Plan Your Visit to Steel Ice Center
Bethlehem, PA
The Bethlehem Star โ a landmark symbol shining above the city just minutes from Steel Ice Center
Welcome to Steel Ice Center
Steel Ice Center welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year โ from hockey tournaments and figure skating competitions to Learn to Skate classes, public skating sessions, camps, clinics, and local events. Whether you’re spending a weekend at the rink or just dropping by for a skate, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to the arena and the surrounding Bethlehem area.
From nearby hotels and dining to shopping and family attractions, we’ve gathered helpful resources to enhance your experience โ whether you’re a player, skater, parent, spectator, or first-time visitor.
Historic Hotel Bethlehem โ one of the regionโs top-rated hotels and a centerpiece of the cityโs charm
Where to Stay
All hotels listed below are popular with Steel Ice Center visitors โ from hockey families and skating competitors to public skaters and local event guests. All are within 5 miles of the rink.
Legend:
โญ Hotel quality ๐ถ Walkable to rink ๐พ Pet-friendly ๐ฅ Breakfast ๐ณ Kitchenette ๐ Pool ๐งบ Laundry
๐งผ Housekeeping ๐๏ธ Fitness โ๏ธ Near ABE ๐ Free shuttle ๐ฎ Arcade ๐ฐ Casino
๐๏ธ Outlets ๐ฝ๏ธ Dining ๐ Holiday decor
- Comfort Suites Bethlehem ๐ถ โญโญยฝ ๐พ โ 0.4 miles
Closest hotel to the rink โ walk to Steel Ice Center, dining, and South Side shops. - Hyatt Place Bethlehem ๐ถ โญโญโญ ๐พ โ 0.5 miles ๐ฅ ๐๏ธ ๐งผ ๐
Modern hotel in the heart of downtown โ close to Main Street shopping and dining. - Historic Hotel Bethlehem โญโญโญโญ โ 0.8 miles ๐ฝ๏ธ ๐
Iconic, award-winning hotel โ perfect for visitors wanting a luxury experience in historic Bethlehem. - Wind Creek Hotel โญโญโญ โ 0.9 miles ๐๏ธ ๐ฎ ๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ฐ
Resort experience with outlets and casino attached โ close to rink and entertainment. - Candlewood Suites โญโญยฝ ๐พ โ 1.3 miles ๐ณ ๐งบ ๐๏ธ
Great option for extended stays โ kitchenettes and laundry on site. - Holiday Inn Express โญโญยฝ โ 2.3 miles ๐ฅ ๐ ๐งผ
Reliable family-friendly choice โ includes breakfast and pool. - Hampton Inn & Suites โญโญยฝ ๐พ โ 3.6 miles ๐ฅ ๐ ๐งบ
Consistent quality and amenities โ very popular with youth sports families. - Homewood Suites โ Bethlehem Airport โญโญโญ ๐พ โ 4.2 miles โ๏ธ ๐ ๐ณ ๐ฅ ๐ ๐งบ
Full suites with kitchenettes โ ideal for teams or families flying into ABE. - Homewood Suites โ Center Valley โญโญโญ ๐พ โ 5.4 miles ๐ณ ๐ฅ ๐
All-suite option near premium shopping and dining at The Promenade Shops.
๐จ Tip: Book early for the best rates โ popular event weekends at Steel Ice Center can fill fast.
Main Street Bethlehem โ home to some of the areaโs best dining, steps from historic charm and local culture
๐ฝ๏ธ Where to Eat
Great food options are just steps away when you visit Steel Ice Center. Whether you’re here for a tournament, public skating, a family event, or a local program โ these local favorites offer delicious choices to fit any schedule or appetite.
๐ Fast & Inside the Rink
Icehouse Snack Stand โ Located inside Steel Ice Center
- โ Fresh coffee
- ๐ฅช Hot breakfast sandwiches
- ๐ซ Grab-and-go snacks
Perfect for early skates, mid-day refuels, or staying warm between sessions.
The Steel Pub ๐ถ โ Rinkside dining with East Rink views
- ๐ View the game while eating
- ๐ถ Live music Friday & Saturday nights
- ๐ Full menu, drinks, family seating
Steps from the rink โ no reservations needed, just walk over.
๐ฅ Mornings: Coffee & Brunch
- Johnnyโs Bagels ๐ถ โ Grab a bagel and go. Perfect for early morning ice.
- Lit Roastery ๐ถ โ Gourmet coffee and pastries near the rink.
- Roasted ๐ถ โ Creative brunch, good for dietary needs. Busy but worth it.
- Billyโs Downtown Diner โ Beloved for team breakfasts and big portions.
- The Peopleโs Kitchen โ Scratch-made favorites with quick service. Get there early.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Family & Group-Friendly Dining
- Goosemen (The Goose) ๐ถ โ Comfort food and portions that work for families.
- Lehigh Pizza ๐ถ โ Open late. Great for feeding a group on a budget.
- Deja Brew ๐ถ โ Low-key, cozy, and affordable breakfast/lunch.
- Flying V ๐ถ โ Poutine and burgers with hockey vibes.
- Twisted Tees โ Virtual golf, cornhole, food, and space to spread out.
- The Bayou โ Southern food and group-friendly tables.
- Bethlehem Brew Works โ Menu for all ages, plus craft beer for parents.
- F&A Grog House ๐ถ โ Elevated bar fare, local beers, and a hockey-friendly vibe.
- The Taste Smokers ๐ถ โ Southern BBQ with huge portions.
๐ฅ Upscale Options for Adults
- Tavern at the Sun Inn โ Historic, charming, and refined.
- The Brick โ Artisan plates and cozy, modern decor.
- Zest Bar+Grille ๐ถ โ Rooftop dining. Sleek and stylish.
- Apollo Grill โ Sophisticated bistro with upscale American fare.
- Bolete โ Award-winning fine dining. Reservations recommended.
- McCarthyโs Red Stag Pub โ Irish fare, whiskey, and live music downtown.
๐ International Cravings
- Hi Pot ๐ถ โ Hot pot & Korean BBQ. Fun and interactive.
- U & Tea ๐ถ โ Authentic Chinese. Bubble tea & mochi too.
๐ฆ Sweets & Treats
- The Cup โ Old-school ice cream shop with tons of charm.
- Wondaffle ๐ถ โ Loaded waffle creations that kids go nuts for.
- Donerds Donuts ๐ถ โ Artisanal donuts and coffee, walkable from the rink. A sweet must-visit.
- Hocaa Boba ๐ถ โ Quick treats players will love. Bubble tea and fun flavors.
Bethlehemโs boutique shops and festive markets offer unique finds year-round โ just a short walk from the rink
Where to Shop
Looking to explore Bethlehemโs walkable downtown? Main Street and Broad Street are packed with locally owned boutiques, nostalgic treats, and one-of-a-kind finds โ all just minutes from Steel Ice Center. South Side shops add an artsy, offbeat vibe just across the bridge.
Core Stops & Local Favorites
- Moravian Book Shop โ The oldest bookstore in the U.S. โ full of charm, Moravian stars, and unique gifts.
- Main Street & Broad Street โ Independent shops, seasonal dรฉcor, photo-worthy storefronts.
- SouthSide Arts District โ Galleries, artisan shops, fashion boutiques, and creative finds on South Side.
- Bethlehem House Gallery โ Fine art gallery featuring local and national artists โ upscale and walkable.
- Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom โ A foodie favorite โ oils, vinegars, and gifts on Main Street.
- Donegal Square โ Irish imports โ woolens, jewelry, and Celtic gifts โ a downtown staple.
Kid Favorites & Treats
- Grandpa Joeโs Candy Shop โ $5 candy buffet, retro treats, pure fun.
- Clusters Popcorn โ Fresh-popped flavors โ great for snacking or gifting.
- Hocaa Boba ๐ถ โ Bubble tea and sweet treats popular with kids and teens.
Holiday & Boutique Finds
- Dear Santa โ Year-round Christmas boutique โ festive charm for all ages.
- The Paisley Sun โ Cozy apparel, gifts, and locally made goods.
- The Foo Foo Shoppe โ Playful dรฉcor, soaps, and seasonal finds.
Local Essentials
Need to make a quick stop for snacks, supplies, or pet support during your visit? These nearby options have you covered:
Grocery, Pharmacy & General Supplies
- Schellโs Supermarket โ 1.2 miles
Family-run market with hot food, deli, and essentials. - Giant Food Store โ Full-service grocery and pharmacy.
- Target โ Snacks, toiletries, team supplies โ walkable from many hotels.
- CVS Pharmacy โ Closest pharmacy to the rink for quick medication or supplies.
- Walmart Supercenter โ Open late with groceries and gear.
Dog-Friendly Support
- Monocacy Dog Park โ Fenced off-leash park with agility equipment.
- The Puppy Palace โ Daycare and grooming for dogs โ ideal for traveling families.
SteelStacks โ the iconic blast furnaces and cultural heart of Bethlehemโs historic South Side district, just steps from Steel Ice Center
Things to Do Between Skates
Thereโs always more to explore when visiting Steel Ice Center. Whether youโre in town for an event or spending the day at the rink, these local highlights and fun outings are just minutes away:
๐๏ธ ArtsQuest & South Side Culture
- SouthSide Arts District ๐ถ โ Vibrant local shops, art galleries, murals, and events โ just steps from the rink.
- ArtsQuest at SteelStacks ๐ถ โ Movies, music, and local flavor. Catch a Friday night show or a matinee between games.
- Frank Banko Cinemas ๐ถ โ Indie & family films inside ArtsQuest. Cozy, quiet, and less than a 5-minute walk.
- National Museum of Industrial History ๐ถ โ Steel-era stories and hands-on exhibits. Great for siblings and history lovers alike.
- Touchstone Theatre ๐ถ โ A short walk from the rink. Creative, community-based shows in a small venue setting.
๐ฏ Family Fun & Group Activities
- Captured LV Escape Room โ High-energy challenge for groups of all ages.
- SkyZone โ Dodgeball, trampolines, and climbing โ great for kids with energy to burn.
- B Social โ Duckpin bowling, arcade games, pinball, and casual dining โ close to the rink.
- Steel City Bowl & Brews โ Bowling, laser tag, and arcade โ fun for families and groups.
๐๏ธ Wind Creek: Entertainment & Family Options
- Wind Creek Event Center โ Concerts, comedy, and family shows.
- Kids Quest โ Drop-in childcare center with climbing mazes, video games, and toddler play.
- Wind Creek Casino & Resort โ Outlet shopping, spa, dining, and entertainment for adults.
๐ท Parent-Friendly Recharge Spots
- Healing Hands Massage ๐ถ โ Spa and wellness services โ voted โBest in the Valley.โ
- Black River Farms Winery โ Quiet vineyard โ a great local escape.
๐ฟ Outdoor Walks & Scenic Spots
- Hoover-Mason Trestle ๐ถ โ Elevated walkway with views of Bethlehemโs blast furnaces.
- Monocacy & Illickโs Mill Parks โ Wooded trails and a creekside path โ ideal for a break between sessions.
โธ๏ธ On-Ice Fun for Non-Players
- Public Skate at Steel Ice Center โ Rentals available โ fun for siblings and friends to get on the ice.
PPL Center โ home of the AHLโs Lehigh Valley Phantoms and a top Lehigh Valley entertainment venue
Greater Lehigh Valley Adventures
Have extra time between skates or staying a little longer? These family-friendly destinations are all within 20โ35 minutes of Steel Ice Center โ perfect for a weekend outing or post-event fun.
๐ PPL Center โ AHL Hockey
PPL Center โ Home of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms โ top-level AHL hockey action just 20 minutes away.
๐งช Da Vinci Science Center
Da Vinci Science Center โ Interactive exhibits, STEAM fun for all ages โ Allentown โ about 20 min from Steel Ice Center.
๐๏ธ Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley
The Promenade Shops โ Outdoor shopping, family dining, modern movie theater.
๐๏ธ Crayola Experience
Crayola Experience โ Creative fun and interactive play โ especially great for younger siblings โ Easton โ about 25 min from the rink.
๐ฆ Lehigh Valley Zoo
Lehigh Valley Zoo โ Winter-friendly zoo with outdoor fun โ about 35 min from Steel Ice Center.
Getting Here & Travel Tips
Steel Ice Center is easily accessible whether you’re coming from across the Lehigh Valley, driving in from the region, or flying in for an event or tournament.
Driving & Parking
- Highways: Rt. 22, Rt. 33, I-78 โ easy access from all directions.
- Travel Time: Under 2 hours from NYC or Philadelphia.
- Parking: Free on-site parking at Steel Ice Center.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft readily available in Bethlehem.
Flying In
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) โ just 15 minutes from Steel Ice Center โ offers nonstop flights from major cities.
- ๐ซ Atlanta (ATL) โ Delta
- ๐ซ Charlotte (CLT) โ American
- ๐ซ Chicago-OโHare (ORD) โ United
- ๐ซ Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Sarasota โ Allegiant
- ๐ซ Newark (EWR) โ United
Rental Cars: Onsite rental car services available at ABE:
Free Airport Shuttles: Offered by:
Map: Plan Your Visit
Use the interactive map below to easily locate Steel Ice Center and nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions:
Contact Steel Ice Center
Have questions about your visit? Weโre happy to help!
๐ Phone: 610-625-4774
๐ Location: Steel Ice Center โ 320 E. 1st St, Bethlehem, PAWe look forward to welcoming you to Steel Ice Center โ enjoy your visit!

