The best weekend getaways for Philadelphians

Philly is a great place to be in the summer, but sometimes you need a change of scenery for a few days. Not in the mood for a week-long excursion? Why not make the most of the weekend with a quick trip outside the city limits? From tropical escapes in the Caribbean to urban adventures in a nearby metropolis, here are a few quick trip options for every mode of transportation.

Planes

St. Thomas
Travel time: 4 hours

If you’ve been dreaming of crystal blue waters and white, sandy beaches, look no further than a refreshing weekend trip to St. Thomas in the Caribbean. Go on a scenic island tour by boat or simply bask in the sunshine with a cocktail in hand. From now until Dec. 31, take advantage of their Centennial Promotion which gives $300 in spending credits to visitors for use on activities like food tours, history tours and shopping.

Trains

Washington, D.C.
Travel time: 1 hour and 48 minutes

Want to be a tourist for the weekend in a nearby city? Take a train to Washington, D.C. There are plenty of things that have nothing to do with the White House all year round. Check out The Newseum’s new exhibit “Louder than Words,” which examines music’s role in politics and social change, and features items like Jimi Hendrix’s guitar from Woodstock and Bill Clinton’s saxophone. Thirsty? Head over to the Rose Garden in The Yard’s Park for views of the Anacostia River and 10 different kinds of rose. Stay at the Embassy Row Hotel and cool off in their new rooftop pool. 

Automobiles

New Hope, PA
Travel time: 1 hour

Feel like going for a long, scenic drive? Travel the backroads in and around New Hope in Bucks County and discover things like Rice’s Sale and Country Market, with its 30 acres of vendors selling antiques, produce, Amish meats and more. Dive into old, leather-bound books at the nearby Farley’s Bookshop and stop and smell the flowers at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. Spend the night at the historic Logan Inn, which dates back to 1772.