There are so many things to do in the Poconos all year round! This bustling and vibrant natural area is home to water sports, cultural attractions, winter activities, wildlife watching, ethnic eateries, craft beer breweries, and much more!

Let’s check out the top things to do this Memorial Day weekend in the Poconos and fun annual events you and your entire family can attend! We guarantee you will never run out of things to do or places to see during your relaxing stay here.

Whitewater Rafting

On Friday of MDW, we think that going white water rafting is a great way to kick off the weekend on a fun and exciting note! We recommend using Whitewater Rafting Adventures, Pocono Whitewater Adventures, or Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers to teach you how to paddle, take you to the best tours, and be with you every step of the way so you always feel safe.

The weather is usually ideal for whitewater rafting this weekend, so it really is the ideal time to spend time in the bright blue water and bond with your family members.

Plus, some of these adventure companies offer more activities for you to do during your time here! Test your luck at biking on one of the mountain bike trails, have some friendly competition with a paintball game at Skirmish Paintball, and test your head for heights on one of the many zipline courses.

Catch a Few Fish

Memorial Day weekend is one of the best times for you to test your luck at catching fish in one of the many lakes and ponds surrounding the Poconos. This weekend offers FREE fishing for all residents and visitors in the Poconos mountains!

Usually, you will need a license and permit to fish here, but this weekend is one of the only days during the entire fishing season when you do not need a license — so it is the perfect time to spend a day out on the ballot or the dock.

If you have never fished before, we recommend using Captain Joe’s Fishing Waterman Services or Rubber Duckie Boat Rentals to try and catch a few fresh fish to make your vacation memorable and exciting.

Head Out on the Mountain Trails

Another fun thing to do during Memorial Day Weekend is to go out on one of the many hiking trails! It doesn’t matter if you are a complete newbie when it comes to breaking into your hiking shoes and going on nature trails or if you are an avid hiker who wants to get to the top of the tallest nearby peaks — there is something for everyone in the sprawling Poconos Mountains.

Some of the best hiking trails to check out for a sunny half-day or full-day excursion is Lock 31 Canal Trail, Bushkill Falls Trail, Promised Land Boundary Trail, The Appalachian Trail, Lehigh Gorge, and Ricketts Glen Falls Trail Loop.

Eat at a Fancy Restaurant

There are numerous high-end and fine-dining restaurants to choose from when it comes to celebrating Memorial Day weekend with your family or friends. We love going to French Manor Inn or The Settlers Inn to have extravagant and organic food that is sure to make your palette extremely happy.

At French Manor Inn, we recommend getting one of the mouth-watering appetizers to share with the table. Try the beef negimaki with shaved teriyaki marinated flank steak, green onion, and green onion soubise. Or try the duck confit tostada with chili spices, crispy tortillas, spring mix, cheesy refried beans, and roasted corn.

As a main dish, you can’t go wrong with the petite filet mignon with pickled vegetables, arugula, gouda polenta fry, shaved asiago cheese, house caesar aioli, and egg yolk. Another crowd favorite is the coconut curry mussels with snow peas, miso, marinated udon noodles, and light coconut basil broth.

If you go to The Settlers Inn for a fancy holiday dinner, we recommend getting the chicken liver mousse with garlic focaccia and pickled vegetables as a starter. Then, try the pan-seared blooming grove trout over black rice with parsley veloute as a main dish. If you would rather have a smoky meat dish, we love the hand-rolled crispy porchetta with spring garlic pesto and pea risotto.

Vacation should be a time for extravagance and fun! That is why we think that spending your time and energy at high-end restaurants that use fresh ingredients, locally sourced food, and provide an immaculate ambiance is essential to having the best holiday of your entire year.

The Poconos is one of the best spots to check out for Memorial Day weekend if you are interested in outdoor activities, mouth-watering food, relaxing ambiance, and proximity to nature and wildlife. Contact us to book the vacation house of your dreams that is going to be comfortable, cozy, and relaxing for all of your guests.