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Why Visit Gettysburg
Gettysburg's story predates 1863. Founded in 1786 by James Gettys, its Federal and Victorian architecture tells a rich tale. The David Wills House, where Lincoln finalized his address, is a key landmark. Many buildings still bear battle scars, visible if you know where to look. This living history is a core part of the town's enduring identity.
Beyond the monuments, the 6,000-acre Gettysburg National Military Park offers trails for hiking and cycling. Explore the serene Sachs Covered Bridge, a rumored Confederate army crossing point. The surrounding Adams County is also the state's top apple producer, offering scenic drives through orchards, especially in fall. This is a must when visiting Gettysburg.
Experience the area's unique cuisine, a key part of any trip. Try historic dining at the Farnsworth House Inn with period dishes like spoon bread. The region's German heritage shines through in apple butter and shoo-fly pie. Don't miss the local craft beverage scene, particularly the hard ciders made from Adams County apples for a true taste of the area.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Augwarm, tourist-heavy
- Wintercold, occasional snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #LightJacket
- #Map_or_GPS
- 2-3 days for highlights
- 4-5 with side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #GettysburgNationalMilitaryPark
- #GettysburgMuseumAndVisitorCenter
- #LittleRoundTop
- #SoldiersNationalCemetery
- #DavidWillsHouse
- #GettysburgBattlefield
- Explore the Gettysburg National Military Park
- Visit the Gettysburg Museum
- Tour historic battlefields
- Attend a reenactment
- Walk through Soldiers National Cemetery
Things to do in Gettysburg
Discover
Exploring Gettysburg reveals a landscape rich with history. The area features the expansive Gettysburg National Military Park, poignant Jennie Wade House Museum, and sweeping battlefield views from the summit of Little Round Top.
Experience
Take guided battlefield tours on foot, bus, or horseback. Attend living history encampments, join popular evening ghost walks, or explore the Adams County Pour Tour. The annual Gettysburg Festival offers music, art, and cultural events.
Gettysburg National Military Park
Historic battlefield preserving the site of the 1863 battle.
Gettysburg Museum & Visitor Center
Museum with Cyclorama painting and artifacts from the battle.
Devils Den
Rock formation used by soldiers during the pivotal battle.
Jennie Wade House Museum
Museum of the battle's only civilian casualty.
Eisenhower National Historic Site
Home and farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Sachs Covered Bridge
Historic 19th-century bridge used by both armies.
Gettysburg Ghost Tours
Guided evening walks exploring the town's haunted history.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Gettysburg, fly into Harrisburg Int'l (MDT), 50 miles away, or Baltimore/Washington (BWI). No direct train to Gettysburg exists; plan a trip to Gettysburg with a car rental or a pre-booked shuttle from the airport to the city center.
Getting Around
Explore using the Freedom Transit Gettysburg shuttle bus, which serves key sites. For maximum flexibility, a car rental in Gettysburg is recommended. Licensed Battlefield Guides can also accompany you in your car. The historic downtown area is very walkable.
Local Essentials
When driving in Gettysburg, note many battlefield roads are narrow and one-way. Pre-book museum and tour tickets online as they sell out. Wear sturdy walking shoes for the varied terrain and watch for cyclists on park roads. This is key for first-timers.
Where to Stay in Gettysburg
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Gettysburg's culinary scene by tasting authentic food like savory spoon bread and shoofly pie. The local culture invites you to eat in historic taverns, where you can sip on Adams County hard cider and connect with the past.
Enjoy
Taste the best restaurants in Gettysburg at Dobbin House Tavern's colonial setting; reservations vital. Grab a pint at Garryowen Irish Pub's lively bar, expect crowds. For a classic bite, visit the Lincoln Diner's retro space, always open.
Dobbin House Tavern
Historic 18th-century ambiance. Book tables early.
Inn at Herr Ridge
Upscale dining in a historic inn. Dress code enforced.
Food 101
Modern American dishes with a fresh twist. BYOB policy.
La Bella Italia
Classic Italian fare and New York-style pizza. Family-run.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Gettysburg's history through its solemn traditions. November's must-see Remembrance Day honors the Gettysburg Address with a parade and cemetery illumination. The annual Civil War Reenactment in July offers living history and battle scenarios.
Enjoy
Discover modern things to do in Gettysburg. The region's creative side is on display at the Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival with live bands. The semi-annual Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival hosts acclaimed national acts.
Gettysburg Civil War Reenactment
July event with battle reenactments and living history.
Remembrance Day
November parade and illumination honoring fallen soldiers.
National Apple Harvest Festival
October fair with crafts, music, and food near Gettysburg.
Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival
Acclaimed May & August festival with top bluegrass artists.
Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival
September gathering of PA wineries with live entertainment.
A Gettysburg Christmas Festival
Early December event with tree lighting and holiday markets.
A Town Steeped in History
Gettysburg is so much more than just a battlefield. The whole town has a palpable sense of history. It's incredibly walkable, and the preserved architecture is amazing. Felt like stepping back in time while still having great modern shops and cafés.
Deeply Moving Experience
The battlefield is massive and very well-preserved. Taking a guided tour really brought the stories to life. It's a somber place, but the scale of it all is truly impressive. The auto tour option was perfect for seeing it all at our own pace.
Charming and Historic Downtown
Gettysburg has a really lovely downtown area around Lincoln Square. It was great for an afternoon stroll. Lots of unique little shops and some cozy places to eat. We found a great spot that had some incredible homemade apple butter to take home.
More Than Just Monuments
The landscape itself is beautiful and powerful. Seeing the fields and ridges, like Little Round Top, gives you a perspective you can't get from a book. It's a really peaceful place for a walk, even with its heavy history and the chilly weather.
Educational and Engaging
Brought the family and it was a fantastic educational trip. The museum and visitor center are top-notch and provide so much context. The kids were surprisingly engaged, especially with the Cyclorama painting. A very meaningful visit for all of us.
Spooky Fun After Dark
We decided to do one of the ghost tours at night and it was a lot of fun. The guide was a great storyteller, mixing history with spooky tales. Walking through the dark streets added to the whole experience. A different way to see the town.