Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Hershey, PA

  • Published 2022/04/16

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Hershey, home of the iconic chocolate bars, is a wonderful and literally sweet place to visit on holiday.

Visiting the Hersheypark and filling up on sweets from the Hershey Chocolate Factory will make this trip memorable.

While it may be nicknamed the Sweetest Place on Earth, there’s more to Hershey than its world-famous chocolates.

It’s also a place to witness fascinating art, nature, and history.

Are you thinking of traveling to this unique destination for your next trip?

These are the best things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania:

Spend the Best Day at Hersheypark

Name sign and entrance of Hersheypark

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Hersheypark is one of the biggest amusement parks you’ll see in your life.

Undoubtedly, it is one of Hershey’s most famous attractions.

Did you know that Hersheypark was initially built just for the chocolate factory’s employees to enjoy?

People riding Hersheypark's rollercoaster

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Now, thousands of people crowd this place, similar to how they do at Disneyland.

There are many things to do in Hersheypark, as there are a lot of themed parts inside.

If you get hungry after experiencing so much excitement, head over to one of the theme park’s restaurants.

There are a lot of great food chains and even fancy restaurants inside.

Interior of a souvenir shop in Hersheypark

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Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Hershey’s Chocolate World

People entering the Hershey's Chocolate World

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Hershey’s Chocolate World is probably Hershey’s most prominent landmark.

There are tours here, too.

Interior of Hershey's Chocolate World

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They take you all around the factory, showing you the processes and a lot of things you wouldn’t be able to learn anyone else.

Learn more about Hershey’s famous chocolates here.

Hershey's chocolate characters in Hershey's Chocolate World

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See Vintage Cars at the Antique Automobile Club of America

Vintage cars displayed in Antique Automobile Club of America

Klaus Nahr from Germany, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Love vintage and retro automobiles?

Hershey has something cool for you.

The Antique Automobile Club of America of the famous Smithsonian Institution houses some of the coolest vintage cars.

Vintage buses in Antique Automobile Club of America

Klaus Nahr from Germany, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Their main motto is to showcase how beautiful vintage cars can be and how to preserve them for the next generation.

A museum that entirely deals with cars, the AACA attracts many tourists on a daily basis.

If you visit the museum, you’ll immediately be greeted with its vast and diverse collection.

The different vintage cars have been curated over the years.

Cars exhibit in Antique Automobile Club of America

Klaus Nahr from Germany, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pay a Visit to the Beautiful Hershey Gardens

Beautiful tulips in Hershey Garden

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Hershey is not just about the chocolate bars produced in the area.

The town has been modified by chocolatier and businessman Milton Hershey himself.

Hershey Gardens was something that Hershey once dreamed of creating.

He wanted to build a pretty garden filled with majestic roses, which eventually led to Hershey Gardens’ birth.

Pretty roses surrounding Hershey Gardens' gazebo

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It is more of a botanical garden spread across almost 23 acres.

The scenes are immensely pretty.

There are some rare trees in this garden, along with roses of different colors.

There is even a Japanese garden that adds more to Hershey Gardens’ beauty.

Hershey Gardens' shaded pathway lined with plants and flowers

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Learn More about the Story of Hershey

Exterior of the Hershey story

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Want to know more about how the chocolate company came into being?

Would you like to learn about how the man who came from nothing ended up building an entire business that is now famous worldwide?

Sign marker of the Hershey story

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Hershey Story is a museum that exhibits everything there is to know about the Hershey Company and Milton S. Hershey himself.

There are a lot of permanent exhibits on the life of Hershey, how he founded the factory, and how it came to be one of the most important companies in the world.

Visiting Hershey Story is one of the most important things to do in Hershey.

A kisses chocolate-shaped street light in front of the Hershey story

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Explore ZooAmerica

An Owl at ZooAmerica

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ZooAmerica is located almost opposite the grand Hersheypark.

There are more than 200 species of native and exotic animals here.

There are animals from every part of the United States in ZooAmerica.

Entrance sign of ZooAmerica

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The park is vast, and all these species make it extra special.

Go to ZooAmerica with your friends or family to have a fun-filled afternoon.

Interact with the animals and get to know more about them.

Prairie dog exhibit in ZooAmerica

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Visit the Grand Hershey Theatre

Exterior of the Hershey Theater

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Hershey Theatre is special.

Not only is it a hugely popular attraction in Hershey, but it is also one of the buildings that have a historical past.

The theater looks almost too gorgeous to be a theater.

Name sign of Hershey Theatre

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Architect C. Emlen Urban designed and built it in such a way that it would blow anyone’s mind.

Milton S. Hershey also has his name involved with the theater, for he was also a significant benefactor.

The theater hosts a lot of important shows, musicals, and even performances.

Closer details of Hershey Theatre's building

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Enjoy the Chocolate Spa

Tired or not, everybody deserves to be treated like royals on their vacation.

The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, commonly known as the Chocolate Spa, is something everyone should experience on their trip to Hershey.

You can say that it’s a Hershey staple.

Imagine surrounding yourself with pools and gardens while you receive the best spa treatments.

The hotel is the former home of Milton Hershey and his wife, making things even more luxurious.

See the Town by Hershey Trolley Works

A parked Hershey Trolley Works

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While it goes without saying, the Hershey family is quite important to the town, and many attractions are related to them.

Hershey Trolley Works lets you take a trip all around the chocolate factory.

Tourists riding the Hershey Trolley along the Hershey school

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You shall be in a group accompanied by a guide who will show you all the interesting things there are to see inside the factory and all the historical facts.

Find out all about the man who made his name from scratch, his home, Highpoint Mansion, the Hershey School, and many other important places that have links with the family of Hershey.

Watch an Ice Hockey Game at the Giant Center

Interior of the Giant Center

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Want to see some real-life ice hockey?

The home turf of the Hershey Bears ice hockey, the Giant Center hosts some of the most exciting matches.

Exterior and name sign of the Giant Center

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The vast center can occupy almost 10,000 people at once.

The stadium became even more lively since the team got incorporated into the American Hockey League.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity if you can get a ticket to one of the matches.

See the Founders Hall

Exterior of the Founders Hall in Milton Hershey School

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The Milton Hershey School, one of the most prestigious schools in Hershey, was built by none other than Milton Hershey and his wife.

The school’s Founders Hall was built as a token of gratitude to him.

History marker of Founders Hall

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Hershey and his family contributed a lot to society and played a vital role in the community’s development.

The Founders Hall was just a way to repay the great family for all they’ve done.

Have a look and take a few snaps for your social media!

Flying fish sculpture fountain in Founders Hall

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Catch a Function at Hersheypark Stadium

Hersheypark Stadium is one of the top places to check out in Hershey.

As it’s located inside the famous Hersheypark, most people pay a quick visit after they’re done enjoying the different fantastic rides at the theme park.

Though the stadium originally hosted different games and events related to sports, due to heavy demand, it now hosts concerts and several performances.

When there is a game, almost 16,000 people can be accommodated here.

But when there is any sort of concert, the stadium’s maximum carrying capacity is 30,000.

Check Out the Hershey Derry Township Historical Society

Want to know more about the history of Hershey?

What was Hershey like before its name got tangled up with the chocolate industry?

After all, it’s not entirely dedicated to chocolate.

Head over to the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society to get a clear look at the community’s past.

If you want to know everything about what kind of people were in Hershey in the beginning, this museum will help you to find the answers.

There are a lot of permanent exhibits here that describe Hershey’s history in detail.

A display called A Pictorial History of Our Community, Then & Now clearly illustrates the city’s past.

Get a Taste of Cullari Vineyards and Winery

All those chocolate might leave you craving a little bit of wine.

Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of wineries in Hershey—but the only one they do have is quite excellent.

This winery will surely quench your thirst.

Cullari Vineyards and Winery is Hershey’s sole winery.

Its founders, Salvatore and Kathi Cullari, put their blood, sweat, and tears into making this winery stand out and serve their customers well.

Judging by the way they attract countless locals and tourists, they’ve been quite successful.

The wine list is exotic, boasting some of the best collections.

The red and white wines are remarkable, and they have a lot of dry wines, too.

Visit the Pennsylvania State Police Museum

The Pennsylvania State Police has been through lots of ups and downs, and this museum will tell you all about it.

Most tourists make a quick trip to the Pennsylvania State Police when they want to learn about the feats of the heroic police officers.

The museum is filled with exhibits, artifacts, and lots of displays, all related to various performances of the police.

There are even a lot of permanent collections like the “PA State Police Rodeo,” where you can get to know more about the famous radio that took place until 1974.

Have a Fun Family Day at Adventure Sports in Hershey

Visitors of all ages may enjoy themselves at this Elizabeth Road entertainment complex established in 1990.

At Adventure Sports in Hershey, you have plenty of options.

This family-friendly complex is full of activities and games for all ages, from laser tag to miniature golf.

There is also a fully stocked snack bar in case you become hungry.

This family-friendly amusement complex has many activities planned for the following weekend.

It has go-karts, batting cages, arcade games, and bumper boats to keep you entertained for hours.

As a bonus, there’s a covered picnic area where you can unwind after a day of non-stop activity.

Feel the Adrenaline Rush at Segway of Hershey

Take a thrilling Segway tour around the historic town of Hershey.

In addition to the historical trip, there is an off-road tour of the famed Hotel Hershey’s grounds and gardens.

Relax and take in the stunning scenery while gliding through the quiet forest and soaking up the tranquility.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable Segway Personal Transporter ride, the tours are done on battery-powered Segways.

You may take one of these excursions at any time of day or night on the property of The Hotel Hershey.

Listen to the Performance of the Hershey Symphony Orchestra

This professional orchestra consists of locals from Hershey, Pennsylvania.

For over 80 years, the orchestra has performed four concerts a year aside from a POPS performance at the Hershey Theatre.

It also holds an annual benefit event that raises money for the organization.

There is also a youth string orchestra and a big band associated with the Hershey Symphony, both of which allow young people to play in an orchestra for the first time.

With a repertoire ranging from classical to Broadway, the Hershey Symphony Orchestra frequently features guest soloists drawn from the area.

See Marvelous Performances at Hershey Theatre

This 1,904-seat downtown theater, which opened its doors in 1933, is one of the best things to do in Hershey at night.

Thanks to its exquisite furnishings and top-notch sound system, you can enjoy an evening out at the Hershey Theatre.

In addition to musical and dance performances, Hershey Theatre holds traveling Broadway plays and companies.

Do not miss any of the theater’s awe-inspiring productions and events.

In addition, you may take your time to admire the building’s royal design.

After the show, head to one of the nearby restaurants to satisfy your taste buds.

Taste the Local Brews at Tröegs Independent Brewing

The brewery was founded in 1996 and is well recognized for its seasonal and multi-awarded brews.

Troegs Brewing Company is sure to please beer connoisseurs.

A sampling of its offerings, such as the DreamWeaver Wheat and Troegs Pale Ale, await you at its tasting room.

Quite the contrary, it may be a really educational experience.

You may visit the brewery on your own and learn the secrets behind their award-winning brews.

A more in-depth understanding of the brewery’s brews may be obtained through guided tours.

Final Thoughts

Hershey is brimming with attractions that will please your sweet appetite and wanderlust as the hometown of a beloved candy.

This town, however, is more than just delicious confections and family-friendly amusements.

Make this charming town your next getaway destination with this list of the best things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania!

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