Two Day Itinerary to Hershey, PA in Summer 2023
Guide to Make the Most Of a visit to The Sweetest Place On Earth
There's nothing sweeter than a summer spent in Hershey, Pa., and now is the perfect time to plan one last trip before the season is over! From exquisite dining and resorts to a thrilling amusement park and concerts, there are endless opportunities to explore and have fun while visiting The Sweetest Place On Earth. Keep scrolling for a 2-day itinerary to help you prepare for your trip in advance and ensure that you have a seamless and stress-free experience when you arrive.
Here are a few quick tips before diving into the day-by-day suggestions of things to do:
- Save on your Hersheypark tickets by purchasing in advance online.
- Discount offers are only available online. Tickets are full price in person.
- Stay at one of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark to enjoy a variety of FREE Resort Benefits like the best price on Hersheypark tickets, free shuttle service to and from Hersheypark, and extra hours at Hersheypark.
- Save with sweet packages, including our guest-favorite Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE Package.
- Also, make sure to save some time to enjoy recreation on property, including swimming pools, family-friendly resort activities and more.
- Book a treatment in advance at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey or MeltSpa by Hershey for the ultimate relaxation as summer availability is limited.
- Purchase tickets for The Hershey Story or Hershey Gardens.
- Guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark receive free or discounted admission at check-in.
- If you’re interested in any of the Hershey’s Chocolate World indoor attractions, purchase a ticket online ahead of time.
- Check the Hershey Entertainment schedule for any events, shows or concerts at Hersheypark Stadium, GIANT Center or Hershey Theatre.
Day One
Morning
You can’t begin your day without a good breakfast!
- If you stay at The Hotel Hershey, The Circular offers breakfast daily from 7-10:30 a.m. The Belgian Kiss Waffles are a yummy staple while visiting Hershey, as they have a Hershey’s Kisses shape in the center.
- If you stay at Hershey Lodge, head to Fire & Grain for breakfast, offered daily from 7-11 a.m. either as a buffet or a la carte menu based on availability. A la carte dishes range from fabulous French Toast with Hershey’s Chocolate Chips to a Smoked Salmon Benedict or even Steak & Eggs. Or, enjoy a breakfast and lunch menu as iconic as the Hershey Smokestacks at STACKS, an all-new eatery serving dishes stacked high with flavor, such as stacks of Buttermilk Pancakes and Belgian Waffles with sweet toppings or a Double Decker BLT. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
After finishing your breakfast, head to your appointment at MeltSpa by Hershey day spa for some relaxation right in the heart of downtown Hershey. The exclusive Hershey’s Dark Chocolate treatments are some of our guests’ favorites. Plus, check out the seasonal Summer Strawberry Collection, featuring an immersion, manicure and pedicure.
Afternoon
Following your morning spa getaway, visit Hershey’s Chocolate World to take the famous Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, Create Your Own Candy Bar and stock up on your favorite Hershey’s candies! Plus, this summer, Hershey's Chocolate World is excited to introduce its brand-new attraction, Hershey's Great Candy Expedition, to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The cinematic experience, which opened on May 19, features the first fully immersive, interactive experience of its kind in North America that incorporates all five senses. You can make attraction reservations online.
If you find yourself having more time in your afternoon to explore The Sweetest Place On Earth:
- Head over to The Hershey Story to learn more about Milton S. Hershey and the town's history. There is also a Chocolate Lab where you can build your own chocolate creation and learn how chocolate is made.
- For lunch, visit Houlihan’s down the street from MeltSpa by Hershey and try new dishes and cocktails from their menu.
Evening
To wrap up your day, visit Hersheypark for the last two hours (or three hours if you’re staying at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark) to enjoy a free park preview included with your ticket. Squeeze in a few coaster rides before your full-day visit the next day. Remember to bring your ticket as you will still need to be scanned for entry.
Need a dinner option that is convenient to the Park?
- The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio is located in the Hershey’s Chocolatetown region of Hersheypark outside of the front entrance. You do not need a Hersheypark ticket to dine there.
- The Chocolatier serves up family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate from an open kitchen. The menu features all things from shareables to salads, big plates like Cocoa-Dusted Beef Short Ribs and Heath Bar Crusted Salmon, sweet desserts such as the Chocolate Fun-Due and the S'mores Milkshake and signature cocktails like the Reese's Cupfusion Old Fashioned and Mini Martini Flight.
Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made in advance on The Chocolatier's website.
Day Two
Morning
Rise and shine, it’s time for a day at Hersheypark!
- For a quick but tasty breakfast option on your way, stop by the Cocoa Beanery at Hershey Lodge for some rich coffee and other yummy eats.
- For our guests at The Hotel Hershey, Chef’s Market is a similar grab-and-go option.
Afternoon
Resort guests and Full and King Size Season Pass Holders have access to Sweet Start (available May 25-Sept. 10, 2023), which allows them to enter the Park an hour before it opens to enjoy a selection of rides with shorter wait times.
To all the coaster fanatics out there, we recommend heading straight to one of our 15 mild to wild coasters right when you enter the Park.
- New this summer is the Park's first-ever hybrid coaster, Wildcat's Revenge. With the debut of Wildcat’s Revenge, Pennsylvania’s largest amusement park is now home to the most coasters in the Northeast.
- For thrill-seekers, Candymonium is our tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster located right at the front of the Park in the Hershey’s Chocolatetown region.
- Great Bear is another of our iconic coasters that turns 25 years old this year.
Don’t forget that Hersheypark tickets include three parks in one with the rides, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park and The Boardwalk. From the 200 animals in our zoo to the 11 acres of water rides at our water park, there are endless things to experience during your visit to Hersheypark!
- Please note that ZooAmerica is only included with a Hersheypark ticket by accessing the zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during posted Park hours. In advance of your visit, we suggest downloading the Hersheypark app and checking the hours for the zoo and the water park, as they may differ from the Park.
Evening
If you get hungry heading into the late afternoon, there are plenty of in-Park dining options to choose from.
- For a refreshing and healthy food option that is allergy-friendly, Oola Bowls can be found at Kissing Tower Hill and at The Boardwalk! The Great Bear Bowl is a must-try that is inspired by our coaster.
- For all things barbecue, Spring Creek Smokehouse has everything from brisket and pulled pork to mac and cheese and mashed potatoes.
- Mobile ordering is also available for our guests to get their food efficiently during their busy day at the Park.
Before you leave the Park, make sure you stop by HP Collections or Hersheypark Supply Co. to pick up some exclusive merchandise to commemorate your trip to The Sweetest Place On Earth!
We hope this itinerary of suggestions throughout Hershey, PA helps you enjoy all of the one-of-a-kind attractions The Sweetest Place On Earth has to offer. Don’t wait any longer to book your trip - visit us today!