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.
