Things to do in Gettysburg
Welcome to Gettysburg
Civil War battlefields, historic covered bridges, and outdoor excursions are just the start in this landmark central Pennsylvania town.
Top 3 attractions in Gettysburg
Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg Heritage Center
Shriver House Museum
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When to visit
Gettysburg gets busiest—and stickiest—in July and August. If you want to avoid the sweaty mid-Atlantic summer, then aim for spring or fall, when you’ll also have a bounty of fresh produce from local family-run farms, including crispy apples in autumn, to sample. Reenactment events are held year-round, with the mock Battle of Gettysburg taking place every July. The city and battlefields also have a special charm in the snow, if you can face the wintry chill.
Getting around
The city is flat and compact, with shop- and restaurant-lined streets spoking out from a historic square, making Gettysburg ideal for getting around on foot. But the battlefields and main monuments are spread out, meaning you’ll want to either drive (with the option to park and then walk) or join a bus or Segway tour. You can also follow a hiking or cycling trail for a more immersive experience, just bring plenty of water and sun protection in summer.
Traveler tips
Gettysburg is a tight-knit community with a cosmopolitan flair thanks to its ties to Gettysburg College. Spend time in town before rushing off to see the battlefields. Highlights include unique museums like Shriver House, a 19th-century family home visited with a costumed guide, and Farnsworth House Tavern, where you can get a taste of Civil War-era menu items like peanut soup. Antique-hunters should save suitcase space because specialized shops and street markets abound.