Hershey
Hershey is a company town in south-central Pennsylvania, built around the Hershey Company, with an amusement park, a resort hotel and gardens to fill a day or two.
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Hershey is an unincorporated community in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, about 14 miles (23 km) east of Harrisburg, the state capital. It grew around the Hershey Company, the candy maker founded by Milton S. Hershey, who built the town for his factory workers. Chocolate Avenue and Cocoa Avenue meet at the center, beside the original chocolate factory, which closed in 2012. Derry Township, not a municipality of its own, provides local services.
Visitors come for Hersheypark, an amusement park on the banks of Spring Creek, and for Chocolate World, a factory store with a virtual tour ride. The Hotel Hershey, which opened in 1933, and the town's four golf courses make it a resort stop. Hershey Gardens and the Milton S. Hershey Mansion suit a slower afternoon. Summers can reach 95°F (35°C) and winters can fall below 20°F (−7°C), so check the forecast before you pack. Plan at least one day for the park and chocolate attractions, and a second if you want the gardens and museums.
Hershey in five
- Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
- Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
- Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
- Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker
Need to know
- Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
- Getting around
- Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
- Best base
- Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
- Time needed
- 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, sun
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchWindy, spring
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyHot, monsoon
- AugustHot, monsoon
- SeptemberWarm, clear
- OctoberBalloon Fiesta
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, luminarias
Right now in Hershey
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
13
- Feels like
- 11°
- Humidity
- 59%
- Wind
- 9 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 1%
Hershey
06:22 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today19°4°1%Monday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Tue21°5°3%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Wed22°8°7%Wednesday: Fog. High 22°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 7%.
- Thu22°14°81%Thursday: Drizzle. High 22°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 81%.
- Fri21°10°41%Friday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 41%.
- Sat12°3°15%Saturday: Clear. High 12°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 15%.
- Sun14°2°10%Sunday: Rain. High 14°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 10%.
Updated 05:07 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
- Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
- Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.
Before you go to Hershey
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Rules for Hershey, checked
- International visitors may need a visa or an ESTA before flying to the US. Check current entry rules on travel.state.gov before you book.Source
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection checks you on arrival. Check the CBP site for current rules on bringing food, plants and alcohol.Source
- Hershey is not a municipality. Derry Township runs local services, so ask Derry Township about local parking and township rules.
- Dial 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies anywhere in the United States.
Plan around Hershey
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideFlagstaffA mountain town and Grand Canyon gateway, west on I-40
Read the guideEl PasoA border city on the road south
Read the guideBryce CanyonHoodoos in Utah, a long drive but a classic stop
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideHershey FAQ
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.
Is Albuquerque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.
Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?
Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.