Discover the charm of Lehigh Valley, a region rich in history, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. As you plan your visit, you’ll find that the area’s three main cities – Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton – each offer unique attractions that cater to diverse interests.
The region’s historic Moravian settlements and industrial heritage sites are a testament to its rich history. Visitors can explore reimagined spaces like SteelStacks and the Hoover Mason Trestle, which showcase the area’s transformation from an industrial past to a vibrant present.
You’ll find that Lehigh Valley is a perfect getaway destination in any season, offering a range of activities for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, families, and food lovers alike.
Discovering Lehigh Valley’s Charm
Discover the essence of Lehigh Valley, where historic charm meets contemporary appeal in a captivating way. The story of Lehigh Valley is told at Allentown’s Liberty Bell Museum, where America’s symbol of freedom was hidden during the Revolutionary War.
The region’s tale is also told in the towering blast furnaces of Bethlehem’s SteelStacks, reborn as the backdrop for musical performances and festivals. In Easton, the narrative meanders through canals that once served industries like coal, silk, steel, and iron, now hosting dinner cruises on Pennsylvania’s only mule-drawn canal boat.
Visitors can explore the unique blend of historic charm and modern attractions that define things Lehigh Valley has to offer, honoring its past while embracing the future.
Historic Moravian Bethlehem: A World Heritage Treasure
Step into the past at Historic Moravian Bethlehem, a World Heritage Treasure. The historic district is a remarkably preserved area that showcases over 300 years of religious and cultural heritage.
You can explore the 18th-century Moravian settlement, featuring original buildings like the 1741 Gemeinhaus, the oldest standing structure in Bethlehem. The Moravians’ progressive approach to education, music, healthcare, and gender equality was revolutionary for colonial America.
Visit the Colonial Industrial Quarter to see early waterworks, tanneries, and craft workshops that demonstrate the Moravians’ industrial innovation and self-sufficiency.
Bethlehem Steel Legacy: Industrial History Reimagined
The Bethlehem Steel site is a testament to the region’s industrial past, now reimagined for the modern era. You can explore the history of the former Bethlehem Steel by walking along the Hoover Mason Trestle, an elevated 1/3-mile walkway.
Key experiences include witnessing the imposing blast furnaces, learning about the steel produced for iconic structures like the Golden Gate Bridge, and understanding the site’s repurposing into a cultural campus.
- Witness the imposing blast furnaces of the former Bethlehem Steel plant.
- Walk the elevated Hoover Mason Trestle.
- Learn about the steel produced for iconic structures.
- Discover the repurposing of the brownfield site.
- Understand Bethlehem Steel’s impact on the region.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom: Thrills for All Ages
Experience the ultimate thrill at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, where you can enjoy world-class roller coasters and a top-rated water park. The park features Hydra, Pennsylvania’s only floorless coaster, and Steel Force, one of the tallest and fastest coasters on the East Coast.
The park offers a range of attractions for all ages, including:
- Experience the adrenaline rush of Dorney Park’s world-class roller coasters
- Cool off at Wildwater Kingdom, one of America’s top-rated water parks
- Enjoy family-friendly rides and attractions, including Planet Snoopy
- Discover the park’s rich history dating back to 1884
- Plan your visit around seasonal events like Halloween Haunt and Grand Carnivale
Wind Creek Bethlehem: Gaming and Entertainment
As one of Pennsylvania’s top-rated resorts and casinos, Wind Creek Bethlehem is a must-visit for anyone looking for a comprehensive entertainment experience. Located on the south side of Bethlehem, it has transformed the former Bethlehem Steel campus into a vibrant gaming and leisure destination.
You can try your luck at Wind Creek Bethlehem, a premier casino and entertainment complex featuring:
- Over 3,000 slot machines and 200 table games, along with a dedicated poker room.
- A luxurious AAA Four Diamond hotel with more than 280 upscale rooms and suites.
- Diverse dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants.
- An adjacent outlet shopping mall with over 100 brand-name stores.
Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast, a foodie, or looking for luxury accommodations, Wind Creek Bethlehem offers a complete entertainment experience.
Crayola Experience: Colorful Family Fun in Easton
Step into a kaleidoscope of colors at Easton’s Crayola Experience, where art and imagination come alive in a world of interactive fun. You can immerse yourself in a world of color across four floors of interactive exhibits, making it one best attractions in Easton.
At the Crayola Experience, you’ll have the opportunity to create personalized keepsakes at over 25 hands-on activities. You can name and wrap your own Crayola crayon, melt wax into custom shapes, and paint with melted wax, making it a great place for visitors of all ages.
Watch fascinating demonstrations of how crayons are made in the factory show, and learn about the manufacturing process that produces nearly 3 million crayons daily. You should plan to spend at least 3-4 hours at this engaging attraction, making the most of your time.
Explore the world’s largest collection of Crayola products and memorabilia, seeing how this iconic brand has evolved since its founding in Easton in 1903. The Crayola Experience is a must-visit destination for families, offering a unique blend of art, education, and entertainment that delights visitors and creates lifelong memories.
Outdoor Adventures in Lehigh Valley
Outdoor adventures await in Lehigh Valley, where nature’s splendor is on full display. Whether you’re looking to explore on foot, by bike, or via the water, Lehigh Valley offers an unparalleled outdoor recreation scene.
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Trail
Don’t miss the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Trail, which spans 165 miles of rail trails, with 48 of them passing through Lehigh Valley. This trail offers a unique way to experience the region’s natural beauty.
Kayaking the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers
Experience Lehigh Valley from a unique perspective by paddling the scenic Lehigh and Delaware Rivers, which offer water recreation opportunities for all skill levels. You can discover the dozens of access points along both rivers that allow for trips ranging from short, leisurely paddles to full-day adventures through changing landscapes.
Plan the best time for your kayaking adventure, with spring offering exciting higher water levels and summer providing more relaxed conditions perfect for beginners and families. Consider a guided tour from local outfitters who provide equipment rentals, transportation services, and expert knowledge of the best routes based on water conditions and your experience level.
Arts and Music Scene
With a deep-rooted history and a thriving cultural scene, Lehigh Valley is a haven for art and music lovers. The region’s rich heritage is reflected in its diverse arts and entertainment options, ranging from historic theaters to outdoor concert venues.
Lehigh Valley has developed a rich, sustained arts and entertainment scene, especially when it comes to live music. Famous names pack historic theaters, churches, and outdoor pavilions for legendary rockstars, blues artists, country singers, and internationally acclaimed musicians who bridge genres from Afrobeat to Zydeco.
SteelStacks Concerts and Events
SteelStacks is a premier destination for live music and events in Lehigh Valley. It hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year, featuring renowned artists and bands. The venue’s unique blend of industrial heritage and modern amenities makes it an exciting spot for music enthusiasts.
Martin Guitar Factory Tours
The C.F. Martin & Co. factory in Nazareth has been handcrafting world-renowned acoustic guitars for over 185 years. Visitors can follow the fascinating manufacturing process, from raw wood selection to final inspection, and learn about the company’s rich music history.
- Step inside the legendary factory and witness the blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern precision.
- Explore the Martin Guitar Museum, which houses priceless vintage instruments.
- Understand why this historic factory attracts thousands of visitors annually for its educational and entertaining tour.
Lehigh Valley’s Food and Drink Culture
When visiting Lehigh Valley, you’ll discover a rich culture of food and drink that showcases the region’s diverse heritage. From fresh produce at local farmers markets to award-winning wineries and craft breweries, there’s something for every palate.
Local Farmers Markets
Residents and visitors alike love the farmers markets nearby, especially during harvest times throughout the year to wrap their fingers around strawberries and apples, pumpkins, and vegetables.
Lehigh Valley Wine Trail
Those passionate for the grape enjoy tours and tastings at more than 12 wineries along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail.
Lehigh Valley Ale Trail
Hop-lovers can taste another side of the area’s award-winning, small-batch breweries that make up the Lehigh Valley Ale Trail. Explore the trail to discover diverse brewing styles, from traditional German lagers to innovative IPAs and sours.
- Explore the Lehigh Valley Ale Trail, a collection of craft breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms showcasing the region’s growing reputation for exceptional craft beer.
- Discover diverse brewing styles represented along the trail, honoring the region’s heritage and pushing the boundaries of beer creativity.
- Visit historic brewing operations like Fegley’s Brew Works, alongside newer microbreweries.
- Learn about the farm-to-glass movement with breweries sourcing local ingredients.
- Experience the community-centered atmosphere of these breweries, hosting regular events and live music.
Family-Friendly Attractions Beyond the Obvious
Beyond the usual tourist spots, Lehigh Valley offers a plethora of family-friendly attractions that are sure to delight. You can explore exciting destinations that are both fun and educational for the whole family.
Lehigh Valley Zoo
The Lehigh Valley Zoo is a great place to visit, with a variety of animals and interactive experiences. You can get up close and personal with the zoo’s residents, including animals from around the world.
Da Vinci Science Center
At the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown, you can engage with dozens of interactive exhibits that bring science to life. Explore the “KEVA: Build Your Mind” exhibit, where you can construct elaborate structures using identical wooden planks, developing your spatial reasoning and engineering skills. You can also discover the “Science of Sport” area, which demonstrates the physics and biology behind athletic performance through interactive challenges and games. With daily live science demonstrations and special workshops, you’ll have a blast learning about complex scientific principles in an exciting and accessible way.
Allentown’s Cultural Treasures
As you explore Allentown, you’ll discover a wealth of cultural attractions that showcase the city’s history and artistic endeavors. This vibrant city is home to numerous museums and historical landmarks.
Liberty Bell Museum
The Liberty Bell Museum is a significant cultural landmark in Allentown, dedicated to the history of the Liberty Bell and its relocation to the city during World War II. As part of your tour, you’ll learn about the bell’s historical significance.
Allentown Art Museum
The Allentown Art Museum boasts an impressive collection of art spanning 2,000 years, with rooms dedicated to European Renaissance and Baroque paintings, American furniture, and international textiles. As visitors, you can enjoy the diverse special exhibitions and educational programming.
- Explore the museum’s collection, which includes works once attributed to Rembrandt.
- Participate in free family art-making activities each weekend as part of the museum’s educational programming.
In part, the Allentown Art Museum’s robust programming is what makes it a standout cultural institution. With a collection of over 19,000 works of art, it has evolved significantly since its founding in 1934.
Easton’s Unique Experiences
You can experience the best of Easton through its distinctive attractions and activities. The city offers a range of experiences that cater to different interests, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
Canal Boat Rides
Take a step back in time with a mule-drawn canal boat ride in Easton. The narrative meanders through Easton’s canals that once served industries like coal, silk, steel, and iron, but now transport guests for dinner cruises on Pennsylvania’s only mule-drawn canal boat.
Easton Public Market
Explore the Easton Public Market, a vibrant food hall in the heart of downtown featuring over a dozen artisanal food vendors, specialty shops, and a demonstration kitchen under one roof. The market offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, from wood-fired pizza and farm-to-table cuisine to international specialties and craft beverages.
Visitors can enjoy the market’s community atmosphere, where local food producers and restaurants create a gathering place for both residents and visitors to enjoy fresh, locally-sourced food. Participate in cooking classes, tastings, and special events hosted in the market’s demonstration kitchen.
The Easton Public Market connects to Easton’s historic Farmers’ Market tradition, creating a contemporary interpretation of the public market concept that has defined the city since 1752.
Seasonal Events and Festivals in Lehigh Valley
Experience the best of Lehigh Valley through its vibrant calendar of events that take place throughout the year. The region is known for hosting a variety of festivals and celebrations that cater to different interests.
Some of the notable events include Musikfest, one of the nation’s largest non-gated music festivals, held in Bethlehem each August. The city also hosts Christkindlmarkt, a renowned holiday market that reflects its nickname, “Christmas City, USA.”
Other significant events are the Great Allentown Fair, which celebrates the region’s farming heritage, and various food and drink-related things to enjoy. You can plan your visit around these seasonal highlights to experience the unique charm of Lehigh Valley.
Sports and Entertainment Venues
Experience the best of sports and entertainment in Lehigh Valley, where world-class venues await.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs Baseball
Catch a Lehigh Valley IronPigs game at Coca-Cola Park, enjoying exciting baseball in a family-friendly atmosphere. The stadium offers a variety of food and beverage options, enhancing your overall experience.
PPL Center Events
During the winter months, head indoors to the PPL Center for a Lehigh Valley Phantoms game, AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. The PPL Center hosts various events, including concerts, sporting events, and family shows, making it a hub for entertainment in the region. You can combine your visit with other nearby attractions like Wind Creek Bethlehem or Dorney Park for a complete entertainment package.
Where to Stay: Unique Accommodations
Discover the perfect place to stay in Lehigh Valley, where history meets modern luxury. You can choose from a variety of unique accommodations that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Historic Hotels and B&Bs
Experience the charm of Lehigh Valley’s historic hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. The Sayre Mansion, a boutique hotel in Bethlehem, PA, offers luxurious accommodations in a beautifully restored 1858 home. Imagine staying in antique-filled guest rooms and suites, and enjoying elegant dining rooms that recall the Gilded Age.
Modern Resorts and Amenities
For those seeking modern comforts, Lehigh Valley offers luxury resorts like Wind Creek Bethlehem, a AAA Four Diamond hotel with 282 rooms and suites. You can enjoy upscale furnishings, spa-like bathrooms, and easy access to casino gaming and entertainment. Other family-friendly resorts near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom offer amenities like indoor pools and game rooms.
Whether you’re visiting for leisure or business, Lehigh Valley’s accommodations are designed to provide a comfortable and memorable stay. From business-focused hotels near corporate centers and the Lehigh University campus to vacation-friendly resorts, there’s something for everyone.
Lehigh Valley for Nature Enthusiasts
For nature enthusiasts, Lehigh Valley is a treasure trove of exciting experiences waiting to be discovered. You can explore underground wonders or hike through scenic trails that offer something for every kind of nature lover.
Lost River Caverns
Head 125 feet below ground to Lost River Caverns, where the temperature remains a constant 54 degrees year-round. Here, you can admire the milky white stalactites, stalagmites, pillar, and dripstone formations that make this cavern a unique natural wonder.
Scenic Hiking Trails
Lehigh Valley boasts a diverse network of hiking trails that traverse mountains, follow river corridors, and wind through forests. You can explore sections of the famous Appalachian Trail, experience the South Mountain Preserve trails near Bethlehem, or learn about the ecological restoration on former Bethlehem Steel lands.
- Discover trails for every skill level and interest.
- Explore the Appalachian Trail for challenging terrain and spectacular vistas.
- Visit the South Mountain Preserve to see remnants of the region’s industrial past.
- Learn about ecological restoration on former industrial lands.
- Plan seasonal hiking adventures to enjoy the region’s natural beauty throughout the year.
Conclusion: Planning Your Perfect Lehigh Valley Getaway
Lehigh Valley, with its diverse attractions and welcoming communities, is poised to become your next favorite getaway. Visitors can enjoy historic sites like Moravian Bethlehem, entertainment venues like Wind Creek and Dorney Park, or outdoor adventures. Plan your visit based on your interests to maximize your experience in this compact but content-rich destination.
With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Lehigh Valley offers authentic American experiences.
