South Central Pennsylania Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Canoes ready to be retired for the winter
Canoes ready to be retired for the winter
The Gettysburg Battlefield is the area of the July 1–3, 1863, military engagements of the Battle of Gettysburg within and around the borough of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Locations of military engagements extend from the 4-acre site at Knoxlyn Ridge on the west of the borough, to East Cavalry Field on the east. A military engagement prior to the battle was conducted at the Gettysburg Railroad trestle over Rock Creek, which was burned on June 27
My first Milky Way photo. I captured this last night at the lake. It’s incredible how clear and beautiful out it was. Pennsylvania has some awesome landscapes to offer. #bvsblue
The amazing view at the top of Hawk Rock near Duncannon, PA. Unfortunately I went on a day when the mosquitoes were a bit aggressive and ended up with a few lovely bites. #hiking

Where to stay in South Central Pennsylania

Historic Downtown Lancaster

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
Cannons and a monument on the battlefield at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Gettysburg Historic District

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

Gettysburg Historic District
The state capital of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg.

Downtown Harrisburg

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

Downtown Harrisburg
Park

Downtown Hershey

If you're spending some time in Downtown Hershey, Hersheypark and The Hershey Story Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Hershey
Hershey Gardens opened in 1937 with Milton Hershey’s request to “create a nice garden of roses.” More than 75 years later, the small rose garden has blossomed into 23 acres of botanical beauty providing visitors with unique experiences and enriching opportunities.

North Hershey

While visiting North Hershey, you might make a stop by sights like Hersheypark and Hershey Gardens.

North Hershey
Square One Coffee could easily become one if my favorite coffee houses. Great latte

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
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 ₹4,644 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
₹4,644
₹5,155 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Harrisburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,047 reviews)
Room 127-The hot tub had brown foam floating on the top and there were no towels in the pool area. The pool area was overly crowded. We had a 1st floor parking lot view room and it was very loud at night with people yelling and revving their engines. Our room was for 5 so we had a pull out couch ...

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

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 ₹9,767 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
₹9,767
₹10,988 total
19 Mar - 20 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Hershey. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,914 reviews)
Room was clean, staff was not really friendly but they were polite. We weren’t really there long, only to sleep. You can hear a lot of noise from the hallways, slamming doors people talking but that was the only real downfall.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Days Inn by Wyndham Hershey
Holiday Inn Express - Harrisburg East by IHG

Holiday Inn Express - Harrisburg East by IHG

3 out of 5
4021 Union Deposit Road Harrisburg PA
The price is ₹5,031 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
₹5,031
₹5,585 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Harrisburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,096 reviews)
It’s a holiday inn express you’re getting exactly what you need for a lower cost than some other hotels. Was out all day & only there for the night but everything was as expected.

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Express - Harrisburg East by IHG
See all 2,908 properties in South Central Pennsylania
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.
The Suites at Hershey

The Suites at Hershey

3 out of 5
176 E Hershey Park Dr Hershey PA
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Hershey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Hersheypark and Hersheypark Stadium ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (278 reviews)
The staff was friendly and welcoming, ready to assist if and when needed to or asked. The room was clean and comfortable. Also, the location is perfect to get around to attractions in the surrounding towns, not just Hershey. Thank you to all at The Suites at Hershey for a great stay!

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

The Suites at Hershey
stayAPT Suites Harrisburg-Hershey

stayAPT Suites Harrisburg-Hershey

3.5 out of 5
435 Port View Drive Harrisburg PA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Harrisburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (170 reviews)
Great room and staff, barking dogs was the down side.

Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026

stayAPT Suites Harrisburg-Hershey
Mirror Villas - Modern Retreat with private hot tubs and mountain view

Mirror Villas - Modern Retreat with private hot tubs and mountain view

3.5 out of 5
13571 Blairs Valley Rd Mercersburg PA
Stay at this chalet in Mercersburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Lift Off Quad Ski Lift and Magic Carpet Ski Lift ...
Mirror Villas - Modern Retreat with private hot tubs and mountain view
See all properties in South Central Pennsylania
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.

Popular places to visit

Hersheypark which includes a water park

Hersheypark

Ride roller coasters in this action-packed candy-themed park filled with thrilling water slides, child-friendly rides and opportunities to dine with actors dressed as Hershey products.

Hersheypark
Sight and Sound Theatre

Sight and Sound Theatre

Bible stories come to life on stage in spectacular fashion at this renowned theater and entertainment company in Lancaster County.

Sight and Sound Theatre
Hersheypark Stadium which includes night scenes, nightlife and music

Hersheypark Stadium

Enjoy a sports competition or a musical concert under the bright lights with beer and snacks in this historic arena.

Hersheypark Stadium
Hershey\'s Chocolate World which includes markets and signage

Hershey's Chocolate World

Feed your sugary fantasies in attractions dedicated to all things cocoa-related at this chocolate-themed attraction.

Hershey's Chocolate World
BRK876 Harrisburg, PA, state farm show complex buildings. Site of annual agricultural displays.

Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex

Catch an event at Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex during your trip to Harrisburg. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront and enjoy its local chocolate shops.

Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex
Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland

With plenty of thrill rides, attractions, shows and water activities, this award-winning amusement park is one of the best in the state.

Dutch Wonderland

Cities near South Central Pennsylania

Harrisburg featuring a river or creek, cruising and a city

Harrisburg

Waking up on the farm in Goldsboro PA.

Etters

Schenectady is a small City in Upstate New York on the Erie Canal

York

Bridge to Nature Preserve

Coatesville

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