Overview
The city of Exton is in Chester County, Southeastern Pennsylvania, west of Philadelphia, along Route 30 Highway. Exton is part of the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-New Jersey metropolitan area.
16 sights · 5 things to do · 4 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Exton
Marsh Creek State Park
The 1,705-acre Marsh Creek State Park contains a 535-acre lake offering wind surfing, boating, sailing, fishing, and waterfowl watching. Other park activities include camping, hiking, swimming, picnicking, and horseback …
Downingtown Country Club
This 18-hole championship golf course features tree-lined fairways and firm, fast greens protected by deep bunkers and heavy roughs. A bar and grill in a well-appointed clubhouse is on the property.
French Creek State Park
Covering 7,475 acres of land in rural Pennsylvania, French Creek State Park offers the space and facilities for outdoor recreational activities of every type. Over 35 miles of hiking trails criss-cross the park, as well …
Tyler Arboretum
Tyler Arboretum presents 650 acres of beautiful and exotic plants elegantly arranged in a natural setting. Open to the public for hiking and picnicking, highlights of the arboretum include the Meadow Maze with a four-rin…
American Helicopter Museum
Explore the dream and reality of helicopter flight at the American Helicopter Museum, where some three dozen examples of helicopters antique and modern are held on display. The first rotary wing American craft to ever fl…
Chester County History Center
The largest museum dedicated to exploring the past of this southeastern region, the collections contained within the Chester County Historical Society museum are vast and illuminating. A large holding of 18th and 19th ce…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 23°F. Wettest: Aug and Sep. (climate data from nearby King of Prussia)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PHL Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia — 23 mi away (major hub). Directions
- ILG Wilmington Airport, Wilmington — 24 mi away. Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Tyler Arboretum, People's Light and Theatre, American Helicopter Museum
- Lunch On the Border
- Afternoon Brandywine Outfitters, Chester County History Center
- Dinner Brickside Grille
- Evening Vicker's Tavern
Day 2
- Morning Marsh Creek State Park, Downingtown Country Club, Albert C. Miller Memorial Park
- Lunch Maggie Moos
- Afternoon Whitford Country Club, Birtchview Farm Campground
- Dinner Appetites On Main
- Evening Johnny's Bar
Day 3
- Morning French Creek State Park, Kerr Park, Chester County Mountain Bike Tours and Instruction
- Afternoon Frazer Lanes, Downingtown Bowling Alley
- Evening Appetites on Main
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Exton has over 300 different places to eat, have tea, and/or dine the night away. It appeals to all different kinds of appetites. Whether someone is a vegan, looking for good sushi, a kosher restaurant, a steakhouse, etc. There are also numerous chain restaurants.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
In 2020, it was home to 5,600 people.
Get in
By train
- Train operators:
- Routes stopping at Exton:
- Keystone multiple trips per day between Harrisburg and New York City with stops in Elizabethtown, Lancaster, Coatesville, Downingtown, Exton, Paoli, Ardmore, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark. Some trips operate between Harrisburg and Philadelphia.
- Pennsylvanian operates daily between Pittsburgh and New York City with stops in Greensburg, Latrobe, Johnstown, Altoona, Huntingdon, Lewistown, Harrisburg, Elizabethtown, Lancaster, Exton, Paoli, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark.
- SEPTA Route R5.
By car
- From the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76), take Exit 312 (Downingtown). From Route 30 Highway, take the 100 North Exit.
By plane
- Philadelphia International Airport. 8000 Essington Avenue, Philadelphia
- The Rainbow Limo and Cab company operates airport shuttle service from three Exton hotels: the Inn at Chester Springs, Extended Stay America and Holiday Inn Express. You must make a reservation to ride. It is punctual and delivers exceptional service.
By car
Directions to Exton Mall
- From the north:
- From King of Prussia. Take Route 202 South to Frazer/Downingtown Route 30 Exit. Make a right at the bottom of the ramp. Exton Square is approximately 3 miles on the right hand side of Route 30.
- From the south:
- From Philadelphia International Airport. Take Route I-95 South to Route 322 West (at the I-476 exit stay left). Follow Route 322 to Routes 1&322. Turn right on Route 322/Route 202 North. At Holiday Inn in West Chester, bear to the right for Route 202 Bypass. Proceed about 3 miles and exit right at Route 100 North. At the Business Route 30 East traffic light, turn right. Turn left at first light into Exton Square.
- From Delaware and south. Take Route I-95 North to Route 202 North. Take Route 202 North to West Chester (approx. 15 miles). At Holiday Inn in West Chester, bear to the right for Route 202 bypass. Proceed 3 miles and exit right at Route 100 North. At Business Route 30 East traffic light, turn right. Turn left at first light into Exton Square.
- From the east:
- From Center City Philadelphia. Take Route I-76 West (Schuylkill Expressway) to Route 202 South, West Chester. Stay on Route 202 South to the Frazer/Downingtown, Business Route 30 exit. Stay to the left of the exit ramp. At the bottom of the ramp, go right. Travel approximately 2 miles on Business Route 30 West. At the next light, turn right into Exton Square.
- From PA Turnpike (Eastbound). Exit at Downingtown, Exit #23. Take Route 100 South. Stay on Route 100 South until the intersection with Business Route 30 East. Turn left on Business Route 30 East. Go one block to the next light and turn left into Exton Square.
- From the west:
- From Lancaster. Take Route 30 East to intersection of Route 100 in Exton. After light at intersection, make first left into Exton Square.
- From Pennsylvania Turnpike (Westbound). Exit at Valley Forge, Exit #24. Take Route 202 South, West Chester. Stay on Route 202 South to the Frazer/Downingtown, Business Route 30 exit. Stay to the left of the exit ramp. At the bottom of the ramp, go right. Travel approximately 2 miles on Business Route 30 West. At the next light, turn right into Exton Square.
Get around
By public transit
- SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line rail service- The Exton station is a park and ride facility at 425 Walkertown Road, along Route 100. There is no ticket facility at this location. The station is wheelchair accessible and there is parking available. This station is also served by Amtrak's Keystone service.
- SEPTA Bus routes - Bus service in Exton includes SEPTA Routes 92, and 204 with scheduled stops at most Exton shopping areas as well as some business parks. Use our links to SEPTA to check out these 2 routes.
- Krapf Bus Company - Krapf Bus now runs the Route A bus which used to be the old Septa 120 route. The "A" runs from Coatesville to Downingtown, Exton and West Chester. Krapf also offers the Rover service. Seniors and those with disabilities aren't the only ones who can use Rover- Rover is open to everyone. You need to call and register for your ride. Check out their website for all the particulars.
By taxi
- Acar Taxi, +1 610-644-2323 for local and airport trips. It is recommended that you call ahead for airport trips.
See
See Albert C. Miller Memorial Park
A cute little park with small concerts and occasional festivals throughout the year.
See Kerr Park
About a 10-minute drive into Downingtown. It has trails for walking, biking, and running. There are plenty of picnic tables and gazebos for large or small outings. The playground is accessible for both children with and without handicaps. If you visit on the fourth of July then you can see the many festivities and fireworks at the park.
See Brandywine Outfitters
Brandywine Outfitters is a full-service canoe and kayak rental business that is open April through September.
See Whitford Country Club
Whitford Country Club is an 18-hole regulation length golf course in Exton, Pennsylvania. This medium-length layout features 4 sets of teeboxes for the enjoyment of golfers of all skill levels. Online tee times may be available at Whitford Country Club or at nearby golf courses, usually offered at a discount from the normal rate.
See Chester County Mountain Bike Tours and Instruction
See French Creek State Park
Covering 7,475 acres of land in rural Pennsylvania, French Creek State Park offers the space and facilities for outdoor recreational activities of every type. Over 35 miles of hiking trails criss-cross the park, as well as eight miles of horse trails and 6,000 acres of land for hunters. There are campgrounds, yurts, boats for rent, fishing lakes, a summer swimming pool and more to enjoy. The park sits about 12 miles southeast of Reading and around 35 miles northwest of Philadelphia a little off of Highway 422.
See Tyler Arboretum
Tyler Arboretum presents 650 acres of beautiful and exotic plants elegantly arranged in a natural setting. Open to the public for hiking and picnicking, highlights of the arboretum include the Meadow Maze with a four-ring labyrinth of grasses, Pink Hill's layout of serpentine stone and wildflowers, and a huge array of ornamentals ranging from flowering cherry to crabapple trees. The grounds lie about 15 miles east of downtown Philadelphia, beneath Ridley Creek State Park.
See American Helicopter Museum
Explore the dream and reality of helicopter flight at the American Helicopter Museum, where some three dozen examples of helicopters antique and modern are held on display. The first rotary wing American craft to ever fly took off 41 miles away from the museum, in the town of Bryn Athyn. See a Bell 47B, the first helicopter to be commercially certified in the country, and the Bell AH-1F Cobra, used by the army in the 1960s, and odd devices like the Princeton GEM X-2 Air Scooter. The museum is at Brandywine Airport close to West Goshen Community Park, and most of the helicopters displayed are located inside, making this a great museum to visit no matter the time of year.
See Chester County History Center
The largest museum dedicated to exploring the past of this southeastern region, the collections contained within the Chester County Historical Society museum are vast and illuminating. A large holding of 18th and 19th century decorative arts pieces compliments the more traditional holdings of documents and antique items. Make sure to visit the Introductory Gallery, where the lives of early county residents are shared, as well as the galleries that hold rotating themed exhibits. The downtown museum is a highlight of West Chester, with many great shops and restaurants within walking distance.
See Birtchview Farm Campground
See Frazer Lanes
See Historical Society of Trappe
See Hidden Arce Camp Grounds
Do
- Hershery Park and Dorney Park are both about an hours drive.
Do Vertical Extremes
A 10-minute drive into the heart of Downingtown. It is a great indoor rock-climbing arena.
Do Rosi Golf & Sport Center
Buy
- There are a few smaller shopping centers scattered throughout Exton. Some of the stores are Kohl's, Ross, Petco, TJ Maxx, and plenty of small specialty stores.
Eat
Exton has over 300 different places to eat, have tea, and/or dine the night away. It appeals to all different kinds of appetites. Whether someone is a vegan, looking for good sushi, a kosher restaurant, a steakhouse, etc. There are also numerous chain restaurants.
- .
Eat Brickside Grille
Upscale restaurant with "raw bar" stocked with fresh oysters, shrimp, and clams, caught and delivered daily.
Eat Maggie Moos
Ice cream, cookies, cakes.
- Ron's Original Bar & Grill.
- Duling-Kurtz House and Country Inn.
- Bonefish Grille.
- Weso's Italian Restaurant and Sports Bar
Eat Appetites On Main
Known in the area for their bacon cheese fries.
Drink
Sleep
Stay Fairfield Inn (Marriott)
Smoke-free, complimentary hot breakfast, microwave and refrigerator in every room, near Uno Chicago Grill and Hoss's Steak and Sea House.
Stay Hampton Inn
Free hot breakfast, microwave and refrigerator in every room, near Uno Chicago Grill and Hoss's Steak and Sea House.
Stay Holiday Inn Express
Free high-speed wireless access, complimentary fresh baked cookies in lobby- afternoons M-F, fitness center, walking distance to Cheeseburger in Paradise and Whiteland Towne Center.
Stay Residence Inn by Marriott (Philadelphia Great Valley/Exton)
Nearby
Downingtown
City / town · 4 listings · 5 mi away
West Chester
City / town · 28 listings · 5 mi away
Malvern
City / town · 6 listings · 6 mi away
Phoenixville
City / town · 3 listings · 9 mi away
Glen Mills
City / town · 7 listings · 10 mi away
Chadds Ford
City / town · 16 listings · 11 mi away
Wayne
City / town · 12 mi away
Audubon
City / town · 11 listings · 12 mi away
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