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Winding roads, rolling farmland and distinctly cool small towns: Bucks County’s patchwork of landscapes rewards visitors with each vista.
Yet this region northeast of Philly is much more than a pretty face — it’s an entrancing destination for history buffs, arts aficionados, outdoorspeople and/or anyone seeking a quiet getaway.
The Delaware River wraps along the county’s eastern edge, offering recreational opportunities at every juncture from Bristol to New Hope. Nestled into Upper Bucks’ open space and quieter towns, you’ll find Nockamixon State Park and pick-your-own farms.
On the southern end of the county, Washington Crossing Historic Park marks the site of George Washington’s march across the river. Scattered within, covered bridges, mills and centuries-old barns evidence the county’s rich history spanning centuries.
Despite its relatively pastoral setting, Bucks glimmers with the kind of creative energy you expect to find in a city. That makes boroughs like Doylestown, Yardley, Newtown, Bristol and New Hope ideal for shopping and dining. It also leaves a wealth of galleries, museums, performing arts venues and live music to explore.
The following guide, compiled with help from Visit Bucks County, will help you plan your trip.
The borough of Doylestown boasts four museums, known popularly as Museum Mile.
In 1910, polymath Henry Chapman Mercer built his poured concrete Gothic/Medieval/Byzantine home Fonthill Castle and embellished it with his signature Arts & Crafts tiles. Visit this idiosyncratic structure and tour its 44 rooms to explore his vast collections and eclectic style.
Fonthill Castle — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Learn more about the history of ceramic Mercer tiles next door at the TileWorks, which showcases the production process and allows you to watch craftspeople at work.
Follow Main Street southward into town to the Mercer Museum, which maintains its namesake’s awe-inducing collection of pre-Industrial tools, displayed across seven stories.
Adjacent to the Mercer lies the Michener Art Museum, named for Doylestown native and award-winning author James Michener, and specializing in Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings as well as contemporary works.
Michener Art Museum — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Just outside New Hope in Lahaska, Peddler’s Village lures visitors with its nostalgic brick-paved streets and storybook storefronts.
With over 60 independent shops and over a dozen dining and drink options — plus the kid-oriented Giggleberry Fair attraction and dazzling seasonal events — the attraction opens up countless opportunities for fun. Be sure to visit on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
— Photo courtesy Peddler's Village
Big Bird, Elmo and friends await at Sesame Place, an amusement park based on the educational TV show and dedicated to younger kids with rides, shows and other attractions. Plan to go on a warmer day to take advantage of the water features, or during a holiday to enjoy seasonal celebrations.
Designated as a Certified Autism Center (and the first theme park in the country to gain this distinction), Sesame Place also offers sensory-friendly options and guidance as well as dedicated quiet rooms.
— Photo courtesy of Sesame Place
Washington Crossing Historic Park commemorates a critical moment in American history, when George Washington led the Continental Army on an ice-slogged row across the Delaware River.
Learn more about this history at the park’s galleries, houses and monuments. Every December, a reenactment of the event brings it to life for spectators.
Washington Cross Historic Park — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
A recreation of the 43-acre estate that once housed William Penn, Pennsbury Manor offers guided tours of the state’s founder’s home and grounds in Morrisville, providing a glimpse into Colonial and Quaker life.
Bucks County’s small towns deliver big experiences. Known as an artist and LGBTQ+ enclave, New Hope’s eclectic shopping, from vintage toys to contemporary crafts, art galleries and fun nightlife flavor its riverfront streets.
Once you’ve explored the museums in Doylestown, leave time for the Art Deco movie house County Theater, Victorian architecture and countless charming shops and restaurants along Main and State Streets.
County Theater — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
History has left its mark all over the riverfront town of Bristol, where you can tour monuments and manors, shop antiques and catch a top-notch musical production at Bristol Riverside Theatre.
Low-key, desirable Yardley and Newtown beckon with walkable shopping districts, great food and independent coffee shops.
You don’t have to look hard for historic and atmospheric accommodations in Bucks.
The Golden Plough Inn’s exposed beams and fireplaces make a stay in the heart of Peddler’s Village extra cozy.
Just outside of New Hope, Bridgeton House on the Delaware’s romantic rooms can include a balcony or a hot tub.
All of the lodging at the 18th-century farmstead 1740 House overlooks the river.
Also built in the 18th century, The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm stretches across acres of landscaped grounds and gardens with arts-themed suites and cottages.
Peace Valley Lavender Farm — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a city of vibrant neighborhoods bordered by a region of charming towns, with each area owning a distinctive personality. Explore the neighborhoods and towns in and around Philadelphia — their storied streets, interesting attractions, buzzed-about restaurants and year-round happenings.
Use the menu above to explore Philadelphia Neighborhoods
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