Harrisburg, PA Road Trips

The Susquehanna River runs along the western edge of the city. It is the largest non-navigable river in the eastern USA, but has numerous small islands, and is an excellent recreational resource. The city began in 1710 when John Harris built a trading post and later his son started a ferry. Visit Hershey Harrisburg website

Harrisburg has been an important location for statewide transportation since selected as the capital of Pennsylvania in 1812. The canal system and subsequent development of railroads, highways and airlines in the early century played a key role in transforming Harrisburg into a commercial and distribution center for Pennsylvania and the east. The city is 80 miles (130 km) north of Baltimore, 100 miles (160 km) west of Philadelphia, and 100 miles (160 km) north of Washington D.C. 1 State Capitol Building, toll-free: +1-800-868-7672. The Capitol was designed in the American Renaissance Style by Philadelphia Architect Joseph-Huston (1866-1940), who envisioned the building as a "Palace of Art". Built and furnished at a cost of $13 million, the Capitol features paintings, stained glass and furnishings by some of the best artisans of the day. The state capitol of Pennsylvania is a beautiful architectural masterpiece that encompasses many artistic designs and marvels. The capitol building is an Italian Renaissance-style statehouse. It includes collections of art, sculptures and large murals. On the floor of the main hallway are tiles that show Pennsylvania's history, symbols, insects and animals. The capitol dome rises 272 feet (83 m), and was modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and it's magnificent staircase looks like one from the Paris Opera. Over 100,000 people per year enjoy a free tour of Harrisburg's Capitol building.

1 The Gamut Classic Theatre. Located in Strawberry Square, has its own Shakespeare Festival that puts on a few plays each year for a few weeks at a time. Tickets are $25 ($17 for students and seniors), with buy-one-get-one-free discounts on Fridays and "Bring Your Own Price" discounts on Sundays. During the summer, the theatre also puts on a free production of a Shakspeare play in Reservoir Park. The Gamut is also the home of the Popcorn Hat Player's Children's Theatre. Tickets are $6. 2 Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St, ☏ +1 717-628-3827. A small three screen theater in midtown Harrisburg. They have a great selection of independent films, along with good ice cream, coffee, and teas. 3 Theatre Harrisburg. Established in 1926 and one of the oldest community theatres in the country. Plays in the Sunoco Performance Theater at the Whitaker center. 4 Stage On Herr (Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center). The newest addition to Harrisburg's theater scene. A 3,500 square foot (330 m2) venue with soaring ceilings in a former gym, the space has been renovated and is now home to plays, concerts, comedy, art, parties and more. This is now closed as of April 2026. Appalachian Trail Riverfront Park and City Island. Along the banks of the Susquehanna you can enjoy a scenic bike ride, cruise the river on the Pride of the Susquehanna, or rent a canoe, paddleboat, or jet ski to experience all the Susquehanna River has to offer.

During the week, you should have no problem finding a place to eat without much wait, but the weekends (especially in the summer) may require a bit of a wait at the popular restaurants during their prime time dinner crowd. 1 Cragin's Brick Haus Restaurant, 229 N 2nd St, ☏ +1 717-233-4287. The Brick Haus offers authentic German and American cuisine including goulasch, sausages, seafood, and steaks. 2 Palumbo's Italian Eatery, 104 N 2nd St, ☏ +1 717-233 7700. M-W 10:30AM-8PM, Th 10:30AM-9PM, F 10:30AM-midnight, Sa 1PM-midnight, closed Su. Serves pizza, subs and other Italian dishes near the center of town for a reasonable price. (updated Nov 2022) 3 Alvaro Bread and Pastry Shoppe, 236 Peffer St (Corner of Green and Peffer), ☏ +1 717-238-1999. M-Sa 8AM-6PM. Authentic fresh made Italian dinners, breads, pastries and desserts. An Olde Uptown neighborhood favorite. 4 Anastacia's Restaurant and Bar, 1535 N 6th St, ☏ +1 717-233-2394. 8AM-2AM. Cozy, great neighborhood spot for authentic Puerto Rican food and daily specials. 5 Broad Street Market, 1233 N 3rd St (Two buildings both containing vendors), ☏ +1 717-236-7923. W 7AM-2PM (limited vendors), Th F 7AM-5PM, Sa 7AM-3PM. Nearly 40 vendors serving up fresh, local organic produce, meats, baked goods and freshly prepared meals. $25. (updated Mar 2026) 6 Ciervo's Pizza, 1435 N 2nd St (Corner of 2nd and Reily), ☏ +1 717-238-5530. Pizza, subs and sandwiches.

Harrisburg's downtown atmosphere dynamically changes throughout the day. During the day, you can explore the coffee shops and quickly prepared meals designed to accommodate the government and downtown workforce. Early evening you can hop between restaurants during their happy hour specials (typically 5-7PM). Harrisburg has a small, vibrant night life for those who enjoy good food, good company, and good drinks. 1 Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 N Cameron St, ☏ +1 717-221-1080. W-Sa Noon-10PM, Su Noon-7PM. ABC serves fresh innovative cuisine to match their handcrafted ales and lagers. Brewery tours every Saturday at 1PM. (updated Jul 2023) 2 Cafe Fresco, 215 N 2nd Street, ☏ +1 717-236-2599. The only spot in Harrisburg so far that is completely smoke free. Unlike other bars in downtown Harrisburg, it has a chic modern atmosphere with Asian inspired cuisine that goes along with their extensive wine and drink menu. The music has a laid back lounge feel and on occasion Cafe Fresco has a live jazz band trio that performs in the back corner. The decor matches a sountern California look that gives the place an upscale feel. Level 2 is an upscale lounge and bar above Cafe Fresco that features DJs, drink specials and a small menu. (updated Jul 2023)

Accommodations in the Harrisburg area give you plenty of options at reasonable prices compared to larger metropolitan areas. More expensive hotels are located in closer proximity to Hershey and Baltimore. 1 Motel 6 Harrisburg, 200 Commerce Dr, ☏ +1 717-774-8910. (updated May 2015) 2 Baymont by Wyndham Harrisburg, 5680 Allentown Blvd, ☏ +1 717-657-2200. 3 TownePlace Suites by Marriott - Harrisburg, 450 Friendship Rd, ☏ +1 717-558-0200. 4 Wingate by Wyndham Mechanicsburg/Harrisburg West, 385 Cumberland Parkway, Mechanicsburg, ☏ +1 717-766-2710. Offers generously oversized accommodations and upscale amenities, including complimentary deluxe hot breakfast and free high-speed Internet service. 5 Hotel Indigo Harrisburg – Hershey, an IHG Hotel, 765 Eisenhower Blvd, ☏ +1 717-558-7676. 6 Crowne Plaza Hotel, 23 S 2nd St, ☏ +1 717-234-5021, fax: +1 717 234-6797. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. 7 Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N 2nd St, ☏ +1 717-233-6000, fax: +1 717 233-6830. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. 8 Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey, 4650 Lindle Rd, ☏ +1 717-564-5511.

1 Harrisburg International Airport (MDT IATA). Just outside of Harrisburg, in Middletown. You can get to the city by rental car, taxi, bus, or hotel shuttles which are accessible via the Multi-Modal Transportation Facility (MMTF). (updated Feb 2019) 2 Capital City Airport (HAR IATA). Across the Susquehanna river, in New Cumberland. You can get to the city by rental car, taxi, bus, or hotel shuttles. This is a general aviation airport with no scheduled flight, so you have to charter or fly your own plane into it. (updated Feb 2019) 3 Harrisburg Transportation Center (4th and Chestnut Streets). Serves as a hub for local and inter-city buses. (updated Nov 2023) Amtrak, ☏ +1 215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Operates trains throughout the United States of America. (updated Dec 2020) Routes stopping at Harrisburg: Keystone multiple trips per day between Harrisburg and New York City with stops in Elizabethtown, Lancaster, Coatesville, Downingtown, Exton, Paoli, Ardmore, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark. Some trips operate between Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Pennsylvanian operates daily between Pittsburgh and New York City with stops in Greensburg, Latrobe, Johnstown, Altoona, Huntingdon, Lewistown, Harrisburg, Elizabethtown, Lancaster, Exton, Paoli, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark. Harrisburg is served by a rather extensive highway system for a city of its size. Interstate 81, 83 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstate 76 all travel through or near the city.

Parking - meter parking is enforced M-Sa 8AM-7PM. The typical cost is $3 per hour with 15 minutes increments. Parking garages charges around $4 for 30 minutes or less and then escalating beyond that. Garages and metered parking are run by the Harrisburg Parking Authority. Harrisburg is a very walkable city, especially the downtown, midtown and uptown sections which are laid out in a simple grid without much change in grade. There are many beautiful walking and biking trails that run along the Susquehanna River. You can also walk or ride your bike across the Walnut St. Bridge to City Island without worrying about safety because it is blocked off to cars. Rabbit Transit provides bus service in and around Harrisburg. Most routes run every hour, and the schedules are on Google Maps, the Transit App and Rabbit's website. You can use cash or by tickets on the Transit App. Londonderry Limo Harrisburg Limo Service ☏ +1 717-838-8050.

Keep in mind that Harrisburg's crime rate is higher than the national average. However, most areas that tourists and out-of-towners frequent are completely safe. Typical street smarts should keep most people out of trouble. Harrisburg is within range of Three Mile Island nuclear reactor. If you hear a siren, turn your radio on.