As one of the oldest counties of Pennsylvania, Bucks County has remained a significant location that boasts countryside getaways, unusual attractions, and a welcoming community.
It stands as a beacon that reflects all the good characteristics of this region in the United States: culturally diverse, naturally beautiful, and steeped in history that starts all the way from the pre-colonial era.
This appealing environment and the never-ending list of activities to try to make it an ideal destination for those who want adventure and fun.
So for your next vacation, plan a trip to this county and make a stop at all the famous spots.
Here are the 20 best things to do in Bucks County, PA:
Spend a Weekend at Sesame Place
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Relive your childhood and introduce your kids to the most iconic characters from the past by visiting Sesame Place.
Located on the outskirts of Philadelphia, this 14-acre theme park is home to many attractions entirely based on the educational children’s TV program, Sesame Street.
There are thrilling rides, colorful parades, special events, and many other fun activities for everyone.
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You’ll get to meet the most iconic puppets, like Big Bird and Cookie Monster, while visiting the various attractions, such as Sesame Plaza, Sesame Island, The Count’s Court, and Elmo’s World.
During hot summer months, visit Ernie’s Waterworks and frolic in the cool waters of the park.
A weekend may not be enough to see all that Sesame Place has in store, so make sure that your itinerary is clear if you plan on going to this wonderful attraction.
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Explore the Impressive Halls of Fonthill Castle
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If you were sent to this place without prior knowledge of the area, you might think that you’ve arrived in one of the posh castles used by dukes in England.
Fonthill Castle is not technically a castle, but the regal facade, majestic architecture, and sprawling grounds make it look like a home for the royalty.
Famous archaeologist and tile maker Henry Chapman Mercer built the large house in the early 20th century to create a family home that could house his many important collections.
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Today, these artifacts are welcome to the public.
You can join the tours to explore the various exhibits of the house, such as cuneiform tablets, decorative tiles, books from all over the world, and photos of Henry’s expeditions.
Take in all the details that you can while visiting, as the tours are only an hour-long in order to preserve the interiors’ delicate items.
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Smell the Blooms at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is a 134-acre nature preserve housing native flora from the region.
It has diverse landscapes and habitats consisting of meadows, ponds, grasslands, and forests, serving as home to more than 700 species of local plants.
The best way to appreciate the many sceneries here is by exploring the trails crisscrossing the preserve.
You can also join some of the educational tours and programs, where you can learn more about the species present and the efforts being made to preserve them.
And because of the area’s relative pristineness, many birds come to the site to hunt and rest, making for an exciting experience for birdwatchers.
Hop on Board a Vintage Train at New Hope Railroad
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New Hope Railroad is a heritage railroad that offers short but thrilling rides on age-old locomotives.
Located in New Hope, this attraction is best for those who want to learn its history and experience it in person.
The steam and diesel-powered engines were once used during the first half of the 20th century but have since ceased commercial operations because of modernization, among various other economic factors.
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Train rides still continue today, but it’s geared more for people who want to experience something out of a Hollywood period movie.
And while the trains look like something straight from the past, the interiors are comfortable and convenient, because of the modern amenities within the cars and quality services by the friendly staff.
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See Historic Homes at Delaware Canal State Park
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Delaware Canal State Park is the site of Delaware Canal, a small body of water that runs parallel to the bigger Delaware River.
Surrounding it are verdant paths, lines of trees, and other natural attractions that make it an ideal destination for jogging, nature walks, cycling, and bird watching.
Along the length of the canal, visitors can throw a line and try to catch some American shad, walleye, and striped bass swimming in the depths.
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There are also picturesque bridges crossing over on the canal and the river, which you can cross on foot or on a bike to visit New Jersey.
But if you prefer to stay within the borders of Bucks County, you can traverse the whole length of the paved paths and see homes with colonial-style architecture.
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Visit the Beautiful Exhibits at Michener Art Museum
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Michener Art Museum houses within its historic walls some of the best works by artists from Pennsylvania.
The 40,000 square feet facility has courtyards, event pavilions, outdoor gardens, terraces that are already attractions themselves.
Walking on the grounds feels like exploring a sophisticated and important castle.
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But the real deal is the collection of more than 2,700 paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art displayed in the various galleries of the museum.
These works show how the art movement evolved and changed in the region, the influences during particular eras, and some notable styles that many artists used in a specific period.
Art aficionados and history buffs will have an amazing time exploring the halls of this museum, so include it in your itinerary.
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Tap the Boulders of Ringing Rocks County Park
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Something as mundane as a bunch of boulders on clearing shouldn’t be a famous landmark, right?
Not at Ringing Rocks County Park.
This place is a geologic wonder home to rocks that make music, a rare and unusual phenomenon found in few other places around the world.
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So bring a hammer and get striking.
The field of melodic rocks is only about 8 acres wide, but it contains primordial igneous diabase boulders that make a ringing sound whenever something hits them.
The result is a note resonating within the rock, making the area a gigantic xylophone.
Once you’ve had your fun trying to play your favorite songs, explore the rest of the park and discover other natural wonders.
Ringing Rocks County Park as a whole is 123 acres big, and it is home to Buck County’s largest waterfall: High Falls.
With its majestic 15-foot drop, the attraction is ideal for sightseeing and landscape photography.
Make a Stop at Altitude Trampoline Park
Bounce your way to a fun family day at Altitude Trampoline Park.
This indoor recreational facility has—you guessed it—lots and lots of trampolines for any skill level.
Jump around and get your blood pumping, try new tricks, and laugh with your loved ones within the 34,000 square feet of total explorable space.
Aside from the trampolines, there are also foam pits, basketball zones, tumble tracks, a rock-climbing wall, and many other structures for you to try.
You’ll have no worries as this is one of the safest and cleanest amusem*nt parks in the Philadelphia area.
Explore the Woods of Nockamixon State Park
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The rolling hills of Bucks County are the home of Nockamixon State Park, arguably the most famous and most visited park in southern Pennsylvania.
But don’t let the popularity fool you.
It has around 5,283 acres of explorable space, so there’s plenty of room for every nature lover and outdoorsman.
Nestled within the park are swaths of thick forests, scenic nature trails, verdant meadows, and Lake Nockamixon itself.
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There are also manmade structures, like piers, picnic areas, campgrounds, paved walkways, and well-maintained cabins.
Swimming in the lake is prohibited, but you can go fishing, kayaking, and boating to explore the wonders hidden along its banks.
For those who want more thrilling activities, you can go hunting in the facility’s designated areas.
Plenty of white-tailed deer, pheasants, and turkey roam the forests, and they make for a sustainable source of meat.
Marvel at the Sights of Mercer Museum
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Mercer Museum is another creation by Henry Chapman Mercer, and it carries the same regal, castle-like feel, similar to that of the Fonthill Castle.
But walking into the place is like walking into a movie set of a fantasy film.
Within the halls are hanging objects, like the entire hull of a ship, carriages, wooden wheels, and many other things that give a whimsical and unusual ambiance.
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There’s also Mercer’s signature tilework, with elaborate designs and color schemes embedded into the walls of the building.
Housed in the museum is the rest of the anthropologist’s collections, such as artifacts from Early America, Europe, and the Lenape Stone, and important piece of Bucks County’s prehistoric past.
Make a stop here and see all the visually stunning wonders of the museum.
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Find Fresh Produce at Shady Brook Farm
Shady Brook Farm is a favorite of Bucks County locals and visitors alike for the fresh produce and entertaining events held in the destination.
This century-old farm is a marker of the rich agricultural heritage of the county, and today, it stands as a popular attraction for those who want high-quality vegetables, fruits, and other crops.
Within the vast fields and enclosed gardens, visitors can roam around and pick their choice of produce.
There is also a shop where you can buy all your garden needs, even live plants and implements used for landscaping.
But the seasonal events are what most people come here for in the first place.
They are all fun activities that bring communities together to celebrate.
So stop by and join the Holiday Light Show, FallFest, Easter Eggstravaganza, and many more happenings on the farm.
Swim on the Delaware River at Neshaminy State Park
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Sitting adjacent to the confluence of the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek is the picturesque Neshaminy State Park.
With 330 acres of land, this outdoor facility offers a wide range of riverside activities and natural attractions.
On the calmer segments of the Delaware River, you can go swimming, kayaking, or fishing for trout, yellow perch, and striped bass.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, then there are whitewater rafting tours that will have you tumbling over the turbulent rapids of the river.
Aside from the river, the park also has large areas of forests ideal for a thrilling mountain biking or hunting trip.
Winter months provide lots of opportunities for fun snowmobile rides, cross country skiing, and sledding.
Whatever the season, there’s something in store for you at Neshaminy State Park.
Let Your Child Play at The Bucks County Children’s Museum
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For those how are bringing their kids, then a stop at The Bucks County Children’s Museum is a must-add destination to your itinerary.
Located in New Hope, this charming facility offers various attractions and activities that ignite children’s curiosity.
The interactive exhibits will have them learning about the body and anatomy, fossils, basic engineering, and various other topics.
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Your children can also join the engaging workshops, where they can try making art, create crafts, and socialize with other children.
Designed to stimulate kids’ imagination, the facilities and programs of this museum are optimized for maximum learning and fun!
They might not even want to leave after they realize how enjoyable it is to stay here.
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Run for Your Life at Sleepy Hollow Haunted Acres
Warning: Not for the faint-hearted!
Sleepy Hollow Haunted Acres is Bucks County’s premier destination for all things frightful, spooky, and horrifying.
This haunted hayride attraction is a favorite for those who want a hair-raising experience and a few good laughs.
Abandoned gardens, a haunted mansion, dark woods, and old cemeteries—your tour here will bring you to some terrifying locations filled with ghosts, monsters, and supernatural creatures.
After your heart-racing ordeal, you can stay for a while longer and enjoy the live music by local bands and a choice of satisfying snacks sold at the attraction.
Make this your top destination when visiting during Halloween…if you dare.
Test Your Luck at Parx Casino
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For those who want to try their luck in a poker game or simply want to experience the thrill of gambling, Parx Casino is one of Bucks County’s top destinations.
This 260,000-square-foot entertainment and gaming facility has something for every preference and taste, such as poker rooms, slot machines, blackjack tables, and sports betting options.
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Once you’ve had your fill of games, then head over to the Xcite Center and watch concerts and other performances live.
There are also restaurants in the casino that offer tasty dishes and cooling refreshments if you find yourself needing more fuel for your next poker game.
It’s truly a place for uninhibited fun and enjoyment that will have you wanting to go back for more.
Go Fishing at Core Creek Park
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The 1,200 acres of Core Creek Park are located in Middletown Township.
Lake Luxembourg, created by a dam on Core Creek, is surrounded by the park.
Lake Luxembourg is accessible for boating, angling, and ice fishing.
In the winter, ice skating is accessible on a portion of the lake.
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The park has many grills and picnic tables, offering miles of hiking, horseback riding, strolling, and biking routes.
In addition to having several playgrounds, Core Creek Park also contains a nature area, sports fields, and tennis courts.
All year long, Core Creek Park is available for fun.
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Be Healthy and Grab Fruits at Solebury Orchards
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Solebury Orchards, located in South Eastern Pennsylvania’s Central Bucks County, is a famous tourist attraction worth visiting.
The farm, which has an area of roughly 80 acres, cultivates a variety of orchard berries and fruits.
Apples, peaches, and blueberries are the dominant produce, with smaller areas being used for apricots, cherries, plums, pears, and blackberries.
Customers can shop at Solebury Orchards’ market between late June through March to get what is seasonally available.
The farm is recognized for excellent items, including Apple Sauce and Apple Cider.
Customers may Pick-Your-Own blueberries, cherries, and apples when they’re in season.
Browse Specialty Boutiques at Peddler’s Village
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Explore a picture-perfect community with quaint colonial-style homes, famed gardens, unique shopping options, famous restaurants, and cozy accommodations.
Visitors have been traveling along the curving brick pathways for 60 years to enjoy the greatest dining and shopping in Bucks County.
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Spend a day of family fun at Giggleberry Fair, take a break from the routine at the Golden Plough Inn, and honor beloved customs during yearly celebrations and seasonal events.
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In the more than 60 stores and specialty boutiques of Peddler’s Village, you may buy clothing, jewelry, home items, gourmet foods, artwork, gifts, and more.
Explore the Village’s various cafes, eateries, and tasting rooms.
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Visit and Snap Photos of Various Covered Bridges
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The area’s terrain is dotted with 12 covered bridges.
It’s unlike any other bridge-hunting experience you’ll have when you visit these covered bridges.
All 12 of Bucks County’s covered bridges were constructed utilizing Town’s Lattice Truss, which sets them apart from most other bridges in the state.
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You’ll undoubtedly notice the lattice boards inside these bridges and how they vary from the curving beam of a standard Burr Arch Truss, even to the most casual spectator.
Most of these bridges are from the middle of the nineteenth century and serve as a mecca for nearby photographers.
It would take one day to drive around all twelve charming structures, stopping at the eastern and western ends of the country for some lovely scenic drives.
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Have a Picnic at Ralph Stover State Park
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For the best of the best, stop by Ralph Stover State Park.
Water kayaking across Tohickon Creek plus rock climbing at High Rocks are two of the most well-liked activities in Ralph Stover State Park, a prominent 18-hectare Pennsylvania state park.
There are only three state-run rock climbing facilities in Pennsylvania, including Ralph Stover State Park.
The park features a lovely Tohickon Creek picnic area with shade, fresh water, picnic areas, shelters, fires, and restrooms.
Walk along the great walking paths and explore a wide range of environments.
Final Thoughts
When in Bucks County, you’ll be immersed in a blend of history, culture, and nature.
It has something for everyone: whimsical museums, unusual rocks, and lots of nature to explore.
So for your next getaway, reference this list so you won’t miss the top spots of this magnificent destination.
