Ready for day trips that feel easy, memorable, and worth the drive?
This guide shares our favorite adventures nearby, plus can’t-miss stops in Lancaster and beyond. Expect small towns, scenic backroads, covered bridges, museums, markets, and a few sweet Hershey favorites, too.
Grab your notebook, pick a few stops that sound like you, and let’s start planning.
Adventures and Day Trips from Hershey, PA
Want to know the best part about staying at 1825 Inn? Adventure is right around the corner, and it never requires a long drive.
Guests love how easy it is to fit in a day trip without turning it into a full travel day. Plenty of fun options sit nearby, and each one feels a little different.
Harrisburg
Harrisburg makes a great day out with a mix of views and history. Stroll along Riverfront Park, tour the Pennsylvania State Capitol, or spend an hour at The State Museum. Nearby historical sites add even more to the day without extra driving.
Gettysburg
Gettysburg is home to some of the country’s most iconic historical sites. The battlefield, museums, and guided tours bring powerful stories to life. Shops and cafés in town make it easy to slow down between stops.
Elizabethtown and Mount Joy
These small towns are perfect for a low-key afternoon with a touch of history. Stroll Mount Joy’s Main Street, grab coffee in Elizabethtown, and take the scenic route between them. Quiet backroads often lead past covered bridges and classic countryside views. The drive feels just as relaxing as the stops.
Hershey Attractions and Local Favorites
Some of the best stops sit close to home base. Enjoy things to do near Hershey, PA, such as Hersheypark, Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey’s Chocolate World, or a local tasting room. Trust us, you don’t want to miss a visit to “The sweetest place on earth!”
Lancaster County Adventures: Amish Country, Markets, and Countryside Charm
Lancaster almost feels like a different world, and the drive there is part of the fun. Wide-open farmland, roadside stands, and peaceful scenery set the tone for a slower-paced day.
Amish Country Tours
A guided Amish country tour experience makes it easy to enjoy the countryside while learning about the area along the way. Guides share insight into daily life, traditions, and the values that shape the community. Ride along quiet roads, pass rolling farms, and stop at local shops for handmade goods.
Kitchen Kettle Village
Kitchen Kettle Village is a favorite for browsing and snacking. Grab fresh jams, baked goods, and local treats, then wander through the shops at your own pace. It’s a fun stop that feels charming without feeling rushed.
Lancaster Central Market
Lancaster Central Market is a must for food lovers. Local vendors offer everything from fresh produce to sandwiches and sweet pastries. A stroll through the market adds flavor and energy to your day.
Countryside Drives and Covered Bridges
Lancaster backroads feel made for slow cruising. Scenic drives lead past farmland views, small towns, and covered bridges that make you want to pull over. This is where Lancaster’s charm really shows up.
Lancaster Museums and History Stops
History lovers have plenty of great options in Lancaster. Start at the LancasterHistory campus, then tour Wheatland, President James Buchanan’s home. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is another favorite, especially for train fans.
A stroll through Lancaster City’s historic streets adds charm along the way. Plan lunch nearby, and the day feels full without feeling packed.
Beyond Lancaster: Small Towns, Scenic Stops, and More
Lancaster is a great anchor, but there are plenty of memorable stops just beyond it. These spots bring fresh scenery, local flavor, and a slower pace perfect for wandering.
Columbia Riverfront and Small-Town Charm
Columbia makes a relaxing stop along the Susquehanna River. Walk the riverfront, browse antiques, and pop into local cafés for lunch or dessert. The pace feels easy here, and the views are worth lingering over.
Lititz
Lititz is one of those towns that wins people over fast. Stroll the charming downtown, browse boutiques, and grab a treat at a local bakery. A quick visit feels like a mini getaway all by itself.
Covered Bridge Routes
This area is full of quiet roads that feel made for wandering. Plan one of your scenic drives around covered bridges, farmland views, and small roadside markets. A short drive can turn into one of your favorite memories.
Chickies Rock Overlook
Chickies Rock is a simple stop with a big payoff. The overlook offers sweeping river views and a peaceful place to pause. It’s a great add-on if you want fresh air and a few great photos.
Museum and Culture Day Trips for Any Season
Rainy day, chilly weekend, or just in the mood for something indoors? A museum day makes planning easy. You can learn something new, take your time, and still keep the day relaxed.
The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Located in Harrisburg, this museum tells the story of Pennsylvania in one easy stop. Expect local history, art, and hands-on exhibits that keep things interesting.
AACA Museum in Hershey
Car lovers will want to make time for the AACA Museum. Classic cars, vintage vehicles, and rotating exhibits make it fun even if you “just want to look.”
Hershey Story Museum
The Hershey scene includes the Hersheypark Museum, which blends history with a sweet local connection. It’s a cozy stop that pairs well with lunch or coffee nearby.
1825 Inn Makes the Perfect Home Base for Day Trips
The best part about planning day trips here is how easy it feels. Spend the day in Lancaster, wander a small town, or soak up local history. Each outing adds something new, and you still return with time to relax.
Ready to plan your getaway? Book your stay at 1825 Inn and let us be your starting point for every day trip.
Photo Credit: © BGStock72 from BGStock72 via canva.com, © WilliamSherman from Getty Images Signature via canva.com, © David Arment from Getty Images Pro via canva.com
