Hershey Gardens Tours

Hershey Gardens featuring a garden as well as a small group of people
Hershey Gardens featuring signage
Hershey Gardens featuring a park
Hershey Gardens featuring a park and wildflowers
Hershey Gardens showing signage


Experience an explosion of color in gardens bursting with banks of stunning flowers and a house filled with hundreds of butterflies.

Explore a dazzling array of differently shaped and sized plants at Hershey Gardens. This botanical attraction packs in a diverse and sizable collection of flowers, trees and bushes from all around the world, so that there is something to see at every time of year.

In 1937, the famous chocolatier Milton Hershey opened a small rose garden that has since expanded to 11 themed gardens spread over 23 acres (93,000 square meters). The selection of plants within the gardens changes all the time, maintaining a wide diversity of flora visit more than once and it’s likely you’ll see something new.

The Historic Hershey Rose Garden is the first stop on your tour of the site. Walk around bushes blooming with flowers of deep red and delicate pink. Afterward, head to the neighboring Seasonal Display Garden, which takes on different colors as the months change.

Breathe in the rich scents of the Herb Garden, which grows plants for cooking and medicine. Relax among the sights and smells of the Far East in the tranquility of the Japanese Garden. A colorful arboretum contains statues representing the four seasons and the adjoining rock garden has hardy perennials that retain their foliage throughout the year.

Let your kids run wild in the Children’s Garden, which offers play areas, fountains and mazes for the youngest botany enthusiasts. An education center provides informative displays about plants and ecology. Walk through Chocolate Lane and the Fragrance Garden to use all of your senses.

Step into the Butterfly House, where delicate creatures of every pattern flutter around your head. Follow the life cycle of the butterfly, seeing them as caterpillars and chrysalises before enjoying hundreds of them in flight. The Butterfly House is open throughout summer.

The sheer variety of plants at the Hershey Gardens means you can see a kaleidoscope of colorful blooms at any time of the year. Combination tickets with The Hershey Story Museum are available. The gardens are about half an hour on foot from other attractions such as the museum. Find free parking on-site.

Reviews of Hershey Gardens

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 5%
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Check out the Butterfly Atrium, it was awesome.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful!!!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

When we went most of the flowers weren't out. We went early April. Still enjoy walking the property though!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Hershey Gardens

Days Inn by Wyndham Hershey

Days Inn by Wyndham Hershey

2.5 out of 5
350 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA
Days Inn by Wyndham Hershey
The Hotel Hershey

The Hotel Hershey

2 out of 5
100 Hotel Rd, Hershey, PA
The Hotel Hershey
Simmons Motel

Simmons Motel

2 out of 5
355 W. Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA
Simmons Motel
The Suites at Hershey

The Suites at Hershey

3 out of 5
176 E Hershey Park Dr, Hershey, PA
The Suites at Hershey
Courtyard by Marriott Hershey Chocolate Avenue

Courtyard by Marriott Hershey Chocolate Avenue

3 out of 5
515 East Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA
Courtyard by Marriott Hershey Chocolate Avenue
Hampton Inn & Suites Hershey

Hampton Inn & Suites Hershey

2.5 out of 5
749 E Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA
Hampton Inn & Suites Hershey
The Suites at Hershey

The Suites at Hershey

2 out of 5
176 E Hershey Park Dr, Hershey, PA
The Suites at Hershey
Tru By Hilton Hershey Chocolate Avenue

Tru By Hilton Hershey Chocolate Avenue

2.5 out of 5
204 Hillcrest Road, Hershey, PA
Tru By Hilton Hershey Chocolate Avenue
Rodeway Inn & Suites Hershey Chocolate Avenue

Rodeway Inn & Suites Hershey Chocolate Avenue

2 out of 5
43 W Areba Ave, Hershey, PA
Rodeway Inn & Suites Hershey Chocolate Avenue
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Hershey Gardens

Hershey Gardens offers a delightful array of activities for visitors, including beautiful floral displays, scenic walking paths, and engaging tours. Families can enjoy friendly excursions, and there are plenty of attractions for weekend getaways. Don't miss the chance to explore the vibrant entertainment options nearby, as well as seasonal events that enhance the experience. Hershey Gardens is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking memorable adventures.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit the Tanger Outlet Center, just 805m from Hershey Gardens, offering a variety of stores and family-friendly vibes. Risser Marvel Farm Market, located 8.0km away, features local goods. If you're up for a drive, check out the Shoppes at Susquehanna Marketplace, 16.1km away, for more entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

At Hersheypark Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, just 966m from Hershey Gardens. For a serene outdoor experience, visit Deer Valley Golf Course, located 4.8km away, where you can enjoy nature while playing golf. For relaxation, Doc's Family Fun Center, 11.3km away, offers a range of wellness activities.

Adventure

Explore the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, located 22.5km from Hershey Gardens, for breathtaking scenery and hiking adventures. Alternatively, visit Hideaway Hills Farm, 20.9km away, for a delightful outdoor experience, or enjoy the Conewago Recreation Trailhead, 14.5km away, perfect for scenic hikes and outdoor fun.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Hershey Gardens with a show at the Hershey Theatre, just 1.6km away, offering romance and culture. For a fun twist, visit The Lazer Factory, 14.5km away, or catch a performance at the charming Hershey Area Playhouse, 3.2km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Hershey Gardens

Hershey Gardens offers a delightful experience for tourists, blending outdoor beauty with family-friendly attractions. Explore the lush gardens and nearby Hersheypark, where thrill-seekers can enjoy rides and entertainment. Don't miss other Hershey attractions that provide cultural experiences and fun for all ages. Whether you're wandering the gardens or enjoying the amusement park, Hershey is a fantastic destination for memorable moments.

  • Hersheypark: Located 1.1km from Hershey Gardens, Hersheypark is a thrilling amusement park that offers fun for the whole family. With a variety of rides and attractions, it provides an exciting outdoor adventure amid beautifully landscaped surroundings.
  • Giant Center: Just 1.6km away, the Giant Center is an entertainment arena that hosts various events, from concerts to family shows. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse performances make it a perfect spot for family-friendly entertainment.
  • The Hershey Story Museum: Situated 1.6km from Hershey Gardens, this museum delves into the rich history of Hershey, Pennsylvania. With interactive exhibits and cultural displays, it provides an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

Best time to go to Hershey Gardens

The best time to visit Hershey Gardens is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January29.5°F (-1.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February31.8°F (-0.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June69.3°F (20.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September66.0°F (18.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hershey Gardens

To save money on your visit to Hershey Gardens, consider traveling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower, especially on Mondays, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia to search for budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels, and sort options from lowest to highest price. Additionally, you can save more by booking a package deal that combines your hotel stay with flights and activities. Exploring free activities in the area will further enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hershey Gardens are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hershey Gardens is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Hershey Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will show you sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Hershey Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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