Overview
Gettysburg, in Adams County in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, goes down in history as the battlefield in the Civil War where, despite terrible tragedy and loss of life, there was hope for the Union. In many ways, Gettysburg is where the North won the Civil War, and where Abraham Lincoln gave the Union hope that, somehow, something good was to come out of the lives lost in battle.
5 sights · 6 things to do · 11 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 10 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Gettysburg
Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg is the site of one of the most important battles of the American Civil War, and the largest land battle ever fought in North America. This National Park Service controls most of the area surrounding the small …
Eisenhower National Historic Site
The preserved farm home of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the edge of the battlefield. It served as Eisenhower's weekend retreat and a place to meet world leaders, then as his home after leaving office. You can v…
Gettysburg Majestic Theater
For those who need a break from the Battlefield, there the Majestic, a theater in downtown Gettysburg renovated to its original 1925 Colonial Revival glory. There is a theater for live performances, as well as a cinema w…
Liberty Mountain Resort
The best skiing in the area.
Jennie Wade House
The only Gettysburg citizen killed during the Battle of Gettysburg was 20 year old Jennie Wade, fiancée of Corporal “Jack” Skelly. The old McClellan Home, now the Jennie Wade House and Museum, with but few minor changes …
The Gettysburg Heritage Center
Presents the entire story of the Civil War era and the Battle of Gettysburg with remarkable realism. Learn the causes, effects and significant personalities that shaped the Civil War and as a result, ultimately, American…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Sep. (climate data from nearby Baltimore)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HGR Hagerstown Regional Richard A Henson Field, Hagerstown — 28 mi away. Directions
- MDT Harrisburg International Airport, Harrisburg — 35 mi away. Directions
- BWI Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Baltimore — 54 mi away (major hub). Directions
Gettysburg can be reached via US Rt 30 from Philadelphia, or via State Rt 97 from the Baltimore area. From the south, US 15 runs through the town for visitors arriving from the Washington DC region.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $99–$139 a night (typical $139), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$210, comfortable ~$300.
Options are grouped as Camping and backcountry, Hotels in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Gettysburg National Military Park, The Gettysburg Heritage Center, Victorian Photography Studio
- Lunch Rita's Italian Ice
- Afternoon Jennie Wade House, Gettysburg Majestic Theater
- Dinner O'Rorkes Family Eatery
- Evening The Pub
Day 2
- Morning National Apple Museum, Land of Little Horses Farm Park
- Lunch Dunlap's Restaurant & Bakery
- Afternoon Liberty Mountain Resort
- Dinner Food 101
- Evening Ragged Edge Roasting Company
Day 3
- Morning Eisenhower National Historic Site
- Lunch Appalachian Brewing Company
- Dinner Gettysburg Eddie's
- Evening Garryowen Irish Pub
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Restaurants abound throughout the town, from nationally known chains, to local Mom & Pop diners.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Gettysburg is a borough and the county seat of Adams County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. However, Gettysburg is famous for the Battle of Gettysburg that was fought July 1-3, 1863. The fighting started when Union and Confederate troops converged just north of the town of Gettysburg. Three bloody days of fighting ensued, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The town is also the location where President Abraham Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address. The town hosts visitors to the Gettysburg National Battlefield in the Gettysburg National Military Park. The Battle is remembered both for Pickett's Charge and the "high water mark of the Confederacy" (considered by some to be the closest the Confederacy came to winning the war) as well as the turning point of the war that the failure of said charge and the overall offensive ultimately meant.
Terrain and climate
Flat meadows surrounded by rocky hills, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains looming in the distance. In the countryside north of Gettysburg is the "Fruit Belt" of Pennsylvania with thousands of acres of apple and peach orchards and vineyards.
Gettysburg has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold moist winters. Spring and Fall are mild and pleasant. Heavy winter storms occasionally strike the area, but these are fairly rare. Heaviest snowfall occurs during February and early March. Severe thunderstorms may occasionally hit the region, mostly in July and August.
Get in
By plane
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is 47 miles from Gettysburg.
- Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is 62 miles from Gettysburg.
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is 78 miles from Gettysburg.
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is 148 miles from Gettysburg.
By car
Gettysburg can be reached via US Rt 30 from Philadelphia, or via State Rt 97 from the Baltimore area. From the south, US 15 runs through the town for visitors arriving from the Washington DC region.
By train
Amtrak operates service to Harrisburg and Lancaster. Taxi service and car rentals are available to Gettysburg from there.
By bus
Rabbit Express runs buses to/from the Harrisburg Amtrak station and airport.
Get around
By car
By far the best way to see the park is with your own vehicle. Roads wind extensively throughout the battlefields, and include many places to pull off and allow visitors to walk around. Use caution when using these roads, as there may be many people walking or bicycling on these roads. The speed limit throughout the park is 15 mph. When in your car, you may navigate by map or purchase a CD at several locations throughout Gettysburg that will orientate you to the battlefield.
By bus
Guided tours on buses are available. There are several different types of bus tours: one is with licensed battlefield guides (adult $30, child $19) and one is with headphone narration (adult $26, child $15).
By bike
If you have the time and have an average level of fitness, bikes can be rented and can provide an enhanced experience in the park. Cycling the major sites of the July 1-3 campaign can be completed in one day and allow you to experience battle lines and topography in a much more realistic fashion than car or bus.
By horse or carriage
The battlefield features NPS horse trails where you can either bring your own horse or book a battlefield tour on horseback with Confederate Trails of Gettysburg Guided Battlefield Horseback Tours https://confederatetrails.com . 2 hour guided battlefield tours and town history tours by Horse-drawn carriage or on foot are also a must do when visiting Gettysburg; walking and carriage tours can be booked with [Http://gettysburgstartshere.com Horse Tours of Gettysburg]'s Victorian Carriage Company Authorized by GNMP and use only Licensed Battlefield Guides.
By foot
One of the best ways to tour the battlefield is by foot — either running, walking or hiking. There are 26 miles (40 km) of roadway and several hiking trails, both flat and rugged.
See
See Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg is the site of one of the most important battles of the American Civil War, and the largest land battle ever fought in North America. This National Park Service controls most of the area surrounding the small town and preserves the historic battle field. The museum and visitor center are run by the Gettysburg Foundation, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service at Gettysburg. The visitor center houses the museum collection as well as special exhibits from across the country and the fully restored Gettysburg Cyclorama, a must-see for any visit. You can also hire a very knowledgeable licensed battlefield guide here. You can also purchase tour tickets for the Eisenhower Farm. The surrounding military park is free and open to the public.
See Jennie Wade House
The only Gettysburg citizen killed during the Battle of Gettysburg was 20 year old Jennie Wade, fiancée of Corporal “Jack” Skelly. The old McClellan Home, now the Jennie Wade House and Museum, with but few minor changes and repairs, remains much as Jennie Wade must have known it more than 100 years ago. The walls of the old house, which lived through the Battle of Gettysburg and witnessed the tragic death of Jennie Wade, tell the story of the building and of those in it during the Great Battle.
See The Gettysburg Heritage Center
Presents the entire story of the Civil War era and the Battle of Gettysburg with remarkable realism. Learn the causes, effects and significant personalities that shaped the Civil War and as a result, ultimately, American history. Throughout five hallways of scenes, the museum recreates history with life-sized dioramas of the Civil War. Visitors complete a self-guided museum tour that begins with the economical, social, and political causes of the war and ends with the untimely assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Following the self-guided tour, visitors enter into the internationally acclaimed, digitally enhanced Battleroom Auditorium. Amidst the sounds of thunderous battle cries and bullets, visitors will witness a life-sized recreation of the Battle of Gettysburg. Discover how a small town in rural Pennsylvania became known for one of the bloodiest battles in American history. An animated Abraham Lincoln delivering the immortal Gettysburg Address follows the battle recreation.
See Eisenhower National Historic Site
The preserved farm home of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the edge of the battlefield. It served as Eisenhower's weekend retreat and a place to meet world leaders, then as his home after leaving office. You can visit the home only on a shuttle bus tour, which leaves from the Military Park's visitor center.
See National Apple Museum
It has exhibits on early picking, packing, and shipping of fruit, pest management, commercial fruit processing equipment, early orchard photographs, and a recreated 1880s farm kitchen and a General Store. The museum also features collections of farming implements, apple peelers, fruit labels, and other apple memorabilia.
Do
Do Confederate Trails of Gettysburg Guided Battlefield Horseback Tours (Horse Tours of Gettysburg)
Ride the Battlefield with Confederate Trails and learn important details and insights into some of the soldiers' lives.Learn the intricacies of the greatest Civil War Battle as you ride across the field of history. 2-hour horseback tour through the Gettysburg battlefield with a live licensed battlefield guide. Headsets provided. You will have an out-rider with you at all times to ensure your safety. All participants must weigh 250 pounds or less and everyone must be age 8 and up.
Cinema and theatre
Do Gettysburg Majestic Theater
For those who need a break from the Battlefield, there the Majestic, a theater in downtown Gettysburg renovated to its original 1925 Colonial Revival glory. There is a theater for live performances, as well as a cinema which plays the highest quality art films, including American independent films, foreign language films, documentaries, short subjects, and film festival prize winners.
Winter recreation
Buy
Shop Gettysburg Bicycle & Fitness
Sells excellent American Bikes (Specialized, Trek, ..) in all price ranges. You will get excellent advises, perfect service and good prices. The shop also lends Bikes for tours on the battle field and organizes a yearly Mountainbike race called "Maximus" in Michaux State Forest.
Shop Hollabaugh Brothers
Hollabaugh Brothers is a third generation, family farm with a retail farm market offering fresh fruits, vegetables, gifts, jarred goods, home-style baked goods, and fruit gift baskets. The Hollabaugh family also provides scheduled educational orchard tours. Hollabaugh Brothers is a 500 acre working, family farm. Buses welcome, adequate free parking.
Eat
Restaurants abound throughout the town, from nationally known chains, to local Mom & Pop diners.
Eat Ernie's Texas Lunch
Old-time lunch counter with a few booths. Famous for their "Texas wieners" and home made soup.
Eat Food 101
American food including sandwiches and pizza.
Eat Gettysburg Eddie's
American restaurant and sports bar dedicated to local baseball hall of fame member Eddie Plank. 7 televisions that show baseball games.
Eat La Bella Italia
Italian food with a good local beer list.
Eat O'Rorkes Family Eatery
Casual American and Irish food downtown. Huge menu and good beer selection.
Eat Dobbin House Tavern
Casual and fine dining. Due to its historic ambiance (Revolutionary War to Civil War) and reasonable prices, the Dobbin House is well worth visiting. For budget and casual dining with the same historical charm, there is the Springhouse Tavern room downstairs. During the battle of Gettysburg the tavern saw some action as a hospital, giving it historic significance.
Eat Dunlap's Restaurant & Bakery
American food.
Eat Appalachian Brewing Company
Outstanding cheeseburgers and personal pizzas accentuate the wonderful selection of micro-brews.
Eat Rita's Italian Ice
Regional chain. Italian ice and custard. Only open March to September.
Drink
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park at any time.
Bars
Drink Garryowen Irish Pub
Good Irish pub with great music entertainment on special days like St. Patricks. It's traditional Irish menu is very tasty.
Drink The Pub
Casual dining with an extensive menu. Plenty of vegetarian options.
Cafes
Drink Ragged Edge Roasting Company
The Ragged Edge serves breakfast, sandwiches, salads and coffee. They offer a free wireless connection. The local products, beautiful gardens, and in house art gallery all add up to an award winning experience.
Sleep
Camping and backcountry
There are seven campgrounds in Gettysburg: Artillery Ridge Campground, Drummer Boy Campground, Gettysburg Campground, Gettysburg KOA, Round Top Campground, Granite Hill Campground, Gettysburg Battlefield Resort (Membership)
Hiking, camping, and grilling can be done at nearby Caledonia State Park, located approximately 25 miles west of Gettysburg on US Rt 30. Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve in nearby Fairfield, Pa., has more than 600 acres and miles of trails for hiking as well.
Hotels
Stay Antrim 1844
Nestled at the foot of the rolling Catoctin Mountains in Central Maryland. Built in 1844, Antrim was once a thriving plantation and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Owners Dorothy and Richard Mollett have restored the mansion and the estate buildings on this 24-acre site. Located 15 minutes from Historic Gettysburg
Stay Gettysburg Hotel
The Gettysburg Hotel has a tradition of hospitality that dates to 1797, when James Scott first opened his tavern. The hotel existed during the Battle of Gettysburg. President Lincoln honed the immortal words of his Gettysburg Address at the Wills House, just steps away from the hotel. Nearly a century later, at the height of the Cold War, the hotel served as President Dwight Eisenhower's national operations center while he recuperated from a heart attack at his nearby farm. The Gettysburg Hotel consists of 122 spacious non-smoking guest rooms and suites, each beautifully appointed with dark wood bedsteads and other elegant period furnishings. Roof top seasonal swimming pool, business center, fitness center. Restaurant Centuries on the Square and pub McClellan's Tavern are located on the premises.
Stay safe
Gettysburg is very safe. However, it can get very crowded during the summer, and especially on summer weekends. If large crowds are not pleasing to you, especially avoid the anniversary dates of July 1-3.
Go next
Other Pennsylvania cities
- Harrisburg - The capital of Pennsylvania.
- Allentown - Pennsylvania's third most populous city rich in history.
- Hershey - Chocolate country.
- Lancaster - Amish country.
- Philadelphia - birthplace of American independence.
- York - Central Pennsylvania country.
Other regional cities
- Baltimore - Including the National Aquarium.
- New York City - America's largest city and some say the best city in the world.
- Washington, DC - The nation's capital, about an hour and a half away.
Nearby
Hanover
City / town · 2 listings · 13 mi away
Thurmont
City / town · 19 listings · 17 mi away
Catoctin Mountain Park
Park · 2 listings · 18 mi away
Westminster
City / town · 8 listings · 21 mi away
Chambersburg
City / town · 16 listings · 24 mi away
Carlisle
City / town · 13 listings · 26 mi away
York
City / town · 44 listings · 28 mi away
Hagerstown
City / town · 48 listings · 29 mi away
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