Pennsylvania’s vibrant and welcoming Capital City invites visitors to explore art, history, culture, and cuisine. Conveniently located about 3 hours from New York City, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, and just a short drive from Gettysburg and Lancaster, Harrisburg is a hub for adventure seekers, music lovers, family field trippers, and all kinds of “let’s check-it-outers.”
With stunning riverfront views, natural beauty, world-class cuisine, and attractions for every kind of traveler, Harrisburg invites you to discover why Pennsylvania is the great American getaway. Start planning your adventure today.
Please note, this itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide. We strongly recommend checking seasonal hours of operation and available offerings of the listed businesses ahead of your trip.
DAY ONE
Afternoon — Start your getaway with a free tour of the PA State Capitol Building. Step into the grand rotunda and stand where President Teddy Roosevelt once marveled in 1906, calling it the “handsomest building” he had ever seen. Known as “a palace of art,” this architectural masterpiece dazzles with priceless murals and extraordinary design inside and out. Stroll through the landscaped grounds, where monuments and markers shine a light on noteworthy people and events that shaped Pennsylvania and the nation. In the winter months, find a towering, decorated evergreen making the rotunda merry and bright for the season.
Lunch — Grab a quick bite to eat on-site at The Capitol Restaurant with a variety of menu choices from local, woman-owned C&J Catering, or head across the street to enjoy soups, salads, and sandwiches from Sammy’s Authentic Italian Restaurant!
After lunch, explore the State Museum of Pennsylvania for a journey through the people, places, and products that make Pennsylvania unique. In the museum’s grand center hall stands a towering bronze statue of William Penn, Pennsylvania’s founder, weighing 3,200 pounds and soaring 18 feet tall. Check the schedule for the museum’s planetarium spectaculars for an out-of-this-world experience. Young explorers can enjoy hands-on fun in the Curiosity Connection area. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Marshalls Creek Mastodon, one of the most complete specimens of its kind in North America.
Evening — Check into your hotel and freshen up for a delightful downtown dining experience. The Hilton Harrisburg offers a variety of dining experiences to satisfy any craving. Celebrate spontaneity on-site at Ad Lib Kitchen & Craft Bar, a “reinvention” of the classic American Tavern, serving a delicious menu of locally produced food and beer. Or save this portion of the itinerary for the morning as Ad Lib’s Sunday Brunch is a local favorite.
Dine in at Harrisburg’s American Steakhouse, where 1700° Steakhouse offers a fine dining experience that’s the toast of the town. Indulge in mouthwatering meals including Midwestern prime beef, dry-aged beef, certified Angus beef, and sustainable seafood that will please any palate.
DAY TWO
Morning — Start your day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee from Little Amps Coffee Roasters at 2nd & State, or head to Café Fresco Center City for a hearty breakfast to fuel up for an exciting day ahead.
Just minutes from the bustling downtown streets, Harrisburg offers a perfect blend of nature and adventure with exciting activities for all ages. Take a morning walk or a bike ride around family and pet-friendly Wildwood Park, a jewel for nature and wildlife lovers searching for a serene stroll. The Wildwood Loop is great for kids, hikers, and walkers of all ages and abilities while the level trek is great for year-round exploring.
Explore the free Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Park, where interactive and educational exhibits bring Pennsylvania wildlife to life and highlight the importance of conservation. Immerse yourself in the region’s diverse ecosystems and learn more about the natural beauty of the city of Harrisburg.
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Susquehanna River, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park offers gorgeous vistas of the river and the Blue Mountains, transporting visitors back in time to 19thcentury life in central Pennsylvania. Explore the historical mansion on a guided tour, available from May through December.
Each December, the mansion is beautifully decorated with fresh greens, fruits, and festive trees. Visit Fort Hunter’s Centennial Barn during weekends in December for a delightful toy train display.
Other notable events around that time of year include the iconic PA Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the nation, celebrating Pennsylvania foods and recipes, craft beverages, and animals and livestock. Mark your calendars for the 2025 Farm Show: Powering Pennsylvania from Jan. 4-11.
Lunch — Zeroday Brewing Company is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure. Offering a welcoming atmosphere, the main taproom and restaurant provide a great place to relax, swap adventure stories, and enjoy a delicious meal with craft beer. Zeroday also has outposts at the Broad Street Market and the Midtown Cinema. Part of the Hershey Harrisburg Brew Barons Beer Trail, Zeroday is one of more than 25 breweries and tasting locations. Download the free app to check-in to participating spots, taste great craft beer, and earn cool prizes.
Afternoon — Park on Harrisburg’s City Island and cross the pedestrian walking bridge over the Susquehanna River to reach the scenic Riverfront Park. Stroll along the shaded pathway with the river on one side and the historic downtown architecture on the other. Explore monuments and historical markers that share intriguing stories about the river town’s rich history.
Head back across the bridge to play a round of miniature golf at Water Golf on City Island, which opens for the season every April. The views of the Susquehanna River are sure to inspire a hole-in-one.
Evening — Right next door to Water Golf, Harrisburg Beach Club is the perfect spot to set up for a beautiful Susquehanna sunset. Adults can enjoy cool cocktails and locally crafted beer and spirits from the bar, and kids can play in one of the many sandboxes located on “the beach.” Enjoy live music and grab a bite from the Harrisburg Beach Club food truck, available during all operating hours.
During baseball season, take in America's pastime at one of the coolest minor league facilities in the nation. The Harrisburg Senators are the AA affiliate of the Washington Nationals. You’ll be watching tomorrow’s big-league superstars or maybe catching an all-star on a rehab assignment.
DAY THREE
Morning — Grab a fresh croissant and other delicious pastries at Raising the Bar Bakery or browse the vendors at historic Broad Street Market to start the day with fresh flavors. For a memorable Sunday Brunch, try Isabelle’s Southern Cuisine for mouthwatering soul food, or head to Millworks for a hyper-local approach to seasonal menus.
Explore Harrisburg’s vibrant Midtown neighborhood, a melting pot of culture and character. The neighborhood acts as a hidden gem where you'll find opportunity to sample sweets and treats, wander through aisles of a huge independent bookstore, and discover public art galleries. Head to Midtown Scholar Bookstore to immerse yourself in new releases and rare titles. From children’s books to Shakespeare, local history, and foreign languages, this shop has something for every reader.
Midtown is a key location for the Harrisburg Arts District. The Arts District highlights a walkable region of galleries, public art, museums, and live performances. It’s the perfect place to shop small for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions!
Bold murals give pops of color and culture to city buildings, featuring the work of both local artists and some of the nation’s top names in mural art. Explore mural locations and listen to a curated audio tour on the Arts District app.
To experience more of the arts and culture of Harrisburg, time your visit around sprawling riverfront festivals like Harrisburg Artsfest on Memorial Day Weekend or Kipona Festival over Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy summer concerts on the riverfront featuring big-name bands and up-and-coming-artists playing energetic sets against the scenic Susquehanna River.
ADD A DAY
Not ready for your Harrisburg adventure to end? Add a day and getaway to Hershey and Hummelstown, just a short drive from Pennsylvania’s Capital City. The hills, thrills, tastes, and treats of Hershey, The Sweetest Place on Earth®, are waiting for you. Coast through the fun of Hersheypark, take the free Chocolate Tour Ride at Hershey’s Chocolate World, and explore small shopping and delicious eateries along Chocolate Avenue. Learn about the “Town that Milt built” with a Trolley Works tour through the town. Nearby Hummelstown offers a quaint, walkable borough where you'll find breweries and taprooms, antiques, a fabulous toy store, and award-winning artisan chocolates. Sweet treats and charming main streets make it the perfect option to extend your stay!
In the winter, Hersheypark® Christmas Candylane® is sparkling with festive cheer and fan favorite characters dressed up for the holidays. (Bonus: Santa and his reindeer will be at the park until Christmas Eve!) Drive through millions of twinkling lights on enchanting and whimsical displays at Hershey Sweet Lights. While at Chocolate World, stock up on Hershey’s holiday treats and gifts or make personalized goodies! You can’t go wrong with a Holly Jolly Trolley tour through Hershey.
PLACES TO STAY
The Hilton Harrisburg offers downtown convenience and luxury. Walk to the PA State Capitol, City Island, or take a short drive to a long list of Harrisburg attractions and experiences from this centric stay.
Located along Harrisburg’s Front Street with views of the Susquehanna River, The Manor on Front is a stunning bed and breakfast featuring luxury suites in two historic mansions. Settle yourselves in one of the many luxury suites and enjoy a homecooked breakfast before heading out for your day in Harrisburg.
The City House Bed and Breakfast is a short walk from the Capitol and offers picturesque views of the Susquehanna River. This bed and breakfast is equipped with four guest rooms and amenities including around-the-clock coffee station and two breakfast selections to choose from.
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