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5-Day Wilkes-Barre Summer Getaway
Explore the charming city of Wilkes-Barre and the scenic Susquehanna River region with historic sites, riverside parks, performing arts, and local breweries on this relaxed 5-day summer adventure.
5-Day Wilkes-Barre Summer Getaway
Explore the charming city of Wilkes-Barre and the scenic Susquehanna River region with historic sites, riverside parks, performing arts, and local breweries on this relaxed 5-day summer adventure.
~2 hours
Arrive via Interstate 81 or take a COLTS bus from the regional terminal. Settle into your accommodation in the downtown area before heading out to explore.
Stroll through Public Square
Walk from Public Square east along South Main Street to browse local shops and the riverfront. Look for the landmark Wilkes-Barre sign and the farmers market stalls if it is a weekend.
Stroll through Public Square
Walk from Public Square east along South Main Street to browse local shops and the riverfront. Look for the landmark Wilkes-Barre sign and the farmers market stalls if it is a weekend.
~1.5 hours
Head to the area around South Main Street or Northampton Street where most downtown restaurants are clustered. Aim for a spot with outdoor seating to enjoy the summer evening.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine
Since you arrive in the afternoon, skip a formal breakfast and grab a coffee and a Kolaczki (a Polish cream cheese filled pastry) from a downtown café when you get in.
Kolaczki
Find a casual pizza or Italian spot along South Main Street and order a slice or a pasta dish. Pair it with a local Birch Beer for a taste of Northeastern Pennsylvania soda tradition.
Birch BeerAccommodation— Downtown near Public Square (central business district with walkable access to dining and shops)
You can walk to Public Square and evening dinner spots without needing a car.
You can walk to Public Square and evening dinner spots without needing a car.
River Common
Walk along the Susquehanna River from North Street to Market Street. Look for the River Common's public art installations and the seasonal fountain at the main plaza near the Wilkes-Barre Memorial.
River Common
Walk along the Susquehanna River from North Street to Market Street. Look for the River Common's public art installations and the seasonal fountain at the main plaza near the Wilkes-Barre Memorial.
Kirby Park
Head to the 82-acre park off Market Street near the Kingston border. Search for Kirby Park's rose garden and the stone bridge over the creek. Bring water as concessions are limited.
Kirby Park
Head to the 82-acre park off Market Street near the Kingston border. Search for Kirby Park's rose garden and the stone bridge over the creek. Bring water as concessions are limited.
Luzerne County Courthouse
Tour the historic 1909 Beaux-Arts courthouse at 200 N River Street. Enter through the main River Street entrance and view the rotunda murals and restored courtroom on the second floor.
Luzerne County Courthouse
Tour the historic 1909 Beaux-Arts courthouse at 200 N River Street. Enter through the main River Street entrance and view the rotunda murals and restored courtroom on the second floor.
~2 hours
Walk to Breaker Brewing on East Northampton Street or check for beer gardens near Public Square. Ask about seasonal ales and order a flight to sample several varieties.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine
Look for a casual sandwich shop near River Street and order a pastrami Reuben with hand-cut fries. Pair it with a locally made Birch Beer if available on the menu.
Birch Beer
Stop by a family-style Polish restaurant on the south side and order Haluski, a hearty dish of buttery fried cabbage and egg noodles. Ask for a side of kielbasa to complete the meal.
HaluskiAccommodation— Downtown Wilkes-Barre near Public Square (central district with restaurants and shops)
You will spend most of today along the river and in nearby parks, so a downtown hotel keeps everything within walking distance.
You will spend most of today along the river and in nearby parks, so a downtown hotel keeps everything within walking distance.
Hollenback Cemetery
Search for this cemetery on South River Street in Wilkes-Barre. Look for the historic graves dating back to the 1800s, including notable local figures and ornate Victorian-era monuments.
Hollenback Cemetery
Search for this cemetery on South River Street in Wilkes-Barre. Look for the historic graves dating back to the 1800s, including notable local figures and ornate Victorian-era monuments.
Wilkes University Campus Walk
Walk the main campus area between South and North Franklin Streets, starting near the Henry Student Center. Check out the historic Kirby Hall and the outdoor sculptures scattered across the quad.
Wilkes University Campus Walk
Walk the main campus area between South and North Franklin Streets, starting near the Henry Student Center. Check out the historic Kirby Hall and the outdoor sculptures scattered across the quad.
F. M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Located at 71 Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Check their website ahead of time for matinee tours or summer shows; the restored 1930s movie palace interior is worth seeing even without a performance.
F. M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Located at 71 Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Check their website ahead of time for matinee tours or summer shows; the restored 1930s movie palace interior is worth seeing even without a performance.
~0.75 hours
Walk along South Main Street or Public Square for a local ice cream parlor. Try a scoop of birch beer flavored ice cream if available, or a classic milkshake made with local dairy.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine
Grab a quick breakfast at a café near Wilkes University's campus. Order a coffee and a Paczki (Polish filled donut with jam or custard) from a local bakery, a regional specialty popular in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Paczki
Find a casual deli or sandwich shop on South Main Street near Public Square. Order a cold cut hoagie or a turkey club with chips and a side of Kompot (a traditional Polish fruit beverage) to try something local.
Kompot
Look for a family-style restaurant serving Polish or Eastern European cuisine in the downtown area. Order Pierogi (filled dumplings) with sour cream and onions, a classic local comfort dish.
PierogiAccommodation— Downtown Wilkes-Barre (near Public Square)
Keeps you close to today's history and culture sites as well as dining and evening options within walking distance.
Keeps you close to today's history and culture sites as well as dining and evening options within walking distance.
Stegmaier Brewery
Take the guided tour at 245 Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard to see the historic brewing equipment and learn about the brewery's role in the city's past. Sample a flight of their year-round beers like the 1857 Lager or Gold Medal Ale.
Stegmaier Brewery
Take the guided tour at 245 Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard to see the historic brewing equipment and learn about the brewery's role in the city's past. Sample a flight of their year-round beers like the 1857 Lager or Gold Medal Ale.
Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
Check the event schedule ahead of time at 255 Highland Park Boulevard to see if there is a concert, hockey game, or family show during your visit. Arrive 30 minutes early to find parking and grab a snack from the concession stands.
Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
Check the event schedule ahead of time at 255 Highland Park Boulevard to see if there is a concert, hockey game, or family show during your visit. Arrive 30 minutes early to find parking and grab a snack from the concession stands.
~1.5 hours
Head to the River Common park area along North River Street in downtown Wilkes-Barre for restaurants with outdoor seating overlooking the water. Walk the Riverwalk trail before or after your meal to enjoy the summer evening.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine
Find a bakery or cafe on Public Square and order a Babka, a sweet braided yeast cake filled with cinnamon or chocolate, with a coffee.
Babka
Find a restaurant along the Susquehanna River in the River Common district and order pierogi (Polish dumplings filled with potato and cheese, sauteed with onions) and a glass of local hard cider.
Hard CiderAccommodation— Downtown Wilkes-Barre (central district near Public Square)
Staying downtown keeps you close to the River Common dining area and provides easy access to restaurants and bars after your evening meal.
Staying downtown keeps you close to the River Common dining area and provides easy access to restaurants and bars after your evening meal.
Leisurely morning walk along River Common
Walk the paved River Common path along the Susquehanna River between Market Street and Northampton Street. Look for the outdoor amphitheater and public art installations along the greenway.
Leisurely morning walk along River Common
Walk the paved River Common path along the Susquehanna River between Market Street and Northampton Street. Look for the outdoor amphitheater and public art installations along the greenway.
~1 hours
Head to the Wilkes-Barre Farmers Market at Public Square (corner of Market and Washington Streets), open Saturdays 9am-1pm. Pick up local produce, baked goods, and a bottle of Birch Beer from a regional vendor.
~2 hours
If using public transit, COLTS buses connect to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and regional coach services run from the Martz Trailways station at 33 S Washington Street. Uber and Lyft are available for about $2.50 per km to the airport or bus terminal.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine
Find a diner near Public Square and order a hearty breakfast with pierogi (Polish dumplings filled with potato and cheese, pan-fried with onions) and a side of scrambled eggs.
Pierogi
Grab a casual lunch at the farmers market itself or a nearby deli on South Main Street. Try a stuffed cabbage roll (Halupki) with tomato sauce if you spot one, or pick up a fresh sandwich with local ingredients.
Halupki (Stuffed Cabbage)Before departure or en route, pick up a soft pretzel with mustard and a bottle of Birch Beer from a convenience store or cafe near the station. It is a classic regional snack that travels well.
Birch BeerAccommodation— Downtown Wilkes-Barre (near Public Square, central to all attractions)
Close to the River Common, farmers market, and transit connections, making departure easy.
Close to the River Common, farmers market, and transit connections, making departure easy.
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Budget Breakdown
Accommodation based on $60/night hotel. Food includes one restaurant meal ($12) and one street food ($5). Transport is minimal with some bus/local travel. Activities are modest for a 5-day trip. Mid-range traveler budget recommended.
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