Hershey Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania with this comprehensive travel guide featuring natural attractions, cultural landmarks, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more!


Introduction to Hershey

Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a small town located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, in the Harrisburg area, known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth.” It is home to the famous Hershey’s chocolate factory, Hersheypark amusement park, and the Milton Hershey School.

List of Places to Visit in Hershey

To make the most of your trip to Hershey, here is a list of the top attractions to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Hershey’s Chocolate World: Learn about the history of chocolate and tour the factory where Hershey’s chocolate is made.
  • The Hershey Story Museum: Explore the history of Milton Hershey and his vision for the town of Hershey.
  • Hershey Gardens: Wander through the beautiful botanical gardens containing over 23 acres of flowers, shrubs, and trees.
  • Antique Automobile Club of America Museum: View over 100 antique and classic cars and trucks on display.

Natural Attractions of Hershey: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • ZooAmerica: Home to over 200 animals from five regions of North America, this zoo is a perfect spot for animal lovers.
  • The Hershey Trolley Works: An exciting tour through the streets of Hershey on a vintage trolley car.
  • Indian Echo Caverns: Explore underground caves and a crystal lake on a guided tour.
  • Hershey Park: An amusement park with thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and an exciting waterpark.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hershey

Hershey has a few hiking/biking routes for fitness enthusiasts. You can explore some of these routes at:

  • Hershey Park Stadium and Giant Center Loop
  • Hershey Gardens Loop Trail

Best Things to Do in Hershey: Activities and Tours

  • Taste Hershey’s World Famous Chocolate!: Satisfy your sweet tooth by sampling chocolate on a Chocolate Tasting Adventure or by creating your own candy bars.
  • Hershey Regional Affiliates: Learn about the various Hershey-related organizations like the Hershey Bears, Hershey Symphony Orchestra, Hershey Area Art Association, and more.
  • Hershey’s Outlet Store: Shop for delicious Hershey’s chocolate and souvenirs at discounted prices.
  • Hershey Theatre: Catch a live performance or play at this historic theatre built-in 1915.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hershey

Day 1

  • Spend the morning at Hershey’s Chocolate World before taking the Trolley Tour.
  • In the afternoon, visit ZooAmerica and Hershey Gardens.

Day 2

  • Take an early morning hike or bike ride on the Hershey Park Stadium Loop.
  • Spend the day at Hersheypark, having fun on the rides and attractions.

Day 3

  • Explore the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum and The Hershey Story Museum.
  • Take a stroll Downtown Hershey and shop for souvenirs.

Day 4

  • Visit the Indian Echo Caverns located just outside of Hershey and enjoy a guided tour of the underground caves.
  • Take a relaxing afternoon break at Hershey Theater and watch a live performance.

Day 5

  • Tour Milton Hershey School and learn about the great philanthropist.
  • Visit the Hershey Area Art Association for a display of unique and interesting artwork.

Day 6

  • Spend the day exploring Hershey’s outlet stores and shop for discounted candy and souvenirs.
  • Take a ride on the Hershey Park Ferris Wheel at sunset.

Day 7

  • Take a walk or hike on the Hershey Gardens Loop Trail.
  • Spend the day at Hersheypark Waterpark and cool off from the summer heat.

Food and Drink Scene of Hershey

Hershey offers a unique blend of bakeries, coffee shops, and restaurants. Experience the taste of Hershey by trying out some of the town’s local specialties:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hershey’s Ice Cream: Locally made ice-cream, flavored with various ingredients, is a must-try.
  • Hershey’s Chocolate: No visit to Hershey is complete without trying Hershey’s Chocolate. You can try it in various forms like bars, syrups, and more.
  • Shoofly Pie: A traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dish made with molasses and topped with sweet crumbs.

Local Beverages

  • Alfred’s Victorian Tea Room: Relax and unwind with a cup of tea at this Victorian-style tea room.
  • Troegs Brewery: Sample handcrafted beer with various flavors.

Where to Stay in Hershey: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hershey is home to several world-class hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are a few options:

  • The Hotel Hershey: A luxurious hotel with a spa, beautiful outdoor swimming pool, and lovely gardens.
  • Hershey Lodge: Ideal for families, Hershey Lodge offers a water park and a variety of dining options.
  • Simmons Motel & Suites: A budget-friendly option with clean and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Hershey: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hershey’s Chocolate: Bring back delicious Hershey’s Chocolate for your friends and family back home.
  • Amish Crafts and Pottery: Visit the local shops and markets to purchase some unique Amish crafts and pottery.
  • Hershey’s memorabilia: Buy souvenir items like t-shirts, magnets, postcards, and more.

Local Culture and Customs of Hershey

Hershey is known for its warm hospitality and friendly people. Here are some cultural and social customs that visitors should be aware of:

  • Be respectful of the Amish community living close by and their way of life.
  • Be courteous towards the locals and maintain good manners at all times.
  • Avoid littering and keep the town clean and beautiful.

Best Time to Visit Hershey

The best time to visit Hershey is from June through August when the weather is warm and favorable for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hershey

Do:

  • Try Hershey’s chocolate and other local specialties.
  • Visit places that showcase the region’s history and culture.
  • Engage with the friendly locals and learn about their stories.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the town.
  • Ignore the customs and traditions of the locals.
  • Waste food or water.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hershey

Hershey is generally a safe town for travelers. However, it is always advisable to follow basic safety measures, like being aware of your surroundings and keeping your personal belongings safe.

Health in Hershey

Hershey has excellent healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, to cater to any medical emergencies.

Getting to Hershey: Transportation Options and Logistics

The following are transportation options to Hershey:

Airports Near Hershey

  • Harrisburg International Airport.
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
  • Philadelphia International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Hershey

  • Greyhound Bus Station.
  • Harrisburg Transportation Center.

Other Options

  • Renting a car if you’re driving to Hershey
  • Train services are also available from Philadelphia and New York City.

How to Get Around in Hershey

The most convenient way to travel around Hershey is by car. Also, there are bike rentals and public transport options available to visitors.

Where to Go Next from Hershey: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hershey lies in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, which offers visitors a vast number of additional exciting sights and landmarks. Here are some nearby destinations:

  • Lancaster: Known for its Amish community, beautiful farmlands, and furniture factories.
  • Gettysburg: A historical landmark commemorating the American Civil War.
  • Harrisburg: The capital city of Pennsylvania, with its historical landmarks and a variety of local and international cuisine.

Conclusion

Hershey is a fantastic destination for those who enjoy chocolate, amusement parks, and history. Plan your trip using this comprehensive guide to maximize your experience and make the most of your visit to “The Sweetest Place on Earth.”