Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Gettysburg, PA: Must See Stops
26
items Gettysburg has beautiful scenery, tons of cool brick architecture, and obviously Civil War history. These are our top recommendations for Gettysburg after a handful of visits.
Sections
5
Historical Stops
Outdoor Adventures near Gettysburg
Gettysburg Tours
Where to Eat near Gettysburg
Where to Stay in Gettysburg
Historical Stops
Gettysburg is full of Civil War history. The battle was a turning point of the Civil War, and Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address was also here. These are all the historic sites you should visit while you visit Gettysburg.
Managed by the NPS, the drive around the battlefields, monuments, and barns is absolutely a must, whether you're into history or beautiful scenery.
Gettysburg National Military Park (U.S. National Park Service)
We wandered through the cemetary around July 4th, and the area was in pristine condition. Beautiful but solemn.
Gettysburg National Cemetery - National Park Service
So much attention to detail here!
Civil War Tails at the Homestead Diorama Museum
This is the must visit stop on the battlefield tour. It was closed for a while for a revitalization project, but reopened with all the upgrades in June 2024. If you haven't been there in years, you should stop again.
Little Round Top
If you're interested in presidenital history, this was a former home, so it's a must stop. You don't have to spend the whole day here, but definitely worth a visit.
Eisenhower National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)
Don't miss out on this one. You can climb the stairs up to the upper level to get sweeping views of the battlefields.
State of Pennsylvania Monument
Outdoor Adventures near Gettysburg
There are some great spots to get outdoors in and near Gettysburg. These are our favorite stops and hikes!
Did you know that the midpoint of the AT (the symbolic one, the actual one changes slightly each year due to trail reroutes and changes) is in Pine Grove Furnace State Park? There's a museum you can check out, and also take on the half gallon challen... This spot is less than a half hour drive from Gettysburg. Also, hike the Pole Steeple trail while you're there!
Pine Grove Furnace State Park & the Appalachian Trail Midpoint
We loved hiking at Caledonia and covered quite a few miles of trails there. You can't go wrong, really. There is also a swimming pool, but you have to pay a separate entrance fee, even to use the shower house there.
Caledonia State Park
There are some really great hikes here between Pine Grove Furnace and Caledonia, including the stretch of the AT.
Michaux State Forest
This one is about 30 minutes in the opposite direction, with campsites, hiking, and a lake.
Codorus State Park
This one is actually over the border in Maryland, but still only about 30 minutes away from Gettysburg. We'd recommend visiting in the spring or after a good rain for the best views.
Cunningham Falls State Park
This was Pennsylvania's first state park! It is tiny, so I would recommend looping this in with a visit to Caledonia. Don't drive out here planning to spend the entire day just at this park.
Mont Alto State Park
Gettysburg Tours
An audio tour of the battlefield drive really adds an extra layer of education to the experience. These are a few tour options you should consider taking.
This is the only audio battlefield tour you need. All the videos are free on the NPS website. We drove along the route to each stop, parked, then watched the corresponding video. Then, we got out of the car, walked around, and explored at each stop. ...
Virtual Tour - Gettysburg National Military Park (U.S. National Park Service)
There are so many “haunted” stops with all of the history. This is a must-do, if you're at all interested in the spooky or looking for a change of pace from all the history.
Echoes of War All Ages Ghost Tour
If you don't want to drive yourself around the battlefields with the audio/video tour, then you can hop on a bus with a park guide. We didn't do this ourselves, but we talked to quite a few people who really enjoyed this option to avoid all the conge...
2-Hour Gettysburg Battlefield Guided History Bus Tour with a National Park Guide
Such a fun experience. Plus, you get outside and you can see more of the battlefields in less time than you could on your own two feet.
Gettysburg: Licensed Guided Battlefield Horseback Tour
Another unique way to see the battlefields, we'd recommend this one on a nice day. The wagons are shaded, so you'll still be able to stay out of the sun.
Gettysburg: Horse-Drawn Carriage Battlefield Tour
Where to Eat near Gettysburg
Some of the restaurants do get extremely busy during the summer, but these are our favorite spots to stop for a bite to eat.
Not a bad meal here at all, and there are plenty of swaps for food allergies and dietary restrictions like gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Gettysburg Eddie's
If you want a slice of pizza in Gettysburg, this is where you should go. The crusts are thin, but the taste is not skimpy.
Antica Napoli Pizza
The dishes are modern and more upscale, so if you're looking for a nicer spot to dine, this is it. They say this is the spot the generals would have dined had it been there during the 1800s.
Sign of the Buck
The vibes were lively and upbeat when we visited. I'd recommend this place for lunch. They have good sandwiches and wraps.
Fourscore Beer Co.
We haven’t been here yet, but have heard great things. If you’re looking for a speakeasy to take you back in time, check it out!
Reliance Mine Saloon
Another place we haven’t quite made it to, but have heard great things. Check out all that beautiful stone work on the walls. What an atmosphere!
Dobbin House Tavern
Where to Stay in Gettysburg
Whether you want to stay in a historical bed & breakfast, a luxury hotel, or find a spot to park your camper, these are the best spots to stay overnight in and around Gettysburg.
This beautiful 1913 redbrick Victorian house is now a quaint B&B is a mile from Gettysburg National Cemetery, and 2 miles from Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center. Such a fitting place to stay in Gettysburg.
Keystone Inn Bed and Breakfast
Friends who stayed here had the best experience. Make sure to visit the ice cream shop right across the street!
Sleepy Hollow Manor
We always love KOA for their convenience and amenities. This one is a little on the smaller side but very well maintained. Lots of the sites are shaded.
Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA Holiday