Summertime in the Philadelphia Area

The city of Philadelphia is located in the ideal part of the Unites States. You have the city life, of course. You also have the suburbs and country life nearby. Suburban Main Line, Bucks County, Amish country, and the Poconos. Want the beach? Drive to the New Jersey shore. New York? Only a two hour drive or train ride away. In the summertime especially, Philadelphia has the best variety of activities for the whole family.
Philadelphia was where our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Betsy Ross lived here. You will want to check out Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Betsy Ross house to start. The Philadelphia mint is another attraction in that area you can tour. If you can be in Philly for the 4th of July, you will experience the country's anniversary in the heart of where it happened. Also on the 4th, Penn's Landing puts on a spectacular fireworks show.
If you have kids, and are ready to hot the suburbs, Sesame Place is the next place to go. Based on the television show "Sesame Street", this is a great theme park for families. Plenty of waterslides, dry activities, plays, shows, and more will keep your kids busy all day. Bring your bathing suits, their water attractions are plentiful. They have decent food and twice a day have an "alphabet parade" down Sesame Street.
Have you ever wondered about the Amish? Amish country is unique to Pennsylvania - you cna not discover it anywhere else. About a one hour drive from Pennsylvania, Lancaster County is home to the Amish. Take a peek at the way these people live - watch the horse and buggies go by, see the simple way of life. One thing to remember though, do no take their photograph. They find it insulting and against their beliefs.
Shopping, of course, is a favorite activity of many. The King of Prussia Mall is the biggest shopping mall in the Philadelphia area. Interested in outlets? Take a stroll in Frankin Mills mall or drive an hour to Reading, PA for the Reading outlets.
The suburbs of Philadelphia are interesting as well. Bucks County is the home of Washington Crossing, where George Washing crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. New Hope is a great small town with local shops, nightlife, and antiques. The Main Line is another suburban area of the country that you should also not cut out from your summer plans. Visit Villanova University, and go window shopping in Ardmore square.
A great summer activity in Bucks County is to go tubing down the Delaware River. Take a 3 or 4 hour tour in a tube and tie yours up with your friends. There is even a hot dog stand halfway to stop for a snack.
When in Philly and you want to hit the beach, the Jersey shore is where to go. An hour and a half from teh city, this is where Philadelphians go for summer weekend getaways. Plenty of beaches, boardwalks, saltwater taffy, and amusement parks. The towns of WIldwood and Ocean City have boardwalks with rollercoasters, ferris wheels and more. The towns of Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Sea Isle have great bars and restaurants. Interested in gambling, nightlife, or seeing a show? Hit Atlantic City for some great casinos. The Borgata is their newest casino with bars, nightclubs and shopping which can't be beat.
When people think of the Poconos near Philadelphia, they often think of skiing in the wintertime. However, there are also numerous campgrounds there, making a great summer weekend retreat. If you are traveling as a couple, try out the many couple resorts at the Poconos. Many couples honeymoon there for these romantic hotels alone.
Ready to venture out of the Philadelphia area? New York City is only a short two hour drive away. Or, take a train and get there in an hour. You will need a separate travel guide for New York City. But for summertime especially, it is a great place to discover. You will never go wrong taking in a broadway show, seeing the Statue of Liberty, or going to the top of the Empire State Building. You can be back in Philly that same night, ready for a new summer adventure.
In conclusion, the city of Philadelphia is a great city to vacation in in the summer. Whether you stay in the city itself or venture into the suburbs or nearby states, you can not go wrong spending your summer in Philadephia. With so much to do, you will never run out of activities for the entire family.