Things To Do
in Hazleton
Hazleton is a small city in northeastern Pennsylvania's coal region with a gritty industrial history and a growing, diverse community. Downtown features early-20th-century brick commercial buildings, local diners, and cultural institutions tied to its immigrant past. The surrounding hills and former mining landscapes offer surprisingly scenic overlooks, parks, and access to outdoor recreation within a short drive.
Hazleton is a practical base for exploring nearby state parks, the Pocono foothills, and larger Northeast Pennsylvania towns like Wilkes-Barre and Scranton.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café; savoring freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries. After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming downtown area, admiring historic buildings and local shops. Don’t forget to visit the Hazleton Art League to appreciate some local talent.
For lunch, try one of the popular diners offering hearty American fare, perfect for refueling. Afterward, head to the Hazleton Area Recreation Department to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or playing sports. Capture some beautiful photos of the local scenery and let the kids enjoy some playtime at the park.
As the sun sets, dine at one of Hazleton's inviting restaurants that feature a variety of cuisines. After dinner, check out a local performance or live music event that showcases local artists. Wind down your day with a leisurely walk through the streets, taking in the cozy nighttime atmosphere.
Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast before setting out to one of the beautiful parks in the Hazleton area. Enjoy a morning hike on one of the scenic trails, immersing yourself in nature and appreciating the local flora and fauna. Bring along your camera to capture the stunning views and maybe even spot some wildlife.
After a refreshing hike, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature at one of the park's designated areas. Spend the afternoon participating in some recreational activities like fishing, biking, or playing a game of frisbee. As the afternoon sun warms the area, take time to relax on the grass and soak in the peacefulness.
Head back to the city and treat yourself to a casual dinner at a local pub or bistro. After dining, find a cozy spot to enjoy an evening drink while discussing the day's adventures with friends or family. If you're lucky, there may be local events happening that night to further immerse yourself in the vibrant community.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start (1 mile) | $3-6 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly for one) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable, small-city charm with authentic local culture
- Good access to outdoor recreation and scenic drives
- Diverse food influenced by immigrant and Puerto Rican communities
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions compared to larger cities
- Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates and industrial blight
- Public transportation is limited; a car is often necessary
Places to Visit in Hazleton
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic brick facades, vintage signage, and street scenes that capture Hazleton’s small-city, coal-region character — great for urban documentary-style photography.
Hills, reclaimed mine sites, and valley vistas around the city provide dramatic landscapes, especially at sunrise or sunset and during autumn foliage season.
Parks with mature trees, war memorials, and seasonal plantings offer portrait and nature photography opportunities close to downtown.
Colorful murals and row-house streets reflect Hazleton’s cultural diversity and make for lively street and cultural photographs.
Food in Hazleton
Hazleton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Stuffed dumplings (potato, cheese, meat) commonly found at diners and Polish bakeries — try them boiled and pan-fried with onions at local Polish or Eastern European spots.
Must-Try!
A coal-region comfort of cabbage and noodles sautéed with butter and onions — often available at family restaurants and church fundraisers.
Hazleton has a significant Puerto Rican community, so you’ll find good roast pork, plantain-based dishes, and Caribbean flavors at neighborhood restaurants and takeouts.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small bakeries and delis are scattered around town—look for fresh rolls, kolaches, pastries, and hearty sandwiches; early morning is the best time to visit.
Seasonal markets in the region offer farm produce, baked goods, and local artisans — great for snacks and picnic supplies in summer and fall.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are generally straightforward and friendly; a simple greeting and polite small talk go a long way in shops and diners.
Churches, memorials, and veteran monuments are important local landmarks—treat them respectfully and observe any posted rules.
Service workers rely on tips; be courteous and tip appropriately in restaurants, bars, and for personal services.
Safety
Tipping in Hazleton
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is customary for full-service dining. Bartenders: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% for table service. Taxis/rideshares: round up or tip 10–15%. Hotel porters and housekeeping: $1–3 per bag or night as appropriate.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; small vendors and some delis may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly used. ATMs are available downtown and at supermarkets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool to mild temperatures with budding trees and early flowers; trails can be muddy from snowmelt and spring rains, so bring waterproof footwear and layers.
Warm and occasionally humid with long daylight hours — ideal for outdoor activities, farmers markets, and drives to nearby state parks; bring sunscreen and insect repellent.
Crisp air and vibrant foliage make this a popular time for hiking and scenic drives; book accommodations early for peak leaf-peeping weekends.
Cold with snow and ice possible from December through March; roads and trails may be slippery — pack warm clothing, snow boots, and allow extra travel time.
Hazleton at Night
Hiking in Hazleton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous for its waterfalls and scenic trails (including the Falls Trail), this park is about an hour to 90-minute drive and is a prime spot for hiking and photography, especially in spring and fall.
Known for scenic river gorges, hiking, and whitewater recreation; offers trails and vistas within an hour’s drive and is popular in summer and fall.
Home to the impressive Boulder Field and varied trails through forests and streams; roughly a 45-minute to one-hour drive and rewarding year-round.
Offers quieter, less-crowded trails along ridgelines and wetlands, suitable for birdwatching, hiking, and nature walks within easy driving distance.
Airports
How to reach Hazleton by plane.
The closest commercial airport, about 20–30 miles north of Hazleton; offers regional flights and car rental services — drive or take a rideshare to reach Hazleton in roughly 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
About 35–50 miles southeast; useful for additional flight options and cargo services, with a drive time around 45–70 minutes depending on route and traffic.
Major international airport approximately 90–120 miles away (around 1.5–2.5 hours by car) offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Hazleton has a significant and growing Hispanic/Latino population, including many Puerto Rican residents, contributing strongly to the city’s culture, businesses, and cuisine.
Families whose roots trace back to European immigrant groups (Polish, Italian, Slovak, Ukrainian) remain prominent, preserving ethnic festivals, churches, and culinary traditions.
Some younger residents and families live in Hazleton while commuting to jobs in nearby regional centers, attracted by more affordable housing.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local high school football is a major community activity in fall with spirited Friday-night games and strong local support.
Youth and adult leagues for basketball and baseball are common; nearby minor-league and collegiate teams draw regional interest.
Seasonal outdoor sports like hiking, trail running, and winter skiing/snowboarding at nearby resorts are popular with residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hazleton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but less prominent; diners will often adapt dishes (e.g., veggie omelettes, salads, and pierogi with cheese/potato). Call ahead to check for vegan-friendly substitutions at family-run restaurants.
Gluten-free choices are limited at traditional bakeries and diners; larger chain supermarkets in the area carry gluten-free products, and some restaurants can accommodate requests if notified.
Dedicated halal or kosher establishments are scarce in Hazleton; visitors needing these should plan ahead and consider nearby larger cities (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre) for specialized options.