The 21 Best Things to See and Do in Philly’s Main Line
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
The Main Line is a name given to the suburban Philly towns which lie along the former Main Line route of the Pennsylvania railroad. Originally, the area was founded by notable Philadelphia families who built summer homes in the area. Many of the suburbs within the Main Line are consistently ranked as not only the best places to live near Philly, but also within Pennsylvania. Today, you will find the Main Line is both a great place to live and visit. As a local, I have found many interesting things to do in the Main Line which has been great as I do not have to drive and fight for parking in the city each weekend.
Today, Main Line suburbs are beginning to see an upsurge in tourism as new businesses continuously sprout up. This affluent area (home to 5 of the wealthiest zip codes in the country) is home to private colleges, beautiful homes, and seemingly endless luxury car dealerships. However, you will also find more touristy attractions such as award-winning restaurants, quaint Main Streets, many botanical gardens and parks, and historical sites of interest.
Consider taking a day trip from Philly to explore the numerous attractions found throughout this region. In my Main Line guide, I feature over 20 fun things to do when you want to escape the Philly crowds. Also included are things to do and see in adjacent western Philly suburbs.
1. Check out the Brandywine River Museum of Art
- Location: Chadds Ford
- Address: 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd.
- Tip: Enjoy free admission the first Sunday of each month (Feb-Nov)
The Brandywine Museum of Art is an American art museum located on the beautiful Brandywine river. The collection includes galleries dedicated to Andrew Wyeth, a renown realist painter of the 20th century who grew up in Chadds Ford. I have been a fan ever seeing his works at the Greenville Museum of Art, a small South Carolina museum which houses the largest collection of Wyeth’s works. Numerous pieces from realist painter Jamie Wyeth and illustrator N.C. Wyeth, along with hundreds of other artists, can be enjoyed.
In the nicer months, take a stroll along the 1 mile long river path where you will enjoy quaint riverside views, lovely gardens, and seasonal wildflowers. During the winter, be sure to check out the extravagant holiday train display, one of the Main Line’s most beloved Christmas attractions.
2. Visit Longwood Gardens
- Location: Kennett Square
- Address: 1001 Longwood Rd.
- Note: Timed tickets are required
If you are a nature lover, you will definitely want to put a trip to Longwood Gardens (once home to the wealthy DuPont family) high on your Philly suburb to-do list. This 1000+ acre nature oasis displays 9000 species of plants via 20 indoor, as well as various outdoor gardens and nature trails. Be sure to plan time to see the incredible fountain shows.
The highlight here is the Conservatory, which is alone home to more than 4600 plants, plus beautiful fountains and seasonal displays. The best time to visit is during the winter Orchid Extravaganza where your eyes will be treated to thousands of colorful orchids. Also, consider planning your visit during A Longwood Christmas. Featuring thousands of poinsettias in every hue, seasonal plants, dozens of Christmas trees, and over half a million lights, this event stands strong as one of the Main Line’s best Christmas events.
3. Stroll around Downtown Wayne
- Location: Wayne
- Address: Lancaster Ave/N Wayne Ave
- Tip: Pick up a fresh loaf of bread or pastry at Spring Hill, one of Main Line’s best bakeries.
Downtown Wayne is pretty small, yet still packed with plenty of interesting restaurants and shops. Take a stroll up and down Lancaster Avenue and enjoy popping in and out of various boutiques and gift shops. Treat yourself to an espresso or hot cocoa at Gryphon Cafe, search for your next novel at Main Street Books, enjoy a fresh pie at Vinnie’s Pizza, and then catch a flick at the historic Anthony Wayne theater.
4. Detox & Refresh at Cyro Myst
- Location: Haverford
- Address: 510 Lancaster Ave
- Tip: Check for special promotions on the CyroMyst website
Cryo Myst Therapy Lounge is a natural health/beauty spa located in Haverford. Here you can enjoy all sorts of rejuvenating treatments such as infrared sauna, tanning, teeth whitening, oxygen therapy, and cryotherapy. Treatments are pretty pricey, although package deals are better.
Nothing beats a warm infrared sauna session on a cold winter’s day. Even better, infrared saunas offer numerous health benefits over regular saunas. An immune system boost, overall detoxification, joint pain relief, cellulite reduction, and improved circulation are just a few of the benefits you may see after multiple sessions. I love sitting in a warm sauna when it is raining, snowing, or simply too cold to do much else. Not only does it feel really cool when the weather is dismal, but it also offers so many health benefits.
5. Shop ’til you drop at King of Prussia Mall
- Location: King of Prussia
- Address: 160 N. Gulph Rd.
- KOP mall directory
- Tip: Treat yourself to a coffee from La Colombe, hidden away from the bustle in a little stand in front of Neiman Marcus.
Although not as widely known as the Mall of America, King of Prussia stands strong as one of the largest malls in the country. Coming in at the number 2 position, this mall features an interesting mix of over 450 stores (versus 520 at the Mall of America). In terms of square footage, the King of Prussia Mall recently surpassed the Mall of America! However, the newly opened American Dreams Mall in New Jersey now triumphs both!
You can find anything here, from the highest end luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Fendi, to common department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom. With several great dining options (The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s, Grand Lux Cafe, True Food Kitchen, etc), on top of the shops, you can easily waste away an afternoon here on a bleak cold, rainy day.
6. Explore the indie coffee scene
The Main Line is home to an impressive lineup of independent coffee shops. You do not have to go all the way to Philly to enjoy the high quality beans, service, and ambiance often found at local coffee shops versus chains!
And now, a few of the best-of-the-best!
La Colombe
This Philly born roaster, which originally opened downtown in Rittenhouse Square in 1994, now operates in 7 major cities. Today, you no longer need to make the trek downtown. The Bryn Mawr location is ideal if you happen to be checking out the shops or film institute downtown. La Colombe is known for their custom made mugs, high quality espresso drinks, and decadent pastry selection.
Location: 915 Lancaster Ave. Bryn Mawr, PA
Green Engine Cafe
Green Engine is a fantastic Haverford coffee shop, offering top notch coffee from local Philly company Rival Bros. Their pastry treats are the best in town. Featuring scrumptious creative pastries like homemade pop tarts and crumb cake, sweet lovers will have more than enough tempting options. The design is modern, attractive, and spacious, although the space tends to get overcrowded on weekends.
Location: 16 Haverford Station Haverford, PA
Malvern Buttery
Enjoy expertly brewed espresso & coffee drinks and fresh made-from-scratch pastries at this local favorite. Order a drink, pick up treats from the self-service food station (try the quiche (both veg/non-veg) available) or the chia seed pudding), and enjoy a seat on one of the cozy couches. Delicious food, amazing coffee, and a spacious cozy setting – definitely try this one out!
Location: 233 E. King St. Malvern, PA
