Allentown, Pennsylvania is a historic city with a lot to offer visitors. Founded in 1762, Allentown is one of the oldest cities in the United States and is just one hour away from Philadelphia.
Today, it is a thriving community with a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to several museums, including the Allentown Art Museum and the Liberty Bell Museum. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, with parks, hiking trails, and golf courses.
Of course, no visit to Allentown would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. From traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes to more modern fare, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or just good food, Allentown has something for everyone.
To help you plan out your visit, here are the 17 best things to do in Allentown.
1) Stroll Through Allentown Rose Garden
The Allentown rose garden is a must-see for any visitor to Allentown. The garden is especially stunning in the spring, when the roses are in full bloom. However, the garden is also worth a visit in the fall, when the leaves of the roses change color and the bushes are covered in berries.
In addition to being a beautiful place to stroll, the garden is also home to a number of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and art shows. No matter what time of year you visit, there is sure to be something special happening at the Allentown rose garden.
2) Catch a Baseball Game at Coca-Cola Park
For baseball fans visiting the Allentown area, Coca-Cola Park is the perfect place to enjoy America’s pastime. The park is home to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, and it features a variety of amenities that make it a great place to watch a game.
The stadium has a capacity of 10,000 spectators, and it also features a food court, souvenir shop, and picnic area. Coca-Cola Park is also conveniently located near interstate highways and public transportation, making it easy for fans to get to and from the ballpark. Whether you’re a casual fan or a diehard baseball enthusiast, Coca-Cola Park is sure to provide an enjoyable experience.
3) Allentown Farmers Market
The Allentown Farmers Market is a year-round market that features local growers and producers. The market is located in the center of Allentown, and it is open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm.
The market offers a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods, honey, maple syrup, and other local products. In addition to the regular Saturday market, the Allentown Farmers Market also hosts a monthly farmers market on the first Wednesday of the month.
The monthly market features a wider selection of vendors, as well as live music and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce or unique gifts, the Allentown Farmers Market is sure to have something for everyone.
4) Allentown Art Museum
The Allentown art museum is a great place to see a variety of artwork. The museum has a wide range of pieces from different artists, and it is easy to spend a few hours walking around and looking at all the different art.
The museum also has a café, so you can grab a bite to eat while you are there. The Allentown art museum is a great place to visit if you are interested in seeing a variety of artwork.
5) Walk or Bike in Trexler Memorial Park
Trexler Memorial Park is a beautiful urban oasis located in the heart of Allentown, Pennsylvania. The park is named after General Harry C. Trexler, a local military leader and philanthropist who donated the land for the park in his will.
Today, the park covers more than 100 acres and features a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. There are walking and biking trails, a playground, a fishing pond, and even a disc golf course. The park is also home to several historic buildings, including the Trexler Mansion, which is now used as a museum and event space.
Whether you’re looking for a place to take a leisurely stroll or want to learn more about Allentown’s history, Trexler Memorial Park is definitely worth a visit.
6) Go Fishing at Allentown Fish Hatchery
The Allentown Fish Hatchery is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and is open to the public for tours and fishing. The hatchery is home to a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and catfish.
The hatchery also offers a wide range of fishing equipment and supplies for sale. In addition, the hatchery hosts educational programs about fish conservation and ecology. The Allentown Fish Hatchery is a great place to learn about fish and fishing, and to enjoy the outdoors.
7) Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom
Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom is a combined amusement and water park located in Allentown. The park features eight themed areas, including Planet Snoopy, Dino Island, and The Boardwalk.
Attractions include several roller coasters, water slides, and a wave pool. Dorney Park also offers a variety of shows and events throughout the year, such as live concerts, Halloween festivities, and holiday-themed celebrations. Visitors can purchase tickets for a single day or for an entire season. Season passes include unlimited visits to the park as well as discounts on food, souvenirs, and parking.
8) Visit the Liberty Bell Museum
The Liberty Bell Museum in Allentown, Pennsylvania is a must-see for anyone interested in American history. The museum tells the story of the Liberty Bell, from its creation in 1752 to its current home in Independence National Historical Park.
Visitors will learn about the bell’s role in the American Revolution and how it came to symbolize freedom and liberty. The museum also features a replica of the bell, which visitors can ring. The Liberty Bell Museum is a great way to learn about one of America’s most iconic symbols and its important place in American history.
9) Climb Up Bake Oven Knob
The Bake Oven knob is a local landmark in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The knob is a steep hill that rises abruptly from the Lehigh Valley floor. At the top of the knob is a small parking lot and a nature trail.
The Bake Oven knob is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and scenic views. The knob is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and birds. The Bake Oven knob is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and take in the fresh air.
10) Relax at Cedar Beach Park
Cedar Beach Park is a 3,600-acre park located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The park features a variety of amenities including a playground, picnic pavilions, horseshoe pits, basketball courts, and a sand volleyball court.
There is also a 1.5-mile walking trail that circles the park. Cedar Beach Park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. In the summer months, the park is busiest during the weekends when people come to enjoy the sun and the water.
The park also sees a lot of foot traffic during the fall when the leaves are changing color. Cedar Beach Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
11) Visit America on WHeels
Allentown is a city located in the state of Pennsylvania in the United States of America. The city is situated in the Lehigh Valley region of the state and is the third most populous city in Pennsylvania.
In recent years, Allentown has been experiencing a resurgence, thanks in part to its strong focus on transportation infrastructure. Indeed, one of the city’s most notable features is its “America on Wheels” museum, which celebrates the history of the automobile.
The museum features a wide variety of exhibits, including a collection of classic cars and a restored 1950s filling station. In addition, the museum offers a range of educational programs and events, making it a valuable resource for both residents and visitors alike. Thanks to its dedication to preserving America’s automotive heritage, Allentown is truly a city on wheels.
12) Watch a Hockey Game at the PPL Center
The PPL Center in Allentown PA is a popular hockey arena that is home to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The arena opened in 2014 and has since been serving as a top hockey destination in the area.
The PPL Center offers a variety of seating options for fans, including suites, club seats, and more. The arena also features a state-of-the-art sound system and scoreboards, making it one of the most technologically advanced hockey arenas in the country. In addition to being a great place to watch hockey, the PPL Center is also a popular venue for concerts and other events, so be sure to check the schedule.
If you’re looking for a great place to catch a hockey game or see your favorite band, the PPL Center is definitely worth checking out.
13) Mack Trucks Historical Museum
The Mack Truck Historical Museum in Allentown, Pennsylvania is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of this iconic American company. Founded in 1900, Mack Trucks has been a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks for over a century.
The museum tells the story of how the company got its start, tracing its roots back to a small blacksmith shop in Brooklyn, New York. Visitors can see early models of Mack trucks, as well as artifacts and photographs from the company’s long history.
The museum also houses an extensive collection of Mack truck memorabilia, including toys, paintings, and scale models.Whether you’re a truck enthusiast or simply looking to learn more about America’s industrial past, the Mack Truck Historical Museum is definitely worth a visit.
14) Take a Stroll Through Little Lehigh Park
Little Lehigh Park is one of the best parks in the Allentown Parks system. The park is located in South Allentown near the intersection of MacArthur Road and Tilghman Street.
The park consists of two sections, north and south. The north section is the larger of the two and includes a playground, pavilion, basketball court, and walking trails. The south section includes a community garden, pond, and nature trails. Little Lehigh Park is a popular destination for both residents and visitors to Allentown.
In addition to its recreational facilities, the park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and turtles. The park is open year-round and admission is free.
15) Check out Museum of Indian Culture
The Museum of Indian culture is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history and culture of the Native American people.
The museum offers a wide variety of exhibits and educational programs that showcase the art, music, dance, and lifestyle of the Native American people. The museum also houses a library and research center that is open to the public. The Museum of Indian culture is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Native American people.
16) Take the Family to Dutch Springs
The Dutch Springs Aqua Park is a family-oriented water park in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The park features a variety of attractions, including a lazy river, slides, and a wave pool.
In addition to the water park, Dutch Springs also offers a bike trail, a fishing pond, and picnic areas. The park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Dutch Springs is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The water park attracts people of all ages, and the other amenities make it a perfect place to spend a day with the family.
17) Enjoy Nature at the William F. Curtis Arboretum
The William F. Curtis Arboretum is a 15-acre public garden located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The arboretum features a diverse collection of trees and shrubs, including many rare and unusual species.
The gardens are open to the public year-round, and there is also a visitor center and education programs. The arboretum was founded in 1966 by William F. Curtis, a local businessman and philanthropist. Mr. Curtis was an avid plant collector, and he donated his personal collection of over 500 trees and shrubs to the city of Allentown.
Today, the arboretum is one of the largest public gardens in Pennsylvania, and it remains an important center for education and horticultural research.
Recap of Best things to do in ALlentown
- Allentown Rose Garden
- Coca-Cola Park
- Allentown Farmers Market
- Allentown Art Museum
- Trexler Memorial Park
- Allentown Fish Hatchery
- Dorney Park
- Liberty Bell Museum
- Bake Oven Knob
- Cedar Beach Park
- America on Wheels
- PPL Center
- Mack Trucks Historical Museum
- Little Lehigh Park
- Museum of Indian Culture
- Dutch Springs
- The William F. Curtis Arboretum
Where to Next?
Looking for a charming town in the midwest? Check out Appleton!
Love the great outdoors? Head to Bozeman, Montana next!
If you’re staying in the Northeast of the U.S., be sure to visit Baltimore too!