Haven't made plans for your Memorial Day holiday yet? Pack your bags and head to the Pocono Mountains! Find places to go on Memorial Day Weekend: we’ve got plenty of events, water recreation, and outdoor adventure, all within a short drive of major cities like New York and Philadelphia.
As a time to honor those who have served, Memorial Day also provides an opportunity to spend time with loved ones and welcome the warmer months of the year and all the fun activities that come with them. Mark the meaning of the day with Memorial Day Parades in the Poconos like the Annual Hawley Borough Memorial Day Parade stepping off from Riverside Park at 1 pm on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Browse the itinerary suggestions below for ways to fill your holiday weekend!
Friday: Experience the Great Outdoors in Pike County
Friday: Experience the Great Outdoors in Pike County
Morning:
The Pocono Mountains is known for its many beautiful waterfalls, perfect places to visit on Memorial Day Weekend. Start your trip with a visit the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," Bushkill Falls, located just outside Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA). Follow scenic boardwalk trails through idyllic forest glades, with eight waterfalls located throughout the property's 300 acres. In the heart of DWGNRA, the Pocono Environmental Education Center has six trails to explore including the Tumbling Waters Trail. Just off Route 6, the graceful cascade at Shohola Falls can be reached via a short trail down the forest steps and is a must-visit for waterfall lovers. Recently reopened, the George W. Childs Recreation Site contains three waterfalls to discover.
Bushkill Falls
Embark on an unforgettable waterfall adventure. Bushkill Falls, "The Niagara of Pennsylvania,"…
Tumbling Waters
The Tumbling Waters Trail at PEEC was designated Pennsylvania’s best trail in 2019 by Outside…
Shohola Falls
Parking Update: Visitors may park at the end of Brooks Cabin Road (take a right at the T) while the…
George W. Childs Recreation Site
The site is named for George W. Childs, a noted philanthropist, whose widow deeded the land to the…
Afternoon:
You won't want to miss the picturesque small towns of the Poconos during your trip. Stroll through the charming and historic streets of downtown Milford to find museums, boutiques, and places to get lunch! Waterwheel Cafe, Bakery and Bar is a neighborhood favorite featuring a delicious menu of sandwiches, salads, and Vietnamese dishes like bánh mì and rice noodle salad. Get a taste of the Yucatan Peninsula when you dine at La Posada & Felix's Cantina, not far from the Delaware River, or enjoy down home American cuisine at family-friendly Apple Valley Restaurant.
Waterwheel Cafe, Bakery & Bar
Waterwheel Café, Bakery & Bar, established in 1989, is now celebrating more than 33 years of…
La Posada & Felix's Cantina
La Posada is a Mexican restaurant concept that features cuisine from the Yucatan peninsula and…
Apple Valley Restaurant
Serving the tri-state area since 1966. Enjoy the heritage of American foods at Apple Valley…
Perched in the hills above town, Grey Towers National Historic Site was once home to the "Father of the American Conservation Movement," Gifford Pinchot, and has beautiful gardens to explore. Wander beneath the soaring trees that Pinchot was so proud of and take a look inside his family's magnificent summer estate. Ticketed, self-guided mansion tours are avaialble from noon to 3 p.m., and the grounds are open until sundown. Grey Towers is one of the cultural site along the Pocono History & Arts Trail! Sign up for the free mobile download and step back into the Poconos past.
- 122 Old Owego Turnpike
- (570) 296-9630
Milford's Grey Towers is the ancestral home of Gifford Pinchot. Pinchot was a Pennsylvania Governor, conservationist, and first…
Evening:
Find a place to stay where you'll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Mother Nature. Each of the adorable accommodations at Babbling Brook Cottages has its own outdoor deck or patio and fire pit, and many of the cabins are dog-friendly. Kittatinny's River Beach Campground offers water view sites that allow you to set up your tent or park your RV close the shore. Located in the Upper Delaware Region, the family-owned Sylvania Tree Farm & Country Lodging is an ideal place to enjoy the peace and solitude of nature, with secluded cabins and campsites spread out across the 1,200-acre estate.
Babbling Brook Cottages
Breathe. Relax. Stargaze. Babbling Brook Cottages offers couples five private and unique cottages to…
Kittatinny's River Beach Campground
River Beach Campsites is located on the scenic Delaware River in the Pocono Mountains. This location…
Sylvania Tree Farm & Country Lodging
Sylvania Tree Farm is a bit of wilderness along the Upper Delaware River. The 1,200-acre estate has…
Saturday: Find Family Fun in Monroe County
Saturday: Find Family Fun in Monroe County
Morning:
Explore the southern end of DWGNRA with a jaunt to the quaint borough that gave the recreation area its name: Delaware Water Gap. This area has been beloved by generations of vacationers! Learn more about the Victorians who spent leisurely summers enjoying the mountain air when you sign up for Tour the Castle Inn or The Pocono Historic Trolley Tour. When you're finished, don't forget to take some time to enjoy the great local businesses, shops, and restaurants in town like the Sycamore Grille.
Tour the Castle
Step back in time and tour the last of the great resorts built in Delaware Water Gap. Tour the…
The Pocono Historic Trolley Tour
The Pocono Historic Trolley is an elegantly restored trolley the harkens back to a bygone era with…
Sycamore Grille
Serving everything from wings and burgers to steaks and fresh seafood, the Sycamore Grille & Pub…
Afternoon:
The Pocono Mountains events calendar is full of fun things to do this Memorial Day Weekend! Zip, Zoom, and Bloom at Camelback Mountain Adventures as you try mini golf, ziplines, and UTV tours. Sign up for Historic Tram Tours and Candle Making at the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort on the shores of the Delaware River and learn about the stories from the past that have shaped the region. Love live music? Get tickets to see Mayday Parade at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg.
Camelback Mountain Adventures
Update: Treetop Adventures course is currently closed. Your adventure starts here at PA’s biggest…
The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Rediscover the outdoors at the historic Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort and be captivated by its…
Sherman Theater
The Sherman Theater has your ticket to unforgettable entertainment in the Pocono Mountains. From…
Evening:
Wind down with a lakeside meal! Head to Lake Harmony to choose from family-friendly dining like seafood and steaks at Boulder View Tavern or burgers and pizza at Nick's Lake House. Looking for dinner and drinks? Sip from the impressive wine list at Louie's Prime Steakhouse or enjoy music, sports, and fun at Shenanigans.
Boulder View Tavern
Enjoy the view of Big Boulder Lake from the main dining room or lakeside patio. The tavern features…
Nick's Lake House
Nick’s Lake House is the latest edition of the first hotel and restaurant built in Lake Harmony. The…
Louie's Prime Steakhouse
Louie's Prime is a fine dining steakhouse with a casual atmosphere. Taking pride in their menu…
Shenanigans
Established in 1987, Shenanigans has been the number one fan spot in Lake Harmony for food, music…
Monroe County is known for its impressive indoor waterpark resorts, which offer comfortable accommodations, onsite restaurants and activities, and incredible splash playgrounds, with waterpark admission included with your overnight stay. Book a room or suite at Camelback Resort and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, Great Wolf Lodge, or Kalahari Resorts and Conventions to pack plenty of pool and slide time into your vacation.
Pack up your swimsuits and head to the Pocono Mountains for a family vacation sure to make a splash!
Sunday: Enjoy Lehigh Gorge and Carbon County
Sunday: Enjoy Lehigh Gorge and Carbon County
Morning:
Ready to whitewater raft? Enjoy a dam release set for Memorial Day Weekend! Outfitters like Whitewater Rafting Adventures, Jim Thorpe River Adventures, Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers and Pocono Whitewater Adventures can accommodate both fast-paced excursions and more leisurely, family-style trips. Take on the rapids of the Lehigh River as you navigate through the stunning Lehigh Gorge.
Whitewater Rafting Adventures
For over 45 years, Whitewater Rafting Adventures has been the Poconos’ leading adventure outfitter…
Jim Thorpe River Adventures
Thrilling whitewater action awaits! Head out on the Lehigh with Jim Thorpe River Adventures and…
Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers
Whitewater rafting trips on the Lehigh River are great for beginners and experienced rafters. Bring…
Pocono Whitewater Adventures
Pocono Whitewater offers something fun for everyone! Scenic views, water battles, and more! Visit…
Afternoon:
Learn more about the history of Carbon County with a visit to Lansford's No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum, another stop along the Pocono History & Art Trail. Ride by rail and take a walking tour to journey deep underground along the original mine shaft where the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company mined a large vein of Anthracite coal known as the Mammoth Vein in the mid-nineteenth century. Enjoy the museum and a special weekend festival: a car cruise and picnic will be taking place at No. 9 on Sunday, May 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- 9 Dock Street
- (570) 645-7074
The No. 9 Coal mine was opened in 1855, but its origin traces back ten years earlier. The Mine was operated until 1972. At that…
Ready to eat? There are plenty of restaurants near the Jim Thorpe area. Find eateries close to the D&L Trail in Lehighton and Weissport, like the Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill or the The Gorge Eatery. Memorial Day is the kickoff of the summer, which means ice cream is a must. Choose your favorite from the selection of 28 flavors at Chantilly Goods, a vintage soda fountain and ice cream parlor, or stop by Curiosities Coffee & Ice House for espresso and sundaes.
Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill
Established in 2016. Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill boasts an intimate 1930’s atmosphere. Offering 36…
The Gorge Eatery
Find The Gorge Eatery inside The Hofford Mill. The Gorge serves a limited menu of hand-made…
Chantilly Goods
Chantilly Goods has been serving delicious ice cream and sweet treats since 2015! Proudly serving…
Curiosities Coffee & Ice House
Curiosities has a full coffee and espresso menu as well as handmade super gourmet ice cream!
Evening:
As the sun sets, soak in the quaint downtown atmosphere of historic Jim Thorpe. Want to be able to call one of the beautiful Victorian buildings or quaint houses home for the night? Book a stay at retreats like Angel of Jim Thorpe Bed and Breakfast, The Gilded Cupid B&B, Rosemary Remembrances II Guest Lodging, or Trail's End Bed and Breakfast.
Angel of Jim Thorpe Bed & Breakfast
A lovingly restored 19th century home located in the historic village of Jim Thorpe. Angel of Jim…
The Gilded Cupid B&B
Let today drift into tomorrow while sipping a drink on the gorgeous, old-fashioned porches…
Rosemary Remembrances II Guest Lodging
Relax at Rosemary Remembrances II, a fully furnished, lower level, Trap Alley private studio…
Trail's End Bed and Breakfast
Trail’s End Bed & Breakfast is committed to providing the best experience possible when staying in…
Monday: Discover Fresh Food and Fresh Air around Lake Wallenpaupack and Wayne County
Monday: Discover Fresh Food and Fresh Air around Lake Wallenpaupack and Wayne County
Morning:
Treat yourself to a delicious farm to table breakfast or brunch. Local restaurants like French Manor Inn & Spa and TREE Restaurant and Bar have adopted the culinary movement and are sourcing local and organic ingredients to craft unforgettable signature dishes. Try fresh flavors like apricot waffles and potato hash at The Settlers Inn with freshly-brewed Moka Origins coffee. The Cocoon Coffeehouse & Bakery is another great spot for breakfast baked goods and coffee.
French Manor Inn and Spa
Rated Four Diamond by AAA. Featured in Gourmet Magazine as one of "Pennsylvania's Best Restaurants.”…
TREE Restaurant and Bar
Located at The Lodge at Woodloch, TREE Restaurant and Bar offers a diverse menu that is anything but…
The Settlers Inn
Winner of OpenTable's Diner's Choice in 2018, The Settlers Inn's innovative menus are shaped by the…
Cocoon Coffeehouse & Bakery
What goes better than a cup of Joe and a farm-to-table treat? Cocoon's menu changes daily to take…
Afternoon:
Wayne County's pastoral fields are full of beautiful hiking trails and parks that will give you a glimpse of local wildlife. Pay a visit to Lacawac Sanctuary, the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, the Van Scott Nature Reserve of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, or Prompton State Park to enjoy communing with Mother Nature in a pristine and unspoiled setting.
Lacawac Sanctuary
Lacawac Sanctuary is a nature center, environmental education center and biological field station…
Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary
Since 1980, the nearly 600-acre grounds of the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary have preserved…
Van Scott Nature Reserve of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy - Hiking
The Van Scott Nature Reserve features more than three miles of publicly accessible walking trails…
Prompton State Park
Prompton State Park provides boat launching and picnicking facilities to the 290-acre Prompton Lake…
Don't let your time in the Poconos pass by without exploring the Pocono Beverage Trail! Download the free mobile passport to access discounts and earn prizes as you visit local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Enjoy dinner and drinks at Runaway Train Brewery in Honesdale or award-winning Wallenpaupack Brewing Company in Hawley.
Runaway Train Brewery
Runaway Train, a D&H Brewing Co. Concept, invites you to track back through time as a passenger on a…
Wallenpaupack Brewing Company
Wallenpaupack Brewing Company is a highly awarded 17,000-square-foot craft brewery located in…
Evening:
Spend one last night soaking in the rural beauty of the Poconos. Take advantage of the Memorial Day Weekend special offer at East Shore Lodging to save on your stay on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack. Treat yourself to a deluxe cottage or cabin at The Lodge at Keen Lake in Waymart for a final taste of Pocono rest and relaxation before returning home.
East Shore Lodging
Located across the street from one of the premier attractions in the Pocono Mountains, Lake…
The Lodge at Keen Lake
The Lodge at Keen Lake brings luxury and the comforts of home to the Poconos year round. Nestled in…
Memorial Day Special Offers, Deals & Events
Memorial Day Special Offers, Deals & Events
Take advantage of special offers on attractions and accommodations like Memorial Day Weekend at East Shore Lodging, Memorial Day Family Camp Weekend, or the Memorial Day Package at Camelback Mountain Adventures. Many properties offer military discounts like the Military and First Responder Discounts at Whitewater Rafting Adventures, the Kalahari Salutes Military & Veteran Discount at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, or the Active and Retired Military Rate at Pocono Mountain Villas.
Looking for even more Memorial Day itinerary ideas? Head to one of our festivals and events! Go for Pasture Walks at Two Creek Farm or sign up for My Grown Up and Me Herb Fairy Garden at Wonderland Madhouse. From the BL-2 and BBQ Train with The Stourbridge Line on Saturday to the Honky Tonk Hoedown on Friday or the Red, White and Brew Festival on Monday at Mountain View Vineyard Winery, don't miss these exciting holiday weekend happenings.
As you enjoy the great outdoors, don't forget what the weekend is all about: honoring those who have served our great nation. Happy Memorial Day from the Pocono Mountains!
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