My biggest advice
If you are visiting Hersheypark on a busy weekend, buy Fast Track. It can be expensive, but it completely changed our day and made it possible to ride nearly every major coaster while still taking breaks.
Who should visit Hershey?
Hershey is a great fit for families, coaster enthusiasts, couples, chocolate lovers, and weekend travelers looking for an easy getaway.
It may be less appealing for travelers looking for nightlife, luxury resorts, or a destination where you can spend an entire week without repeating activities.
For most people, Hershey works best as a two- or three-day escape.
Flying into Hershey
Many travelers look at Philadelphia International Airport because it has more flight options. That is what we did, and the drive from Philadelphia to our hotel near Harrisburg took about two hours using the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Do not overlook Harrisburg International Airport. It is much closer to Hershey, has rental car facilities on-site, and may be more convenient if flight times and pricing work for your trip.
Rental car notes
The biggest lesson from this trip was not to assume an EV reservation guarantees an EV at pickup. If having an electric vehicle matters, call ahead before arrival to confirm availability.
Also note that Philadelphia rental cars require taking a shuttle from the terminal to the rental car facility.
Hotel notes
Best Western Plus Harrisburg Mechanicsburg: convenient, budget-friendly, but dated
The biggest reason we picked it was the complimentary EV charging. Rates were on the lower end for the Hershey and Harrisburg area, and the free charging helped offset transportation costs. If you need a budget-friendly base camp, it works. If you want a more polished hotel experience, compare other options.
Plan this trip
Book a Hershey stay similar to ours.
We stayed outside Hershey in the Enola / Mechanicsburg area, which worked as a practical budget base for the weekend.
Where we stayed
Best Western Plus Harrisburg Mechanicsburg
A budget-friendly base outside Hershey with free breakfast and EV charging.
View where we stayedStay closer to the park
Search Hershey-area hotels
Better for families who want less driving and easier access to Hersheypark and Chocolate World.
Search Hershey hotelsBest for fly-in trips
Bundle flight, hotel, and car
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Breakfast before the park: Valley Bistro
Valley Bistro in Enola was one of the best food stops of the weekend. Go early because it gets busy quickly.
The menu has something for nearly everyone: sweet breakfast items, savory options, coffee drinks, and baked treats.
Hersheypark review
Hersheypark continues to improve with every visit. The park has a strong mix of family attractions and real thrill rides, which makes it one of the better regional theme parks in the country.
Two practical notes: Hersheypark is cashless, so bring a card or mobile payment option. The park is also using a photo re-entry system.
My top three coasters
1. Wildcat's Revenge
Wildcat's Revenge was my favorite coaster in the park. It is smooth, aggressive, fast-paced, and one of the most complete rides in the park.
2. Great Bear
Great Bear is smooth, fun, and still one of the most unique rides at Hersheypark.
3. Storm Runner
Storm Runner earns its spot because of the launch. It is short, fast, and worth riding more than once.
Food and Chocolate World
The loaded fry stand near Great Bear was a standout, and Chocolate World is still one of the best parts of a Hershey trip. The free chocolate tour ride is fun, the singing cows are classic, and the store has Hershey products and treats you may not see elsewhere.
One restaurant worth driving for
One of the best surprises of the trip was Kusina De Isla in Harrisburg. The food was delicious, the staff was beyond friendly, and I would absolutely return on a future trip.
Top 3 things I would not miss
1. Hersheypark with Fast Track
If your goal is coasters, Fast Track can completely change the day.
2. Chocolate World
Even if you do not pay for an extra experience, the free ride and store are worth visiting.
3. Kusina De Isla
It is not in Hersheypark, but it may be one of the best meals of the trip.
Final verdict
Hershey is one of the easiest theme park weekend trips on the East Coast. Between Hersheypark, Chocolate World, nearby Harrisburg, strong local food finds, and a manageable weekend itinerary, it is a destination I would happily recommend.