9 Ideal The Poconos Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2024
Got a long weekend ahead of you? Take this as your sign to recharge your spirit and treat yourself to a wonderful 3-day getaway! Studies show that traveling and going outdoors can immensely improve one’s health, and luckily, the United States is blessed with many natural wonders you can quickly go to for a weekend trip.
Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains region is one such wonder that is surprisingly easy to reach from many major U.S. cities. Just over an hour of travel from New York or Philadelphia will already get you to the most ideal Poconos destinations. From Jim Thorpe’s luxurious historical abodes to Delaware Water Gap’s lush forests, use this as your itinerary inspiration for your next 3-day weekend getaway!
Jim Thorpe
Located at the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe is a Victorian-era wonderland due to its ornate buildings and well-preserved historic downtown. Whilst visiting, don’t pass up on staying in authentic 19th-century homes, like The Angel of Jim Thorpe, The Dolon House, and The Gilded Cupid. Follow this up with a self-guided walking tour through Historic Stone Row to see the town’s row houses from a bygone era.
If you’d rather sip wine while seeing the sights, the Jim Thorpe Trolley Company can arrange a trolley tour in town, while the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway takes you through gorgeous mountain sceneries in their vintage coaches. Love butterflies and exotic frogs? The Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary is a haven for these critters. Visit this fascinating town in October for the Jim Thorpe Fall Festival to see its full fall splendor.
Tannersville
For those who want to experience The Poconos outdoors without the hassle of camping and backpacking, Tannersville’s water parks and mountain resorts are great options for your weekend. Stay at the Camelback Lodge to be near all the action! Whether you’re a small family of three or a big friend group, the lodge has spacious rooms and suites for all kinds of travelers.
Thrill seekers are likely to enjoy Camelback Mountain Adventures’ aerial obstacles, like zip lines, rope swings, and swinging bridges. UTV rentals and mountain coasters—the only one of its kind in Pennsylvania—are available, too. For water activities, Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark offers a never-ending summer experience in its 125,000 sq ft of “water-topia” paradise. After conquering your fears in their water slides and lounging in the cabanas, reward yourself with some mountainside dining at Trails End Pub and Grille. You can even rent a fire pit for some s’mores!
Delaware Water Gap
Due to its breathtaking mountain and river views barely touched by modernity, Delaware Water Gap is the quintessential Poconos vacation that outdoorsy folks mustn’t miss. You can camp, hike, trek, and do water activities at the 70,000-acre park of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Hike enthusiasts would love a night or two at the Church of the Mountain Hostel, the oldest hiker-focused hostel in the area. For those who love the unique combo of trekking and jazz? Choose Deer Head Inn for a groovy stay.
There’s more to this idyllic town than outdoor activities. Get to know Delaware Water Gap’s history and how it was founded by touring the Antoine Dutot Museum, named after the town’s founder. The Castle Inn Tour invites you to the town’s last remaining resort, built during the 19th century. Don’t leave till you’ve experienced their Victorian ice cream parlor!
Lake Harmony
Lake Harmony makes it to this list of ideal Poconos destinations for its pristine glacial lakes. Book a stay at Barry and Kari’s Lake Harmony Houses to get stunning lakefront views and immediate water access for instant swimming! However, if you visit during winter, you won’t have to miss out on some water fun with H20Oooohh! Indoor Waterpark.
Aside from lake activities like boating and kayaking, one of the best ways to enjoy this magnificent lake is through fishing with Captain Joe’s. No matter the skill level—beginner bait fisherman or expert fly fisher—Captain Joe’s will tailor their service to what you’re capable of. With this, visitors have the opportunity to reach downtown via a leisurely hike via the Kidder Hike and Bike Trail. Make sure to try Piggy’s Restaurant for breakfast!
Stroudsburg
Love for the arts, an elegant and historic downtown, and a lush landscape converge in the charming town of Stroudsburg. Begin your vacation by picking your accommodation: Cherry Valley Manor offers a quaint bed and breakfast stay, The Penn Stroud Hotel’s proximity to Stroudsburg’s downtown is unmatched, and Trout Lake is a great option for a mountain retreat.
Art lovers will enjoy the town’s mural tour (complete with a handy-dandy map), while those who want to learn more about Stroudsburg’s past can do the guided Walking Tour of Historic Stroudsburg. Do some more walking in nature with the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center and kayaking in Trout Lake before rewarding yourself with cold drinks and warm grub at Bovino’s Brewery.
East Stroudsburg
Fill your weekend with fun science excursions and exhilarating tree adventures in East Stroudsburg. The Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium, the only wildlife museum and planetarium of this magnitude in The Poconos, displays over 130 specimens in its exhibit and aquarium and even has immersive star shows for visitors.
After exercising your brain, allow your muscles to take the spotlight with Pocono TreeVentures’ aerial rope activities. Climb, swing, and zip through the trees through their adventure courses that are available for any age. If you’d rather stay grounded, Blue Lightning and their 400-foot tubing slides will give you the same thrilling experience. Tired from all the adrenalin rush? Rest at Echo Valley Cottages or camp at Mountain Vista Campground to recharge from your weekend.
Lehighton
With a great view of the Lehigh River and its well-kept trails, hiking, and biking are the top activities to do in Lehighton. Rent a bike at Lehighton Outdoor Center and go through the scenic Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor to breathe fresh mountain air and get some therapeutic “me time” in nature.
If your weekend trip there gets rained on, Lehighton still has indoor options for family-friendly activities, like board games at Jokers Are Wild Game Cafe and archery at Archery Addictions. Rain or sunshine, pick the charming Country Inn and Suites and the stylish The Inn at Birch Wilds for your accommodation. However, if you want a lovely and sun-filled memory of your time in Lehighton, visit Yenser’s Tree Farm around August for their Sunflower Festival!
Hawley
From its meager mining and silk mill origins, Hawley grew into one of Pennsylvania’s top tourist hubs thanks to its mountain resort and boat tours. The Woodloch Resort is a luxurious mountain getaway in The Poconos that offers everything you and your family will need during your weekend stay. From accommodations and meal plans to swimming pools, bumper cars, and a golf course—there’s no need to leave the resort!
However, if you do venture out, do it for the Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours—a beautiful guided tour of Hawley’s majestic lake. With this, visitors can do a bit of biking via the Pennsylvania Rail Bike, but be gladly warned: the bikes are on rails! The town has turned its historic silk mill into a lifestyle and shopping center, so grab some candles, glass art, and other Hawley souvenirs before you go.
Milford
A storybook-like downtown, picturesque hiking trails, and a festive community await tourists in the quaint town of Milford. Visit during September for the Milford Readers & Writers Festival and be inspired by how the town preserves the love for books for the next generation. Likewise, the Black Bear Film Festival in October celebrates a wide array of movies and films.
However, what catches most tourists’ eyes in Milford is The Grey Towers, a historical French chateau built in the 19th century. Tour this mansion and its grounds to experience Milford’s dedication to history preservation. Other attractions and activities in town worth checking out are the Milford Knob Trail, a hike that rewards you with a full view of Milford from atop; Raymondskill Falls—the tallest falls in Pennsylvania; and the Columns Museum. Complete your Milford vacation by staying at Hotel Fauchere or La Posada Inn.
With majestic landscapes, well-preserved heritage, and a wide variety of activities for all kinds of travelers, it’s easy to see why tourists keep coming back to The Poconos region. Pennsylvania is truly blessed to have such a natural marvel in its state, and nearby tourists shouldn’t pass up on spending their weekend there.
However, with the emphasis on its forests and lakes, some tourists might think that’s all the region has to offer. Contrary to that belief, these ideal Poconos destinations have a plethora of attractions and activities for indoor fun, such as indoor water parks, planetariums, museums, and even archery ranges. Suffice it to say, there is something for everyone in The Poconos!
