Location & Geography
Where is Bucks County located?
Bucks County is located in southeastern Pennsylvania, stretching along the Delaware River. It borders New Jersey to the east, Montgomery County to the west, and Lehigh and Northampton counties to the north. The county seat is Doylestown, and the county covers 622 square miles of rolling countryside, river towns, and charming main streets. Bucks County sits between Philadelphia and New York City, about an hour from Philadelphia and roughly 90 minutes from Midtown Manhattan.
What is Bucks County known for?
Bucks County is known for its charming small towns, walkable main streets, arts and culture scene, covered bridges, farm country, and its location along the Delaware River. It's home to The Mercer Mile in Doylestown, the riverside arts community of New Hope, Peddler's Village in Lahaska, Sesame Place(R) Pennsylvania in Langhorne, and Washington Crossing Historic Park, where George Washington launched his famous crossing of the Delaware in 1776. The Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the top regional theaters on the East Coast. Travel + Leisure named it one of the most underrated places on the East Coast, praising its fall foliage, small towns, and family-friendly attractions.
Getting Here & Around
How do I get to Bucks County?
Most visitors arrive by car, and Bucks County is easy to reach from several major cities. From Philadelphia, take I-95 North and you'll reach Lower Bucks County towns like Bristol and Langhorne in about 30 minutes, with Doylestown and New Hope roughly an hour from Center City.
From New York City, take the New Jersey Turnpike south to I-78 West or Route 202 South, and most Bucks County destinations are about 90 minutes from Midtown Manhattan.
From North Jersey, the drive is even shorter. Bucks County is also accessible via Interstate 276 for visitors coming from the west. Once you're in the county, the towns are close together and easy to navigate by car, making it simple to visit multiple spots in a single day or weekend.
What is the closest airport?
Three major airports serve the Bucks County area. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the closest major hub, about 40 miles from central Bucks County with both domestic and international flights.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey is about 60 miles away and offers extensive domestic and international service.
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) in Allentown is about 45 miles from Upper Bucks County. For those flying into smaller regional airports, Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) in New Jersey is just 17 miles from many Bucks County towns and is the closest airport overall.
What’s the best way to get around Bucks County?
A car is the easiest way to explore Bucks County. Most towns sit close together, so drive times between them are often short, though trips between towns on opposite ends of the county, like Yardley and Quakertown, can take longer. Once you're in a town like Doylestown, New Hope, or Newtown, most everything is walkable. Biking is popular along the Delaware Canal Towpath, which connects several river towns.
SEPTA regional rail serves parts of the county, with stations in Doylestown, Warminster, Langhorne, and several Lower Bucks communities connecting to Philadelphia. Uber and Lyft are available throughout the county, and bus service runs in the larger towns.
The county's self-guided driving tours, including the covered bridge tour and Barn Voyage tour, are designed to be explored at a leisurely pace by car.
Weather & Best Times to Visit
What is the weather like?
SPRING
Average Temperatures: 62° F to 38° F (16° C to 3° C)
From March to June, enjoy warm temperatures, beautiful blooms and the perfect fresh air to dine al fresco in.
SUMMER
Average Temperatures: 85° F to 62° F (29° C to 16° C)
Hot summer days mean cooling off on the Delaware River in a tube or kayak. Occasional rain cools off the warm air, leaving long July and August nights comfortable and cool.
FALL
Average Temperatures: 64° F to 41° F (17° C to 5° C)
Fall is Bucks County’s most spectacular time of the year! Mild temperatures allow for time spent outdoors enjoying golden foliage, crisp apples and pumpkin picking. Peak foliage season in in October.
WINTER
Average Temperatures: 38° F to 19° F (3° C to -7° C)
Thermometers begin to drop in November and last until late February. Blankets of snow are known to cover the area for white winter walking and holiday festivities.
What's the best time of year to visit Bucks County?
Every season has its charms, but fall is especially popular. The foliage across the countryside and along the Delaware River is stunning, and the farms come alive with apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and harvest festivals.
Spring brings garden tours, outdoor events, and fresh blooms at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve. Summer is ideal for river tubing, kayaking, outdoor dining, and long evenings on main streets. Winter has its own charm with holiday light displays, tree lightings, and cozy inn stays, especially around Peddler's Village and New Hope.
Learn more about the best time to visit Bucks County for you and your family.
Is Bucks County a four-season destination?
Absolutely! Spring brings mild weather, blooming gardens, and outdoor festivals. Summer is warm and social, with river activities, al fresco dining, and evening events filling the calendar. Fall is Bucks County at its most scenic, with golden foliage, farm activities, and crisp air perfect for exploring covered bridges and back roads. Winter is quieter but charming, with holiday light shows, tree lightings across the towns, warm brewpubs along the Bucks County Ale Trail, and cozy inn stays. Each season offers a different pace and personality.
Planning Your Visit
How do I get visitor information?
You can request us to mail you a free printed visitor guide, or you can view the digital version of it here. For questions during your visit, email visitorservices@visitbuckscounty.com or call (215) 639-0300.
Visit Bucks County also maintains active social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @VisitBucksPA.
How can I find information about events going on?
The Visit Bucks County events calendar is the best place to find what's happening during your visit. You can browse by date, category, or season, including upcoming events, things to do this weekend, annual festivals, art festivals, and seasonal highlights like fall festivals, holiday happenings, and tree lightings. Signing up for the Visit Bucks County e-newsletter is another easy way to get trip ideas and event updates delivered to your inbox.
Is Bucks County family friendly?
Very much so! Sesame Place Philadelphia in Langhorne is one of the region's most popular family attractions and the first theme park in the world to be designated a Certified Autism Center. Shady Brook Farm in Yardley offers seasonal experiences from apple picking to holiday light shows. Peddler's Village keeps kids entertained year-round with festivals and Giggleberry Fair. The Ice Cream Trail is an easy, low-pressure way to explore the countryside together.
For outdoor families, the Delaware Canal Towpath is flat and bikeable, Peace Valley Park has easy trails and birdwatching, and the covered bridge driving tour turns a scenic drive into a treasure hunt.
The pace across the county is relaxed, the towns are walkable, and there's plenty to do without overscheduling the day. Explore more things to do with kids in Bucks County.
Is Bucks County pet-friendly?
Bucks County welcomes fur babies! It's a pet-friendly destination with plenty of trails, parks, and outdoor spaces to enjoy with a dog. Many restaurants offer pet-friendly outdoor dining in warmer months. Several hotels and B&Bs welcome pets, including the Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm, Hampton Inn Quakertown, Sheraton Bucks County, New Hope Inn & Suites, Spark by Hilton Bensalem-Philadelphia, and the Bridgeton House on the Delaware, among others. For more information, see our Pet-Friendly Travel Guide.
Is Bucks County LGBTQ+-friendly?
Yes! Bucks County is a very welcoming and LGBTQ+-friendly destination. New Hope has been a hub for the LGBTQ+ community for decades, with a vibrant social scene, inclusive businesses, and community events. That welcoming spirit extends across the county's towns, restaurants, lodging, and attractions. Read more here.
Is Bucks County accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Bucks County is committed to making the visitor experience accessible to everyone. Many of the county's hotels, restaurants, attractions, and trails offer accommodations for guests of all abilities.
Highlights include wheelchair-friendly paths at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve and Silver Lake Nature Center, ADA-compliant seating at the Bucks County Playhouse, accessible rooms at hotels and B&Bs throughout the county, and assistive services at the Michener Art Museum. Sesame Place(R) Pennsylvania is the first theme park in the world designated as a Certified Autism Center. Learn more here.
How many days should I plan to stay in Bucks County?
Bucks County makes for a great day trip from Philadelphia or a weekend getaway from New York City, but two to three days is ideal if you want to explore more than one town and take your time.
A single day is enough to enjoy one area well, such as spending the afternoon in New Hope or touring the Mercer Mile in Doylestown. A full weekend lets you mix towns, trails, dining, and a show without feeling rushed. Visitors who stay longer often pick a home base in one town and explore outward from there.
What are the most popular attractions in Bucks County?
The most visited attractions include the Mercer Mile in Doylestown (Fonthill Castle, the Mercer Museum, and the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works), Peddler's Village in Lahaska, Sesame Place(R) Pennsylvania in Langhorne, the Bucks County Playhouse and galleries in New Hope, Washington Crossing Historic Park, the New Hope Railroad, and Shady Brook Farm in Yardley. The county's 12 historic covered bridges, the Delaware Canal Towpath, as well as the Bucks County Ale Trail, the Bucks County Wine Trail, and the Bucks County Ice Cream Trail.
Lodging & Accommodations
What types of lodging are available in Bucks County?
Bucks County offers a wide range of places to stay, including full-service hotels, historic inns, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, Airbnb and vacation rentals, and family-friendly hotels near major attractions. Options range from boutique riverside properties in New Hope to countryside farm stays in Upper Bucks to well-known hotel brands in Langhorne and Bensalem. The variety means you can match your lodging to your style of trip, whether that's a romantic inn stay, a family-friendly hotel near Sesame Place ® Philadelphia, or a quiet cottage in the countryside.
Are there unique or historic places to stay?
Yes, and they're one of the highlights of a Bucks County visit. The Logan Inn in New Hope has been welcoming guests since 1727 and is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the country. The Ghost Light Inn and River House at Odette's offer boutique riverside stays in New Hope. The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm is a countryside bed and breakfast on a working farm. The 1870 Wedgwood Inn of New Hope is set in a Victorian-era property with period details. The Bridgeton House on the Delaware in Upper Black Eddy sits directly on the river and has been named one of the top honeymoon destinations by Country Living. For something more private, vacation rentals include options like a historic stone cottage in Buckingham, a canal cottage in Upper Black Eddy, or a farm stay experience in the countryside.
What are the best kid-friendly hotels?
For families visiting Sesame Place Philadelphia, the SpringHill Suites Langhorne and the Sheraton Bucks County Hotel are both nearby and well set up for kids. The Golden Plough Inn at Peddler's Village is another family-friendly option, with Giggleberry Fair right next door. The 1870 Wedgwood Inn in New Hope welcomes families and is a short walk from shops and the river.
For families who want more space, several Airbnb and vacation rental properties throughout the county offer full kitchens and yards. For more lodging options, see our list of Kids-Approved Lodging.
Are there any hotels for adults only?
While most Bucks County hotels and inns welcome guests of all ages, several properties cater specifically to couples and adult travelers looking for a quieter, more romantic experience. The Inn at Bowman's Hill near New Hope is a luxurious adults-only bed and breakfast set on five acres with a swimming pool, hot tub, and gourmet breakfasts. Many of the county's smaller B&Bs and boutique inns, including the Bridgeton House on the Delaware and the Fox and Hound B&B, are oriented toward couples and tend to offer a peaceful, adults-focused atmosphere.
Dining & Shopping
What dining options are available in Bucks County?
Bucks County has a remarkably deep dining scene for a countryside destination. Farm-to-table restaurants sourcing from local growers are a defining part of the culinary identity. Riverside dining along the Delaware is popular in New Hope and the surrounding river towns. For something sweet, the Bucks County Ice Cream Trail is a family-friendly self-guided tour of the county's best scoop shops. You'll also find plenty of bakeries and farmers markets. Every town has its own dining personality, from the lively restaurant scene in New Hope and Doylestown to the quieter, neighborhood feel of Newtown and Yardley.
Is there great shopping in Bucks County?
Bucks County has some of the best shopping you’ll ever find! Peddler's Village in Lahaska is a 42-acre shopping, dining, and events village with cobblestone paths, gardens, and more than 65 specialty shops and boutiques. USA Today named Peddler's Village the number one shopping center in the country. New Hope's main streets are lined with independent galleries, antique shops, and boutiques. Doylestown has a walkable downtown with a mix of locally owned shops and galleries. Throughout the county, you'll also find antique districts, farmers markets, flea markets, and seasonal shopping events. Bucks County's main streets are part of what makes the shopping experience feel personal rather than generic.
Weddings, Groups & Events
Is Bucks County a good place for weddings?
Bucks County is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the Philadelphia region, with venues to match nearly every style. Options include castle weddings at Fonthill Castle, farm weddings at countryside estates, waterfront ceremonies along the Delaware River, and garden venues at historic properties, such Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum. Peddler's Village offers a charming village setting, and several wineries and inns host intimate celebrations.
Can Bucks County host group travel or corporate retreats?
Yes. The county offers a range of meeting venues, from full-service hotels and conference centers to more distinctive settings, such as winery meeting spaces and historic inns. Visit Bucks County provides dedicated group travel services, including help with group-friendly dining, motorcoach-accessible attractions, and customized itineraries. For corporate retreats, the combination of countryside setting, walkable towns, and varied team-building activities makes Bucks County a practical and refreshing alternative to city-based venues.
Activities & Entertainment
What are the most popular things to do in Bucks County?
The most popular activities include exploring the Mercer Mile in Doylestown, which includes the Fonthill Castle, the Mercer Museum, and the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works, strolling the galleries and shops in New Hope, shopping and attending seasonal festivals at Peddler's Village in Lahaska, visiting Sesame Place Philadelphia in Langhorne with kids, walking or biking the Delaware Canal Towpath, driving the covered bridge self-guided tour, touring Washington Crossing Historic Park, catching a show at the Bucks County Playhouse, and following the Bucks County Ale Trail or Bucks County Wine Trail through the countryside.
What outdoor activities are available?
Bucks County has more than 475 miles of trails countywide. The Delaware Canal Towpath is the most popular route for walking and biking, stretching along the river through several towns. Lake Nockamixon in Upper Bucks is a favorite for kayaking, fishing, and sailing. Ringing Rocks Park offers a unique hiking experience where visitors can strike boulders that ring like bells. Peace Valley Park in Central Bucks is great for families with easy trails and birdwatching. Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve is a quieter gem for nature walks and native plant gardens. The county's back roads also make for excellent scenic cycling, especially through the covered bridge country in Upper Bucks.
What is the Mercer Mile?
The Mercer Mile is a collection of three remarkable concrete structures in Doylestown, all built by archaeologist, tilemaker, and collector Henry Mercer in the early 1900s: Fonthill Castle (his home), the Mercer Museum (housing his collection of early American tools and artifacts), and the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works (a working tile factory). Mercer built them largely by hand using poured-in-place concrete, a technique that was experimental at the time. All three are open for tours and are within walking distance of each other, making them one of the most distinctive cultural experiences in the Mid-Atlantic.
Are there any self-guided driving tours?
Yes, Bucks County offers several. The covered bridge driving tour takes you past all 12 of the county's historic covered bridges. The Heritage Conservancy Barn Voyage tour winds through more than 15 historic barns across Central and Upper Bucks. The historic stone houses driving tour showcases the county's distinctive colonial-era architecture. And the Quaker meeting house driving tour connects sites tied to William Penn's Quaker heritage. All are free, self-paced, and designed for a leisurely drive through the countryside with the windows down. Read about our tours.
What's there to do at night?
New Hope has the most active nightlife scene, with bars, restaurants, and live entertainment along the main streets and waterfront. The Bucks County Playhouse, recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of the top regional theaters on the East Coast, hosts performances year-round. Parx Casino in Bensalem offers gaming, dining, and entertainment. Many of the county's towns have restaurants and bars with evening atmospheres that are social and relaxed without being overwhelming. In warmer months, outdoor dining along the Delaware River is a popular way to spend an evening.
