Best Attractions in Bucks County, PA Revealed: An Insider’s Guide

When it comes to history, culture, and nature, few places in Pennsylvania can match the appeal of Bucks County. A lively and picturesque region in the state’s southeast region, Bucks County is conveniently located just above Philadelphia and near the Delaware River.

As a visitor or resident of Bucks County, you can explore the unique shops and art galleries of New Hope and Doylestown, sample a wide range of culinary delights at restaurants, or enjoy a performance at the highly regarded Bristol Riverside Theatre. If you’re looking for outdoor exploits, Bucks County features miles of scenic trails, picturesque parks, and intriguing natural formations like the Ringing Rocks.

Read on to discover the many attractions — hidden or otherwise — of this vibrant region.

THE TOP ATTRACTIONS IN BUCKS COUNTY, PA

Bucks County spans 622 square miles, encompassing swathes of forests, several lakes, acres of farms and vineyards, and a part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, just to name a few noteworthy features. And as you journey across the county, you will come across historic covered bridges, campgrounds, museums and art galleries, and even magnificent castles.

With Bucks County’s myriad attractions, creating the ideal itinerary might be a challenge. To make things easier, here is a comprehensive guide to some of the most exciting attractions in Bucks County, PA.

Outdoor Excursions

Bucks County is an excellent place to get in touch with the great outdoors in more ways than one. Add these places to your list if you’re looking for fun nature-filled activities:

• Ringing Rocks County Park – This unique park in Upper Black Eddy is home to a fascinating geological phenomenon – a boulder field where the rocks ring like bells when struck with a hammer. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own hammers and explore the boulder field to try and create their own “natural symphony.”

  The park also offers hiking trails and a scenic waterfall that is said to be Bucks County’s largest. Just keep in mind that the boulder field terrain can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

• TreeTrails Adventures – TreeTrails Adventures, located in Trevose, is an aerial adventure park perfect for those craving a different kind of adventure. The park features six color-coded trails with varying difficulty levels, where participants can zip line, cross rope, cable, or wood bridges, and tackle other challenging obstacles high in the treetops.

  Younger adventurers ages 4-7 years old have the KidTrails course, which is designed just for them. Beyond that, TreeTrails is also an excellent venue for special events, team building sessions, or a one-of-a-kind excursion with the family.

• Silver Lake Nature Center – Situated within 460 acres of forested land in the Bristol community, Silver Lake Nature Center is a haven for nature lovers or anyone simply looking for a day of relaxation in Bucks County. Visitors can sign up for a variety of programs and workshops or simply wander around the center’s educational exhibits.

  The park itself is an outdoor recreationist’s paradise, with ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife observation. A network of trails is spread across the park, traversing through diverse habitats such as woodlands, wetlands, and meadows.
  Visitors can also kayak on Silver Lake and explore its waterways.

• Neshaminy State Park – Found in lower Bucks County, Neshaminy State Park is a 330-acre sanctuary along the Delaware River offers plenty of opportunities for casual outdoor recreation — fishing, swimming, and exploring scenic trails are just a few of the activities you can enjoy here. The park’s diverse habitats are home to a variety of wildlife, offering great opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.

  Neshaminy State Park can be enjoyed throughout the year. Summer, however, is widely considered to be the best time to visit the park. During this season, the swimming pool and spray park are open to visitors.

Community Parks and Recreation

You do not have to travel far to enjoy a peaceful day at a neighborhood park in Bucks County. These are just a few of the many places to set up a picnic, read a book, or take a leisurely stroll.

• Holicong Park – Holicong Park offers more than 80 acres of recreational space, featuring well-maintained courts for pickleball, tennis, and fields for lacrosse. Two miles of paved trails wind through scenic areas, suitable for cyclists and joggers. The park also includes sprawling lawns ideal for picnics.

• Hansell Park – Located in Doylestown, Hansell Park offers a peaceful retreat with its meandering wooded path, ideal for a leisurely stroll or reflective walk. The park’s amphitheater hosts an annual Summer Concert Series.

• Bristol Waterfront Park – A neighborhood gathering place, Bristol Waterfront Park is known in the community for its local events or live performances. The riverfront promenade offers gentle breezes and serene views of the Delaware River. On a regular day, you can come here to fish, relax on a bench, or simply soak in the picturesque surroundings.

• Falls Township Park – This community park in Falls Township offers a variety of amenities, including a scenic lake for fishing and boating, along with trails to explore. The park also has basketball courts, roller hockey rinks, a softball field, and a skate park. For additional activities, you can enjoy picnic pavilions, multipurpose fields, and a hill for winter sledding. There’s also a dedicated dog park for your furry friends.

Sporting Adventures

Aside from local parks and public fields, sports enthusiasts can explore these designated facilities:

• Bensalem Township Country Club – Golfers will love the Bensalem Country Club’s 18-hole course designed by renowned architect William Gordon. Each hole presents a unique challenge amidst meticulously manicured fairways and greens. The club also offers practice facilities, professional instruction, and a clubhouse where you can relax and enjoy a meal after a day on the links.

• Middletown Country Club – A beloved institution of the Langhorne Borough, Middletown Country Club was established more than 100 years ago and has since become one of the top golf destinations in Bucks County. It provides top-notch amenities minus the exclusivity of most country clubs, allowing the public to enjoy these facilities without a membership.

  Middletown Country Club’s 18-hole golf course spans 6,076 yards and boasts rolling terrain that follows the contours of the Neshaminy Valley. Amenities include a gorgeous Clubhouse, a golf shop, and Hacker’s Pub and Grill.

• Doylestown Tennis Club – If you prefer a more competitive sport, Doylestown Tennis Club offers year-round tennis programs for all levels, from beginners to advanced players, on both indoor and outdoor courts. Their experienced instructors provide lessons and clinics, and the club hosts various leagues and tournaments throughout the year.

Cultural and Historic Delights

Whether you want to learn more about Pennsylvania’s rich heritage or are interested in catching a local play, Bucks County has a world of cultural and historic attractions to discover.

• Washington Crossing Historic Park – This sprawling 500-acre park commemorates the historic site where George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River during the American Revolutionary War.

  Visitors can explore meticulously preserved 18th-century buildings, including a blacksmith shop, gristmill, and tavern, to gain insight into life during that era. At the top of Bowman’s Hill Tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of the park and surrounding landscape. The park also features educational programs, historical reenactments, and scenic walking trails along the river.

• Michener Art Museum – Named after the celebrated author James A. Michener, this museum houses an impressive collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings. Visitors can explore thought-provoking contemporary exhibits and wander through enchanting outdoor sculpture gardens. The museum also offers educational programs, workshops, and special events that inspire and engage visitors.

• Mercer Museum – Built in 1916, the Mercer Museum showcases a vast collection of pre-industrial American artifacts. It was designed by Henry Mercer, who was also the mastermind behind another iconic Bucks County landmark, Fonthill Castle. One of the museum’s main attractions is its research library, which currently houses over 20,000 books and other printed works that tell the region’s local and genealogical history.

• Fonthill Castle – Henry Mercer’s private residence, Fonthill Castle is a 44-room reinforced concrete structure that he built in 1908. A beloved attraction among architecture and design connoisseurs, Fonthill Castle is fitted with over 200 different windows and hand-crafted ceramic tiles– two things that helped solidify Mercer’s reputation in the Arts and Crafts movement. Today, visitors can explore the castle by joining one-hour guided tours.

• Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library & Museum – Discover Bristol Township’s history through the extensive archives of the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library. The adjacent museum, a preserved Victorian-era mansion, showcases exquisite furnishings and décor from the Grundy family’s past. Guided tours are available and provide unique insights into the daily lives and social history of this prominent local family.

• Bristol Riverside Theatre – Located in a charmingly renovated movie house in Bristol, the Bristol Riverside Theatre (BRT) is a beloved local institution that has been a cornerstone of the Bucks County arts scene since 1986. BRT produces a diverse range of theatrical productions throughout the year, including dramas, comedies, musicals, and new play development. In addition to its mainstage season, BRT offers educational programs, community outreach initiatives, and special events.

• The Andalusia Historic House, Gardens, and Arboretum – Built in 1797, The Andalusia is a historic estate located in Bensalem Township that serves as a prime example of Greek Revival architecture. Meticulously preserved, it stands as a testament to early American history and the legacy of Nicholas Biddle, a prominent financier and president of the Second Bank of the United States. The estate’s expansive gardens and arboretum reflect landscape design features of the 19th century, offer visitors a serene retreat and a glimpse into the country’s rich horticultural past.

• Bucks County Playhouse – The Bucks County Playhouse, located in the borough of New Hope, is one of the most historic theaters in the region. Opening its doors in 1939, the playhouse has hosted numerous renowned actors and has been a launching pad for many successful Broadway productions. Its location on the post of an old grist mill adds to its historic charm.

Family-Friendly Activities

For days when you would like to take the whole family on an exciting day out, these destinations come highly recommended:

• Shady Brook Farm – Located in Yardley Borough, Shady Brook Farm is a working farm that offers a variety of seasonal activities for families. During the warmer months, visitors can pick their own fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, strawberries, and peaches. As autumn arrives, the farm hosts its annual FallFest, where you can enjoy a corn maze, wagon rides, apple picking, and pumpkin picking.

  The farm also has a market where visitors can purchase fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and unique gifts. Adults can try unique handcrafted beverages at the rustic Stone’s Throw Pub, which serves up locally-brewed beer and wines from Rose Bank Winery. Don’t forget to try the famous Uncle Dave’s Homemade Ice Cream — their seasonal flavors are a staple.

• New Hope Railroad – For a bit of nostalgia, the New Hope Railroad provides a unique ride through the scenic Bucks County countryside aboard antique coaches. The railroad offers a variety of excursions throughout the year, including special events like the “North Pole Express” during the holiday season. Passengers can enjoy the tranquil scenery from vintage train cars and experience the romance of the golden age of rail travel.

• Peddler’s Village – This gorgeous storybook village in Lahaska offers a glimpse into colonial-era architecture with its charming buildings and brick pathways. Over 60 shops line the village, offering a diverse selection of handcrafted gifts, home décor, specialty foods, and more. It also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including seasonal festivals, food events, and live entertainment.

Seasonal Events

Residents of Bucks County pride themselves on their strong sense of community, which is most evident during festivities. In the summer, the Bristol Riverside Theatre presents its highly anticipated Summer Music Festival, while Fonthill’s Old Fashioned 4th of July brings the community together for a day of delicious food and entertainment.

During fall, Historic Bristol Day features vendors selling artisan crafts and local delicacies, and Shady Brook Farms offers a fun pumpkin-picking experience. The Perkasie Fall Festival provides a variety of autumn-themed games and events.

Winter brings unique holiday events such as the colonial-inspired games at the Annual Washington’s Christmas Day Crossing and Holly Nights at Pennsbury Manor.

Culinary Delights

Bucks County’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its neighborhoods. It’s hard to name all the best dining spots or even whittle them down to a small list, but these are some of the places you won’t want to miss.

Fine Dining Options:

• For a memorable fine dining experience, you can’t go wrong with the Black Bass Hotel in Lumberville, a village in Solebury Township. This historic gem offers an elegant riverside setting and gourmet American cuisine, making it an excellent option for a special night out.

• In New Hope, Oldestone Steakhouse serves up a gourmet menu of seafood, smoked steaks, and American cuisine. Housed in a beautifully restored 125-year-old church, the converted restaurant also boasts a jazz bar.

• The Yardley Inn is another beloved spot where farm-to-table dishes are served with unmatched views of the Delaware River.

Casual Bites:

• For something a tad more casual, The Steam Pub in Southampton serves up classic pub fare with a modern twist, including a wide selection of craft beers and occasional live music. It’s also located in a former train station.

• Over in Doylestown, Villa Capri is a cozy, hidden gem offering authentic Italian cuisine that’s perfect for a laid-back meal with family and friends.

• When you’re craving pizza, Jules Thin Crust in Newtown is the place to go. They serve up a variety of organic, thin-crust pizzas all made in-house and topped with fresh ingredients.

• For those with a sweet tooth, Cramer’s Bakery in Yardley is a must-visit. This family-operated bakery has been serving up baked goods to locals since 1946.

BECOME PART OF THE VIBRANT BUCKS COUNTY, PA COMMUNITY

Are you interested in exploring Bucks County’s rich history, diverse attractions, and potential for investment? 20/20 Real Estate can guide you through your journey. With expertise in residential and commercial properties, investment opportunities, and property management, we can help you discover the perfect place to call home or grow your portfolio.

Contact 20/20 Real Estate today at 215.357.2020 or via email to learn more about the thriving Bucks County market.