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Full of hidden gems and popular attractions, Montgomery County encompasses 487 square miles of urban, suburban and rural areas.
Within a short drive, you move from historic mill towns to wooded river valleys to main streets shaped by generations of newcomers. Amid all that changing terrain lie historical monuments, natural beauty, and a panoply of dining and shopping.
The county — founded in 1784 and named for Revolutionary general Richard Montgomery — charms visitors with small historic towns like Trappe, and also popular newer attractions like Netflix House.
Valley Forge National Historical Park makes a fitting starting point for most visitors, as both a Revolutionary War site of major significance and a gorgeous 3,500-acre expanse of open space and trails.
Shopping often demands a day at the legendary King of Prussia, a Simon Property Mall, one of the biggest indoor retail centers in the country, but it could just as easily lead to a survey of independent boutiques at a dynamic town center like Ardmore or Ambler.
Feast on Philly classics in Norristown. Visit the Euro-centric village of Skippack. Or wander the revived borough of Conshohocken. The point being, Montco goes deep and wide with major must-sees and plenty of under-the-radar finds.
Read on for tips to help you plan your next trip.
A pivotal site in the Revolutionary War and one of Pennsylvania’s most enduringly popular destinations, Valley Forge National Historic Park should not be missed.
Start in the Visitor Center to get the lay of the land with exhibitions and short films that explore the Revolutionary War and the six months George Washington’s troops camped here.
From there, plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the 26 miles of trails on foot or by bike (you can rent a bike at the Visitor’s Center), book a 90-minute guided trolley tour in advance, or drive the self-guided car loop to see major sites like the encampment, the National Memorial Arch, the Patriots of African Descent monument and many others.
— Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
The third largest mall in the U.S., King of Prussia, a Simon Property Mall dazzles with its variety and luxe atmosphere.
Its 2.9 million square feet of retail space includes high-end brands like Burberry and Louis Vuitton, as well as more everyday fare (H&M, Primark and much more). Add in dozens of restaurants, two children’s play areas, the Japanese arcade Gatcha, and Eataly’s heavenly Italian culinary marketplace, and you won’t want to leave.
King of Prussia, a Simon Property Mall — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
Closer to Philly in the Main Line suburb of Ardmore, Suburban Square represents one of the earliest shopping mall concepts in the country.
The walkable complex includes grassy knolls, fountains and seating areas around the stores, a well-curated mix of independents and chains like West Elm and Sephora.
Tip: Stop at the Ardmore Farmers Market for international cheeses or a panini at DiBruno Bros.
Located on the farm where John James Audubon first settled when he came to the U.S. from France in 1803, the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove celebrates his love of ornithology and natural art. You can tour the Museum and Historic House before traipsing the 5 miles of trails, where you might spot 175 species of birds.
Stretching from Berks County to Philadelphia, the Schuylkill River Trail follows the flow of the river along mostly abandoned railroad tracks with a 20-plus-mile span through many Montco towns: Conshohocken, Norristown, Bridgeport, King of Prussia and Pottstown.
Bring a bike and ride to Valley Forge National Historic Park or hop off the trail to go shopping in Conshohocken.
Schuylkill River Trail in Conshohocken — Photo courtesy Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board
Green Lane Park, tucked in the northwest corner of the county, provides outdoor recreation all year round: boating and fishing; camping and hiking; ice skating and skiing; and more than 20 miles of trails.
Between its urban, suburban and rural enclaves, Montgomery County covers just about every dining experience you can imagine.
At Blue Bell’s Radice, you might dine on tagliatelle with wild mushrooms and truffle oil or a pork chop with fontina and prosciutto stuffing. While in Ambler, Bridgets updates the traditional steakhouse with international flavor accents and prefix options.
Overlooking the Schuylkill River in Bala Cynwyd with sleek banquettes and a rooftop terrace, Lark delivers a rotating menu of stylish coastal Mediterranean cookery — helmed by James Beard Award finalist and Top Chef winner Nicholas Elmi.
Other local faves include The Biscuit Lady’s sweet and savory biscuits and sandwiches in Plymouth Meeting, and the top-tier tomato pie — a classic Philly food — at Norristown’s Corropolese.
At King of Prussia’s Netflix House, visitors can explore exhibits of the streaming network’s hits like Wednesday, play mini-golf and engage with their favorite TV universes via VR.
For younger kids, the Legoland Discovery Center in Plymouth Meeting offers countless ways to build and get active with play spaces, VR games and a 4D movie theater.
A Norristown fixture since 1924, Elmwood Park Zoo houses a surprisingly wide array of species (100-plus) for a suburban campus, along with a treetop climbing park, playground and rides.
Elmwood Park Zoo — Photo courtesy Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board
For traditional hotel lodging that’s conveniently situated to major sites and highways, book a room at The Alloy King of Prussia or Hotel West & Main Conshohocken.
Plus, the independently owned and operated Hotel Fiesole anchors the charming little town of Skippack, and in North Wales, the Joseph Ambler Inn showcases 52 guestrooms with historic pedigree.
Guestroom at Hotel West & Main Conshohocken — Photo courtesy Hotel West & Main Conshohocken
Ready to experience the area firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:
American Treasure Tour Museum — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a city of vibrant neighborhoods bordered by a region of charming towns, with each area owning a distinctive personality. Explore the neighborhoods and towns in and around Philadelphia — their storied streets, interesting attractions, buzzed-about restaurants and year-round happenings.
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Contributing Writer
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