Overview
Media is the county seat of Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
6 sights · 5 things to do · 9 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Media
Armory
This Armory houses the collection of rifles known as the Cooper Rifles. It was also used to house Company M, 111th Infantry, and Pennsylvania National Guard.
Delaware County Institute of Science
Founded in 1867, "to promote for the people of Delaware Country, the study and diffusion of general knowledge". It stands as a museum for natural and area history.
Cooper House
The first house built in town. It was home to Thomas V. Cooper who was state legislature and president of the Pennsylvania State Senate.
Courthouse
Completed in 1851 with one courtroom. "Generally regarded as the handsomest courthouses in the Eastern United States". Renowned public figure, William Jennings Bryan, once orated from the steps of this courthouse.
Haldeman's Store
Built in 1854 by Isaac Haldeman, was one of the first grocery stores in Media. It sold groceries and dried goods. Later, the First National Bank of Media took over the building, making it into their personal office.
Media Borough Hall
The site of one of the first farms built in 1850. It was later purchased by Isaac Chalfont who hosted a stagecoach service to Chester. In 1918, it was turned into a post office and in 1969 the site became municipal offic…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 26°F. Wettest: Jul and Sep. (climate data from nearby Philadelphia)
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 — 8 mi away (major hub). Directions
- ILG Wilmington Airport, Wilmington — 20 mi away. Directions
Media is located off Exit 3 on Interstate 476 (locally known as the "Blue Route").
Full “Get in” guide ↓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 Armory, Haldeman's Store
- Lunch Appollo Pizza
- Afternoon Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, State Street Blues Stroll
- Dinner Azie Restaurant
- Evening Off The Rail
Day 2
- Morning Delaware County Institute of Science, Cooper House
- Lunch Spasso Italian Grill
- Afternoon 2nd Saturday Arts Stroll, Americana Roots Ramble
- Dinner Court Diner
- Evening Sligo
Day 3
- Morning Courthouse, Media Borough Hall
- Lunch Custom Bagels
- Afternoon Dinning Under the Stars
- Dinner Fellini Cafe of Media
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
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
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Media was a planned city, meaning it had a deliberate layout with streets spread south, west, and east around the courthouse. The lots were sold at public auctions to citizens which attracted businesses. Media, being in a rural area, was popular for farms and orchards.
Media was not the original location of the county seat for Delaware County. It was originally placed in Chester as far back as 1789. Many complaints arose over the years, though, because the location of the courthouse was difficult to travel to from the farther parts of the county. Therefore, after years of debate, the county seat was officially moved from Chester to Media in 1850. The courthouse in Media is located at 201 West Front Street.
Get in
By car
Media is located off Exit 3 on Interstate 476 (locally known as the "Blue Route").
By public transit
For more information visit SEPTA's website
- SEPTA's Media/Elwyn Line Regional Rail train has a stop located in Media, and also another stop just south of the borough, in Rose Valley (Moylan-Rose Valley station). The train runs from downtown Philadelphia. Be aware that the train does not run frequently on weekends (only about one train an hour).
- SEPTA Route 101 Trolley runs on State St., through most of the business district. The trolley runs from the 69th St Transportation Center and ends in Media. Media is home to one of the only existing suburban trolleys on its main street.
- SEPTA Bus Routes 110 and 118 both run through Media on Baltimore Avenue.
By plane
Media is located 10.1 miles from the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). From the airport, you can take bus routes 110, 109, and 37 to get into Media.
Get around
By foot/bike
Media is a compact borough, and has excellent sidewalks, which makes a car unnecessary
By trolley
The Route 101 trolley runs through the heart of Media on State St to Upper Darby. Standard fare (as in for all of SEPTA) is $2.50 cash or $2.00 using SEPTA Key Travel Wallet. Media is the last suburban town with a trolley running down the main street.
By car
Parking is available on most side streets and there are several parking garages located near the State. St Business District
See
See Armory
This Armory houses the collection of rifles known as the Cooper Rifles. It was also used to house Company M, 111th Infantry, and Pennsylvania National Guard.
See Cooper House
The first house built in town. It was home to Thomas V. Cooper who was state legislature and president of the Pennsylvania State Senate.
See Courthouse
Completed in 1851 with one courtroom. "Generally regarded as the handsomest courthouses in the Eastern United States". Renowned public figure, William Jennings Bryan, once orated from the steps of this courthouse.
See Haldeman's Store
Built in 1854 by Isaac Haldeman, was one of the first grocery stores in Media. It sold groceries and dried goods. Later, the First National Bank of Media took over the building, making it into their personal office.
See Media Borough Hall
The site of one of the first farms built in 1850. It was later purchased by Isaac Chalfont who hosted a stagecoach service to Chester. In 1918, it was turned into a post office and in 1969 the site became municipal offices.
Do
Do Media Theatre for the Performing Arts
With 4 shows a year, the theatre succeeds in entertaining not only the locals but tourists who want to enjoy a "night on the town" without spending their life savings.
Do Dinning Under the Stars
State Street is closed off on Wednesday evenings from May through September and all participating restaurants bring out tables and chairs to enjoy an evening of dinning under the stars. Street musicians perform up and down the street and many of the local shops are open as well.
Buy
- Locally run store, Earth & State provides its customers with a memorable shopping experience while browsing through arts and crafts made from citizens of the Media area.
Eat
Eat Azie Restaurant
Eat in, Asian inspired restaurant with outdoor seating and open bar.
Eat Spasso Italian Grill
Upscale and casual menu, with an outdoor patio for dining and open bar.
Eat Court Diner
A diner known for serving a hearty breakfast and comfort foods. A Media "tradition".
Eat Custom Bagels
Serves old-fashioned bagels.
Eat Fellini Cafe of Media
Operating since 2001, Fellini's is the place to go to enjoy fine-dining Italian cuisine.
Eat House Restaurant
Eat-in restaurant that uses locally grown crops from neighborhood farms. Known for their gourmet grilled panninis, salads, and house-made soups.
Eat Jing Fong
Chinese cuisine - take-out and eat-in.
Eat La Belle Epoque
Small French restaurant with quality cuisine.
Drink
Drink Off The Rail
This bar is located on the 2nd floor of the building. There is a deck out back that in the warmer months has a projector screen showing the local sports games. Cover bands or DJs most weekend nights.
Drink Sligo
Standard Irish pub feel, serves both food and drinks. Stop in for Trivia during the week, music most weekends, and Irish sessions on Sunday afternoons.
Sleep
Stay Trolley Stop Motel
Go next
- Allentown, 63.1 mi
- Philadelphia, 28.1 mi
Nearby
Rose Valley
City / town · 3 listings · 2 mi away
Swarthmore
City / town · 10 listings · 2 mi away
Marple
City / town · 1 listings · 4 mi away
Chester
City / town · 10 listings · 5 mi away
Drexel Hill
City / town · 11 listings · 5 mi away
Glen Mills
City / town · 7 listings · 5 mi away
Havertown
City / town · 9 listings · 6 mi away
Upper Darby
City / town · 2 listings · 6 mi away
My experience
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