Activities

York offers its visitors history but with a modern and artsy flair. American history buffs will tell you that the Articles of Confederation were drafted in York in 1777, and York has remained grounded on the rich historic heritage while evolving its commerce, lifestyle and hospitality to be at the cutting edge. Enjoy big-city amenities and small-town charm during your visit to York.

Scattered beautifully among the rolling hills as far as the eye can see are the land and houses developed in a way that resembled the homeland of the German immigrants in the 1700s. Hidden gems await throughout the north, south, east and west countryside of York County, with exquisite restaurants, breweries, wineries, coffee roasters, charming towns and unique shops that will delight you and make your stay memorable.

The “Maker’s Spirit” is at the core of York, with a long history of various production plants being located in York, from Utz to Harley Davidson to hydropower water turbines to one of only four Starbucks roasting facilities in the world. York has a heritage of doing work with your hands, which also carries to artists and artisans.

Home to hills, valleys and rivers, York County is the ideal place for your cycling getaway. The nature of York will impress you and challenge you. Sightsee York County by bike and Downtown York on foot and experience the beautiful York, PA.

Royal Square District

MUST DO: Royal Square is York City's most vibrant arts and shopping district. Get inspired with uniquely curated galleries, eclectic shops and the popular mural walk, taste what's new on tap or on the menu, and enjoy everything this quirky neighborhood of downtown York has to offer. Royal Square District is a block behind City Hall and lies within the "royal" intersecting blocks: King, Queen, Duke and Princess Streets.

Heritage Rail Trail

MUST DO: Along the 21 miles of the Heritage Rail Trail, lie small communities ready to greet you. Whether a tasty snack, a unique lunch spot, or a refreshing libation is calling your name, a few moments exploring one of the seven York County Trail Towns, is time well spent. Each of the 7 towns along the York County Rail Trail welcomes cyclists to their businesses located along the rail trail - from dining to retail and history to art - each town offers a unique experience. The surface is unpaved, but hard packed, so you can ride your road bike on the trail and explore the hidden gems of York located along the York Rail Trail.

Grab a coffee at New Freedom Roasting Company or Kindred Wellness Cafe. There are three breweries are located along the rail trail: Fat Bat Brewery, AleCraft Brewery, Vortex Brewing Company, The Cycle Works bike shop, an ice cream shop, and Half Nuts Popcorn Co.

Check out the full list of businesses long the Heritage Rail trail

The Great Outdoors

If you’re looking for alternative outdoors fun with the family, check out hiking trails. The Susquehanna River is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing. You can either bring your own equipment or rent single or tandem kayaks, paddles, and life vests. Paddleboard from Shank’s Mare Outfitters.

Home to History

York County is rich with history and is heaven on earth for history buffs and anyone curious about the past. With re-enactments, historic sites, thousands of artifacts, and rare archives, the museums in York City and across the county chronicle the nation’s past, taking you back to colonial times, the Industrial Revolution, and the Civil War.

The York County History Center offers four colonial-style buildings with hands-on activities, multiple museums with one admission. It should be at the top of your list of things to do in York.

Museums, History & Heritage in York

Gettysburg is 45 minutes from York if you want to delve even deeper into America’s history.

Restaurants

Downtown York is a culinary destination. For breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between, you’ll find whatever you’re craving in York. Revel in the relaxed warmth of The Fig & Barrel Pub, soak in city views and sip uniquely crafted cocktails at Revival Social Club, and satisfy your craving for Italian at Victor’s Italian Restaurant or Aviano’s Corner Trattoria & Bar. Enjoy Mexican food in The Cantina’s stunning outdoor deck or tantalize your tastebuds with a taste of Thailand at World Grills. Grab a soul-satisfying breakfast at Roost Uncommon Kitchen.

Shopping

The Markets at Hanover is one of York County’s multiple farmer markets, where you can find a variety of cuisines, producers, artisans, and more under one roof.

Royal Square District and Downtown York are home to many unique shops, galleries and stores. The shop owners love to have you stop by and are happy to share stories about how their products are made or where they came from.

Savor seasonal berries all summer long, from strawberries to raspberries to blueberries at Mt. Airy Orchards. Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market in Hellam has a corn maze, sunflowers, peaches, apples, pumpkins, and more.

Libations

The York County craft beer scene is amazing and strong with 30+ independent craft breweries, and growing. One of York County's top local tourist attractions, Brewery Tours provides exclusive, educational, and entertaining guided tours of the amazing York County craft beer scene. Knowledgeable and experienced Beer Guides teach you about craft beer while you explore established and up-and-coming breweries. Whether you're a craft beer aficionado or a novice, there is something for everyone on the tours!

Beer Trail: From hoppy hazy IPAs to sweet and smoky porters, the Susquehanna Ale Trail has it all. Discover your new favorite brew at Collusion Tap Works or Mudhook Brewing Company in downtown York. South of the city of York, check out South Country Brewing Company, which offers dozens of craft beers and an elevated menu served in a chic, rustic vibe.

Wine Trail: From orchard-fresh, fruit-infused dessert wines to traditional reds and whites crafted with ancient techniques, the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail offers a wide variety of options to appease any wine lover. Meander and sip through southern York County with wine tastings from Allegro Winery, Balla Cloiche Vineyards, and Maple Lawn Winery, and then head to Moon Dancer Vineyards and Winery near the picturesque Susquehanna River.

Dover area

The GFNY race course travels through Dover! Dover has a charming downtown with great places to stop for a meal or a snack, like Leona's Cafe & Bakery, Taqueria El Camino, Greer’s Burger Garage, Sarah’s Creamery, and Moonlight Cafe. All highly recommended! While other nice places to stop and visit in Dover's countryside: Dottie’s Family Market and Dover Antique Mall.

For kids

Mix fun, creativity, and togetherness while vacationing with your kids in York County. Enjoy everything from bowling to laser tag and go-kart racing. Let them play conductor on a historic railroad or learn science at Keystone Kidspace in York.

If you have older kids, they’ll enjoy all the outdoor attractions and activities!

Turkey Hill dairy lets you create your own ice cream flavor and packaging and unlimited free samples of Turkey Hill ice cream. Enjoy a farm-fresh picnic at Perrydell Farm and then explore a working dairy farm. Hershey Park is a 40-minute drive and kids can enjoy the roller coasters, water slides, pools, and chocolate.

Brewery Tour

With 32 breweries and growing, York County is a must see craft beer destination! Check out the ultimate craft beer experience: a brewery tour to some of the best breweries in York County.

More Info

GFNY participants and supporters, join a special GFNY brewery tour just for you, that will be held on Friday at 4pm.

This walking tour will lead you on an educational immersion, as you explore and experience three of Downtown York City's anchor breweries. Join the knowledgeable and entertaining Beer Guides as they lead you on guided craft beer tastings while enjoying behind-the-scenes access and exploring hidden gems, with local and historical anecdotes, and more.

Brewery Tours' craft beer experiences are nationally recognized, drawing guests from around the country who have rewarded Brewery Tours with a 5-Star Rating and named it one of the Best of the Best Local Tourist Attractions 3-years running. Whether you're a craft beer aficionado, a novice, or someone who just wants to learn more about craft beer, Brewery Tours is for you!

Book your GFNY Brewery Tour - Friday 4pm