Hershey, PA

Hershey, PA is one of America's most iconic small towns — a place where a single visionary's dream shaped an entire community, sparked a beloved candy company, and created a destination that continues to delight millions of visitors every year. What began with one determined candymaker's ambition to make milk chocolate accessible to everyone became something far sweeter: a town built on generosity, a legacy rooted in giving, and an experience that blends world-class thrills with genuine, small-town warmth. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of Milton S. Hershey himself, riding roller coasters at Hersheypark®, or strolling Chocolate Avenue beneath those unmistakable HERSHEY'S KISSES®-shaped streetlights, you'll discover that this town is so much more than its famous candy bar. Hershey, PA is the intersection of a man, his mission, his chocolate, and the remarkable community he left behind.

One man. One dream. One very sweet town — and it's all yours to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to plan the perfect Hershey, PA getaway to Hershey & Harrisburg, PA.

Hershey, PA — nicknamed The Sweetest Place On Earth® — is best known as the birthplace of the HERSHEY'S chocolate brand and the town built by visionary candymaker Milton S. Hershey. Beyond its famous chocolate legacy, Hershey is home to Hersheypark®, a 121-acre theme park with 15 roller coasters and a waterpark; Hershey's Chocolate World, a year-round family attraction with a free chocolate tour ride; and a charming main street — Chocolate Avenue — lined with HERSHEY'S KISSES®-shaped streetlights. It is also a destination steeped in remarkable philanthropic history, from the historic spaces Milton built to the ongoing mission of the Milton Hershey School.

Milton S. Hershey was an American entrepreneur and philanthropist who, after multiple failed candy businesses, built the Hershey Chocolate Company into one of the most recognized brands in the world. He chose Pennsylvania farmland as the site of his factory and then did something remarkable: he built an entire community around it — homes, schools, a trolley system, parks, and cultural institutions — all for his workers and their families. In 1909, Milton and Catherine Hershey founded a school for orphaned boys that has since grown into the Milton Hershey School, providing free education and housing to thousands of children in need. The town that grew around his vision naturally came to bear his name, and today visitors can trace his story through the Hershey Story Museum, Hershey's historic spaces, and Founders Hall at the Milton Hershey School.

Yes — Hershey, PA is one of the best family destinations in the Mid-Atlantic, and it was quite literally designed with families in mind from the very beginning. Hersheypark® offers 15 roller coasters for older thrill-seekers plus 20 kiddie rides built specifically for younger children, so no one sits on the sidelines. Hershey's Chocolate World features a free simulated chocolate tour ride, hands-on candy-making experiences, and interactive adventures that keep all ages engaged. Beyond the big attractions, families can explore Hershey Gardens, stroll Chocolate Avenue, and discover even more family-friendly fun across the town Milton Hershey built to be enjoyed by everyone.

Hershey's Chocolate World is a year-round attraction that brings the story of America's favorite chocolate brand to life through a variety of hands-on and immersive experiences. The centerpiece is a free simulated tour ride that walks guests through the entire bean-to-bar chocolate-making process — no ticket required. Visitors can also create and personalize their own candy bar, navigate candy-themed cinematic adventures, and browse an expansive selection of HERSHEY'S treats, gifts, and exclusive souvenirs. Open every single day of the year, Hershey's Chocolate World is an ideal first stop on any Hershey itinerary and a bucket-list experience for chocolate lovers of all ages.

Chocolate Avenue is Hershey's iconic main corridor and one of the most recognizable streets in America — you'll know you've arrived the moment you spot the HERSHEY'S KISSES®-shaped streetlights lining the road. The avenue is home to dining, craft breweries, boutique shopping, cultural stops, and local gems that reward both spontaneous wandering and deliberate planning. The Hershey Story Museum sits right on Chocolate Avenue, making it an easy and meaningful stop between meals or shopping. With more than 25 things to see and do along this stretch, Chocolate Avenue is a destination in its own right — not just a street you drive through on the way to the park.

Hershey offers several outstanding options for history lovers, each telling a different chapter of this remarkable town's story. The Hershey Story, the Museum on Chocolate Avenue, provides the most complete account of Milton S. Hershey's life — from his early failures as a candymaker to his rise as one of America's most celebrated entrepreneurs and philanthropists — through engaging, interactive exhibits. The Hershey History Center, home of the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society, brings the broader community story to life through artifacts, photographs, archives, guided tours, and rotating exhibits chronicling everything from the town's chocolate heritage to its legendary hockey franchise, the Hershey Bears®. Visitors can also tour Hershey's historic spaces — including High Point Mansion and Founders Hall at the Milton Hershey School — to experience the physical legacy of the man who built it all firsthand.

Yes — a Hersheypark® admission ticket includes entry to both the Boardwalk at Hersheypark® waterpark and ZooAmerica® North American Wildlife Park, giving guests three distinct experiences for the price of one. ZooAmerica is home to more than 200 animals representing over 65 species from five North American habitats, including black bears, bald eagles, and timber wolves. The Boardwalk waterpark is located right inside the park, so there's no extra trip or separate ticket needed when the summer heat calls for a cool-down. Guests staying at the Official Resorts of Hersheypark — including The Hotel Hershey® and Hershey Lodge® — also enjoy perks like free shuttle service and early entry during the summer season.

Hershey, PA is located just 12 miles east of Harrisburg, making it an easy and convenient pairing for visitors exploring the broader region. Most visitors drive, and parking is readily available at major attractions including Hersheypark® and Hershey's Chocolate World. The two destinations complement each other naturally — Hershey offers theme park thrills, chocolate history, and small-town charm, while Harrisburg delivers state capitol sightseeing, arts, riverfront dining, and vibrant city energy. Visit Hershey & Harrisburg offers trip planning resources to help you make the most of both, whether you're spending a weekend or a full week exploring Central PA.

Milton S. Hershey

Milton Hershey Hershey Gardens Adventure Trail

Before there was a town, there was a man with an idea and the relentless persistence to make it work. Milton S. Hershey didn't find success on his first try — or his second — but his determination ultimately changed the way the world enjoyed chocolate, and transformed a quiet patch of Pennsylvania farmland into a destination unlike any other. He built not just a candy company, but a community: parks, schools, housing, and institutions designed to improve the lives of those around him. Understanding Milton Hershey is the key to understanding everything that makes this place so extraordinary. His spirit of generosity and innovation is woven into every corner of the town that bears his name.

Hersheypark

Hersheypark Roller Coaster

With 15 roller coasters ranging from family favorites to heart-pounding steel giants, Hersheypark® serves up adrenaline for thrill-seekers of every level. Little ones have 20 kiddie rides purpose-built for their sense of adventure, so no one in the family sits on the sidelines. When the temperature rises, the Boardwalk at Hersheypark® waterpark is right there in the heart of the action — no extra trek, no separate ticket needed. And because Hersheypark® believes in delivering as much value as possible, your admission also covers entry to ZooAmerica® North American Wildlife Park, making it three incredible experiences wrapped into one unforgettable day.

Hershey's Chocolate World

Chocolate World Tour Ride with Family

Hershey's Chocolate World is the ultimate candy lover's playground, anchored by a free simulated tour ride that walks you through the entire bean-to-bar process — a sweet education that delights kids and grown-ups alike. Beyond the tour ride, the attraction is packed with experiences worth savoring: navigate candy-themed cinematic adventures, make your very own personalized candy bar, and browse an incredible selection of HERSHEY'S treats, gifts, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Open every day of the year, Hershey's Chocolate World is where the story of America's favorite chocolate brand comes to life in the most deliciously hands-on way possible.

25 + Things to Do on Chocolate Ave.

Chocolate Avenue Hershey PA

You know you've arrived somewhere special when the streetlights are shaped like HERSHEY'S KISSES® chocolates. Chocolate Avenue is Hershey's charming main corridor, and it's lined with more to do, taste, and explore than you might expect. From dining and craft breweries to boutique shopping and local gems with real character, the avenue is a destination in its own right — one that rewards slow strolling as much as deliberate planning. Whether you're here for a single afternoon or building an entire itinerary around it, Chocolate Avenue is guaranteed to deliver.

Hershey's Historic Spaces

Historic Hotel Hershey

Milton Hershey didn't just build a chocolate company — he built an entire community from the ground up, and many of the remarkable spaces he created are still standing today. Touring Hershey's historic buildings is one of the most meaningful ways to understand the man, his vision, and the remarkable gift he gave to his workers, his neighbors, and thousands of children who came after him. These are not just old buildings — they are living chapters of an extraordinary American story.

The Hershey Story Museum

Hershey Story Museum

The Hershey Story, the Museum on Chocolate Avenue, is the most complete telling of how one man's audacious dream became one of the most recognized brands — and most beloved communities — in America. Interactive exhibits bring Milton Hershey's journey to life in a way that is equally engaging for history lovers, chocolate enthusiasts, and curious visitors of all ages. It is an honest, inspiring, and genuinely fun place to spend an hour or an afternoon, and it adds a layer of meaning to everything else you'll experience in Hershey.

Family Activities in Hershey

Savings Pass Adventure Sports

Hershey, PA is a destination that was quite literally built with families in mind — Milton Hershey designed this town to be a place where people of all ages could play, learn, and belong. Today, that founding spirit shows up in the remarkable variety of family-friendly experiences available around every corner. From garden strolls to underground cave adventures, from trolley tours to hockey games, Hershey has a way of keeping the whole crew happy — and genuinely excited to see what comes next.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park

ZooAmerica Golden Eagle

Tucked right alongside Hersheypark®, ZooAmerica® North American Wildlife Park is a destination all its own — and a surprisingly rich experience that goes well beyond what you might expect from a zoo adjacent to an amusement park. Dedicated exclusively to the animals of North America, ZooAmerica® tells the story of the continent's diverse ecosystems through 200 animals representing more than 65 species. It's a meaningful, accessible, and genuinely moving wildlife experience that fits naturally into a Hershey day trip or stands on its own as a destination worth seeking out.

Hershey Gardens

Spring Hershey Gardens

It started with a simple request. Milton Hershey wanted a small rose garden for his community — a quiet, beautiful place where people could slow down and enjoy something lovely together. What grew from that modest wish is now one of Pennsylvania's most treasured botanical destinations: Hershey Gardens, spanning more than 20 acres of seasonal color, curated collections, and living beauty that changes with every visit. Open year-round and beloved by locals and visitors alike, it's the kind of place that reminds you why it's worth pausing to notice what's blooming around you. At Hershey Gardens, the philosophy is simple — and it is pure Milton: the best things in life should be shared with everyone.

There's a reason they call it The Sweetest Place On Earth®

Check out Hershey area events below: