Things To Do
in Lehigh
Lehigh is a small city located in the state of Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for its rich history, with many well-preserved buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The city is home to Lehigh University, a prestigious institution known for its engineering and business programs.
Residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking along the nearby Lehigh River.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a scenic hike at the Lehigh Gorge State Park, enjoying the stunning views and fresh air. Bring along a packed breakfast to enjoy in the middle of nature.
Visit the Lehigh Valley Zoo where you can see a variety of animals and engage in interactive exhibits. Enjoy a casual lunch at a nearby café.
Wind down by taking a stroll through the Allentown Arts Park while enjoying local street performances. Grab dinner at a restaurant in downtown Allentown.
Head to Blue Mountain Resort for a morning of outdoor adventure, whether it's hiking or zip-lining through the trees. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at their on-site café to fuel your day.
Continue your adventure with mountain biking or indulge in summer activities at the resort. Take a break for lunch at the resort’s restaurant, featuring the mountain views.
After a satisfying day of activities, relax at a local pub for some craft beer and burgers. Engage with fellow adventurers and share your best moments.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong academic programs with a focus on engineering and business
- Beautiful campus with historic architecture and scenic views
- Active campus life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events
- Strong alumni network providing good career connections and opportunities
- Location in Bethlehem, PA offers access to both urban and outdoor activities
- Higher cost of attendance compared to some other universities
- Cold winters with significant snowfall, which may not be appealing to everyone
- Competitive academic environment that may be stressful for some students
- Limited diversity in some programs and student demographics
- Campus can feel isolated due to its size and location relative to larger cities
Best Activities in Lehigh
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a relaxing day tubing down the scenic Lehigh River, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Explore the stunning trails of Lehigh Gorge State Park, featuring breathtaking views of waterfalls, cliffs, and the winding river.
Try your luck at fishing in the Lehigh River, known for its diverse fish population, including trout, bass, and more.
Cycle along the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, a perfect trail for biking enthusiasts with beautiful views and historical sites.
Set up camp at Hickory Run State Park, where you can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and experiencing nature up close.
Places to Visit in Lehigh
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic park featuring walking trails, open green spaces, and a picturesque creek, ideal for capturing nature photos.
Offers unique attractions with animals set against beautiful backdrops, perfect for wildlife photography.
A sprawling nature preserve with stunning landscapes, natural trails, and diverse wildlife, great for panoramic views.
This park features river views and lush greenery, providing excellent opportunities for sunset photography.
Offers elevated views of the surrounding valley and is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Features a blend of outdoor shopping and scenic views, ideal for capturing urban and nature shots.
Aside from rides, the park offers vibrant scenes and colorful attractions, making for fun and lively photographs.
The casino features modern architecture and nightlife, presenting great opportunities for urban photography at night.
Rich in history, this location allows for stunning shots of colonial-era architecture and beautiful gardens.
A drive that showcases the beautiful landscape along the river, perfect for capturing the essence of the Lehigh Valley.
Food in Lehigh
Lehigh Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A grilled hot dog topped with a savory meat sauce, onions, and mustard, usually served on a soft bun. It's a classic local favorite with a unique flavor profile.
Must-Try!
A rich molasses-based pie with a crumbly topping, often enjoyed as a dessert or sweet treat. Its origins can be traced back to the Pennsylvania Dutch, making it a well-loved local delicacy.
A breakfast meat made of pork scraps and cornmeal, forming a loaf that is sliced and pan-fried until crispy. This traditional dish is a staple of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and can be found in diners and breakfast joints across Lehigh.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market that offers an array of locally-sourced produce, artisanal products, and ready-to-eat foods. Visitors can sample diverse street food offerings, from gourmet tacos to wood-fired pizzas, while immersing themselves in the vibrant market atmosphere.
Occasional food truck rallies take place in Lehigh, featuring a variety of cuisines on wheels. These events are perfect for experiencing an assortment of street food, including international flavors, inventive fusion dishes, and indulgent sweet treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Lehigh University and the surrounding community value diversity, so it's important to be open-minded and respectful towards individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Engage in conversations that celebrate various perspectives and traditions.
When interacting with others, practice active listening to ensure that you understand and appreciate their viewpoints. This not only demonstrates respect but also fosters a more inclusive environment where everyone feels heard.
Cultural norms regarding personal space can vary greatly. Be aware of the preferences of others and maintain a respectful distance in conversations, especially with those you may not know well. Always be considerate of body language and non-verbal cues.
Safety
Tipping in Lehigh
Ensure a smooth experience
In Lehigh, as in many parts of the United States, tipping is a common practice in service industries. It is customary for patrons to tip servers, bartenders, taxi drivers, and other service workers. The standard tip amount ranges from 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the level of service. Some establishments may include a gratuity in larger party bills, which patrons should be aware of to avoid double tipping.
Payment practices in Lehigh typically involve credit and debit card transactions, which are widely accepted in most establishments. Cash is also accepted, but less commonly used in transactions. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are gaining popularity as well. Many businesses encourage the use of credit cards due to the convenience and security it provides.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) in Lehigh is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 45°F to 75°F (7°C to 24°C). Expect blooming flowers and vibrant greenery, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring parks. Spring is also a wonderful time for local events and festivals.
Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 90°F (16°C to 32°C). Visitors can enjoy various water activities and outdoor events but should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms. This is also the peak tourist season, attracting numerous visitors.
Fall (September to November) is characterized by cool temperatures and beautiful foliage, making it one of the best times to visit. Expect temperatures to range from 40°F to 75°F (4°C to 24°C). The vibrant colors of autumn make for picturesque views, perfect for scenic drives and hikes. Fall festivals and harvest events are also popular.
Winter (December to February) in Lehigh can be cold, with temperatures ranging from 25°F to 45°F (-4°C to 7°C). Expect snow and icy conditions, making it a great time for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The holiday season brings festive events and decorations, creating a charming winter atmosphere.
Lehigh at Night
Hiking in Lehigh
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Offers stunning views of the Lehigh River, with trails ranging from easy to challenging and numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Features trails of various difficulty levels and beautiful scenic vistas. Popular for both hiking and mountain biking.
Offers several miles of trails through diverse habitats, ideal for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.
A scenic trail along the water with gentle slopes, perfect for a leisurely hike while enjoying nature.
A park with walking trails that meander through natural spaces, great for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying local flora and fauna.
Aiports
How to reach Lehigh by plane.
Located approximately 60 miles southeast of Lehigh, Philadelphia International Airport is the largest airport in Pennsylvania and offers numerous international and domestic flights.
Situated around 70 miles east of Lehigh, Newark Liberty is one of the major international airports serving the New York City metropolitan area, providing various international connections.
Located approximately 80 miles east of Lehigh, JFK is one of the busiest airports in the United States and offers extensive international flight options.
About 80 miles east of Lehigh, LaGuardia primarily serves domestic flights but also has some international services, making it a significant airport in the New York region.
This airport is about 20 miles north of Lehigh and serves mainly domestic flights, but it can connect travelers to larger international airports for international travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly non-Hispanic white population.
Includes individuals of Hispanic or Latino descent, a growing demographic group.
Represents individuals identifying as Black or African American.
Comprises individuals of Asian descent, including various nationalities.
Individuals identifying as belonging to two or more racial categories.
A small demographic group encompassing Native American and Alaskan natives.
Includes individuals from the Hawaiian Islands or other Pacific Islands.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely played sport in schools and communities, basketball enjoys popularity in Lehigh, with various leagues and teams for all ages.
Soccer is increasingly popular in Lehigh, with youth leagues and community teams fostering participation among children and adults.
Baseball has a long-standing tradition in Lehigh, with local teams and leagues that bring residents together during the spring and summer months.
American football is a popular sport in high schools and colleges in Lehigh, generating community support during games.
Volleyball is popular in both indoor and outdoor settings, with many schools and clubs offering competitive play.
Tennis is enjoyed recreationally and competitively in Lehigh, with several public courts available for players.
Running events, including marathons and fun runs, attract many participants from the community, promoting health and fitness.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lehigh.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Lehigh's dining scene is accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with numerous eateries offering plant-based dishes that celebrate local produce and global influences. Look for options like farm-fresh salads, veggie-packed wraps, and inventive vegan bowls.
Many restaurants in Lehigh provide gluten-free alternatives, ensuring that individuals with gluten sensitivities can still savor diverse culinary experiences. From gluten-free pizza crusts to celiac-friendly pasta dishes, there are ample options available throughout the city.