Fort Washington Travel Guide

Explore the historical and scenic views of Fort Washington with this comprehensive tour guide. Find out everything you need to know about the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Fort Washington

Fort Washington is a historic community situated in Montgomery County, in Philadelphia Region, in Pennsylvania, in the Mid-Atlantic region, United States. This community was named after a historic fort built here during the American Revolution. Today, this charming community is known for its rich history, scenic views, and outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Fort Washington

Visitors to Fort Washington have a plethora of attractions to choose from, ranging from historical landmarks to scenic hiking trails. Below is a list of the top places to visit in Fort Washington.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fort Washington State Park
  • Hope Lodge
  • Highlands Mansion and Gardens
  • Clifton House
  • Revolutionary Germantown Trail

Natural Attractions of Fort Washington: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wissahickon Valley Park
  • Forbidden Drive
  • Green Ribbon Trail
  • Flourtown Farmers Market
  • Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fort Washington

Fort Washington offers miles of scenic hiking and biking trails with a backdrop of stunning natural sceneries. Here are few of the most popular hiking and biking routes in Fort Washington:

  • Green Ribbon Trail
  • Wissahickon Gorge Trail
  • Forbidden Drive Trail
  • The Schuylkill River Trail
  • Pennypack Trail

Best Things to Do in Fort Washington: Activities and Tours

Whether you enjoy history, nature, or outdoor adventures, Fort Washington offers plenty of activities and tours to keep you entertained. Here are some of the best things to do in Fort Washington:

  • Take a historical walking tour of Fort Washington State Park
  • Zip line and climb at the Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course
  • Enjoy a scenic drive along the Wissahickon Valley Park’s scenic loop drive
  • Go kayaking or canoeing along the Schuylkill River
  • Shop and dine at the Flourtown Farmers Market

Week-Long Itinerary for Fort Washington

If you’re planning a trip to Fort Washington, here’s a week-long itinerary to help you make the most of your stay:

Day Activity
1 Visit Fort Washington State Park in the morning and explore the Highlands Mansion and Gardens in the afternoon
2 Go on a historical walking tour of Clifton House, followed by an afternoon of kayaking on the Schuylkill River
3 Take a day trip to Philadelphia and visit attractions, such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art
4 Enjoy a leisurely day at the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
5 Experience outdoor adventure with the Zip line and climb at the Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course
6 Take a scenic drive or bike ride on the Wissahickon Gorge Trail or the Forbidden Drive Trail
7 Visit the Flourtown Farmers Market for some local shopping, followed by lunch at the nearby restaurants

Food and Drink Scene of Fort Washington

Fort Washington may be a small community, but it offers plenty of options for food and drink. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cheesesteak - A classic Philly dish
  • Soft Pretzels - A popular Philly snack
  • Hoagies - A sandwich made with Italian meats and cheeses
  • Philly Cheesesteak Eggrolls - A delicious twist on a classic Philly dish

Local Beverages

  • Victory Brewing Company’s Prima Pils
  • Yards Brewing Company’s Philadelphia Pale Ale
  • La Colombe Coffee Roasters coffee

Where to Stay in Fort Washington: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Fort Washington may be a small community, but it offers accommodation options for all budget types. Here are a few popular choices:

  • Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia/Fort Washington
  • Hampton Inn Philadelphia / Plymouth Meeting
  • Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center

What to Buy in Fort Washington: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Fort Washington doesn’t offer many souvenir shops, but if you’re looking for some exclusive local products to bring home, make sure to visit the Flourtown Farmers Market. Here are some must-buy local products:

  • Biery Cheese Company’s Cheddar Cheese Curds
  • Merrymead Farm’s Raw Milk Cheese
  • Thin and Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies from Whipped Bakeshop

Local Culture and Customs of Fort Washington

Fort Washington has rich historical and cultural significance, which is reflected in its antique architecture and museums. The people of Fort Washington are warm and friendly, and visitors are typically greeted with open arms.

Best Time to Visit Fort Washington

The best time to visit Fort Washington is during the Summer and Fall months, especially from June through August when the weather is at its best. However, if you plan to go hiking, Spring months can be ideal.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fort Washington

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes for hiking trails
  • Take a historical walking tour of Fort Washington State Park
  • Shop and dine at the Flourtown Farmers Market

Don’t:

  • Litter
  • Take any objects from historical sites
  • Disturb wildlife in their natural habitat
  • Ignore signs while hiking

Safety and Health

Safety in Fort Washington

Fort Washington is generally a safe community. However, visitors should always take precautions to safeguard themselves as pickpocketing and theft can occur, particularly in crowded areas.

Health in Fort Washington

Fort Washington has excellent health facilities, including Fort Washington Hospital. Visitors should carry any necessary prescriptions and basic first aid kits.

Getting to Fort Washington: Transportation Options and Logistics

Fort Washington is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to travel around. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Fort Washington

  • Philadelphia International Airport
  • Lehigh Valley International Airport
  • Morristown Municipal Airport

Bus Stations Near Fort Washington

  • Greyhound Bus Station in Philadelphia
  • Megabus Bus Station in Philadelphia

Other Options

  • Car rental companies: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National Car Rental
  • Uber
  • Lyft

How to Get Around in Fort Washington

Fort Washington may be a small community, but it is well-connected via public transportation. Taxis, Uber, and rental cars are readily available.

Where to Go Next from Fort Washington: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore other destinations near Fort Washington, here are some nearby options:

  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Valley Forge National Historical Park
  • Lancaster, Pennsylvania
  • Wilmington, Delaware

Conclusion

Fort Washington offers a delightful combination of history, scenic beauty, and outdoor adventures. From hiking trails and kayaking on the Schuylkill River to exploring historical sites and farmers markets, there’s something for every kind of traveler. Keep this comprehensive tour guide handy to make the most of your trip to Fort Washington.