13 Fun & Unique Things To Do In York, PA

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If you are looking for things to do in York, Pennsylvania then you are in the right place!

I have lived in Pennsylvania since 2022 and have spent that time exploring this incredible state every chance I get. This summer I had the pleasure of getting to know York County during the Makers Spirit Event and so many things make this part of the state incredible.

York is a historic city with lots to do and is so easy to access from many major cities on the East Coast – Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC are each less than 2 hours away!

From baseball, to small businesses, rich history, and even antique railroads – jump into what makes York a unique place to visit!

A historic theater building with a marquee reading 'Earl David Reed' and 'Kinsley Construction' on the Strand and Capitol theaters in downtown York, Pennsylvania. The facade features classical architectural elements, and the street in front is lined with traffic lights and trees.

Things to do in Downtown York

Browse Small Businesses

Right away one of the first things I liked about York was the charming downtown area. Just take an hour or two and stroll down the sidewalks, admiring the brick buildings and historic signs detailing this area’s rich past.

I learned that this was the location where the Articles of Confederation were signed!

Interior of a cozy bookstore with neatly organized bookshelves labeled 'Fiction,' 'People & The Past,' 'Food & Fun,' 'Places to Go & Things to Know,' and 'Classics & Poetry.' A table in the foreground displays an assortment of colorful books, and a customer is browsing the shelves in the background.

Stop into a cozy bookshop

Visit Pennsylvania published a list of the coziest bookstores in PA and two shops on the list happen to be right here in downtown York. Stop by In Between Pages (formerly the York Emporium) for a truly staggering collection of used books, vinyls, CDs, and more.

Bound Books, which also made the list, boasts an aesthetic cafe, a shelf of plants for sale, and a beautiful little collection of popular books right in the heart of downtown York.

Exterior of Timeline Arcade, featuring a vibrant sign above the entrance. The storefront displays vintage arcade game posters and has colorful kiddie rides, including a pink dinosaur and a red fire truck, outside on the sidewalk. The glass facade offers a glimpse of arcade machines inside."

Try something hands-on

Head to Timeline Arcade to transport yourself back in time with nostalgic arcade games.

Sunrise Soap Company is popular for their Creation Station, where you can your own products from soap to bath bombs to lotions and more.

Interior of a boutique featuring colorful, patterned clothing hanging on racks. The room is decorated with vibrant artwork and a cozy seating area with a patterned couch and colorful pillows. An artistic giraffe head wall decor and a floor lamp add to the eclectic atmosphere. Visiting small businesses like this are one of the best thigns to do in York, PA. — Gusa by Victoria

Front of a vibrant vintage clothing store with mannequins dressed in retro outfits displayed in the window. The storefront is decorated with pink accents, hanging disco balls, and potted flowers. A sign on the sidewalk reads 'OPEN Vintage clothes Enter Here,' and a pink scooter and bench add to the colorful, welcoming atmosphere. — Feral Heart Club

Shop for unique clothing

Stop by Gusa by Victoria for hand-made clothing in vibrant unique African prints. Victoria makes custom pieces and often sources fabrics locally from a provider near Reading, PA as well as using dead-stock fabrics. She also offers classes in sewing and Swahili, which she learned in her home country of Kenya. Visitors can also bring home a piece of art as paintings and jewelry made by woman artisans are available throughout the shop.

Check out a few vintage shops around downtown York like Artemis Vintage. Across the street at Feral Heart Club you can find curated items that fit the colorful funky theme.

These vintage shops are next door to more shops at Boho Bella, Lilybird Tea, and the Central Market House, so spend some time walking around and exploring. Pop over to the Explore York Visitors Center to learn even more about things to do in York, PA!

✨ Sign up for a self-guided tour around York ✨

Close-up of a decorative sign that reads 'MADE IN YORK PA.' on a table displaying various colorful 3D-printed heart shapes and other artistic objects. The background features shelves with additional crafts and framed artwork, adding to the creative and local artisan vibe.

A vibrant bouquet of flowers held against a backdrop of lush green foliage. The bouquet includes a variety of flowers in colors such as pink, orange, yellow, purple, and white accented by a fern, and are held up in a golden ray of sunlight.

Enjoy locally found treasures

New York Wire Works is housed in a refurbished factory space that has been converted into a mixed-use space for shops and artists’ studios. Take a self-guided tour of the building, shop the booths of handmade and curated items at The York Merchant, and grab a bite at the cafe.

House of Flowers is a refreshing stop for houseplants and custom arrangements to add a pop of life to your hotel room or to bring home a little souvenir with you.

A colorful mural on an exterior wall featuring the word 'York' written in bold, black cursive letters. The background consists of diagonal stripes in bright colors, including blue, green, red, and white, creating a vibrant and eye-catching design.

Mural park at Royal Square featuring several large, colorful murals on adjacent buildings, including abstract designs and vibrant animal depictions. This is a popular spot for public art and a must-see among things to do in York, PA.

Take in Local Art

Royal Square features a whopping 30 murals within a single block of downtown York. Take yourself on a self-guided tour, or download the Augmented Reality Trail to experience the murals in a cool new way. The trail is easy to add to your phone, and you can check in to qualify for swag too.

A person holds a cup of Dippin' Dots ice cream with a baseball field in the background at a stadium. The scene includes the green field, scoreboard, and stadium lights, capturing a moment of enjoying a treat during a baseball game."

Experience a classic York baseball game

The York Revolutions baseball field is located right in the middle of downtown and can’t be missed. Visitors can park at the city parking lot and walk over to enjoy a game of this classic American pastime.

I enjoyed bringing out my inner child with a Dippin Dots ice cream in a souvenir baseball helmet.

Don’t miss the new mural by muralist Annelise Vuono from Central Pennsylvania!

A table with a meal consisting of loaded fries topped with sauce and diced tomatoes, a side of fried Brussels sprouts with dipping sauce, and a flight of craft beers. The background shows a cozy dining area with other patrons.

Sip Local Beer at a Downtown York Brewery

You don’t have to go far to find a local brewery in York. In fact, just across the street from the Revolutions baseball field is the newly opened Liquid Hero Brewing.

A few blocks away, stop by Gift Horse Brewing for live music and a stamp in your Explore York Good Libations Trails digital passport. Keep up the momentum by visiting Mudhood Brewing Company, South County Brewing, and Collusion Tapworks, the latter of which has 24 taps and is just steps away from the mural park!

Interior of a historic theater with ornate decorations and red velvet seating. The theater features a large stage with a red curtain, a decorated ceiling, and murals along the upper walls. The view is from the back of the auditorium, showcasing the grandeur and classic design of the space. — The Strand theater at the Appell Center

Appell Center Tour

The Appell Center is made up of two historic theaters and is well worth a behind-the-scenes tour.

The Strand was built in 1925 to show films. Like many of its time, it was one of the first buildings in town to offer air-conditioning and was decorated ornately inside. The Strand reopened in 1980 as a performing arts center and is the primary residence of the York Symphony Orchestra, but also serves as a venue for many traveling Broadway, musical, and live music shows as well.

The building was refurbished by the Appell family, with features such as an added balcony to accommodate more viewers, and a chandelier with over 1,000 individual crystals.

The Capitol Theater was built in 1906 as a live music dance hall right next door to the future home of The Strand.

A colorful table setting featuring a skillet of scrambled eggs with vegetables and toast, accompanied by a bottle of Cholula hot sauce. Drinks include a mimosa and a frosty iced coffee topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and luster dust. The background has a vibrant, patterned wall and red chairs, creating a retro dining atmosphere

A plate of crispy chicken in a salad drizzled with dressing on a table in a lively restaurant. The background features patrons dining, a bar area with shelves of bottles, and a colorful, eclectic decor with exposed brick walls and neon lights.

A plate at the restaurant in the Yorktowne Hotel featuring sliced steak with a drizzle of green sauce, accompanied by a side of corn and crumbled cheese, and a dollop of mashed beans. The plate is set on a dark wooden with a glass of red wine surrounded by a rich leather booth in a stylish, dimly lit restaurant.

Where to eat in Downtown York, PA

You are sure to have worked up an appetite after exploring so much of downtown York. Roost Uncommon Kitchen is known for their incredible brunch, complete with mimosas and fancy iced coffee. Next door, Archetype Pizza serves up wood-fired pies and satisfying salads.

The historic Yorktowne Hotel‘s restaurant is a great option for more upscale dining. I enjoyed the Bistec Asado with fresh sweet corn and cotija (above), finished with an absolutely divine Caramelized Pineapple Galette.

For a more casual meal, Collusion Tapworks is famous for their Brussels Sprouts tower, Kimchi Fries, and Spicy Chicken Sandwich, though the menu is often in rotation.

Other Things to Do in York County

Railroad History

Heritage Rail Trail County Park is a beautiful and historic trail that spans over 20 miles in York County, Pennsylvania. This well-maintained trail is perfect for walking, running, or biking.

The Heritage Rail Trail follows the old Northern Central Railway route and offers stunning views of the countryside throughout its length. The original railway was built in the mid-1800s and played a crucial role in transporting goods and passengers between Baltimore and Harrisburg.

Today, visitors can still see remnants of this rich history along the trail, including old railroad bridges and mile markers.

Interior of a vintage dining car on a train, featuring cozy booth seating with a mix of blue and tan upholstery. Each table is adorned with a small vase of fresh flowers, set against the backdrop of large train windows with curtains, creating a nostalgic and inviting atmosphere.

As you make your way along the trail, you’ll pass through various towns that offer charming shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks

Ride the Northern Central Railway, or join a tour on the Ales on the Rails beer-tasting train ride. This unique experience combines the excitement of a historic train ride with the delicious taste of local craft beers.

Hop aboard the vintage steam train and get ready for an unforgettable journey through scenic Pennsylvania countryside.

As you make your way through historic towns and lush landscapes, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of craft beers from some of the best breweries in the region.

A woman dressed in historical attire, complete with a white cap and apron, demonstrates traditional bread-making outdoors. She stands in front of a large brick fireplace, surrounded by period-appropriate cooking utensils and pottery. A table with freshly baked bread and other ingredients adds to the historical reenactment scene.

A rustic outdoor picnic setup on a wooden table covered with a red and white checkered cloth. The table features freshly baked bread, a wooden cutting board with sliced strawberries, and bowls filled with fresh strawberries and vinegar in the process of making a shrub, part of a historical reenactment at Dill's Tavern.

A man dressed in traditional 18th-century attire, including a white shirt, vest, and headscarf, processes cherries at an outdoor station near the Eichelberger Distillery at Dill's Tavern. The setting includes a sign offering tours and tastings, and the historical costume adds an authentic touch to the distillery experience."

Agritourism in York County

Dill’s Tavern is a 200-year-old site preserved by the Northern York County Historical & Preservation Society. The site in Dillsburg includes the tavern building, a wheelwright house, and active distillery and woodworking shops. Tours are available on Sundays for $5 per person, or $10 per family. Private tours are also available during the week for $100.

Every Saturday, the quaint lawn at Dill’s Tavern comes to life with a bustling farmer’s market. I stopped by during the Makers Spirit Event and enjoyed seeing traditional bread made in a woodfire oven during the market.

Dill’s Tavern also hosts workshops and events, ranging from cooking classes to historical reenactments. So be sure to check their schedule and see what exciting activities they have planned for your visit. Once a month in the winter visitors can even spend the night in the tavern!

A young alpaca with a freshly sheared coat of white and brown patches stands in a sunlit enclosure, curiously looking towards the camera. The background features green trees and a dappled dirt ground, highlighting a peaceful rural setting.

Michele in a green dress stands amidst rows of blooming lavender at a lavender farm, holding a basket and a pair of scissors, and inhaling a bouquet of lavender. The sunlit field is vibrant with purple hues, creating a serene and picturesque setting for picking lavender.

A short drive away is Castle Creek Farm which has a lovely field of lavender available for U-Pick, plus alpacas and other farm animals.

Visitors can wander through rows of herbaceuous purple flowers and pick their own fresh lavender. For those not looking to use their craft skills, there are also a plethora of lavender items in the shop – from soaps to wreaths, and sometimes even lavender ice cream!

Castle Creek is also the host of the annual Lavender Thyme Faire, hosting tons of local vendors on the farm plus lots of events and workshops perfect for families and kids as well as those coming with friends or solo.

Local Breweries

There are also tons of breweries throughout York County in Central PA.

Check out the Night Market at Aviator Brew Hub for live music while you browse items from local makers all throughout the area. I saw everything from house plants and hand-made stuffed animals, to goat’s milk soaps and soy candles, to more sweets than I could handle.

Head inside to the taproom for a unique experience pulling your own pours on the tap wall. Use a plastic cup and you can bring your drink outside with you while you browse.

Catch live music at Vortex Brewery, just around the corner from the Northern Central Railroad. In addition to their house-made beers, Vortex is also known for wood-fired pizzas. I enjoyed the Truffle Pizza with the mild Freedom Lager.

Not far away, Alecraft Brewing also has live music. For those looking for a quieter vibe, head to the bar downstairs which also has open views of the brewing area. I came here specifically for the brisket mac-n-cheese egg rolls, which were incredible.

Be sure to download the digital passport for Explore York’s Good Libations Trails so you can check in at each brewery and win prizes and swag.

The entrance of Hotel Yorktowne, featuring a stylish black canopy with the hotel's name in bold white letters. Above the entrance, the hotel's brick facade is adorned with intricate architectural details and a large window. A banner with the message 'Welcome Back!' adds a warm touch to the welcoming scene.

Where to stay in York, PA

Historic Yorktowne Hotel

For those seeking a unique and affordable experience in York, PA, the historic Yorktowne Hotel is a hidden gem that should not be missed. This charming hotel boasts a prime location in the heart of downtown York, making it the perfect home base for exploring all that the city has to offer.

A hotel room featuring a large bed with a tan leather headboard and crisp white bedding. A framed photo of the hotel's historic golden letterbox hangs on the wall, and a window provides a view of the historic town outside. The room's decor, including a patterned area rug and a bedside lamp, creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere

The interior of the hotel is adorned with elegant decor and historic charm, providing guests with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Visitors can also indulge in delicious meals at the on-site restaurant or enjoy stunning views of the city from the rooftop bar.

While not your first choice for budget accommodations, you will see that for the quality offered, the cost per night is really quite reasonable and makes for a comfortable getaway without being too spendy.

🤩 Check pricing for the Yorktowne Hotel 🤩

Jackson House Bed and Breakfast

Another option for accommodations in York is staying at Jackson House Bed and Breakfast. The historic Victorian house offers cozy and comfortable rooms, along with delicious homemade breakfasts made with fresh local ingredients.

The hosts are welcoming and friendly, making sure guests feel right at home. The location in the historic town of Railroad provides a quiet stay, with quick access to the Heritage Rail Trail and historic Northern Central Railway.

A stay at Jackson House BnB is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the charm of Pennsylvania’s countryside.

🤩 Check availability at Jackson House BnB 🤩

Map of things to do in York County PA

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting York, PA

Does York, PA have a downtown?

York, PA has a great downtown area that is walkable with many shops and restaurants to visit. It is also a historic location where the Articles of Federation were signed.

Is York, PA worth visiting?

Yes, York is a great destination for a quick weekend getaway or to stopover on your way to Lancaster or Gettysburg Pennsylvania. They is plenty to do even on a budget!

Is York, PA walkable?

Yes, downtown York is extremely walkable! There is a municipal parking garage located directly across the street from the historic Yorktowne Hotel where many visitors will park their cars because they can walk around the downtown area easily.

Wrapping up this list of things to do in York

I hope this helps you find something to do while visiting York. This area of Central Pennsylvania is fun and full of history.

Check out a brewery, take a tour, and just spend some time taking in this wonderful city.

13 Fun & Unique Things to do in York, PA