Whether you’re a Lancaster County local looking for a new summer adventure, thinking about moving to Lancaster County, PA, or an out-of-towner planning a weekend getaway, there are so many wonderful places to explore. From charming small towns and historic attractions to scenic river rail trails, Amish Country, and incredible local restaurants, Lancaster County offers something for everyone.
As a Lancaster County girl, I’m going to plan exactly how I would spend the day at each destination. Warning—if you’re not hungry already, you probably will be by the time you finish this guide because there is simply too much delicious food to resist! Come along with me as your personal, local tour guide on the perfect summer day trips around beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Kitchen Kettle Village | The Perfect Amish Country Day Trip
Located in Intercourse, PA, in the heart of Lancaster County Amish Country, Kitchen Kettle Village feels like strolling through the cutest little town filled with charming shops, homemade treats, and local artisans.
We start our day across the street at Corner Coffee Shop with a latte, then pop over to Oola Bowls for an açaí bowl. From there, we head into Kitchen Kettle Village and take our time visiting the many unique shops. Some of my favorites are the Jam & Relish Kitchen (where you can taste-test!), Grande Place Christmas, and Dutchland Galleries.
It’s easy to spend hours here leisurely strolling around, and there are plenty of great places to grab a quick lunch.
In the afternoon, we head up the street to the Old Candle Barn. But on the way, we stop in at Immergut for what I think are the best soft pretzels in Lancaster County, PA. After browsing and sniffing delightful candles, we drive a few minutes to King’s Homestead for beautiful handcrafted Amish furniture and gifts.
We wrap up the day at Stoltzfus Meats and pick up some delicious Pennsylvania Dutch favorites, including their famous scrapple sticks to enjoy on the way home.
Strasburg Railroad | A Classic Lancaster County Experience
One of the most popular attractions in Lancaster County, PA, Strasburg Railroad is a must-visit for train lovers, families, and anyone who appreciates history.
We start our day at the Speckled Hen in Strasburg, enjoying coffee with a chocolate and berry croissant, before climbing aboard the historic steam train. I never get tired of watching the steam billow into the sky and hearing the whistle echo across Lancaster County’s beautiful farmland. It is a relaxing and peaceful ride, and you feel like you’ve taken a time machine back into history.
After the ride, we’ll grab a light lunch at Café 1832 before heading across the street to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. The collection of trains is incredible, from steam to diesel to electric, and you don’t truly appreciate the size of these locomotives until you’re standing beside them.
Next comes dessert because every perfect day needs ice cream! We stop at the charming Strasburg Creamery & Country Store before spending the afternoon playing mini golf at Village Greens.
After all that fun, we’ve earned dinner and are ready for some delicious food. Since Strasburg is train central, we finish the day at Casey Jones’ Restaurant at Paradise Station, where we dine inside an authentic railroad dining car.
Sickman’s Mill | Tubing on the Pequea River
Looking for one of the best ways to cool off during summer in Lancaster County, PA? Floating down the Pequea River at Sickman’s Mill is hard to beat.
Before we dip our toes in the water, we’re fueling up with pancakes at Conestoga Wagon Restaurant in Conestoga, PA, where hometown food favorites abound.
Next, we head to the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge along the Enola Low Grade Trail. Choose to walk or bike across the bridge. It’s one of the longest and highest railroad trestles in the country with incredible views of the Susquehanna River valley. It’s truly one of Lancaster County’s hidden gems. The trail goes on for miles, so we spend several hours exploring.
Next, we enjoy a picnic lunch at Safe Harbor Park and relax beneath the trees before the afternoon adventure begins. I packed lots of Lancaster County treats, including subs and whoopie pies from S. Clyde Weaver.
Now it’s time to grab our towels and head to Sickman’s Mill in Pequea. We climb into the tubes and ease into the cool water! The float down the Pequea River takes one to two hours. The ride is peaceful, scenic, and filled with opportunities to spot birds, turtles, and other wildlife. At the end of the trip, we catch the shuttle back to the mill. (Note: Sickman’s Mill is cash only, but there is an ATM on site.)
After our refreshing afternoon on the water, we finish the day at Jimmy’s Place for dinner, drinks, and live music. It is the perfect ending to a summer day outside enjoying nature.
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery | Spend the Day Exploring Lititz, PA
If you’re wondering what to do in Lititz, PA, this is exactly how I would spend the perfect day. Lititz has been named one of America’s coolest small towns, and after one visit, you’ll understand why. Historic streets, locally owned shops, beautiful Lititz Springs Park, incredible restaurants, and small-town charm make it one of my favorite places in Lancaster County.
We begin our morning at New Holland Coffee Co. in downtown Lititz with an iced Teddy Graham Latte and a turkey pesto croissant on the outdoor patio.
Then we wander through Lititz Springs Park, following the winding stream, watching the ducks splash, and enjoying one of the prettiest parks in Pennsylvania.
Next, we stop at Wilbur Chocolate for a complimentary Wilbur Bud sample and a box of my favorite triple-coated almonds. Don’t worry; I’ll share!
From there, we head to the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery for a tour of America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, established in 1861. We learn about this history of the oldest pretzel baking family and even twist our own pretzel!
Lunch is at Tomato Pie Café, one of Lititz’s iconic restaurants housed in the cheerful yellow building overlooking the square.
The afternoon is reserved for shopping, and this is where Lititz really shines. Some of my favorite stops include Zest!, Cherry Acres, Olio Olive Oils & Balsamics, Purple Robin Reserve, and Main Men. We spend several hours pursuing the stores’ offerings and supporting the small businesses of Lititz.
We end the day with dinner on the beautiful outdoor patio at Lititz Springs Inn, enjoying the bubbling fountain and twinkling string lights while watching people stroll through downtown Lititz.
Columbia Crossing River Trail Center | A River Adventure Along the Susquehanna
Columbia has quietly become one of Lancaster County’s best outdoor destinations, especially if you enjoy biking, kayaking, and scenic river views.
We start our day at Coffee & Cream in downtown Columbia with loaded hash browns and a tropical smoothie.
Then we visit Columbia Crossing River Trail Center along the Susquehanna River to learn about the area’s history and enjoy one of the best photo opportunities overlooking the historic bridge.
Next, we hop on our bikes and ride the Northwest River Trail toward the White Cliffs of Conoy. The striking white cliffs rise above the river like a moonscape and offer breathtaking views that are well worth the ride. This is a fabulous place for cool photos that will have everyone asking, “Where was that!?”
We return through historic Marietta, explore charming Front Street with homes dating to the early 1800s, and enjoy lunch at River Trail Brewing.
In the afternoon, it’s time for kayaking with Chiques Rock Outfitters. We begin at Columbia Crossings and paddle the Susquehanna River, soak in the scenery, and work up one last appetite before dinner.
After freshening up, we cross the bridge into Wrightsville and enjoy dinner at John Wright Restaurant. Every bite is savored with breathtaking views of the sunset over the Susquehanna River.
Historic Ephrata Cloister | Step Back into the 1700s
If you enjoy history then Ephrata, PA, should absolutely be on your Lancaster County bucket list.
We begin the day in picturesque downtown Ephrata—yes, the same charming streets that have been featured in Hallmark movies—with waffles and fresh berries at Griddle & Grind.
After breakfast, we stroll a few blocks to the start of the Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail Trail to see the Dick Winters Memorial and learn about his brave service. We continue on and admire the many colorful murals along the trail.
We head back into downtown and get lunch (and one of their famous cupcakes) at Scratch Bakes on the square. Huge windows let in lovely natural light in a building that was once a storefront.
After lunch, we are off to tour the amazing Historic Ephrata Cloister.
Founded in 1732, this remarkably preserved religious community offers a fascinating glimpse into early Pennsylvania life through its architecture, artwork, music, and unique way of living.
Since it’s Friday, we’re definitely stopping at Green Dragon Farmers Market! So, after the tour, we hurry to this sprawling market and sample some of Lancaster County’s best local foods. Hopefully your appetite has returned because we eat our way through the farm stands – from fresh fish sandwiches to apple fritters to spicy pickles.
We finish the day with a live performance at Ephrata Performing Arts Center. This hometown theater offers one of Lancaster County’s premier live performance experiences.
Wolf Sanctuary of PA | A Wildlife Adventure Near Lancaster
One of the most unique attractions near Lancaster, PA, Wolf Sanctuary of PA offers an unforgettable opportunity to observe beautiful gray wolves while learning about wildlife conservation.
Of course, breakfast is first! We start the day at Brickerville House Restaurant, a local favorite, with hearty omelets and crisp hash browns.
Then it’s off to the Wolf Sanctuary for a guided walking tour through the woods, where we learn about wolf behavior, biology, and the sanctuary’s important conservation efforts. We see a pack of wolves in the distance and are filled with awe.
After trekking through the sanctuary, we reward ourselves with lunch and homemade ice cream at Fox Meadows Creamery. The small-batch homemade ice cream is something you don’t want to miss.
Next, we burn off lunch with more exploring and head to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area to explore the visitor center and enjoy one of my favorite peaceful walks to Willow Point. The gazebo overlooking the lake is a perfect place to relax and watch for native birds and wildlife. The nearby short hike to the lake overlook offers another fantastic photo opportunity.
All this walking has worked up our appetites and we are ready for dinner. We head to another Lancaster County favorite—the Penguin Hotel—for classic American comfort food and wrap up our day.
Which Lancaster County Day Trip Will You Choose?
I hope you enjoyed taking these summer adventures with me! I enjoyed being your personal tour guide to some of my favorite places. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, relocating to Lancaster County, PA, or have lived here your whole life, there’s always something new to discover.
One of the things I love most about Lancaster County is that every town has its own personality. From the walkable streets of Lititz and the rich history of Ephrata to the Amish countryside surrounding Intercourse, the farmland around Strasburg, and the river views in Columbia, every community has something special to offer.
As a local Realtor, I love helping people discover not only the perfect home but also the community that truly fits their lifestyle. Whether you’re relocating to Lancaster County, buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing into your next chapter, I’d love to help you navigate the journey.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Lancaster, Lititz, Ephrata, Columbia, Strasburg, or anywhere throughout Lancaster County or the surrounding areas, feel free to reach out. I’d be honored to help you find a place you’ll love calling home.
I hope I’ll see you around town!
