Central Pennsylvania, PA

Travel Guide

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

Historic Downtown Lancaster

Historic Downtown Lancaster

Historic Downtown Lancaster is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Central Market or Fulton Theatre.

Historic Downtown Lancaster
Gettysburg which includes 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
Pennsylvania featuring interior views

Downtown Harrisburg

3/5(4 area reviews)

Central core neighborhood with a lively "Restaurant Row" on North Second Street, Downtown Harrisburg offers attractions like City Island, Riverfront Park, and the Capital Area Greenbelt. Discover boutique shops in SoMa and the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts.

Downtown Harrisburg
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West End

West End might not have many top sights, but Fulton Theatre and Central Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West End
Square One Coffee could easily become one if my favorite coffee houses. Great latte

Musser Park

When in Musser Park, you can plan a visit to Central Market and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Musser Park
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Ross

Ross might not have many top sights, but Penn Medicine Park and Central Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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 ¥8,252 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥8,252
¥9,160 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
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! (1,726 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Harrisburg/Hershey Area
The Nittany Lion Inn

The Nittany Lion Inn

3 out of 5
200 West Park Avenue, State College, PA
Stay at this 3-star historic hotel in State College. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Bryce Jordan Center and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,039 reviews)
"Likes: Location, staff, cleanliness, ambiance"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

The Nittany Lion Inn
Lancaster Suites

Lancaster Suites

2.5 out of 5
2045 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA
The price is ¥10,886 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥10,886
¥13,742 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,040 reviews)
"liked: big room space: bathroom kitchenette bed fold out couch study area. breakfast - clean, lots of variety, tasty responsiveness of Day Manager - man - he quickly addressed each persons needs - mine included - from fixing the toaster, to providing paper and pen to write something. A+ attitude. ..."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Lancaster Suites
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! (134 reviews)
"Ɓuisinness friendly And i love the kitchen with all the accessories that you need in the kitchen. Rooms were excellent. All in all perfect. Thank you. I wolud recommend this place to my family."

Reviewed on Sep 12, 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 Hershey Theatre ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (268 reviews)
"Great amenities"

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2025

The Suites at 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! (122 reviews)
"Really clean really amazing place ! Loved the hot tub and the firepit"

Reviewed on Sep 3, 2025

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