Best Things to do in the Poconos | A Complete Travel Guide

Looking for the best vacation in the Pocono Mountains Area? In this post you have a detailed guide with the best things to do in the Poconos, when to go, where to eat, how to get there… In short, all the information you need to fully enjoy the Poconos mountains and their surroundings.

In addition to enjoying nature, there are plenty of fun things to do in the Poconos, like visiting a water park, going to a historic site, seeing a live show, wine tasting, and much more.

A quintessential part of the East Coast journey, the Poconos holds a special place in the hearts of vacationers, naturalists, and adventure enthusiasts. Nestled in nature, the Poconos offers excellent opportunities to build an everlasting relationship with nature, a whiff of fresh air, and a refreshing lifestyle.

Roughly two and a half-hour drive from New York City and Philadelphia, the Poconos has always been home to honeymoon culture, one of the best Spring Break destinations for families, and a great escape from the urban lifestyle. 

In this blog, we aim to provide a complete travel guide to the Poconos and some of the best things you can do in the Poconos. 

So let’s start the journey!

What do people go to the Poconos for?

The Poconos encompasses 2400 sq. miles of thick forests, mountains, rivers and lakes, waterfalls, county inns, and resorts. 

It overlooks the Delaware River to the east, Wyoming Valley and the coal region to the west, Lake Wallenpaupack to the north, and Lehigh Valley to the south. 

The mountain region runs through Carbon, Pike, Wayne, and Monroe counties.

Experiencing the real Pocono can’t be done within a day, so you must stay and spend some time in this beautiful land. 

Luckily, the Poconos is dotted with a wide range of comfortable stays to make your weekend getaway or a sabbatical worth remembering.

In Poconos, you can stay at vacation homes, resorts, lodges, cottages, rental cabins, villas, lakefront homes, or in hotels.

Interesting Facts about The Poconos

Before becoming a vacation destination, it was inhabited by Delaware, Iroquois, Shawnee, Minisink, Lenape, and Paupack Native Americans. 

In 1659, the Dutch established settlements near Delaware Water Gap, but in 1664 were forced to leave by the English.

In 1725, Nicolas Depui established the first permanent residence at Shawnee, and by 1742, the English and German settlers started arriving. 

Post 2nd World War, veterans thronged this secluded place with their girlfriends and families to enjoy the romantic and rustic atmosphere.

How to get to the Poconos

There are multiple modes of transport to reach this destination. 

The cheapest would be traveling via bus, which would cost around $40-80 (round trip); depending on the carry bag size, you may need to shed a few more bucks.

As the location is near several international hubs, finding a flight will not be difficult.

But, the best and most convenient way to enjoy the journey to the Poconos would be in a car, as you can closely witness the changing landscape.

Is Poconos a good vacation spot? – Reasons to visit the Poconos

The Poconos is one of the most awe-inspiring vacation destinations; giving you a bucket list of good reasons to visit this paradise. 

Due to constraints of time and space, we can’t write all of it but can give some glimpse of why hundreds of people drive to the Poconos every year.

Nature

Each season brings its charm and beauty to the Pocono landscape. 

Rent a cabin and admire its most stunning views, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the moments. 

You’ll love Poconos outdoor activities! It’s, again, a paradise for the nature lover with a plethora of hiking & bike trails, waterfalls, beautiful streams and lakes, wildlife, and mountains.

Recreational Activities

It’s the only destination with year-round recreational activities. 

Be it outdoor or indoor, and the place is a treasure trove of activities to keep you engaged and entertained. 

There are lots of things to do in the Poconos in the Winter! Skiing, snow tubing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides… 

But also during the Summer and in the Fall: paintball, zipline, waterpark, amusement park, disc golf, golfing, bike tour, off-road adventure, fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, visiting museums and historical buildings, and picnic on lake beach are of the many recreational activities on offer.

Wind down

Spending time with nature, a visit to a quaint town, and doing something new brings a change of pace in our life. 

Visiting the Poconos is a good way to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body from the daily grind of city life.

12 Best things to do in the Poconos

It is hard to beat the charm of the Poconos, from snow-capped mountains to glittering blue lakes with a fairy tale beauty.

However, there are several man-made marvels which attracted visitors to the Poconos for centuries.

• Asa Packer Mansion
• Camelbeach Mountain Park
• Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
• Kalahari Water Park, one of the best things to do in the Poconos in the Summer
• Pocono Tree Venture
• Old Jail Museum
• Frazetta Art Museum
• Escape rooms
• Paintball fields
• Stock Car Racing Experience
• Casinos, one of the best things to do in the Poconos at night
• Mauch Chunk Opera House

Culture in the Poconos

The Poconos have deep-rooted ties with the Native American culture, and the name ‘Pocono’ was derived from Lenape’s word ‘Pokawachne.’ 

As you enter the Poconos many landmarks still show glimpses of original Native Americans. 

Music, food, wine, arts, and annual events like the Pumpkin festivals dominate the cultural fests. 

What is the best time to visit Poconos?

In the Poconos, summers are comfortable with a few drizzles. 

Daily temperatures are around 78°F and rarely fall below 69°F or exceed 86°F. July is the hottest month. The warm season lasts for 3.6 months, from May to September.  

Winters are freezing and icy, with an average daily temperature below 41°F, but if you like snow and white landscapes, the Poconos is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Winter in the USA. 

The coldest month in the Poconos is January, when the mercury drops to an average low of 18°F and high of 32°F, plus the cold season lasts for 3.3 months, from December to March. 

The rest of the year, it is partly pleasant and cloudy.

Final words about the Poconos attractions & destination

The Poconos is a spectacularly amazing region with natural wonders and man-made marvels along with charming small towns and resorts. 

This makes the Poconos a unique vacation destination and offers an excellent retreat for families, couples, and even solo travelers.