The Perfect Weekend Getaway In Harrisburg, PA: 3-Day Itinerary

If you’re looking for a fun summer getaway, consider adding Harrisburg, PA to your list! The Harrisburg/Hershey area is widely known for the iconic Hershey Park but offers so much more. Just a 2-hour drive from Philadelphia, and a little over 3 hours from NYC, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation and exploration. Pennsylvania’s capital city offers something for every kind of traveler, from foodies to history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyone in between.

The dynamic Harrisburg Arts District is a cultural hub with theatres, murals, statues, galleries, museums, and performance venues. My family and I recently spent a lovely 3 days exploring this captivating and welcoming city and were amazed by just how much there was to see and do.

Ready to immerse yourself in all that Harrisburg has to offer? This post will guide you through a delightful 3-day itinerary for an exciting weekend in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 

Thank you Visit Hershey & Harrisburg for sponsoring this trip!

Day 1

Check into the Home2 Suites Harrisburg North

Begin your trip by checking into the Home2 Suites by Hilton Harrisburg North. It’s an extended-stay hotel conveniently located about 10 minutes from Downtown Harrisburg. The hotel serves as the perfect home base for exploring the city. From here, it’s easy to get to attractions such as The Pennsylvania State Capitol and The State Museum of Pennsylvania. 

The renowned Hershey Park is also just a 15-minute drive away. Home2 Suites Harrisburg includes top-notch amenities such as complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, free on-site parking, an indoor pool, an in-room kitchen, and more. 

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Our room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, providing ample space to unwind after a day of exploring the city. I can’t say enough great things about this hotel, from the wide variety of amenities to the fantastic customer service! Our stay was nothing short of exceptional, and I’d recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Harrisburg, whether you’re traveling solo or with a group. 

Have Dinner & Drinks at At Lib

Enjoy an early dinner and drinks at Ad Lib Craft Kitchen & Bar, located inside Hilton Harrisburg. The menu features traditional American cuisine reinvented and craft cocktails designed by Harrisburg mixologists. Ad Lib has a stunning, elegant atmosphere and offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. The cast iron brownie was my favorite item!

Take an Evening Walk at Riverfront Park

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After dinner, go for an evening stroll at Riverfront Park. Riverfront Park is a serene destination offering ample green space, walking and biking paths, and panoramic views of the Susquehanna River. There’s a beautiful pedestrian bridge (Walnut Street Bridge) that connects downtown Harrisburg and Riverfront Park to City Island, a popular spot for live music, events, and overall outdoor recreation.

Day 2

Dive Into History (Explore the Capitol Complex & Harrisburg’s Museums)

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After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, head downtown for a free guided tour of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Located at the Capitol Complex, the Capitol Building is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the country. The majestic building features beautiful stained glass windows, paintings, and furnishings. It was a wonderful experience learning about the rich history behind the building and viewing it in all its glory.

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The Capitol Building also features an interactive welcome center with informational exhibitions and Pennsylvania fun facts. On-site, there’s also a cafe and gift shop. The guided tour of the State Capitol is about 30 minutes and can be booked online or over the phone.

Next up, stop by Denim Coffee for a coffee and fresh-baked pastry. I recommend the white chocolate cranberry almond scone and homemade Kombucha from Undone Kombucha. I loved this adorable coffee shop and the service was quick and friendly. I’m still dreaming about that scone!

Visit The State Museum of Pennsylvania

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Afterwards, head to The State Museum of Pennsylvania. This museum perfectly captures Pennsylvania’s vast and rich history, detailing a range of topics such as the state’s diverse wildlife, beautiful horticulture, and the integration of different neighborhoods across Pennsylvania in the 1950s.

The museum brings these topics to life in an engaging and informative way for people of all ages. So if you’re planning to visit with your family, this is a great attraction to include in your itinerary. I must say, it’s one of the best museums I’ve been to! I’d recommend allowing about 3 hours to fully explore the museum.

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For lunch, enjoy Italian cuisine (you can do takeout or dine in) at Sammy’s Authentic Italian Restaurant, located on N. 3rd Street directly across from the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

Tour The National Civil War Museum

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In the late afternoon, visit The National Civil War Museum. It’s a phenomenal place to learn more about the nation’s history and the enduring impact of the Civil War. It’s one of the largest museums in the country solely dedicated to the American Civil War. It opened in 2001 and attracts visitors from all across the nation and around the world.

The museum features 17 galleries, 850 artifacts on display, and 28,000 archival pieces detailing the events surrounding, leading up to, and after the war.

I learned so many new things about the Civil War and would recommend it for people of all ages. Be sure to allow 2-3 hours to explore the museum fully. Afterwards, take in the beautiful panoramic views of Harrisburg at Reservoir Park, where the museum is located (it’s the highest point in the city!)

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Enjoy dinner at Bacco Pizzeria & Wine Bar

For dinner, head to Bacco Pizzeria & Wine Bar. Here, you can either dine in or order your meal to-go. This locally-owned bar and lounge provides great vibes, signature drinks, and elevated cuisine. The chicken parmigiana and Margherita pizza were superb!

Day 3

Explore Harrisburg’s Midtown Neighborhood

The next day, explore all that the Midtown neighborhood has to offer. The energy of Midtown is buzzing and draws both locals and visitors alike. The main street (N. 3rd Street) is lined with museums, boutique stores, cafes, and other cool places to explore for the day. 

See Unique Exhibitions at The Susquehanna Museum of Art

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While in Midtown, be sure to stop at The Susquehanna Art Museum. It features diverse, rotating exhibitions and provides educational programming for visitors and the community.

Situated within a recently restored bank building, the Susquehanna Art Museum seeks to build community, provide visitors with a rich experience, and inspire creativity. 

Sample International Cuisines at Broad Street Market

Fuel up for the rest of the day’s adventures at Broad Street Market. Located in the heart of Midtown, Broad Street Market features locally-grown produce, meats, and freshly prepared goods. It’s a true culinary paradise and gathering place for both the community and visitors.

Here, you can indulge in a variety of cuisines including American, Pennsylvania Dutch, Polish, Mexican, Jamaican, Greek, and more. Founded in 1860, it’s known as the oldest continuously operated market house in the country. Broad Street Market is open Thursday through Saturday and open late every third Friday of the month for 3rd in the Burg.

Pick Up Your Next Read at Midtown Scholar Bookstore

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Also located on N 3rd Street is Midtown Scholar Bookstore, a beautiful bookstore-cafe that houses a massive collection of new, used, and rare books. Midtown Scholar is a cozy retreat for book lovers, offering everything from classic novels to sci-fi books, and all genres in between. Whether you’re a local bibliophile or visiting from out of town, Midtown Scholar is the perfect spot to pick up your next read. Check out their website for information on events and workshops.

Take a Self-Guided Tour of the Mural Trail

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One thing you can’t miss in Harrisburg is exploring the Mural Trail. Spanning both Downtown and Midtown, the Mural Trail features colorful murals, monuments, and public art created by local artists. As a lover of street art, I was in awe of the unique murals spread throughout the city! 

Next, enjoy shopping at Harrisburg’s finest boutique shops including The Meadow, The Rummagers, and Nyianga Store.

Have Dinner and Enjoy Artwork at Millworks

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A destination all on its own, The Millworks is a must-visit during a trip to Harrisburg. It’s a favorite among locals and I can see why. The Millworks is an award-winning restaurant, brewery, and art gallery. They also have a rooftop biergarten, event space, and art studios.

The Millworks hosts First Saturdays every month where you can meet the artists and learn more about their work. It was a pleasure meeting the artists, seeing their unique creations, and hearing their stories.

The Millworks is your go-to destination for great vibes, beautiful artwork, community, and delicious food and drinks. ⁣As far as the restaurant, the food was spectacular and the customer service was on point. We especially loved the spirit-free drinks, smoked brisket pizza, carrot and hummus bowl, mac and cheese, and seasonal vegetables. I already can’t wait to go back!

Grab a Sweet Treat at Urban Churn

After dinner, head to Urban Churn, a local favorite, for dessert. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I personally recommend the strawberries and cream stacker, which was delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope this post has inspired you to plan a trip to Harrisburg, PA. If you’ve enjoyed this weekend getaway guide, check out my other travel guides for more travel inspiration and tips.

If you’re planning a trip to Harrisburg or have already visited, I’d love to hear all about it! Feel free to share any tips or must-visit places you recommend below, and don’t forget to pin this post for later.

For more information, resources, and trip-planning guides, please visit VisitHersheyHarrisburg.org.