Things to do in Allentown, Pennsylvania
- During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden in the basement of the Zion Reformed Church in Allentown to protect it from the British.
- The city was originally incorporated as Northampton Town in 1762 before being renamed Allentown in 1838 to honor Chief Justice William Allen.
- Allentown serves as the setting for the Billy Joel song 'Allentown,' which chronicles the decline of the city's steel and manufacturing industries in the late 20th century.
- The city is home to the Lehigh Parkway, which contains thousands of acres of municipal parkland, a rarity for a city of its size in the Commonwealth.
About Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown is the third-largest city in Pennsylvania and a critical hub within the Lehigh Valley, situated along the Lehigh River. The city serves as a regional center for manufacturing, education, and entertainment, anchored by the expansive Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. Visitors can explore local culture through the Allentown Art Museum or delve into technical history at the America On Wheels Museum. The city's downtown has undergone significant revitalization, marked by the presence of Miller Symphony Hall and the community-focused Da Vinci Science Center.
Highlights of Allentown, Pennsylvania
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Amusement parks
Features a vast array of roller coasters and an integrated water park spanning over 200 acres.
Parks
Provides extensive trails for fishing and hiking along the Little Lehigh Creek.
Museums
Features interactive STEM-based exhibits and high-tech labs for hands-on learning.
Museums
Showcases a collection of vintage automobiles and transportation history within a former trucking terminal.
Museums
Houses a permanent collection of European and American paintings, including works spanning several centuries.
Venues
Functions as a premier performance space for the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and traveling Broadway productions.
Places of interest
Represents one of the few remaining historic wooden covered bridges in the Lehigh Valley.
Parks
Offers expansive recreational space including multiple sports fields and walking paths along the water.
Top things to do in Allentown, Pennsylvania
The 50 highest-rated places in Allentown, Pennsylvania, ranked by travellers.
1
Amusement parks
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is a combined amusement and water park located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, featuring ove...
2
Places of interest
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway operates historic passenger excursions through the Lehigh Gorge State Park in Jim Thorpe...
3
Parks
Beltzville State Park is a 3,000-acre public recreation area in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, centered around the 949-acr...
4
Parks
Trexler Nature Preserve is an expansive 1,100-acre tract located in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, known for its diverse t...
5
Parks
Lehigh Parkway is an expansive public park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, defined by the Little Lehigh Creek that runs thro...
6
Museums
The Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Plaza is a modern, multi-level facility focused on hands-on STEM education and intera...
7
Museums
The Allentown Art Museum houses a collection of over 17,000 works, ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary...
8
Museums
America On Wheels Museum is a specialized transportation museum located on the Lehigh River waterfront in Allentown, Pen...
9
Parks
Grange Park is a community recreation space located in Upper Macungie Township, Allentown, offering diverse athletic fac...
10
Venues
Miller Symphony Hall serves as the primary performing arts venue in Allentown, Pennsylvania, occupying a building that d...
11
Parks
Lone Lane Park is a community recreational facility located in Upper Macungie Township, Allentown, Pennsylvania. The par...
12
Museums
The Asa Packer Mansion Museum is an 1861 Italianate villa that served as the residence of Lehigh Valley Railroad founder...
13
Venues
J. Birney Crum Stadium is a historic multi-purpose outdoor facility located within Cedar Beach Park in Allentown, Pennsy...
14
Parks
Bob Rodale Cycling & Fitness Park is a prominent outdoor recreation facility in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, primarily r...
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Temples
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Parks
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Parks
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Parks
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Museums
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Temples
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Venues
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Parks
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Allentown, Pennsylvania on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Allentown, Pennsylvania
Late spring to early autumn, when the region's climate is temperate and outdoor facilities like Cedar Creek Park are fully operational.
2-3 days to explore the central museum district and outdoor park systems.
The city is primarily car-dependent; while the LANTA bus system operates within the city, a personal vehicle is recommended for reaching attractions like the Historic Wehr Covered Bridge.
Stay in the Downtown Allentown district for proximity to dining and performance venues, or look for hotels near the I-78/US-22 corridors for easier regional access.
Mid-range; lodging and dining costs are generally more affordable than in nearby Philadelphia or New York City.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 50 curated attractions in and around Allentown, Pennsylvania, ranked by traveller ratings.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is the highest-rated place to visit in Allentown, Pennsylvania right now.
The largest category is parks, with 19 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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