posted Jul 24, 2024

Day Trip to Hershey, PA

•It's a short drive from Lancaster to Hersheypark!•

Your trip to Lancaster has been pretty sweet, but while you’re there, why not visit the sweetest place on earth? Luckily, Hershey, PA is just a short drive away (less than 30 miles) from Lancaster County!

This quaint town is known for being the place where Milton S. Hershey founded the empire now known worldwide as Hershey’s Chocolate. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or on business, there are plenty of fun and unique things to do in Hershey.

Before the Park

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast to fuel up for a fun day at the park! Here are few breakfast spots kids and adults will enjoy.

Any of Lancaster's renowned PA Dutch restaurants and smorgasbords are sure to have something everyone will enjoy!
Forklift & Palate Restaurant is located inside the largest sports complex in North America - Spooky Nook Sports.
Step back in time with a retro breakfast at D.J.'s Taste of the 50's.
Get a quick cup of coffee and a bite at one of Lancaster 70+ coffee shops!
Hersheypark opens mid-morning, but you don't have to wait until then to start your day of fun! There are plenty of things to do with kids in the morning!

Experience Amish culture with a horse and buggy ride! Many of our ride operators open before 10 AM so you have time to squeeze in your first (and possibly the slowest) ride of your day!

If you're on an adrenaline kick and want to start the day off on a high note - book a hot air balloon ride with Lancaster Balloon Rides! They offer rides as early as 6 AM.

Enjoy a peaceful morning hike at one of Lancaster's beautiful parks or preserves to reset before diving into the thrill and excitement at Hersheypark!

In and Around Hersheypark

After you’ve fueled up on food and fun, it’s time to head to Hershey! No matter who you’re with or what your interests are, Hershey has something for everyone.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie or even just love the vibrant atmosphere of an amusement park, Hersheypark is something we definitely recommend checking out. With over 70 rides, 13 of which are thrilling roller coasters, plus a huge water park, there is something for all ages. This park also features an arcade, several restaurants and food stands, daily shows, and ZooAmerica, which features more than 200 animal species.

Right next to Hersheypark is Hershey’s Chocolate World, where guests of all ages can take a free leisurely ride to discover the complete process of how Hershey’s chocolate is made. You might even get a free sample a sweet treat at the end! While there, you can also create your own candy bar, taste test chocolate, or be part of an interactive 4D Chocolate Mystery show.

Those seeking an exhilarating sports experience can visit the Giant Center for a high-energy hockey game. Just a few minutes away from Hershey's Chocolate World, the Giant Center is home to Hershey's professional ice hockey team, the Hershey Bears.

If you’re looking for some pampering during your visit, you’re in luck; Hershey is home to some of Pennsylvania's best spas. The Spa at the Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa are two you'll want to explore.

For those who are into shopping, Hershey has its own Tanger Outlets, featuring over 60 stores including Under Armour, Polo Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Gap Outlet.

Botanical lovers who enjoy admiring nature’s diverse assortment of flowers and plants should check out the Hershey Gardens, which overlooks the town of Hershey and spreads across 23 acres of land. The rich colors and unique gardens exhibited here are great for picture-taking, and the tropical Butterfly Atrium is definitely a family favorite.

The Hershey Story is a museum for all the history-lovers who want to learn more about Hershey. Fun fact: Milton Hershey, the founder of the infamous chocolate brand, started a free private school for kids in prekindergarten-12^th grade whose families couldn’t afford to provide them with a good education. This school still operates over 100 years later and provides year-long resources for more than 2,000 students. If you want to learn more about the history of Hershey and its founder, definitely give this museum a look!

After the Park

Whether you spent the entire day at the park or just a few hours, you're due for a good night of rest. Here are a few overnight accommodates that are just a short drive from Hersheypark. The time duration below is an estimated time from the overnight location in Lancaster to Hersheypark.