Make some history this weekend.
For a day trip or a long weekend, Gettysburg means wonderful food, shopping, and of course history, on America’s greatest battleground and site of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
A battlefield lets you enjoy the outdoors, spend time with friends and family, and immerse yourself in history. Best of all, the 25-square mile battlefield literally surrounds the town of Gettysburg, so, it’s easy to enjoy a hike before Sunday brunch or hit the outlet mall before an evening stroll! To add some history to your next holiday, start with an itinerary below.
From battleground to hallowed ground, this day plan is built for those who want to jump right into history.
- Print or download your .
- Get the day started with a classic Gettysburg breakfast at the .
- Grab a latte or spot of tea at
- Start at the , where you can find out about ranger programs or book a 2-hour battlefield tour with a Licensed Battlefield Guide (who goes in your car). See the incredible , time allowing.
- Grab an authentic historic lunch in the .
- Tour the Gettysburg Battlefield with a battlefield guide or on your own.
- Stroll through the , where Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address.
- Learn more about the town at the or the .
- Go for a historic dinner at the or its Civil War themed Sweeny’s Tavern (where you can also get a room for the night in a bullet-riddled building).
Enhance your historical experience with fun and family-friendly activities all weekend long!
- Print or download your .
- Wear out the kids with battlefield activities—while , walk a hilly trail, climb an observation tower or walk the course of the most famous attack in American history—Pickett’s Charge! Or consider around the battlefield! Sit on top for the best view. You can also !
- Take a lunch break at the kid-friendly or super-tasty Mexican food at .
- Pick up a basket of candy and wacky-flavored soda at
- Keep the kids active and engaged with a visit to:
- Get to know the people of Gettysburg’s past via a variety of .
- Zoom into one family’s experience at the .
- Check out a Gettysburg battle diorama with 8,000 miniature felines fighting at .
- Learn more about what life was like for young people in Gettysburg during the Civil War at the
- For paranormal enthusiasts there are numerous experiences in Gettysburg, Civil War Tails— but the original Gettysburg ghosts stories can be heard at the .
- See the , where your kids are taller than the equines!
- Stop off for ice cream at .
- Ease into evening with delicious comfort food at the sport’s-themed .
From antiques and art to clothing and cocktails, we’ve pulled together a plan for historical fun and lasting memories.
- Print or download your .
- Start your day with great coffee drinks and breakfast at the .
- Enjoy retail goodness at:
- for cool art.
- for unique and personal gifts.
- for products from local artisans.
- for all your body care products.
- with scores of dealers.
- for the best historic militaria.
- for historic gear and jewelry.
- for everything (and sales tax free!).
- Grab food and beer (or spirits) at or the .
- Clear your head with a refreshing walk through part of the .
- Check the performance schedule for your favorite performers at the or take in Gettysburg’s best view plus a learn about the battle, and its aftermath at the .
Gettysburg is teeming with recreation, history and activities perfect for connecting with your better half.
- Print or download your .
- Peruse walls of art while sipping on a drink at the donation-based collective
- Stroll around the historic and beautiful Culp’s Hill and Spangler’s Spring.
- Have a great lunch and a pint at .
- Throw some clay and get comfortable behind the pottery wheel with a class at
- Enjoy a sunset from a boulder on Little Round Top.
- Have a romantic dinner on the square at .
- Share an ornate cocktail at the
- Test the bounds of your relationship at the escape room.
- Enjoy a tasty brunch at the tiny .
Before you go
We’ve got some tips and advice for prepping for a visit to Gettysburg including hours, weather, accommodations, and directions -- everything you need to make your visit a comfortable and memorable one!
- Check the weather so you know how to pack and what to wear.
- Watch the Gettysburg Animated Map and read the Ten Facts about Gettysburg.
- For help touring the massive battlefield, download the Gettysburg Battle App.
- can be a great resource to help you plan the details of your trip.
- Find a place to stay that makes it easy to see as much as possible. We like , right in the town square, the just outside town or three boutique establishments right in town: the Federal Pointe Inn, and the . For an extra special and romantic experience, check out the incredible and historic .
