Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in New Hope, PA

  • Published 2022/05/10

New Hope, Pennsylvania is an action-packed city.

This destination brims with excitement in the form of festivals, historic mansions, markets, lip-smacking cuisine, and state-of-the-art wineries.

It’s also home to breathtaking natural sights, such as scenic hiking trails and fields of wildflowers.

With so much to do and see, it’s an excellent place to visit with the whole family.

These are the best things to do in New Hope, Pennsylvania:

Have a Fresh Cup of Coffee from Ferry Market

Ferry Market is one of the best places to visit first thing in the morning, especially if you prefer to begin your day with a cup of coffee.

The ambiance is vibrant, with lots of crowds walking around and eating.

There are a lot of coffee shops and breakfast places at Ferry Market.

Enjoy home-baked goods and freshly brewed coffee before you explore New Hope’s majestic tourist spots.

Go Biking at Delaware Canal State Park

A narrow path running beside a waterbody in Delaware Canal State Park

Bradford Van Arnum (Sunweb52), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Delaware Canal State Park is one of the most historic spots in New Hope.

As you will see, there is still a canal intact here.

A young man stepping into the water at Delaware Canal State Park

Image Source Trading Ltd / Shutterstock.com

This is worth noting since there are not many canals left in the United States.

There are magnificent views here along with the best adventure options.

You can find many hiking and biking trails here.

A wooden bridge crossing over Delaware Canal State Park

Jim Bogosian / Shutterstock.com

Have a Sumptuous Meal at the Logan Inn

The Logan Inn is kind of a household name in New Hope.

A trip to the city can’t be complete without having a delicious meal at Ferry + Main, the Logan Inn’s in-house restaurant.

In the main dining area, there’s an open kitchen that provides diners with a front-row seat to witness the hard work that goes into preparing their meals.

There’s also a lovely outdoor deck where guests may opt to dine.

Come for their delicious brunch menu that includes breakfast favorites such as Eggs Benedict and Steak Frites.

Alternatively, you can treat yourself to their sumptuous lunch or dinner menu that boasts mouth-watering dishes like Peking Duck Breast, Lavender & Rosemary Lamb Loin, and Butter Roasted Canadian Lobster Tail.

Head to Main Street and Shop Till You Drop

A clock placed on the Main Street in New Hope, PA

Andrew McDonough / Shutterstock.com

In New Hope, there’s no better place to shop to your heart’s content than Main Street.

Filled with shops, boutiques, and stores, the area even has an affordable flea market.

The local shops in the vicinity are also known to sell a wide range of home decor items.

If you’re in the middle of furnishing a new space, Main Street is one of the best places to shop.

Want to buy some souvenirs for your friends and family?

This is the perfect place to go.

Appreciate the Work of Local Artists at New Hope Arts

New Hope Arts is among the best places to spend time and appreciate art.

It is a completely non-profit organization.

You can see different modern and contemporary forms of art in the center.

The best part about this organization is that it helps uplift local arts.

Everything you see is usually a project done in partnership with local artists.

Be sure to pop in and check some of the local paintings.

Catch a Show at the Bucks County Playhouse

Exyerior view of the Bucks County Playhouse

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

The Bucks County Playhouse is not just any theater.

It is quite significant in American history and takes pride in what it does.

It’s been nicknamed America’s most famous summer theater.

Famous artists and actors used to do shows here when the concept of theater was more prominent than that of movies.

Do visit this theater to relive some old days.

Bring Home an Artisan Décor at Heart of the Home

New Hope’s Heart of Home is a specialty gift and craft store.

An 18th-century mansion houses it; therefore, the architecture itself is a draw.

There is no better location to get fantastic, handcrafted American goods than this gift shop.

Explore its shelves and peruse the American crafts on display at this shop.

Shop for handmade jewelry and tableware, as well as other unique home decor items.

Enjoy a Scenic Ride along the New Hope Railroad

A train passing across a cafe in New Hope

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Both historic and exciting at the same time, the New Hope Railroad is a must for your New Hope itinerary.

The train here is a 1925 special locomotive that still runs a certain distance.

Train passing through the scenic New Hope Railroad

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

You can get on this train to embark on a journey to the neighboring place, Lahaska.

The distance is about 9 miles, and a ride lasts about 45 minutes.

It is a scenic journey and a pretty memorable one you’ll likely hold on to for ages.

Snow covered New Hope Railroad

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Join a Ghost Tour and Search for the Phantom Hitchhiker

Are you passionate about the paranormal?

Or, are you more of a non-believer trying to prove that there is nothing like that?

Regardless of your answer, paranormal attractions always capture a lot of tourists’ attention, and the same is in the case of the paranormal activities of New Hope.

The phantom hitchhiker is the star of one of New Hope’s most famous ghost stories.

It is said that many spirits roam around several historic mansions in the city.

For this very reason, several ghost tours are conducted around New Hope.

When the night crawls in and the usually crowded roads of New Hope are left with no people, it is said that these spirits roam around freely.

Experience the City’s Buzzing Nightlife

New Hope is not afraid of the night, for it is wild, loud, and full of excitement.

The nightlife in the city is fantastic, as the streets are filled with bars, clubs, and pubs.

Don’t know where to start?

Check out The Dubliner on the Delaware, an Irish bar that’s considered one of the best pubs in town.

Dine at a Church-Turned-Restaurant

Marsha Brown is one of the best places to have dinner in New Hope.

It not only has some of the most delicious meals on its menu, but it also is located in one of the most exotic locations.

Marsha Brown is inspired by New Orleans restaurants, and it’s situated inside a building that was a church once upon a time.

The meals are elegant, and some of the top-recommended dishes include catfish and jambalaya.

Book a Romantic Stay at a Bed and Breakfast

One of the best things about New Hope is its many different hotels and inns.

More than excellent views, some accommodations boast historical significance—among them are old mansions that have been transformed into bed and breakfasts.

Want to take your spouse on a lovely honeymoon?

Or, is it your anniversary?

Whatever the occasion, New Hope has a lot of romantic accommodations that can set the tone for your couple’s retreat.

The iconic 1970 Wedgwood Inn Bed & Breakfast of New Hope is one of the most notable places for couples to stay.

Explore the Doylestown Castles

Majestic architecture of Doylestown Castles

Fernando Garcia Esteban / Shutterstock.com

When you visit the Doylestown Castles, you will mainly see the Mercer Museum and the Fonthill Castle.

When you set foot in the Mercer Museum, you will realize how far the passion of a man can take him.

Take a look at all the amazing items he collected throughout his life.

Dining room in Doylestown Castles

christianthiel.net / Shutterstock.com

What’s even more beautiful is the Fonthill Castle that he built with his unique designs and ideas.

The castle has 44 mesmerizing rooms, each decorated by the passionate man himself.

Christmas decoration in Fonthill Castle

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Check Out the Parry Mansion Museum

New Hope is home to a lot of old historic mansions.

Benjamin Parry, who happened to be one of the founding fathers of New Hope, owned this majestic mansion that was specially built for him in 1784.

When the Parry line perished, this house eventually went to the New Hope Historical Society.

If you look inside, the interiors will blow your mind.

Filled with designs and furniture from the 18th century, the Parry Mansion Museum is exquisite.

Go on a Wine Tour

Crossing Vineyards and Winery

PredaciousPanda, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A trip to New Hope is incomplete without visiting some of its wineries, known to serve top-class wines.

Local tour operators conduct tours that cover all the important wineries.

You can even go wine tasting at these award-winning wineries.

Tavern Winery in New Hope

Rosemarie Mosteller / Shutterstock.com

The best ones to check out include the Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery, Rushland Ridge Vineyard & Winery, and Crossing Vineyards and Winery.

These wine trips aim to promote Bucks County’s wine culture.

Go Fruit-Picking with the Whole Family at Solebury Orchards

Perfectly lined plants in Solebury Orchards

Tyler Oswalt / Shutterstock.com

Taking the whole family on a trip? Solebury Orchards is a great place to pick your own fruit!

An orchard and farm of 80 acres specialize in apples, cherries, and blueberries.

This weekend, enjoy the crisp air and beautiful views of rows and rows of fruit-bearing trees.

When surrounded by this bounty, you’ll forget you’re even in the middle of a metropolis.

You may be able to select your own berries and apples during your stay if you’re so fortunate.

Makes the feeling of seeing an orchard much more vivid.

Surround Yourself with Nature at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve

Lilly Pads floating in Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve

Dougle / Shutterstock.com

How about spending a day in the lap of nature?

Head over to Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve.

If you are visiting in the fall, the scenes of brilliant wildflowers set against the blue sky look heavenly.

Scenic view of Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve during fall

Dougle / Shutterstock.com

What started as a concept by two innovative locals now draws thousands of visitors every year.

With the help of the Washington Crossing Park Commission, the park now spans a vast 100 acres.

This preserve has gone through many improvements, and there are now boardwalks, trails, and lodges for tourists to enjoy.

Water flowing an old stone dam at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve

Dougle / Shutterstock.com

Immerse Yourself in the Stunning Pieces of Nakashima Woodworkers

Exterior view of the George Nakashima Woodworker Complex

Shuvaev, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

George Nakashima, the legendary Japanese-American modern furniture craftsman, lived and worked in the George Nakashima Woodworker Complex.

The artist created all the surrounding structures for those who want to immerse themselves in organic realism.

The fresh and simple design is embedded in the building, landscaping, and even the furnishings.

To understand more about George Nakashima and his unique ideas, join the guided walks of the complex.

New Hope’s open, organic aesthetic is an excellent illustration of this.

Bring Your Kids to Explore Bucks County Children’s Museum

Exterior of Bucks County Children's Museum

Helen89 / Shutterstock.com

The Buck County Children’s Museum focuses on hands-on learning, an educational museum for children.

A great New Hope family activity is to take advantage of the museum’s various hands-on exhibits and displays.

Play area at Bucks County Children's Museum

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While you’re here, you may pick up a new skill, whether it’s in the fine arts or in the hard sciences.

Dig for relics, build a vehicle ramp, or work in a kiddie store in kids’ town.

There is no doubt that your children will be entertained to no end.

Children having fun at Bucks County Children's Museum

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Drive along the New Hope-Lambertville Toll Supported Bridge

Far view of New Hope-Lambertville Toll Supported Bridge

Jag9889, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This toll bridge that connects Pennsylvania and New Jersey is a 1,000-foot long link.

Specifically, it connects New Hope and Lambertville, which both have a lot to offer.

In addition, you’ll be able to see the river from the town’s entrance or exit.

Top view of New Hope-Lambertville Toll Supported Bridge

Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

See the breathtaking Delaware River up close and personal when you cross the bridge.

New Hope’s nightlife is enriched by this essential yet enjoyable addition.

Final Thoughts

Despite its tiny size, this Pennsylvania borough exudes a large city atmosphere owing to a slew of exciting activities.

There’s much to keep you entertained while on vacation, from shopping galore to cultural extravagances like independent films and live theater.

Live music and unique food options abound in the city’s bustling nightlife.

In terms of unforgettable small-town vacations, there is no better place to visit than New Hope, Pennsylvania.

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