Overview
York is a city in the Susquehanna Valley region of southern Pennsylvania. It is billed as the "factory tour capital of the world" for its numerous factory tours. It was a major city in U.S. revolutionary history as well, hosting the Continental Congress for a time. It is often viewed by locals as the first capital of the United States but it is unsure if this is actually true because it was never officially named the capital and it was only viewed as the capital because the Articles of Confederation were adopted in the York County Courthouse.
6 sights · 11 things to do · 10 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about York
York Revolution
An independent minor league baseball team that plays in the Atlantic League. They play at PeoplesBank Park in downtown York. Season lasts from May to September.
York City Ice Arena
The coolest fun around York. It has ice skating classes, free skates, a concession stand, and there is an ice rink to watch local and high school games.
William C. Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum
York County History Center
Agricultural & Industrial Museum
part of the historical center complex.
Perrydell Farm and Dairy
A dairy farm with the option to pet cows and eat ice cream.
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.
- MDT Harrisburg International Airport, Harrisburg — 16 mi away. Directions
- LNS Lancaster Airport, Lancaster — 25 mi away. Directions
- BWI Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Baltimore — 54 mi away (major hub). Directions
York has no local international airport, but nearby Harrisburg has the Harrisburg International Airport. For more direct flights, people can fly into BWI airport in Baltimore, or possibly to Philadelphia. York Airport is 7 miles past the city on US 30 and is a general aviation airport with no scheduled flights.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning William C. Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum, York City Ice Arena, Perrydell Farm and Dairy
- Lunch York Central Market House
- Afternoon York Revolution, Springetsberry Park
- Dinner The Roosevelt Tavern
- Evening Jackie B's
Day 2
- Morning York County History Center, Harley Davidson Factory Tour, York Expo Center
- Lunch White Rose Bar and Grill
- Afternoon Nixon Park Nature Center, Heritage Hills Hotel and Golf Resort
- Dinner Rutters Farm Store
- Evening Banana Max
Day 3
- Morning Agricultural & Industrial Museum, York Barbell Weight Lifting Hall of Fame and Tour, Appel Performing Arts Center
- Lunch Round the Clock Diner
- Afternoon Cousler Park, Out Door Country Club (ODCC)
- Dinner Roburrito's
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
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.
Get in
By plane
York has no local international airport, but nearby Harrisburg has the Harrisburg International Airport. For more direct flights, people can fly into BWI airport in Baltimore, or possibly to Philadelphia. York Airport is 7 miles past the city on US 30 and is a general aviation airport with no scheduled flights.
By train
Nearby Lancaster has an AMTRAK stop on the Philadelphia to Pittsburgh line. Nearby Harrisburg also has a transportation center that provides service for AMTRAK trains on the same line.
By car
Using a car is the easiest way to arrive in York. The following highways connect the city with others in the region:
- I-83 south Harrisburg and I-83 north Baltimore
- US-30 west Lancaster & Philadelphia and US-30 east Gettysburg
By bus
Greyhound operates a station in York with connections to Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and beyond.
Get around
Walking is the easiest way to explore the downtown area, as everything is close enough together. Municipal parking garages are available with very reasonable rates ($0.75/hr). Rabbit Transit is also an option when getting around the city but can be fairly expensive if used multiple times for short distances. All day passes are available though for those that want to use the bus to get around.
See
See Harley Davidson Factory Tour
Come see where America's favorite motorcycles are made. Tours are free and last about one hour (M-F 9AM-2PM). Please dress appropriately for factory tours. Reservations requested for group of 10 or more. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed on the factory tour.
Do
- Historic Downtown York: Take a tour through downtown York to see the city's historic roots.
- Heritage Rail Trail County Park, 27 mile trail passing through York.
Do Cousler Park
Cousler Park is a fun time for everyone, with a running track, six basketball courts, a pond for fishing and skating in the winter, three playgrounds, six baseball fields, and multiple soccer fields.
Do Springetsberry Park
A park on the east end of town, amazing fun for everyone. It has a long jogging track, a huge playground, multiple soccer and baseball fields. Basketball courts, and an outdoor hockey rink. It even has a summer festival called Saturday in Park with tons of food trucks and a brilliant Fire Work Show.
Do Heritage Hills Hotel and Golf Resort
Fun for the entire family, eat at the pub, or for more finder dining Iron Woods. A golf course voted one of Pennsylvania's best and in the winter time a snow tubing experience that can't be forgotten at Avalanche Express. There is also a miniature golf course and summer kids camps. Heritage Hills even has a spa and hair stylist.
Do Out Door Country Club (ODCC)
Established 1892 it is one of York's Premiere Golf Courses. It also has one of the best restaurants in all of York. It also has a driving range, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a pub for after a long day of golf.
Do Colony Park Lanes North and Laser Alleys Family Fun Center
Two great bowling alleys with fun for everyone. It has the lanes available for rent and league play. A bar for those of age, a concession stand, and an arcade.
Buy
Shop West Manchester Town Center (formerly West Manchester Mall)
Go shopping, have dinner, and catch a newly released movie all in the same location.
Eat
Eat York Central Market House
Numerous food stalls perfect for lunch time browsing. Reasonable prices ($3-6).
Eat The Roosevelt Tavern
This building dates back to 1860 and is one of the finest restaurants in York, famous for the delicious cream of crab soup.
Eat White Rose Bar and Grill
Delicious food at affordable prices. Everything from Quesidilla's to their famous crab pretzels
Eat Rutters Farm Store
Rutters is a staple in York and all over south central Pennsylvania. You can get everything from a dozen eggs to some made-to-order sandwiches. They are all over York for your convenience and some are even equipped with gas stations and car washes making it all more the convenient.
Eat Round the Clock Diner
Round the Clock Diner, open literally around the clock. A typical diner with a long menu and many choices. The food is delicious and cheap. A great place for Saturday and Sunday morning breakfast.
Eat Roburrito's
With multiple locations across York, Roburrito's has gained a reputation amongst locals as an excellent low-cost burrito diner.
Eat Fujihana
One of several hibachi locations in York. This one is the best but also the most expensive. The staff is energetic and obviously love their job. Come on one of the weekend nights, and be thirsty. They have squeeze bottles filled with sake and they're not afraid to use them.
Eat Tokyo Diner
Another hibachi joint in York. This one has the distinction of being the least expensive. The food is great, on par with Fujihana. The place is quiet if you come to sit with your friends to chat, something Fujihana can't match.
Eat MexItaly
Mexican/Italian fusion restaurant. Order pizza and tacos at the same place!
Eat Guadalajara
One of the best Mexican restaurants in York. The atmosphere is upbeat and the employees are friendly. The food is fantastic. It's attached to a Quality Inn, so be on the lookout or you may miss it.
Drink
Drink Jackie B's
Wings, prime rib, steaks, seafood.
Drink Banana Max
A bar, Drink specials on Thursday and Saturday 8PM-midnight, DJ dance party Tu-Sa. Friday Happy Hour and free food at the buffet.
Sleep
Stay Heritage Hills Resort
One of the nicest hotels in York, with many other amenities offered. Never a dull day in Heritage Hills, it has the Serenity Spa, a golf course voted one of the best in Pennsylvania, miniature golf, a driving range, avalanche express snow tubing in the winter time, and it has two restaurants.
Go next
Nearby destinations suitable for day trips include:
- Allentown — Pennsylvania's third largest city.
- Gettysburg — Explore Civil War country.
- Harrisburg — Explore the Capital of Pennsylvania.
- Hershey — Explore chocolate country.
- Lancaster — Explore Amish country.
- Gifford Pinchot State Park is a fifteen minute drive north of York along I-83 and offers camping, canoe/kayak rentals, a small beach, and other outdoor fun. It has camp ground available for rent and is right off of lake Redman and is open for family fun in the sun. Nature walks is also a huge attraction, and adventuring through the trails Pinchot has to offer is an exciting day for any thrill seeker.
- Washington D.C. — 1½ hour drive away, experience the best the capitol of our country has to offer.
- Baltimore, Maryland — About an hour away go see an Orioles or Ravens game, or spend the day in the exciting inner harbor. Or just go for a relaxing dinner in Little Italy or Greektown.
York is a destination on the American Industry Tour from Boston to Chicago.
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