Hershey is the Sweetest Road Trip from Philadelphia

Date: May 7, 2026

With the energy building for America’s 250th birthday and the excitement of the world’s biggest soccer tournament descending on Philadelphia in 2026, Pennsylvania is set to be the center of the nation’s summer celebration. If you’re planning to be in the City of Brotherly Love this summer, we have the sweetest detour for your itinerary: a road trip to Hershey, The Sweetest Place On Earth.

Just a quick, 90-minute drive from Philadelphia on Interstate 76, Hershey offers a summer escape packed with epic thrills, unique chocolate experiences and the perfect dose of family fun—all while keeping the patriotic spirit alive during a historic summer ahead.

Road Trip from Philly to Hersheypark in 90 Minutes

Forget the hassle of lengthy travel. Hershey is conveniently located right off major highways, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway from Philadelphia and other major metropolitan areas such as Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C. and New York City. After cheering on your favorite team or soaking in the history of Independence Hall, you can trade the city hustle for coaster thrills and chocolate relaxation in no time.

Hershey is a small town rooted in the world's love of chocolate and the philanthropy of our founder, Milton S. Hershey. Our world-class destination offers a sweet blend of historical roots and modern-day appeal while giving back to children in need, making it a must-visit place to experience and celebrate the nation's 250th birthday.

At the heart of the celebration is Hersheypark, the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, marking its 120th operating year. Hersheypark offers three parks included in the one-price admission for added value:

• The amusement park with more than 70 rides and attractions, including 15 thrilling coasters - the most in the Northeast
• The Boardwalk at Hersheypark water park (open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day) inside Hersheypark, with one million gallons of water among 17 water attractions
• ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an 11-acre walk-through zoo included with admission only by entering through the Hersheypark bridge during posted Park hours

New Splashes at Water Park

New for 2026, Hersheypark will debut a new water park enhancement during this landmark year, providing guests with even more ways to get to the thrills faster and cool off. Two all-new water play areas, boasting 45 aquatic elements, open in the existing Bayside Pier on May 23 as part of a larger summer celebration at Hersheypark over Memorial Day Weekend. 

• A new shade-filled play zone, The Inlet at Bayside Pier, will feature water-spouting dolphins and fish, and whimsical water spray features.
• Also new, The Island at Bayside Pier will debut towering 10-foot-tall palm trees that tip buckets of refreshing water. 

In addition to these unique offerings, Hersheypark is the only amusement park in the world focused on fun and chocolate, as evidenced by the life-size, chocolate-inspired characters throughout the Park, rides inspired by iconic Hershey Company brands, incredible chocolate treats and even ride height categories as candy brands.

All-American Fun in Hershey

Hersheypark is gearing up to host patriotic events and activations all summer long in celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial. Visitors can look forward to multiple dates of fireworks presented by HERSHEY’S, an all-new star-spangled show, limited-time food and drink, select Americana-themed rides and Hershey Characters dressed in their festive best with more summer surprises to come during the Park’s 120th operating year.

Hersheypark Overlaid with Patriotic Spirit

Guests entering the 121-acre amusement park this summer will immediately notice patriotic decor, photo opportunities with life-size candy brands in special costumes and new red, white and blue ride and light packages as they enjoy the 70 rides and attractions at Hersheypark. 

Fireworks Displays to Kick Off Memorial Day Weekend

Daily summer operations at Hersheypark begin on May 21, with the first of several fireworks displays presented by HERSHEY’S on May 23. Guests visiting on May 23, July 3, July 4 and Aug. 8 can end their evening with fireworks.

New In-Park Theatre Show

Hersheypark will debut an unforgettable live music show, Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook, in the air-conditioned Chevrolet Music Box Theatre venue from May 29 through Labor Day. The only-in-Hershey show will take guests on a journey through the Rock, Pop, Country and Soul anthems that shaped this country’s history. 

Limited-Time Food and Beverage

Guest-favorite Hersheypark treats are decked out in red, white and blue this summer, including a Star-Spangled King Size Shake at Simply Chocolate dessert shop, available only in July in celebration of the 10th birthday of the award-winning, iconic treat. Other exclusive food and beverage offerings include apple pie and red, white and blue donuts at Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor, red, white and blue specialty fudge at The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen, and a Stars & Stripes Martini Flight and Firecracker Mocktail at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Qualifier

The world’s top hot dog eaters and rising challengers will return to Hersheypark on June 19 to compete in the final qualifying event for the legendary Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July contest. Guests can watch the classic American tradition at 2 p.m. in the water park. 

Live Entertainment in Hershey

Located on the same complex as the amusement park, Hersheypark Stadium will again host the Summer Concert Series with acts from Guns ‘N Roses and Chris Stapleton to Forrest Frank and Pitbull. The historic Stadium is also one of five stops on the Commonwealth Concert Series, featuring a free ticketed concert by the Avett Brothers in Hershey on June 13. 

New for summer 2026, an additional Premium Viewing Deck will allow guests premium seating, access to exclusive food and beverage options, a dedicated restroom and designated parking and entrance. 

Beyond the Park: Chocolate Relaxation and Hospitality

Hershey’s sweet appeal extends far beyond the amusement park gates, making it an overnight destination. The Official Resorts of Hersheypark include The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, Hersheypark Camping Resort and the all-new Hershey Inn & Suites. Guests at these properties enjoy free resort benefits, including the best price on Hersheypark tickets, extra hours at Hersheypark, complimentary front gate shuttle service and other perks. 

The Official Resorts of Hersheypark offer accommodations for any type of traveler:

All-New Hershey Inn & Suites

Located at 1300 West End Avenue in Hummelstown, this recently opened four-story, 130-room property marks the company's first brand-new hotel in nearly 60 years. The hotel offers a first-of-its-kind family suite with bunk beds, a complimentary hot breakfast (a first for an Official Resort of Hersheypark), a lobby bar, a 24/7 arcade, a fitness center and an indoor pool open year-round.

The Hotel Hershey

Voted #1 Best Theme Park Hotel by USA TODAY 10Best readers in 2026, The Hotel Hershey is a Historic Hotel of America opened by Milton S. Hershey in 1933. This luxury hotel is known for its refined elegance, signature service and abundant amenities and is home to the Forbes Four-Star awarded Chocolate Spa. For the most luxurious accommodations, guests are encouraged to book the secluded Villas. A stay at the Villas comes with exclusive access to the Villas Concierge Lounge, Hersheypark tickets for the duration of a stay and a one-day Fast Track per person. 

Hershey Lodge

Warm, welcoming and distinctly Hershey, Hershey Lodge is the perfect resort for families and guests of all ages. Overnight guests also receive exclusive access to Hershey's Water Works, the resort's 30,000 sq. ft. Hershey-themed indoor pool complex complete with Twizzlers Twists water slides, a Reese's Water Walk, zero entry pool and sand castle spray zone.

Hersheypark Camping Resort

Offers over 55 acres of scenic grounds with options for RV sites, tent camping, tiny homes, and cozy log cabins, complete with evening s’mores and multiple playgrounds.

Summer packages are available now including the popular Kids, Stay, Play & Eat Free for select dates now through Sept. 7. Book a stay select nights from May 21 through Sept. 7 under the Summer Fun Card or Ultimate Summer Fun Card Package and enjoy perks such as the $99 Summer Fun Card and deluxe accommodations. 

Core Purpose: Every Visit Gives Back

A visit to Hershey isn’t just a chance to make family memories—it’s a way to make a difference in the lives of thousands of students. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) is proud to help fulfill the dream of our founder by providing value to Milton Hershey School (MHS) in its mission of helping students lead fulfilling and productive lives - just as Mr. Hershey intended. Learn more at mhskids.org. 

This summer, when you’re already in Philadelphia for the biggest events of the year, put Hershey on your destination map. It's the easy, sweet detour that guarantees unforgettable memories with the kind of Happy you can only find here.