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

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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
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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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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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 P3,426 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P3,426
P3,803 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,544 reviews)
"Nice place, good breakfast, quiet, clean. My daughter like the pool."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 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 P4,833 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P4,833
P5,364 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! (1,832 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 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 P4,319 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P4,319
P4,794 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,727 reviews)
"One room was clean and good. The other smelled funny and the door has hard to close and open But overall it was a good place. Can’t say it wasn’t clean. Just smelled.. funny if you know what I mean"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 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! (123 reviews)
"Not enough pillows weren't comfortable, hair in towels"

Reviewed on Aug 7, 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! (261 reviews)
"Only 1 negative ... the train next door very loud at midnight and early morning"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (21 reviews)
"Stayed here for Gettysburg bike week. Close to the venue, had everything we needed. Would definitely recommend."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 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.

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