Visit Berks County, Pennsylvania
From Hawk Mountain to Koziar's Christmas Village, Berks County packs caves, excursion railroads, museums, state parks, covered bridges, and Pennsylvania Dutch farm country into a county about an hour from Philadelphia. This page is the live guide to all of it: things to do, events this week, where to eat, and where to stay.
Featured Berks County Business
The attractions people drive to Berks County for, from the Pagoda and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary to Crystal Cave. Every card is a live listing with hours, directions, photos, and reviews.
Tourist attraction
Reading Pagoda in Reading, PA, is a unique tourist attraction known for its breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunset, and distinctive Japanese-style architecture. Despite ongoing renovations, its illuminated…
Tourist attraction
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton offers a range of scenic trails for all abilities, renowned for breathtaking views and abundant wildlife sightings. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, educational programs, and…
Tourist attraction
Crystal Cave in Kutztown, PA, offers educational and engaging guided tours through stunning underground formations. Visitors enjoy additional activities like gemstone panning and exploring a well-stocked gift shop.
Arts organization
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading, PA offers dynamic classes, impressive galleries, and welcoming event spaces, receiving praise for its exceptional staff and immersive artistic experiences.
Tourist attraction
The Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown, PA, offers a charming vintage train ride experience, celebrated for its friendly staff and meticulously restored historic rail cars. Popular themed events like the Easter…
Local history museum
Daniel Boone Homestead in Birdsboro is a local history museum renowned for its peaceful grounds, engaging historical demonstrations, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Visitors enjoy well-maintained walking trails and…
Museum
Reading Public Museum in Pennsylvania features engaging exhibits in art, history, and science, with a standout dinosaur fossil pit and serene outdoor arboretum. Visitors appreciate the museum's affordable admission and…
Christmas store
Koziar's Christmas Village in Bernville, PA is a beloved holiday destination featuring vintage light displays, train exhibits, and Santa visits. Known for its nostalgic charm and multi-generational family traditions…
West Reading is the county's most walkable afternoon: Penn Avenue runs about ten blocks of restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, murals, and ice cream, and you can park once and wander. Reading holds the big-city pieces next door: GoggleWorks, the Santander Arena, the museums, and the Pagoda watching from Mount Penn.
The smaller main streets each have their own draw. Hamburg pairs canal-town storefronts and the Strand theater with one of the state's biggest outdoor retailers off Interstate 78. Kutztown is a college town with Pennsylvania Dutch roots. Boyertown puts the antique vehicle museum and the Colebrookdale Railroad's station a short walk apart. And Wyomissing carries the county's shopping corridor, from Broadcasting Square to the Penn Avenue shops.
Crystal Cave has run guided cave tours since 1871, the Reading Public Museum pairs a planetarium with its galleries, and the Fightin Phils play at FirstEnergy Stadium all summer. Add hands-on exhibits at the Reading Science Center, go-karts and laser tag at The Works, and a restored movie palace in Hamburg, all a short drive apart.
Tourist attraction
Crystal Cave in Kutztown, PA, offers educational and engaging guided tours through stunning underground formations. Visitors enjoy additional activities like gemstone panning and exploring a well-stocked gift shop.
Baseball club
Reading Fightin Phils is a minor league baseball club offering affordable, family-friendly entertainment at a well-maintained hometown ballpark. Known for creative between-innings fun, impressive fireworks shows, and…
Science museum
Reading Science Center in Reading, PA, offers engaging STEM experiences with interactive exhibits and hands-on labs for all ages. Visitors appreciate the friendly, knowledgeable staff and find the center ideal for…
Museum
Reading Public Museum in Pennsylvania features engaging exhibits in art, history, and science, with a standout dinosaur fossil pit and serene outdoor arboretum. Visitors appreciate the museum's affordable admission and…
Restaurant
The Works at Wyomissing in Wyomissing, PA, offers thrilling entertainment for all ages with go-karts, laser tag, and a vibrant arcade. Guests appreciate the engaging experience and exceptional service from staff members…
Fitness center
Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex in Reading offers diverse fitness classes, exceptional staff, and inviting facilities for all levels. Known for its supportive community and expert physical therapy services.
Movie theater
Hamburg Strand Theater in Hamburg, PA, offers a nostalgic moviegoing experience with friendly staff, affordable pricing, and freshly popped popcorn. Known for its historic charm, the single-screen venue features…
Campground
Blue Rocks Family Campground in Lenhartsville, PA, combines scenic beauty with fun activities, highlighted by its unique boulder field and RC rock crawler weekends. Guests enjoy diverse amenities like hiking trails,…
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, French Creek State Park, and Blue Marsh Lake all welcome leashed dogs, and fall raptor counts at Hawk Mountain draw visitors from around the world. Closer to town are lake and creek trails, picnic grounds at the Daniel Boone and Conrad Weiser homesteads, and iron-furnace history at Hopewell Furnace and Joanna Furnace.
Tourist attraction
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton offers a range of scenic trails for all abilities, renowned for breathtaking views and abundant wildlife sightings. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, educational programs, and…
Tourist attraction
French Creek State Park in Elverson, PA, is a serene tourist attraction known for its scenic hiking trails, kayaking on the clear waters of Hopewell Lake, and historic Hopewell Furnace Village. Visitors appreciate the…
Visitor center
Blue Marsh Lake Visitor's Center in Leesport, PA offers scenic sunset views, educational historical displays, and a variety of well-maintained recreational activities. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and the…
Tourist attraction
Jim Dietrich Park in Reading, PA, offers diverse recreational activities, including sports fields, kayaking, and scenic riverside trails. The park is renowned for its outstanding dog parks and popular events like…
Local history museum
Daniel Boone Homestead in Birdsboro is a local history museum renowned for its peaceful grounds, engaging historical demonstrations, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Visitors enjoy well-maintained walking trails and…
Tourist attraction
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site in Elverson offers an educational journey through well-preserved historic structures and engaging interactive demonstrations. Visitors praise the knowledgeable staff, scenic…
Historical place museum
Conrad Weiser Homestead in Womelsdorf is a historical museum offering free, scenic grounds and captivating living history events. Well-regarded for its photogenic landscapes and dog-friendly amenities, it invites…
Historical landmark
Joanna Furnace Complex is a historic ironworks site in Morgantown offering seasonal festivals, living history demonstrations, and hands-on educational programs. Known for its immersive Christmas events featuring live…
The Colebrookdale Railroad and the Reading Blue Mountain and Northern still run excursion trains, and the Reading Railroad of Monopoly fame was chartered here in 1833. The museums carry the rest of the story: railroad history in Hamburg, warbirds at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, and antique automobiles in Boyertown.
Tourist attraction
The Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown, PA, offers a charming vintage train ride experience, celebrated for its friendly staff and meticulously restored historic rail cars. Popular themed events like the Easter…
Tourist attraction
Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad in Reading, PA, offers scenic train excursions through picturesque countryside, praised for its friendly staff and outstanding value. Passengers enjoy themed rides, captivating…
Rail museum
The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Hamburg showcases an extensive collection of Reading Railroad artifacts. Visitors enjoy knowledgeable tours, friendly staff, and interactive model train displays perfect for…
Tourist attraction
Allentown & Auburn Railroad in Kutztown offers scenic rides with nostalgic charm, friendly staff, and delightful themed events. Families enjoy affordable fun with complimentary treats and unique seasonal experiences.
Association / Organization
Reading Society of Model Engineers in Fleetwood, PA offers multiple train rides and detailed O and HO gauge model layouts. Known for friendly volunteers and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that appeals to all…
Museum
Mid Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, Pennsylvania showcases an impressive collection of historic aircraft, notably the rare P-61 Black Widow. Visitors consistently praise knowledgeable tour guides and immersive WWII…
War museum
The General Carl Spaatz National USAAF Museum in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, offers an insightful exploration of U.S. Army Air Forces history during World War II.
Museum
The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles in Pennsylvania showcases a diverse collection of well-preserved vehicles, including vintage cars, carriages, and early electric models. Known for its knowledgeable staff and…
Tom Sturgis Pretzels and Dieffenbach’s chips still bake and fry where they started, hex signs mark the barns, and the Deitsch Eck in Lenhartsville serves Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Round it out with factory stores, farm markets, the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center in Kutztown, and dinner in a 1931 stone castle above Reading.
Pretzel store
Tom Sturgis Pretzels Inc in Reading, PA, offers a vast array of delicious pretzels, from classic to chocolate-coated varieties, praised for their flavor and quality. Customers enjoy a welcoming store atmosphere and the…
Food manufacturer
Dieffenbach's Potato Chips is a Pennsylvania-based snack manufacturer known for kettle-cooked chips in creative flavors like bacon cheddar and ghost pepper. Their Womelsdorf factory store offers a popular fill-a-tin…
Pennsylvania Dutch restaurant
Deitsch Eck Restaurant in Lenhartsville serves authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine with a cozy atmosphere and attentive service. Known for its exceptional homemade pies and scrapple, the restaurant offers a delightful…
Tourist attraction
The Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center in Kutztown is a rich resource for exploring Pennsylvania German culture and history. Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable staff, immersive exhibits, and engaging events…
Cake shop
Way-Har Farm Market in Bernville, PA, is a beloved cake shop known for its homemade ice cream, delightful baked goods, and welcoming country-store charm. Visitors enjoy friendly service, unique flavors like Grapenut,…
Restaurant
Stokesay Castle & The Knight's Pub in Reading offers a unique dining experience in an authentic medieval castle setting. It's renowned for its personalized service and standout menu items like Chef Willy’s risotto and…
Bakery
Unique Snacks in Reading specializes in crafting a diverse range of premium pretzels, including highly praised dark chocolate-covered and sourdough craft beer varieties. The store is renowned for its welcoming staff and…
Grocery store
Oneida Farm Market is a charming Elverson grocery store offering fresh local produce, meats, dairy, and beloved baked goods from Mabel's Microbakery. Owner Amy is known for her warm hospitality and deep knowledge of the…
Koziar’s Christmas Village has lit its Bernville hillside every winter since 1948 and draws visitors from across the country. The season spreads from there: holiday trains on the Colebrookdale Railroad, the light display at Gring’s Mill, candy counters in Boyertown and Temple, and Christkindlmarkt at the Reading Liederkranz.
Christmas store
Koziar's Christmas Village in Bernville, PA is a beloved holiday destination featuring vintage light displays, train exhibits, and Santa visits. Known for its nostalgic charm and multi-generational family traditions…
Tourist attraction
The Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown, PA, offers a charming vintage train ride experience, celebrated for its friendly staff and meticulously restored historic rail cars. Popular themed events like the Easter…
Candy store
The Peppermint Stick Candy Store & Ice Cream Parlor in Boyertown is a nostalgic 1950s-style shop featuring old-fashioned candies, local ice cream, and an authentic soda fountain. Known for its vintage atmosphere,…
Christmas store
Murdough's Christmas Barn in Robesonia is a year-round Christmas destination featuring hard-to-find ornaments, German imports, and Department 56 collectibles. A nostalgic, multi-generational tradition for families since…
Association / Organization
Reading Liederkranz is a German-American cultural association in Reading, PA, renowned for hosting one of the country's best Oktoberfest celebrations. Features an authentic biergarten, extensive German beer selection,…
Art gallery
Taylor Backes is a Boyertown art gallery and glass blowing studio featuring stunning handcrafted pieces and immersive hands-on classes. Known for patient instructors like Mark and Tyler who guide beginners through…
Candy store
Billy's Homemade Candies in Temple is a century-old chocolatier crafting artisanal confections using traditional methods. Famous for their molasses chews and exceptionally smooth chocolates that customers travel from…
Tourist attraction
Gring's Mill Recreation Area in Reading, PA, is a scenic tourist attraction known for its well-maintained trails, family-friendly amenities, and historical features, offering a peaceful escape for outdoor enthusiasts.…
Farmers markets are a way of life here. The Leesport Farmers Market and the indoor Fairgrounds Farmers Market anchor the scene, Pennsylvania Dutch stands fill the aisles in Wyomissing, and the orchards around Boyertown and Morgantown sell what they pick. Come hungry.
Farmers' market
Leesport Farmers Market in Leesport, PA, is a vibrant hub offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and diverse dining options like delicious coffee and burgers. Known for its friendly atmosphere and vendor variety, it's…
Farmers' market
Fairgrounds Farmer's Market in Reading is a vibrant hub offering a diverse array of fresh produce, global foods, and friendly vendors. Renowned for its quality meats and lively atmosphere, it's a culinary destination…
Restaurant
Plum Creek Farm Market & Creamery in Bernville serves exceptional breakfast and lunch options, along with unique ice cream flavors and generous portions. Visitors appreciate the friendly service, charming atmosphere,…
Farmers' market
PA Dutch Farmer's Market of Wyomissing offers a diverse range of fresh produce, meats, and baked goods in a welcoming, clean atmosphere. Renowned for its gourmet donuts and BBQ, this market is celebrated for quality…
Orchard
Weaver's Orchard Inc in Morgantown, PA offers a delightful farm experience with fresh local produce, pick-your-own orchards, and family-friendly events. Known for their apple cider donuts, live honey bees, and friendly…
Grocery store
Frecon Farms in Boyertown offers a diverse selection of fresh produce, baked goods, and specialty drinks, known for its quality ingredients and charming farm experiences. The welcoming market atmosphere and flavorful…
Farm
Brecknock Orchard in Mohnton, PA offers an extensive variety of pick-your-own fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Visitors praise its family-friendly activities, helpful staff, and unique treats like apple cider slushies…
Farmers' market
Kirbyville Farm Market in Fleetwood, PA, offers a delightful selection of local produce, baked goods, and freshly prepared foods. Known for its welcoming staff and family-friendly atmosphere, it features a popular…
What's happening next across the county, soonest first. Fairs, festivals, markets, music, and more.
festival
September 5, 2026 · Downtown Hamburg · Free · The Taste of Hamburg-er Festival is the pun Hamburg, Pennsylvania was born to make: a one-day burger festival that takes over four blocks of the borough's historic downtown…
car show
September 5, 2026 · Boyertown Community Park · $10 adults; free under 12 · Duryea Day is Berks County's oldest car show tradition: the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles' annual antique and classic car show, filling…
festival
September 11–12, 2026 · William DeLong Memorial Park, Bowers · $4 admission · The Chile Pepper Food Festival in tiny Bowers is one of Berks County's strangest and most beloved traditions: two days each September when a…
festival
September 11–13, 2026 · Historic Joanna Furnace, Geigertown · Ticketed · The Hay Creek Festival is three days of living history at Historic Joanna Furnace, the 18th-century ironmaking community in southern Berks County…
The hotels visitors rate highest. Most sit in Wyomissing and Reading, close to Route 422 and the attractions, and every listing carries its phone number, photos, and directions, so you can book direct.
Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading offers warm hospitality and modern amenities, highlighted by exceptional staff service and a memorable dining experience. Known for its delicious complimentary cookies and impressive…
Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites Kutztown in Pennsylvania provides clean, modern accommodations with convenient amenities like an indoor pool and EV charging. The hotel is celebrated for its proximity to Kutztown University and…
Hotel
Hampton Inn Reading/Wyomissing in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania offers clean, comfortable accommodations with a popular complimentary breakfast and a family-friendly heated indoor pool. Conveniently located near shopping and…
Extended stay hotel
Homewood Suites by Hilton Reading in Pennsylvania is an extended stay hotel offering spacious suites with full kitchens. Guests frequently commend the attentive staff, unique breakfast options, and a welcoming evening…
Hotel
Fairfield Inn & Suites Reading Wyomissing in Reading, Pennsylvania, offers comfortable accommodations with standout service from front-desk staff like Kim and a convenient location near dining and shopping. Enjoy their…
Extended stay hotel
Lamp Lighter Motel Extended Stay in Bethel offers recently renovated, stylish rooms with modern amenities and a welcoming, pet-friendly atmosphere. Guests appreciate the warm hospitality from owners David and Pam,…
Hotel
Courtyard Reading Wyomissing in Reading, Pennsylvania, offers central accommodations with late-night pool hours and a 24/7 gym, complemented by a welcoming housekeeping team and engaging bar experiences. Ideal for…
Hotel
Candlewood Suites Reading by IHG offers spacious, amenity-rich accommodations with in-room kitchenettes and exceptional staff service, conveniently located near Reading's attractions.
The county's inns and bed and breakfasts fill the countryside: Victorian mansions in Reading and Boyertown, farmhouses in the valleys, and small inns near Hawk Mountain. These are the ones guests rate highest.
Bed & breakfast
The South Mountain Inn in Wernersville is a charming bed and breakfast known for its warm hospitality, spotless accommodations, and delightful homemade breakfasts. Guests enjoy serene views, memorable interactions with…
Bed & breakfast
The Bismarck Bed & Breakfast in Hamburg offers charming, spacious rooms and exceptional hospitality. Guests rave about Charlotte's delicious breakfasts and the warm ambiance, complemented by Josephine, the friendly host…
Event venue
The Inn at Centre Park in Reading, PA is a charming Victorian event venue renowned for its exceptional hospitality, gourmet breakfasts, and seamless event hosting. Guests praise the immaculate, historic setting and…
Bed & breakfast
Twin Turrets Inn in Boyertown, PA, offers a cozy bed and breakfast experience with charming historic decor and personalized service. Guests rave about Marianne's delightful homemade breakfasts and the Inn's pristine,…
Event venue
The Gables at Stirling Guest Hotel in Reading, Pennsylvania, is an elegant event venue known for its exceptional service, historic charm, and acclaimed multi-course breakfasts. Guests enjoy Victorian-era décor,…
Hotel
Vintner's Inn by Folino Estate Winery in Kutztown is a charming hotel celebrated for its immaculate rooms, cozy fireplaces, and attentive hosts. Guests enjoy gourmet breakfasts and a complimentary wine-and-cheese…
Bed & breakfast
Hawk Mountain Bed & Breakfast in Kempton, PA, offers a serene escape with warm hospitality, homemade breakfasts, and a cozy common room with a beer tap. Guests appreciate private room entrances and the peaceful, scenic…
Bed & breakfast
The Bird's Nest Bed and Breakfast in Kempton, PA offers cozy accommodations with spa-like baths and exquisite homemade breakfasts, including the acclaimed Dutch Baby pancake. Guests enjoy personal touches and responsive…
Berks County eats like nowhere else in Pennsylvania. This is Pennsylvania Dutch country, so the table runs to chicken pot pie, shoofly pie, and scrapple, and the Deitsch Eck in Lenhartsville still cooks it the old way. Reading is the Pretzel City, and its Latino food corridor serves some of the state's best Puerto Rican and Dominican cooking: mofongo, chicharron, and bakery cases worth the drive on their own.
The institutions hold the other end. The Peanut Bar downtown has had shells on the floor for a century, Stokesay Castle serves dinner in a 1931 castle above the city, and the Reading Liederkranz pours German beer under the trees. The guides below are researched from the directory, name real places, and stay current.
Food guide
The best restaurants in Reading, PA, section by section: Latino kitchens, red-sauce Italian, taverns that cook, fine dining, and dinner in a castle.
Food guide
Where to eat Puerto Rican and Dominican food in Reading, dish by dish: mofongo, pernil, alcapurrias, chimis, mangu and tres leches, with an address for each.
Food guide
The best pizza in Berks County, shop by shop: 51 years of Pizza Italia, wood-fired pies over 900 degrees, rare Chicago deep dish, and the stuffed slice.
Food guide
The best breakfast in Berks County, kitchen by kitchen: four standout rooms, the family diners, bagel counters, and a buffet with its own bakery.
Food guide
The best cheesesteaks in Berks County, shop by shop: Esterly's, JD's, Spenny's, Redvo, Tony's, V & S, Mike's, and the pizza shop steaks behind them.
Food guide
The best ice cream in Berks County, town by town: farm creameries, 1950s parlors, roadside drive-ins, and the stops on two summer ice cream trails.
Food guide
Discover Berks County's top breweries featuring craft beer in historic settings - from 300-year-old lodges to converted train stations with great food and atmosphere.
Food guide
Discover West Reading's best restaurants featuring authentic cuisines from hearty breakfast skillets to hidden speakeasy dining and everything in between.
Berks County sits in southeastern Pennsylvania, northwest of Philadelphia and south of the Blue Mountain ridge. Interstate 78 crosses the north of the county, Route 222 runs through Reading toward Lancaster and Allentown, and Route 422 connects to Philadelphia's western suburbs.
Planning a longer stay? The county's official tourism bureau publishes an annual visitor guide at experienceberks.com (opens in a new tab). For the live view, our own events calendar and news desk update daily.
