How to Spend 3 Days in Hershey, PA: The Best Attractions, Eats, and Experiences

If you’re looking for a fantastic destination to visit this summer, for either a weekend getaway, a day trip, or a vacation, then look no further than Hershey, PA. Located about 2 hours from Philadelphia, Hershey, PA is packed with history, adventure, a delicious food scene, a thriving small business community, and much more. 

It’s a great option for thrill-seekers, who may enjoy Hersheypark’s rollercoasters and expansive water park. Foodies will love its diverse culinary options, while history enthusiasts can explore museums and historical sites. No matter your interests, Hershey, PA has something for every traveler.

Here’s the ultimate 3-day itinerary for Hershey, PA covering the best attractions, eats, and experiences.

Thanks, Visit Hershey Harrisburg, for sponsoring this post!

For more information, resources, and to start planning your trip, head to VisitHersheyHarrisburg.org.

Book a Stay at Springhill Suites Hershey Near the Park

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Book your stay at the Springhill Suites Hershey Near the Park. This hotel serves as the perfect home base for a trip to Hershey, as it’s conveniently located near Hersheypark and other popular attractions. We stayed in a Double Queen room, which was clean and comfortable and included everything we needed for our stay. The hotel also features great amenities such as a fitness center, pool, complimentary parking, and free breakfast.

Enjoy Dinner at Devon Seafood + Steak

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Have dinner at Devon Seafood + Steak, where the food and service are spectacular. They’re known for their exquisitely prepared and sourced seafood and finest cuts of USDA Prime Black Angus Beef. The restaurant features a stunning, upscale atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for a celebration, business dinner, date night, or special occasion. We enjoyed the Sweet Chile Cauliflower, Goat Cheese Bruschetta, Seafood Mixed Grill, Roasted Wild Mushrooms, Blackened Chicken Cavatappi, Carrot Cake, Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee, Housemade NY Style Seasonal Cheesecake, and the Hershey’s Kisses Signature Chocolate Martini. I can’t say enough great things about Devon Seafood + Steak, and I look forward to visiting again.

Have Breakfast at Lisa’s Cafe on Chocolate

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Start your day with breakfast at Lisa’s Cafe. Located inside the Hershey Story Museum, Lisa’s Cafe offers a fantastic selection of breakfast and lunch items, including omelets, breakfast sandwiches, salads, subs, and hot and cold beverages. The food here was superb! We enjoyed the Belgian Waffle, Bacon and American Omelet, Quiche of the Day (ham), Vanilla Chai with Lavender Citrus Whipped Cream, and Butter Pecan Cappuccino. I’m still dreaming about that quiche!

Visit the Hershey Story Museum

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Dive into the history of Hershey at the Hershey Story Museum, a fun and interactive museum where you’ll learn about Milton Hershey’s humble beginnings and the powerful legacy he and his wife, Catherine Hershey, left. The museum features several interactive exhibits, providing an exciting educational experience for children, adults, and families.

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Two experiences you can’t miss at The Hershey Story Museum are the Chocolate Lab and Tastings: Chocolate from Around the World. The Chocolate Lab provides a fun, hands-on experience where you can make your own chocolate bar while learning about the origins of chocolate and Hershey’s chocolate-making process. At Tastings: Chocolate from Around the World, treat your tastebuds to a selection of warm drinking chocolates from across the globe. At the time of our visit, origin chocolates included Peru, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Ghana, the Indonesian Island of Java, and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. Our favorites were the Ghana and Java chocolates, which were smooth and perfectly sweet.

Grab Lunch at Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square

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Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square is a farmers market and food hall featuring locally owned small businesses. The Market Level offers deli meats, bakery items, produce, dairy, and more. The food hall features a variety of diverse food stands serving everything from acai bowls and pretzels to Jamaican and Asian cuisines. We stopped by Freshido and Foltz’s Pretzels. The wide selection of vendors makes it a great option for a quick lunch or snack!

Enjoy Shopping at Local Boutiques

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Don’t forget to support local and enjoy shopping at the boutiques on Chocolate Ave, where you can find unique gifts and souvenirs for yourself or a loved one. We enjoyed walking down the scenic Chocolate Ave and visiting Three Little Birds Boutique, Knock Knock Boutique, and The Shoppe on Chocolate. These shops had so many unique finds, and it’s always a pleasure to support local small businesses.

Tour the Spectacular Hershey Gardens

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While in Hershey, PA, be sure to visit Hershey Gardens, a beautiful 20-acre botanical garden. It originally started as a small rose garden that Milton Hershey had built for his wife. Constructed in 1937, it includes a conservatory, butterfly atrium, children’s garden, and more. Hershey Gardens is home to an estimated 3,000 rose bushes with 115 rose varieties. The butterfly atrium is a wonderful attraction to visit while there, and houses 500-600 butterflies representing over 40 varieties from around the globe.

Enjoy Dinner at Fenicci’s

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For dinner, check out Fenicci’s, located in downtown Hershey. Established in 1935, it’s Hershey’s oldest freestanding restaurant and serves authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is a local staple that prides itself on bringing people together and creating memorable experiences. We enjoyed the Margherita pizza, which includes Buffalo Mozzarella, Shredded Mozzarella, Garlic, Sliced Tomato and Basil, drizzled with Olive Oil.

Grab Breakfast at Farmhouse at Englewood

In the morning, grab breakfast at Farmhouse at Englewood, a cozy, local cafe serving breakfast items, pastries, coffee, tea, and more. We enjoyed the Chai Latte, Honey Lavender Latte, Belgian Waffle, and Frittata Florentine. Englewood Hershey also includes a tavern and catering business.

Tour the Milton S. Hershey School Founders Hall

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One of the most captivating parts of this trip was our visit to the Milton S. Hershey School Founders Hall. Everyone knows Hershey for its chocolate, but did you know that its founder also started a school? Founded by Milton S. Hershey and his wife Catherine Hershey, Milton S. Hershey School was originally a school for orphaned boys that initially focused on agricultural and vocational training. Today, the school is open to youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and admits students (pre-K to 12th grade) from all around the country. Founders Hall is a stunning architectural masterpiece that features a beautiful rotunda and contains administrative offices, a 2,400-seat auditorium, and a visitors center. The school serves as a testament to both Milton and Catherine Hershey’s extraordinary philanthropy and lasting legacy. 

Visit the Iconic Hersheypark

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No visit to Hershey, PA is complete without a trip to the famous Hersheypark. We kicked things off with lunch at The Chocolatier, where we ordered the Ferris Wheel Sampler and Chicken & Waffles (for which the recipe was developed in collaboration with Milton S. Hershey School students – love it!). Be sure to stop at the gift shop on your way out to grab unique gifts and souvenirs to commemorate your visit to Hersheypark.

Next, head into the park (where you can honestly spend several hours because there’s so much to see and do). Enjoy thrilling rollercoaster rides, explore their massive water park, grab a bite from the many food stands and restaurants, and check out Zoo America, a North American wildlife park. See a variety of North American animals up close, including the white tailed deer, the black bear, porcupines, and more. One thing that makes Hersheypark so amazing is the variety of things to do (even for those like me, who don’t enjoy rollercoasters).

Have Dinner at Chocolate Avenue Grill

Located in the heart of downtown Hershey, Chocolate Avenue Grill is a locally-owned restaurant featuring a diverse menu made with the freshest ingredients. It seemed as though every local we spoke to during our trip recommended this restaurant, so we couldn’t leave town without trying it. The food, service, and atmosphere did not disappoint! We ordered the Mrs D’s Lasagna and Thai Chicken, and they were both spectacular and full of flavor. I highly recommend adding Chocolate Avenue Grill to your list when in Hershey, PA.

Explore Hershey’s Chocolate World

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While on a trip to Hershey, PA, you can’t miss a visit to the incomparable Hershey’s Chocolate World – the sweetest place on earth! Hershey’s Chocolate World is next door to Hersheypark, open year-round, and free to visit (although some attractions are paid).

Begin your journey with a Hershey Trolley Works tour, a delightful sightseeing adventure that takes you through the town of Hershey as you learn about the story and legacy of Milton S. Hershey. See iconic sites including his birthplace, the original Hershey’s Chocolate factory, his former home, High Point Mansion, the Milton S. Hershey School, and more.

After the Hershey Trolley Works tour, head into the Chocolate World Store to continue the adventure. Here, you’ll find exclusive Hershey’s chocolates that you can only find here, including their signature Hershey’s caramels (which are oh-so delicious). Other unique candies we spotted include Hershey’s Strawberries and Creme bars, Hershey’s Cotton Candy bars, and a variety of Hershey’s Kisses flavors from around the globe (such as hazelnut, strawberry, café moka, and chocolate truffle).

At Hershey’s Chocolate World, don’t forget to pick up some fun Hershey’s merch and souvenirs as well. From tees to socks and fun collectibles, there’s something for everyone. My gifts to myself were the cute Jolly Ranchers and Twizzlers socks.

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Enjoy the free Hershey’s Chocolate tour ride, which takes you through the magic of chocolate-making: from cocoa bean to chocolate bar. This interactive tour is a fun way to learn about all the work that goes into making the delicious Hershey’s candies we all enjoy. 

There are also a variety of ticketed experiences to add to your adventure like “Create your own Candy Bar” or “Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition.”

Lastly, check out their large food court and grab a Hershey’s milkshake on your way out. There are so many delicious creations to choose from!

Spend a Day Exploring Hummelstown, PA

Hummelstown is a charming, small town about 10 minutes west of Hershey, PA, and a short drive from Harrisburg, PA. The town’s vibrant Main Street is lined with cozy cafes, boutique stores, restaurants, and other interesting local spots to enjoy. Here are some must-visit local businesses to check out and support during your trip to Hummelstown.

Chocolates by Tina Marie

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Chocolates by Tina Marie serves a delicious variety of artisan chocolates, including sea salt caramels, chocolate truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels and fruits, and so much more. Enjoy small batch homemade chocolates made with love and creativity. The options here are truly endless, and these treats make for a delightful gift!

Toys on the Square

Toys on the Square is a local gem that’s been open for over 30 years. This massive toy store features hundreds of unique toys and gifts for people of all ages. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen! Toys on the Square is your go-to destination for extraordinary toys and gifts that spark joy, from popular to unusual. The 15,000-square-foot facility contains anything you can think of, from books to board games to Legos and arts and crafts.

Olde Factory (Antiques & Crafts)

Olde Factory is a distinctive antique store specializing in a carefully curated selection of one-of-a-kind treasures and timeless finds. It offers an eclectic mix of rustic furniture, vintage collectibles, memorabilia, toys, and more. Old Factory Antiques is a standout destination for those looking for charming, unique items with character and history. Whether you’re on the hunt for a statement piece of furniture or some classic vinyls, you’ll surely find it at Olde Factory Antiques.

Succulent Queen Boutique

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Succulent QUEEN Boutique is a cozy oasis that features a curated selection of lush plants, essential oils, crystals, jewelry, and more to inspire natural living and wellness. The shop also serves as a community gathering space, where the owner, Mandie, hosts engaging classes and events such as terrarium making, rock painting, henna art, and plant repotting. The inviting, relaxing atmosphere of the shop instantly makes you feel at ease and serves as a peaceful haven for both plant lovers and wellness seekers alike. This shop is a must-visit, whether you’re looking to enhance your home or deepen your wellness journey.

Rubber Soul Brewing Company

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For a bite to eat, head to Rubber Soul Brewing Company, a local favorite that features a restaurant and on-site taproom. With a laid-back vibe, incredible craft beers, and approachable cuisine, Rubber Soul makes you feel right at home. The Brussels sprouts, Local Peach Sticky Ribs, Pizza de Pepperoni were just what we needed after a long day of exploring. Other offerings include brisket BBQ tacos, smashburgers, house-made cheesesteak eggrolls, and a selection of unique, refreshing salads.

Cubby’s Ice Cream Cafe

Cool off after dinner with a sweet treat from Cubby’s Ice Cream Cafe. Choose from their wide variety of homemade ice cream flavors, made with the freshest ingredients. I ordered a 2-scoop cup with both pistachio and banana ice cream, which were delicious. Cubby’s Ice Cream Cafe also serves shakes, floats, sundaes, and more. With its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for families, friends, or anyone looking to indulge in a delicious, handcrafted dessert.

Hershey, PA is one of the best getaways from the Philly area and provides a sweet adventure for people of all ages. I hope this 3-day itinerary for Hershey, PA was helpful in planning your trip. As you can tell from this guide, there’s something for everyone! Let me know in the comments if you’re adding Hershey, PA to your travel list and be sure to check out VisitHersheyHarrisburg.org to plan your trip today.