250 Things To Do In & Around York County

Looking for inspiration for your next adventure? York County is bursting with experiences waiting to be discovered—from outdoor escapes along the Susquehanna River, to hands-on arts and culture, mouthwatering dining, and family-friendly fun. We’ve rounded up 250 unique things to do that showcase the best of our region. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a perfect weekend getaway, you’ll find countless ways to explore, connect, and make memories right here in York County.

1. Have a sunset picnic at Highpoint Scenic Vista & Recreation Area

2. Plan a Park Hop! Travel around the county visiting any of our 4 state parks or 11 county parks. Check out the Park Finder tool for some guidance!

3. Paddle board on the Susquehanna River 

4. Walk, bike, hike around 30 miles on the Heritage Rail Trail

5. Row, row, row your canoe on Lake Redman

6. Have a snowtubing adventure at AvalancheXpress 

7. Hit the slopes at Roundtop Mountain & Resort

8. Hike Mount Pisgah at Samuel S. Lewis State Park, one of the highest points in York County

9. Take your pup for a swim at Codorus State Park

10. Camp in a yurt or cottage at Gifford Pinchot State Park

11. Take in the stunning views of the Susquehanna River along the Mason-Dixon Trail in Susquehanna Riverlands State Park

12. Explore even more of the Mason-Dixon Trail at Apollo County Park

13. Get an adrenaline rush with a ride on the BMX track at John C. Rudy County Park

14. Take a nature walk along the Native Lands Heritage Trail which connects with three other trailheads

15. Visit the bat inhabitants (from a distance) at the abandoned iron ore mines in P. Joseph Raab County Park

16. Meander along the East branch of Codorus Creek at Spring Valley County Park

17. Rent a pavilion for the day at William H. Kain County Park and partake in water activities on Lake Redman or Lake Williams

18. Get on the American Rail Bikes for a seven mile peddling adventure down the Northern Central Railroad

19. Pick your own lavender at Castle Creek Farm

20. have a delightful camping experience at Ben Franklin RV Park

21. Camp right near the creek at Otter Creek Campground

22. Learn about one of the nation's largest holly suppliers, Heartwood Nursery

23. Take in the fall foliage at one of the many trails throughout our 14 state & county parks          

24. Go birdwatching amongst the gorgeous nature scenes throughout the county 

25. Do some disc golfing at Codorus Township Park

26. Take a horseback ride on one of our multi-use trails (BYOH)

27. Hike Mill Creek Falls in Airville

28. Stop by the outdoor recreation hub, Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, for maps, guides, and brochures laying out land and water trails in the area, as well as nearby attractions

29. Find information about each of our county parks' amenities, events, trails, and more through York County Parks

30. Check out the Parkfinder tool on our website to find every public park in the county

31. Get your National Park Service Passport stamped and learn about the Susquehannock Indians and river history at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, which is also the location of the starting point for Chief Uncas River Discovery Boat Tours

32. Immerse yourself in 276+ years of history

33. Learn about important pieces of Civil War history through Civil War Trails sites scattered throughout the county 

34. Take a selfie with the life size statue of Marquis de Lafayette in Downtown York

35. Take a tour of the Wallace-Cross Mill Historic Site, a restored 1826 water-powered grist mill

36. Learn about local history at the York County History Center where you can see a full size covered wagon in person

37. Take a historic train ride along the Ma & Pa Railroad

38. Visit the Weightlifting Hall of Fame and Museum, 8000 sq. ft. packed with history surrounding strength sports and their evolution– located in the first floor of the York Barbell corporate headquarters

39. Check out the Burning of the Bridge Diorama, which commemorates the night the bridge was set ablaze during the Civil War

40. Take a short drive to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

41. Visit the Indian Steps Museum to learn the Native American History in York County

42. Embark on a walking tour of Lebanon Cemetery, York County's largest and one of the oldest Black-owned cemeteries

43. Take a Paved Over Prominence Project Walking Tour, exploring sites which once thrummed with life but have since been abandoned, demolished, or obscured over time

44. Join a historic tram tour of Prospect Hill Cemetery to learn about the civic monuments, and notable burials highlighting moments from York County’s past

45. Visit the Veteran’s Memorial Gold Star Healing & Peace Garden 

46. Visit the gravesite of James Smith, York's own signer of the Declaration of Independence, in the First Presbyterian Churchyard

47. Take a guided tour of the historic Golden Plough Tavern 

48. Transport yourself back in time at the Colonial Courthouse 

49. Visit the General Horatio Gates House, an authentic 18th century home

50. Snap a selfie in front of the Barnett Bobb Log House

51. Take a tour and enjoy a tasting of Cherry Bounce, authentically made at the historic Dills Tavern and Eichelberger Distillery

52. Spend some time educating yourself on the history of all things timepieces at the National Watch & Clock Museum

53. Explore the Wrightsville Historical Museum, located inside a house built in 1871

54. Check out the America250PA commemorative bell at Camp Security

55. Learn about the history of Hanover at the Hanover Area Historical Society Museum– home to storylines identifying families, industries, and events that transformed the area throughout history

56. Explore the historical Neas House, built around 1783, home to household goods, period furniture, and personal items of the Neas family

57. Take yourself on a self-guided tour of the historical Warehime-Myers Mansion, a 1913 neo-classical building with a bowling alley in the basement

58. Trace your Hanover area family roots, research local events, or explore architectural history of the area at Yelland Library

59. Immerse yourself in York County’s vast contributions to progress in the farming industry at the Agricultural and Industrial Museum 

60. Gain knowledge of the history of firefighting and how they lived, worked, and played in York County at the Fire Museum, located in a 1903 firehouse

61. Taste the homemade, handcrafted ice cream at Sweet Willows

62. Sip locally made beverages along the Good Libations Trails while gathering points for fun prizes

63. Enjoy cocktails at the Graham Rooftop Bar & Lounge on top of the Yorktowne Hotel

64. Visit a local coffee shop to find your new favorite brew

65. Crack the freshest crab legs around at Dottie's Crab Shack

66. Savor a scratch made meal along the river at John Wright Restaurant

67. Taste delicious handmade sweets at Anstine's Homemade Candy

68. Play cornhole and have a local brew right off the Heritage Rail Trail at AleCraft Brewery 

69. Overlook the golf course while enjoying dinner and drinks at Bridgewater Public House

70. Dine in the beautiful outdoor space at Avenue Ale House and Pizza Loft at Heritage Hills Resort

71. Transport yourself back in time for a proper spot of tea at Front Porch Tea Room

72. Have an authentic speakeasy experience at the King George Speakeasy

73. Have an elegant, locally sourced dinner in the historic working mill, Table 1837 at Glen Rock Mill Inn

74. Pop your way over to Wrightsville to try dozens of fun popcorn flavors at Half Nuts Popcorn

75. Wow yourselves with good libations from the beautiful brewery on the hill, South County Brewing Co.

76. Taste more specialty popcorn and sweets at the Popcorn Loft

77. Savor delicious Italian food inside a renovated 19th century church with special events and live music at Victor's Italian Restaurant, winner of the Wine Spectator Award for Excellence

78. Look no further than Central Family Restaurant for that classic diner experience, a local favorite

79. Chow down on an instagrammable acai bowl from Oola Bowls 

80. Indulge in scratch-made, gluten and dairy free goodies from Tucker & Co. Bakery 

81. Grab a drink and some dinner in the outdoor beer garden at Gift Horse Brewing Co. 

82. Celebrate throwback Thursday at Fig & Barrel Pub

83. Have an elegant dinner at Tutoni's, winner of the Wine Spectator Award for Excellence since 2021

84. Get dinner in the heart of Mural Park at Collusion Tap Works

85. Take a short drive to Bube's Brewery to take a ghost tour or enjoy an intimate dinner in the underground caverns

86. Step off the rail trail for great food and local beer at Vortex Brewing Co. 

87. Sip a specialty drink and grab a baked good at the Hive Coffee House and Cafe

88. Have a familiar bite at the classic Applebee's Bar & Grill, decked out with photos from throughout York County's history

89. Visit the cozy Balla Cloiche Vineyards, bringing a homey feel to your new favorite wine tasting location

90. Dine on oysters and other Chesapeake Bay specialties at Rockfish Public House 

91. Snack on some Martin’s Chips, made right here in York County!

92. Munch on another York County locale, Snyder’s Pretzels– you can also visit their outlet store in Hanover!

93. Still craving pretzels and other snacks? Check out the Utz Retail Store!

94. Grab some grub and a brew at Aldus Brewing Co. on the square in Hanover, proudly serving traditional and beyond-the-ordinary beers

95. Have Sunday Brunch at Fenderz Grill & Pub inside the Wyndham Garden York

96. Choose from a selection of more than 70 wines, shareable plates, and delightful cocktails while enjoying music on the baby grand piano at the Handsome Cab

97. Try one of Joe StrEat Cafe’s specialty roasted coffees before starting your day of adventure

98. Sample award-winning wines inside the Carriage House Wine Shop at Mount Hope Estate & Winery, or book a private tasting tour in the facility

99. While visiting the Markets at Shrewsbury, stop by Old Republic Distillery for a tasting of York County spirits

100. Treat your tastebuds to a specialty beverage and breakfast in a welcoming atmosphere at Prince Street Cafe

101. Taste a citrusy IPA, robust stout, classic ale, or many other types of beer at Rumspringa Brewing Company, just a short drive from York County

102. If you’re looking for a classic and familiar pizza shop experience, make sure to get to Sal’s Pizza and Subs– an affordable location in operation since 1973

103. Resurrect your love for mindfully hand-crafted, small batch spirits at Spirits Distilling Co., a part of Mount Hope Estate

104. Visit the Swashbuckler Brewing Company on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire during festival season

105. Try That Pig Place’s specialty roasted pulled pork and beer, oven baked & pressure fried chicken, paired with mouth watering sides in the Markets at Shrewsbury

106. Taste what everyone has been raving about at the viral Hefty Lefty’s Hoagies and Grinders in Central Market 

107. Indulge in the made-from-scratch menu packed with ingredients sourced from local farmers while sipping on a house-made cider at Wyndridge Farm

108. Spend a morning at one of our amazing farmers markets like Central Market York-- dining, shopping, and browsing locally made goods

109. Shop for incredible antique decor, trinkets, and more at Dover Antique Mall

110. Shop for specialty foods, charming gifts, farm-fresh delights, and delicious baked goods at Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market

111. Browse the shops along Beaver Street in downtown York

112. Fuel up at Dottie's Family Market and pick up groceries or visit the greenhouse or deli

113. Discover your next dream vintage find at My Girlfriend's Wardrobe

114. Live out your bookworm dreams at In Between Pages, home to a huge selection of secondhand books and memorabilia

115. Grab a locally made treat for your pup at Miss Lucy's Dog Treats

116. Browse gorgeous handmade and vintage fine jewelry at The Watchmaker's Daughter 

117. Roam through the Stewartstown Night Market in the summer, which turns into the Stewartstown Christmas Market in the winter-- located right outside Aviator Brew Hub

118. While you're at it, pour your own brew and try some craft made sodas at Aviator Brew Hub

119. Start your holiday shopping at Christmas Tree Hill in the Mansion, roaming several floors of fantastic giftable items

120. Send a souvenir from Collage Shop to your bestie back home

121. Shop for handcrafted, locally-made furniture at George's Furniture 

122. Browse more than 30 vendors including restaurants, fresh produce, deli and baked goods in the Hanover Market House– located in an 1815 building that was originally home to the town’s only jail cell

123. Visit Penn Market, the oldest farmer's market in York, PA

124. Purchase the freshest produce, baked goods, and local ice cream at White Clover Farms, then be sure to pet the goats 

125. Pick your own seasonal produce at Orchard Valley Farm, a chemical free farm

126. Attend seasonal events throughout the year at Flinchbaugh's Orchard and Farm celebrating fall, sunflowers, peaches, apples, pumpkins, berries, and tulips

127. Browse authentic Irish clothing, trinkets, and more before enjoying a spot of tea and lunch at Oxford Hall Celtic Shop & Tea Cafe

128. Find the countertops of your dreams at Frank’s Marble & Granite

129. Pick up a stunning York County souvenir in the form of local art from Inspired Imagez inside Central Market

130. Shop like a local at Locals’ Market in Dillsburg, a blend of Trader Joes with the service level of a small town butcher shop

131. Attend Second Saturday put on by Main Street Hanover to explore the many local shops, take part in special events, and more

132. Pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, sunflowers, apples, and pumpkins throughout the year at Mt. Airy Orchards– and be sure to check out their fall festival

133. Stop in for lunch at the Markets at Shrewsbury and pick up some produce and baked goods from the Amish farmers market

134. Order some classic soft pretzels from The Pretzel Company online and be sure to choose “Local Pickup” to enjoy them throughout your YoCo journey– be sure to get add some specialty mustard to your order

135. Roam the Royal Square District of downtown York, home to vibrant murals, local restaurants, quirky galleries, and fun shops 

136. See why Shaw Orchards has been in operation since 1841, spanning seven generations, where you can shop for farm fresh produce or pick your own apples, berries, peaches, and more

137. If you’re here in the winter, bring home the perfect tree for your family’s holiday celebrations from Strathmeyer Christmas Trees

138. Get equipped with the latest outdoor recreation gear at Uller’s Outdoor

139. If you’re interested in farm-to-table food and where you can find it, check out York Buy Fresh Buy Local’s Local Food Guide and website for resources

140. Find out where the York Fresh Food Farms Mobile Market is going to be during your visit, so you can bring home farm fresh produce

141. Roam York Galleria Mall for a classic shopping mall experience

142. Peruse beautiful art pieces throughout Mural Park in the Royal Square District

143. Catch a show at the 100+ year old Strand Theatre at the historic Appell Center for the Performing Arts

144. Nurture your creative side with a stained glass class at Candi J. Duda Stained Glass and Garden Art

145. View the latest gallery items or take a class at Creative York 

146. Book a workshop to hone your crafty skills with Fabric of Society York 

147. Visit the 2,000 sq. ft. hub for creativity that is Marketview Arts 

148. Peruse free local art galleries at one of the country's oldest art associations, York Art Association

149. Feel the power of live orchestral music from the York Symphony Orchestra

150. Take a class or camp at Dreamwrights Center for Community Arts

151. Catch a show at the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center

152. Snap a selfie with "The Tinker", an art installation across the street from the Appell Center in downtown York

153. Gather at the Metal Gear Garden, another public art installation sure to dazzle you

154. Take a glass fusing class at York Glassworks

155. Jam out at the American Music Theatre; home to performances of all kinds from country to Celtic, folk to metal– even Christmas and holiday shows!

156. Dine while catching a show at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, offering Broadway-style performances, brilliant costumes and sets, and delicious food options

157. Check out a monthly art gallery at the Hanover Area Arts Guild in the heart of downtown Hanover

158. Bop over to Springettsbury Township Park for the Sounds of Summer Concert Series happening annually from June-August 

159. Check out dozens of annual events put on by the Susquehanna Folk Music Society

160. Savor the intimate setting of the Pullo Center at Penn State York, offering an array of touring shows and concerts, as well as cultural, community, and educational events all within a small theatre venue

161. Sign up for the YoCo Arts & Culture Pass to experience theaters, art galleries, cultural sites, and more to earn awesome prizes

162. Handmake your own custom soaps and bath products at Sunrise Soap Co.

163. Race an alpaca at Shear Heaven Farm 

164. Learn what it’s like to be a Turkey Hill Dairy ice cream maker for a day at the Turkey Hill Experience– then do the Taste Lab, where you can create your own unique ice cream flavor

165. Spend the day experimenting, crafting, cooking, and playing at Keystone Kidspace

166. Channel your inner child with nostalgic video games at Timeline Arcade

167. Attend Story Time for the kiddos at Martin Library

168. Attend a York Revolution baseball game-- 2024 Atlantic League Champions!

169. Feel the need for speed at Flatout Sim Racing, an affordable, safe, and entertaining way to immerse yourself in the world of racing

170. Catch a race at BAPS Motor Speedway

171. Bowl the day away at Colony Park Lanes & Games

172. Play pickleball at one of the many courts throughout the county

173. Get a strike then test your skills in the arcade at Laser Alleys 

174. Hit the links at the 18-hole golf course, Briarwood Golf Club

175. Get a membership and work on your swing at Out Door Country Club

176. Stay & play at the Heritage Hills Resort, complete with an 18 hole golf course

177. Purchase a Capital Region Golf Card granting you access to special rates on some local courses, pro shops, and driving ranges

178. Take advantage of the Stay & Play package with Honey Run Golf Club and the Yorktowne Hotel

179. Practice your swing at Honey Run Golf Club, considered by many to be one of the best course layouts in Central PA

180. Bring back classic family fun with bowling at Suburban Bowlerama

181. Go ice skating at York Ice Arena

182. All aboard! Attend the East Coast's largest train show help at the York Expo Center twice a year, the York Train Meet put on by the Train Collectors Association

183. Check out hundreds of classic cars during the NSRA's Street Rod Nationals East to kick summer into gear 

184. Ride the rides, catch a show, and learn about agriculture at the York State Fair (AKA America's First Fair)

185. During the holiday season, take a walk amongst more than one million dazzling lights during Christmas Magic at Rocky Ridge Park

186. Feel the fall fun with more than 50 festive activities, including a corn maze and pumpkin picking, to celebrate the season at Corn Cob Acres

187. Have a whimsical family outing to the Enchanted Fairy Festival

188. Hunt for treasure and attend the very unique Pirate Quest each summer

189. Try your first pawpaw at the Horn Farm Center's Wild & Uncommon Weekend

190. Have a blast at the Mason-Dixon Fair, held annually in July on the Delta-Cardiff Fire Co. fairgrounds

191. Meet the makers of your favorite York County goodies each year during our Makers Spirit Event each June

192. Stay in York County with accommodations fit for royalty when you attend the PA Renaissance Faire

193. Spend New Years Even being dazzled by the fireworks in downtown York while sipping drinks at the Graham Rooftop Lounge atop the Yorktowne Hotel

194. Get in on the shenanigans each March during the York St. Patrick's Day Parade 

195. We know you love Punxsutawney Phil, but did you know you can celebrate Groundhog's Day with York County's own Dover Doug?

196. Attend York County Pride in June, organized by the Rainbow Rose Center

197. Get in the holiday spirit with the Glen Rock Carolers​

198. Visit Santa's Cabin in Hanover around the holidays

199. Get your caffeine fix during the Explore York’s Coffee Crawl, which explores amazing local coffeeshops for an entire week at the end of September

200. Grab some grub at unique food trucks every Food Truck Friday in the summer at Springettsbury Park

201. Jam out, enjoy a beer, and view local art at Glen Rock Arts and Brew Fest held at Ruins Hall each June

202. Stroll through the incredible light displays adorning the inside of WellSpan Park during Bright Nights this holiday season

203. Check out several local breweries during the popular Brew Kids on the Block event taking place on the street outside Gift Horse Brewing Co.

204. Attend Second Saturday put on by Main Street Hanover to explore the many local shops, take part in special events, and more

205. Celebrate Irish and Celtic heritage at the annual Penn-Mar Irish Festival

206. Head to Red Lion for the Annual Street Fair held each August by the Red Lion Area Business Association

207. Sample scratch made wings, pulled pork, and other impressive BBQ dishes at Smoke on the Rail

208. Get shucking at the Annual York County Oyster Festival which celebrates our colonial past with family fun, music, and food

209. Calling all gardeners, attend the York Home & Garden Show which has been taking place for more than half a century

210. Transport yourself to the Wild Wild West during PA Cowboy Weekend at the Northern Central Railway for a train robbery, shootout, live performances, and more 

211. Take a Heart of Hanover walking tour

212. Load onto the Brew Bus and enjoy exciting tours of local breweries with Brewery Tours

213. Take a York Architectural Walking Tour of downtown York

214. Book a Taste2Tour walking food tour of Downtown York to experience a bunch of local restaurants in one day– perfect for when you can’t decide where to eat

215. Get spooky on a Haunted Downtown York Ghost Tour this fall

216. Take a cooking class with Locally Seasoned

217. Embark on a bus tour to explore entertainment, art exhibits, and history presentations with the Lincoln Highway Association

218. Take a Paved Over Prominence walking tour of the downtown area, taking a look at buildings and other sites with significance in the Black community that have been demolished or paved ove

219. Hop aboard a river boat tour on the Susquehanna on the historic Chief Uncas

220. Chug along the scenic route on the Stewartstown Railroad

221. Catch your train on the Northern Central Railway for fun themed rides and special events

222. Stay in a giant shoe at the Haines Shoe House, perfectly renovated to combine quirkiness and modern beauty 

223. Enjoy the cozy bed & breakfast vibes with homemade meals and relaxing rooms just steps from the Heritage Rail Trail at Jackson House B&B

224. Try your luck at Hollywood Casino York

225. Relax easier than you ever thought possible at the 1881 Salt Sanctuary with yoga, salt rooms, healing sessions, and more

226. Take a relaxing scenic drive through the back roads of York County

227. Check out the instagram-worthy places to stay throughout the County like the Yorktowne Hotel

228. Spend the weekend planning your wedding at Bentley Farms, Historic Ashland, or another impressive venue

229. Enjoy First Friday in downtown York, a monthly street fair to showcase local businesses

230. Stay in one of the curated rooms at the cozy B.F. Hiestand Bed & Breakfast, or book their Cannon Cottage for a private romantic getaway and enjoy scratch made baked goods and homegrown vegetables

231. Plan an affordable Valentine's Weekend escape with bae-- romantic restaurants, intimate locations, fun things to do, and more

232. Explore & support the various Black owned businesses throughout York County

233. Explore & support the various Women owned businesses throughout York County 

234. Stay in one of the themed rooms at Grace Manor B&B, transporting you to France, Asia, and Mexico 

235. Discover the perfect blend of serenity and style at the relaxing Heartwood Spa and Salon

236. Check out our many affordable accommodations fit for any occasion

237. Join in a celebration of cultures at South Central PA PeopleFest-- music, dance, food, native powwow, highland games, children's activities, and more

238. Nature enthusiasts can shop at the York County Parks Native Plant Sale

239. Step into the past at Articles of Confederation Day, celebrating York’s pivotal role in American history

240. In the summer, enjoy outdoor music at the Sounds of Summer concert series

241. Join in on the county's biggest day of giving, Give Local York, when thousands of people come together to support local nonprofits and make a powerful impact on the community

242. Browse our Event Calendar for something that fits your taste in a time frame that works for you

243. Check out local live music at various venues

244. Attend the annual Snacktown Street Fair put on by the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce each summer, full of snacks (of course), artists, crafts and food vendors, and more

245. Pick your own pumpkins in the fall at various locally owned farms

246. Take a drive up to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park to visit the 150-acres of giraffes, tigers, zebras, baboons, ostriches, gibbons, kangaroos, and so on 

247. Visit the Susquehanna National Heritage Area to learn about the Susquehannock Indians and river history

248. Attend Main Street Hanover's Second Saturday each month, where the businesses of downtown Hanover come together for fun themed festivities

249. Celebrate the New Year with the iconic pickle drop in Dillsburg

250. Peruse through the local shops and businesses on Main Street in Downtown Hanover

251. Plan out where to park throughout the county ahead of time with our recent parking blog 

For more inspiration and trip ideas, check out our YoCo Twist Blog! Seasonal festivities, small business highlights, and the best things to do await you!