Gettysburg holidays
To holiday in Gettysburg is to lodge yourself squarely in the jaw of American history. Home to the Civil War’s bloodiest battle, this small town in southern Pennsylvania honours the buildings and battlegrounds that altered the course of a nation. But there’s more here than history lessons. Lined with brick Victorian buildings, Gettysburg packs in indie boutiques, farm-to-table eats and biking trails along its winding country roads.
Gettysburg: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
July – August
Low season
January – February
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Caption
Photographer name
The best neighbourhoods in Gettysburg
Things to do in Gettysburg
Shopping
The shopping in Gettysburg is fantastic, particularly if you hunt for treasures in the antique stores. In Gettysburg Square, you’ll find boutiques and speciality shops selling everything from Civil War memorabilia to handcrafted jewellery. For discount brands, the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg are a must-visit.
Take in the culture
You're literally surrounded by museums in Gettysburg. For the best overview of Civil War history, visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, which has 12 galleries packed with stories. For something more offbeat, try the Shriver House Museum, which details civilian life during the war.
Places to eat
Look for several period restaurants in Gettysburg, where you can experience Civil War–era meals by candlelight in historic settings. Dobbin House Tavern, which dates back to 1776, is one of the best. Don’t miss the chance to visit one of the local wineries or cideries with delicious choices for the modern palate.
FAQs about Gettysburg holidays
January brings the coolest weather for a Gettysburg holiday. Plan your trip then and you'll find lows of -8ºC (18ºF).
Gettysburg is generally considered a safe place for visitors, but like anywhere, it's best to exercise common sense. Don't carry too much cash, keep local emergency numbers handy and only use licensed ride-share services or cabs. Also, keep to well-lit areas if you're walking late at night during your holiday to Gettysburg.
The wettest month is September, which gets an average rainfall of 13 cm. But don't let that put a damper on your Gettysburg trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like shopping for unique finds, discovering museums, or relaxing in cosy cafes.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and entertainment during your trip to Gettysburg.
The warmest month in Gettysburg is July, when temperatures peak at 31ºC (88ºF).
During your city break in Gettysburg, everyday interactions will mostly happen in English.
From Hall of Presidents & First Ladies to Gettysburg Diorama, this city knows how to keep things interesting. Start the countdown to your next big adventure by researching the best things to do in Gettysburg.
Book flights and hotels in Gettysburg for spring or autumn. At these times the weather is generally good for exploring the outdoor historic sites, and you’ll find special events and re-enactments more enjoyable without the peak summer crowds.
Three to four days is ideal for a holiday to Gettysburg. This will give you a day or two to tour Gettysburg National Military Park and a day to explore downtown. On the extra day, visit nearby attractions, such as the Eisenhower National Historic Site.
A Gettysburg holiday can be very cheap. Gettysburg National Military Park, ranger programmes, living history events and some guided walking tours are free. So you can spend days exploring the region’s fascinating history for next to nothing!
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