A rich and long history is what awaits you on your trip to York.
This southern Pennsylvania city has many exciting historical attractions for you to visit, like museums, old houses, and more.
It’s also well-known for its beautiful natural areas, with slithering trails and stunning parks scattered around town.
It’s super easy to fall in love with the quiet beauty of this old town.
To help you plan your vacation, here are a few of the best things to do in York, PA.
1. PeoplesBank Park
5 Brooks Robinson Way
York, PA 17401
(717) 801-4487
PeoplesBank Park is a 7,500-seater baseball stadium home to the York Revolution.
Why You Should Go
There’s nothing like spending some time watching America’s favorite sport in a huge stadium.
Besides baseball games, the stadium is also known to host concerts every once in a while.
What to Do
Stop by the Brooks Robinson Plaza in the park where the statue of the professional baseball player sits. Make sure to take a photo as a great souvenir.
2. Rocky Ridge County Park
3699 Deininger Road
York, PA 17406
(717) 840-7400
Rocky Ridge County Park is a forested county park known for the rocky hilltop near Hellam and winding trails.
Why You Should Go
One of the top things to do in York with kids who are outdoorsy is to go adventuring in this massive park.
You’ll be able to see picturesque views of the Susquehanna Valley when you hike around its well-maintained trails.
What to Do
Head on over to the Nature Fun Zone in the Hidden Laurel picnic area so that the kids can enjoy the many activities there. This includes a digging zone, a building zone, and climbing zone, and more.
3. Perrydell Farm and Dairy
90 Indian Rock Dam Road
York, PA 17403
(717) 741-3485
Perrydell Farm and Dairy is a local family-owned dairy farm founded in the 1960s.
Why You Should Go
A trip to rural york isn’t complete if you don’t have some homemade ice cream from this farm.
Plus, saying hello and petting the baby cows are also great reasons to visit.
What to Do
Tour the grounds of the farm to see how milk and ice cream are produced. Don’t forget to grab an ice cream cone at the end of the trip.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites York South
4. Nixon Park Nature Center
5922 Nixon Drive, Richard M. Nixon County Park
York, PA 17403
(717) 428-1961
The Nixon Park Nature Center is a 14,000-square-foot nature museum that features different natural habitats, both inland and in water.
Why You Should Go
Add exploring around this park to the fun things to do in York for nature-loving visitors. Learning new things about the local habitats is more engaging as you can personally visit meadows, forests, streams, ponds, and more.
What to Do
Keep your eyes out for local wildlife. You’re sure to see wood ducks, turtles, otters around the aquatic habitats.
And if you’d like to see more animals, the center also has a collection of taxidermy mounts for you to observe.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites By Hilton York
5. Heritage Rail Trail County Park
N Pershing Avenue & W Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 840-7400
The Heritage Rail Trail County Park is a 176-acre linear park near downtown York that follows the Mason Dixon line.
Why You Should Go
Walking, jogging, and biking are a few of the free things to do in York which you can perform on this beautiful trail. You’ll be going through forests, under tunnels, along historic landmarks, and different parts of the town.
What to Do
Stay beside the train tracks but don’t walk on them. The railroad tracks are active, so you will encounter a moving train while you’re along the trail.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Tru By Hilton York Pa
6. York Central Market House
34 W Philadelphia Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 848-2243
The York Central Market House is a historic public market between North Beaver and Philadelphia streets in downtown York.
Why You Should Go
At over 125 years old, this market has been a staple for many locals and is the perfect place for you to feel immersed in the local culture.
Plus, it’s among the downtown spots to visit if you’d like to get fresh produce, flowers, delicious food and delicacies, and more.
What to Do
Stay a while inside the red-brick building, even if you’re not shopping for groceries. There are bakeries, cafes, and restaurants inside, making the market a superb spot for your lunch.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham York
7. York County History Center
250 E Market Street
York, PA 17403
(717) 848-1587
York County History Center is a non-profit history museum that opened in 1989 that focuses on the heritage and culture of York County.
Why You Should Go
History enthusiasts will find the collections in the museum a treat with almost 300 years of local history displayed for you to see.
Some of the things you’ll see here are old photographs, military memorabilia, quilts, and more.
What to Do
If you’d like to do a bit of research during your trip, head on over to the center’s Library and Archives for a massive collection of local documents, ranging from genealogy to military history.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Heritage Hills Golf Resort & Conference Center
8. Samuel S. Lewis State Park
6000 Mount Pisgah Road
York, PA 17406
(717) 252-1134
Samuel S. Lewis State Park is an 85-acre state park that features Mt. Pisgah, an 885-foot-high mountain ridge.
Why You Should Go
A stroll around the beautiful grounds and ridge of this park is fantastic if you’d like to have a slow-paced day. The soft grass and incredible views are perfect for laying your blanket, picnicking, and just relaxing.
What to Do
Bring a kite with you and let it fly high as it’s an excellent addition to cheap activities to do near you.
Mount Pisgah is an excellent spot to catch a breeze so you can put on a kite show while you’re here.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn – York
Also See:
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9. Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N George Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 846-1111
The Appell Center for the Performing Arts comprises two historic performing arts theaters, the Capitol (1906) and the Strand (1925).
Why You Should Go
Lovers of live performances are sure to enjoy spending their downtown jaunts in this stunning theater. It’s known for hosting different kinds of performing art shows, from concerts to plays.
What to Do
Sit back and immerse yourself in the live show you’re watching. Attending an event in the theater is an all-time pick for favorite things to do in York at night for visitors who enjoy fantastic performances.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Candlewood Suites York, an IHG Hotel
10. John C. Rudy County Park
400 Mundis Race Road
York PA 17406
(717) 840-7400
The John C. Rudy County Park is a 150-acre park known for its accessible facilities, including dog parks and trails.
Why You Should Go
The beautiful plants in this park’s public garden are spectacular sights to see this weekend. Even the meadows and grounds along the multi-purpose trail are enjoyable while you’re biking and hiking around.
What to Do
Bring your furry friend to the park, as there are off-leash areas for dogs. Just make sure to go to the right spot depending on your pet’s size (small dogs are separated from large ones).
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn – York
Related: Best Restaurants in York, PA
11. Agricultural & Industrial Museum
217 W Princess Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 848-1587
The Agricultural & Industrial Museum is a history museum that focuses on York County’s contributions to the manufacturing industry.
Why You Should Go
History fans should add this museum to their list of nice places to visit in York for its impressive displays.
Many of their exhibits are hands-on, so you’re sure to be immersed in the city’s 300 years worth of transportation, agriculture, and industrial history.
What to Do
Interact with the displays. You can step inside the 1916 trolley car, operate circa-1930s rotary phones, or observe the working 3-story grist mill.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Tru By Hilton York Pa
Also See:
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12. AACA Museum — Hershey
161 Museum Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 566-7100
The Antique Auto Museum is a local history and automotive museum that features vintage vehicles in Hershey, about 50 minutes away from York.
Why You Should Go
Car lovers are sure to vote this museum among the cool attractions in York and Hershey for its fabulous displays.
Some of the cars you’ll see here are Hershey’s Kissmobile Cruiser, Tucker cars, vintage buses, and more.
What to Do
Besides the cars, check out the other terrific collections in the museum, like old road maps and model railroads.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Hershey
Also See:
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13. Aaron & Jessica’s Amish Buggy Rides — Bird N Hand
3121 Old Philadelphia Pike
Bird N Hand, PA 17505
(717) 768-8828
Aaron & Jessica’s Amish Buggy Rides is a fun ride attraction located in Bird N Hand, about 43 minutes away from York.
Why You Should Go
Riding a carriage around Amish Farms is a one-of-a-kind experience you shouldn’t miss while on your trip. Indeed, the buggy traveling on the roadside is one of the unique things to see in York and nearby Bird N Hand.
What to Do
Discover what it’s like to live in an Amish community when you visit the working Amish farms during your tour. You’re free to go down and talk to the locals when you get to the barn.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Intercourse Village Inn
14. Adams County Winery — Orrtanna
251 Peach Tree Road
Orrtanna, PA 17353
(717) 334-4631
Adams County Winery is a historic local winery located in Orrtanna, an hour and 3 minutes away from York.
Why You Should Go
This winery is one of the oldest operating wineries in the state. It is well known for its Chardonnay and other wine varietals.
What to Do
Eat a lunch of wood-fired pizza and wine when you visit the winery’s Terrace Bistro with your partner. The flowering garden, fresh breeze, great wine, and good food make eating here a top choice for romantic things to do in York for couples.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Federal Pointe Inn Gettysburg, Ascend Hotel Collection
15. Belmont Theatre
27 S Belmont Street
York, PA 17403
(717) 854-5715
Belmont Theatre is a well-known community theater established in 1953.
Why You Should Go
Suppose you like watching dance performances and plays. In that case, you’ll have a great time witnessing local children perform high-quality work on this theater’s stage. It’s definitely a terrific pick for places to go today if you want to dive more into the local culture.
What to Do
Try going for spontaneity during your vacation and head over to the theater without knowing what’s playing. You’re in for a pleasant surprise with how lovely these children act out their parts.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Northeast, an IHG Hotel
16. Liquid Hero Brewery
50 E North Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 814-9250
Liquid Hero Brewery is a small local brewery and pub known for its beers on tap in downtown York.
Why You Should Go
An excellent activity for indoor stuff to do when it’s raining or cold is downing a cold pint of great beer in this pub.
You’ll have many choices here, including Irregardless IPA, Rye Oatmeal Stout, What the Floc, and more. Many are available in draft, but you can also get them in case.
What to Do
Pair your beer with some yummy snacks like a soft pretzel, a bacon slab, or some chips.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Candlewood Suites York, an IHG Hotel
17. York Galleria Mall
2899 Whiteford Road
York, PA 17402
(717) 840-1322
York Galleria Mall is an indoor shopping mall with over 85 stores to visit.
Why You Should Go
Shopaholics will find that going to this mall is a top choice for the best things to do in York, PA. You’ll be able to bring home goodies from favorite brands like American Eagle Outfitters, H&M, and more.
What to Do
Take a break from your retail therapy and eat at the many dining options inside the mall. You can choose to get snacks from Subway and Auntie Anne’s or dine in restaurants like Chili’s and Longhorn Steakhouse.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Wyndham Garden York
List of image sources
York Things to Do: The 17 Best Activities for 2022
- PeoplesBank Park
- Rocky Ridge County Park
- Perrydell Farm and Dairy
- Nixon Park Nature Center
- Heritage Rail Trail County Park
- York Central Market House
- York County History Center
- Samuel S. Lewis State Park
- Appell Center for the Performing Arts
- John C. Rudy County Park
- Agricultural & Industrial Museum
- AACA Museum — Hershey
- Aaron & Jessica’s Amish Buggy Rides — Bird N Hand
- Adams County Winery — Orrtanna
- Belmont Theatre
- Liquid Hero Brewery
- York Galleria Mall
