West Chester Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of Pennsylvania, West Chester is a charming township that offers a delightful combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its picturesque streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant downtown area, this small town is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

History enthusiasts will be fascinated by the rich heritage of West Chester. The town boasts an impressive collection of well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, showcasing its colonial roots. Take a stroll along the streets lined with Victorian-style houses, or visit the Chester County Historical Society to delve deeper into the region's past. Art lovers will also find their haven in West Chester, as the town is home to numerous galleries and studios, showcasing the works of talented local artists.

Nature lovers will find solace in the surrounding countryside, which offers a plethora of outdoor activities. The scenic beauty of the Brandywine Valley is just a short drive away, where visitors can explore the lush landscapes, hike through picturesque trails, or enjoy a leisurely picnic by the river. Longwood Gardens, a horticultural wonderland, is a must-visit destination, with its stunning displays of flowers, fountains, and conservatories.

West Chester's downtown area is a vibrant hub of activity, filled with charming boutiques, eclectic shops, and a diverse range of restaurants. Foodies will be delighted by the array of culinary options available, from cozy cafes serving up homemade pastries to upscale dining establishments offering gourmet cuisine. In the evening, the town comes alive with live music performances, theater shows, and cultural events, providing entertainment for all tastes.

For those seeking a taste of adventure, West Chester is conveniently located near several outdoor recreational areas. Marsh Creek State Park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking, while nearby golf courses provide a challenging game for golf enthusiasts. The Brandywine River Museum of Art, located just a short drive away, is another highlight, housing an extensive collection of American art and featuring the stunning landscapes painted by Andrew Wyeth.

Alternative names: Population: 19.8 thous.Area: 1.85 mi²Elevation: 446 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°57'35"N, 75°36'16"W

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PennsylvaniaUnited States

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West Chester Top Attractions

West Chester Attractions - What to See and Explore

West Chester offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: American Helicopter Museum, First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, Everhart Park, Warner Theater. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Specialty museum • Military museum
American Helicopter Museum
The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center is a unique attraction nestled in the heart of Chester County, Pennsylvania, in the city of West Chester. This specialized museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and evolution of rotary-wing...
Greek Revival architecture • Church
First Presbyterian Church of West Chester
First Presbyterian Church of West Chester is a historic Presbyterian church located at 130 W. Miner Street in West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was designed in 1832 by Thomas U. Walter, who later became the fourth Architect of the Capitol.
Park • West Chester
Everhart Park
Everhart Park is a public park in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It was the Borough of West Chester's second public park, created in 1905. It is maintained by the West Chester Department of Parks and Recreation.

Concerts and shows • Hotel • Theater
Warner Theater
Warner Theater, also known as The High Street Theater, was a historic movie theater located in West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was designed by the noted Chicago theater design firm of Rapp and Rapp and built by Warner Brothers. It opened on November 14, 1930.
Greek Revival architecture • Tower • Georgian architecture
Chester County Courthouse
The Chester County Courthouse is a historic courthouse building located in the county seat of West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1846 at a cost of $55,346 and was designed by Thomas U. Walter. Walter also designed the dome of the United States Capitol. An addition, designed by T.
Museum • History museum
William Brinton 1704 House
The William Brinton 1704 House is a historic house museum located 21 Oakland Road in Delaware County, Pennsylvania about five miles south of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Built in 1704, it is well-preserved example of an early Delaware Valley stone house, which served as a residence of one family for over 150 years.
39°56'15"N • 75°36'43"W
Baldwin's Book Barn
Baldwin's Book Barn is an independent bookstore in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1946 by William and Lilla Baldwin. The store is located in a five-story barn built in 1822.
Museum • History museum • Greek Revival architecture
Chester County Historical Society
Bank of Chester County is a historic two-story bank building located in West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania, the first bank to be chartered in the county.
39°57'34"N • 75°36'16"W
Farmers and Mechanics Building
The Farmers and Mechanics Building is a historic "skyscraper" located in West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1908 and is a six-story skyscraper building, with a basement and penthouse in the Classical Revival style. The top floor once featured a Roof Garden.
39°57'56"N • 75°36'15"W
Friends of Marshall Square Park
Park • West Chester
Gothic Revival architecture • West Chester
Joseph Rothrock House
Joseph Rothrock House is a historic home located in West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1858–59, and consists if a 2 ¹⁄₂-story, three-bay main section with a 2 ¹⁄₂-story gabled ell in the Gothic style.
39°57'30"N • 75°36'19"W
Double Deez Tattoos
Museum • Tattoo
39°57'32"N • 75°36'20"W
Church Street Gallery
Museum • Art gallery • Shopping
Gothic Revival architecture • West Chester
Philips Memorial Building
Philips Memorial Hall is a building of West Chester University, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States, named after George M. Philips, originally opened in 1927.
39°57'39"N • 75°36'20"W
Bank of Chester County
Bank of Chester County is a historic two-story bank building located in West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania, the first bank to be chartered in the county.
Street • West Chester
Strasburg Road
Strasburg Road was an early road in Pennsylvania connecting Philadelphia to Strasburg in Lancaster County. The route was surveyed by John Sellers and others in 1772-3 under the colonial administration of Governor Richard Penn and completed under the new administration of the independent state of Pennsylvania.
39°57'24"N • 75°36'13"W
Sharples Homestead
Sharples Homestead is a historic home located in West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built between 1799 and 1805, and is a 2 ¹⁄₂-story, three-bay brick dwelling in the Federal style.
39°57'19"N • 75°35'60"W
New Century Clubhouse
New Century Clubhouse, also known as Square House, is a historic clubhouse for a local women's club located in West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Neighbourhood • West Chester
West Chester Downtown Historic District
West Chester Downtown Historic District is a national historic district located in West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania. It encompasses 3,137 contributing buildings in West Chester.

Day trips

West Chester – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of West Chester, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia), Walnut Street (Philadelphia), Independence Hall (Philadelphia).

22 milesE
Famed art museum with classic pieces
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is an iconic institution nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, United States. Known for its impressive facade and sweeping steps - made famous by Sylvester Stallone's triumphant run in the movie "Rocky" - the museum is a beacon of culture...
22 milesE
Street, Shopping, Shopping district
Walnut Street, Philadelphia
Walnut Street in Philadelphia is a bustling shopping district that serves as a premier destination for both locals and tourists seeking a high-quality retail experience. This vibrant thoroughfare boasts an eclectic mix of stores, ranging from high-end boutiques...
24 milesE
, Museum, History museum
Independence Hall, Philadelphia
Independence Hall, nestled in the heart of Philadelphia's historic district, stands as a timeless monument to the birth of the United States. This Georgian-style structure, completed in 1753, served as the meeting place where the Founding Fathers debated and adopted...
23 milesE
World-class art exhibits
Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia
Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, the Barnes Foundation stands as a testament to the vision of Dr. Albert C. Barnes, showcasing one of the world's greatest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modernist paintings.
21 milesE
Museum, Specialty museum
Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia
The Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia is a vibrant and interactive institution dedicated to enriching the lives of children by providing opportunities for learning through play. This unique museum, designed specifically for children aged seven and younger, is housed...