Hershey, Pennsylvania Travel Guide

Explore Hershey, Pennsylvania, where chocolate dreams come true in a town filled with fun, history, and scenic beauty. Discover the magic of The Sweetest Place on Earth.

Hershey, Pennsylvania, often referred to as 'The Sweetest Place on Earth,' is a charming town steeped in history and filled with attractions for visitors of all ages. Named after its founder, Milton S. Hershey, the city is most famous for its chocolate and the iconic Hershey’s chocolate factory. As you stroll through the streets, the sweet aroma of chocolate fills the air, reminding you of the city's rich confectionery heritage. The town is home to Hersheypark, a family-friendly amusement park that offers a variety of rides, shows, and chocolate-themed attractions. Adjacent to the park, you will find Hershey's Chocolate World, where you can take a tour to see how chocolate is made, create your own candy bar, and enjoy delicious samples. For those interested in history, The Hershey Story Museum provides an engaging overview of Milton Hershey’s life and his contributions to the community. Beyond the chocolate, Hershey boasts beautiful gardens and scenic landscapes. Hershey Gardens, with its stunning array of flowers and a butterfly atrium, offers a serene escape. Additionally, the town’s close proximity to Harrisburg and Lancaster makes it a convenient base for exploring the broader region of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. With its unique blend of fun, history, and natural beauty, Hershey is a destination that promises sweet memories for every visitor.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hershey.

Plan your visit during the week to avoid the weekend crowds at Hersheypark and Chocolate World.
Take advantage of the free chocolate tour ride at Hershey's Chocolate World for a delightful experience and free samples.
Wear comfortable shoes as you will do a lot of walking, especially if you plan to explore Hershey Gardens and the amusement park.
Check the seasonal events calendar, as Hersheypark hosts various themed events and festivals throughout the year.
Consider staying at The Hotel Hershey for a luxurious experience, complete with a spa and beautiful views of the gardens.

Explore Hershey: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Hershey

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Best Attractions

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Hersheypark

Experience the ultimate family adventure at Hersheypark, a thrilling theme park in Pennsylvania with rides, attractions, and a delightful zoo.

4.5

Hershey's Chocolate World

Discover the magic of chocolate at Hershey's Chocolate World, a delightful attraction featuring tours, treats, and fun for all ages in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

4.6

Hershey's Chocolate World

Explore Hershey's Chocolate World, where chocolate magic unfolds through interactive exhibits, tasty treats, and unforgettable experiences for all ages.

4.6

ZooAmerica

Explore the wonders of North American wildlife at ZooAmerica, a family-friendly animal park in Hershey, PA, offering engaging exhibits and educational experiences.

4.3

Best landmarks in Hershey

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Hersheypark

Experience the thrilling rides, delightful attractions, and sweet treats at Hersheypark, Pennsylvania's premier amusement park destination for families.

4.5

Hershey's Chocolate World

Discover the magical world of chocolate at Hershey's Chocolate World, where fun, flavor, and creativity meet in a delicious adventure.

4.6

Hershey Lodge

Experience luxury and family fun at Hershey Lodge, the ultimate resort hotel in Hershey, Pennsylvania, surrounded by iconic attractions and sweet adventures.

4.4

Giant Center

Experience thrilling events and unforgettable performances at the Giant Center, Hershey's premier arena for sports and concerts.

4.5

Best restaurants in Hershey

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Houlihan's

Discover delicious American cuisine at Houlihan's in Hershey - where comfort food meets a vibrant bar atmosphere.

4.4

The Hershey Pantry

Experience hearty American cuisine at The Hershey Pantry, where family-friendly dining meets the charm of Chocolate Town.

4.6

The Mill in Hershey

Discover delectable American cuisine and seafood at The Mill in Hershey - where culinary excellence meets inviting ambiance.

4.5

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

Experience the best of craft brewing and delectable dining at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Hershey, PA.

4.4

Best bars in Hershey

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Houlihan's

Discover the best of American dining at Houlihan's in Hershey, PA – a vibrant restaurant and bar perfect for friends and family gatherings.

4.4

The Mill in Hershey

Experience the best of American and seafood cuisine at The Mill in Hershey, where culinary excellence meets charming atmosphere.

4.5

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

Discover the charm of Hershey at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, where craft beer meets delicious cuisine in a lively brewpub atmosphere.

4.4

Devon Seafood & Steak

Experience the finest seafood and steak cuisine in Hershey at Devon Seafood & Steak, where every meal is a celebration of flavor.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Hershey

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Houlihan's

Experience American dining at its finest at Houlihan's in Hershey, where delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere await every visitor.

4.4

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

Experience the iconic flavors of Primanti Bros. in Hershey, PA, where hearty sandwiches and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.

4.2

Rotunda Brew Pub

Experience the best of American cuisine and craft beer at Rotunda Brew Pub in Hershey, PA, where flavor meets fun in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.3

Parkside Hotel

Experience the flavors of Hershey at Parkside Hotel, a grill restaurant offering delicious dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.5

Best shops in Hershey

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Tanger Outlets Lancaster

Explore Tanger Outlets Lancaster for unbeatable deals on top brands in a vibrant shopping environment that delights visitors of all ages.

4.4

Tanger Outlets Hershey

Discover unbeatable deals on top brands at Tanger Outlets Hershey, where shopping meets fun in a charming atmosphere.

4.4

The Shops @ Rockvale

Discover a vibrant shopping experience at The Shops @ Rockvale, where retail, dining, and entertainment come together in Lancaster, PA.

4.0

The Hershey Story Museum

Explore the delightful history of chocolate at The Hershey Story Museum, a sweet destination for all ages in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

4.5

Explore Hershey on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Hershey, mapped for you.

Hershey Essentials

Hershey is located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The nearest major airport is Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), approximately 13 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use ride-sharing services to reach Hershey. Amtrak also serves the area with a station in nearby Harrisburg, from which you can take a taxi or bus to Hershey. If you're driving, Hershey is easily accessible via major highways such as I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) and I-83.
Hershey is relatively small, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. However, for longer distances, local buses operated by Capital Area Transit (CAT) are available. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also options. Renting a car can be convenient if you plan to explore surrounding areas. Biking is another popular way to get around, especially during the warmer months.
The official currency in Hershey, as in the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in tourist areas and shopping centers. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit places that do not accept cards.
Hershey is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Hershey does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Hershey has local police and medical facilities, including the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies around town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably, especially if you plan to visit Hersheypark or other outdoor attractions. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Hershey's chocolate. Don’t forget to tip your servers, as tipping is customary in the United States.
To experience Hershey like a local, visit the Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share tips about the best places to eat and visit. Don’t miss out on a tour of the Hershey's Chocolate World, where you can see how the famous chocolate is made. For a unique experience, consider attending a concert or event at the Giant Center or Hershey Theatre.

When is the best time to visit Hershey?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Hershey

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Hershey. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yah]
- YesYup
  [yuhp]
- NoNah
  [nuh]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no prob-lem]
- Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
- Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/My bad
  [ex-cuse me/my bad]
- How are you?Howdy, how ya doin'?
  [haw-dee, how yuh doo-in']
- Fine. And you?Good. How 'bout you?
  [good, how 'bout yuh]
- Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak ing-glish]
- I don't understandI ain't gettin' ya
  [i aint get-tin ya]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu, please
  [kan i chek out the menu, please]
- I don't eat meatI'm a veggie
  [im uh vej-ee]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
- I would like to pay, pleaseGotta settle up, please
  [got-ta set-tul up, please]
- Help!I need a hand!
  [i need uh hand]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [get lost]
- Call the Police!Ring the cops!
  [ring the cops]
- Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get uh doc]
- I'm lostI'm all turned around
  [im all turned uh-round]
- I'm illI'm under the weather
  [im under the weath-er]
- I'd like to buy...I'm lookin' to purchase...
  [im look-in to pur-chase]
- I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [just brow-sin']
- How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats the dam-ij]
- That's too expensiveThat costs a pretty penny
  [that costs uh pret-ee pen-ee]
- Can you lower the price?Can ya do a deal?
  [can ya do uh deal]
- What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
- Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [ten thur-tee]
- MorningMornin'
  [morn-in']
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [even-in']
- YesterdayYest'day
  [yest-day]
- TodayToday
  [to-day]
- TomorrowTomorrah
  [tomor-rah]
- 1One
  [wun]
- 2Two
  [too]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [sev-en]
- 8Eight
  [ate]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the... at?
  [wheres the at]
- What's the address?Where's it located?
  [wheres it locat-ed]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [can ya point it out on the map]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus) comin'?
  [whens the next bus com-in]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket to]

History of Hershey

The story of Hershey begins with Milton S. Hershey, an entrepreneurial visionary who founded the town in 1903. Hershey's dream was to create a model town for his employees, centered around his burgeoning chocolate business. The Hershey Chocolate Company was established, and the first Hershey's chocolate bar was produced in 1900. Hershey's careful planning led to the construction of homes, schools, and recreational facilities, all designed to improve the quality of life for his workers.
In 1906, Milton S. Hershey opened Hersheypark as a leisure park for his employees. Over the years, the park expanded to become one of the premier amusement destinations in the United States. Today, Hersheypark boasts an array of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and a water park, all set amid beautifully landscaped grounds. The park also features Chocolate World, where visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process and enjoy a variety of interactive exhibits.
During the 1930s, Hershey initiated an ambitious building campaign to provide jobs during the Great Depression. This period saw the construction of several iconic structures, including the Hotel Hershey, a luxurious Spanish-style hotel that opened in 1933. Hershey also built the Hershey Theatre, a grand performance venue, and the Community Building, which housed a variety of civic functions. These buildings reflect Hershey's commitment to creating a vibrant and culturally rich community.
Milton S. Hershey and his wife, Catherine, established the Hershey Industrial School in 1909 to provide education and care for orphaned boys. The school, now known as the Milton Hershey School, has grown to become one of the largest and wealthiest private schools in the country. It continues to offer a comprehensive education and support system for disadvantaged children, funded by a trust established by Hershey's vast fortune.
The Hershey Bears, one of the oldest and most successful franchises in the American Hockey League (AHL), have been a beloved part of the community since their founding in 1938. The team plays at the Giant Center, a state-of-the-art arena that also hosts concerts and other events. The Bears have won numerous Calder Cup championships, reflecting the town's passion for hockey and its strong sense of community pride.
Hershey Gardens, established in 1937, is a 23-acre botanical garden that offers a serene escape for visitors. The gardens feature a stunning array of flowers, trees, and shrubs, as well as themed areas such as the Children's Garden and the Butterfly Atrium. The gardens were created as a tribute to Milton Hershey's wife, Catherine, and continue to inspire and educate visitors with their beauty and biodiversity.
Milton S. Hershey revolutionized the chocolate industry by perfecting a formula for milk chocolate that could be mass-produced and affordably priced. His innovations in production and marketing made chocolate accessible to a broader audience, transforming it from a luxury item into a staple of American life. Hershey's legacy endures through the continued success of the Hershey Company, which remains a leader in the global confectionery market.
During World War II, the Hershey Company played a crucial role in supporting the U.S. military by producing the Ration D Bar. This high-calorie chocolate bar was designed to withstand extreme temperatures and provide soldiers with a quick source of energy. Hershey produced millions of these bars, earning commendations from the government for their contributions to the war effort. The Ration D Bar is a testament to Hershey's commitment to innovation and service.