Around Lancaster, PA
What Lancaster Has to Offer
Nestled among the rolling green hills and charming farmland of Lancaster County, Lancaster Bible College offers an exceptional prime location surrounded by endless opportunities for exploration. From local attractions and shopping outlets to unique dining experiences, there’s something for everyone just a short drive from campus. Additionally, with Lancaster’s central location, you’ll find countless options for memorable day trips to nearby cities and towns. No matter the season or weather, Lancaster ensures you’ll never run out of things to do!
Visit the Lancaster Visitor Center to plan your trip!
Restaurants, Bakeries and Coffee Shops
Lancaster is home to a vibrant array of specialty restaurants, cozy bakeries and charming coffee shops that offer unique alternatives to the usual dining spots. Whether you’re craving beignets, crepes or farm-fresh ice cream, there’s something delicious waiting for every occasion. Check out the links below for some of our students’ most frequented spots.
- New Holland Coffee Co. [Fresh Coffee, roasted daily]
- The Lancaster Beignet Co. [Hot beignets, signature beignet sandwiches, coffee]
- Prince Street Café [Coffee and pastries]
- Shady Maple Smorgasbord [Authentic PA Dutch cooking, all you can eat]
- Rachel’s Café and Creperie [Crepes spun fresh every day]
- Scoops [Ice cream located next to Boulders Mini Golf]
- Lickity Split [Ice cream and meals]
- Lancaster Sweet Shoppe [Fresh-made treats, including Stroopies]
- La Dolce Vita [Italian-inspired desserts]
- Fox Meadows [Farm-fresh ice cream and food options]
- Speckled Hen [Artisan food and craft coffee]
Unique Indoor Activities
Rainy or chilly days don’t have to be dull! Lancaster offers a wide range of fun indoor activities perfect for relaxing, hanging out with friends or making new memories. Below you’ll find some top spots that add excitement to an otherwise gloomy day.
- Escape Room Lancaster [Multiple escape room scenarios]
- Escape on Queen [Choose your experience escape rooms]
- Round 1 Bowling & Arcade [Arcade games, bowling, pizza, ping pong and more]
- The Pottery Works [Paint your own pottery studio]
- Color Me Mine [Paint your own pottery located inside Park City Center]
- Spooky Nook [Athletic training facility, rock climbing, arcade and more]
- Splitting Edge Axe Throwing [Axe Throwing for groups or individuals]
- Hershey’s Chocolate World [Fun chocolate-themed experiences and candy store]
Thrilling Outdoor Activities
Lancaster also offers an extensive list of outdoor activities for those days when the weather is nice. These attractions offer the chance to explore and enjoy the fresh air. From thrilling adventures to scenic spots, there’s plenty to do outside, check out our curated list of some fun things in the area.
- Cherry Crest Adventure Farm [Corn maze, petting zoo, fall foods and more]
- Hershey Park [Amusement park]
- Strasburg Railroad [Unique railroad experiences]
- Refreshing Mountain Retreat [Ziplining, escape rooms, wildlife center and more]
- Stone Gables Estate [Horseback riding]
- Cherry Hill Orchards [Orchards and farmers market, fruit picking]
- White Cliffs of Conoy [Hiking and scenery]
- Chickies Rock [Hiking trails, biking trails and overlooks]
- Lost Treasure Mini Golf [Mini golf with an interactive storyline]
- Boulders Mini Golf [Mini golf located next to an ice cream shop]
- ZooAmerica [Showcasing the animals of North America]
- Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve [Waterfalls and deep pools in the creek of the same name]
- Memorial Park at Governor Dick [Observation tower and incredible views in nearby Mount Gretna]
Shopping
Lancaster’s shopping scene has something for everyone, from bustling farmers’ markets to thrift stores, antique shops and quirky used bookstores. Whether you’re searching for a unique find or simply enjoying a day of browsing, these spots are worth a visit.
- Lancaster Central Market [Food, crafts and more]
- Park City Center [Shopping mall]
- Tanger Outlets [Shopping outlet]
- The Shops @ Rockvale [Outlet stores and restaurants]
- The Shoppes at Belmont [Shopping center]
- Community Aid [Thrift store]
- Goodwill [Thrift store]
- Fashion Cents [Thrift store]
- Dog Star Books [Used bookstore]
- Strasburg Antique Market [Antique market]
- Aarons Books [Used bookstore]
- Green Dragon Farmers Market and Auction [Antique furniture, produce and food]
Theatre & Concerts
Lancaster’s rich theatre scene brings stories to life on stage. Below are three of the most popular spots to see productions, including Sight & Sound Theatres, which produces impactful stories from the Bible.
- Fulton Theatre [Variety of unique theatre experiences]
- Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre [Dinner and a show]
- Sight & Sound [Bible-based theatre productions]
Be sure to follow LBC’s own arts and culture venue, The Trust Performing Arts Center, a historic downtown location showcasing music, theatre, dance, lectures and art in the heart of Lancaster’s arts district. On “First and Third Fridays,” don’t miss the opportunity to stop by and enjoy free live entertainment!
Surrounding Places to Visit
One of Lancaster’s greatest advantages is its proximity to other incredible destinations. Just a short drive or train ride away, students can explore towns like Lititz, Hershey and Harrisburg or take the Amtrak to major cities like New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.