Top 12 Best Things to Do in Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey, Pennsylvania is known for chocolate but the city has plenty of things to do besides satisfying your sweet tooth. From state-of-the-art roller ... read more...coasters at Hersheypark and concert entertainment venues to the more subdued Hershey Gardens and The Spa at The Hershey Hotel, your visit can be as action-packed or relaxing as you choose. Surrounding the farmland and chocolate factories that dominate this corner of Dauphin County, Hershey is home to a fantastic amusement park, delicious breweries, beautiful natural scenery, and great shopping. For more ideas on things to do, see this list of the top attractions in Hershey.
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Hersheypark is a family-friendly theme park in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, with roller coasters and rides, themed areas, entertainment zones, and dining options. Originally built as a recreation area for Hershey Chocolate Factory employees, Hershey Park is now one of the top Hershey attractions, with something for everyone. Founder's Way, which winds through the park from the main gate to a junction where Kissing Tower Hill, The Hollow, and Pioneer Frontier meet, is one of six themed areas at Hersheypark. Midway America and The Boardwalk are two other themed areas with themed shops, restaurants, rides, and attractions.
Hersheypark has 15 roller coasters (and counting), including the first indoor, spinning glow coaster in the United States, Laff Trakk. The amusement park also has an outdoor water park and kiddie rides, as well as rides and attractions that the entire family can enjoy. When it's time to take a break, stop by Simply Chocolate and order one of the park's famous King Sized Shakes. The one-of-a-kind amusement park is especially magical during the holiday season when it hosts Hershey Sweet Lights, a 2-mile illuminated drive-through tour, and Christmas Candylane, where guests can sip hot cocoa and meet Santa and his reindeer.
Address: 100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
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Hershey's Chocolate World is exactly that – a chocolate-filled world! This popular tourist attraction offers a variety of fun chocolate-related activities and is one of the best things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
You haven't been to Hershey until you've taken the Hershey's Chocolate Tour, which is free. The tour, which includes an indoor ride in a Hershey's Kiss-shaped car, teaches visitors how Hershey's chocolate is made and includes a free chocolate bar at the end. Even better is Hershey's Chocolate World's marketplace, where you can buy Hershey's candy (including treats you won't find at your local grocery store), candy-themed souvenirs, and signature smoothies, milkshakes, and pastries. You can also make your own candy bar at the Create Your Own Candy Bar station, solve a sweet mystery in the 4D Chocolate Movie, and enjoy seasonal wine and chocolate or beer and chocolate pairings.
Other sweet activities at Hershey's Chocolate World include an onsite bakery selling a variety of treats, a large food court serving a variety of foods and drinks, and Hershey's Dessert Creation Studio, where you can design your own personalized cupcakes, sundaes, and cookies.
Address: 101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey, PA 17033
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Hershey Gardens, founded by Milton Hershey with the goal of "creating a nice garden of roses", opened in 1937 and has been delighting visitors with unique floral experiences ever since. The beautifully maintained botanical garden, which spans 23 acres and overlooks the town of Hershey, features an awe-inspiring collection of rare, signature trees and shrubs, themed gardens, and brilliant seasonal flower displays. Stroll through the historic Hershey Rose Garden, relax in the Japanese Garden, or find culinary delights in the Herb Garden.
If you're looking for things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania with kids, this is a great place to go. The Gardens feature an outdoor Butterfly House where visitors can walk among thousands of free-flying butterflies, as well as an enchanting interactive Children's Garden where kids can explore and discover the garden's world.
Address: 170 Hotel Road, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, also known as The Chocolate Spa, is a luxurious, tranquil haven where guests can relax and enjoy a variety of pampering spa treatments. It is surrounded by magnificent gardens and breathtaking views.
Melt into The Spa at The Hotel Hershey for cocoa massages and chocolate fondue wraps. There are plenty of other options, including a four-handed Lomi Lomi massage and teen-specific services, if you don't want to get a chocolate treatment. There is also an on-site salon where you can get your hair, makeup, and nails done. Take advantage of the spa facilities before or after your treatment, which include an indoor pool, a hot tub, a steam room, a sauna, and The Oasis lounge and restaurant, where you can have lunch (reservations required) and cocktails. You don't have to be a hotel guest to use the spa, though a stay at the property is highly recommended.
Address: 100 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA 17033
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Automobile enthusiasts will be enthralled by this world-class automotive experience. The ACA Museum, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, is dedicated to preserving vintage automobiles and highlighting their rich history and heritage.
The museum, which is located in the heart of Hershey, has an outstanding collection of vintage vehicle displays and interactive exhibits that showcase a variety of cars, motorcycles, buses, and other automobiles from the 1890s to the 1980s. Visitors to the museum can take self-guided or guided group tours through the facility, where automobile experts will share their enthusiasm and knowledge about the incredible pieces on display. The museum also provides educational programs and workshops for children of all ages, as well as hosting car-related events throughout the year.
Address: 161 Museum Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
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The Hershey Story is an interactive museum that tells the story of Milton S. Hershey and how he became one of the world's most famous names. The family-friendly museum includes a variety of interactive and informative exhibits, displays, and collections that highlight Hershey's history, lifestyle, and legacy, as well as providing visitors with an insight into the fascinating story of chocolate.
Of course, there's no better place to learn about Hershey than The Hershey Story Museum, where exhibits include Failures to Fortune, which tells the story of Milton Hershey's childhood, apprenticeships, business failures and successes; Sweet Innovations, which displays some of the original chocolate factory's equipment; and the Power of Promotion, which demonstrates how Hershey became the beloved candy brand it is today. A hands-on Chocolate Lab and seasonal chocolate tastings are also available at the Hershey Story Museum. According to reviews, this is a must-see attraction in Hershey.
Address: 63 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, PA 17033
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Hershey Trolley Works is a tour company located on Park Boulevard inside Hershey's Chocolate World. All trolley tours begin and end at the trolley depot, which is located next to the front door of Chocolate World. Guests learn about Milton Hershey, his birthplace and home, Highpoint Mansion, the Milton Hershey School, the HersheyPark amusement park, the Hershey Kiss Streetlights, and much more.
Take a trip around town with Hershey Trolley Works, which provides narrated excursions. Themed tours include a 75-minute year-round Historical Trolley Tour; the Original Trolley Show, a 45-minute family-friendly show that brings Milton Hershey's story to life (summer only); and festive Halloween and Christmas trolley tours. The friendly tour guides receive rave reviews, and previous customers say they learned things about the area that they would not have known otherwise.
Address: 101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey, PA 17033
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Milton Hershey and his wife, Catherine, are remembered in Founders Hall for their dedication to helping children in need. The Visitors Center is closed until late 2022 for renovations, but when it reopens, visitors will be able to admire the beautiful marble interior dome and learn about the history of the Milton Hershey School. Until then, this ceremonious monument, an iconic structure and symbol in Hershey, is worth a visit. According to reviewers, the grounds are worth exploring on their own.
The structure was built over three years in the late 1960s as a tribute to the school's founders, Milton S. and Catherine Hershey, whose philanthropy was instrumental in building a better community. The Founders Hall features a modern Visitor's Center that is open to the public and provides guided tours of the monument.
Address: 1201 Homestead Lane, Hershey, PA 17033
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The Giant Center is a multi-purpose arena on Hersheypark Drive in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The Hershey Bears ice hockey team plays at the center, which has a seating capacity of 10,500. The Hershey Bears joined the American Hockey League in 1938, making them the league's longest-running franchise.
In addition to hockey games, the arena hosts a variety of other events. Cher performed at the arena's grand opening in 2002, and other acts have included American Idol Live, the Harlem Globetrotters, WWE's Unforgiven, and many more. During events, concessions sell a variety of food, including Hershey Chocolate Company products.
If you're looking for indoor entertainment in Hershey, check out the Giant Center's schedule. You can watch a Hershey Bears hockey game or a WWE SmackDown show here, as well as see a concert or a traveling tour such as Disney on Ice. There is no such thing as a bad seat at the Giant Center, as many reviewers note that the views are excellent regardless of where you sit (but that seat could use an update). The Giant Center is open all year.
Address: 550 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
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ZooAmerica - North American Wildlife Park, located on Park Avenue, is a walk-through zoo adjacent to Hersheypark. The park, which spans 11 acres with tree-lined pathways, features plants and over 200 animals from five different regions of North America.
Big Sky Country, the Eastern Woodlands, the Great Southwest, the Northlands, and the Southern Swamps are among these regions. School field trips, Boy Scout Tours, Girl Scout Tours, ZooCamp, and other educational programs are available at the park. The park hosts events such as "Animal Tales", "Preschool Palooza", and "Wild Winter Adventure".
ZooAmerica was one of the first attractions to open in Hershey in 1910. More than a century later, the zoo has grown to house several hundred animals from various species and to support several wildlife and environmental conservation efforts. Book behind-the-scenes photography or after-hours zoo tour for an extra-special experience. ZooAmerica is part of Hersheypark, and admission to the zoo is included in your park admission.
Address: 201 Park Ave., Hershey, PA 17033
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Visitors to Hershey should try to see a performance at the Hershey Theatre, which is located downtown. Concerts, comedy acts, touring Broadway shows, and film previews are all available at the performing arts center. The Hershey Theatre Spotlight Tour, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the historic theater, which opened in 1933, is also available. There is plenty of parking and concessions available. Previous customers appreciate the fact that they can see Broadway-caliber shows in Hershey.
Hershey Theatre is a historic theater on East Caracas Avenue in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was designed by Lancaster architect C. Emlen Urban and opened in 1933, with chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey as a major benefactor. Mr. Hershey promoted the construction of the theater, as well as many other landmarks such as the Hotel Hershey, the Hersheypark Arena, and the Hersheypark Stadium, as part of his "Great Building Campaign" between 1929 and 1933.
Address: 15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey, PA 17033
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A trip to Hershey would not be complete without a stop at The Mill. This restaurant, which opened in 2014, is celebrated and favored by both locals and visitors for its unwavering commitment to serving simple, honest, and made-from-scratch meals that are "crafted with integrity". The Mill strives to use only locally sourced produce from local farmers, seafood from local fishermen, and some other ingredients from homegrown artisanal food producers as much as possible. Not only are their dishes delicious and filling, but their award-winning cocktails will leave you wanting more because of their distinct flair and attention to detail.
Make reservations at The Mill when visiting Hershey, where the farm-to-table fare is served in a beautifully rustic setting. Everything is delicious, but the weekend brunch menu is arguably the best, with items such as a fried chicken and waffle sandwich and chorizo huevos benedict. Many reviewers say it's their favorite restaurant in the area because of the bucolic atmosphere as well as the food.
Address: 810 Old West Chocolate Ave., Hershey, PA 17033