Day trip from Jersey · Lancaster
Things to Do in Lancaster, PA: A Day Trip From New Jersey to Amish Country
Things to do in Lancaster, PA on a day trip from New Jersey: Central Market, Lititz pretzels and chocolate, Strasburg steam trains and Amish farmland.
By Tessa Moretti, our virtual host
Researched and edited by the Chefbouyon team
Updated · 12 min read
Quick picks
- For a market morningLancaster Central MarketFounded in 1730, it calls itself America's oldest continuously operated public farmers market.Directions
- For steam trainsStrasburg Rail RoadA narrated 45-minute, 9-mile round trip by steam through Amish farmland.Directions
- For hands-on funJulius Sturgis Pretzel BakeryAmerica's first commercial pretzel bakery, founded in 1861, with a pretzel-twisting lesson on every tour.Directions
- For learning about Amish lifeAmish Farm and HouseGuided tours of an 1805 farmhouse on a 15-acre farm, open since 1955.Directions
- For a holiday outingPresident James Buchanan's WheatlandYuletide at Wheatland tours run November 21 to December 30, 2026.Directions
Some day trips feel like a change of scenery. Lancaster feels like a change of pace. You leave the turnpike, and within a few miles the fields open up, the roads narrow, and you might find yourself sharing the shoulder with a horse and buggy. The searchers asking for "things to do in Lancaster PA" are usually after exactly this: farmland, markets, trains and a slower Saturday.
It's closer than you'd think. Discover Lancaster, the county's official tourism site, puts Lancaster about 100 miles and roughly two hours by car from Trenton. If you'd rather not drive, Amtrak's Keystone Service runs from New York Penn Station through New Jersey and Philadelphia to Lancaster Station.
This guide covers Lancaster city and the countryside around it: a 1730 market, a president's home, pretzels and chocolate in Lititz, steam trains in Strasburg, Amish farm tours, village markets and covered bridges. It's built for a long day or an easy overnight. Pack an empty tote bag. You'll need it.
How I picked these
These picks come from research, not visits: each place's own website, Discover Lancaster, Lititz's downtown site and the organizations that run the historic sites. Every place was confirmed open in 2025–2026. I aimed for a mix of food, history, trains and the countryside, grouped by town so you can plan a loop without zigzagging across the county.
Lancaster city: the market and the old town
Lancaster Central Market
Known for Established in 1730; calls itself America's oldest continuously operated public farmers market, with local produce, meats, baked goods and prepared foods.
23 North Market Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Start where Lancaster has started its days for nearly three centuries. Lancaster Central Market, at 23 North Market Street just off Penn Square, was established in 1730 and describes itself as America's oldest continuously operated public farmers market.
Inside you'll find locally grown Lancaster County produce, meats and dairy, baked goods, home-cooked meals and prepared dishes, plus flavors from around the world. Stands range from field-cut flowers and houseplants to soul food from a local chef. The market's regular days are Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and it posts holiday hours on its website. On Friday, November 27, 2026, it's open in the evening during the Mayor's Tree Lighting in Penn Square, a lovely excuse for a winter visit.
The nonprofit Central Market Trust also runs an after-hours market tour on December 29, 2026, and lists annual events like a June Strawberry Festival and an October Harvest Breakfast.
Who'll love it: food lovers, early risers and anyone who likes to shop where locals shop. Go early, bring a bag, and plan your lunch around what you find.
First Friday on Gallery Row
Once you've done the market, walk a few blocks to North Prince Street. Discover Lancaster calls the first and second blocks of Prince Street Gallery Row, and on the first Friday of every month the downtown celebrates the arts. Galleries show new work and most stay open until 8:30 pm, with live music, readings, boutique openings and restaurant specials around them. Discover Lancaster says the galleries and events sit within a few blocks, which makes First Friday ideal for walking. If you can time a trip for a first Friday, it turns a market day into an evening out.
President James Buchanan's Wheatland
Known for Guided tours of the 1828 Federal-style home of 15th U.S. President James Buchanan, run by LancasterHistory; Yuletide at Wheatland tours Nov 21–Dec 30, 2026.
230 North President Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Wheatland was the home of James Buchanan, the 15th U.S. president, who lived in the 1828 Federal-style mansion from 1848 to 1868. Today it's run by LancasterHistory, the local history organization formerly known as Lancaster County's Historical Society, from its campus at 230 North President Avenue.
Tours are guided, covering both floors of the mansion and the life and politics of Buchanan and his "little family." LancasterHistory notes there are few room barriers, so you stand in the spaces the family actually used. LancasterHistory also runs its museum and research center at the same address, with a current exhibition on law and justice in Lancaster County, plus the Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum.
For the holidays, Yuletide at Wheatland explores Christmas traditions that took hold in Buchanan's time, from the Christmas turkey to the tabletop tree. Tours run November 21 to December 30, 2026, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. Note that the mansion closes November 16–20, 2026, to prepare.
Who'll love it: history fans and anyone who likes a house tour with good stories.
Hands-on House, Children's Museum of Lancaster
Known for A nonprofit children's museum for ages 2–8 built around immersive, independent play, with STEM and art classes.
721 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
If you're traveling with little ones, Hands-on House at 721 Landis Valley Road is a nonprofit children's museum for kids ages 2 to 8. Its exhibits are designed for immersive, independent play, with a focus on letting children and caregivers connect, create and learn together.
The museum runs STEM and art classes during the week, birthday parties, and new school's-out day camps for days when schools are closed. It recommends buying tickets ahead, with walk-ins welcome based on availability.
Who'll love it: parents and grandparents with preschoolers who need a break from the car. It's a good rainy-day plan, and it sits north of downtown on the way to Lititz.
Lititz: pretzels, chocolate and a spring-fed park
Lititz, north of the city, makes a perfect half-day. Its three stops below sit on or just off Main and Broad Streets, so park once and walk.
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
Known for Founded in 1861, the first commercial pretzel bakery in America; tours include a hands-on pretzel-twisting lesson.
219 East Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, at 219 East Main Street, was founded in 1861 and calls itself the first commercial pretzel bakery in America. The Sturgis family describes itself as the oldest pretzel-baking family in the country.
It's a historic site rather than a working factory, and the bakery is careful to say so. Visitors tour the original bakery and get a hands-on lesson in pretzel twisting using a playdough mixture, then watch bakers twist old-fashioned soft pretzels by hand. Afterwards there's a store with hard pretzels, chocolate-coated pretzels and pretzel souvenirs. Tour reservations are recommended on its website, and groups of more than 20 book through a separate page.
Who'll love it: families, the food-curious and anyone who has ever wondered why a pretzel is shaped like that. It's a short walk from the chocolate store and the park, so it anchors a whole Lititz morning.
Wilbur Chocolate Store
Known for Home of the Wilbur Bud, made to the family recipe since 1894, with an on-site kitchen for hand-dipped confections.
45 North Broad Street, Lititz, PA 17543
- wheelchair accessible
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Wilbur Chocolate was founded by H.O. Wilbur in Philadelphia in 1894 and moved its operation to Lititz in the early 1930s, according to Discover Lancaster. Its signature is the Wilbur Bud, a smooth little chocolate drop shaped like a flower bud and still made to the family recipe.
The Wilbur Chocolate Store is at 45 North Broad Street, and Lititz's downtown site invites visitors to watch small-batch confection making. The store has an on-site kitchen where treats are mixed, drizzled and dipped by hand. Along with Buds in semisweet and milk chocolate, you'll find truffles, caramels, toffees, chocolate-covered almonds, bark, gift sets and seasonal sweets. The old factory across the street is now The Wilbur Lititz hotel.
Who'll love it: anyone with a sweet tooth or a gift list.
Lititz Springs Park
Known for A historic private park owned by the Lititz Moravian Congregation, with spring-fed streams, paths and the town's Fourth of July celebration.
24 North Broad Street, Lititz, PA 17543
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Lititz Springs Park, at 24 North Broad Street, is the town's green heart. It's owned by the Lititz Moravian Congregation, maintained by the churches of Lititz and supported entirely by donations. Walking paths follow the spring-fed stream past pavilions and playgrounds, right in the middle of downtown.
The park hosts the annual Lititz Fourth of July celebration, which the Sturgis bakery's events page describes with free live music and candle lighting in the springs. It's open daily from dawn to dusk.
Who'll love it: everyone who needs a quiet bench between pretzels and chocolate.
Strasburg: steam trains and a railroad museum
Southeast of the city, Strasburg is train country. The two railroad stops below sit on Gap Road, practically facing each other, so they pair naturally.
Strasburg Rail Road
Known for America's oldest short line railroad (chartered 1832), with a narrated 45-minute, 9-mile steam excursion through Amish farmland.
301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Strasburg Rail Road calls itself America's oldest short line railroad, with a charter dating to 1832. Its daily excursion is a fully narrated 45-minute ride, a 9-mile round trip through 2,500 acres of Amish countryside, pulled by a historic steam locomotive.
You can choose your seat: first class, dining, open-air or coach. For true train lovers, the railroad offers in-cab experiences on several of its locomotives. The calendar fills up with themed trains through the year, and for Christmas 2026 it lists Santa's Paradise Express, Santa Claus Limited, Night Before Christmas trains with carolers and a reading of the Clement Clarke Moore poem, and private Christmas excursions, which it says are on sale now. Check its site for dates.
Who'll love it: families, train fans and anyone who wants to see the farmland without driving.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Known for More than 100 locomotives and railroad cars on display, administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.
300 Gap Road (PA Route 741), Strasburg, PA 17579
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, at 300 Gap Road, has more than 100 locomotives and railroad cars on display. It's administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, with support from the nonprofit Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
The museum runs a lively event calendar, with programs such as Trains & Troops, a 1940s swing dance, Sensory Saturday and a December Home for the Holidays event listed on its site. It notes it's open on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, and closed on Thanksgiving.
Who'll love it: history buffs, kids who love big machines and anyone who wants the story behind the steam. It's a strong rainy-day plan.
Sight & Sound Theatres
Known for Large-scale live productions retelling Bible stories on a panoramic stage; Joshua runs March–December 2026.
300 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, PA 17572
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Sight & Sound Theatres, at 300 Hartman Bridge Road on the Ronks side of Strasburg, stages large live productions that retell stories from the Bible. It describes a panoramic stage with sets that tower three stories tall, and live animals on stage and in the aisles.
The current Lancaster production, Joshua, runs from March through December 2026. The theater's holiday show this year is playing at its Branson, Missouri theater, so check the Lancaster schedule before you plan around a Christmas visit. It's also known for its glazed almonds.
Who'll love it: families, church groups and anyone who loves big stagecraft. Book ahead and build the rest of your day around showtime.
Amish farmland: tours, markets and villages
Most people come to Lancaster County for its Amish and Mennonite farmland. Discover Lancaster suggests driving Old Philadelphia Pike, Route 340, which links Lancaster, Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse, and says that turning down any side road off it puts you among farmland as far as you can see. It also reminds drivers to use caution, since you'll often share country roads with Amish buggies.
A word on photos. Discover Lancaster explains that the Amish value humility and believe recognizable photographs of themselves conflict with that, and it says tourists trying to take their picture is one of the things that frustrates them most. Its request is clear: take no photographs in which faces are recognizable. Shoot the fields, the barns and the bridges instead. They're beautiful.
Amish Farm and House
Known for Opened in 1955 as the first Amish-focused tourist attraction in the U.S.; guided tours of an 1805 farmhouse and a 15-acre farm.
2395 Covered Bridge Drive, Lancaster, PA 17602
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Amish Farm and House, at 2395 Covered Bridge Drive, opened in 1955 and describes itself as the first Amish-focused tourist attraction in the U.S. and the original one in Lancaster County. Its farm, nearly 300 years old, was once owned by an Amish family.
The 30-minute house tour walks you through the 1805 farmhouse, with a guide explaining Amish history, religion and culture, plus clothing and household items. No reservation is needed for that tour. The popular bus tour heads out into the countryside, then returns for time on the 15-acre farm and schoolhouse. The farm says most of its guides are Lancaster County natives and that its tours are unscripted, so questions are welcome. Its stated mission is an honest, respectful look at Amish life while preserving their privacy.
For the holidays, Amish Christmas Cookie Tours visit three Amish homes for cookies and conversation on Fridays and Saturdays from November 20 through December 19.
Who'll love it: first-time visitors who want context before they drive the back roads.
The Amish Experience
Known for Amish Country Homestead and One-room School tour, 90-minute farmlands minibus tours, VIP visits and the Jacob's Choice film.
3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Amish Experience, at 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike between Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse, offers several ways in. Its Amish Country Homestead and One-room School tour shows how Lancaster's Amish live without electricity, and the attraction notes that the house and school are Lancaster County's only officially designated Heritage Site.
The 90-minute Amish Farmlands Tour drives back-country roads in a 14-passenger minibus, and the Amish VIP tour visits three Amish properties not normally open to visitors. There's also Jacob's Choice, a film about a fictional Amish family shown in a five-screen theater. The site lists a Meal in an Amish Home experience for 2027.
Who'll love it: anyone who prefers a guide at the wheel so they can actually look at the farms.
Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market
Known for A family-owned indoor, air-conditioned market of local vendors selling meats, cheese, produce, baked and canned goods, crafts and quilts.
2710 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
- accessible parking
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, at 2710 Old Philadelphia Pike, has been family owned and operated for 50 years. Discover Lancaster describes it as an indoor, air-conditioned market of local vendors.
Expect fresh meats, cheese, produce, baked goods, chocolates and candies, bulk foods, spices, coffee and loose-leaf tea, hand-rolled soft pretzels and homemade canned goods, according to the market. On the shopping side there are quilts, local crafts, old-fashioned toys and souvenirs. Discover Lancaster lists the schedule as Friday and Saturday year-round, plus Wednesdays from April through November and Thursdays from July through October, so check before a midweek trip.
Who'll love it: anyone who wants a smaller, country version of a market morning. It's an easy stop on the drive between the city and Intercourse.
Kitchen Kettle Village
Known for Begun in 1954 by the Burnley family; 40+ shops, restaurants and lodging with a working canning kitchen.
3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Kitchen Kettle Village, at 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike in Intercourse, began in 1954, when Pat and Bob Burnley invited friends and neighbors to their backyard to celebrate fresh food. It's now run by the family's third generation and has grown into more than 40 shops, restaurants and lodging, including a working canning kitchen and an inn.
Lunch is at the Kling House Restaurant. For the holidays, the village lists a Holiday Tasting Tour and a Holiday Magic season from late November into December, with shopping, food and live entertainment. Check its events page for this year's dates. The village lists Monday-through-Saturday hours, so plan Sundays elsewhere.
Who'll love it: gift shoppers, jam-jar collectors and anyone who wants a stroll at the end of a farmland drive.
Covered bridges
Discover Lancaster says you can tour more than 25 covered bridges in the county, and it offers a free downloadable covered bridge tour guide, with a printed copy at its Visitors Center. Its suggested route includes Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge over the Conestoga Creek, built in 1848 and rebuilt in 1973 after Hurricane Agnes, which it calls the longest single-span covered bridge in the county. Bitzer's Mill Bridge, built in 1846, is described as the oldest working covered bridge in Lancaster County. Pool Forge Covered Bridge comes with a legend tied to President Buchanan, which makes it a fun follow-up to Wheatland.
Pull over only where it's safe. Discover Lancaster also mentions Route 772 east of the city, past working Amish farms and through covered bridges.
What about Longwood Gardens?
Longwood Gardens often comes up when people plan a Lancaster trip, but it's in Kennett Square, Chester County, not Lancaster County. It's a separate day, not a stop on a Lancaster loop.
Getting there and parking
By car from New Jersey: Discover Lancaster lists Central New Jersey (Trenton) at about 100 miles and two hours, taking I-95 south to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, then Route 222 south to Route 30 east. From Manhattan it lists about 152 miles and three to three and a half hours via the Holland Tunnel and I-78 west.
By train: Amtrak's Keystone Service runs between New York and Harrisburg by way of Philadelphia, with Lancaster among its stops and stations in New Jersey along the way. Not every train stops everywhere, so check Amtrak's timetable. Discover Lancaster lists the ride as about 60 minutes from Philadelphia and three hours from New York, and notes taxis and rental cars at Lancaster Station. You'll want a car for the countryside, though.
Parking: Downtown Lancaster has eight garages and lots and over 1,000 metered spaces, managed by the Lancaster Parking Authority. Meters have a two-hour limit, so use a garage for a longer stay. The ParkMobile app works at meters and kiosks. Discover Lancaster says many small towns offer free or low-cost parking in their centers.
When to go
Spring and summer bring green fields, farm stands and the Lititz Fourth of July celebration. Fall is a favorite for scenic drives and the Central Market Harvest Breakfast. Winter is cozy and festive: Yuletide at Wheatland, Christmas trains in Strasburg, cookie tours and the Penn Square tree lighting. Several stops here, including Central Market and Kitchen Kettle Village, list no Sunday hours, so a Friday or Saturday trip often works best.
Making a weekend of it? Pair Lancaster with a river day on the way home, using my guide to Lambertville and New Hope, or stop for a cup in the city with my Philadelphia coffee shops. For more slow-weekend ideas closer to home, see my weekend getaways in New Jersey and the Christmas markets guide.
Every place in this guide, on the map
- Lancaster Central Market23 North Market Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
- President James Buchanan's Wheatland230 North President Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
- Hands-on House, Children's Museum of Lancaster721 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
- Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery219 East Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543
- Wilbur Chocolate Store45 North Broad Street, Lititz, PA 17543
- Lititz Springs Park24 North Broad Street, Lititz, PA 17543
- Strasburg Rail Road301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572
- Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania300 Gap Road (PA Route 741), Strasburg, PA 17579
- Sight & Sound Theatres300 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, PA 17572
- Amish Farm and House2395 Covered Bridge Drive, Lancaster, PA 17602
- The Amish Experience3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
- Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market2710 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
- Kitchen Kettle Village3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534
Questions people ask
How far is Lancaster, PA from New Jersey?
Discover Lancaster, the county's official tourism site, puts Lancaster about 100 miles and roughly two hours by car from Trenton, using I-95 to the Pennsylvania Turnpike and then Route 222 and Route 30. From Manhattan it lists about 152 miles and three to three and a half hours. Amtrak's Keystone Service also runs from New York through New Jersey and Philadelphia to Lancaster Station.
Can you take the train from New Jersey to Lancaster, PA?
Yes. Amtrak's Keystone Service runs between New York Penn Station and Harrisburg by way of Philadelphia, and Lancaster is one of its stops. The route passes through New Jersey, though not every train stops at every station, so check Amtrak's current timetable. Discover Lancaster notes that taxis and rental cars are available from Lancaster Station.
Is it okay to take pictures of the Amish?
Discover Lancaster asks visitors not to. It explains that the Amish believe recognizable photographs of themselves conflict with their values of humility, and says tourists trying to take their picture is one of the things that frustrates them most. Its request is simple: take no photographs in which faces are recognizable. Farmland, fields and covered bridges make lovely photos without anyone in them.
Is Longwood Gardens in Lancaster County?
No. Longwood Gardens is in Kennett Square, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, so it is not part of Lancaster County. It is a separate trip. If you are building a long weekend in southeastern Pennsylvania, plan Longwood as its own day rather than trying to squeeze it into a Lancaster itinerary.
What is Lancaster, PA known for?
Lancaster County is known for its Amish and Mennonite farmland, covered bridges, farmers markets and Pennsylvania Dutch food. Lancaster city has Central Market, which dates to 1730, and the home of President James Buchanan. Nearby towns add steam trains in Strasburg, pretzels and chocolate in Lititz, and village shopping in Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse.
How many covered bridges are in Lancaster County?
Discover Lancaster says you can tour more than 25 covered bridges in the county, and it offers a free downloadable covered bridge tour guide, with a printed version at its Visitors Center. Its suggested route includes Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge, the county's longest single-span covered bridge, and Bitzer's Mill Bridge, which it calls the oldest working covered bridge in Lancaster County.
Spot something out of date, or know a place we should add? Tell us. Corrections are read first.
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