Perfect Day Trip to Harrisburg
Let's take a trip to the Capital of the Keystone State: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. After graduating, I moved here for work and initially thought I was heading to the middle of nowhere. But it didn't take long for me to fall in love with this city, and now I find myself missing it from time to time.
I still have friends here, so I make an effort to visit them and hit up some of my favorite spots. Just a two-hour drive or train ride from Philadelphia, Harrisburg is the perfect day trip.
Most of the action in Harrisburg is in its vibrant downtown and midtown neighborhoods. Downtown is exactly what you would expect: bustling with action from the businesses and restaurants.
Midtown, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed, artsy vibe. This is where I took up residence some years ago. This neighborhood boasts delicious restaurants, art, and music.
Join me as I share how to spend the perfect day in Harrisburg. Whether you're passing through or looking for a fun day trip, you are sure to have a great time!
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Harrisburg is a small city, so majority of the hotels are located adjacent to the city. Majority of attractions are within Downtown and Midtown.
The Manor on Front B&B
Hilton Harrisburg
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Must try restaurants:
Pastorante
Stalls at Broad Street Market
Millworks
Cork and Fork
Appalachian Brewing Company
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Things to do:
Shop at Broad Street Market
Capital Tour
Catch a Senators Baseball game
Walk along Susquehanna River
Visit Midtown Books
Go wine tasting at a nearby vineyard
Getting Around
Harrisburg is a completely walkable city and was even ranked the 6th most walkable city in the US. Everything I'll be mentioning is within an easy walk, from Downtown to Midtown. Plus, if you stroll along the Susquehanna River, you'll find plenty of spots to rest and enjoy the view if you need to take a breather.
Uber and Lyft are easily accessible and there is public transportation via the CAT bus if needed.
Midtown
If you've arrived in time for breakfast, start your day in Midtown at the Keystone Restaurant. This unassuming mainstay fixture was my go-to breakfast spot. Opened up in 1957 by Greek immigrants, it has been a beloved fixture for 66 years.
They offer reasonably priced local favorites. My mother is very picky about pancakes and even she enjoys the ones here. I tend to get a traditional American breakfast with some grits.
Whenever I had visitors this was where I took them for breakfast. It's just homey, good food.
Next, take a stroll around midtown taking in all the new beautiful murals. The city has been working to revitalize their image and these murals are a part of that effort.
Minutes down the street you'll make your way to Broad Street Market. Aside from visiting my friends, this market is the main reason I come back to Harrisburg. It's a bustling public market with a diverse array of food stalls and shops.
This is where I tried goat milk soap for the first time, which leaves your skin so soft!
If you're not in the mood for breakfast, save your appetite for this place. With the plethora of options you're bound to find something you'll enjoy.
Ougi's Cocina is my absolute favorite place. The family-run stall is dishing out authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Even though I try to watch my meals, I can't resist getting their pork meal with rice, beans, cabbage and sweet plantains everytime!
Other great spots include Porter's House Jamaican, Yami Korean and of course Lil's Pretzels. You simply cannot visit without getting an Amish Pretzel.
At the time of writing Broad Street Market experienced a fire, so their 2nd building is still under renovation. For now they have a makeshift tent off to the side that homes additional vendors.
Once you've had your fill, hop across the street to Midtown Books. If you’re an avid book lover like me you will adore this spot. With two floors of books, you can take your time looking around. From the classics to the latest releases, nearly any book you're after is here. They even have a table of books that are hand signed by the authors themselves.
Grab an iced tea from the inside café to go and let’s head down to the waterfront.
Downtown + City Island
Around two blocks down the street, you’ll be at the Susquehanna River. Take in a nice leisurely stroll towards downtown. Once you cross the main highway you'll find yourself at the Sunken Garden. This beautiful green space is perfect for a walk, admiring the scenery or having a picnic.
When I lived in Harrisburg, I walked along the river nearly every day. I even tried to take up running, but that did not last. It's so beautiful and serene that it nearly beckons you to spend time outside.
I love walking all the way down to Market Street Bridge and crossing over to City Island. This pedestrian bridge leads to a whole new adventure.
City Island is an excursion within itself. Here you'll find FNB stadium, home to the Senators baseball team. You can play mini golf at Water Golf and visit the Railroad Park. This is a great spot for families to enjoy.
If you're without kids and up for a bit more walking, continue past the stadium to the Harrisburg Beach Club. This bar is right on the water and is perfect for grabbing some snacks, enjoying a drink and chilling by the water.
After exploring City Island, walk back to the mainland and wander through downtown, making sure to stop by the Capitol. The Capitol truly is a site to behold. I've seen countless photos taken on those picturesque steps, from weddings to proms.
If you have the time, I highly recommend booking a tour of the Capitol. It truly is one of the most magnificent buildings I have seen. Book in advance because they fill up quickly, but you might get lucky enough to grab a walk-in spot.
Where to Eat Dinner
At this point, you may be hungry again so make your way to grab some dinner. If you're in Midtown, I have a couple of top recommendations for you. Pastorante and Millworks are two of my favorites, that I took people to.
Pastorante is a quaint BYOB Italian spot with where the chef is whipping out delicious meals. While Millwork's unique appeal is a whole experience within itself. Not many restaurants also have a full art gallery within that you can peruse around. They focus on farm-fresh local fare.
At Pastorante, don't miss the Squid Ink Fettuccine or Fusilli Pesto. At Millworks you'll have a full bar and they have a wood-fired pizza oven.
If you're staying downtown Cork & Fork is where it's at. They offer small plates; be sure to make a reservation.
And for beer enthusiasts, Appalachian Brewing Company. They craft their own beers and sodas, they even offer tours where you can make your own soda!
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the perfect day in Harrisburg and this is only the tip. There are so many great things to do around the city from gardens to wineries. This really should be on your list of places to visit.
If you liked my day itinerary to make planning your trip easier I've made a Google Maps list. Drop a follow to see other lists I create for destinations.
Hope you have a great day in this fun-filled city!
