10 Fun Things To Do Near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (Northampton County)
If you’re looking for a charming getaway in eastern Pennsylvania,
Bethlehem in
Northampton County is a great pick. This former steel town has turned into a cool mix of history, arts, food, and outdoor fun. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip from New York City or Philadelphia, or just passing through the Lehigh Valley, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
Below are
10 things to do in and around Bethlehem, PA that are easy to reach and perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers.
1. Wander the Historic Downtown Bethlehem
Start right in the heart of town.
Historic Downtown Bethlehem feels like a small European village dropped into Pennsylvania.
Stroll along
Main Street and you’ll see:
- Beautiful 18th-century stone buildings
- Unique local shops and boutiques
- Cozy cafés and bakeries
- Street musicians and seasonal decorations
If you visit in December, the whole area transforms into the “
Christmas City,” with twinkling lights and holiday markets. But even in summer or fall, it’s a relaxed place to walk, sip a coffee, and people-watch.
Tip: Try grabbing a bench near the
colonial-style hotel on Main Street and just soak in the vibe for a bit. Sometimes the simple moments end up being your favorite travel memories.
2. Explore the SteelStacks and Bethlehem Steel History
A few minutes from downtown, you’ll find one of the most striking sights in the Lehigh Valley: the massive blast furnaces of the old
Bethlehem Steel plant, now called
SteelStacks.
This area has been turned into:
- An arts and culture campus
- Outdoor concert venues
- Public art and walking paths
As you walk near the old furnaces, you really feel how huge America’s steel industry once was. It’s almost like walking under a giant metal cathedral.
Many evenings, you can catch:
- Free outdoor movies
- Live music
- Food trucks and festivals
If you’re into photography, go at sunset. The orange glow on the rusty steel with the lights coming on is incredible.
3. Walk the Hoover-Mason Trestle
Right at SteelStacks, don’t miss the
Hoover-Mason Trestle. This is an elevated walkway built along a former industrial railway line that once carried raw materials to the furnaces.
Now it’s a
public pedestrian path with:
- Interpretive signs explaining how steel was made
- Benches for resting and viewing
- Close-up views of the old industrial equipment
It’s about a half-mile walk, flat and easy, and it gives you a whole new angle on the Bethlehem Steel complex. You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy it—standing that close to the giant machinery really puts things into perspective.
4. Visit the Moravian Museum and Historic Sites
Bethlehem was founded in the 1700s by the
Moravians, a Protestant group known for their music, education, and simple lifestyle. To learn how the town began, stop by the
Moravian Museum of Bethlehem and nearby historic buildings.
Highlights include:
- The 1741 Gemeinhaus (the oldest building in Bethlehem)
- Guided tours that share stories about early settlers
- Beautiful old cemeteries and church buildings
The stories here help explain why Bethlehem feels so different from many other East Coast towns. It’s quieter, more intentional, and has this peaceful energy that seems to come from its Moravian roots.
If you like American history, you’ll enjoy learning how this small religious community helped shape the whole region.
5. Enjoy Music and Festivals at Musikfest
If you can time your trip for early August, do it.
Musikfest is one of the largest free music festivals in the country, and it takes over Bethlehem every summer.
During Musikfest, you’ll find:
- Multiple stages with live bands all day and night
- Street food—from pierogies to BBQ to funnel cake
- Art vendors and family activities
The festival stretches across both the
North Side (downtown) and the
South Side (SteelStacks area). You can easily walk between stages, grabbing a drink or a snack along the way.
Even if you don’t recognize the band names, the atmosphere alone is worth the visit: crowds in a good mood, music drifting through the streets, and the steel stacks glowing in the background.
6. Step Inside the National Museum of Industrial History
On the old Bethlehem Steel site sits the
National Museum of Industrial History, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum that tells the story of American industry and innovation.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Engines and machines from the early days of manufacturing
- Interactive exhibits that kids can touch and explore
- Stories about workers, inventors, and how industry shaped communities
This is a good stop if:
- You’re traveling with kids who get bored easily—lots of hands-on stuff
- It’s too hot or rainy and you need an indoor activity
- You’re a history or engineering fan
It’s not a stuffy museum. The displays are designed to be approachable, and the focus is on real people and real stories.
7. Shop and Snack at the Bethlehem Farmers’ Markets
If you want to get a feel for local life, check out one of Bethlehem’s
farmers’ markets, depending on the season and day of the week.
You might find:
- Fresh apples, peaches, and seasonal produce from local farms
- Homemade baked goods and jams
- Local honey, cheeses, and meats
- Crafts and handmade gifts
These markets are great places to:
- Pick up snacks for a picnic along the Lehigh River
- Chat with local farmers and artisans
- Support small businesses in Northampton County
If you’re staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel, stocking up at the farmers’ market is a fun way to “live like a local” for a few days.
8. Hike or Bike Along the D&L Trail and Lehigh River
Just outside the downtown area, you can easily connect with segments of the
Delaware & Lehigh (D&L) Trail, a long-distance path that follows old canal and railroad corridors through the Lehigh Valley and beyond.
Near Bethlehem, this trail offers:
- Flat, wide paths for walking, jogging, or biking
- Views of the Lehigh River and canal locks
- Shady sections that feel miles away from town
You don’t need to be super athletic. You can just do a short, 30-minute stroll and still enjoy the scenery.
If you have a bike, or you rent one nearby, you can ride several miles along the river, stopping at viewpoints and picnic areas. It’s a refreshing break, especially on a warm day.
9. Take a Day Trip to Easton or Allentown
One of the nice things about Bethlehem is its location. It sits right in the middle of the
Lehigh Valley, with two other small cities close by:
Easton and
Allentown, both in Northampton and Lehigh Counties.
Within about a 20–25 minute drive, you can:
- Visit the Crayola Experience in Easton—great for kids
- Walk along Easton’s charming Centre Square and riverside
- Explore Allentown’s museums and parks
This makes Bethlehem a handy base. You can sleep in one town, then take easy day trips to the others without long drives. If you’re planning a long weekend, consider spending one day in each.
10. Savor Local Food, Breweries, and Sweet Treats
Travel isn’t complete without good food, and Bethlehem delivers. Around downtown and the South Side, you’ll find an easy walk between:
- Local diners serving hearty breakfasts
- Trendy restaurants with farm-to-table menus
- Craft breweries and taprooms
- Ice cream shops and bakeries
If you like beer, the Lehigh Valley has a growing
craft beer scene. You can sample local brews, often with views of the historic buildings or steel stacks.
And don’t skip dessert. From old-fashioned bakeries to modern coffee shops, there’s always something sweet nearby—perfect after a long day of walking and exploring.
Planning Your Trip to Bethlehem, PA
Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
- Best time to visit: Fall for foliage and festivals, December for “Christmas City,” and summer for outdoor events like Musikfest.
- Getting there: Bethlehem is about 1.5 hours from New York City and about 1 hour from Philadelphia by car, depending on traffic.
- Getting around: Downtown is very walkable; you’ll want a car if you plan to explore more of Northampton County or nearby Easton and Allentown.
Bethlehem may not be as famous as some big cities, but that’s part of its charm. You get history, culture, and great food—without the stress and crowds.
Share Your Bethlehem Experience
Have you been to
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania or anywhere else in
Northampton County? Did you walk the Hoover-Mason Trestle, explore downtown shops, or catch a concert at SteelStacks?
- Drop a comment below and share your favorite thing to do in or near Bethlehem.
- If you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend or on your social media to help others discover this underrated Lehigh Valley gem.
Your stories and tips can help other travelers plan their own trip to Bethlehem, PA!
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