The 108th PGA Championship is teeing off at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square from May 11-17, 2026, and the fun doesn’t stop at the fairway. Off the greens, there’s plenty to explore whether you’re a garden lover, history buff, or simply in search of a great meal. Plan your off-course adventures with this guide of things to do during the PGA Championship. Header Image Credit: PGA of America
1. Stroll through nearby world-class gardens
Just minutes from Aronimink Golf Club, several renowned gardens offer peaceful escapes filled with seasonal color. Chanticleer is known as a “pleasure garden,” where creative plantings and quiet paths encourage wandering. The world-renowned Longwood Gardens features sprawling fountains, renovated conservatories, and thousands of flowering plants across more than 1,000 acres, while Morris Arboretum & Gardens highlights rare trees and sweeping views of the Philadelphia area.
Photo Credit: R. Rabena
2. Bike scenic trails
If you want to stay active between rounds, the Philadelphia region offers miles of scenic trails for cyclists of all levels. Ride along the Delaware River Trail, which follows Philadelphia’s waterfront with skyline views and river breezes. For quieter nature rides, explore the rolling landscapes of Chester County’s Stroud Preserve or the revolutionary roads and trails of Valley Forge National Historical Park.
3. Take a day trip to discover waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State Park
For a memorable outdoor adventure, plan a day trip to Ricketts Glen State Park, one of Pennsylvania’s most scenic natural areas. An easy two-hour drive north of the Philadelphia area, the park spans more than 13,000 acres and protects the Glens Natural Area, a designated National Natural Landmark. Hike the famous Falls Trail System to see over twenty waterfalls, including the towering 94-foot Ganoga Falls.
4. Canoe or kayak at Marsh Creek State Park
A short drive from Aronimink Golf Club, Marsh Creek State Park offers a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors on the water. The park surrounds the 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake, a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and fishing. Visitors can rent boats at the lake and paddle through the water surrounded by the rolling hills of Chester County.
5. Step into 250 years of American history in Philadelphia’s Old City
A quick trip into Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood brings you to Independence National Historical Park, the birthplace of the United States. Tour Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed. Nearby landmarks like the Liberty Bell Center and the President’s House Site tell the story of the nation’s earliest years and its iconic symbols.
6. Eat your way through the Philadelphia suburbs
The charming small towns around Aronimink Golf Club offer a delectable dining scene with restaurants that showcase both local ingredients and global flavors. James Beard-recognized Lark in Bala Cynwyd serves seasonal American dishes in a lively neighborhood setting. Stand-out spots like Maison Lotus in Wayne, Nectar in Berwyn, and Opa Taverna in West Chester offer everything from Asian-inspired cuisine to Mediterranean classics.
7. Sip local at a winery or brewery
Chester and Delaware counties are home to several welcoming wineries and breweries.
In Delaware County, Grace Winery combines a vineyard, tasting rooms, restaurant, and boutique inn set on a scenic working farm. Beer lovers can visit Ship Bottom Brewery’s beer garden at Linvilla Orchards, where award-winning craft brews are served in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Chaddsford Winery produces its wines on site inside a historic stone cellar where grapes are pressed, fermented, and bottled. Nearby Penns Woods Winery, crafts wines inspired by Italian traditions using Pennsylvania-grown grapes. Both locations can be found on the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail.
8. Catch the Radnor Hunt Races
During the PGA Championship, visitors can also attend the Radnor Hunt Races on Saturday, May 16, a historic steeplechase event held each May in Chester County. First run in 1928, the races draw top horses, riders, and spectators for a day of competition and tradition. The event also supports the Brandywine Conservancy’s efforts to protect open space across the region.
9. Play a round at one of Pennsylvania’s best public courses
Inspired by the pros? Several public courses nearby offer the chance to tee it up yourself during PGA Championship week. Walnut Lane Golf Club is one of Philadelphia’s most historic public courses, while The Golf Course at Glen Mills offers a scenic layout known for its rolling terrain. Five Ponds Golf Club in Warminster delivers a championship-style experience, and for families, Topgolf King of Prussia provides a fun option for players of all ages.
Don’t miss a moment of all the excitement happening throughout Pennsylvania this year—check out the full lineup of 2026 events that promise to keep the party rolling all year long.