10 Local Favorites to Visit in Scranton

Since 2005, NBC’s hit sitcom, The Office has catapulted The City of Scranton into the pop-culture spotlight. Today, Scranton revels in its “celebrity” status with local, The Office-themed events and tours, public artwork and old-fashioned tourist-fueled interest in many of the unique, real-life sites referenced in the show.

Sometimes, a little escape from the city is a good thing. Nay Aug Park, Scranton’s favorite green space, offers 70 peaceful acres, paved walking paths, a playground and tree house, a covered foot bridge, Blackwatch Café, scenic Nay Aug Gorge, The Everhart Museum, a greenhouse and rose garden and more. Learn more in our guide to Nay Aug Park.

At the Steamtown National Historic Site in Downtown Scranton, you can get up close and personal with the technology that built America. The 52-acre site includes a railroad museum and active railyard, guided tours, train excursions and the Electric City Trolley Station and Museum. Learn more about visiting in our guide to Steamtown National Historic Site.

The Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Downtown Scranton offers an exciting, hands-on wildlife experience perfect for families. Explore marine life, reptiles and rainforest creatures across 20,000 square feet of interactive exhibits inside The Marketplace at Steamtown. With educational talks, touch tanks and exotic animals, it’s a can’t-miss indoor adventure in NEPA.

Go underground for a hands-on history lesson on NEPA’s rich coal mining heritage at the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour inside Scranton’s popular McDade Park. The guided tour begins with a 300-foot descent into the mine and takes you through a PA coal miner’s daily experience. Then, be sure to visit the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum next door.

Depending on the season, you may need your bathing suits or your ski pants at Montage Mountain Resorts. The popular destination features an incredible waterpark, some of the region’s best skiing and a whole schedule of seasonal events and festivals. You can also catch summer concerts at The Pavilion at Montage Montage or do some shopping at The Shoppes at Montage.

Catch a ballgame with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders as they host over 70 home games at PNC Field. Don’t miss out on all of their unique weekly promotions, popular fireworks games and special guest appearances all season long. They also feature weekly specials on food and drink options. And with tickets typically below $20, it’d be tough to find a better deal in town. Get all the details in our RailRiders season guide.

Spend a day exploring one of NEPA’s longest recreational trails. The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail stretches over 30 miles from Pittston to Union Dale and runs along the Lackawanna River throughout Scranton. The trail features many convenient access points, offers unique sights and stops and even connects with the D&H Rail Trail, which runs to the New York border. Explore the trail in our Lackawanna River Heritage Trail guide.

Plan your visit to Scranton during key times of the year to catch popular annual festivals, parades and more. In spring, the famous Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade literally takes over the city. Every Labor Day weekend is all about La Festa Italiana. And, in October, the Steamtown Marathon turns the city into a runner’s paradise. Find more Scranton events on our NEPA events calendar.

The Lake Scranton Walking Trail, just five minutes from downtown Scranton, offers a peaceful 3.57-mile loop around the reservoir. With smooth, accessible paths and scenic views, it’s perfect for walking, jogging, or simply relaxing in nature year-round. The trail’s serene atmosphere and seasonal beauty make it a favorite destination for visitors of all ages and abilities.