village is a themed shopping and dining spot that feels like a storybook village.
Why go: Family-friendly, walkable, and packed with seasonal events.
Things to do at Peddler’s Village:
- Wander through the village lanes and check out the specialty shops.
- Grab lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants or bakeries.
- Visit during a festival (like scarecrows in fall or lights in winter) for extra fun.
If you’re traveling with kids or visitors from out of town, this is one of the easiest and most popular day trips from King of Prussia.
Tips for Planning Short Road Trips from King of Prussia
To make these getaways even smoother, here are a few quick tips:
- Leave after rush hour: If you can, start around 9:30–10:00 a.m. to skip the worst traffic.
- Pick a “theme” for the day: City food crawl, small-town shopping, or nature and hiking.
- Check event calendars: Local festivals, markets, and concerts can turn a simple drive into a big memory.
- Keep it flexible: Sometimes the best part of a road trip is the random coffee shop or overlook you find along the way.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from King of Prussia?
These are just some of the
best things to do near King of Prussia, PA once you cross into the surrounding counties. From Philadelphia’s city energy to Bucks County’s river towns and the quiet back roads of Berks County, you’ve got plenty of choices within about an hour’s drive.
Have you taken any of these trips?
- Which spot is your favorite?
- Did I miss a great small town or park nearby?
Drop your thoughts in the comments and share your own tips. And if you know someone in the King of Prussia area who’s always saying “There’s nothing to do around here,” send them this post and help them plan their next mini adventure!
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