Things to Do in Hershey PA

March 27, 2023

Looking for things to do in Hershey, PA? Hershey Pennsylvania is famous for its chocolate-themed attractions and ties to chocolatier and philanthropist Milton Hershey. We're lucky that Hershey is an easy 29 mile drive from the Historic Smithton Inn. That makes Hershey a PERFECT day trip destination! We love helping our guests discover day trip itineraries that fit their specific interests. Because Hershey is not ONLY a "Chocolate" destination, it's a sweet getaway for our guests (LOL... see how I did that!!).

As you can see from the list below, there is SO to see and do in Hershey and the surrounding area. To help you get the most out of your day in Hershey, here’s a list of favorite suggestions:

This post is all about Things to Do in Hershey PA

1. Go to Hershey's No. 1 Attraction: Hershey’s Chocolate World

Hershey Factory Tour Entrance — Source: Rebecca Gallagher

Address: 101 Chocolate World Wy, Hershey
Website: https://www.chocolateworld.com/

Whether you’re a history buff or chocolate lover or both, you won’t want to miss out on this Hershey attraction. With a tour/ride, 4D movie experience, hands-on attractions, food, and shopping, Hershey’s Chocolate world offers a lot of variety and a ton of fun. Visit their website for hours, ticket info, and other information. Note that admission to the Hershey Great American Tour Ride is free, but other attractions require purchase of a ticket.

PRO TIP: Definitely take the Trolly tour!! It's a great way to see and learn about all of Hershey, including the inspirational Milton Hershey School. Plus you'll hear great stories about Hershey's founder, Milton Hershey, including his ties to Lancaster PA!!

2. Visit Hershey Gardens

Address: 170 Hotel Rd, Hershey
Website: https://www.hersheygardens.org/

With beautiful botanicals and even a butterfly garden, Hershey Gardens is a sight to behold. You’ll find 23 acres of roses, other flowers and shrubs, and a collection of rare trees. Plus, the gardens offer activities for visitors of all ages including a hands-on children’s garden. Visit their website for ticket information, what’s in bloom, and directions.

3. Enjoy a "Spa Day" at the Renowned Hershey Spa

women in spa robes — Source: Rebecca Gallagher

Address: 100 Hotel Rd, Hershey
Website: https://www.chocolatespa.com/

The Spa at Hotel Hershey is a 'must-do' experience for anyone who wants to be pampered and spoiled to the max! From the moment you walk in the door you'll feel the stress and strain of daily life melt away. Every spa guest has access to the entire facility for the day which includes a luxurious locker room, steam room, heated swimming pool & hot tub, fitness center (separate building), multiple lounges and outdoor patio. We highly recommend making it a full day experience & book 2 services (ie: Massage & Facial) with lunch in the Spa-Guest-Only dining room in between.

4. Ride the Roller Coasters and More at Hersheypark

Address: 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey
Website: https://www.hersheypark.com/

You’ve probably heard the line, “Hersheypark happy.” After you visit this amusement park, you’ll discover there’s no way to be anything but happy while you’re there! If you go to Hersheypark, anticipate spending your entire day there exploring roller coasters, water rides, kiddie rides, shows, food, and other attractions. The summer season starts in full swing on May 9 and continues through September 1. Days and hours in spring, fall, and winter are limited to select weekends. Check out their website for details about tickets, hours of operation, and more.

For a terrific Hershey Park tour & commentary by travel, lifestyle and adventure blogger "The Krystal Palace" check out this Opening Day 2023 video!

5. Check Out the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Museum

museum and cars — Source: AACA Museum Facebook Page

Address: 161 Museum Dr, Hershey
Website: https://www.aacamuseum.org/

A must-see for all fans of classic cars, the AACA Museum has exhibits with vintage automobiles from eight decades of travel. Among the galleries are automobiles formerly owned by celebrities including Betty White and the late Whitney Houston. The museum displays a permanent collection and then also features limited-time special theme exhibits. Stop by their website for information about hours, tickets, and what’s new there.

6. Learn About The Hershey Story

sign — Source: The Hershey Story Museum Facebook Page

Address: 63 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey
Website: https://hersheystory.org/

Want the story of how the town synonymous with the “Great American Chocolate Bar” came to be? If yes, definitely make time to visit this attraction! It will guide you through the life of Milton S. Hershey. And it shares how this great American entrepreneur built a business and a community, and used the fruits of his labor to enrich the lives of others. It’s a fascinating story! For more information, visit their website.

7. Cheers to Tröegs Independent Brewing

large brewery — Source: Troegs Independent Brewing Facebook Page

Address: 200 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey
Website: https://troegs.com/

If you’re a fan of craft beer, like delicious food and love a good brewery tour, then a visit to Tröegs Independent Brewing is definitely in order. They have indoor and outdoor dining, including a covered beer garden. They’re open from 11 am – 9 pm EVERY day. They haven’t re-started giving tours just yet, but our fingers are crossed that it’ll be coming back soon!

8-11. Enjoy Wine Tastings at Four Hershey Wineries

vineyard — Source: Vineyard at Hershey Facebook Page

For visitors who’s preference tends toward wine rather than beer, there’s a wonderful collection of wineries in the area that you can make into a small tasting tour. If your tour is starting out at the Historic Smithton Inn, make

The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey | 598 Schoolhouse Rd, Middletown | Website
Cassel Vineyards | 80 Shetland Dr, Hummelstown | Website
CrossWinds Winery, | 621 Hershey Rd, Hummelstown | Website
Cullari Winery, | 1251 E Chocolate Ave, Hershey | Website

RELATED: Favorite Lancaster Wineries

12. Do Some Outlet Shopping

mall — Source: Tanger Outlets Hershey Facebook Page

Address: 46 Outlet Square, Hershey
Website: https://www.tangeroutlet.com/hershey

Hershey also has some primo places to get some “retail therapy.” You’ll find the Tanger Outlets of Hershey right in the heart of all the other Hershey attractions. There are a also some unique shops in the downtown district, too. Whether your looking for a special gift or filling up your own closet (remember, PA has no sales tax on clothing!!), you'll find great selection and even better pricing in Hershey.

13-17. See a Performance at These Entertainment Venues

There are several fantastic entertainment venues in Hershey where you can catch live theater, concerts, plays or sporting events. Click on the links on each venue to see what’s happening during your visit and buy your tickets online.

Giant Center | 550 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey | Website
Hershey Theater | 15 E Caracas Ave, Hershey | Website
Hershey Area Playhouse | 830 Cherry Dr, Hershey | Website
Hershey Park Arena | 100 West Hersheypark Dr, Hershey | Website
Hershey Park Stadium | 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey | Website

18. Check Out Zoo America

otter — Source: ZooAmerica Facebook Page

Address: 201 Park Ave, Hershey
Website: https://www.zooamerica.com/

Walking around a great zoo can be so much fun, and ZooAmerica qualifies as a great zoo! The zoo focuses their exhibits on animals native to 5 regions of North America including Canada, the United States and Mexico. Learn about species from dry deserts to expansive forest tundras. There are over 200 animals who call ZooAmerica home. For something really special, they even have a "Behind the Scenes Tour" where you can visit non-public spaces and get up close to the animals.

19-21. Take In These Hershey Hotel Experiences

Address: 100 Hotel Rd, Hershey

There are three (3) absolutely fantastic and unique experiences you can book through the Hershey Hotel. If you're looking to return home with a story that will make you the envy of all your friends, you should consider one fo these special experiences:

The Falconry Experience: The Falconry Experience offers a unique opportunity for guests of all ages to participate in an interactive demonstration featuring hawks, falcons, and a Golden Eagle.
Segway Experience: Participants travel along secluded wooded paths and learn the unique story behind the historic grounds of Hotel Hershey.
Outdoor Adventures / Zip Lines: Hershey Outfitters has lined up some of the best in outdoor adventures. Enjoy a high flying adventure on our Odyssey Challenge Course and Zipline, Geo-caching, & Trapshooting!

RELATED: Zip Lines in Lancaster PA

22-31. Dine at a Fantastic Restaurant

historic restaurant — Source: The Mill Hershey Facebook Page

All these wonderful things to see and do in Hershey PA can work up an appetite. While there area number of chain restaurants or cafe's to choose from within the Hershey Complex, there are also some wonderful privately owned restaurants nearby that we highly recommend. Of them, our favorite restaurants in and near Hershey are:

The Mill in Hershey | 810 Old West Chocolate Ave, Hershey | Website
Devon Seafood & Steak | 27 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey | Website
Rising Sun Kitchen & Bar | Address2850 Horseshoe Pike, Palmyra | Website
The Chocolate Avenue Grill | 114 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey | Website
Smoked Bar & Grill | 1201 W Chocolate Ave, Hummelstown | Website
Fenicci's of Hershey | 102 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey | Website
The Hershey Pantry | 801 E Chocolate Ave, Hershey | Website
Houlihan's | 27 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey | Website
Rotunda Brew Pub | 814 E Chocolate Ave, Hershey | Website
Piazza Sorrento | 16 Briarcrest Square, Hershey | Website

32. Tour Indian Echo Cavern

Address: 368 Middletown Rd, Hummelstown
Website: https://indianechocaverns.com/

Indian Echo Cavern is a collection of limestone caves dating back over 440 MILLION years! Guests can tour the caves and witness nature's dramatic underground beauty first hand. In addition to the cave tour there's a petting zoo, panning for gold and even a place to make your own jewelry.

33-35. Do Some Antiquing

barn / Antique mall If your idea of an treasure hunt is Antique Shopping, then here's where you can begin your quest in Hershey:

Crossroads Antique Mall | 825 Cocoa Ave, Hershey | Website
Black Swan Antiquities | ENTRANCE IN REAR, 61 W Front St, Palmyra | Website
Olde Factory | 139 S Hanover St, Hummelstown | Website

36. Hike or Bike the Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail

Address: Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail, Hummelstown, PA 17036
Website: https://www.derrytownship.org/resident-services/jonathan-eshenour-memorial-trail

The Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail is a 13 mile trail that extends through the Hershey community. Along the trail you'll find access to parks, neighborhoods and commercial properties. It's a wonderful pathway to explore nature, get a bit of exercise and enjoy a picnic and outdoor games with friends and family. Here's a map for a 4.2 mile nature trail loop near Hummelstown (no bikes allowed). And here's a link to Bullfrog Valley Pond.

RELATED: Walks & Hikes in Lancaster PA

37. Make the Historic Smithton Inn Your "Home Base"!

Historic Smithton Inn - Ephrata, PA Ready to book your getaway? The Historic Smithton Inn Bed and Breakfast in Ephrata, PA is just 29 miles from Hershey and serves as a perfect home-base for your vacation. Spend a few days in Amish Country and add on a few day trips to nearby towns and cities for the perfect vacation. Choose one of our King Suites with a Jacuzzi Tub for the ultimate in luxury during your trip. Add on some special touches like fresh flowers, a bottle of wine or a delicious meat & cheese platter. Book Direct for the best rates and specials!