This tiny borough is a wonderful vacation spot and winter getaway for many of the residents of eastern Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, due primarily to its location. Situated at the confluence of the Brodhead, McMichael, and Pocono Creeks, Stroudsburg is a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Settlers began moving to the Stroudsburg area in the 1730s, but it wasn't until Jacob Stroud purchased land here that the town finally began rapid growth and expansion. Stroud, a colonel in the Revolutionary War, started to develop Stroudsburg as a trading post, and he took out ads in Philadelphia and New York papers. Fortunately, the plan worked, and many mills, breweries, and other manufacturing companies began to move to borough as a cheaper alternative to urban locations. Because of Stroud's integral role in the development of the borough, the town now bears his name. Today, the city is a popular tourist destination in both the summer and winter, while industry has all but dried up.
When it's the right time of year, Stroudsburg is an exciting place to visit. Ready to plan your trip to this amazing destination?
When to Visit Stroudsburg, PA
Without a doubt, the best time to head to Stroudsburg is during the winter, when the Poconos get blanketed with snow, providing a picturesque winter wonderland. While temperatures can get cold, snowy, and blustery, it's also the best time to hit the slopes. The Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is only a few minutes from the city, but if you want to tour the Poconos on your skis, you'll still have six other fields to choose from. If you don't feel you have the agility or balance to hit the slopes, there are also outdoor activities such as snow tubing, sledding, and paintball. Hotels fill up quickly during this time of year, so you may want to consider booking your room months in advance.
In the spring, Stroudsburg emerges from the cold with blooming scenery and spectacular green foliage. This provides a scenic background for many outdoor hobbies such as hiking, bird watching, biking, golfing, boating, and more. Temperatures rise up to the 70s during the day, but can plunge down to 40s in the evening, so you may want to layer your clothes, especially if you're going out for an evening stroll. The demand for hotels varies greatly during this season, especially if there's a festival or event going on in the area, so advanced bookings are a necessity.
If you aren't a winter person, then the summer is the time you absolutely have to head to Stroudsburg. Temperatures and humidity never get oppressively hot, offering amazingly agreeable weather. One of the best activities to do during this time is head to one of the many lakes in the surrounding Poconos. However, if you don't feel like making a long drive, take the 5-mile trip to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, where you can get a tan, go swimming, or play in the 70,000 acres surrounding the water. Rooms are often hard to come by during this season, so start your research well before your summer vacation begins.
The autumn may not have the same amount of activities as the summer or winter, but it's perhaps the most beautiful season in Stroudsburg. The Poconos come alive with the brilliant colors of the foliage, presenting a vibrant backdrop for golfing, hiking, or wildlife viewings. Nearby towns also hold regular events that showcase local arts and crafts, food, and beverages. This is probably the best time to score a deal on a hotel room, although it's not uncommon to have hotels fully booked. Make certain to book your room ahead of time.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Stroudsburg, PA:
Stroudsburg by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Stroudsburg, PA. You can use these charts to determine the best time period to stay in Stroudsburg during the year.
Luxury Hotel Options in Stroudsburg, PA
4 Star Average Prices: $149.00
If you're willing to stay about 7 miles outside of Stroudsburg, the Jennifer Lane by Grand Leisure Travel Hotel is the premiere luxury hotel in the Poconos. Not only will you be near the world-class skiing of Alpine Mountain, but you'll also be close to the beach. Other points of interest near the hotel include the Terra Greens Golf Club, Phillips Sculpture, and Mount Airy Casino. Booking this accommodation is a hard task in the winter, but if you're lucky enough to secure it, this place is perfect for big parties. It features newly renovated five-bedroom and three-bedroom homes that sleep up to 17 people. Features at this property include a brand new, enclosed jetted hot tub, a billiards table, and a spacious floor plan that allows you to relax when you aren't on the slopes.
Budget Hotel Options in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
3 Star Average Prices: $133.60
If you're seeking low-cost hotel options in Stroudsburg, you're in luck. The borough has many choices that will suit your budgetary constraints. At the Econo Lodge, you'll be right in heart of the Poconos, and you'll also be close to other attractions such as the Sherman Theater, Stroud Mansion, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Bushkill Falls, and Pocono International Raceway. When you're done exploring all the area has to offer, you can retire to your room, where you'll find an ornate furnishings and decoration, a work desk, complimentary wireless internet that keeps you connected to the news and email, free toiletries, a hair dryer, and a television with cable programming. As if that isn't enough, the Econo Lodge also provides on-site amenities such as a complimentary continental breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, and free parking.
Just minutes away from the city in East Stroudsburg, Budget Inn & Suites provides another affordable accommodation option in the area. Even though it's a low-cost hotel, it's also the only AAA Diamond rated hotel of its kind in the Poconos. On-site amenities here include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning and laundry services, a restaurant, a bar and lounge, fitness center, and concierge service. Each room includes features like a pillow-top mattress, a flat screen television, a jacuzzi, a refrigerator, and a hair dryer. Plus, it's close to Dansbury Park, East Stroudsburg University, the Pocono Snake and Animal Farm, and several of the region's best ski resorts.
