Central Pennsylvania

Travel Guide

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

Gettysburg showing a bridge and heritage architecture

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
Default Image

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
Pennsylvania featuring 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 S$97 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$97
9 Jul - 10 Jul
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! (1,410 reviews)
"Pool area appeared clean and well kept although we arrived too late to use it. Room was exactly what we needed, it was clean, the bed was comfortable me and the ice machine was nearby. The refrigerator also came in handy."

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Harrisburg/Hershey Area
Cartoon Network Hotel
Cartoon Network Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA
The price is S$136 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
S$136
16 Jul - 17 Jul
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,766 reviews)
"The room was fine. Wish the outside pool was open for longer hours since it is a hotel catering to children."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Cartoon Network Hotel
Toftrees Golf Resort
Toftrees Golf Resort
3 out of 5
1 Country Club Ln, State College, PA
The price is S$139 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
S$139
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf resort in State College. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Not bad for a deal.
"Friendly staff, easy chech in and relaxed vibe. Loved that it was pet friendly. Room a little cramped, uncomfortable bed, needs some updating. Quiet and pleasant outdoor surrounding. Attached restaurant "The Field" was good and reasonable."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Toftrees Golf Resort
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (97 reviews)
Almost Perfect
"Clean, comfortable, and quiet. Not a single complaint. Love spaciousness of rooms and full kitchen. Recommend to everyone."

Reviewed on 25 Jun, 2025

stayAPT Suites Harrisburg-Hershey
The Suites at Hershey
The Suites at Hershey
3 out of 5
176 E Hershey Park Dr, Hershey, PA
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly apartment in Hershey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Hersheypark and Hersheypark ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (251 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

The Suites at Hershey
Round Top Campground
Round Top Campground
2 out of 5
180 Knight Road, Gettysburg, PA
Book a stay at this family-friendly campground in Gettysburg. Enjoy laundry facilities, tennis courts, and a gift shop. Popular attractions Gettysburg National ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (17 reviews)
"Cabin was nice and convenient, the showers and grounds has some great stuff to do for kids and families, gift shop is nice, staff was fantastic, ants became an issue they were all over the sink, counters and even in the bed rooms, that was the only issue, besides that everything was great"

Reviewed on 2 Jun, 2025

Round Top Campground
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

Things to do