Norristown itself is not a very happening place when it comes to activities, although the Marshall Street shopping corridor can get very lively, with many stores and restaurants open relatively late. Because Norristown is mainly residential, most people find their entertainment just beyond the borders. Norristown is nestled between King of Prussia and Plymouth Meeting, no more than 15 minutes from either. These two towns are major entertainment and shopping districts in the area. King of Prussia has the second largest mall in the United States, the King of Prussia Mall Plaza and Court. The Plymouth Meeting Mall, located on Germantown Pike, is smaller but has recently expanded. During this expansion the mall opened a number of stores that are not included at King of Prussia, as well as an "outdoor lifestyle section" of culturally inspired restaurants, little shops, a Whole Foods grocery store, and various chain restaurants such as Dave & Busters and P.F. Chang's. Both malls have AMC/United Artist movies theaters on the property, not to mention the surrounding businesses that cater to food and entertainment needs.
Norristown is a quick drive or train ride from Center City Philadelphia, which offers a wider variety of food, shopping, and cultural activities than the malls.
Located on the Schuylkill River Trail, Norristown also provides excellent walking and bicycling routes to Valley Forge National Park approximately 3.5 miles and eastward to the attractions of Manayunk 11 miles and the Philadelphia Art Museum approximately 18 miles.
