Things to Do in the Lehigh Valley
Your local guide to parks, dining, shopping, attractions, and year-round activities.
The Lehigh Valley offers an impressive range of activities for residents and visitors alike — from miles of hiking and biking trails to nationally recognized cultural venues, craft breweries, award-winning restaurants, and major retail destinations. Whether you're exploring the region for the first time or looking for a new weekend adventure, this guide highlights the best parks, attractions, dining, and shopping across Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the surrounding communities.
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Miles of trails, open green spaces, and community parks throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Trexler Memorial Park
AllentownA scenic park featuring walking trails, open green spaces, memorial gardens, and playgrounds. Popular for family outings and nature walks.
Visit websiteCedar Beach Park
AllentownOne of Allentown's largest parks with athletic fields, swimming pools, walking paths, and picnic areas. A year-round destination for outdoor recreation.
Visit websiteIronton Rail Trail
Whitehall TownshipA multi-use recreational trail spanning several miles through Whitehall and Coplay, built along the former Ironton Railroad corridor. Ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Visit websiteWhitehall Parkway
Whitehall TownshipA 250-acre park featuring hiking and biking trails, a dog park, athletic fields, and picnic facilities. The park is a central outdoor recreation hub for the township.
Visit websiteSaylor Park
CoplayA community park along the Lehigh River with walking paths, sports facilities, and open green space for outdoor activities.
Visit websiteHokendauqua Park & Playground
Whitehall TownshipA neighborhood park with playground equipment, sports fields, and community gathering spaces.
Visit websiteAttractions & Cultural Venues
Museums, performance halls, and unique experiences across the region.
SteelStacks ArtsQuest Campus
BethlehemA cultural campus built on the former Bethlehem Steel site, hosting concerts, film screenings, art exhibits, comedy shows, and community events year-round.
Visit websiteNational Museum of Industrial History
BethlehemAn affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, this museum showcases the region's industrial heritage through exhibits on steelmaking, textile manufacturing, and innovation.
Visit websiteMiller Symphony Hall
AllentownHome of the Allentown Symphony Association, this historic venue hosts orchestral performances, touring shows, and special events throughout the year.
Visit websiteAmerica on Wheels Museum
AllentownA transportation museum featuring vintage automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, and racing memorabilia. The museum also overlooks the Lehigh River canal path.
Visit websiteLehigh Valley Zoo
SchnecksvilleA family-friendly zoo in Schnecksville featuring more than 200 animals, a walk-through aviary, seasonal events, and educational programming.
Visit websiteCrayola Experience
EastonAn interactive attraction in downtown Easton where visitors can create their own crayons, name colors, and explore hands-on art activities.
Visit websiteDining & Restaurants
A growing food scene with options ranging from fine dining to casual eateries.
Edge Restaurant
BethlehemA contemporary American restaurant in Bethlehem's South Side offering seasonal menus, craft cocktails, and a refined dining atmosphere.
Visit websiteUnion & Finch
AllentownA neighborhood gastropub in Allentown serving elevated comfort food, craft beers, and cocktails in a warm, welcoming setting.
Visit websiteGrille 3501
AllentownA fine dining restaurant known for its steaks, seafood, and extensive wine list. A popular destination for special occasions.
Visit websiteTre Scalini Ristorante
BethlehemAn Italian restaurant on Bethlehem's Broad Street offering classic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and a curated wine list.
Visit websiteZEST bar+grille
BethlehemA modern restaurant and bar in Bethlehem's South Side featuring creative dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Visit websiteBilly's Downtown Diner
BethlehemA popular breakfast and lunch spot in downtown Bethlehem known for generous portions and classic American diner fare.
Visit websiteMcCall Collective Brewing & Restaurant
AllentownA craft brewery and restaurant in Allentown's South Side offering house-brewed beers and a seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients.
Visit websiteTap Room at Historic Hotel Bethlehem
BethlehemA classic dining experience inside the historic Hotel Bethlehem, featuring American cuisine and an extensive beer selection in an elegant setting.
Visit websiteBreweries & Taprooms
The Lehigh Valley's growing craft beer scene features local breweries across the region.
Shopping
Major malls, lifestyle centers, and farmers' markets across the Lehigh Valley.
Lehigh Valley Mall
Whitehall TownshipThe region's premier shopping destination featuring more than 150 stores and restaurants, including anchor tenants like Macy's, Apple, and Nordstrom.
Visit websiteThe Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley
Center ValleyAn open-air lifestyle center with upscale retailers, restaurants, and services along scenic walkways.
Visit websiteEaston Farmers' Market
EastonOne of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the U.S., held Saturday mornings in Centre Square from May through November.
Visit websiteAllentown Farmers' Market
AllentownA year-round indoor farmers' market at the Allentown Fairgrounds offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and specialty items.
Visit websiteTop Family Activities
Ideas for family-friendly outings across the Lehigh Valley.
- Explore the hands-on exhibits at Crayola Experience in downtown Easton
- Visit the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville for animal encounters and seasonal events
- Walk the Ironton Rail Trail through Whitehall and Coplay for family-friendly cycling
- Attend a free summer concert at the Levitt Pavilion at SteelStacks
- Spend a weekend morning at the Easton Farmers' Market sampling local produce and baked goods
- Tour the National Museum of Industrial History and discover the region's steel heritage
- Catch a film screening or art exhibit at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks
- Cool off at Cedar Beach Park's pools during the summer months
Looking for Events & Festivals?
The Lehigh Valley hosts a robust calendar of annual events and festivals throughout the year — from Musikfest and the Celtic Classic to seasonal farmers' markets and holiday celebrations.
View Events & FestivalsDiscover the Lehigh Valley
Considering a move to the Lehigh Valley? Tim Tepes can help you find the perfect community with easy access to parks, dining, shopping, and more.