Hershey, Pennsylvania is synonymous with chocolate, and for good reason! But this delightful town offers so much more than just cocoa kisses. I grew up visiting Hershey about once a year, and my husband and I have been a couple of times together, as well. We even took our kids on our last adventure, and everyone had a blast! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or a history buff, Hershey and its surrounding areas have something for everyone. Let’s dive into the delectable experiences that await you!

The crown jewel of Hershey, this 110-acre amusement park is a must-visit for families and adrenaline junkies. Hersheypark guarantees a day (or two!) of laughter and excitement with 14 roller coasters, a 100-acre water park, and character meet-and-greets with beloved Hershey characters.

Looking for a more tranquil experience? Head to ZooAmerica, an 11-acre walk-through zoo featuring North American wildlife in naturalistic habitats. Spot cougars, bald eagles, river otters, and more as you learn about the fascinating animals that call North America home. Admission is included with your ticket to Hersheypark (there is a zoo entrance inside the park!) or can be purchased separately.

No trip to Hershey is complete without a visit to Chocolate World. This free attraction offers a behind-the-scenes look at chocolate production with a short dark ride that takes you through the chocolate-making process and ends with a delicious Hershey’s sample. Shop your chocolate-loving heart out at the World’s Largest Hershey’s Store where you can find familiar chocolatey favorites, as well as some special edition flavors. If you need a 7-and-a-half-pound bottle of Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup, they have that, too! It can be dangerous for your waistline and your wallet, to say the least!

Take a stroll down Chocolate Avenue, the heart of Hershey. I loved seeing the Hershey Kiss-shaped street lights as a child, and I still get a kick out of it today. Pop into shops along the way to find souvenirs like Hershey’s Kisses mugs or Hershey’s-themed apparel, or indulge in a delicious meal at one of the restaurants, like Stuff’D Steaks & Hoagies or The Chocolate Avenue Grill. Don’t miss the historic Hershey Theatre, a performing arts center showcasing Broadway musicals, concerts, and comedy shows.

A trip to Hershey with my husband would not be complete without a visit to the Beef Jerky Experience. Take a break from all the sweetness and explore the wide variety of jerky types and flavors, from classic teriyaki to more adventurous options like crawfish and shark. Free tastings are available to help you decide which flavors you’ll want to take home. They also offer sauces, seasonings, popcorn, and other unique snacks (Gator Toes, anyone?).

At The Hershey Story Museum, delve into the fascinating story of Milton Hershey, the visionary chocolatier who built the town and the brand. This interactive museum is fun for all ages and showcases Hershey’s life and legacy, the chocolate-making process from bean to bar, and the history of Hersheypark. Everyone in our family, from ages 9 to 19 and 40+ enjoyed this museum! It took us about 90 minutes to make our way around while taking in all the exhibits.

Escape the hustle and bustle and find serenity at Hershey Gardens. Explore 23 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, from a rose garden bursting with thousands of blooms to a butterfly atrium that serves as a haven for hundreds of butterflies, allowing visitors to get up close and personal. The gardens are open year-round.

Immerse yourself in luxury at the iconic Hotel Hershey. This grand hotel offers world-class spa treatments at The Spa at The Hershey Hotel (including a chocolate massage!), delectable dining experiences at award-winning restaurants like The Circular and Trevi, and elegant accommodations. Choose from a variety of guest rooms, luxurious suites, or lavish Villas. My husband and I opted to stay in one of the Villas for our anniversary, and it was so posh and cozy! It was quiet, with a porch looking out into the wooded area beyond the resort, and featured plush bedding, a fireplace, and a bathroom with a large soaking tub and rainfall shower. Some other rooms and suites at the hotel offer balconies overlooking Hersheypark or the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Catch a game with the Harrisburg Senators, the AA affiliate of the Washington Nationals, at their historic stadium, Metro Bank Park. The stadium, about a 25-minute drive from Hershey, is located on City Island in the middle of the Susquehanna River. As an April Fool’s joke in 2014, the team playfully switched their name to the Harrisburg Mayflies in a nod to the insects that descend upon the stadium by the thousands when the sun goes down. Just be sure to keep your mouth closed so you don’t accidentally swallow one!

Venture further beyond Hershey and explore the charm of Lancaster County, about a 45-minute drive away. Visit Amish farms and learn about their traditional way of life, enjoy a traditional Amish meal, or shop for unique crafts and local produce at Lancaster Central Market, one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the U.S. See Lancaster County: Must-See Stops for Your Pennsylvania Bucket List.

Hershey offers a delightful blend of chocolatey attractions, historical sites, and outdoor adventures. So, pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready for a trip that’s as sweet as a Hershey’s Kiss!