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Things to do in NEPA
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items Things to do in NEPA from local hikes and cute cafes to family spots and rainy day fun. Includes our favorite weekend activities, hidden gems, and cozy places to unwind. Great for locals or anyone visiting the area.
Map
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
Just a short drive away, this park offers miles of easy-to-moderate walking and hiking trails, perfect for birdwatching, photography, and soaking in scenic views in spring and fall.
Nescopeck State Park
This scenic rails‑to‑trails path provides a peaceful route for walking, biking, or running along the Susquehanna River
Susquehanna Warrior Trail
An abandoned-era concrete housing site nearby; explore its eerie ruins and take hauntingly beautiful urban photos.
Exploring the Ruins of Concrete City in Nanticoke, PA
Just a bit farther afield, these offer long rail-trail biking/hiking adventures, dramatic gorge views, and waterfall scenery.
Mountain Top Trailhead - Trail Heads - D&L
A renowned destination famed for the Falls Trail, with over 20 waterfalls winding through old-growth forest a must-visit for hikers .
Ricketts Glen State Park
Perfect for full-day excursions: everything from hiking and kayaking to sightseeing world-class waterfalls like Dingmans and Raymondskill.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Offers mountain‑bike trails (30 miles!), hiking, cross‑country skiing, and stocked trout fishing including ice fishing in winter .
Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area | Hunlock Creek, PA
About 15 minutes away, this large community park includes hiking trails, fishing ponds, pavilions, playgrounds, and even a coal mine tour.
McDade Park
Restaurants
Here are some of the best places to eat across Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA), from casual to upscale, covering the full region:
A rising star offering modern American dishes, handmade pasta, hand‑cut steaks, and inventive cocktails in a stylish yet family‑friendly setting.
THE GALLERY CASUAL DINING & COCKTAILS
Ideal for date nights, featuring igloos, waterfall views, a diverse menu (clams, scallops, steaks), and an inviting ambiance.
Fire and Ice On Toby Creek
Retro-inspired American cuisine with creative dishes like dumplings, pierogies, French onion pizza, plus cocktails and craft beer.
The 16th Ward
Elegant Italian with outstanding service, consistently rated 4.7+ stars .
Sambuca Grille
Seafood and steak done superbly, boasting 4.9-star reviews and outdoor seating.
Catch 21 Seafood - Steak & More
Authentic Italian old-world recipes, homemade pasta, excellent wine pairings.
Pronto Italian Cuisine and Bar – Fine Italian Dining with a modern twist ...
Upscale farm-to-table American dining in a beautifully restored historic bank building.
Bank+Vine
Dog-friendly microbrewery and gastropub, great for craft beer and comfort food .
Breaker Brewing Company
Frequently appears on Yelp’s top‑10 list, innovative American acceptable for various occasions.
The Canning House
Highlighted among TripAdvisor's top buys with solid reviews.
Rustic Kitchen Bistro & Bar
Fire and Ice On Toby Creek
Other Food & Drinks
A creative community gallery offering exhibits, workshops, and artist events. Great local talent in a cozy setting.
Scranton Art Haus
Expertly crafted cocktails in intimate, stylish atmospheres .
205 Dry
Arts & Entertainment
Looking for things to do around Northeastern PA? From concerts and community theater to art museums and cultural festivals, NEPA has it all. Here are my top picks for local art and entertainment perfect for date nights, family fun, or solo exploring:
Local musicals, plays, and youth productions in an intimate setting. Affordable tickets and great for supporting the arts.
Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts
Historic theater that hosts concerts, comedy acts, ballet, family films, and the NEPA Philharmonic. One of the best year-round venues.
F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Art, science, and natural history under one roof. Great for families or a quiet afternoon walk through local and global exhibits.
Everhart Museum
A monthly art walk featuring rotating exhibits, live music, food trucks, and handmade goods. A fun night out downtown.
First Friday Scranton
Free summer concert series along the riverfront. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy live music outdoors.
Rockin' the River Free Concert Series
Broadway shows, local theater, and community events in gorgeous historic buildings. Check schedules for seasonal hits.
The Ritz Theater
Enjoy classical and holiday concerts by our regional orchestra. Performances rotate between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton venues.
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic
Tour real steam locomotives, walk through vintage trains, and catch a ride. A hands-on step back in time.
Steamtown National Historic Site
Descend 300 feet into a real anthracite coal mine and learn about NEPA’s mining history, hard hats included.
Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
Walk through lavender fields, shop handmade goods, and enjoy seasonal events. Relaxing and Insta-worthy.
Hope Hill Lavender Farm
Local Favorites
Discover the best of Northeastern PA with this guide to local favorites. Whether you're planning a weekend adventure, a day out with the family, or just want to explore more of what makes NEPA special, these are the spots locals actually love.
Free admission, pay-as-you-ride fun, great food, and family-friendly vibes. A summer must-do.
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Over 20 waterfalls, hiking trails, and gorgeous views. One of the most scenic spots in the region.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Live theater, concerts, and seasonal events in a stunning historic building. A hub for the arts.
Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple
Chill local coffee spots perfect for catching up with a friend or enjoying a quiet moment.
Abide Coffeehouse
A charming small town with historic train rides, shopping, scenic views, and seasonal festivals.
Jim Thorpe, PA | Visitor Information & Travel Resources
Winter skiing, summer waterpark, and year-round events like concerts and Brewfest.
Montage Mountain Resorts
Walk across a massive natural boulder field that looks like another planet. A National Natural Landmark.
Hickory Run Boulder Field