Welcome to Hershey! Step into streets that smell like chocolate, ride candy-themed rollercoasters, and sip cocoa in a town where even the streetlamps are shaped like Hershey’s Kisses — Hershey is where chocolate dreams and childhood nostalgia melt together in the Sweetest Place on Earth.
☑️ Hershey Checklist
- Book your Flight: Fly into Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), just 20 minutes from downtown Hershey
- Reserve your Hotel: Stay at The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge for perks like early park access and sweet amenities
- Join your Tour: Book a Hershey Trolley Works ride or a behind-the-scenes chocolate factory experience in advance
🍫 Day 1: Chocolate Icons
- Hershey’s Chocolate World: Hop on the free tour ride where singing cows guide you through a whimsical, chocolate-making journey — complete with a free sample at the end
- Create Your Own Candy Bar: Suit up in a hairnet and design your dream chocolate bar with custom mix-ins and your own label
- Hershey Trolley Works: Ride a vintage trolley with costumed guides who sing, joke, and share Milton Hershey’s rags-to-riches story with candy in hand
- Kiss-Shaped Streetlights: Stroll downtown and snap pics under the town’s most iconic photo op — alternating streetlamps shaped like wrapped and unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses
- Lunch at Chocolate Avenue: Grab a table in the heart of town where even the burgers and cocktails come with a cocoa twist
- The Hershey Story Museum: Dig into the history behind the brand — from sugar shortages to cocoa bean adventures — and try a warm sipping chocolate flight
- Evening Stroll Through ChocolateTown: Wander the lit-up plazas of Hersheypark’s entrance area filled with dessert stands, souvenir shops, and the scent of waffle cones in the air
🎢 Day 2: Park Thrills
- Hersheypark Morning Entry: Get in early and dash to Candymonium — the park’s tallest and sweetest coaster with camelback hills and chocolate-themed trains
- ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park: Step into the shade for a walk-through zoo filled with lynxes, bears, and owls — all included with your park ticket
- Reese’s Cupfusion Ride: Join the candy-fueled mission to zap rogue sweets and defend the Reese’s factory in this interactive dark ride
- Midday Milkshake Break: Cool down with a towering milkshake at Simply Chocolate — complete with chocolate-dipped pretzels and peanut butter drizzle
- The Boardwalk at Hersheypark: If it’s summer, throw on a swimsuit and hit the wave pool, lazy river, and splash slides — all candy-colored and kid-approved
- Ferris Wheel Views: Soak in the skyline at golden hour as the park lights flicker on and coasters scream below
- Sweet Lights Drive (seasonal): If visiting during holidays, cruise through a glowing candy land of over 2 million twinkling lights and animated chocolate scenes
🏰 Day 3: Cocoa Luxe
- The Hotel Hershey Gardens: Start with a morning walk among rose bushes and butterflies fluttering through the glass conservatory — peaceful and postcard-perfect
- Chocolate Spa Experience: Book a cocoa facial or whipped chocolate sugar scrub at the world-famous spa where everything smells good enough to eat
- Afternoon Tea at The Circular: Sip tea or hot cocoa in the grand hotel’s elegant dining room — a circular architectural gem with chocolate touches throughout
- Hershey Country Club Lookout: Take a scenic drive for sweeping views of rolling hills and fairways once strolled by Milton Hershey himself
- Antique Automobile Club of America Museum: Get your engine revving with Hershey’s lesser-known gem — classic cars, chocolate delivery trucks, and retro rides galore
- Souvenir Stop on Chocolate Avenue: Pick up giant candy bars, cocoa-scented candles, and Kiss-shaped mugs to remember your sugar-soaked escape
- Dinner at the Chocolatier: End your trip with comfort food and cocktails served high above the park gates — with roller coaster views and a chocolate martini in hand
💡 Hershey Tips
- Stay at Hershey Resorts: Hotel guests get early park access, free shuttles, and sweet-themed perks
- Download the Hersheypark App: Real-time wait times, park maps, and mobile ordering make your day smoother
- Bring a Refillable Cup: Hersheypark’s drink deals save money and keep you cool on hot days
- Start with the Coasters: Head to Candymonium or Skyrush first thing to beat the lines
- Use the Chocolate World Locker: It’s a lifesaver for stashing your custom bars before hitting the park
- Pace Your Sugar: Between milkshakes, candy samples, and desserts, be sure to drink water and snack on some savory bites
- Check for Package Deals: Combo passes and resort packages often include park tickets, meal credits, and extra treats
📅 Hershey Calendar
- Chocolate-Covered February: Month-long tastings, chocolate pairings, and themed dinners across town
- Springtime in the Park (April): Seasonal park opening with blooming flowers and lower crowds
- Memorial Day Weekend Kickoff: Hersheypark’s summer season officially launches with fireworks and extra hours
- Fourth of July Fireworks: One of Pennsylvania’s biggest displays — best seen from the hill by The Hotel Hershey
- Hershey Summer Concert Series (June–Aug): Big-name acts under the stars at Hersheypark Stadium
- Hershey Halloween (Oct): Trick-or-treat trails, lights-out coaster rides, and candy everywhere you turn
- Hersheypark Christmas Candylane (Nov–Dec): Over 5 million lights, holiday shows, and cocoa by the gallon
🍦 Hershey Menu
- Chocolate-Covered Bacon: Salty, sweet, and impossible to stop at just one piece
- Reese’s Funnel Cake: Warm fried dough loaded with peanut butter drizzle, chocolate sauce, and crumbled cups
- Kiss-Shaped Soft Pretzels: Baked in the shape of a Kiss and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or sea salt
- Milton’s Favorite Chicken Pot Pie: Hearty and creamy — a nod to classic Pennsylvania Dutch comfort
- Cocoa-Rubbed Ribs: Slow-cooked, savory, with a hint of rich chocolate spice
- Giant Milkshakes: Overflowing with cookies, brownies, or candy bars stacked high
- Sipping Chocolates: Rich, melted European-style cocoa served like espresso — thick, velvety, and delicious