Things To Do
in Palmer
Palmer Township sits in the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, just outside Allentown. The area blends quiet residential streets with easy access to parks, shopping, and regional culture. It serves as a convenient base for exploring the larger Lehigh Valley, including nearby Bethlehem and Allentown, while maintaining a suburban, family-friendly vibe.
Visitors will find a mix of outdoor space, local diners, and cultural attractions within a short drive.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café, savoring homemade pastries and freshly brewed coffee. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through downtown Palmer, admiring the charming historic buildings and unique shops. Don’t forget to visit the Palmer Museum to learn about the town's rich agricultural history.
After lunch at a quaint bistro, head to the Alaska State Fairgrounds to explore the beautiful grounds and check out any ongoing events or farmers' markets. Enjoy a guided tour of the Historic Alaska Railroad Depot, where you can learn about the importance of rail transport in Alaska's development. Wrap up your afternoon with a scenic walk along the Palmer Greenbelt Trail, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local steakhouse, where you can indulge in hearty Alaskan cuisine featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced meats. After dinner, take a short drive to the nearby Knik River for a peaceful evening of fishing or simply relaxing by the water. End your day with a stargazing session, as the clear Alaskan sky offers a perfect canvas for constellations.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation or a popular local diner before heading to Hatcher Pass. Spend the morning hiking the various trails, such as the Gold Cord Lake Trail, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you navigate the rugged terrain and enjoy the crisp mountain air.
After your morning hike, enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by stunning views, or stop at a local café for a warm meal. In the afternoon, visit the Independence Mine State Historical Park to learn about the gold mining history of the area. You can explore the old mine buildings and trails, immersing yourself in the history of the Alaskan gold rush.
As evening approaches, return to Palmer and unwind with dinner at a local brewery, sampling craft beers and tasty pub fare. After dinner, consider taking a scenic drive through the area to catch the sunset over the mountains. Conclude your day with a cozy evening by the fire, perhaps sharing stories with fellow travelers or locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🏠One-bedroom apartment (city area) | $1,200-1,700 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.00-4.50 |
| 🛒Grocery for a week | $60-120 |
| 🏥Primary care visit | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Allentown and Bethlehem with easy access to culture, dining, and outdoor spaces.
- Abundant parks, nature preserves, and family-friendly activities.
- Some areas require a car for most errands; walkability is higher in nearby downtowns than in Palmer itself.
- Seasonal traffic near peak travel times can be heavier on major routes.
Places to Visit in Palmer
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic river vistas, woodsy paths, and seasonal wildlife—great for sunrise or golden-hour shots.
Cobblestone streets, old-world architecture, and colorful storefronts ideal for architectural and street photography.
Open meadows and woodland trails provide opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography year-round.
A mix of classic and modern architecture—good for capturing the contrast between eras.
Industrial-chic backdrop with public art, performance venues, and evening lighting.
Food in Palmer
Palmer Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A nod to Eastern European heritage widely found in area diners and Polish restaurants.
Must-Try!
A classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert commonly available at bakeries and cafes.
A breakfast staple at many diners—crispy scrapple served with eggs and toast.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal markets offering produce, baked goods, cheeses, and prepared foods from regional vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be friendly, say please and thank you, and queue patiently. Tipping is customary in service settings. When driving, follow posted speed limits and use turn signals; polite small talk is common in casual settings.
Safety
Tipping in Palmer
Ensure a smooth experience
In sit-down restaurants, a tip of 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard. For bars, $1-2 per drink is common. Valet, hotel staff, and bellhops may expect $1-5 per service, depending on effort and location.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect warm, humid days with occasional thunderstorms. Stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Autumn brings vibrant foliage and cooler temps. Ideal for outdoor photography and leisurely urban strolls; layer your clothing.
Cold with possible snowfall; dress in layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy footwear. Indoor attractions and museums are good alternatives on heavy snow days.
Mild temperatures with budding flora and occasional showers. Great for hiking and park visits; bring a light rain jacket.
Palmer at Night
Hiking in Palmer
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive network of trails through woodlands, meadows, and wetlands suitable for day hikes and wildlife watching.
Rugged river gorge trails offering dramatic scenery and opportunities for longer hikes and scenic viewpoints.
Rolling hills and forested trails with lake views; a bit farther afield but popular for longer day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Palmer by plane.
The region’s primary airport with domestic flights and convenient access to Palmer via car or taxi.
Major international hub about a 1.5-hour drive south; useful for longer trips and international travel.
Another major hub about 2 hours to the east; good for connections and regional access.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse but predominantly suburban community with a mix of families, professionals, and students from the wider Lehigh Valley.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A affiliate) provide local minor-league baseball action in the broader area.
Lehigh Valley Phantoms host games in nearby Allentown, offering seasonal sports entertainment.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Palmer.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in the area; look for veggie burgers, salads, grain bowls, and clearly labeled vegetarian dishes on menus.