Things To Do
in Scranton
Scranton is a city in northeastern Pennsylvania known for its rich industrial history. It was once a thriving hub for coal mining and manufacturing industries. Today, Scranton has transformed into a more diverse economy with a focus on healthcare, education, and technology sectors.
Visitors can explore attractions such as the Steamtown National Historic Site and the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour while enjoying the city's friendly community and scenic surroundings.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $12 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the Steamtown National Historic Site to learn about Scranton’s railroad heritage. Enjoy a walk around the park and soak in the historical atmosphere.
Have lunch at a local deli, then head to the Lackawanna County Courthouse for its stunning architecture. After that, check out the Everhart Museum, which features diverse art and natural history exhibits.
Wind down with dinner at a cozy restaurant downtown. Consider catching a show at the Scranton Cultural Center for a taste of local arts.
Start your day with a stroll through Nay Aug Park, where you can explore beautiful trails and waterfalls. Don’t forget to visit the treehouse for a unique view of the area.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in the park. Afterward, take a drive to the nearby Lackawanna State Park for more outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching.
Have dinner at a local pizzeria known for its unique toppings. End your evening with a relaxing walk along the riverfront.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to national averages.
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with several historical sites and museums.
- Close proximity to major cities like New York City and Philadelphia.
- Strong sense of community and friendly residents.
- Access to outdoor activities with nearby parks and recreational areas.
- Limited job market and economic opportunities in certain sectors.
- Cold winters with significant snowfall, which may not be appealing to everyone.
- Some areas may face challenges with urban decay and infrastructure issues.
- Public transportation options may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
- Perception of being less progressive or modern than larger cities.
Best Activities in Scranton
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful waterfalls, walking trails, and picnic areas at Nay Aug Park.
Enjoy walking, running, or biking along the scenic Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.
Experience outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and waterpark fun at Montage Mountain.
Tours
Uncover the best of Scranton with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Scranton
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers scenic views of the river and surrounding landscapes, great for photo opportunities
Features waterfalls, gorge, and a beautiful overlook for capturing stunning photographs
Provides panoramic views of Scranton and the surrounding area, ideal for photography
Food in Scranton
Scranton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
These delightful dumplings filled with various traditional fillings, such as potato and cheese, are a must-try in Scranton. Visit the Buona Pizza on Cedar Avenue for authentic homemade pierogies.
Must-Try!
Distinctive rectangular pizza with a light, crispy crust and slightly sweet sauce is a local favorite. Revel in this iconic dish at Revello's Cafe on Birney Avenue.
A tantalizing combination of chicken, peppers, and rigatoni pasta smothered in a creamy tomato sauce, chicken riggies can be savored at A Little Pizza Heaven on N Main Ave.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Scranton better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the heart of downtown, the market offers a fabulous selection of locally grown produce, artisanal foods, and delightful street food, such as gourmet sandwiches and freshly baked pastries.
For a quintessential street food experience, head to Ruth's Chris Hot Dogs stand at various locations around the city for top-notch hot dogs loaded with unique toppings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Scranton, it's important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when having conversations.
Using polite greetings such as 'hello', 'good morning' or 'good afternoon' when meeting or passing by others is a common cultural norm in Scranton.
Scranton is a diverse city, and it's important to show respect and tolerance towards people of different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Scranton with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Scranton
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Scranton, United States. It is customary to tip servers at restaurants, bartenders, taxi drivers, and other service workers. The standard tipping rate is around 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Scranton, United States is commonly made using cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment methods. Most businesses and restaurants in Scranton accept credit and debit cards for payment. Mobile payment apps such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming increasingly popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Scranton, with pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers. You can expect outdoor events and festivals during this season.
Summer brings warm weather to Scranton, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the nearby mountains and parks.
Fall is known for its beautiful foliage in Scranton, making it a popular time to visit. You can expect to see vibrant colors and enjoy seasonal events like apple picking and fall festivals.
Winter in Scranton can be cold and snowy, but it's a great time for winter sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
Scranton at Night
Hiking in Scranton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful city park with trails, scenic views, and unique natural features, perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
This trail follows the Lackawanna River and offers segments perfect for walking and hiking along scenic waterways with rich historical significance.
A great hiking destination with several trails leading to breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and forest.
A bit further from Scranton, but offers stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and a variety of trails for all levels of hikers.
This trail runs through mountainous terrain and offers a unique mix of outdoor activities with historical markers related to the coal mining industry.
Aiports
How to reach Scranton by plane.
Located about 118 miles southeast of Scranton, PHL is the largest airport in Pennsylvania and serves as a major hub for international and domestic flights.
Approximately 85 miles southeast of Scranton, EWR is a major international airport serving the New York metropolitan area.
Located around 100 miles southeast of Scranton, JFK is one of the primary airports serving New York City with extensive international and domestic flight options.
Situated about 120 miles northeast of Scranton, ALB offers domestic flights and limited international service.
Approximately 75 miles south of Scranton, ABE serves as a regional airport with a mix of domestic flights and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Scranton, primarily consisting of individuals with European ancestry.
A significant and growing demographic that includes individuals of Spanish or Latin American origin.
A demographic group with roots in the African diaspora, contributing to the cultural diversity of Scranton.
Includes individuals of Asian descent, representing various nationalities and cultures.
Individuals identifying with more than one racial group, reflecting increasing diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is a popular sport in Scranton with local teams and a strong fan base, particularly following the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Baseball has a rich history in Scranton, with local teams and community leagues. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, a Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, play in nearby Moosic.
Basketball is widely played in schools and communities, with local high school teams often competing fiercely. The sport enjoys a following at both amateur and professional levels.
American football is a significant part of the culture, with local high school teams having dedicated followings and the NFL's relevance through college alumni and local fans.
Soccer is growing in popularity, with youth leagues and adult recreational leagues forming. Local clubs provide opportunities for players of all ages to participate.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Scranton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Scranton offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as veggie wraps, salads, and plant-based pasta, with Terra Preta being a notable choice for delectable vegetarian and vegan fare.
Those seeking gluten-free options will find several accommodating restaurants, including Wayside and State Street Grill, known for their diverse and delicious gluten-free menus.