Things To Do
in Upper Macungie
Upper Macungie Township is a suburban community in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, located west of Allentown in the Lehigh Valley. It blends residential neighborhoods, commercial parks and light industry with quick access to larger city amenities in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. The area offers easy access to outdoor recreation along the Lehigh River corridor and nearby ridgelines, while retail centers and corporate campuses make it a regional employment hub.
Visitors will find a mix of American casual dining, local breweries, parks and family-friendly attractions within a short drive.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing stroll at the beautiful Upper Macungie Park, where you can enjoy the lush greenery and vibrant flower beds. Grab a light breakfast at a nearby café, and savor a delicious coffee while soaking in the views of the park. Engage in some light jogging or take your dog for a walk to revamp your energy for the day ahead.
After a morning in the park, head to the local artisan shops and boutiques in the area for some leisure shopping. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a family-owned restaurant, discovering unique culinary delights of the region. Spend some time at the nearby community center, which often hosts interactive events and workshops for all ages.
As the sun sets, make your way to a local brewery for a tasting of handcrafted beers made right in Upper Macungie. Grab dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant, appreciating the fresh, locally sourced ingredients used in their dishes. Conclude the evening with a tranquil walk under the stars at the park, reflecting on a day well spent.
Rise early and visit the Lehigh Valley Zoo for an educational and fun-filled morning with exotic animals. This family-friendly venue offers a chance to get up close with wildlife while learning about conservation efforts. Enjoy a packed breakfast picnic as you explore the zoo.
Next, visit the nearby Allentown Art Museum to indulge in a variety of artistic expressions from local and international artists. Spend your afternoon immersing yourself in the diverse exhibits, and take a break at the museum café for lunch. Don’t forget to browse the museum shop for unique art-inspired souvenirs.
After art appreciation, head to the PPL Center to catch a thrilling live performance or game, immersing yourself in the local culture. Grab dinner at one of the vibrant eateries in the area, treating your taste buds to delicious local cuisine. End the day with a sweet dessert from a local bakery as you make your way back to your accommodations.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Regular coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍺Draft beer at a bar | $5-8 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to outdoor recreation and scenic spots
- Close to Allentown, Bethlehem and regional amenities
- Good selection of family-friendly restaurants and breweries
- Relatively safe and suburban with convenient shopping
- Limited evening entertainment within Upper Macungie itself
- Car-dependent for most errands and attractions
- Seasonal weather (hot humid summers, icy winters) may limit outdoor plans
- Some traffic near shopping centers and highway interchanges during peak hours
Places to Visit in Upper Macungie
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive fields, woodlands and wetlands with opportunities for wildlife, wildflower and landscape photography, especially at dawn and dusk.
Riverside trails, bridges and reflections make for great seasonal shots—autumn foliage is especially photogenic.
Scenic vistas of the mountain gap and valley below; great for wide landscapes and sunrise/sunset photos.
Quaint storefronts, brick architecture and seasonal street scenes that capture small-town Pennsylvania charm.
Food in Upper Macungie
Upper Macungie Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Pennsylvania Dutch molasses coffee cake/pie — sweet and crumbly — found in bakeries and farmers markets across the region.
Must-Try!
A traditional Pennsylvania breakfast meat often pan-fried and served with eggs; available at diners and local breakfast spots.
Filled dumplings popular in the Lehigh Valley’s Eastern European-influenced food scene; often featured at diners and Polish restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A long-running indoor/outdoor market in nearby Allentown with fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods and regional specialties; great for sampling local cheeses, pies and seasonal produce.
Weekly seasonal markets in nearby towns where local growers, artisanal producers and food trucks offer fresh and prepared items — try seasonal pies, farm cheeses and grilled sandwiches.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People tend to be friendly and informal; polite greetings and small talk are appreciated but not intrusive.
Much of the area is residential or privately operated parkland — observe posted signs and do not trespass on private land.
Being on time for meetings, tours or reservations is expected and appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Upper Macungie
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $1–2 for valet or coat check, and 10–15% for taxi or rideshare drivers if service is good.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Carry a small amount of cash for farmers markets, small vendors and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Temperatures moderate with frequent showers; wildflowers and green landscapes are emerging — pack a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes.
Warm to hot and humid, with temperatures often in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (mid-20s to low-30s°C); ideal for outdoor activities early in the morning or late afternoon, but expect occasional thunderstorms.
Crisp, pleasant weather and vibrant fall foliage from late September through October — one of the best times for hiking and scenic drives.
Cold with periodic snow and freezing temperatures; roads are generally well maintained but carry warm clothing and check weather before traveling to trails or ridgelines.
Upper Macungie at Night
Hiking in Upper Macungie
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A mix of easy to moderate trails through fields and woods with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and seasonal wildflowers.
Trails along ridgelines and foothills with rewarding views of the Lehigh Valley; good for photography and longer hikes.
Shorter paved and unpaved multi-use trails suitable for walking, running and cycling that connect small towns and green spaces in the region.
Airports
How to reach Upper Macungie by plane.
About a 15–25 minute drive depending on location in Upper Macungie; regional airport with domestic flights and car rental services — the most convenient for local travel.
Approximately 1.25–1.75 hours by car depending on traffic; larger international airport with many flight options and ground transportation to the Lehigh Valley.
About 1.5–2.5 hours by car depending on traffic; another major hub for domestic and international flights, reachable by car or regional rail/bus combinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many households are family-oriented, with strong school districts attracting homebuyers and community activities geared toward children.
Upper Macungie hosts business parks and logistics facilities, so there is a sizable population of commuting professionals.
The Lehigh Valley has increasing diversity, including Hispanic, Asian and African American residents contributing to cultural variety and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Youth soccer, baseball, softball and football are popular community activities with many leagues and fields across Upper Macungie.
Nearby colleges and regional teams draw local support — hockey and soccer have growing fan bases in the Lehigh Valley.
Road cycling, triathlon training and community running events are common, taking advantage of scenic country roads and park trails.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Upper Macungie.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés, farm-to-table restaurants and many diners; look for salads, vegetable-focused entrées and local cheese and egg dishes.
Full vegan menus are less common in smaller suburban spots but available in larger nearby towns; many restaurants will accommodate vegan requests if asked in advance.
Gluten-free items are offered at bakeries and many restaurants, but cross-contamination is possible — inform staff about strict allergies.