Allentown Travel Guide

Part of our Pennsylvania guide.

Allentown, Pennsylvania, is an inland city in the Lehigh Valley along the Lehigh River, so the nearest beaches are day-trip destinations rather than within city limits. The three sections below cover family activities, festivals, and retreats, each with specific details you can plan around.

11 Family-Friendly Activities In Allentown, Pennsylvania

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is the anchor of family fun in Allentown, offering both a traditional amusement park and a separate water park in one location. Families can also explore the Lehigh Valley Zoo, which houses over 300 animals, or visit the Da Vinci Science Center for hands-on exhibits. The America on Wheels Transportation Museum and the Liberty Bell Museum provide interactive history lessons, while the Allentown Art Museum offers free admission on Sundays. For outdoor time, the Lehigh Parkway’s paved trails are stroller-friendly, and the Trexler Nature Preserve adds nearly 1,100 acres of open space for hiking and wildlife viewing. A family day at the Allentown Farmers Market—open Thursday through Saturday—lets you sample local produce and baked goods, and the city’s minor league baseball team, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, plays at Coca-Cola Park from April through September. Each activity works well for a half-day or full-day visit, and most are within a 15-minute drive of downtown Allentown.

12 Vibrant Festivals/Events To Attend In Allentown, Pennsylvania

Allentown’s festival calendar peaks in summer and fall, with the Great Allentown Fair running late August through Labor Day and drawing over 300,000 visitors annually. The Mayfair Festival of the Arts, held over Memorial Day weekend, features live music and juried crafts, while the Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival in September brings bagpipers and athletic competitions to the Lehigh River waterfront. In October, the Allentown Zombie Walk and the Christkindlmarkt holiday market in nearby Bethlehem (a 20-minute drive) round out the year. For food-focused events, the Lehigh Valley Food & Wine Festival in June showcases regional chefs, and the Allentown Brew Fest in July samples over 100 craft beers. Each event has a distinct character and a community-first vibe that makes them easy to join as a visitor.

5 Relaxing Retreats To Enjoy In Allentown, Pennsylvania

For a quiet break, the Allentown Rose Gardens—a 4.5-acre park with over 1,200 roses—offers a free, fragrant walk any day of the week. The Lehigh Canal Towpath provides a flat, shaded route along the river for a slow morning stroll, and the Trexler Nature Preserve’s South Mountain trails are less crowded on weekdays. For indoor calm, the Allentown Art Museum’s galleries are rarely packed, and the city’s independent bookshops, such as the Book & Paper Company, have reading nooks. If you prefer a structured retreat, the historic Hotel Bethlehem (10 minutes away) offers afternoon tea on weekends, though booking ahead is essential. These spots are best enjoyed early in the day, before the main tourist crowds arrive.

More about Allentown

Note on beaches: The linked article’s title has been corrected to “Near Allentown” because the city itself has no beaches; the nearest swimable lakes are at Lehigh Gap or Beltzville State Park, roughly 30–40 minutes away by car.