Things to do in Harrisburg

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by Hershey Harrisburg Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Hershey Harrisburg Visitors Bureau
Pennsylvania State Capitol featuring heritage architecture and interior views
Harrisburg featuring outdoor art
Pennsylvania State Capitol showing heritage architecture, an administrative building and interior views
Harrisburg featuring a river or creek and a bridge

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What to do in Harrisburg

Popular places to visit

Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex

Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex

Catch an event at Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex during your trip to Harrisburg. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront and enjoy its local chocolate shops.

Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex
Pennsylvania State Capitol featuring night scenes and street scenes

Pennsylvania State Capitol

Visit a majestic palace in the heart of Harrisburg and wander Pennsylvania’s halls of power in a building created as a tribute to art, freedom and democracy.

Pennsylvania State Capitol
National Civil War Museum

National Civil War Museum

5/5(1 review)

Learn about one of the bloodiest conflicts in America’s history in an elegant and informative museum that documents every aspect of the era.

National Civil War Museum
Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park

Explore the great outdoors at Riverfront Park, a lovely green space in Harrisburg. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.

Riverfront Park
City Island

City Island

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at City Island during your travels in Harrisburg. Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

City Island
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park

Fort Hunter Mansion and Park

Find out about the history of Harrisburg when you take a trip to Fort Hunter Mansion and Park. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
Wildwood Park

Wildwood Park

Wildwood Park is just one of the places to see in Harrisburg, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the local chocolate shops and great live music in this family-friendly area.

Wildwood Park
Spring Gate Vineyard

Spring Gate Vineyard

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Spring Gate Vineyard during your travels to Harrisburg. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theatre scene in this family-friendly area.

Spring Gate Vineyard
State Museum of Pennsylvania which includes interior views

State Museum of Pennsylvania

Surround yourself with the history, culture and nature of Pennsylvania in a museum that examines every area of life in the diverse state.

State Museum of Pennsylvania

Areas of Harrisburg

Pennsylvania showing interior views

Downtown Harrisburg

Downtown Harrisburg is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Pennsylvania State Capitol and Riverfront Park while in the area.

Downtown Harrisburg
Photo by Barry Mills

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Frequently asked questions

Is Harrisburg worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Harrisburg is explore City Island. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then experience more of this area's family-friendly attractions and history.
How do I spend a day in Harrisburg?
City Island and Whitaker Centre for Science and the Arts are two awesome places to kick-start your adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Harrisburg while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Harrisburg?
The top tourist attraction in Harrisburg is City Island, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Harrisburg?
You can easily tick off popular attractions like City Island, Whitaker Centre for Science and the Arts and Appalachian Brewing Company with a three-day trip to Harrisburg. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Harrisburg - Hershey.
Is Harrisburg a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Harrisburg is a great place to experience on foot. Wander between City Island and Whitaker Centre for Science and the Arts. Then take a stroll around Downtown Harrisburg, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Progress, which is roughly 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Harrisburg with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, we've got some fabulous ideas for what to do in Harrisburg with kids.

What to do in Harrisburg for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or adventure seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Harrisburg for adults including Appalachian Brewing Company and Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex.
Are there free things to do in Harrisburg?
In Harrisburg, Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a good way to learn about the best free things to do in Harrisburg.