Central Pennsylvania

Travel Guide

Central Pennsylvania featuring a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Harrisburg which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
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

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
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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
Pennsylvania showing 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
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Prospect Heights

While there might not be top attractions in Prospect Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fulton Theatre and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

Prospect Heights
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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
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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
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 P3,490 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P3,490
P3,874 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,512 reviews)
"Ooo"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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 P5,918 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P5,918
P6,569 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,813 reviews)
"The welcome we received was nice as we were greeted by a character. The breakfast wasn’t bad either."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Cartoon Network Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Harrisburg-Hershey

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Harrisburg-Hershey

3 out of 5
265 N Hershey Rd, Harrisburg, PA
The price is P4,400 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P4,400
P4,884 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Harrisburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,713 reviews)
"The property is dated and could use some repairs. The beds were comfy. It was ok for an overnight stay with our dog."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Harrisburg-Hershey
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! (118 reviews)
"This StayApt is less than a year old, so it was still in good shape. My biggest concern was the gap around the door leading into the room. In the winter I imagine it would let a lot of cold air in, but other than that the place was nice and clean with plenty of room to stretch out and be comfortable ..."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

stayAPT Suites Harrisburg-Hershey
Slopeside Hotel by Seven Springs Resort

Slopeside Hotel by Seven Springs Resort

4.5 out of 5
777 Water Wheel Dr, Champion, PA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Champion. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (302 reviews)
"It was a very relaxing and peaceful time that we all needed. It was nice to be out of the city and enjoying nature."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Slopeside Hotel by Seven Springs Resort
Seven Springs Resort Properties

Seven Springs Resort Properties

4 out of 5
777 Water Wheel Dr, Champion, PA
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Champion. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Seven Springs Mountain Resort and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (15 reviews)
"The condo was perfect for our family. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a kitchen with plenty of pots/pans/utensils to cook your own meals. Its a great place to get away with the family in nature, play board games and just spend time together."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Seven Springs Resort Properties
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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