Central Pennsylvania

Travel Guide

Central Pennsylvania showing heritage architecture and a square or plaza
Harrisburg featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Central Pennsylvania featuring autumn colours
The Hershey Story Museum which includes interior views
National Civil War Museum featuring a statue or sculpture

Head to this beautiful stretch of Pennsylvania to discover its heritage of Amish communities, revolutionary history, great parks and rolling pastureland.

Central Pennsylvania sits in the very heart of the state, offering visitors an array of historic, cultural and natural attractions. Pennsylvania was once a key location for the British Empire today relics of revolutionary history abound here. Visit the battlefields, relax in the modern cities and get out and hike in the natural beauty.

The Appalachian Mountains cross Central Philadelphia. Consider a day hike on the Appalachian Trail. For more outdoor exploration, travel west to the Pennsylvania Wilds and Cherry Springs State Park. In the pasturelands of Lancaster County gain insight into the traditional ways of the Pennsylvania Dutch communities. Here some of the country’s oldest Amish settlements exist, the thousands-strong community leading a simple lifestyle and tending their land with horses and mules.

For revolutionary history, travel to Gettysburg. Small-town charm and a rich past combine to create a pleasant base for your tour of all the sites within the Gettysburg National Military Park. Learn about the famous Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 and President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

Drive to the state capital of Harrisburg and the surrounding landscape to experience craft wineries and breweries. Stand on the steps of the Pennsylvania State Capitol building, attend a show at the Hershey Theatre or learn more about U.S. military, social and political history at the National Civil War Museum.

Attend a race at the Bedford Speedway in Bedford, which has been in operation since 1936. The site also hosts the Bedford County Fair. Be sure to see Old Bedford Village, where military and civilian reenactments, colonial crafts and exhibits entertain adults and children.

Philadelphia International Airport is a major gateway to the Central Pennsylvania region. There are several smaller regional airports too for closer connections. Enjoy driving through this part of the state, where peaceful agricultural scenes, with horse carriages and red-sided barns, create a truly bucolic setting.

Where to stay in Central Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania showing interior views

Downtown Harrisburg

Downtown Harrisburg is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Pennsylvania State Capitol and Riverfront Park while in the area.

Downtown Harrisburg
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Historic Downtown Lancaster

Historic Downtown Lancaster is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Central Market and Fulton Theatre while you're in town.

Historic Downtown Lancaster
Gettysburg featuring heritage architecture and a bridge

Gettysburg Historic District

If you're spending some time in Gettysburg Historic District, Gettysburg Museum of History and Jennie Wade House are top sights worth seeing.

Gettysburg Historic District
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Prospect Heights

While Prospect Heights may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Fulton Theatre and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

Prospect Heights
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Musser Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Musser Park and surrounding area, you can visit Central Market and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

Musser Park
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Ross

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Ross and surrounding area, you can visit Penn Medicine Park and Central Market.

Ross
Ramada by Wyndham Harrisburg/Hershey Area

Ramada by Wyndham Harrisburg/Hershey Area

2.5 out of 5
300 N Mountain Rd, Harrisburg, PA
The price is €57 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€57
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Harrisburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7/10 Good! (1,595 reviews)
"everything was good maybe even great except the breakfast which i don’t usually complain about but it is not good at all and there is only 1 waffle iron!!!!"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Harrisburg/Hershey Area
Days Inn by Wyndham Hershey

Days Inn by Wyndham Hershey

2.5 out of 5
350 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA
The price is €115 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
€115
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Hershey. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,774 reviews)
"Hotel is updated. Nothing Fancy. They offer breakfast which was decent selection. The pool is open till 11pm but was always crowded. The area is great though. Awesome walkable street with shops. Close to Hersey and outlets about 8 minutes."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Hershey
Cartoon Network Hotel

Cartoon Network Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA
The price is €81 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€81
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,861 reviews)
Fun times !
"Kids had a blast! Be back soon!"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Cartoon Network Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
stayAPT Suites Harrisburg-Hershey

stayAPT Suites Harrisburg-Hershey

3.5 out of 5
435 Port View Drive, Harrisburg, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Harrisburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Pennsylvania Farm ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (125 reviews)
"Not enough pillows weren't comfortable, hair in towels"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

stayAPT Suites Harrisburg-Hershey
Iconic "Haines Shoe House" - Hot Tub & Firepit - Featured On HGTV

Iconic "Haines Shoe House" - Hot Tub & Firepit - Featured On HGTV

Yorkana
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in York. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (120 reviews)
The Shoe fit!
"Our stay in this delightful Shoehouse 14-!6 July 2025 was certainly a memorable relaxing treat. You have certainly thought of and met our every need. Beds comfortable, ac adjustable, linens plentiful---even make-up removable cloths. Loved the former ice cream parlor downstairs area (where I had enjoyed ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Iconic "Haines Shoe House" - Hot Tub & Firepit - Featured On HGTV
Luxury House private pool & Indoor Basketball court/Movie theater

Luxury House private pool & Indoor Basketball court/Movie theater

Somerset
Book a stay at this ski vacation home in Somerset. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Seven Springs Mountain Resort and Hidden ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Perfect for family time
"Who doesn't love a spacious home with a heated outdoor pool, game room, basketball court and plenty of options for young children within 20 minutes!"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Luxury House private pool & Indoor Basketball court/Movie theater
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do