Best Day Trips from Lehigh Valley: 15 Escapes Within 2 Hours
Living in the Lehigh Valley puts you at the center of some of the Northeast's best day trip destinations. New York City is 90 minutes away. Philadelphia is under an hour. The Poconos are a quick 30-minute drive. And hidden gems like Jim Thorpe and the Delaware Water Gap offer adventures most tourists never discover.
Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, big-city excitement, or small-town charm, these day trips from Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton deliver.
Quick Overview: Day Trips by Type
| Trip Type | Best Option | Drive Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Adventure | Lehigh River Rafting | 30 min | Families, thrill-seekers |
| Historic Charm | Jim Thorpe | 35 min | Couples, history buffs |
| Big City | New York City | 90 min | Everyone |
| Family Fun | Dorney Park | 15 min | Families with kids |
| Nature Escape | Delaware Water Gap | 40 min | Hikers, photographers |
| History + Food | Philadelphia | 55 min | History buffs, foodies |
| Rural Charm | Lancaster Amish Country | 60 min | Families, curious travelers |
Adventure Day Trips
1. Lehigh River Whitewater Rafting
Distance from Allentown: 30-45 minutes
Best time to go: May through October (dam release weekends for bigger rapids)
The Lehigh River Gorge offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the eastern United States. During dam release weekends, Class II-III rapids make for an exciting ride through the scenic gorge. Even on regular days, the 8-mile stretch through Lehigh Gorge State Park delivers stunning scenery and plenty of action.
Several outfitters offer guided trips with all equipment included. Most trips run 4-5 hours including shuttle time.
What to bring: Swimsuit, water shoes, sunscreen, change of clothes
What to bring: Swimsuit, water shoes, sunscreen, change of clothes
Price range: $70-120 per person
2. Jim Thorpe: The Switzerland of America
Distance from Allentown: 35 minutes
Best time to go: Year-round (spectacular fall foliage in October)
This Victorian mountain town is one of Pennsylvania's best-kept secrets. Named after the legendary athlete, Jim Thorpe features steep streets lined with historic architecture, quirky boutiques, and surprisingly good restaurants. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers train rides through the gorge — especially popular during fall foliage season.
For a guided experience, take the historic trolley tour:
Don't miss: Asa Packer Mansion, Old Jail Museum, biking the D&L Trail
Best meal: Moya at the Inn at Jim Thorpe or Flow for craft cocktails
3. Delaware Water Gap
Distance from Easton: 25 minutes
Best time to go: April through November
Where the Delaware River cuts through the Appalachian Mountains, you'll find 70,000 acres of protected land perfect for hiking, kayaking, and photography. Mount Tammany offers a challenging hike with panoramic views — just 3.5 miles roundtrip but steep. For an easier option, Dingmans Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Pennsylvania.
For a bird's-eye view, consider a Delaware Water Gap scenic flight — 30 minutes of unforgettable views.
Best trails: Mount Tammany (challenging), Dingmans Falls (easy), Sunfish Pond (moderate)
Note: No entrance fee required
City Day Trips
4. New York City
Distance from Allentown: 90 minutes (take I-78 East)
Best time to go: Any day, but weekdays are less crowded
The Big Apple is closer than most people realize. Leave Allentown by 8am and you're in Manhattan by 9:30. Park at a NJ Transit lot (Secaucus or Newark) and take the train in to avoid Manhattan parking headaches.
For a hassle-free experience with door-to-door service:
Best for: Broadway shows (Wednesday matinees are cheapest), museum visits, iconic food experiences
Pro tip: Book Broadway tickets in advance through TodayTix for best deals
5. Philadelphia
Distance from Allentown: 55 minutes
Best time to go: Year-round
Philly's food scene alone is worth the drive. Reading Terminal Market for breakfast, a cheesesteak pilgrimage at Pat's or Geno's (or skip the tourist traps and hit John's Roast Pork), then world-class museums or a stroll through Old City. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, and Eastern State Penitentiary are all excellent options.
For a comprehensive experience:
Must-do: Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia Museum of Art, walking Old City
Parking tip: Park at a PPA lot in Old City — around $20 for the day
Family Day Trips
6. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Distance from Allentown: 15 minutes
Best time to go: May through September (water park), October for Halloween events
Lehigh Valley's own amusement park features roller coasters, family rides, and the Wildwater Kingdom water park all in one. Steel Force is still one of the tallest coasters on the East Coast. For younger kids, Planet Snoopy has plenty of age-appropriate rides.
Pro tip: Buy tickets online for discounts. Arrive when gates open to hit major coasters before lines build.
Dining: Pack a cooler and eat in the parking lot at lunch to save money
7. Lancaster Amish Country
Distance from Allentown: 60 minutes
Best time to go: Spring through fall (many attractions closed Sundays)
Step into a world where horse-drawn buggies share the road and handcrafted goods are the norm. Kitchen Kettle Village offers shopping and dining, while the Amish Farm and House provides authentic tours of Amish life. Don't miss the whoopie pies — they're the real deal here.
For a guided experience with transportation:
Best stops: Kitchen Kettle Village, Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, Amish Farm and House
Best food: Shady Maple Smorgasbord (the biggest buffet you've ever seen)
Seasonal Day Trips
8. Poconos Ski Resorts (Winter)
Distance from Allentown: 30-45 minutes
Best time to go: December through March
Camelback, Blue Mountain, and Jack Frost all offer skiing and snowboarding within an hour of Lehigh Valley. Blue Mountain is closest (20 minutes from Allentown) and has impressive vertical for the area. Camelback adds a larger snow tubing operation and indoor waterpark.
Budget option: Blue Mountain for skiing
Family option: Camelback for tubing + waterpark combo
9. Fall Foliage Drives
Best time: Mid-October
Top routes:
- Hawk Mountain: 45 minutes north — combine foliage with raptor migration
- Route 209 through Delaware Water Gap: Stunning river valley colors
- Jim Thorpe + Lehigh Gorge: Take the scenic railway for peak viewing
Hidden Gem Day Trips
10. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Distance from Allentown: 50 minutes
Best time to go: Spring and fall
This restored 19th-century ironmaking community offers a glimpse into Pennsylvania's industrial past. The charcoal-fired blast furnace operated from 1771 to 1883. Living history demonstrations bring the era to life. Free admission makes it an excellent budget day trip.
11. Bucks County River Towns
Distance from Allentown: 45 minutes
Best time to go: Year-round
New Hope and Lambertville (just across the Delaware in New Jersey) offer charming Main Street shopping, art galleries, and excellent restaurants. The towns are connected by a walking bridge across the Delaware River. Excellent brunch spots, antique shopping, and a surprisingly vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
12. Pocono Raceway
Distance from Allentown: 45 minutes
Best time to go: Race weekends or driving experience dates
For racing fans, Pocono Raceway hosts NASCAR events throughout the summer. But you don't have to wait for race day — NASCAR driving experiences at Pocono Raceway let you get behind the wheel of a 600-horsepower stock car.
Planning Your Day Trip
Best Times to Leave
NYC trips: Leave by 7:30am to beat Lincoln Tunnel traffic
Philly trips: 8:30am departure works fine
Poconos/Jim Thorpe: Flexible — 9-10am is plenty early
Weekend trips: Leave early to beat crowds at popular spots
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers (mountain areas are cooler)
- Snacks and water
- Cash (some small-town shops are cash-only)
- Phone charger
Book Ahead For
- Broadway shows
- Whitewater rafting (especially dam release weekends)
- Fall foliage train rides
- NASCAR driving experiences
- Popular restaurant reservations
Explore more of the Lehigh Valley. Browse our curated directory of restaurants, local services, and businesses — vetted by locals who know the area best.
