Here’s Your Guide to a Summer Weekend in MontCo

When most Philadelphians think about a summer getaway, they think about getting out of town.

But some of the season’s best adventures are hiding right next door.

In Montgomery County, you can spend the morning biking through Revolutionary War history, the afternoon wandering a charming small-town main street, and the evening cheering along with soccer fans from around the world. You can climb, shop, spot a jaguar, and still have time for ice cream before heading home.

Whether you’re planning a family weekend, day out, or just looking for new places to explore, here’s how to build a summer escape that’s exactly your speed.

Friday: Start small

It’s the weekend. Start things off easy.

Head to Skippack Village, where historic buildings house independent shops, galleries, and locally owned restaurants. Spend the afternoon wandering without much of a plan or turn it into a weekend getaway at Hotel Fiesole, a boutique hotel in the heart of the village. Browse succulents at Floral &Hardy, taste something new at The Grand Fromage, or venture a few minutes down the road to Evansburg State Park for a little fishing, hiking, or fresh air.

When hunger strikes, settle in for an early dinner at Bella Rosa or Brothers Kershner before making your way to King of Prussia to catch a soccer match on the big screens at the Montco Watch Party, the ultimate free family-friendly outdoor soccer fan zone.

But you don’t have to be a soccer fan to enjoy it. For a few weeks this summer, the King of Prussia Mall will transform from a shopping mecca to a stadium-style celebration, complete with giant match screenings, food vendors, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. While soccer enthusiasts cheer on their favorite clubs, everyone else can take advantage of one of the country’s premier shopping destinations before calling it a night.

Saturday: Adventure awaits

One of the most common misconceptions is that Valley Forge is only for history buffs.

Sure, it’s one of the most important sites in the American story, but it’s also home to some of the area’s best trails. At Valley Forge National Historical Park, you can walk, or better yet, rent bikes to cover more ground, winding past monuments, historic sites, and sweeping landscapes that take you back 250 years.

The best part is that the park connects to the Schuylkill River Trail, which then stretches for miles along the river. By lunchtime, you can head to Bridgeport and grab a bite at Puddlers Kitchen & Tap by Conshohocken Brewing, where riverside dining and local beer make for an ideal post-ride break.

If you’re still up for an adventure, take on the climbing wall at Reach Climbing and Fitness. The facility was named Best of Philly and, together with its neighboring training center, has grown into one of the largest climbing destinations in the region, offering everything from beginner-friendly routes to towering rope climbs and bouldering walls.

After all the adventure, why rush home? Extend your stay overnight at Hotel West & Main, then start Sunday with brunch at the hotel’s Hook & Ladder restaurant before heading off to your next Montco adventure.

Sunday: Go wild

Let the kids take the lead.

Start with brunch at Santangelo’s Cafe, a local favorite just minutes from Elmwood Park Zoo.

Arriving early has its advantages. Not only are the crowds lighter, but it’s also one of the best times to catch the animals at their most active. And while giraffe feeding may get all the glory, don’t skip the zoo’s jaguar habitat or the recently opened veterinary center, where future veterinarians can catch a glimpse of animal care behind the scenes. Visiting over Fourth of July weekend? Admission drops to just $4 on Independence Day.

Looking for a different way to spend your Sunday? Trade animal encounters for a tee time at Westover Golf Club. The 18-hole, par-70 course is known for its challenging layout and scenic setting, making it a favorite for local golfers.

However you spend the afternoon, no summer weekend is complete without ice cream. Take one final stop at Zwahlen’s Ice Cream & Chocolate for the flavor of the day and a take-home bag of Swiss chocolates.

Discover all the ways to explore Montgomery County this summer at ValleyForge.org.

This is a paid partnership between Valley Forge Tourism and Philadelphia Magazine