Make some history this weekend.
For a day trip or a long weekend, Gettysburg means wonderful food, shopping, and of course history, on America’s greatest battleground and site of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
A battlefield lets you enjoy the outdoors, spend time with friends and family, and immerse yourself in history. Best of all, the 25-square mile battlefield literally surrounds the town of Gettysburg, so, it’s easy to enjoy a hike before Sunday brunch or hit the outlet mall before an evening stroll! To add some history to your next holiday, start with an itinerary below.
From battleground to hallowed ground, this day plan is built for those who want to jump right into history.
- Print or download your tour map.
- Get the day started with a classic Gettysburg breakfast at the Lincoln Diner.
- Grab a latte or spot of tea at Presidents Coffee.
- Start at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, where you can find out about ranger programs or book a 2-hour battlefield tour with a Licensed Battlefield Guide (who goes in your car). See the incredible 400-foot-long Cyclorama painting, time allowing.
- Grab an authentic historic lunch in the Springhouse Tavern at the Dobbin House.
- Tour the Gettysburg Battlefield with a battlefield guide or on your own.
- Stroll through the Soldiers' National Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address.
- Learn more about the town at the Gettysburg Heritage Center or the David Wills House.
- Go for a historic dinner at the Farnsworth House or its Civil War themed Sweeny’s Tavern (where you can also get a room for the night in a bullet-riddled building).
Enhance your historical experience with fun and family-friendly activities all weekend long!
- Print or download your tour map.
- Wear out the kids with battlefield activities—while touring the battlefield, walk a hilly trail, climb an observation tower or walk the course of the most famous attack in American history—Pickett’s Charge! Or consider riding the double-decker bus around the battlefield! Sit on top for the best view. You can also tour by Segway!
- Take a lunch break at the kid-friendly Tommy’s Pizza or super-tasty Mexican food at Montezuma’s.
- Pick up a basket of candy and wacky-flavored soda at Sweeet! THE Candy Store in Gettysburg, PA!
- Keep the kids active and engaged with a visit to:
- Get to know the people of Gettysburg’s past via a variety of Gettysburg Town tours.
- Zoom into one family’s experience at the Shriver House Museum.
- Check out a Gettysburg battle diorama with 8,000 miniature felines fighting at Civil War Tails.
- Learn more about what life was like for young people in Gettysburg during the Civil War at the Children of Gettysburg 1863 Museum.
- For paranormal enthusiasts there are numerous experiences in Gettysburg, Civil War Tails— but the original Gettysburg ghosts stories can be heard at the Farnsworth House.
- See the Land of Little Horses, where your kids are taller than the equines!
- Stop off for ice cream at Mr. G’s.
- Ease into evening with delicious comfort food at the sport’s-themed Gettysburg Eddie’s.
From antiques and art to clothing and cocktails, we’ve pulled together a plan for historical fun and lasting memories.
- Print or download your tour map.
- Start your day with great coffee drinks and breakfast at the Ragged Edge Coffeehouse.
- Enjoy retail goodness at:
- Gallery 30 for cool art.
- Lark for unique and personal gifts.
- Gettysburg Goods for products from local artisans.
- Sunrise Soap Company for all your body care products.
- The Antique Center of Gettysburg with scores of dealers.
- The Horse Soldier for the best historic militaria.
- The Regimental Quartermaster for historic gear and jewelry.
- The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg for everything (and sales tax free!).
- Grab food and beer (or spirits) at O’Rorke’s or the Appalachian Brewing Company.
- Clear your head with a refreshing walk through part of the Gettysburg Battlefield.
- Check the performance schedule for your favorite performers at the Majestic Theater or take in Gettysburg’s best view plus a learn about the battle, and its aftermath at the Seminary Ridge Ridge Museum.
Gettysburg is teeming with recreation, history and activities perfect for connecting with your better half.
- Print or download your tour map.
- Peruse walls of art while sipping on a drink at the donation-based collective Waldo’s & Company.
- Stroll around the historic and beautiful Culp’s Hill and Spangler’s Spring.
- Have a great lunch and a pint at Garryowen Irish Pub.
- Throw some clay and get comfortable behind the pottery wheel with a class at Southern Pennsylvania Clay.
- Enjoy a sunset from a boulder on Little Round Top.
- Have a romantic dinner on the square at The Pub & Restaurant.
- Share an ornate cocktail at the Sign of the Buck.
- Test the bounds of your relationship at the Escape Gettysburg escape room.
- Enjoy a tasty brunch at the tiny Food 101.
Before you go
We’ve got some tips and advice for prepping for a visit to Gettysburg including hours, weather, accommodations, and directions -- everything you need to make your visit a comfortable and memorable one!
- Check the weather so you know how to pack and what to wear.
- Watch the Gettysburg Animated Map and read the Ten Facts about Gettysburg.
- For help touring the massive battlefield, download the Gettysburg Battle App.
- Destination Gettysburg can be a great resource to help you plan the details of your trip.
- Find a place to stay that makes it easy to see as much as possible. We like Gettysburg Hotel, right in the town square, the Wyndham just outside town or three boutique establishments right in town: the Federal Pointe Inn, The Union Hotel and the Brafferton Inn, B&B. For an extra special and romantic experience, check out the incredible and historic Antrim 1844.