Things to Do in Lehigh Valley: Your Complete Local Guide
Quick Answer: The Lehigh Valley offers an incredible mix of activities year-round: explore historic SteelStacks and downtown Bethlehem, visit world-class attractions like Dorney Park and Crayola Experience, dine at acclaimed restaurants like Bolete and Apollo Grill, hike scenic trails, attend festivals like Musikfest, and enjoy vibrant arts and culture. Whether you're a local or visitor, there's always something new to discover in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.
Key Takeaways:
- Top attractions: SteelStacks, Crayola Experience, Dorney Park, America on Wheels Museum
- Dining scene: James Beard-recognized fine dining to authentic ethnic cuisines — explore our restaurant directory
- Outdoor activities: D&L Trail, South Mountain hiking, Lehigh River kayaking
- Major events: Musikfest (August), Great Allentown Fair (September), Christkindlmarkt (December)
- Arts & culture: PPL Center, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, ArtsQuest venues
Your Guide to Lehigh Valley's Best Experiences
Looking for things to do in Lehigh Valley? You've found the right place. Whether you're a longtime resident or planning your first visit, this Pennsylvania gem offers an amazing blend of history, culture, outdoor recreation, and culinary excellence. We've curated this guide based on local favorites and hidden gems that make the Lehigh Valley special.
Top Attractions & Landmarks You Can't Miss
SteelStacks in Bethlehem stands as the Valley's cultural crown jewel. This former steel mill has been transformed into an arts campus featuring concerts, festivals, and the Levitt Pavilion's free summer concert series. The iconic blast furnaces create a stunning industrial backdrop for performances under the stars.
The Crayola Experience in downtown Easton is a hands-on wonderland perfect for families. Kids (and adults) can create custom crayons, design digital coloring pages, and explore 25+ creative attractions. It's consistently rated one of the best family activities in Pennsylvania.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom delivers thrills with over 200 acres of roller coasters and water slides. From classic wooden coasters to Planet Snoopy for younger kids, it's been a Lehigh Valley summer tradition for generations.
Pro tip: Visit SteelStacks on a Friday evening during summer for free concerts and food trucks. Bring a blanket and enjoy live music under the blast furnaces.
History buffs will love the America on Wheels Museum in Allentown, showcasing automotive and trucking history with over 75 vehicles. The National Canal Museum in Easton tells the story of America's canal era with interactive exhibits and boat tours.
Dining & Food Scene: A Culinary Destination
The Lehigh Valley has evolved into a genuine food destination. Our restaurant scene rivals much larger cities, with everything from James Beard-recognized fine dining to authentic ethnic cuisines across Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.
Fine Dining Worth the Splurge
Bolete Restaurant in Bethlehem has earned national acclaim for its farm-to-table seasonal menus in a historic 200-year-old stagecoach inn. Chef Lee Chizmar creates dishes that celebrate local Pennsylvania ingredients. It's the perfect special occasion spot where the tasting menu is an unforgettable experience.
Apollo Grill in downtown Bethlehem consistently ranks as the #1 restaurant in the city on TripAdvisor. The New American menu and creative cocktails keep locals coming back, and the atmosphere is lively without being loud.
Grille 3501 in Allentown's West End offers upscale casual dining with a creative menu and exceptional service. The Loft provides open-air dining seasonally, perfect for date nights or impressing out-of-town guests.
Casual Favorites
Union & Finch in Allentown serves elevated comfort food in a neighborhood bistro setting. Their weekend brunch draws crowds from across the Valley — get the chicken and waffles.
For fresh seafood, Marblehead Chowder House serves New England-style clam chowder and lobster rolls that taste like they came straight from Cape Cod. A Lehigh Valley institution for over 40 years.
Henry's Salt of the Sea offers some of the best crab cakes in Pennsylvania — 99% crab, 1% magic. Family-owned since 1975, they know fresh seafood.
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
The PPL Center in downtown Allentown hosts NHL games (Lehigh Valley Phantoms), major concerts, and family shows. The arena has revitalized Allentown's downtown, creating a vibrant entertainment district with restaurants and bars.
The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University presents professional theater productions every summer. The outdoor performances under the stars are magical, and the acting quality rivals anything you'd see in New York or Philadelphia.
ArtsQuest manages multiple venues including the Musikfest Café at SteelStacks, bringing year-round entertainment from national touring acts to local performers. Check their calendar — there's always something happening.
Outdoor Activities & Recreation
The Lehigh Valley's location between the Pocono Mountains and Philadelphia provides exceptional outdoor access without requiring long drives.
Hiking & Biking Trails
The D&L Trail (Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor) stretches 165 miles through the Lehigh Valley, offering scenic paths for walking, running, and cycling along historic canals and rivers. It's flat, well-maintained, and perfect for all skill levels.
South Mountain in Bethlehem features multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. The trails connect to the Appalachian Trail and offer stunning views of the Valley from various overlooks.
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center in Bushkill Township provides over 18 miles of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching. It's a local secret that rarely feels crowded.
Water Activities
The Lehigh River offers excellent kayaking, canoeing, and tubing opportunities. Several outfitters provide rentals and guided trips, especially popular during summer months when the water is warm and the scenery is lush.
Family-Friendly Activities
Beyond Crayola Experience and Dorney Park, families have plenty of options:
- Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville features over 300 animals and interactive experiences
- DaVinci Science Center in Allentown offers hands-on STEM exhibits that make learning fun
- Lost River Caverns in Hellertown provides underground cave tours — kids love the adventure
- Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery welcomes families with outdoor space and live music on weekends
Looking for more family ideas? Check out our guide to parks and recreation across the Lehigh Valley.
Seasonal Events You Can't Miss
Summer: Musikfest & More
Musikfest is the nation's largest free music festival, taking over downtown Bethlehem for 10 days every August. Over 500 performances across multiple stages draw more than a million visitors. From headliner concerts to local bands, craft beer gardens to authentic German food, it's the event of the summer.
Fall: The Great Allentown Fair
The Great Allentown Fair runs for 10 days in late August/early September, featuring rides, concerts, agricultural exhibits, and some of the best fair food in Pennsylvania. It's been a Lehigh Valley tradition since 1852.
Winter: Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem
Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem transforms downtown into a German Christmas village with authentic food, crafts, and holiday spirit. It's consistently rated one of America's best Christmas markets, and the atmosphere feels genuinely European.
Spring: Mayfair Festival of the Arts
Mayfair Festival of the Arts in Allentown showcases regional artists, live music, and food vendors in a family-friendly atmosphere celebrating the return of warmer weather.
Shopping & Entertainment Districts
Downtown Bethlehem
Historic Main Street features independent boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants in beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings. It's walkable, charming, and perfect for a day trip. Park once and explore on foot.
Easton's Arts District
Downtown Easton has revitalized around the Crayola Experience with galleries, coffee shops, and the vibrant Easton Farmers Market — one of the oldest continuous farmers markets in America, operating since 1752.
Allentown Arts District
Hamilton Street downtown has seen significant investment with new restaurants, the PPL Center, and arts venues creating an energetic urban core. The transformation over the past decade has been remarkable.
Local Breweries & Wineries
The craft beverage scene has exploded in recent years. Notable stops include:
- Weyerbacher Brewing (Easton) — Known for bold, experimental brews
- Fegley's Brew Works (multiple locations) — Award-winning craft beer and pub food
- Bonn Place Brewing (Bethlehem) — Cozy neighborhood brewery
- Clover Hill Vineyards (Breinigsville) — Local wines with live music
- Blue Mountain Vineyards (New Tripoli) — Scenic vineyard with tastings
Many offer tours, tastings, and live music on weekends. It's become a popular weekend activity to tour multiple breweries in a day.
Planning Your Visit to Lehigh Valley
Best Times to Visit
- Summer (June-August): Peak season with festivals, outdoor dining, and warm weather. Can be crowded during major events like Musikfest.
- Fall (September-October): Perfect weather for hiking, beautiful foliage, and harvest festivals. Many locals say this is the best time.
- Winter (December-February): Christmas markets, skiing nearby in the Poconos, and cozy restaurant season with fine dining at its best.
- Spring (March-May): Fewer crowds, blooming landscapes, and pleasant temperatures for exploring outdoors.
Getting Around
The Lehigh Valley is car-friendly with easy parking in all three cities. Downtown areas are walkable once you arrive. The Valley is located about 90 minutes from Philadelphia and New York City, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway.
Why the Lehigh Valley Keeps Getting Better
The Lehigh Valley has transformed from a former industrial region into one of Pennsylvania's most vibrant areas. The combination of preserved history, thriving arts scene, exceptional dining, outdoor recreation, and affordable cost of living makes it increasingly attractive to both visitors and new residents.
Local businesses continue to invest in the community. Whether you need trusted home contractors, reliable electricians, or emergency plumbers, the Valley has established professionals ready to serve.
From major attractions to hidden gems, the Lehigh Valley offers something for everyone. Start exploring, and you'll quickly discover why so many people are choosing to visit, move here, and stay.
Find the best local businesses in Lehigh Valley. Browse our curated directory of restaurants, home services, and entertainment — real businesses vetted by locals.
