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Pennsylvania: Philadelphia to Gettysburg: 5-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
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The 5-day version for June: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 5-day plan · best time to go.
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5
days
240 km
distance
11.1 h
driving
28
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- ~14.8 hours of daylight in June — the plan keeps days inside a realistic window.
- Farmstand season in Amish country — buggies share the shoulder, mud sales and markets run, and the Gettysburg battlefield walks best in shirtsleeves.
Day 1 Philadelphia → Lancaster & Amish Country
- Transit
- 4h00
- Finish
- ~17:45
- Temperature
- 16.1°C–27.0°C
- Rainy days
- ~17
- Daylight
- 14.8h
09:00
10:00
11:05
Roam one of the world's largest art collections and iconic steps.
50 min · Philadelphia · $20 adults, $18 seniors, $14 students. First Sunday of the month pay and Wednesdays 5-8:45PM, pay what you wish
open: Tu Th-Su 10AM-5PM, W F 10AM-8:45PM, M closed
15:05
Explore historic trains and railroad artifacts in a preserved setting.
50 min · Lancaster & Amish Country
16:55
Overnight: Lancaster & Amish Country
e.g. Country Acres Campground · Bird-in-Hand Village Inn & Suites
Day 2 Around Lancaster & Amish Country
- Transit
- 2h39
- Finish
- ~17:45
- Temperature
- 16.1°C–27.0°C
- Rainy days
- ~17
- Daylight
- 14.8h
09:00
Visit a highly regarded public university founded in 1855.
50 min · Lancaster & Amish Country
10:10
11:10
12:50
Ride in restored cars pulled by a coal-burning steam locomotive.
50 min · Lancaster & Amish Country
13:50
Witness a captivating display of toy trains spanning two centuries.
50 min · Lancaster & Amish Country
open: Daily 10AM-5PM
15:55
16:45
Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord bird-in-hand.com map ↗
Feast on a colorful PA Dutch buffet with family-style dishes.
60 min · Lancaster & Amish Country
open: M-Sa 6AM-8PM
Overnight here
e.g. Country Acres Campground · Bird-in-Hand Village Inn & Suites
Day 3 Hershey
- Transit
- 1h22
- Finish
- ~17:25
- Temperature
- 15.3°C–26.6°C
- Rainy days
- ~16
- Daylight
- 14.9h
09:50
Attend ice hockey games, graduations, sporting events, or concerts in this versatile arena.
90 min · Hershey · prices vary
11:30
13:10
Explore a wildlife zoo open year-round and see animals from around the world.
90 min · Hershey · ~$9
14:50
Stroll through vibrant seasonal blooms and themed garden displays.
90 min · Hershey · ~$10
16:35
Overnight here
e.g. Hampton Inn & Suites Hershey · The Hotel Hershey
Day 4 Around Hershey
- Transit
- 0h42
- Finish
- ~17:25
- Temperature
- 15.3°C–26.6°C
- Rainy days
- ~16
- Daylight
- 14.9h
09:00
Explore deep caverns, shivering at the constant cool temperature.
90 min · Hershey · ~$13
10:55
Learn the history of Milton S. Hershey at this engaging museum.
90 min · Hershey · ~ $10
open: 10AM - 5PM most days
12:35
14:15
Browse an extensive collection of books and media in a modern facility.
90 min · Hershey
15:55
Overnight here
e.g. Hampton Inn & Suites Hershey · The Hotel Hershey
Day 5 Gettysburg
- Transit
- 2h24
- Finish
- ~17:30
- Temperature
- 15.4°C–26.7°C
- Rainy days
- ~15
- Daylight
- 14.8h
10:20
Walk historic battlefields preserved in quiet reverence.
50 min · Gettysburg · Film, Cyclorama & Museumː Adults $20.75; Seniors, Veterans, and AAA members $19.75; Youth (6-12) $15.75; Child (under 5) and Active Military free
open: Battlefield/park roadsː 30 min before sunset-30 min after sunset. Museum and Visitor Centerː 8AM-5PM (March 1-Nov 30); 9AM-4PM (Dec 1-Feb 28)
11:20
The Gettysburg Heritage Center gettysburgmuseum.com map ↗
Step through vivid Civil War scenes that bring history to life.
50 min · Gettysburg · $5.50 adult, $3 youth (ages 6 — 17), 5 & under free
open: Daily March—December 9AM—5PM. Extended Spring & Summer hours 9AM—7PM. Last tour begins 45 minutes before closing
12:20
Jennie Wade House gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com map ↗
Visit the preserved home where Jennie Wade, the only civilian casualty, lived.
50 min · Gettysburg
open: 9AM-5PM
13:30
15:00
Ski down the region's best slopes at Liberty Mountain.
90 min · Gettysburg
16:30
Ernie's Texas Lunch facebook.com map ↗
Enjoy classic Texas wieners and homemade soup at a retro counter.
60 min · Gettysburg
🔍 Check before you book
Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.