Easton Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more in Easton, Pennsylvania.


Introduction to Easton

Located in Lehigh Valley, in the Philadelphia Region, Easton is a charming city that offers visitors an array of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. It is known for its picturesque downtown area, beautiful parks, and well-curated museums, making it a perfect destination for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and families alike. If you’re planning a trip to Easton, this comprehensive tour guide will help you make the most of your visit.

List of Places to Visit in Easton

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Canal Museum: Located at Hugh Moore Historical Park, this museum provides visitors with an insight into the history of the Delaware Canal, which was once a major transportation artery that helped fuel the Industrial Revolution.

  • Sigal Museum: If you’re interested in learning about the history of Northampton County and its surrounding areas, the Sigal Museum is a must-visit. It features exhibits on Native American history, the Moravian Community, the Industrial Revolution, and more.

  • Crayola Experience: Perfect for families, the Crayola Experience is an interactive museum where visitors can explore the world of Crayola and get creative with different art activities.

Natural Attractions of Easton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bushkill Creek: Take a leisurely stroll along the Bushkill Creek Trail and enjoy the stunning views of this picturesque waterway.

  • Lafayette College Arboretum: This serene arboretum is home to over 1400 trees and shrubs and offers visitors a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area.

  • Hugh Moore Park: Enjoy a picnic, take a boat ride, or hop on a mule-drawn canal boat and explore the Delaware Canal at this lovely park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Easton

  • Karl Stirner Arts Trail: This beautiful trail runs along the Bushkill Creek and features a variety of art installations by local artists.

  • Lehigh River Water Trail: Take a guided kayak or canoe tour and explore the Lehigh River, which features stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Easton: Activities and Tours

  • Easton Ghost Tours: Explore the city’s spooky side on a guided ghost tour that takes you through some of the most haunted sites in Easton.

  • Easton Farmers’ Market: Established in 1752, the Easton Farmers’ Market is the oldest continuously operating outdoor market in the United States. It features fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Easton

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Crayola Experience, followed by a picnic at Hugh Moore Park
Day 2 Explore the National Canal Museum, followed by a stroll along the Karl Stirner Arts Trail
Day 3 Take a guided kayak tour along the Lehigh River Water Trail
Day 4 Visit the Sigal Museum and adjourn to the Easton Farmers’ Market for lunch
Day 5 Enjoy a leisurely walk through Lafayette College Arboretum, followed by dinner in downtown Easton
Day 6 Take a ghost tour of Easton in the evening
Day 7 Explore Bushkill Creek Trail, followed by a relaxing afternoon at a local spa

Food and Drink Scene of Easton

Must-Try Dishes

  • Scrapple: A local breakfast staple, scrapple is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dish made from pork scraps and cornmeal.

  • Pierogies: Eastern European in origin, pierogies are fluffy, doughy dumplings filled with savory fillings such as potato and cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Yergey Brewing: This local brewery features a rotating selection of craft beers and is a favorite among locals.

  • Black River Farms Winery: Sample a variety of local wines at this cozy winery that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Where to Stay in Easton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Grand Eastonian Hotel & Suites: Located in the heart of downtown Easton, this historic hotel offers spacious suites with kitchenettes and easy access to the city’s top attractions.

  • Lafayette Inn: This charming bed and breakfast features elegantly appointed rooms and is located in a quiet residential area of Easton.

What to Buy in Easton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sweet Girlz Bakery: This local bakery offers an array of delicious baked goods, including cake pops, cupcakes, and cookies.

  • Mercantile Home: This curated boutique features a variety of unique home decor, jewelry, and gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Easton

Easton is a welcoming and diverse city that values community and celebrates its history and culture. Visitors are encouraged to explore all that the city has to offer and immerse themselves in its rich heritage.

Best Time to Visit Easton

The best time to visit Easton is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the city’s parks and natural attractions are in full bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Easton

Do:

  • Explore the city’s rich history and culture by visiting its museums and historical landmarks.

  • Sample the local cuisine and drinks, especially scrapple and pierogies.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage any of the city’s natural attractions or public spaces.

  • Disrespect the local customs and traditions of the community.

Safety and Health

Safety in Easton

Easton is generally a safe city, but visitors should take normal precautions such as locking car doors and not leaving valuables in plain sight.

Health in Easton

Visitors should take normal precautions to protect themselves from tick bites when enjoying the city’s natural attractions.

Getting to Easton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Easton

  • Allentown International Airport
  • Newark Liberty International Airport

Bus Stations Near Easton

  • Easton Intermodal Transportation Center

Other Options

  • Amtrak Station
  • Greyhound Bus Line

How to Get Around in Easton

Visitors can easily navigate the city on foot, but there are also options for bike rentals and ride-hailing services.

Where to Go Next from Easton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bethlehem: This charming city is home to a variety of stunning historical landmarks and cultural attractions.

  • Bear Creek Mountain Resort: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities at this nearby resort.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history, enjoying its natural attractions, or simply savoring its delicious cuisine, Easton has something for every kind of traveler. We hope this comprehensive guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to this beautiful city.

The Easton Peace Candle on Centre Square at night, December 2009 The Easton Peace Candle on Centre Square at night, December 2009 Main terminal of Lehigh Valley International Airport, east of Whitehall Township in Hanover Township Main terminal of Lehigh Valley International Airport, east of Whitehall Township in Hanover Township 30th Street Station in Philadelphia 30th Street Station in Philadelphia Larry Holmes Drive, an Easton street named in honor of former heavyweight boxing champion Larry Holmes, who was from Easton and was the only boxer (in 1980) to have beaten Muhammad Ali so bad that Ali's corner had to intervene to stop the fight. Holmes' boxing nickname was Larry Holmes Drive, an Easton street named in honor of former heavyweight boxing champion Larry Holmes, who was from Easton and was the only boxer (in 1980) to have beaten Muhammad Ali so bad that Ali's corner had to intervene to stop the fight. Holmes' boxing nickname was "The Easton Assassin". The Crayola Experience at 30 Centre Square, November 2019. Since 1900, Crayola, manufacturer of crayons, has been headquartered in Forks Township, outside Easton The Crayola Experience at 30 Centre Square, November 2019. Since 1900, Crayola, manufacturer of crayons, has been headquartered in Forks Township, outside Easton State Theatre, a 1,500-seat Easton theatre built in 1910 and located at 453 Northampton St. State Theatre, a 1,500-seat Easton theatre built in 1910 and located at 453 Northampton St. George Taylor House at 56 S. 4th St., the Easton home of George Taylor, one of 56 founding fathers to sign the Declaration of Independence George Taylor House at 56 S. 4th St., the Easton home of George Taylor, one of 56 founding fathers to sign the Declaration of Independence Bushkill Park, a small amusement park at 2100 Bushkill Park Dr. Bushkill Park, a small amusement park at 2100 Bushkill Park Dr. Zeta Psi fraternity house at Lafayette College in Easton Zeta Psi fraternity house at Lafayette College in Easton