Are The Poconos Worth Visiting? (2024)
Have you ever wondered, “are The Poconos worth visiting”? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
The Poconos are a mountainous region in eastern Pennsylvania.
It’s only about 2 hours outside of New York City and 2 hours outside of Philadelphia, so it’s a popular getaway for a ton of people living on the east coast looking to escape the city.
We’ll be sharing if we think the Poconos are worth visiting and what things you can do while you’re there if you do visit.
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Are The Poconos Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, The Poconos in Pennsylvania are definitely worth visiting.
Nestled amidst the Appalachian Mountains, this region offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities.
Whether you seek outdoor adventures or prefer a more relaxed retreat, the Poconos cater to diverse interests.
You can check out our full 4 day getaway to the Poconos in this video on our YouTube Channel.
Fun Things To Do In The Poconos
The Poconos have a great mix of adventurous outdoor activities and leisurely activities.
These are our most recommended must-do’s when you visit The Poconos.
1. Mountain Coaster at Camelback Resort
We’ve always wanted to try one of these and things finally fell into place!
We got a brief lesson in how to control the speed if we wanted to slow down at all, then we were off.
Check out the YouTube video at the beginning of this post to see a bit of the ride-through!
2. Souvenir Shopping
We love to get souvenir Christmas ornaments everywhere we travel and the Country Kettle is the perfect shop for this.
They have pretty much every type of souvenir or country home decor you could possibly think of.
We loved browsing this shop.
3. Tolino Vineyards Wine Tasting
Next up was wine tasting!
There are I believe a dozen different wineries throughout The Poconos.
This was sort of off season for them (late April/early May), so not everything was open during the week.
This led us to Tolino Vineyards.
We were super excited to try this one because they had wine slushies!
We each picked out our own flight of wines we wanted to try, including one of the wine slushies.
They have the countertop inside or tables outside to choose from.
We opted to do our tasting outside since it was nice out.
Of all of them, I would say my favorite was the wine slushie.
The flavor we tried was Peach Lily.
I think they do maybe 2-3 different wine slushie flavors on any given day.
Where To Eat In The Poconos
The Poconos, being a popular tourist spot, has a lot of the restaurants that you’d expect to see in touristy places.
We found a few pleasant surprises that we were excited to have while we were there.
✅ Breakfast at Friendly’s
Friendly’s is a childhood favorite for many of us, but JP had never been before since he grew up in California.
I would have preferred to go for lunch, but they serve their Monster Sundae all day, so you can really go for any meal.
It’s obviously not listed on the breakfast menu, but if you ask they’ll have it.
However, I didn’t remember exactly what it was called, I just knew it looked like Stitch from Lilo and Stitch.
So I asked if I could get that sundae that looks like Stitch.
Our waitress tried to act like she had ZERO idea what I was talking about.
She said she “doesn’t know what a Stitch is”.
I find it very hard to believe that someone that serves this every day has never had a single other guest describe the sundae as looking like Stitch.
But anyway, I started to describe it saying it’s green, it has Reese’s cups to look like ears, etc (it’s their iconic sundae that they are the most well-known for) and all of a sudden she was like “OH the monster sundae”.
No duh! What else would I be asking for?!
This would be like going to McDonalds and trying to explain what a McFlurry is and the worker acting like they’ve never heard of it.
I got my “Monster Sundae” though, so that’s all that matters!
✅ Guy Fieri’s Mt Pocono Kitchen At Mt. Airy Casino
Since we were in Pennsylvania, of course we were going to have a Philly Cheesesteak!
We also order the Trash Can Nachos at every one of Guy Fieri’s locations because they are just that good.
This one used multi-colored tortilla chips while most others don’t but I think I prefer these over plain chips.
They probably taste exactly the same, the pop of color just makes it more fun!
Since the restaurant was inside the casino, we decided to try our luck at some of the slots.
Where To Stay In The Poconos
Being a woodsy, mountainous area, staying in a cabin is the perfect choice when you’re in The Poconos.
✔️ Club Wyndham Shawnee Village
We loved our cabin unit, the layout, the amenities, the scenery, the location, etc.
It’s also one of the cheapest timeshare properties we’ve ever stayed in anywhere.
These cabins were definitely the largest we’ve stayed in before.
We had a full kitchen, dining room, in unit laundry, a fireplace, separate bedroom, and more.
You can watch a full walk-through tour this video on our YouTube Channel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting The Poconos
These are the most frequently asked questions we see about visiting The Poconos.
✔️ Where Are The Poconos?
The Poconos, short for the Pocono Mountains, are located in the northeastern region of the United States.
The mountain range itself is mostly within Pennsylvania, but extends into parts of New York and New Jersey.
✔️ What Is So Special About The Poconos?
Throughout the year, visitors can indulge in a diverse array of activities, including hiking, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, and boating, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences.
What sets the Poconos apart is their close proximity to major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York City, offering a convenient retreat for urban dwellers seeking a quick getaway.
This accessibility, combined with the region’s charming accommodations, quaint towns, and cozy resorts, makes the Poconos a cherished destination for both relaxation and adventure, providing a memorable and rejuvenating experience for every visitor.
✔️ How Many Days Do You Need In The Poconos?
The number of days you need in the Poconos depends on your interests and the activities you plan to engage in during your visit.
For a well-rounded experience, a minimum of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
This timeframe allows you to explore some of the region’s natural wonders, such as hiking through scenic trails, enjoying water activities on the lakes, and taking in breathtaking views from the mountaintops.
Additionally, you’ll have the chance to savor the local culture, explore charming towns, and partake in various recreational pursuits like skiing or snowboarding in the winter, or golfing and fishing during the warmer months.
However, if you wish to delve deeper into specific activities, extend your stay to 4 to 5 days or more to fully immerse yourself in the diverse offerings of the Poconos and truly make the most of your visit.
✔️ What Is The Best Month To Visit The Poconos?
The best month to visit the Poconos largely depends on your preferred activities and the type of experience you seek.
Each season in the Poconos offers a unique charm, making it a year-round destination.
If you’re a fan of winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, visiting between December and February, when the region is covered in a glistening blanket of snow, would be ideal.
Spring (March to May) brings milder temperatures and blooming landscapes, perfect for hiking and enjoying the blossoming scenery.
Summer (June to August) offers a plethora of outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and swimming in the pristine lakes.
Autumn (September to November) is particularly enchanting as the foliage turns into a mesmerizing display of vibrant colors, making it a preferred time for leaf-peeping and scenic drives.
Conclusion: Are The Poconos Worth Visiting?
As you can see, The Poconos are worth visiting if you’re looking for an adventurous or relaxing woodsy or mountainous escape.
There are a variety of activities and dining options for everybody.
