Hersheypark is a massive amusement park nestled in south-central Pennsylvania. It's got thrill rides, a water park, on-site resorts, and more.
It was founded by Milton S. Hershey and has tons of attractions and decor inspired, of course, by chocolate. I've been going to Hersheypark for over 30 years, and love it.
Here are some of my favorite things to do, eat, and drink whenever I visit.
One of my favorite parts of Hersheypark can be found at the entrance
Since I was a little kid, I've begun every visit at the park's height-measuring board.
Hersheypark uses different candies, including Twizzlers and Kisses, to mark each height range and determine who can ride each attraction.
It's always a fun photo opportunity and a helpful way to figure out what you can ride while in the park.
The park's Dutch-style pretzels are some of the best baked goods I've had
The Pretzel House snack bar inside Hersheypark has the best hand-rolled pretzels I've ever had.
They're soft and buttery, made from a classic Pennsylvania-Dutch recipe. The pretzels come in a variety of flavors, including cinnamon sugar, and are accompanied by dips, from cheese to chocolate.
I love the classic plain pretzel with cheese dipping sauce.
The Kissing Tower is an iconic stop for any visitor
Hersheypark's Kissing Tower is one of its most iconic attractions, and it's been around for more than 50 years.
Standing at 250 feet, visitors can see it looming in the distance as they approach the park.
The Hershey's Kiss-shaped windows provide a 360-degree view of the park and the surrounding town as the enclosed cabin slowly rotates high in the sky.
Chocolatetown is a fantastic park area, too
Inspired by the legacy of Milton S. Hershey, Chocolatetown is the largest expansion in the park's history. It's attached to the theme park, and paid admission is not required for select parts.
It's home to a few attractions, a large merchandise store, plus several dining options that pay homage to the chocolatier's history.
Milton's Ice Cream Parlor is my favorite stop for its use of 100% local dairy and its delicious, creamy, house-made treats.
Chocolatetown also features a vintage-car display, which is fun to explore and a great place to snap a cool photo.
When visiting Chocolatetown, I always eat and drink at The Chocolatier
One of the best eateries in the park is The Chocolatier. With a carousel bar as its centerpiece, the unique space uses ride elements as decor and even as tables for diners.
I usually order the Cocoa Cuban, which uses Hershey's cocoa-rubbed pork shoulder.
I also enjoy the restaurant's chicken and waffles. Plus, there's a wide variety of fun drinks at The Chocolatier bar
In addition to rotating seasonal cocktails, I love the Reese's Cupfusion Old Fashioned, which combines rye and peanut-butter whiskeys and is garnished with a Reese's peanut-butter cup.
I always stay at the Hershey Lodge
Hersheypark houses four official resorts: Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Inn & Suites, and a camping retreat.
I've always enjoyed staying at the Hershey Lodge. Though the converted motor lodge has been upgraded throughout the years and now has upscale amenities, it's still cozy.
Adorned with welcoming nooks and fireplaces, the resort offers several dining options, including Fire & Grain, as well as an indoor water park.
I love ending the day with a chocolate martini at the bar and enjoying Hershey treats upon check-in.
It's also fun to stop by the glamorous Hotel Hershey
The Hotel Hershey is a beautiful historic, luxury resort complete with a Spanish garden-inspired courtyard and a variety of dining options, including the Iberian Lounge.
Inspired by Milton S. Hershey's travels around the globe, the Iberian Lounge features stunning artwork, internationally inspired bites, and a selection of over 100 whiskeys.
My trip isn't complete without trying lots of chocolate-infused drinks and dishes
At Hershey, chocolate is incorporated into cocktails, sweet snacks, and even savory dishes.
From cocoa-barbecue wings to the Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter, even those without a sweet tooth can find something to enjoy.
Some of my favorite dishes include dark-chocolate s'mores fondue from Fire & Grain at Hershey Lodge and the house short-rib flatbread from The Chocolatier in Chocolatetown.
No visit to Hersheypark is complete without one of its chocolate martinis, which are served in resort bars and restaurants.
It's available in several variations, but my favorite is the signature chocolate martini made with chocolate and vanilla vodkas and white crème de cacao.
ZooAmerica is attached to Hersheypark and included in admission
Admission to Hersheypark also includes ZooAmerica, a walk-through park with over 200 animals.
At 11 acres, the over-100-year-old zoo is dedicated to conserving North American wildlife, including rare and endangered species.
Visiting Chocolate World is an absolute must
Hershey's Chocolate World, a Willy Wonka-esque building, is located outside the Hersheypark gates.
The attraction includes a chocolate-inspired food court, the world's largest Hershey's retail store, and an interactive tasting lab.
Definitely check out the free, slow-moving ride that walks passengers through how chocolate is made.
The Reese's Stuff Your Cup experience feels like a bucket-list offering
Located in Hershey's Chocolate World, my favorite paid experience is the Stuff Your Cup. It lets guests channel their inner Willy Wonka and create a 1-pound custom-stuffed Reese's peanut-butter cup.
There are a ton of mix-in options, and each larger-than-life concoction uses fresh Reese's peanut butter.
Lastly, I love visiting Hersheypark during Christmastime to see the light displays
Hersheypark is also fun to visit during the holiday season. Several of its rollercoasters remain in operation, and the park's decorations are delightful.
Visitors should totally check out Christmas Candyland's Hershey Sweet Lights drive-thru spectacular, where they can enjoy about 2 miles of hundreds of light-up displays from their car.
This story was originally published on February 13, 2022, and most recently updated on August 7, 2026.
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Carly Caramanna is a freelance writer who has been visiting theme parks regularly for over three decades. Growing up in the carb-filled land of bagels and pizza by the slice (aka New Jersey), her parents instilled a love of all things adventure, food, and Walt Disney World. After attending NYU, she has spent her professional career in New York City, Nashville, and Los Angeles. An expert on all things wining and dining at theme parks, she knows where to find the best Burrata in Disney World (hint: it's at Wine Bar George) or where to grab a nightcap after your day at Hersheypark. Follow her on twitter @CarlyCaramanna or Instagram @AdventuresByCarly
