- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
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Why Visit Hershey
Milton S. Hershey built this town for his workers, shaping its unique identity. Landmarks like the Mediterranean-style Hotel Hershey and the grand Hershey Theatre show this history. Beyond candy, what is Hershey famous for is this planned community, seen in the Kiss-shaped streetlights on Chocolate Avenue.
Explore the 23-acre Hershey Gardens, Milton Hershey's tribute to his wife, which includes a seasonal butterfly atrium and a hands-on children's garden. Adjacent is ZooAmerica, an 11-acre park dedicated to North American wildlife. For more rugged activity, nearby Swatara State Park offers extensive hiking trails.
The local cuisine goes beyond candy bars. Area chefs incorporate Hershey's cocoa into savory dishes like cocoa-rubbed short ribs, a local culinary twist. Pennsylvania Dutch traditions are strong, so seek out authentic whoopie pies. For drinks, Tröegs Independent Brewing offers its nationally acclaimed craft beer.
- HersheyUnited States
- HersheyUnited States
- HersheyUnited States
- HersheyUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintercold, possible snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightJacket
- #Umbrella
- #Sunscreen
- #Backpack
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 days with side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #HersheyPark
- #HersheyChocolateWorld
- #TheHersheyStory
- #ZooAmerica
- #HersheyGardens
- #TroegsIndependentBrewing
- Chocolate tasting
- Ride roller coasters
- Explore gardens
- Visit local breweries
- Attend a live show
Things to do in Hershey
Discover
Exploring Hershey reveals more than just its famous chocolate. Discover Hersheypark's thrilling rides, the botanical beauty of Hershey Gardens, and the compelling history at The Hershey Story Museum, all central to this unique Pennsylvania town.
Experience
Enjoy concerts at Giant Center or see North American animals at ZooAmerica. Indulge in unique chocolate spa treatments for relaxation. Seasonal events and Hershey Bears hockey games offer year-round entertainment for every visitor.
Hersheypark
Amusement park with roller coasters, water rides, and shows.
Hershey Gardens
Botanical garden with themed areas and a butterfly atrium.
The Hershey Story Museum
Interactive museum detailing Milton Hershey's life and legacy.
Hershey's Chocolate World
Visitor center with a chocolate tour ride and tastings.
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
Walk-through zoo with animals native to North America.
Hershey Theatre
Historic venue for touring Broadway shows and concerts.
Falconry Experience
A hands-on lesson with birds of prey at The Hotel Hershey.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Harrisburg International (MDT), a 15-min drive. From the Hershey airport to city center, use a taxi or car rental. For a train to Hershey, Amtrak stops at Harrisburg Station (HAR), a 20-min drive away.
Getting Around
Public transport in Hershey is limited, making car rental the best option. During summer, a free Hershey shuttle bus connects official lodgings and major attractions like Hersheypark and Chocolate World. The downtown area is walkable.
Local Essentials
As you plan a trip to Hershey, book park tickets online to save time. Driving in Hershey is easy, but parking lots fill fast; arrive early. Most places accept cards, but carry some cash for smaller shops. A must for first-timers.
Where to Stay in Hershey
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Hershey's local cuisine beyond candy. Taste unique chocolate-infused cocktails or savory dishes with a hint of cocoa. People here eat early, embracing a relaxed, family-centric dining habit perfect after a day of fun.
Enjoy
Discover the best restaurants in Hershey. Devon Seafood + Steak has an upscale vibe, book ahead. For a lively mood, Tröegs Brewing Company is a must, expect crowds. The Hershey Pantry is a bustling café for breakfast, arrive early.
Devon Seafood + Steak
Upscale surf and turf spot. Perfect for special occasions.
The Circular
Elegant dining in a historic hotel. Dress code enforced.
Fenicci's of Hershey
Long-standing Italian restaurant. Family-friendly atmosphere.
The Mill in Hershey
Farm-to-fork American fare. Reservations are recommended.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Hershey's heritage through its sweetest traditions. The town celebrates its history with chocolate-themed holiday events like Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights, must-see seasonal displays that light up the entire town.
Enjoy
Discover exciting things to do with Hershey's contemporary scene. Enjoy Broadway shows and concerts at the historic Hershey Theatre, or attend major music festivals and sporting events at Hersheypark Stadium and Giant Center for modern entertainment.
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Holiday theme park event with millions of lights and festivities.
AACA Eastern Fall Meet
One of the largest antique car shows and flea markets in the US.
Hersheypark Halloween
Seasonal theme park event with rides, trick-or-treating.
Choctoberfest
October street festival with chocolate, local food, and music.
Music in the Parks
Student music festival held at Hersheypark in the spring.
Broadway Series at Hershey Theatre
Touring Broadway productions hosted at the historic theatre.
Hershey Sweet Lights
A drive-through holiday spectacle with millions of lights.
A Great Family Town
Hershey is such a family-focused town, more than just the amusement park. We loved the streetlights shaped like Kisses on Chocolate Avenue. Everything feels clean and safe, making it a very relaxing place for a getaway with the kids. Good food options too.
Quiet and Beautiful Gardens
The Hershey Gardens were absolutely beautiful, even in early spring. It's a very peaceful place to walk around and escape the theme park crowds. The town has a quiet, well-kept feel. A really nice destination for a slower-paced and relaxing trip.
Awesome Roller Coasters!
Hershey is all about the rides for me! Hersheypark has some truly awesome coasters and Candymonium gives you a great view of the whole area. The lines weren't too bad when we went. Chocolate World next door is a fun, chaotic stop for some unique treats.
Perfect for Little Kids
We spent most of our time at ZooAmerica, which was just perfect for our little ones. It is not a huge zoo, but all the North American animals were really interesting to see. The town itself is very walkable and easy to navigate with a stroller. Simple and sweet.
The Whole Town is Chocolate!
The entire town smells like chocolate, it is wild. Chocolate World is a definite must-do, and making our own custom candy bars was the absolute highlight. It is a very commercial experience, but a fun one. The town has a unique history which is pretty cool.
Interesting Town History
This place is more than just a theme park destination. The Hershey Story Museum gives a great background on how the city came to be. It's interesting to see a town built entirely around one industry. It's clean and has a unique character.