40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (2024)

The top stops along the way from Chattanooga to Philadelphia (with short detours) are Lincoln Memorial, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, and Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Other popular stops include Independence Hall, Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, and Hersheypark.

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Massanutten Indoor WaterPark

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Water park

Water & Amusement Parks

The Massanutten Indoor WaterPark is a lively aquatic destination that offers both indoor and seasonal outdoor water attractions, including waterslides, pools, and an arcade. The park boasts eight enormous water slides, a lazy river, and a water fortress for visitors to enjoy. Additionally, it features Virginia's first and largest surf simulator known as the FlowRider. With climate-controlled waters maintained at 84 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, guests can expect enjoyable experiences regardless of the season.

We had a great time at the water park! There is literally something for all ages! I was really impressed by the cafe. They were fast and the food was hot. The prices of the food were also very reasonable! The tickets for the water park are pretty expensive but in my opinion, worth every penny! We will be back next year for cute! We did buy tickets ahead of time and got to skip a very long line so I’d definitely get tickets in advance if that’s an option

Amber H — Google review

Always a great getaway for the kids. The water park is amazing BUT not enough concession options when we were there. The line to the snack bar was literally an hour and half. Very sad. Other than that, all was okay.

GoodConsuma I — Google review

This place is fun not just for the kids, but adults as well. I have come here a few times over the past 10 years. They are always adding new attractions or making updates to the park. I suggest getting your moneys worth. Get there when they open and leave about 20 minutes before they close. There are both indoor and outdoor attractions. Slides, tubes, lazy river, pool basketball, hot tubs and more. There are a few attractions for smaller kids but not that many. If you don’t like water, you can rent a cabana outside for the day and relax. There is a snack bar that serves alcohol as well. They are a little pricey so I would suggest bringing some drinks and sandwiches or snacks. Wheelchair and handicap accessible. Small gift shop on the top floor. Overall a great experience and definitely worth the price of admission. Make sure to check times before arriving. Different open and close times most days. Can’t wait to come back!

Andrew I — Google review

We all had a ball plan to revisit again... Loads of things to do for every age group. Life guards every where. Plenty places to sit. Great food.

Lisha F — Google review

Very fun water park! Did not get pictures of the arcade but they have recently expanded it, while adding a larger prize booth. The rides were absent of any long lines despite going on a Saturday. The staff are friendly and attentive. Rides for people of all ages, our favorite was the 3 person tube slides that are really fast. The wave machine was really unique. $53 a person was a little high for me, since you can do everything in the water park within 2 hours even on a busy day. If you do not book your passes online, expect to pay around $7 to $10 dollars more. Also, staying on the resort property does not get you any discounts unless you are a member. Will definitely visit again!

Justin H — Google review

A true gem of the Shenandoah Valley! Massanutten has always been our favorite way to end summer break. The indoor waterpark is perfect for winter getways on the lazy River and great for big and littles alike with a multitude of waterslides for all ages. The expansive water fun system is hours of play for everyone.The outside is a true oasis. I highly suggest renting a cabana, grabbing a frozen drink, and letting you big kids have hours of fun in the wave pool, the huge rainbow slide or even take your littles to the obstacles, splash pad or the basketball dunk pool. The service was top-notch, and the lifeguards are even better!If you have been thinking of a cool weekend getaway for a waterpark. This is it!

Karla S — Google review

Once a year we go to the indoor/outdoor water park. Buy the cabana! It's worth it! We always purchase the small one, but it comes with waters, a bowl of grapes, a tote bag, and two towels that you get to keep! Being in the cabana also provides personal service via wait staff to be able to order lunch or drinks and it doesn't matter what time you arrive your cabana will be waiting! Highly recommend this option as it is well worth it! Time spent here is between four and five hours.

Mallory C — Google review

Lots of fun water activities and things to do, lockers, bathrooms, beach chairs and parking! After we left the park and reached interstate 64, she asked, can we go to the water park again with church family and she said, I want to go there again.I remember seeing $75 per person that plan to get in the water and a lesser cost for observers. Children that are shorter than 42 inches can play free of cost.This is worth the trip to massanutten! Highly recommend!

Howard S — Google review

Tons of fun! My kids and the adults had a blast! We came here in October and only did the indoor areas. So much fun! So much to do and see! Definitely will do this often as possible!

J R — Google review

We had so much fun! Place was not to full on Monday 3h before closing and we had tons of rides. Kids ages 10, 12 and 14 and the parents all enjoyed our time. Staff was great and customer service delightful as I bought an extra ticket online for the wrong day and they totally had no problem addressing a refund!5- stars! You can bring your towel. No more pics as I put phone away and had fun instead.

Raquel W — Google review

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the Massanutten Indoor/outdoorWater Park. There are exciting water activities & relaxing water activities as well. Things for young kids & things for older/less mobile adults. We had a great time. Note: I suggest eating before going & then eating afterwards "outside" of the park. This is because the food is a bit pricey for a family. 12 to 13 bucks for one single burger (not including fries or drink). Also, the food is just "average food at best. That's the only constructive criticism I have. Aside from that, it was a great.

Vernon E — Google review

Pricey, but we had a full day of fun. You can play indoors or outdoors. There is food on-site available. Lockers for rent $30. You'll get either $10 back or a $15 arcade card with locker key return. It was clean. Lifeguards are attentive.

Ann C — Google review

Had a blast there. They claim to be better then the Great Wolf Lodge but are not. But still a fun place

ANDY F — Google review

This was a fun day. We had perfect swimming weather. We tried most of the water slides and walked through the Giant Tipping Bucket, let the current of Blue Ridge Rapids carry us a around several times. The adult only hot tub was small but nice and relaxing. There were plenty of lifeguards keeping the kids safe. It’s a great experience for kids and teens. The Snack Shack had good quick grab meals. The arcade section is small but had comparable games to the likes of Dave and Busters kids would be familiar with. Its best to purchase your tickets online to save a few bucks, bring your own towel they do not provide any.

HonestReviews — Google review

Massanutten Waterpark is really nice! You can attend all year around because they have indoor and outdoor sections. Since most people talked about the waterpark, I will describe other sections of the building as well. If you do not want to be in the water like myself but you'd like to still watch your children or family have fun you can go to the watch area upstairs. Let me explain the waterpark building a little bit more.There are 3 levels to the water park building. The too floor: gift shop, waterpark observation seating area, dessert store, and restaurant. The middle floor is an arcade for all ages. The bottom level is for the waterpark.The top floor is where you can buy tickets to everything related to massanutten resort. You can also go into the gift shop and buy items. There is also a sweetz dessert bar and a bar & grill restaurant on the top floor. This is also where you'd look down at the waterpark in the seating area to watch your family. The second floor is basically a dave n busters area. The entire floor has up to date games. I noticed the staff constantly cleaning the game area while i was there. And the bottom floor is all related to the park which is where you enter, store your items, buy your tickets and so in.

Natlie — Google review

First and foremost, although I typically refrain from composing reviews, my recent experience compels me to share my sentiments. Upon arrival, I was promptly informed that the park had reached full capacity. Accompanying me were six individuals, four of whom possessed tickets acquired through a timeshare presentation incentive. While I acknowledge the unconventional method of obtaining four tickets, priced at a steep $70 per person, the situation is nonetheless disheartening. It raises questions regarding the park's policies: if they had indeed sold out, the issuance of tickets to those without prior reservations should have been preempted. Consequently, one would expect the option to procure additional tickets for the remaining members of my party, if not at least one or two. Regrettably, this was not the case.Furthermore, it came as a disappointment that towels were not provided by the park. This lack of amenities necessitates visitors to bring their own. Moreover, despite being aware that only the indoor water park was operational, the absence of the main attraction, the meltdown tower of water, compounded our dissatisfaction. Such an omission denies children the opportunity to experience a significant highlight of the park. Notably, my children, upon reflecting on our past experiences, expressed a preference for establishments such as Westgate Town Center in Florida or even Great Wolf Lodge.Additionally, the absence of a dedicated swimming pool for children, coupled with a limited operating time from 3 pm to 7 pm, leaves much to be desired. The recent opening of a section at 3:50 pm only serves to underscore the lack of foresight in managing the park's resources efficiently. While there is an inclination to delve further into the myriad inconveniences experienced during our stay, including the absence of towels, malfunctioning dryers, and the unwelcome presence of big black ants in the cabinets, such matters warrant a separate review dedicated to the resort itself.In summation, the overarching sentiment is one of dissatisfaction. The anticipation for a memorable experience was met with disappointment, exacerbated by the myriad shortcomings encountered throughout our visit. As of April 3, 2024, at 3:53 pm, it is regrettable to acknowledge that our expectations were not met, and the experience fell short of what was anticipated.

Bryan B — Google review

We made a visit to the water park. We went with family. Lot of rides for kids and adults. Wave pool, slides, rainbow slide, Hot water tubs, game arcade, soft and hard drinks available. Good customer service. Good cafe for lunch. Lockers, restrooms, showers, and changing rooms are available. Cabanas for private sun shades.

Prashant P — Google review

We were celebrating our granddaughters birthday. First time visiting. Loved it! I was very impressed with the life guards, shocked at the number of missing toddlers I witnessed them helping.Parents need to learn that life vests are not your "babysitter" And may want to watch the Sounds of Freedom Movie.It would be great if there was somewhere to get water especially since it's hot. (Maybe I missed it ?)The only other observation was the dress code. I guess I did not expect to see the types of bathing suits allowed. Some beaches don't even allow thongs. I was just shocked. Cheeky is one thing, a string only, is something else. 🙈

X-Tina 0 — Google review

Great for younger kids, I would say 12 and under. My older kids just wanted to do the surf ride. The wave pool is so small. They have multiple little kids splash pad areas. I wouldn't go here again. Way too expensive for what they offer. It's pretty crowded too during the peak times. It's okay when they first open and after 5pm it thins out. Otherwise the lines are long for the sides. They don't allow food or drinks. Bring your own towel. The lazy river is pretty good.$65 a person if you order online a day early. $30 just to enter the building to watch.Purchase the day of $75 / $40The surf instructor was very friendly. Encounters with the other staff not so friendly especially when checking in the people telling you to stand in line at the bottom of the stairs prior to the counter to get your tickets.

Melissa W — Google review

Very nice water park, clean and well maintained. The lazy river is nice, and the hidden 18+ hot tub was a nice relaxing little getaway. There are plenty of slides inside and out to choose from. We were there during July 4th week and it was busy but not overcrowded. All the lines for the slides moved very efficiently. As with any activity in Massanutten, buy your tickets ahead of time because they will most likely be sold out if you try to purchase the same day.

Tim M — Google review

It was a nice indoor Waterpark. There is a lazy river, 1ft kiddie pool area with a slide, hot tub for 18 years and older only, a 3ft pool area, other indoor slides, lockers and plenty of seating area all around. They have a eatery but we did not go to so I can not give my opinion on the food. If you can book in advance then do so as it is cheaper than buying in person. We did receive a $15 game card voucher for the arcade that was on the second floor. After the pool we went to the arcade which is a decent size and $35 game card was enough for my happy swiping 3 year old. I do wish there was some type of discount for staying at the resort, otherwise I have no other concerns.

Jasneen M — Google review

Small compared to the amount of people they let in. No room to swim. Doors left open, so it was cold. Just packed. The resort was nice, but not many resort activities, just the expensive adventure stuff. For the most expensive part of the resort, the cleaning staff needs to pay better attention. Too many requirements before checkout. Usually, it's get out before 10am. At Massanutten it's start the dishwasher, strip the beds, and take out the trash, and get out by 10am. Too expensive for all of that. Hospitality is lost when you mention you don't want to purchase vacation ownership with them.

Lynn H — Google review

My son and I spent almost all day here and we had the BEST time! Although it is a little pricey on the tickets, just buy them ahead of time and save a little money. But it is well worth it because of everything they have inside and outside. We had an absolute blast. My soul left my body when I went on the giant rainbow waterslide. Good luck to you mamas lol I of course, included the video of us going down the waterslide. Enjoy my panic attack. It was one of the most fun days my son and I have had in a long time. :)

Ashley G — Google review

This was so much fun. I felt like a child all over again. The slides were fun and my 4 yrs old daughter was everywhere and it was safe. . The tube ride was relaxing and I highly recommend for a nice vacation getaway for the family. I did wear sun shades because the water splashes everywhere.

Tanisha M — Google review

In comparing Massanutten with another indoor waterpark, here are some pros and consCons:-The waterpark claims it's 85 degrees year round, but in both of the times we have gone - once on a cold day, and once on a warmer day - the water has been quite cool. For an adult, maybe this is fine, but my kids are always shivering after a few slides and want to spend the rest of their time in the overly crowded warm pool. By the end of the day, that warm pool is pretty gross. Great Wolf (GW) was also pretty cold, and the one we went to didn't have any warm pools or hot tubs.- There isn't any hot water in the shower area! After spending several hours shivering, my kids really were looking forward to a hot shower. Nope. It was cold. And you had to keep pushing a button to make the water spray. There's a huge fan blowing in the shower area to keep things dry, but the combo of cold kids, cold water, and a fan blowing cold air on you is not a pleasant experience. The showers are public and open whereas the changing rooms are private. At GW the showers are hot and the changing room is part of the private shower.- We have been twice, about 1.5yrs apart.. The first time, we were charged the full 42" and over rate even though one of my kids was just under. They didn't even measure, just told us they could tell she was 42". We went along with it bc we didn't want her to be the only person in our family not able to go down the slides, but still kinda suss. GW has different height requirements for different slides.- If you're staying at the lodge or in one of the townhomes, you still have to pay the full rate for the water park. Compared with GW in which the park admission is included to include the day you arrive and the day you leave and where you can easily find deals for under $150/ntPros:- Nice to have a warm pool for kids and adults and a hot pool for adults only. Not all GW lodges have this.- Smaller and not as loud or crowded as GW, which I consider a good thing.- day pass is less expensive than GW (if you don't stay at the lodge in which case it's included with your stay) and there are discounts for weekday and military- waterpark is in a standalone building so it's pretty easy to get in and out instead of walking thru a massive resort maze like at GW. This could also be a con if you're staying at Massanutten resort and don't feel like driving to another building.- If you are 42" or over you can slide down all the slides. At GW, some slides require you to he taller.- At night the park was virtually empty and there was barely any wait for the slidesFood is equally overpriced at both Massanutten and GW, but that's to be expected.Overall, we enjoy going to both Massanutten and GW for different reasons and to experience different features. Definitely purchase tickets in advance or you'll pay more at the door.

Vo V — Google review

Huge Indoor Park! Tickets are steep but if you’re on vacay, you want to be in there! Buying tickets in advance on website is helpful and a little cheaper.

Lata M — Google review

My family and I had a blast here . There is an indoor section and there is an outside section . We hit the inside first and enjoyed all the things such as the lazy river then we enjoyed spraying all the people coming thru . Also the indoor section allows you access to the water slides . The indoor slides are good and my 7yr old loved it . This was his first time at a waterpark and needless to say he loves it . He rode every ride there and definitely fell in love with the water park . Outside section has the other type of water slides that you just ride down on your. Back or sit down on. It and ride . They were so much fun along with the color wheel water slide it was our favorite for sure ! I feel like the color wheel water slide was very different . Outside there is also huge area for infants and young children . There are also numerous pools thru out the park . Be sure and check out the Wave pool is was fun as well . They have many. Lifeguards that are.on duty and from my scope of them they did a wonderful job . Each lifeguard was at their designated post with equipment ready to go in case of emergency and that said a lot to me . For all the property offers I feel like it was worth the cost to get in . Now I do have a problem with the amount they charge to rent a locker .30.00 for a locker that is ridiculous . The company definitely needs to reevaluate this area . Overall we had a very fun filled day and will always remember our trip to Massanutten Indoor Waterpark !also if you buys tickets online it’s like 10.00 cheaper than gate prices !

Foxxy L — Google review

Great place to visit, especially if you live in the area because you can always go back and forth. If you do not live in the area is best to stay a couple days and experience the full effect of the resort. There is so much to do so. Many options from all ages of the family and yes, you do have to drive a little bit here and there. It is all within a short radius. I highly recommend a visit if you haven't and if you have, why not visit again? There is one thing that I would recommend that. The park change that every person that pays for a ticket to the water part could at least receive a towel. It was not informed to me prior to that. My admission did not even include a towel. And I had to purchase a towel for 4 plus people in my party. To me that was my only concern. Am I only issue I went to the water park? Add to the masoning resort with no expectations and my expectations were met. I feel like if you have expectations. Then you could be disappointed so from my experience of my family's experience. We had a great time.

S. C — Google review

It was mostly shut down when we visited. Suuuper helpful and friendly staff though! Good for little kiddos.

Jess R — Google review

This review is for Christmas lights. Went there for Christmas Lights that they are doing it for the first time in the Outdoor section of the Waterpark. Overall, it was a good experience, something new. Buy tickets online to save. They have a little coffee shop set up there with a selection of coffee and sweets. At the time of my visit, the credit card machine was not working, so I had to pay with cash. The downside is that it is small if you compare it to price. $20 for 10-15 min walk..

Eugene S — Google review

We stayed from open to close. 11:30-7 on Sunday. We had an awesome time and we were ready to go by the end. We were very tired. We can't wait to come back next yesr.

Dennis A — Google review

4.4

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4.0

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1200 Adventure Dr, Massanutten, VA 22840, USA

(540) 437-3340

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University of Virginia

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University

Sights & Landmarks

The University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, features historic buildings and is home to many academic programs. The university's Rotunda, modeled after Rome's Pantheon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fralin Museum showcases art from ancient times to the modern day.

Everyone was amazing and very helpful! Thank you for taking such good care of me at the hosptial!

Heather S — Google review

A+ health standard.

F. B — Google review

My experience at the Colonnade Club has been one of the best on Grounds. It is a very pleasant place, well kept, and with a most genial staff. They are friendly, greet you warmly, and are willing to chat and make you feel at home. I have been at the University for several years, and this has not been the case all the time. In the last year, however, I have seen a tremendous change with the current staff. It has made the Colonnade a place of respite from daily grind where a cup of coffee, a few cookies, and a warm reception by the staff makes my day. My colleagues and I frequently comment on this pleasant turn of events. Keep it up. Your staff make the place what it is!

Yitna F — Google review

Great group of staff. My THANKS to each and everyone.

Susan R — Google review

Pro: Unmistakably a university. Many nice bricks. Has a piece of the Berlin Wall. I am told the libraries work properly.Con: Seems like it may be controlled by secret societies. No, really, there are too many of them and they leave sinister marks all over campus. No joke here.

J. C — Google review

Depending on the time you get to the ER if they will be busy or not. I have only been on a few floors and what I can tell the nurses are nice and a few really do care about you and and not just here for a paycheck. I have talked to UVA Security and Millennium Security and both work here are are really helpful.

DeviantInc — Google review

4.0

(1)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (12)

4.5

(1279)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (13)

Charlottesville, VA, USA

(434) 924-0311

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2

40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (14)

3

Skyline Dr

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Sights & Landmarks

Scenic Drives

Bodies of Water

Skyline Drive is a 105-mile scenic route that winds through the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, offering numerous overlooks and attractions along the way. It's considered one of the top activities in Shenandoah National Park, providing breathtaking views and access to over 500 miles of hiking trails. Travelers can also explore historic sites and visitor centers to delve deeper into the park's rich heritage.

4.5

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Virginia, USA

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Luray Caverns

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$$$$affordable

Nature & Parks

The Luray Caverns, located in Virginia, are one of the most well-known and largest caverns on the East Coast of the United States. These vast underground tunnels have been forming for millions of years and showcase stunning natural wonders such as colossal stone formations, crystal clear pools, glistening draperies, and soaring stone columns. Visitors can tour the caverns and marvel at 140-ft. natural columns, colorful stalactites, and brick walkways.

This cavern is truly one of the.most spectacular natural wonders I have seen in my life. The history of how this cave was found by accident about 150 years ago is amazing. The tour of the cavern was well planned and thought out and responsibly preserved. The tour takes about an hour to walk and a very good camera is highly recommended.I suggest visiting during the off peak season so that you feel rushed through the cave.There is a small Cafe, a gift shop and a few other shops.I highly recommend this park to those who enjoy nature and for those who want to experience a once in a lifetime thrill.Pictures do not do this cave justice.It must seen in person to appreciate the beauty and amazement of this place.

Jaime B — Google review

I heard from someone working at the front royal visitor's center that Luray caverns was the best in the area. It was a good 45 minute drive but it definitely did not disappoint! It was beautiful!!We went on a Monday evening and it was empty. They took our photos at the entrance and ended up being really cute souvenirs.The caverns themselves were really big. We took our time and read through all 19 stops on the tour (they had self guided tours with a brochure) I liked that we were able to go at our own pace and be able to take photos/ videos without other people photo bombing. There were pretty little lakes and huge formations. Great trip!

Laura S — Google review

A must see! Superbly arranged, roomy for those who may suffer from claustrophobia. Nearly all paths are brick layer and the path is very easy going. There is no climbing or such. Tour is self guided and takes about an hour. Plenty of parking. There is a very nice antique car collection, which is included on the $30.00 entry fee. Highly recommended!

Peter P — Google review

It's no doubt a neat trip for visiting a cave but the company is letting it slide. In the past ten years, the price has gone up and the tours are no longer guided. We visited today and it was a near free-for-all in the cave. A lot of people were touching the rock formations and leaving trash in the cavern. At this rate, considering how delicate the caves are, I wouldn't be surprised if it were eventually closed off to the public.

Nicholas H — Google review

The off season is the best time to visit. Absolutely no lines, many times we were the only ones in an area. The staff was knowledgeable and very friendly. Off season lol. The caves are incredible and stunning. The fun thing is they actually have a pretty cool car selection which we all enjoyed. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Steve T — Google review

Absolutely gorgeous and worth the trip from Baltimore (and the ticket price). We got permission to go backward through the caverns and it was nice because it made it less crowded. I do imagine that they’ll not allow it anymore, though, because I could tell a few of them were slightly annoyed by it. Don’t ask about it and definitely don’t reference this post.

Tyler S — Google review

The most beautiful and largest cave in the East coast you must see! It would take about an hour to walk through the cave but we really enjoyed every moment of it! Although it was crowded, it’s still plenty rooms and opportunities for you to taking pictures! Great place!

Kaylie C — Google review

We have been here a number of times. The place just gets better. The cave portion now has an easy access instead of steep concrete stairs, and the route inside is vastly improved along with the lighting. The toy and car museums are very nice, the maze was excellent with mist spray all throughout for the very hot day we were there. The rope excursion was great for my grandson, and the historic village and winery were a nice way to end the day. This is a great family place with beautiful mountain scenery. A must do.

Glen M — Google review

Visited on a Thursday afternoon and it was decently crowded. My family of 3 was able to walk through the caverns in about an hour and it was spectacular. It is self-guided but you can pay for a guided tour. You are given a pamphlet with information as you walk through the caverns. Although it is definitely a tourist-y spot, I highly recommend checking this incredible place out as it is one of the great wonders of the east coast!

Brianna R — Google review

I have visited caves all around the world- Japan, Europe, Korea etc. This was by FAR the most breathtaking experience. The caverns were other-worldly. You MUST visit if you are close by! If you have kids, the caverns are pretty stroller (small stroller) friendly. Also, the crowds here aren’t bad at all, you have plenty of space to enjoy the trail.

Eleanore B — Google review

We enjoyed this very much. We stayed up at big meadows campground during a very misty week so this was a nice break. The path is all one level, no steps. The only improvement I would like is the ability to get the headphones again or a guided tour. The pamphlet was helpful but we like to interact with tour guides make sure you check for discounts

Deanna L — Google review

It was an amazing experience. It was my first time in a cavern, so it was incredible to me. The mirror caves were absolutely beautiful. It was a rainy day, so we got to see the water filtering inside the cave. The guides were very helpful. We got to hear the organ in the cathedral.

Ana C — Google review

Having heard that these were the best caverns to visit in Virginia, I was eager to see them.On arrival the place was really busy, but we had not trouble parking in the parking lot.Entry was reasonably priced and after walking through the gift shop we headed to the caverns.Before you enter you have to have your photo taken so they can try and sell it to you on your way out.The caves are amazing to look at, and there are plenty of opportunities to take photos. The caverns are well lit but I do feel that missed a trick by not using coloured lighting.My only gripe would be the crowds. Lots of people just stopping and not letting people past. This caused a back log many times.About halfway round there are only so many rock formations you can look at before they all start to look alike.The route took about 1hr. Once out you walk back through the gift shop.There are other attractions available included in the price, but we were too hot and tired to experience them.

Andy M — Google review

Really cool caverns with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formations. There was also a very small underground lake that reflected the stalactites like a mirror. The temperature is cool (light jacket should be fine), can be slightly drippy if raining outside. Takes about 1 hr average to stroll leisurely and enjoy the view. The restroom is only available at the main building so make sure you empty your bladder before heading into the cavern. There are also other attractions in the complex such as the toy station, museum, etc. Parking was relatively easy, also free. All in all, certainly worth the ticket price.

Mario C — Google review

Luray Caverns, discovered in 1878, is the largest cavern in the eastern United States, boasting a breathtaking display of cascades, columns, stalactites, stalagmites, and pools. Its stunning beauty is highlighted by the diverse colors and unique formations found throughout.$34 for adults | $32 for seniors | $17 for children 6-12 | FREE under age 6Tickets Includes the Luray Caverns Self-Guided Tour, the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction.

Hushra — Google review

Best part was the temperature down there. Wish some of the employees were more welcoming when being asked questions. Young lady, working a stop before the cathedral on Sunday Father’s Day. She was very knowledgeable and helpfulWould have been nice to have them turn of the lights like they did back in the day.If you do plan on going make sure you have something else to do in the area. Not worth going there just for that. Especially if you’re coming from the dmv.

Eduardo T — Google review

Luray Caverns exceeded my wildest expectations! The caves are immense and take quite about an hour to walk through and appreciate. There are some massive open halls, many stalactites/stalagmites of all sizes, and really amazing reflecting pools. I’ve been to other caverns, but this was the most impressive.We also took the time to complete the garden maze, which was extremely well done. My young children enjoyed it very much, but the adults had at least as much fun.Highly recommend this place, and will visit again if we return to the area at some point.

Braxton B — Google review

Went at the end of our spring break and it was really fun! It’s about 60-90 min to walk all the way through, depending on how long you stop for photos or listen to the organ. Many amazing sights and some parts of the caves are 7 million years old! Very interesting history and would recommend grabbing info pamphlet before you go through so you can follow along what each item is (they’re numbered). Tickets also include free admission to the toy museum and train/car museum next door. Really neat to see more historic items.

Lydia K — Google review

This place was really great. I checked previous pictures and had thought I would find something a bit different, for example: the wishing well; I thought it was bigger than what actually is (small) also, thought there was more water in it, but nope. I still enjoyed the place and had a great time. I went on Sunday and it was full of people, making it hard to take some pics but not a big deal either. No steps inside, it took a bit more than 1hr but did not feel it, I didn’t get tired either. I was ready to use a sweater inside but no need in my case. Restrooms are 8/10. Whenever you enter or exit you have to go through the shop they have, I didn’t like it because it was crowded inside the shop. Staff was friendly. Entry was 32USD per person.

Elena N — Google review

Beautiful. Pictures can not do it justice. My girlfriend and I made a detour on our trip home from PA to NC to see this place. We were amazed. I have hundreds of pictures/videos and they all look amazing. Put it on your bucket list. Must see.

Joshua C — Google review

We had the best time here. I took my father and my grandson (who is 4) and my dad loved the ramp that was added from the last time he was here many years ago and my grandson practically skipped the entire time being in awe of everything to see.We lucked out and didn't realize the anniversary of the caverns being discovered was the same weekend we chose to go and they had lit hundreds of candles which only added to the ambiance.It was also nice and cool given the 90+ it was outside.

A T — Google review

Amazing experience, very beautiful cave and rock formations. The tours are self guided. However when your walking through, their will be families stopping and taking pictures, which holds up others that want to go bye. My experience there was an allot of kids running around, which annoyed others. But didn’t annoy me. I had a great time. Would definitely go back.

Morii — Google review

the caverns were amazing to see, easy to walk, we were there when they first opened mid weekday in winter and it was not crowded. It took about an hour and half total with a leisurely stroll. Kids really enjoyed seeing the different formations. There is a very large parking lot and was mostly empty when we went. By the time we got done the lot was about1/4 full.

James H — Google review

Absolutely beautiful!! We really enjoyed the self guided tour. It's definitely worth the trip!! We visited from Michigan over New Years weekend. It wasn't terribly busy. We spent a few hours there between the caves, village, and museums. The ticket price is worth it for sure. You get to see and learn a lot. Our only issue was with people themselves. For some reason, people just can't seem to listen and follow rules, especially in the caves. It was sad to see so many people being disrespectful and touching the formations :(

Ashley B — Google review

Great way to easily experience the caverns! The self-guided tour is great, it allows you to stop and enjoy the quiet and beauty of each area. There are useful details about the formations in a guide pamphlet which is super helpful to understand everything. Added on the maze to the experience, it was so fun and worth the extra price. The whole experience was a lot of fun for all ages.

Elizabeth H — Google review

Pretty interesting place for those whole love exploring nature. The cave had a majestic view from the inside. The cave was cool and humid. The reception was decent, the only problem was an unpleasant smell before the entrance of the cave. Otherwise, it’s a great experience.

Afif C — Google review

Loved the caverns on a very hot weekend in Virginia (visiting from Wisconsin). Beautiful caverns, wasn’t super crowded. I was able to take plenty of pictures without strange people in the frame. The tickets get you to other attractions on the grounds, we loved the car museum and just walking around the grounds. Relatively short drive (around 90 mins, but beautiful countryside roads from NOVA). Highly recommend visiting.

Evguenia E — Google review

Cool place to walk around if you enjoy caves. Did have an experience with one of the workers as we walked up on a private tour and we weren’t aware of it and just stood there being polite letting him finish talking only for him to rudely say anyone not part of the tour move along. I just think there was a better way to say it as we had no clue that’s what it was.

Victoria — Google review

Stunning- Nature’s magic at play. Great for families, kids or even a romantic get away. Lots to do other than just the Caverns. Plan ahead if you want to explore more than just the caverns and do other things like the Garden Maze , shopping etc.Definately bring your camera. The caves have a beautiful ‘Mirror lake’. Magical!!!

Muhnoo J — Google review

The caverns here are very impressive but the place is run like Disneyland. We were just shuffled through the path with people pushing, kids yelling and parents putting their kids in restricted areas to get the perfect photos. We purchased tickets days ahead for tours that supposedly go every 20 minutes but it's actually a free for all and they let as many people in as possible without any kind of timing on the paths to avoid the Disney-like lines once inside. Unlike other caverns we've visited, they are not about preservation and education, it's a tourist attraction but in all fairness, the cave itself is stunning. The Shenandoah Heritage Village was a highlight and we loved all the museum and all the demonstrations. We also enjoyed lunch in the Heartpine Cafe which is simple but delicious and reasonable. Don't skip this little walk across the street if you go to the caverns.

Susan C — Google review

This place was amazing! My second cave ever. It was INCREDIBLEPictures just don't do it justice but wow!Fully wheelchair accessible although there were definitely some steeper and slippery sections so you'll need a little help for sure.I've included just a very few of my favorite pictures.If you go DON'T forget to look up!

Mara — Google review

Decided to head out to the caverns with the family. We have been to several caverns all over the world and this one was really good. The tour was good, the path was wheelchair friendly, the formations were amazing. The cavern organ performances were a bit of a let down. The car museum was okay but it was included in the price of the ticket. The biggest shock was the price at $34 a person. This is quite expensive. The cavern tour took us about 2 hours. There was plenty of parking.

Johnathon E — Google review

Worth driving additional 92 miles if you are visiting DC area. This place is one of its kind. Can take about 2 hour to cover with self guided tour. It has clean pathways. You can click amazing picture of stone formation. It has free partaking and outdoor activities for family is good add-on. On weekend they charge around $34 for adult and $17 for kids entry. No charge for kids below 6 years.

Arif S — Google review

Been to Luray Caverns many times. Started going with the family when I was a kid and continue to take my family to this day. It's one of the best Caverns to view with its array of structures. Never get tired of seeing this place. Probably due to covid but the experience is now self-guided with the exception of one guided tour each day. At least this was the case when we visited. This is fine for us since we've been here before but would still prefer more options for guided tours. One thing on the guided tour they would do is briefly turn out the lights so you could experience the complete darkness. Obviously not part of a self-guided tour. We will be back again when the opportunity arises

Robert T — Google review

We visited Luray Caverns on a hot July 4th. The place was busy but not overwhelming. The caverns feature a narrow yet long and gently sloping trail, about a quarter of a mile long, descending approximately 100 feet underground. While some natural formations have been altered to create the path, it's a necessary compromise to allow visitors to experience this remarkable site. The caverns are well-lit and the air is fresh. The stone columns are truly majestic. I highly recommend visiting Luray Caverns at least once if you're in Virginia.

P. N — Google review

What an experience!This place is truly out of this world. The tickets included the Luray Caverns Self-Guided Tour, the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction. There's also garden maze, rope adventure park and gem sluice for additional price.I wish we had more time to explore, so we hope to be back soon.

Lyudmila K — Google review

I was here in 2019 and now in 2024. I'm very excited. This is the best place. It’s safe to walk here and not be afraid that you will slip and fall, like in another cave that we were not far from this one. There is a very large cave here and there is something to see all the time. I regretted that we went to another cave because this cave is the best, the most beautiful, the most. I really liked it, thank you to the people who work there for your work. It's so good here that you don't want to leave. Photos can't convey how beautiful it is there.

Marina K — Google review

We visited the caverns during the afternoon after a hike in Shenandoah NP earlier in the day. It was the perfect way to cool off from the heat outside. The cool air inside of the cavern is just something one needs during a summer afternoon. The cavern is rich in stalagmites and stalactite formation and all types of formations are clearly on display. The brochure guide explains the science and the history behind the caverns accurately. The 1.5 miles pathway is clearly marked and there's plenty to explore for an inquisitive mind. It's definitely worth a visit!

Aneesh T — Google review

It's a very nice vacation destination to see the beauty of another side of the world. Luray caverns is very good experience, and nice to see the under earth beauty. The mirror image beauty is awesome. Nice maintenance inside caverns. Enjoyed the trip and Skyline drive as well.

Manikandan N — Google review

Gods creation is always a beauty to see and this a prime example. The mountain ranges in the distance. The beautifully eroded caverns. The facility that runs the place is very well put together. Any wheelchair or stroller is very accessible. Definitely a place to visit. Go and see!

Cody B — Google review

My husband and I went for the car museum. We ended up going to all of the museums there. We did not visit the caves because my husband has gone before and we had our 2 year old with us. The temperature was 70 and clear. We got there really early before the crowd. We loved the car and toy museums.

Lolita P — Google review

Words nor pictures can adequately describe the natural awe and beauty of the caverns. I am so happy to cross it off my bucket list. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and supportive, as some people were nervous about being over 100 feet underground. The walkways are paved and make the walk very easy. The tour took approximately an hour, and I advise wearing suitable footwear.

Ivory M — Google review

It was my revisit after 28 years. Back then it was not as nice as now. Cavern was renovated during 2017 ~ 2019 and it looks much nicer and corridor was nicely renovated. My kids loved the cavern and it is must visit place when you have kids. It takes little less than 1 and half hours to complete the tour and loved it. Ticket price is $34 for adult and $17 for kids(6-12), Free for under age 6

Jung P — Google review

Really cool and atmospheric caverns. Very long trail (1.25mi) with lots of stunning views. Wasn’t crowded (mid of may) and all staff members were very friendly and super helpful. We got a lot of explanations and details from the staff even though we just had the general admission and no guided tour!Highly recommend this place.

Fabian W — Google review

We had people from 2 years old to 72 and we all loved it. Beautiful cave system, neat to ha e the self guided tour. The toy museum was quick, the car and carriage museum was impressive and the old time village is always a winner. Clean safe and friendly area altogether.

Sierra L — Google review

4.7

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4.5

(4908)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (30)

101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835, USA

(540) 743-6551

5

James Madison's Montpelier

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Historical landmark

Sights & Landmarks

Montpelier, the former home of President James Madison, is a historical landmark situated on an extensive estate containing his tomb. Despite being overshadowed by Thomas Jefferson's fame in the area, visitors will find Montpelier to be a remarkable property located 25 miles north-east of Charlottesville. Madison was an intellectual and introverted individual who focused on his studies and played a significant role in drafting the Constitution.

Unfortunately, the house wasn't open yet (3/5/22); it opens next week. I happened to be in the area for something else but saw the signs so I decided to stop by for a tour. My tour guide was Zeb G. and he was AMAZING!!!!! Very knowledgeable and kind. There was still much to see around the property that made the tour worthwhile even without being able to go inside the house. I'm sure if there are other tour guides there, they're fantastic but whenever I go back for the house tour, I'll be looking for Zeb - highly recommend him!

Tiffany C — Google review

I decided to take a solo trip to visit Montpelier because I wanted to have as much time as I wanted to explore. I could not have asked for a better tour or day to enjoy learning and exploring. My tour guide was so knowledgeable and I took a lot of good notes to share with my students.I loved walking the gardens and grounds as well.Their new exhibits “mere distinction of color” are also wonderful. I love their emphasis on valuing all people that lived here, not just James Madison.

Abbey W — Google review

We only visited the grounds (which are huge) and the slavery exhibition. Fairly priced at $13pp. We didn’t see a soul in the woodlands. During a hot summer’s day, a stroll in Montpelier would be fantastic. Such a pleasure to see a walled garden as well. The flowers were beautiful and the gardener clearly loves his work. For a visit of the house itself, advanced booking is very recommended. I would suggest a 2-3 hour minimum to get the most out of the site.

Johan V — Google review

We spent quite a bit of time here. Tours are timed, but no need to order in advance. For two of us, it was $75 for the tour. More than I have paid to tour any presidential estate. They just did a major renovation, so I'm guessing that's why the high price. Nonetheless, Hayley gave us the tour of the huge home which faces the Blue Ridge Mts. Beautiful, extensive grounds.

R. M — Google review

Great guide in Peter. Very knowledgeable. So much history. I learned a lot. They didn't sugar coat the truth of slavery. Definitely recommend. Take your time and watch the videos in the downstairs of the main house. Also nice video in visitors center.

Jim H — Google review

Very well maintained.Nice gift shop and a small cafeteria.The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable.Watched a short video in the gift shop, thentoured the grounds and house.The tour does cost money, but was well worth the price.The tour guide was wonderful.Walked through the small “museum,” and to the cemeteries separately.It was well worth the trip.Definitely learned a lot about Madison and his family.

Jim W — Google review

Great piece of American history. Our tour was very informative and took us throughout the house. My only complaint is that their is no museum that talks about Madison's life.

Jack L — Google review

The history tour was very informative. I learned a lot, and I appreciate all of the back stories. Having been on many historical tours , including several in Williamsburg, Monticello and Mt Vernon, I left wanting more. It is definitely worth the visit, but I don’t know if there is enough to go again.

J C — Google review

Really well managed. We got the general tour, which was fantastic- our tour guide was engaging and very knowledgeable. The pace was leisurely and many of the exhibits were self guided, so we were able to learn about things at our pace. I really enjoyed this.

Jjlafa — Google review

Montpelier has been on my list and I had a really enjoyable time visiting. I went on a Sunday afternoon in early March. I did the house tour which included the property pass. We really didn’t get into too many rooms in the house but it was a great experience. I’m not 100% convinced that James Madison wasn’t a Freemason but that’s just my feeling. The tour guides were excellent storytellers and the people at the ticket area were very helpful! I would have liked to have more time to tour the outdoors areas but that’s my own fault for not getting there earlier. Lots to see and learn, definitely worth the trip.

Miss V — Google review

Excellent tour with Kathleen, our tour guide. We all agreed it was better than Monticello. She did an amazing job of giving a history lesson while putting things in context of the times and Madison's life. We've been to Mount Vernon, Williamsburg, and Monticello, and this tour was our favorite. It lasted about an hour and she also did a great job of talking about the impact of the enslaved people on Madison's life and ability to focus on politics, the Constitution, and higher thinking.Highly recommend for families and a great history lesson.

Heidi P — Google review

I’ve visited Montpelier multiple times with friends and family. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about Virginia, American history, and the writing of our constitution. The museum is great for a short visit - tours of the house take around an hour. Or you could spend all day here, visiting the cemeteries, the dependencies, the exhibits outside of the main house tour, and even walking miles of hiking trails! The work that has been done to the property is extensive and everything is beautifully maintained. The guides and staff are all very friendly and knowledgeable.

Megan L — Google review

Beautiful grounds and exhibits. The house tour was amazing and full of information. Tour guide was excellent. A must see on your list of historical places!

Joe W — Google review

Such a fun way to spend an afternoon! Make sure to arrive at least 10-15 min before your scheduled time, so you have time to park, check in, and walk to the main house (which is a 5 min walk).

Reghan H — Google review

While the tour is a bit pricey, for us it was well worth it. The guide was first class with knowledge and interaction with the group of 11 people. We skipped the basement exhibits to have time to see the cemetery before closing.

Ed — Google review

We went to Montpelier and Monticello on the same day. I slightly preferred Montpelier and it is 100% because of our amazing tour guide, Ms. Kemp. She was outstanding. Her knowledge of Madison was deep. Her appreciation for the complexity of sharing his life in a time when slavery was so prevalent was admirable. She didn’t sugar coat things and this made the whole experience richer for me.

Stacey W — Google review

Our tour guide was well versed on James Madison, and his legislative history. Very informative tour including discussion on the restoration of the mansion. The visitor center had a nice shop. The DuPont family was a former owner of Montpelier. There was a small museum adjacent to the visitor center on the DuPont family's equestrian pursuits including a racetrack.

Robert C — Google review

It was a wonderful and interesting tour. IThey have done a fantastic job restoring the house and adding context to the story. I definitely recommend one of their guided tours.

C W — Google review

Where in the world do my reviews go? I reviewed this yesterday but yet it shows up here asking me about it. Blake was our tour guide and he was so very informative. The tour wouldn't have been nearly as good without him giving us all the tidbits. Things in the house are from that time that they were there. Many other things are from the period. The carpet in the dining room is the exact same carpet pattern they had. Ditto the wallpaper. It was pretty gaudy.My estimation of Dolly Madison is in the pits now. She was a frivolous woman who didn't honor her husband's dying wishes and was a spendthrift.We went when winter was just beginning. It was cold. We went out on the grounds and I bet the garden, when they had it, was just brimming with beauty and veggies. The gentlemen there were extremely nice.We went for the 2:00 tour, and it was an hour long. My suggestion is go for an earlier tour because 2:00 takes up the whole day.The gift shop has some of the most divine measuring spoons I've ever seen in my life. But at $25 it was a bit pricey for me.They would get many many more people coming in if they drop the price from $36 to $20.Yes yes, they say that they need the money. And it takes a lot of money for the upkeep. I'm sure it does, but so many more people would come see this place if it wasn't so expensive.It would also be good to have golf carts for people that can't walk as far as it is from the gift shop. It's an 8-minute walk up a slight hill.When you come out of the tour it's in the back of the house and it is quite a hike to get back to the parking lot.Inside of the house there are a few chairs here and there to sit in. For me with plantar fasciitis at the time, it was helpful. But I had already been standing and walking for 40 minutes before then.If you have any sort of foot/back problem I would think twice before going. It's a _lot_ of standing & walking.While the information given was interesting, as were some of the items, I don't think the house is worth $36. We got in free on Veterans day.

Janine M — Google review

What a beautiful place to visit! Bring your hiking shoes as there are gorgeous hiking trails all along the property. You can purchase the mansion tour only or both the grounds and mansion tour. Both are self guided which makes it even better! I will be going back! I only got some outside photos this time, but will be getting more of inside the mansion next time!

Shanna W — Google review

I had the pleasure of doing a President's Day tour with Helen - she made the tour beyond informative and fascinating!! 100% recommend spending at least 2 hours for the grounds and guided tour.

Desiree C — Google review

Very educational. Electric charging on site. Beautiful trails, garden and grounds.

Roni D — Google review

Open house day. Very friendly guidance throughout the building. Beautiful views of the Blue Ridge mountains

Anthony W — Google review

I really enjoyed visiting Montpelier as I learned a lot while taking the tour as it’s definitely worth it! The tour guide is very knowledgeable and helpful with any questions! The property is absolutely beautiful! I will definitely come back to visit again in the future! I highly recommend it!

Daniel D — Google review

An enlightening experience. The history surrounding this area is rich and no corners were cut. The home of James Madison as well as the grounds are beautiful. The attention to detail and the honor showed to all that were a part of this history is valuable. If you love history and storytelling this is a good stop to make. Needless to say there is an opportunity to get some good exercise walking the grounds.

Osa O — Google review

4.7

(1329)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (35)

4.5

(1269)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (36)

11350 Constitution Hwy, Montpelier Station, VA 22957, USA

(540) 672-2728

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6

Kings Dominion

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Amusement park

Water & Amusement Parks

Kings Dominion is a large theme park featuring thrilling roller coasters, exciting rides, and even a water park. The park has recently upgraded its dining options, offering new culinary experiences for visitors to enjoy. It's known for its aggressive rides like the Intimidator 305 and offers a variety of attractions from different manufacturers. While the food is considered good, it can be pricey with an average meal cost of around $17.

An absolute delight to visit with an impressive arsenal of rides to choose between for chill riders and adrenaline junkies alike! Visited with my good friends all the way up from TN and we were thrilled with the turnout.That Viking ship was legendary, and usually I just brag about coasters. Had to ride twice to rotate my brain back where it needed to be 😂

Danny R — Google review

First visit here, but have visited other Cedar Fair parks. It’s a beautiful park! Landscaping and shade are top notch. Planet Snoopy was a big hit for my son. The coasters and other rides were a huge hit for me. Overall I enjoyed it very much. However, I did find majority of staff to be rude and so were many of the guest clientele there on our visit. I encountered a lot of line cutting. I also found some issues with finding decent food/dining options that day due to a lot not being open. What options we did visit typically had rude customer service. With that stated, I still am a Cedar Fair parks fan and would both recommend this as well as utilize my pass to visit again. Video version is up on my channel on YouTube.

Hammocks C — Google review

Wow! This theme park is HUGE! Growing up in Florida, this doesn't compare to anything I've ever been to before. It's so awesome that your admission also includes Soak City, the water park. This adds to the adventure and fun, but you will have to pack accordingly. There is sooooo much to do here. From the rides meant for all ages, the games, and exploring all the food options, to shows, and a parade. I recommend getting all you can eat and drink passes. That allows you to eat every 90 minutes and refill your drink every 15 minutes. It's definitely worth it, especially on a very hot summer day and if you're a season pass holder. As a tourist visiting a family member who had a season pass, this was such a blast. I also was able to get a cheaper admission online by going with a season pass holder.

Melissa P — Google review

Kings Dominion is a coaster lovers dream! Great atmosphere for a Cedar Fair park. We loved the unique parts of the park for example the mushrooms, jungle themed area, candy apple lane and Twisted Timbers. Definitely will be back soon once they add some more awesome rides. This park could use a Beast Style ride going out into the wilderness and some more unique dark rides.

Kyle S — Google review

Very Amazing place! I've been on all of the coasters and I'd just like to say they were were all superb! The food there was great and there were a bunch of fun things to do there. There employees were super nice and helpful on where to go if you needed to find a place. I've gotten year passes with my family for 2 years now and haven't regretted a bit of it!

Cal R — Google review

Best park for close to MD. If you enjoy more aggressive rides this park has one of the most aggressive, Intimidator 305. They have a good variety of rides from different manufacturers.The food is really good, but really expensive for food in general, average price $17 per meal. Water park is good and included with the ticket price. Got a season pass for the last 2 years. Good value for the single park and car parking. Only need to go 2x to make it worth the cost $100 for the basic season pass.

Monica M — Google review

We went to this park on Wednesday and it was the best decision. The park was busy but not as bad as it would be on the weekend. We were able to ride multiple times and enjoyed the water park Soak City for a long time. It was fun to play the games and my Love ended up winning a basketball. We got the cups that let us get refills which I highly recommend. It gets hot. Overall this was a fun day for us . We are thinking about getting season passes.

Balloon A — Google review

This is a great amusement park. There is so much to do here. Nice selection of rides for all ages. The park is beautiful! Very clean and well taken care of. Many performances throughout the park to keep you entertained if you need a break from rides. The food is good. The lines are not bad they more along quickly

Angie K — Google review

Great place to hangout and enjoy. One day will not be enough on weekends as queues are lengthy and need to walk bit distances. Love ❤️ the thrilling rides. The beauty is toddlers and kids have separate zone for pool and rides, they don’t miss anything. We have now opted for annual pass and trying to cover everything slowly. Outside food is allowed, inside it is over priced. Pack minimal food for kids.

Aishu's — Google review

Had an amazing New Year's Eve at Kings Dominion Park! Quick check-in despite our late arrival. Tickets for the 31st night celebrations were reasonably priced at $26, plus $30 for parking. The park was beautifully decorated with a festive Christmas vibe. Food options were decent, and the various performances added to the lively atmosphere. The fireworks at midnight were spectacular, and the additional performances were a great touch. Overall, a fantastic experience – definitely a 5-star celebration!

Shashank — Google review

Great time. Feels very safe and the staff was very helpful. Highly recommend to purchase the meal plan with the tickets. $65 included parking, all rids and food very 90 minutes. Make sure to drink plenty of water….

Marshall W — Google review

We had an absolute blast here.The water games were thrilling and perfect for cooling off on a hot day. The other rides were just as exciting, with something for everyone in the family to enjoy. One of the best parts was the unlimited refillable drinks, which kept us hydrated and refreshed throughout the day. Plus, the food included in the tickets was delicious and offered a great variety. Overall, this place provided a fantastic experience with plenty of fun activities, making it a perfect day out for all ages. Highly recommended!

Aishwarya L — Google review

Had a blast at Kings Dominion. Definitely want to come back; it redeemed the disappointment of a day spent at Busch Gardens. Tickets were under $40 per person, and fast lane was not needed. The ride ops were sometimes fast, and other times took a little longer, but it looked to be due to trying to get guests to listen and put ALL the items in the bin/station. Park was clean, staff had energy, and was just a bit tricky navigating at first since there is like a "coaster alley" that doesn't form a circle in the park; it's a branch path. Lockers for some rides, others you could store in bins at stations, but lockers not free. Very confusing. I wish ALL rides had bins/station option, or all had FREE lockers. Universal does it based on the rides' wait time before charging for the locker. Overall great experience.

Kody B — Google review

A nice fun experience, alone, with someone or your family, much better price if you buy online beforehand and the golden pass is more convenient if you want to go more than once for example for Halloween or some other occasion. Convenient to included the drink on the input value. The wave pool closes at 5 so schedule your visit so you can enjoy some time on there and in the water games that are very fun if you go with the small children it has pool for them too. The lockers are rented and the price according to the size there is a discount with the golden pass. There is not much public in weekdays. I have gone Monday and I did not wait long to enter to the games.

Ceci M — Google review

Kings dominion is always great...fun rides good service. Fast lane is crazy expensive but worth it, food and drinks crazy expensive and not worth it. That expected at any theme park though. Overall great time.

Robert A — Google review

We went to Kings Dominion in one of the week days and we had an amazing experience. There was no crowd and there was barely 10 min wait to get on the rides on the regular tickets. They have Soak City where they have kids and adults water play area. They have roller coasters and staff members do make sure that the person sitting on the coasters are in appropriate height. For kiddie rides they have Planet Snoopy with 10 plus rides 3 yrs old can easily ride on them. They have indoor arcades as well outdoor. In terms of dinning they have great variety of options to choose from. If you want to spend a day full of fun bring your family, you will not be disappointed.

Mariam — Google review

King's Dominion is a great experience. I went with friends in the middle of the week on a Wednesday and that's definitely the way to go.There was hardly a 5-10 wait for any of the rides allowing us to ride multiple times, the place still had a decent number of folks so it didn't feel deserted, and there was a respectable amount of shade so even though there was a heat advisory warning it wasn't unbearable. We weren't able (or willing) to hit everything in the park (sorry, Planet Snoopy) but we had a great time.There's a few rides that require you to not have anything in your pockets. You can have someone sit out and just hold your stuff, but I recommend paying for a locker. You can pay for one option for the ability to change locations, so you pay once for the day and you can retrieve your stuff and move it to the lockers outside of another ride as many times as you need to throughout the day.The food is at the prices you'd expect, which is to say high, but I avoided eating all day at the park (which I don't recommend during a heat wave), but it was definitely a day well spent. I'd highly recommend going, especially if you can go on a Wednesday when the crowds hardly exist.

Steven F — Google review

Always have a great time with kids especially around holidays. So much to do, so much fun. Buy tickets in advance to save time in line or get a season pass and enjoy free parking and food discounts year round. They have buffet, Starbucks, grill, special foods around holidays, sweet frog ice cream and much more. I like that they have family house so if you are there with little ones , you can enjoy quite place where you can feed them, play with them. change clothes/diapers.

Eugene S — Google review

One of the best theme parks, if you are looking for a fun theme park, then this is the place. It has some amazing rides, I highly recommend twisted Timbers and flight of fear because they are some awesome roller coasters. don’t spend your money with extremely expensive options like Disney world when this place is almost as awesome!!!

NZ B — Google review

Winterfest was amazing! The park was beautiful - at times we just stood still so we could take it all in. The only holiday lights I’ve seen as incredible as this display was at the Spectacle of Lights at Disney World that was ended 5 years ago. This is the perfect replacement for us! The lights, shows, music, food were all wonderful, but the live animals were the icing on the cake. We could’ve stayed there for an hour just watching the smiles and laughter of the children as they touched the animals. The adults were just as delighted! We will not only return to Winterfest next year, but hopefully go more than just once. This is now our new favorite holiday activity, one which we hope will become a family tradition for many years to come!

Sara W — Google review

Decent experience overall. We came during Christmas time, so it was very pretty and a really festive atmosphere. However, it was v e r y cold, so if you're going during the winter, BRING WARM CLOTHES. There were performances on the streets, which were really fun, but none of the roller coasters were operational, as it was too cold outside. Me and my friend ended up riding the drop tower about a million times, but I would definitely recommend coming during the summer when the rides are open, along with the water park! The water park is what really sells it to me, I love the whole thing so much. Even though I didn't get what I may have been expecting this trip, it was still great and we had a great time.

Jaydon B — Google review

It was my children's first time here. And even though my youngest sons weren't able to ride several rides because of their height, they still had a blast! They enjoyed the water area and the roller coasters they could experience. My mother and nephew also had a wonderful time. The staff everywhere were extremely helpful and friendly! That is a major positive in addition to any other things we enjoyed as a family.

Nathaniel S — Google review

Amazing place to visit, I’ll recommend to get the fast lane bands, it’s a little bit pricey but worth it, most of the rides are complete thrills but there are a lot for kids too, fun stuff for kids, adult, family, 55+ and so onPrices for beverages and snacks are a little bit high, no smoking area ( couple years ago there was about 5 designated smoking areas)It’s probably impossible to win a big toy prize at games but medium and small size is manageableA lot of parking lots, for cars, buses and rvPersonal is very nice, all of them are pretty young which makes me happy that upcoming generations are involved in hard work

Radu M — Google review

We had SO much fun! We went on a Wednesday the last week of May. There were hardly any crowds, hardly any waits. The only problem was that a ride we were most excited for was closed and for some reason, the water park was closed that day. Other than that, very reasonable ticket prices, and loads of fun

Tiffany D — Google review

This is my first time visiting as an adult and had an enjoyable time. They had Halloween decorations up and doing their evening Halloween special. We attended during the day stayed 5 hours, road a few rides. Park employees are generally friendly and helpful.

Anita M — Google review

This park continues to improve! I’m sure it will become a 5-star park in my eyes once they complete the Jungle X-Pedition land and open the new ride & plaza next year. This park has a certain charm to it, with some great rides. One train operations across the entire park weren’t fun on my last visit, but I’m sure that’ll change as the year progresses.

Tay S — Google review

Amazing rides. The atmosphere was slightly boring compared to Six Flags in Maryland. The park was safe and had good staff. The food was a 6.2/10.

Steven-John O — Google review

Great park! At least for me faster access to rides than Disneyland. Prices for food and drinks a bit pricey so keep that in mind when buying food and drinks. I recommend buying the 20 dollar cup and you can refill it all day. Specially if you are with family.

Alex A — Google review

Winterfest was great! Excellent for the family, get tickets online and they are only 25$ per person in advance. A lot of things to do for the kids, rides are open. Great Christmas shows and food/drinks. Highly recommended!

Luis — Google review

I just love this place . I have been to this place multiple times. This time i found lots of ride which is applicable and safe for 2-3 year and adult too. We had loads of fun this time together. I would definitely suggest getting the yearly pass to go here often and have quick entry as well.

Indira — Google review

The park is well organised and has everything to enjoy. There are roller coaster rides for all ages and everyone can enjoy over there. They have couple of food options all around the park so which ever you go you will find places to eat, restrooms and water. We enjoyed a lot in the park and would recommend everyone to try it out.

Sushmita T — Google review

One of the rides never got running. The weather cleared up and it was a great day for the other rides. The bathrooms were very clean. The lines were perfect during the day but heavy in the evening. Overall, very satisfying trip.

Lizzy L — Google review

Great time at Winterfest! The air was chilly and filled with cheer and the cocoa was hot and sweet. Loved the decorations, ice skating rink but most of all enjoyed decorating cookies in Mrs Clause’s kitchen. Such a cute experience and great way to meet the cast/characters. Made it in time to see a show which was by far the best I have seen at KD in quite some time. Overall an amazing experience, I got “pinned” with a hint saying “Find the Mayor” ended up finding the “Mayor of Candyland” which was pretty cool!

Cameron L — Google review

Kings Dominion has been a great place to make memories for my brother and I for over 30 years. It is very clean for an amusement park and not too big either. The rides are fun, and the lines are very manageable. I highly recommend it!

Chad S — Google review

Loved our experience at Kings Dominion in Virginia! Well worth the admission fee and lots and lots of thrilling experiences for kids and adults alike! The park is clean and organized and adequately staffed with professional and helpful folks. There is no dearth for excellent food and dessert options! We didn’t go into soak city, but even without that we had enough to keep us occupied for 10+ hours! The kids were extremely excited with all the roller coasters! 🎢 We went on a weekday so the crowds weren’t crazy and the wait times were very minimal! This is a perfect family and has everything for little ones and teens.

Bugs S — Google review

Kids love it. Teens love it. Nice way to spend the day as a family. We went for the Haunt. It was pretty awesome. It was a Saturday evening. A lot of people and long lines for the rides. We had fun.

Cyndi G — Google review

The park was alot of fun, the food was good. Pricey, but goo's. There were some rides closed but the park was so big we didn't get to ride everything anyways. There were a few annoying employees at the drink stop and the pig resturant. The park could use some direction. But it was so much fun.

Kelly P — Google review

Kimgsdominion has always been an all time favorite for us, with lots to do from rides to games and just walking around and checking out all the different restaurants. There is a Theatre where performances are put on and as well, they often times have live bands and music. Planet Snoopy is meant for small children and always have characters dressed up from Charlie Brown, and tons for the Littles to do as well. Very kid/family friendly. I will say however, the entire park is now cashless, so be sure you have all your money on your card/credit card, there are only 2 machines in the entire park that can convert cash to cards for you and that can be an inconvenience because of their locations in the park. If you do convert cash onto a card, the cards can be used anywhere outside of the park like a Visa Credit Card.Also, when we bought our passes, we got all day dining with it and totally worth it. Guaranteed excellent time when you go.

Loretta S — Google review

100% one of our best experiences at an amusement park anywhere, ever! The combination of water park and roller coasters for all one admission is unique and makes for a jam-packed day! Be sure to get the daily refill drinks in the summer to stay hydrated with electrolytes. Huge shout-out to the crew at the water park for positive and professional attitudes. Everyone we met was happy and polite even with heat index of 108 deg F. Awesome fireworks for the 4th of July holiday, as well.

Alan C — Google review

4.4

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4.0

(1908)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (49)

16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047, USA

(804) 876-5000

7

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

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Historical place

Sights & Landmarks

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a family-friendly destination that offers a blend of outdoor activities, historical sites, and museums. Established in 1944, the park encompasses numerous historic landmarks related to John Brown and the Civil War, as well as pristine nature spots and viewpoints along the Shenandoah River valley. The town itself features historic buildings, monuments, and a charming downtown district.

Enjoyed it. Wonderful using the bus to shuttle. Never had to wait around 5 minutes for the shuttle, but was never full. Definitely worth it. Beautiful town, thankful for the preservations.**Bring insect repellent if you plan on walking near the water**

Matt B — Google review

Definitely a gem in WV. Free shuttle from visitor center to lower town to see many historic shops, beautiful river views, and old rail trails. Easy walking. Plan to spend half day enjoying the historic park.

Susan D — Google review

Beautiful area right on the river with multiple trails that are great for time outdoors with the bonus of historic spots posted throughout. Plus, being right in the historical Harper's Ferry area with restaurants, shops, cute B&B's, etc. Clean and peaceful on the trails. Can be busy during specific times of day and year.My only complaint is the very limited parking available, specifically for the trails and river access.Being someone who lives within the area, I am able to enjoy more frequently with friends and family, but if you are not from the area, it's definitely worth visiting for a day trip or to add to your list of trails.

ML P — Google review

Harpers Ferry is always a great stop with plenty to do. We have made short and long trips depending on what we want to see, and there is always something new to learn about.When we come in the winter or early in the day we park in town by the train station for easy access. Today the lord were all full so we parked at the visitor center and took the bus in, and our was really very convenient.There are so many walking and hiking trails in the area, and with the C&O canal and the Appalachian Trail passing by you can really go anywhere from here. There are plenty of trails easy for all ages, and more challenging trails like Maryland Heights to give you a good hike with great views. For an easy walk I love to walk across the bridge to the C&O, especially if I can catch a train passing through!There are very fun shops in town as well, where you can learn about history, like the history of candy, and take souvenirs home with you.

Sara C — Google review

Really nice beautiful scenery and just so nice. Free bus down to the town. Military got in for free. So much history in Harpers Ferry. Full off lovely colonial houses and lovely little shops.

Sarah B — Google review

We absolutely loved our visit! We took a short walk around the town and then played in the river for hours. It was very hot in early July (no surprise there) but the water felt amazing. Definitely would need water shoes. They had a pay phone on your way into the park which was one of the kids favorite things. They all wanted to take a turn using it. I can't say that I expected that "historical" aspect to be a highlight. It is also cool that you can walk across the river from one state to another.

Courtney G — Google review

We loved the park so beautiful and lots of trials to go on and the town of Harpers ferry was small bonus with cute shops, history and small pubs to catch a quick bite at. It's crowded on the weekends so be prepared to park at the park and shuttle bus down. But don't worry there's lots of busses coming all the time. This is a great day trip or couple day trip to explore the area and other small towns around. West Virginia is a beautiful state especially if you love the outdoors, nature and laid back living.

Cyndi W — Google review

Lots of history here. You can go to the National Park visitor center and then ride the bus into town. This is a good option as parking is scarce and metered. Entry to the park is $20 per family and is good for 3 days, or you can use your National Park pass. We rode our bikes which is another option. Once in town, there's lots to see. The lower town has many historic buildings, and many have been turned into small museums. There is a railroad trestle you can walk across and see a tunnel entrance. When you're in Harper's Ferry, where the Shenandoah and Patomac rivers meet is also where WV, VA, and MD all come together. There are many places to grab lunch, drinks, and ice cream. Some of the buildings are undergoing renovations. We spend about 4 hours there.

William — Google review

Such a wonderful, historic part of West Virginia that is definitely worth a visit. There is so much to see and do! The confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers provides a beautiful setting. Take time to stroll through the streets and shops of town. Take the short hike to the Jefferson Rock Lookout. There are several nice dining establishments. Plan on spending at least two to three hours at HFNHP.

Kerry M — Google review

We drove 5hrs both ways to visit for the day, and it was definitely worth it! The park itself is beautiful, we were there on a misty day and that honestly only made it more beautiful and weathered looking. The way the town blends into the historic park is really fun. I enjoyed the way history and modern living blend together. The park staff we spoke to were also super kind. I highly recommend parking up top and taking the bus down if you can!

Griffon W — Google review

This is a perfect place to visit for the fall season. The drive itself was a treat. I recommend parking at the Harpers Ferry National Park and pay the fee of 20 bucks (I wish I have known this beforehand), and from there they have a bus every 5 mins to take you to the downtown and self tour the area.

LJ A — Google review

I visited this national historic site on a rainy Tuesday morning in May. I have a national park pass so did not have to pay the $20 entrance fee. I visited the visitor center and was told to take the bus down to the old town section of the park. We wandered around and looked at the buildings. There were a couple of movies that explained the history of the area. There were no Rangers available to ask questions too. Having been to many other national parks and historic sites I would say this one was a bit underwhelming.

Sandra E — Google review

Beautiful historical hike and middle of the Appalachian Trail! The trails are well marked and have detailed descriptions of the historical significance of each location. It was very educational to read and stand in the same areas on the ridge line where the soldiers fired cannons into the city. The meeting of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers is crazy cool from the overlook. We are going to come back and do a river rafting/kayak or float tour. All the people were having a great time floating/paddling the rivers!

Morgan L — Google review

What a beautiful, incredible space. It really feels like stepping back in time. We went on a rainy Saturday in March and there wasn't too much trouble getting parking but I can imagine the parking fills up in the warmer weather. Definitely recommend parking in the NPS lot and taking the shuttle. The shuttle is very convenient and comes like every 10 minutes.The town itself offers all kinds of engagement from history to architecture to natural beauty. One can easily spend all day here exploring the town, trails and museum exhibits. There are a few stores; we really enjoyed the historic candy shop where you can buy candy that was popular in different historic eras. Don't forget to stop by the park store. There is a very good selection of books, Park swag, and more. Don't forget to get your passport stamps! Can't wait to return in the warmer months.

Ian R — Google review

I would highly recommend spending the day at Harper’s Ferry. When you get there, go to the visitor center and talk to the ranger. The lady I talked to gave me a lot of helpful tips on where to go and what to see. She wanted to make sure I walked across the bridge and it was well worth it. It was an overcast day, so I opted not to go to the overlook. Going to the park, was well worth the detour.

Trina H — Google review

Had a blast here. Hiking up Maryland Heights was an absolute treat, and the views of Harpers Ferry from the top were breathtaking. The hike itself was really enjoyable, perfect for a day out in nature. It was pretty packed and I couldn’t find parking at the train station, so I had to park further away. Fortunately, the park offers a free shuttle between the parking area and the town.

Pablo L — Google review

Beautiful historic town nestled in the mountains of West Virginia. Parking cost $20 and is tough to find in the small lots. There is a free lot just outside of town that you can park in and then walk to a bus stop to pick up a shuttle into town. We were lucky enough to find a spot in town. We walked across the train bridge, stop at the armory and ate lunch in town. There were lots of great places to stop and take pictures.

A. W — Google review

Went on a field trip here today with my kids' school. It was definitely beautiful. The shuttle bus downtown was awesome. I love that they play a recorded guide while on the shuttle. Everything was very clean, and you can tell the community cares. It's very interesting to see the history of this place!

Amber W — Google review

I came here three years ago and ever since then I want to come back. We took the trolley from the top of the hill. It was more convenient than having to park at the top of the town and walking down. I like sitting by the river and looking at the clear water. There are many historical buildings to see and a lot of history to learn.

Officer T — Google review

I did not realize you had to pay to visit Harpers Ferry. I didn’t know it was part of the National Park Service. Which was my bad for not doing my research. Thankfully I went on a day that wasn’t very busy. The shuttles to and from the drop offs were timely. I was alone when I visited and would definitely come back with my husband and/or friends. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes there is lots to see.

Ivy — Google review

Literally the BEST National Park System owned site I've ever been to! I unfortunately wasn't able to hike on any of the trails, but the small houses and businesses along the road were extremely interesting! I remember visiting a small church nearing the top of the hill that was beautiful. There was a candy shop I went into and the woman working the desk told me all about the history of candies like Turkish delight. The restaurants were also very good. The Rabbit Hole is a great choice to go to. I'll definitely go back some day when I can hike up the trails.

Ethan H — Google review

What an amazing little town with so much history. If you are in the area or looking for a great place to take in the beautiful country side and tons of history this is your place. Everyone we encountered was so nice and helped us navigate the area to get the best experience for us.

Ryan M — Google review

Very well organized. Drive to the public parking and take the bus back.Walk through town. It's very interesting history is worthwhile. R. E. Lee arrested John Brown near the current fire station. From the point you see three states, West Virginia, Virginia across the Shenandoah to the right and Maryland across the Potomac to the left. Walk across the bridge and see the city from Maryland Point, a 1 hour hike round trip since part of the trail is closed.

Stephen H — Google review

I brought my 16 year old son here for his first time, as he'd just read about the story of John Brown in his history class, & he was enamored. It was a wonderful experience. So much to see, & Harpers Ferry is the most charming little town! I'd been here 9 years ago, & I was so happy to bring him to see everything that I so much enjoyed, as well as discover how the exhibits had changed. Great experience, & perfect for a weekend family road trip!

Michaela H — Google review

This is at the top of my list of all-time favorite parks I’ve visited.Sometimes I go to a park fully aware of what I want to see and do. This visit I just knew I wanted to explore the history and do some hiking.I went to the visitors center and spoke with the ranger there about what I was interested in doing. She was so helpful and gave me a few maps while pointing out the hikes that’d suit me. It couldn’t have been a better day.In no time at all I hopped on the free shuttle to lower town and immediately went to the trails. The views at the top were so iconic and picturesque that it was hard to leave.Eventually I hiked back down and explored the town’s history a little. Then I meandered (as I usually do) back onto the trails and ventured along the river trail and ultimately Appalachian Trail. It was an incredible experience and I can’t wait to come back.

Nick L — Google review

4.8

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4.5

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171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA

(304) 535-6029

8

National Museum of the Marine Corps

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$$$$affordable

National museum

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a modern facility located near Marine Corps Base Quantico, showcasing the rich history of the military branch. With an impressive glass atrium and over 118,000 square feet of space, visitors can explore exhibits that honor those who have served and sacrificed for their country. The museum also hosts retirement ceremonies for Marines who have dedicated over 24 years to their service.

I loved the life-size displays. They had a multitude of rooms displaying the history of the Marines from the revolutionary War to the present. A couple of theaters gave you a feel for the basic training experience. The water color art and s ulptures were awesome.

Kathleen C — Google review

Beautiful facility all around. Depend on it taking you a couple of hours inside and probably nearly that long outside. The guides within the museum are very helpful and enthusiastic about their jobs. Take the walk and check out the outside monuments as well. You won’t be disappointed. And don’t miss Chesty!

BcOneSeven — Google review

Loved this museum! Didn't realize how big it was from the outside until I went in. Expect to spend several hours there. They have a restaurant and bar inside and a great walking trail outside. Will definitely be back!

A B — Google review

One of the best museums I have visited so far, which was a pleasant surprise. The layout makes sense and will take you through the eras the Marine Corps has served our nation. Each exhibit is chock full of valuable information and amazing artifacts. Children will especially love the tanks, planes, helicopters, and other military vehicles they have on display here. There’s even two more sections that will be opening within the next year, so definitely stop by if you’re in the area or enjoy military memorabilia.

Justin A — Google review

Incredible place to visit. A must see if you are in Virginia and our family plans to visit next year because they are adding more exhibits pertaining to the most recent wars. I was impressed with great exhibits and they are meticulous when it comes to detail. I was amazed and moved the way they told the stories about the Marines. It is very true that they are the few and the proud. No entrance fee. Don't forget to follow the walking trails outside the museum. They have beautiful chapel and area for wedding ceremony. Inside they have beautiful and spacious areas for events.

Ria L — Google review

My son retired from the USMC after serving his country for more than 24 years. His retirement ceremony was held at the USMC museum. It was like being in the presence of greatness... looking around the museum and then the way the ceremony is carried out is simply fantastic. You can't help but think of all the men and women that have retired before and the ones to come later. That leads to thoughts of the ones that didn't make it home. There are so many that served but didn't make a career of it... but they are also very important.

Robin R — Google review

Price: FreeDuration: 1-3hoursParking: ample free parkingAn architecturally beautiful building filled with a high quality Museum dedicated to the United States Marine corps. The main lobby is filled with military equipment and realistic military displays. The museum exhibits line the outer rim of the lobby. Highly recommend starting at the beginning here sign and then working your way around the circle so that it flows in chronological order.If you're interested in the military or have close family that have served in the Marine corps you could likely spend many hours in the museum. If you're just stopping by 1:00 to 3 hours or likely to be sufficient. Highly recommend at least walking through every single exhibit just to see the fantastic displays.Unfortunately the war on terrorism and the modern day Marine corps exhibit was closed when we visited in November 2022

Lou F — Google review

Amazing! I'm not a Marine, or even military for that matter, although I fully appreciate the sacrifices that have been made. But this museum is a must see for everyone. Extremely well done exhibits done in multiple different ways. Some very powerful with the voices of people who were in the battles. Walk into rooms with recreations of battle voices and sounds with explosions coming from every direction. You can walk through into an amphibious landing vehicle or a troop helicopter. And so much more. The place is huge and very modern. Take the kids, it's really not graphic or scary but drives the message home. And it's free. Don't miss this one!

Charlie S — Google review

Plan to spend the day! So much to see, read, and experience (inside and out), you'll probably still have to plan more visits to take it all in. There is the Tun Tavern and a place for burgers to keep you going! And a gift shop with all things Marine.This museum is an amazing tribute honoring the United States Marine Corps. A must-see.

Kerry F — Google review

I go every year for the Marine Corps birthday on Nov. 10th with some of my brothers. It's definitely the best museum I've ever been to. There is plenty of history and things to read about. Tons of real artifacts, and they use real people to model their mannequins. I'm very proud of this museum. A must-see for everyone.

Jasmine T — Google review

The exhibits were well done. You can tell the work that was put into it. I thought the combat environments were great especially for others to get a glimpse into the chaos of war. I was thinking that maybe there would be a warning on the glass, for those with PTSD or kids...but I think it's okay without the warning...I mean, this is what Marines do. I am a big fan of art and I wish there was a way that we could buy original works of the combat artists from the gallery. Please continue to have Marine Corps art displayed. I live it. My favorite thing in the entire museum was the sculpture of the Marine Rifleman with different Marine Corps things coming out of its body. Amazing museum. I intend to make a donation to the museum.

Dan B — Google review

Very informative museum with great exhibits. You could spend an hour there briefly understanding the history or you could spend many hours there reading and seeing everything. Some exhibits are more immersive with auditory and visual aids to help you understand the environment or the situation. Highly recommend.

Cinara — Google review

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is simply fantastic. This museum not only honors the legacy of the Marines but is also a work of art. The architecture and layout of the museum are stunning, making every visit a visual delight.One of the standout features is how the exhibits are always changing, ensuring that each visit offers something new to explore and learn. For history buffs and military enthusiasts, this museum is a treasure trove of information and artifacts that vividly tell the story of the Marine Corps.The museum is also an excellent destination for field trips. It provides an educational experience that is both engaging and enlightening. The interactive exhibits and detailed displays capture the attention of visitors of all ages.Located close to the DC area, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history or the military. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, taking some time to explore The National Museum of the Marine Corps will be well worth it. It's a perfect place to stop by and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Marines.

The C — Google review

It's amazing even though there were a lot of people it didn't feel crowded walk the grounds it's something to see

Tamara M — Google review

Visited with my Family, however they were closed because of water shortage. We met a lovely sheriff with 35 years of service.We went and try entry on the 6th of August and what a good time we had!Kinds and the whole family had a great time.Entry is free and good are good priced.If you are in the area please visit this, you will not regret it.

William B — Google review

Wonderful museum! My 5 yr old son absolutely loved it and me being a son of a Marine and a history buff I was very pleased with the displays, the layout of the museum and can’t wait for its completion. Plus the outdoor walking paths were peaceful and beautiful and I’m proud to say my father will have a brick honoring him alongside all the other heroes.

Robert L — Google review

Excellent museum, the guides were eager to share their knowledge with those in attendance but weren't pushy about it. The displays are layed out in a nice chronological order of the various time periods that have changed the Marines, however, each area is set off from a main corridor so you can go to a specific era if you want.

JD Z — Google review

Purchased a brick for my Dad and presented the certificate to him several years ago. Dad passed in 2018, and this was the first time we had the opportunity to visit. The entire walk to locate his brick was humbling, like being at the National Cemetary in DC. Beautiful grounds and the museum requires more than one day to visit.

Donald H — Google review

Such a cool place, we are navy but I think this place is amazing. They have so much information here and a gift shop that has tons of stuff to buy.A restaurant that was pretty good we had fish and chips and a Greek salad. Everything was pretty good.Tons of picture explains what stuff isPeople there to help with questions it is a double floor establishment, but they have an elevator if you don’t want to climb the stairs or if you can climb the stairs. Love all the history here, we didn’t have time to walk the grounds but those looked amazing as well.We will come back and walk the grounds on another day.You must come check this place out and bring the kids.

Lisa P — Google review

Gem of a museum tucked away off 95. Not busy at all even on a Saturday but a fantastic collection of objects, great history. Well worth a trip.

Matthew B — Google review

The museum was a pleasant surprise. It is a lot bigger than it appears, and the exhibits are very informative. The gift shop has excellent choices of memorabilia to remember your visit. There's only one suggestion allow ample time to enjoy your experience.

H T — Google review

This museum is so big with so much Marine Corps History. One can spend an entire day and would only grasp a small portion of the information presented.There were volunteer guides readily available for a group or those who are eager to take the time to explore in depth about the Corps History.Over 200 plus years of facts to learn and gain a portion of the knowledge. A very engaging exhibit fully interactive and immersive. The replicas of actual weaponry and worn garments during the era.There is a children's section for the family members wanting to take a rest from all the walking. A restaurant and a tavern on the second floor for those lunch and evening meals.The exhibit is ever expanding with up to date information on valuable current day events and for all families who have served, know someone who is serving or just an admiring historian.The museum is all non profit and voluntary donations are welcomed. I donated some of my money to their amazing gift shop. The items in the shop are well worth the price.I'm definitely visiting again soon. Next time I'm checking out the outside of the museum. So much to see in such a short amount of time.

Daniel C — Google review

Beautiful. Bring your tissues. I love the layout of the museum. Very informative everyone there was super friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. The We Are Marines movie was so incredibly well done. My kids especially liked the interactive part of the museum.

Loren M — Google review

This is a truly great museum. We spent 3 hours there, could have spent another four or five, Definitely plan for a five - to seven hour visit. Interactive displays and detailed descriptions of all artifacts, which are all originals. Many very rare items as well. Easy navigation thought the many eras of Marine history. Superbly decorated. Large gift shop. Eat at Tun Tavern 🍺.

Dave R — Google review

Our visit to The Mariners' Museum and Park in VA was fantastic! Plenty of parking, spotless restrooms, and captivating exhibits made for a memorable experience. The staff's friendliness and expertise enhanced our journey through maritime history. The park's picturesque surroundings provided a tranquil retreat. Notably, the entrance fee is unbelievably reasonable at just $1.00 – making it an absolute must-visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking an enjoyable day out. Ohh Yaa! The value for the experience is truly remarkable.

Awesome N — Google review

Stunning! Every American should visit this museum to get a small glimpse into the sacrifices our Marines make in combat. The vignettes are outstanding and the depictions of soldiers are so realistic that I had to pinch one to make sure he wasn't a live actor. This place makes me proud to be an American 🇺🇸. Thank you for your service Marines!

Vicky V — Google review

Pardon my terrible photos, but this museum was hands down the best one I’ve ever been to. We spent 3 hours going as fast as we could and only got halfway through their presentation.Probably the most terrible, yet touching scene is in the little forest with the movie of how everything started during world war 2. It’s easy to miss, so look for red poppies swaying in a breeze on the right hand side and you’ll leave a changed person.

Rachel S — Google review

We saw the building from the interstate and dropped in when they first opened the next morning, this museum is incredible, be sure to give yourself ample time to spend there. There a wealth of information to learn about our Marine Corps history and the artillery/gear used. We wished we had more time to spend.The museum is FREE.

Sarah R — Google review

Free admission. Gift shop and restaurant called Tub Tavern inside. Huge museum with so much American history to see and learn about. Displays and artifacts from the founding of the Marine Corps to predent day.Exterior architectural asthetic is beautiful. Very well maintained. Staff was knowledgeable, courteous, and professional.

Heather L — Google review

All staff made you feel welcome. It's always spotless throughout the building. Great variety of gifts in the shop. All the displays and exhibits are so amazing. They make you feel like you're there.

Wendy E — Google review

Amazing museum with lots of exhibits on the history of the US Marines. There is a lot to check out. You can watch a movie about the Marines and how they serve us. There is also a lot of tanks and airplanes. I like how each exhibit is organized into sections about a certain war. It is very clean and the I especially like the architecture of the museum. It’s very nice how the admission is free and there is so much to see here. There is a new exhibit opening soon about the Iraq war and I will definitely come back and check it out once it’s open. In my opinion this museum is overlooked and you should definitely go check it out if you are in the DC area!

Kiet T — Google review

Great experience here! The museums' exhibits were informative, and the special effects in some spaces were exciting. Really cool displays of Marine aviation aircrafts and history!Kid-friendly with some children specific activities. Some exhibits are currently closed, but look like they'll be interesting once opened. The outside trails are inviting and tranquil.Highly recommend.

Shelby M — Google review

Truly amazing museum to visit and free admission. Every one working in the museum was very friendly and informative. Very clean with gift shop and eateries.

Corey — Google review

Awesome, Inspiring, Inspirational, proud to be an American. This Nation Landmark exemplifies the dedication, sacrifice, the honor of our men and women who have given themselves the ultimate service to our Nation. Thank you to all that have served and especially to those that have given their lives to protect our freedoms.

Chuck Y — Google review

This particular museum was well-produced with information. It was as if you were there. Everyone involved there from the security to the curators was beyond friendly. They even have wheelchairs for free to use, completely hassle-free. 10/10 would recommend.

Christel S — Google review

Great place to learn about and honor the Marine Corps. There are many exhibits about their past throughout The Worlds Wars, Korea, and Vietnam. Really helps you see how these brave men lived, there is even a section about boot camp where you can try to achieve as many pull-ups as you can! Overall, I had a great time and I now understand the Marine Corps a lot better!

Luke — Google review

The Marine Museum is one of the best museums I've ever seen and I'm exArmy. It honors those who have served very well. Plan a day. There are lots to look at and read. Good tavern in the museum for a break and meal.

David B — Google review

The museum is well structured. There's a theatre which displays a video of the Marine Corps history. Upon exiting, you begin the first exhibit. Each one takes you thru a specific time line of events that occurred during a war and conflict. The upper level has a display of artwork created by veterans. The outer grounds has multiple interpretive walking trails

Ranger ( — Google review

Ahhh, the Marine Corps museum is just what you would expect. Scroll to my last picture… where else can you find a museum that takes pride in folding toilet paper? This is how the USMC introduces you to what is distinctive about it as soon as you walk in. There are friendly docents throughout to make the experience more personal and… it’s free!!! If you spend a while there, make sure to go upstairs and either have a sit down meal at Tun Tavern or eat right next door in the cafeteria. My 5th grader and I spent about four hours here and could have easily spent more… we went on an April weekday and it was almost empty

Heather P — Google review

Family time at the museum, age levels from 5 to 80, we all enjoyed the many exhibits and story lines, not only of the wars but the history of the armament, uniforms, vehicles, and other equipment used. We watched the film on the history of the Marines, very well done, and Gene Hackman as the narrator was spot on. I'd encourage all to take a couple of hours and visit and learn or relearn about a part of American history.

Dina P — Google review

I am absolutely impressed with the quality, detail, and dedication that had been made to give us such a great opportunity to learn and catch a glimpse of what a small piece of our brave men and women stepped up to serve and protect our country and us as a people. Unfortunately, we only had a small amount of time to look around. I honestly would suggest to get have a complete experience would be to have a day to spend taking in the entire museum. This is definitely on our list of places to go back to! And the cemetery. It was so clean, quiet, and serene. Thank you to ALL who have helped keep this place up and running. It is a necessary part of our history!

Rebekah J — Google review

9

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

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Museum

Museum of space history

Specialty Museums

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, a branch of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum located near Washington-Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, VA, offers a free museum experience that explores the history of human flight through an impressive collection of aircraft and spacecraft exhibits. With three times the size of its DC counterpart, this sprawling center showcases thousands of aviation artifacts from early manned flights to modern engineering advancements.

Wow amazingly big and nice air museum. If you love airplane or study for pilot or you have interest jn aviation, I recommend you go there. If you are not interested in aviation, you will still love it there. Same to me. It's worth my time and you too.It's perfect for single, couple or families with or without kids. Much fun there.Free to entry but the parking fee is $10 or less than $15. They have souvenirs..

Kehinde O — Google review

I visited on a Monday afternoon and spent two to three hours enjoying immensely the collection of aircraft in this museum. Admission is free, leaving only the $15 parking fee to pay. The Smithsonian does a great job keeping the place clean and getting people through security in a more than reasonable time. I also viewed my first IMAX film here and found the seating and experience overall to be worth the price of admission.The museum itself has a wide assortment of commercial and military aircraft to view from a short distance. The placards serve their educational purpose by providing historical context for the time periods in which the aircraft flew and their purpose along with a special fact or two. I was surprised to see examples of enemy aircraft also on display along with stories about how the museum came to own these artifacts of past wars. The Space Shuttle Discovery of course is a well known and deservedly highly visited centerpiece of the museum. The size of the Shuttle is rather awesome up close and lends to photo opportunities from multiple vantage points.A great place for children and adults to see and learn some aeronautical history to be sure. I could return next year for a refresher on all the exhibits and maybe take a closer look at some of the more subtle supplementary exhibits I did not see this time.

Michael G — Google review

If you’ve ever gone to the Air and Space Museum on the National Mall and thought, is this all there is, then this is the place for you.This is a true history of flight. Actual flying machines and how they’ve changed since we’ve reached for the skies and beyond. They have some of the earliest flying crafts man has attempted to board, all the way to modern fighting machines, and then out into outer space. The SR-71 blackbird is one of the jewels of this museum. It’s placement directly in front of the space shuttle discovery is one of the most iconic pictures from this museum. To look at how we’ve come from balloon flight to small, agile aircraft to these pieces of modern marvels of machinery and technology really blows the mind. There is so much to offer here. You should plan to spend at least half a day in the building.If you ever wonder what it’s like to be up in an air traffic control tower, they have a unique viewing area above the museum. Here you can see what it would be like to be in the Air Traffic control for Dulles airport.The IMAX theaters below are incredible for viewing some of the space programs and the flight simulators will give you an idea of what it would be like to fly some of these aerobatic airplanes.Come and enjoy one of the best kept secrets of the Smithsonian Museums.

Trent A — Google review

Absolutely Amazing! Hands down the best museum I have ever been to. So many historical and significant aircraft in one place. See the Discovery Space Shuttle, the first supersonic aircraft, the plane that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima, the first and only supersonic airliner, and many many more. Words cannot describe how amazing and life-changing this museum is. There is also an IMAX theatre, a viewing deck for Dulles Airport, and Shake Shack on site. Worth a trip to DC for this museum alone.

Thomas D — Google review

Tons to see from the history of aviation and space exploration. Hours will pass by rapidly and just scratch the surface. This is the type of museum that a few visits to would do it justice. Seriously, a tremendous amount of items to look at and learn about. Very well done.

Robb R — Google review

The larger air and space museum just outside Dulles airport. It is really wondrous how all these machines were built, and a great display of engineering marvels.The highlight is obviously the space shuttle and blackbird, but there are plenty of other exhibits including an Air France Concorde.It wasn't busy when we visited, but the place is so vast I can't imagine it ever being truly busy. The food in the Shake Shack is good, the special milkshake they have is outstanding. You can also visit a special tower to see planes taking off and landing, this is not good for those with vertigo...!Loved our time here and would thoroughly recommend going at every opportunity.Parking is $15 dollars but there is no entry fee. Obviously if you have small children there might need gift shop tax to pay...!

James H — Google review

Absolutely amazing museum, has an incredible variety of historically important aircraft, has some incredibly unique and rare aircraft on top of that. Only possible downside is that you can't get very close to many aircraft, but it's understandable to the reasons why that is the case, I highly recommend going! It's also free!

Liam B — Google review

Absolutely fantastic Air and Space museum!So many beautiful and well preserved planes and air transport with an amazing organisation with clear information on display.The place is very big so be prepared to walk a couple hours around it. They have a lot of clean bathrooms around the place and water fountains so that was very good!We actually found the air balloon gallery section to be very funny and interesting 😁Definitely recommend this place for a day visit if you're in DC!

Pavinee G — Google review

This has to be one of the best things to do during a layover at any airport in the world - as well as being a fantastic day out in its own right. You can catch the 981/983 bus service from right outside Dulles to the museum. It’s $2 each way - and you need cash. No debit cards. Service runs every 20 mins. The museum is free (though if you drive it’s $15 parking) and you could easily spend 3+ hours there. From Concorde to an F35, the Discovery Space Shuttle and the alien-like SR71 Blackbird. This museum is a must for any aviation or space geek. It is a world class collection.

Ben M — Google review

There are so many incredible things to see here but the thing that steals the show is the space shuttle. Spent about 2 hours walking around each floor, getting a good up close view of everything, reading each description, and taking pictures. The fact that this is free is so cool. If you are hungry there is even a shake shack! Good on the museum for having quality food here. Before you leave make sure to stop by the observation tower to get a good look of the surrounding areas and see airplanes take off and land.

Sleepy C — Google review

Highly recommended!!! This is one of the most amazing museums we have ever been to. So much history in one place. From the Wright Brothers to the space shuttle. The free tours are very fun and informative. Admission is free. We just had to pay for parking.

Chuck P — Google review

Amazing place! A must see if you are in the area. One of a kind airplanes, and meticulously restored! They have a the Discovery Space Shuttle as well as other aircraft. They have examples of aircraft from man’s early flight to outer space. Highly recommend.

Joel S — Google review

One of the best museum experiences I've ever had. The museum is massive with displays from the birth of flight all the way through to our current space explorations with pieces from all over the world. Parking is abundant and free and the staff is extremely knowledgeable and courteous. Highly recommended for those visiting the area to spend a few hours immersed in our fascination with the skies.

Jay R — Google review

I visited this place about 10 years ago while I was out in the area for work, and it always stuck in my mind to come back. I made it back with my family today.It was better than I remember it.The exhibits are top notch. There's simulator rides, and Shake Shack for lunch, a tower you can get great views, and more aviation history then you could dream of.America's top notch contributions to aviation are here, the Space Shuttle Discovery, and SR 71, the F14, and more. Some of the planes we fought against are also here.There's also an IMAX theater on site.Parking is $15 that's your ticket in. What an amazing price. My 6 year old loved it, my wife loved it, I love it.

Dennis K — Google review

This is an absolutely amazing museum which will leave you inspired. Entry is free but parking costs $15 per car. Honestly, I felt the experience made up for the parking fee so it should not deter you.You can see so many planes, helicopters, and the famous Space Shuttle Discovery. I recommend taking one of the free tours which was very informative. I spent 2-3 hours, but there's a whole day's worth of activities to do.The observation tower is a must see as it gives a good view of planes landing at Dulles International Airport. I highly recommend this museum!!

Arnav A — Google review

It’s a very nicely done museum. I do believe for a real aviation junkie Wright Patterson would be better. The fact though they have a shuttle is really nice. The view when you first walk in looking down and seeing the SR-71 and the shuttle is awesome. We have young kids so we went rather quickly, spent about 2 hours there.

Scot S — Google review

This place is awesome! So many different aircraft to look at and learn about. They do have tours you can take where the guide will go more into detail about certain exhibits. Highly recommend.

Najwa D — Google review

An extremely fascinating museum with remarkable, one of a kind airplanes, spacecraft and more. Wonderful for any aviation enthusiast, although just about anyone would enjoy walking through here. Far less crowded than the Air & Space downtown, no big crowds when we were there.

Cole K — Google review

Superb and surreal experience with some amazing planes. It was also very educational. Highlights were the SR-71 Blackbird, F-14, F/A-18, B-29, Concorde, Space Shuttle Discovery. At the end we also did a fighter jet flight simulator where you can choose to either be the pilot or shooter. This is bucket list stuff if you are into planes, aerospace and science! Allow around 2 hours to see everything. Entry was free of charge. Don’t miss this incredible experience

Ganesh R — Google review

Super cool! I am a pilot and an aviation lover so I was bound to love it, but my brother and his wife who don't have any particular interest in aviation, came with me and they loved it too. It's super fun for families and kids. The museum is free, parking is $10. The fighter Sim was cool and 10 per person.

Seth T — Google review

Loved it! Just spent several hours there and I felt like a kid in a candy store. Such an abundance of incredible aviation and space machinery from the beginning of modern flight. I’d have a hard time choosing a favorite exhibit but was thrilled to see both the SR-71 Blackbird and Space Shuttle Discovery up close and in the flesh. Please visit, you won’t regret it.

Dennis P — Google review

Located 30 to 35 min west of the DC metropolitan area, this museum has a lot of both vintage and current air and space planes. I really enjoyed the openness of this hangar as well as the free tours that are offered hourly. We also enjoyed the staff members who had booths located throughout the museum who demonstrated subject matter expertise on certain aspects of STEM. Highly recommended and would come back again soon.

Yuji Y — Google review

Fantastic museum! Large open space with various different type of aircraft. They even have an SR-71, Concord, and Discovery space shuttle on display.They also have an IMAX theater. There a Burger Shack on site next to the gift shop.Entrance is free, however, there is a $15 fee for parking.The observation tower wasn’t crowded and had great 360 degree views. There are restrooms throughout. There were also different Discovery stations with brief presentations. Staff was very friendly.Would highly recommend as an inexpensive high quality place to visit in the D.C. area.

Aaron — Google review

This is an great place to visit. The museum is an extension of the Air & Space Museum in DC, but contains different exhibits. The exhibits cover early flight, WWI, WWII, the Cold War, civilian flight, and the Space Program. This is a good place for children, adults, people with a general interest in history, and people with a specific interest in aviation history and military history. The "tower" is a good experience that gives a great view of the Dulles runways and the surrounding countryside. As of July 25, 2023, there is a Shake Shack within the museum. This is a must visit. While entry to the Museum is free, there is a $15 parking fee.

John M — Google review

I can't say enough about this air and space museum. My wife & I enjoyed this museum very much. If you are interested in early flight through to the Discovery shuttle this is the place for you. We spent 1 1/2 days here. The first day we walked around and took lots of pictures. The second day we walked around and took a free tour, which was very informative. We suggest you take the tour at some time during your visit. And make sure you go up into the tower and watch planes arrive and take off from Washington Dulles airport. You can also listen to the Washington Dulles control tower as planes arrive and takeoff. Great place to visit for flight enthusiasts from 9-90.

David B — Google review

This is truly a hidden gem as far as museums in this area are concerned. There's so much to see and so much to learn as you explore all of the exhibits. Lots of neat planes, helicopters, and spacecraft to check out. Very family friendly. Lots of open space to walk freely so you won't get bogged down by crowds except maybe in the gift shop.

Ariel — Google review

This was an amazing place to visit if you enjoy aircraft history. So many memorable aircraft there including the Enola Gay and an SR71 Blackbird. Also there are quite a few experimental aircraft from Germany captured after World War II. Quite exciting to see.This is part of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum but contains aircraft that wouldn't fit or couldn't be brought into Washington DC proper. It's about a 45 minute drive from where I was staying in Bethesda so check it out.

Randy — Google review

Last Thursday (Christmas week break), my family and I had the opportunity to visit the Air and Space Museum, and it was an experience worth sharing. The museum offers an extensive walk through the annals of American aerial history, showcasing not just the remarkable milestones achieved by the country but also highlighting the power of international collaboration.Each exhibit was a testament to the advancements in aviation and space exploration, capturing the essence of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress. The displays were well-curated and informative, providing a comprehensive overview that was both educational and engaging for all ages.What stood out the most was the emphasis on the collaborative efforts between the United States and other countries in achieving these aerospace milestones. It was a powerful reminder of how shared knowledge and joint endeavors have propelled us into new frontiers.The visit was not just a fun outing, but also an enlightening journey that deepened our appreciation for the history and future of air and space exploration. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in the skies above and beyond.

Ayush S — Google review

This place is unbelievable. The best aviation museum i have ever been to!! So unbelievable i had to go there twice in one week on our vacation. All kinds of historic aircraft and to top it off the discovery shuttle is there also. A major must see!

Bubz 1 — Google review

This is the best air museum I've ever been to. It huge!! Like every thing you ever wanted to see it in this museum. Concorde,Blackbird,707,space shuttle. And it's free. The observation deck is awesome to watch planes land. Amazing museum, wonderful staff, and airplanes are in stunning condition. Had the best day here.

Dominic C — Google review

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is a very fun and interesting museum. There are various helicopters, planes and rockets. If you like NASA & aeronautics, this place is awesome. Your interest in historical planes, this place will be perfect for you. Summaries of each museum artifact are next to or nearby for a better understanding of them. Space ship Simulators for kids will get their attention easily. The gift shop is a great place to get things for kids as well as things for yourself for memory.

Ted W — Google review

It is located in 7 Hectares area and started in the year 1999. There is good collection and display of different kinds of air crafts well arranged at different levels for better visibility all-round. There is a watch tower in the premises from which landings of flights of Washington DC airport. The collection includes Boeing B-29 which dropped first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, Space shuttle Discovery and Gemini4 capsule and many more. Must visit place. There is ample parking.

Gangadhar C — Google review

This is my favorite museum in the DC area! Admission is free, but parking is $15 (as of May 2024). If you are not familiar with the aircraft on display, there is a one-hour guided tour. One of the tour guides is a former SR-71 pilot. If you prefer an unguided tour, it is rather easy to walk around and learn just by reading the signs in the displays. There is something here for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.

Walter ウ — Google review

An Amazing collection of airplanes of different types and era. Must visit for airplane aficionado. The volunteers run hourly walking tour. An experience not to be missed.It's huge so give plenty of time. Great collection of space equipment as well

Rupali J — Google review

Although it was a very busy weekend, there was enough parking and there was no line. It cost $15 for parking. The museum is very big and has so many amazing airplanes and spaceships. We enjoyed the WW2 section. The airplanes are well kept. Free tour guides were provided. You need a ticket to get up to the tower. The only restaurant inside is Shake Shack and the line was very long during meal time. Better eating outside.

Gemma P — Google review

Absolutely AMAZING! It's incredible to see what humans are capable of building and unfortunately the destruction they are also capable of. From a plane that Professor Langley and the Smithsonian built, which didn't actually fly and was tested 9 days before the Wright Brothers first flight, to the Enola Gay that dropped the first atomic bomb to the space shuttle Discovery. If you're ever in the area it's a must see.

Patrick D — Google review

Two amazing and big hangars, full of planes and the space shuttle Discovery.You can easily make a quick stop and just stroll through the hangars in an hour or so, but you can also spend many hours looking and reading about all the history.The museum is free, but you have to pay for parking (i think it was 9$). Quite a fantastic offer 👍

Janus M — Google review

This place can be physically and metaphorically out of this world. This was the best experience that we had visiting the Smithsonian. Although this is outside of town the parking fee and the drive were well worth it. This place has so many things to see it’s a good half to full day museum. I can’t wait to go back and really take my time. The observation deck is awesome along with all the planes. Don’t miss the IMAX movie either!

Calvin W — Google review

Very cool place. SR-71 and the space shuttle on display, and a lots of other aircraft throughout aviation history. I recommend visiting this wonderful museum!Pictures in my review were taken in 2016.

Nam — Google review

This place was amazing! Even if you are not into airplanes, it was still fascinating. All the displays are beautifully presented. They even have the space shuttle Discovery there. The ship is HUGE! I had no idea!If you have an opportunity to go here, make sure you go on tour with one of their docents. So much information! Also, don’t miss a trip to the observation tower with its 360-degree view.

Yvonne K — Google review

If you are interested in aviation, visiting this museum should be high on your list. There are so many aircraft to experience. So much history! There are even several simulators available to get the real feel of handling the stick! I especially like the area where you can see aircraft being restored. Currently, the B-26, Flak-bait, is being worked on.

Rene T — Google review

Without a doubt one of the best air and space museums in the country. They’re always moving things around and adding to the collection so there’s always something new to see. The look into the restoration hanger was incredible as well. Absolutely worth the visit 10 times over.

Brendan S — Google review

Always a great experience to wander around this amazing museum. It's the newest extension to the exhibits downtown - and more. The complete history of flight is on display. Recommend that you experience the guided tours that happen frequently with very knowledgeable guides. Go up to the observation tower and get a 360 degree view of the beautiful landscape and the flights coming into and out of Dulles. Definitely visit anytime in the area.

Mike ( — Google review

This is an amazing place! So much to see. It is easy to get to and free to enter. Only have to pay $15 for parking. It is truly hard to believe how they got so much stuffed into the space provided. Even the souvenir shop is priced well. Definitely a place to stop by and check out.

Scott G — Google review

The museum is a well curated experience and narrative of aviation over the years, from wars, to space expeditions and commercial airlines. Great place to take kids as there are simulators and adults for the well guided tours.I had a great experience with my tour guide who was an ex-pilot who helped answer my many questions with a smile on his face.The museum is free and the parking charge is $15. There is a restaurant and a theatre as well.I recommend going early as many of the attractions (sitting inside a plane, observatory) close early. The last IMAX show is at 4:30. I also recommend seeing the restoration hangar.My only complaint is the lack of relevant data on the description boards, not enough use of narrative to thrill the experience. You may need to have a prior interest in aviation unless you're a child, then it's cool.

Aayush M — Google review

This facility is well organized and very impressive. The amount of airplanes with significant stories and history are everywhere.The main hanger is filled with jets, experimental craft, prop planes and civilian craft.The Space Orbiter Discovery (OV-103) is the highlight of the museum in my opinion. Also, the SR-71 Blackbird is high on the list of the top air/spacecraft to view.The parking lot is typically not crowded during the weekdays. There is a Shake Shack inside for meals and a good museum gift shop.Be sure to check out the observation tower as well.

Christopher P — Google review

Such an awesome place! Came here for the fighter jets but my mind was totally blown by the space shuttle. The SR-71 and Concorde were cool too. If you’re disappointed that half of the OG museum on the mall is closed this is worth the trip. It might even be better than the original museum even when it’s fully open. Unfortunately I had less than an hour and easily could have spent 2-3 hours here.

Jay T — Google review

4.9

(26058)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (67)

5.0

(4538)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (68)

14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151, USA

(703) 572-4118

10

George Washington's Mount Vernon

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Mentioned on

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Historical landmark

Museums

Mount Vernon, a well-known historical attraction, was the cherished residence of George and Martha Washington from their marriage in 1759 until George's death in 1799. The estate is decorated with authentic pieces from the era and contains personal items belonging to the former president. Visitors can take guided tours of the furnished main house to learn about the daily lives of its former occupants, while self-guided tours offer opportunities to interact with actors portraying individuals working and living on an 18th-century plantation.

Interesting and historical look at where the first president of the United States lived and died.Beautifully manicured grounds house this patriot and his wife’s final resting place.Great afternoon spent strolling the grounds and learning about the life of George Washington and his wife and family.

Shaya M — Google review

We visited George Washington's Mansion last weekend at Mount Vernon, VA. We had a great time. It's a must see and good for all ages. The mansion and location itself is well preserved and maintained. I love how the tour guides are knowledgeable about the historic place, they are friendly too and answers your questions well.Don't forget to stop by the museum too, they have a lot of interesting historic items that they use back in the days. And good information about The Washington.If ever you got hungry, they have a restaurant right before the entrance that you can also try, or the food court upon exiting the museum.They also have a souvenir shop upon exiting the museum. Overall, We had a great experience.

JoJo Q — Google review

I cannot say enough great things about Mt Vernon! Beautiful grounds and property! Wonderful staff! Incredible restaurant! Great place to hang out for a day and learn about early American history. Our server Justin was great! I highly recommend this spot 👌

Andrew N — Google review

A really nice place to visit, both the house and the grounds are nice to walk around. The house can be seen from the inside when booking a tour however, it is more a walkthrough than a proper guided tour, bet nevertheless still very nice to see. The garden and surrounding areas are beautiful and well kept and give some additional information about the history of the house, the people who lived there and how all was used in the time. The museum is very interesting and very nicely laid out and well worth the visit as well. There is plenty of parking when not visiting during the high season.

Jos B — Google review

Visiting George Washington's Mount Vernon was an unforgettable experience. The estate is beautifully maintained, and walking through the grounds gives you a real sense of stepping back in time. The mansion itself is grand and offers incredible insights into the life and times of America's first president.The guided tour was informative and engaging, with knowledgeable staff providing detailed explanations about the history and significance of the property. The exhibits are well-curated, showcasing artifacts and information that bring the era to life.One of the highlights was exploring the lush gardens and taking in the stunning views of the Potomac River. The grounds are extensive, and there's so much to see, including Washington's tomb, the working farm, and the museum.For families, this is an educational and enjoyable outing. There are interactive exhibits for kids and plenty of open space for them to explore. The on-site restaurant and gift shop offer convenient amenities, with tasty food and a great selection of souvenirs.Overall, George Washington's Mount Vernon is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history. It's a well-preserved historical site that offers a deep dive into the life of one of the nation's most influential figures. Highly recommended!

Elias C — Google review

Incredible! If you can go, Go! Great for all ages. We took a family of 4, ages 10-40 and everyone enjoyed it. History and information galore that you didn't know you wanted to know, but you absolutely do!We went on George Washington's Birthday celebration which provided so much entertainment. The museum and 4D movie is a must! The mansion tour is worth the time. I'm not sure if Washington himself is there all the time, but meeting him on the estate was a fun surprise.

Mark W — Google review

It was a great place to visit. As you walk around the grounds there are plenty of people who will share information about the place. We did the house tour with is $2 more per person and it was awesome. So much history and loads of walking. Easy to do with a stroller. We used the free shuttle to take us from the river back up to the house!

Janie B — Google review

This was my first time to Mount Vernon. We bought tickets for the mansion and then we walked the grounds. Make sure to check the weather. Going to see it on a gorgeous day makes all the difference. Before I go any further, I would like to say thank you to all of the staff and owners who have done a great job of preserving the history and beauty of Mount Vernon. Be sure to buy tickets in advance. You will be able to select your desired time slot on the website. There is parking on site, but the lots are narrow, so keep that in mind. The staff are pretty knowledgeable, so ask whatever questions you have. There is also a gift shop and food truck on site with tables to eat outside. The views are unbelievable! Make sure to take some time and visit this historical location you won't be disappointed.

Justin — Google review

Although the ticket price is a bit high, it is worth it for the amount of sights and information here. The staff is so knowledgeable and friendly. I personally really appreciated the effort made by the site to also talk about the history of the enslaved people who lived here. A lot of historical sites about the founding fathers try and brush over that part of our nation’s history, but I felt the staff and plaques here attempted to also include their stories! I will for sure come back for the national treasure tour, we decided to wait because the basement of the house was under repair.

Reese ( — Google review

The chance to walk through George Washington’s home was incredible! The house and grounds are meticulously cared for and staffed.The mansion tour was informative, though rushed. I had so many questions and did not have the opportunity to ask.The museum portion was informative and interactive. We enjoyed the movies that made the life and times of George Washington more real for my kids.Throughout the grounds there were staff dressed in period apparel that were knowledgeable to answer questions.

Amanda P — Google review

The historic significance of this home is just something!! The greatest American President ever lived, learned & worked here! As a history buff I was thoroughly impressed. Also stunningly beautiful. The landscaping and gardens were so beautiful. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Michael B — Google review

This place was beautiful and informative. Washington's house was nice. The tour guides were great. They even answered a question about the movie National Treasure. The gardens were gorgeous. The walk around the farm was great. The best part was the drum and fife guy named Don. He made the trip memorable for our group!

Tim G — Google review

Great for a nature walk. I did some birdwatching while there and enjoyed the scenery while there. A lot of open space to have a picnic after seeing the house and grounds. Overall, it’s a great day all day activity for the family.I did go during the day on a weekday so it was not too crowded.

Rodricka E — Google review

Rainy day in December was well spent here. The visitor center and museum along with the mansion tour were great for indoors, and the gardens were still beautiful. We strolled through the landscape and found one of the trees Washington planted, as described in the book 'Founding Gardeners', one of my inspirations for coming here. Holiday decorations made it even more beautiful and enjoyed a lunch in the Inn. We drove back along George Washington Parkway, which starts here and ends in DC, a lovely drive. Highly recommend!

Heidi B — Google review

A must see when you come to the Washington DC area. Lots of great history. You get to know a bit more about our greatest founding father. Worth the trip. Have lunch at the restaurant. It is worth it.

John S — Google review

We loved it! 👏 Family of 4 (parents & 2 grownup children). Very interesting historic site! The guides were very knowledgeable and good to tell stories and the whole area and museum is amazing 🤩👍 We wish we had known about the ship and had time to take a tour on the river with that as well. Maybe next time 😊

Lisbet M — Google review

During Washington's very short retirement years, he is said to have entertained so many guests that he likened his home to a tavern, yet he remained a gracious and courteous host to all. The Mount Vernon Ladies Association does a remarkable job continuing this tradition. The General's estate is beautiful and well maintained, which is no small feat given the fact that they accept no government funds to maintain the property. It is, by far, my favorite place to visit, and I highly encourage everyone to not only visit Washington's home but to consider helping in the upkeep of this remarkable piece of history.

Michael H — Google review

We went on a day when it was raining and still stayed for 8 hours. While the mansion tour was lovely, the grounds of Mount Vernon are really spectacular! We loved all the little buildings and history and stories behind them. We caught a music demonstration and a reenactment of one of Martha's slaves. The quotes by George and Martha on the grounds were also interesting. I bought a book in the gift shop (amazingly large with unique items) to get to know them better. The museum is fantastic. The 4D movie was my favorite. And we ate at the restaurant-- it was so delicious. I definitely want to visit again!

Emily P — Google review

The admission fee is $26 per person, including the museums, the maison visit and a tour.The entire space is huge, including a farm, stables, and a great view over the Potomac.The mansion itself is well-maintained. We could see authentic arrangement of the Washington family. The tour guides are well trained, sharing interesting stories without being overwhelming.This is my go-to whenever I’m hosting friends around DC.

J. C — Google review

We took our kids to visit while studying presidents in school. We bought tickets online ahead of time to do the mansion tour, national treasure tour and a river tour. We enjoyed the first 2 tours very much. The guide on the National treasure tour was good. Sadly we tried to grab a bit to eat at the food truck and ended up missing the bus. It actually left the dock a couple minutes early as we were running down the hill to the dock. So make sure you arrive early for that. Otherwise we had a great family experience and we learned a lot and appreciate more what George Washington did for our country 🇺🇸

Carole P — Google review

Despite not advertising the fact, we were able to buy a disabled ticket and my husband was free as my carer which was just as well as there was so much that I couldn't see from my wheelchair. Obviously these are historical buildings so putting in lifts is out of the question so paying a reduced rate seems the only fair option.The restroom situation was far from ideal. There wasn't a separate accessible restroom which my husband could come in and help me. I had to battle through 2 sets of doors - with no push button opening so it's really hard to manage a chair and the doors. The cubicle was decent but the door opened directly onto the dryer. The way the door opened meant that I couldn't see that a woman was drying her hands and I squished her as I opened the door. Mortifying for me and painful for her. Thankfully, she was incredibly nice about it.A rethink on the layout is much needed!!

Elizabeth W — Google review

It was really fun being here. More walking than I thought, but really nice.Though I went there when there were several schools there. So it was more packed than normal. The food in the food court was ok, I had had worse. I wish I had seen the restaurant instead. It's hidden away, and it looked good.But overall, a nice experience.

Regal F — Google review

This is a great experience, especially in the spring. Everything looks exactly how it would've in 1798, down to the fake ponytail slinking out of the Revolutionary Army cot! The gardens were especially nice. Somehow, the gardeners at Mount Vernon managed to grow an apple tree in the shape of a fence, and used it as one! There's also an excellent and scenic view of the Potomac from the grounds.

Alex L — Google review

Being able to see how the first president and First Lady of the United States lived is remarkable. The house and grounds of Mount Vernon are very well taken care of. You get to take a tour inside his house to see the actual beds they slept in and to see where all the food was made. Some of the horse barns are spaced out so you do a bit more walking here than any other in Washington DC. It’s definitely worth a visit

Eric B — Google review

Wonderful historic venue of the home of George Washington following his retirement from the presidency. It has been preserved to its original glory following years of restoration. It's very crowded but all tours are timed so it's not bad and there are acres of grounds to visit also. The view from the veranda to the Potomac River is spectacular. Burial grounds are lovely. All staff from members to volunteers are knowledgeable and helpful.

Nancy H — Google review

Remarkable. We are happy to have this opportunity. We were allowed to take pictures with non flash cameras. Showed respect to slaves cemetery. The tour guides where helpful and informative. Lots of Washington trivia and detailed history regarding the war effort and details of life on the plantation.

Johnny W — Google review

Somewhat disappointed. First it should be part of our national park system. Secondly for the price there really wasn't much to see. Poor timing on my part because the gardens were not blooming much and half the Mansion was under renovation. Definitely enjoy the history of the mansion and how it was expanded from just a small building to what it is today.

Dennis C — Google review

There was so much to see! I was actually surprised. The grounds, gardens, museum are worth all the time and then do a quick tour of the house. That is less impressive. Also, check out the view and maybe even get lunch at the restaurant!

Jason Z — Google review

I've been dying to go here for years. I finally got to go and I wasn't disappointed. I love history and have done a lot of reading of our Founding Fathers. It's easy to get around and it's well marked. It's not necessary to have a personal tour but it helps to get some inside info. Don't forget to go by the gift shop. I got a bottle of Washington's original recipe whiskey.

Edward M — Google review

Believe me, you have to do this! Great museum and education center, very informative and educational, and fun for the whole family. a little crowded mansion tour but cannot miss it! The ground is large (be prepared to walk A LOT) and pretty. I enjoyed the garden tour. The guide was kind and knowledgeable. They offer so many different kinds of tours, and surprise interactive opportunities throughout. Gift shop is huge with everything you could imagine, food court is fine, plenty of tables and seats. Really cannot think of anything bad. They also hold varieties of events throughout the year, check them out. Since I live not too far away (35-45 mins), I got a membership today. Will go back whenever I can!

Serena L — Google review

Highly recommended - 3 hours minimum to visit the site and probably a full day if you can spare it..!The main house tours take you through the entirety of the house as you follow a line of people.The adjacent museum was very well done and informative - specifically the 4D movie and interactive Washington decision game.Free public WiFi was available through most of the campus, too.

Ryan S — Google review

I always love coming here! It has changed in the past few years. In the museum they have a movie theater that is 4D I believe. They actually had snow fall on us, it wasn’t freezing! It was such a cool experience. There’s lots to see and do there. The food is good. The grounds always are taken great care of and we love the animals! The view is AMAZING! I love history and I’ll never get tired of coming here.

Rachael H — Google review

Very fun visit with lots of history involved. I learned a lot on my visit. I enjoyed looking at the architecture and also all of the views of the place that make it what it is. I wouldn’t recommend for extremely young kids as it can be boring at points but overall it is a nice experience with lots of learning.

Account G — Google review

We stopped here on the recommendation by a friend. We were really glad we did. We bought grounds tickets online in advance it said tickets to the house were not available for the day we were going, but once we got there we were able to get some. Plenty of parking, and no wait to get in. Tickets to the house are a timed entry so we toured the grounds first. Beautiful and so serene. Right on the Potomac River. The Tomb is something to see. We made the rounds of pretty much everything. They have you line up for the house entry at your entry time and not before then we had another 20 to 30 minute wait- so for our 1:00 entry we probably actually got in around 1:30. The actual tour of the house is about 20 minutes. But is still worth it.

Melissa K — Google review

It is such a beautiful historical place. The half of the house under renovation right now, but believe it is a lot to see there anyway. Walk around, breathe fresh air, enjoy view, get back in George Washington time. Amazing museum. Also here you can visit his grave and honor the memory of such a great president.

Polina M — Google review

4.8

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4.5

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3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121, USA

(703) 780-2000

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11

Lincoln Memorial

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Monument

Sights & Landmarks

The Lincoln Memorial is a towering tribute to American president Abraham Lincoln, with sculptures and murals depicting his life and work. It can get extremely busy during the day, so it's best to visit during dawn or late at night when it's less crowded.

I flew to DC in November. We decided to visit the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. No regrets! The park is very historic with lots to see. The souvenir shop nearby is worth checking out. They have postcards and other gifts. It was checked off my bucket list.

Nathan S — Google review

Reality Vs. Expectations 😊These pictures I posted are reality . The place is crowded with tourists or locals , just people all over the place . It was fun , a lot of walking going around all the tourists spots In Washington .Going to Lincoln Memorial is quite a challenge for your feet. Make sure you have a good pair of sneakers 😊 or rent a scooter or bicycle . It was fun going around on scooter . Just need your phone and credit card. Different scooter has different price. Goodluck 😊Lincoln Memorial reminds me of the movie “ Night at the Museum” . Lots of tourist taking pictures . Nice to sit down after a long walk and pictures taken . Breathe in and breathe out and enjoy .

Lee L — Google review

Extraordinary experience! The Lincoln Memorial gets proportionately larger the closer you get, and when you think what it symbolizes, it's larger than life. It's also the best spot on the National Mall to catch the most patriotic 4th of July fireworks with stunning views. The giant memorial starts casting a protective shade for the crowds around 3pm, which also makes it one of the most comfortable spots to wait in. This is an impressive place to visit all year around, day or night.

Fred H — Google review

It was great and the atmosphere there and around it was awesome. There is a shop inside i did not expect and a random room to the right. The stairs are pretty cool. There are a lot of stairs. There are street vendors outside of it and there is parking like a mile away. If you go here any time of day you will be happy and will definitely not regret your decision. If your in the District of Colombia, this is a must see spot.

Benjamin J — Google review

Free admission. Can be a climb though to reach the top floor, but it's worth it. Felt surreal seeing Lincoln's statue in person after having seen it a lot in the movies.Amazing views of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument from the steps of Lincoln Memorial.

Geralyn M — Google review

Truly spectacular memorial. An absolute must see. Lincoln is absolutely massive! It is very busy so trying to get a picture can be quite difficult without getting others in the frame. The site itself is well kept and clean. It’s lovely and spacious and nice and cool too.They had construction on the outside steps which for a photo op was annoying lol but the main masterpiece is inside of course.

Francesca P — Google review

We went to DC for our 1-year anniversary to do a complete walk-around of the city. The Lincoln Memorial was absolutely breathtaking. There's so much history in this beautiful building. Truly amazing

Sam B — Google review

Very awesome iconic site! The total cost is $0! This place is equipped with an elevator, bathrooms, little indoor museum area and gift shop. But most importantly, you can get some really cool photos of the Lincoln Memorial.Nice views from here of the reflection pool as well. Definitely check it out along with the other memorials when you're visiting Washington DC.5/5._____________________________________________________Follow me for more reviews, tips and photos!

MJG — Google review

Not crowded in the mornings. The construction of Lincoln Memorial Museum was in place. Some of the ramps are blocked. Is a quiet place regarding the amount of people in there.

Johan C — Google review

My favorite attraction/memorial of the trip. It's beautiful. The reflecting pool leading up to the memorial is breathtaking. We visited in the afternoon riding scooters from the Washington monument area. Such a fun afternoon.

Erica C — Google review

This is my favorite building in all of Washington, DC. You can feel the power of history from the steps, imaging events like Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech. The building is a classic and perfect form. The views of the Washington monument and Capitol building are incredible. A short walk from the building you can check out the WWII memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial. It is also a nice walk from here to the Washington Monument. Love this monument!

John W — Google review

The last (or the first) monument on The Mall - and quite a spectacular one! It’s a statement monument rising above the reflecting pool and housing a statue of a sitting Abraham Lincoln made of white marble.There are some stunning views from the monument towards the reflecting pool and Washington monument. The Capitol can be seen as well, just not from the middle as it’s hidden behind the Washington monument. The steps are steep but safe, as the surface is not smooth, so even during the rain it’s perfectly safe to walk on them.The only problem with this place is how incredibly crowded it gets, be prepared to be pushed over by others, unless you visit early in the morning or late at night, and even then you won’t be alone. I visited at 6:30 AM (it was still dark) during the cherry blossom festival in March and several people were already wandering around. I also preferred the marvelous neoclassical memorial during low light conditions, it added another dimension to my experience.There is nothing inside apart from the statue of Lincoln and inscriptions of two of his speeches, nevertheless it is an amazing place to visit! Plenty of parking in the proximity and surrounding streets, you just have to come early enough to secure a spot.Visited in March 2023.PS: While walking on the stairs to the memorial, lift your eyes up to the frieze (top part of the building) and look at the inscription of the names of 36 states that were part of the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death.

Pavel D — Google review

Very cool place to see. Beautiful and free! There even a little gift shop as you walk in to the right with a lot of neat Lincoln related books, photos, and tons of other memorabilia. I highly recommend checking it out.

MacJennings — Google review

Visiting the Lincoln Memorial is always an awesome experience. Designed by Henry Bacon (1866-1924), it was constructed between 1915 and 1922. This is the closest the US has to a secular shrine. Perfectly located at the end of the Mall on the opposite end from the Capitol, the views across the Mall and the Reflecting Pool are epic. The Gettysburg address inside is a must read.

Nils P — Google review

One of the gems and Washington, DC. This place is a must see and is absolutely free. The whole national mall is amazing and everything is free of charge and it feels like you never have enough time there.

Eric L — Google review

Highly recommend going on a weekday morning. Wayyyyy less people.- Park around the tidal basin and see Jefferson first.-Then walk around the basin and see vietnam, Korean, MLK, and presidential memorials.-Make Lincoln your last stop.*- As of 3/20/24 the memorial has a lot of construction happening so keep that in mind for photos.

Lindsey R — Google review

Perfect if you want to get your steps on. Going from one end of the water to the other probably took 15 minutes of walking, and we had to do that twice. Not complaining, though—there is a beautiful view of not only the memorial but also the surrounding nature. If you are a big history buff or are just intrigued by the idea of standing where former presidents stood, this is a must-visit.

C — Google review

Very impressive monument. Easily accessible. There’s street parking along the Potomac river and it’s a quick walk. A couple kiosks with food and drinks. Don’t forget to have your national park passport stamped in one of the official visitor bureaus or kiosks.

Olivier D — Google review

I visited this monument at night when it was less crowded. Too good view. And the sculpture of Lincoln is perfect. Do visit while visiting DC. It’s open 24 hrs.

Kajal J — Google review

There was a renovation job that covered half of the stairs, so that the statue cannot be easily seen from the outside. We have to climb up the stairs until the exact level where the statue positioned.Nevertheless, it’s still a good experience to see with own eyes the renowned statue we used to see in hollywood movies 😊.

Dian P — Google review

A very special experience. I walked to it on a very cold Wednesday late morning and was one of very few around. The open air and cold wind passing through didn’t take from the stillness, the equanimity of this place. I’m thankful for the time I spent here reflecting on a life well lived.

Dan I — Google review

A great place to spend the day walking around the city and watching such beautiful places. The only thing I will tell you is that in architecture and terrain it is not provided for how the sound spreads and if you have sensitive ears, it can be very noisy when a plane or helicopter flies.

Anastassiya T — Google review

I'd rate the Lincoln Memorial in DC with four stars. While it wasn't my absolute favorite monument, I must admit that the view from there is undeniably pretty. The grandeur of the Lincoln statue and the historical significance of the location are impressive. It's a great spot for reflecting on American history and enjoying the view of the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument in the distance. However, the crowds can be overwhelming, and the interior space can feel a bit cramped during peak times. Nonetheless, it's a must-visit for anyone exploring the National Mall.

Fernando R — Google review

4.8

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4.5

(32050)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (90)

2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, USA

(202) 426-6841

12

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

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Memorial park

Sights & Landmarks

Monuments & Statues

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a monument in Washington, D.C., to the men and women who served in the Vietnam War. The wall of names contains the names of more than 58,000 soldiers who died or went missing in action. It is a place of solace for many Americans, especially those looking for information about a loved one whose name is on the wall.

There’s a lot of history with this memorial. Too much drama related to the war and a very charged American population, thus the memorial that cuts deep into the earth and looks like a wound that has been healing for years. The reflective wall allows us to look past the names and realize that, in a different age, those names could have been ours. I wasn’t aware that 1/2 of those who died were only 18 years of age and the average age of those who passed away is just over 19.God bless our veterans and their families for the trial is equally tough to bear for those who died and those who survived.

Josiah D — Google review

I was able to make my way from Spokane Washington to Washington DC in a car with my 82-year-old Air Force veteran father, Vietnam vet and was able to get him to the wall something he was very hesitant on doing. Being there was the most surreal thing I've ever seen, he enjoyed it because it brought back memories but it also gave him some closure on it. He was able to see one gentleman on the wall he wasn't able to actually walk to it but I was able to take a picture of it and find him in the directory. It was a bucket list moment for sure seeing everything even though it was 100° + 65% humidity it was well worth the trip and everything going along with it. What are veterans faced during that time period was very very emotionally charged there was not a dry eye on that whole walk past that wall It was once in a lifetime.

William D — Google review

Google doesn’t have enough star ratings for this review. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a must come see. Go find the catalogue books, find the names and locate the walls. If you need a ladder, they have some available for all to use. Diamond symbol next to the names = death in action. Cross symbols, missing in action. There is so much information online. Come and see, it is very eye opening, informative and educational.

The M — Google review

One of the best designed approaches to a memorial that I have ever experienced.Walking below the ground level, sinking into the names listed by year, is so powerful. Seeing the names and being able to feel them carved into the highly polished stone is very effective to humanizing the losses of the Vietnam War. Seeing yourself reflected in the stone while looking upon the names is a stark reality that all of these people listed were humans; they were alive and breathing in the face of war.Whether your feelings and beliefs about our involvement, you can’t deny how solemn and respectful this memorial is and was designed to be. It’s an honor to experience this memorial and live in a country that values this type of solution for how to humanize and memorialize those lost.

Christopher P — Google review

The Vietnam War Memorial is a beautiful and poignant tribute to the men and women who served their country during the Vietnam War. Located in Washington D.C., it is a long, black granite wall that lists the names of the more than 58,000 Americans who lost their lives during the war.The memorial is designed to be simple yet powerful, with the names listed in chronological order, rather than by rank or other factors. This creates a sense of unity among those who served and died in the conflict. The black granite surface of the wall allows visitors to see their own reflection alongside the names of the fallen, symbolizing the impact of the war on all who were touched by it.The Vietnam War Memorial is also unique in that it is interactive, allowing visitors to leave flowers, letters, and other mementos in honor of those who died. This creates a sense of community and connection among visitors, even those who may have never met the individuals whose names are listed on the wall.Overall, the Vietnam War Memorial is a moving tribute to the sacrifices made by those who served in the war, and a powerful reminder of the cost of war. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Washington D.C. and a place of reflection and remembrance for all Americans.

Devon W — Google review

I find this the most poignant of the war memorials around The Mall. Its simplicity makes it an eloquent tribute to the loss of all those whose names are inscribed on the walls, highlighting the loss of so many (primarily young) lives rather than entering into the debate over the war itself. This is a place of contemplation, moving and beautiful, which should certainly be visited by anyone who can.

Phil B — Google review

Beautiful memorial! When I was here there was a veteran giving information which gave me the chills as u hear stories that are not from movies or books but real first hand stories! The sculpture is really realistic! The female medic sculpture is also worth visiting and is a few meters right next to it!

Pieter-Jan E — Google review

This monument has all the names of warriors who sacrificed their life for the nation. You can walkthrough the wall and see the names writtenAlso there is statue with soldiers around 100 feet distance, do have look one of the nice spot with relaxing spotA water body after this spot with benches to sooth your mind and heart

Mahantesh P — Google review

A powerful and beautiful wall to commemorate the lives of those that fight that awful war. So many people mistreated so poorly. Sent off to fight a war for an ungrateful nation. But these men and women served their country with honor. And we should not forget. It is a must see and great memorial.

John H — Google review

We were deeply moved with a profound emotional recharge when we visit the memorial at night. At the corner of the year 1959, in one second one sees the reflecfion of the Washington monument and in the next one finds the reflection of Lincoln Memorial. One of a kind experience. Out of many, One.

Beyond R — Google review

Vietnam Veterans Memorial-A somber place for those who sacrificed and the families left behind. My preference is to go later in the afternoon or at sunrise. Beautifully maintained memorial.The memorial is free and open 24 hours a day.

Dave — Google review

Walking to the Vietnam Memorial, i could feel this overwhelming rush of emotion. Unfortunately my father had passed away before him and I could see it together.While I was there, a woman had walked up to two gentlemen who can hell someone find someone on the wall. She had told them there was a soldier missing in action from her hometown. And could they help her locate him. Because those who came here before could not find him. They looked in their book and told her he is definitely on the wall. She said where? They told just turn around. And pointed here he is. It was an awesome thing to see.

Matthew J — Google review

Title: A Walk Through History: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial ExperienceReview:Recently, I had the profound experience of visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Seeing over 58,000 names etched in black granite as I approached The Wall hit me with a wave of solemnity and respect. The names are organized chronologically, creating a timeline of sacrifice that is both humbling and heartbreaking. A Vietnam veteran volunteering his time shared stories and insights that brought the history and significance of the memorial to life. His dedication to educating visitors and honoring his fallen comrades was profoundly moving.Walking along The Wall and reading some names, I felt a profound connection to the past. The two statues, the Three Soldiers and the Vietnam Women's Memorial added layers of context and emotion to the experience. The Three Soldiers statue, positioned to look upon The Wall, serves as a poignant reminder of the young men who fought and the friends they lost. The Vietnam Women's Memorial, honoring the over 265,000 women who served, particularly resonated with me, highlighting women's often overlooked contributions and sacrifices during the war.The location of the memorial, pointing directly to the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, adds to its significance. It's a space that invites reflection and remembrance, open 24 hours a day for anyone seeking to pay their respects. Rangers and interpretive programs are available daily to enrich the visitor experience, ensuring that the stories of those who served are never forgotten. My visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was a poignant journey through history that I recommend to anyone seeking to understand and honor the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War.

Digital H — Google review

You never really realize how many casualties war brings until you visit places like these. It's a beautiful park, with luscious green grass, meaningful statues, and most of all, it's a fitting place to remember the people who died. Our tour guide showed us the name of a man he knew on the wall. It's a lovely place to think.

Selena M — Google review

A very somber yet beautiful memorial to remind us of those that lost their lives in this war. My uncle lost his life in this war 10 years before I was born. His name will forever be a part of history.

Jeremiah R — Google review

Such an awe-inspiring place to go. I have family who were in the Vietnam War and just such an eye-opening experience to see all the lives lost. It is right by the Lincoln Memorial, Reflection Pond, and WW2 memorial. A must see!

Tara M — Google review

The memorial is a massive wall that lists the names of the more than 58,000 servicemen and women who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. It’s close to the Lincoln memorial.

Hushra — Google review

Close to other memorials. Easy to access and navigate wide flat surfaces. Very beautiful tribute walk and walk path with many leaving behind gifts of remembrance.

Scottie M — Google review

My visit to the Vietnam War Veteran Memorial was truly great. This solemn and impactful monument left a lasting impression on me. The design, with its reflective black granite wall and the names of the fallen etched into its surface, is a powerful tribute to those who served and sacrificed. It's a place of deep reverence, allowing visitors to pay their respects and reflect on the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. The serene surroundings and the beautifully maintained memorial make it a must-visit site for anyone in search of a meaningful and moving experience.

Jiak P — Google review

It felt so unassuming walking up to it on a cold snow covered morning with next to no one around. I’ve read and heard a lot about this unique memorial over the years and finally having seen it in person, now I understand the reverence it instills in those who open themselves to its experience and message.

Dan I — Google review

Although most people will go to the wall, it's important to note there are other parts of the memorial to see, as well.It was helpful to have the volunteers there to answer questions. Really powerful to read the stories that were left in the cracks of the wall to connect names with real people.

Jen M — Google review

Visiting the Vietnam War Memorial Wall was a deeply moving experience that left me with a profound sense of respect and reflection. The wall, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., stands as a poignant tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Vietnam War.Upon arriving, I was immediately struck by the wall's design - a sleek, black granite surface that seems to stretch endlessly, bearing the engraved names of over 58,000 fallen soldiers. The simplicity of the design amplifies the emotional impact, allowing visitors to focus solely on the individual names that represent the stories and lives lost. The reflective quality of the stone seemed to draw me into a contemplative state, making it impossible not to pay homage to the sacrifices made.The atmosphere around the memorial is respectful and somber, creating an environment conducive to introspection. Visitors leave behind tokens of remembrance, such as flowers, photographs, and handwritten notes, further humanizing the monument and connecting us to the past. It's a place of collective mourning, where the weight of history hangs heavy in the air.One aspect that truly stands out is the dedication of the volunteers and park rangers present. They offer insights, share stories, and provide context about the war and its impact, enriching the experience and helping visitors understand the historical significance of the memorial. I found their presence invaluable in deepening my understanding of the war and the sacrifices made.Visiting the Vietnam War Memorial Wall is a must for anyone interested in history, patriotism, or simply seeking a thought-provoking experience. It's a solemn reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of honoring those who have served. I left the memorial with a renewed sense of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and a commitment to remember the sacrifices of those who came before us.The Vietnam War Memorial Wall is a place of powerful reflection and remembrance. Its design, the emotions it evokes, and the stories it tells all combine to create an unforgettable visit. I highly recommend this solemn and meaningful destination to anyone looking to pay their respects and gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War.

Scott P — Google review

With tens of thousands of names etched black granite, this solemn memorial reminds us of the incredible cost of war. Sadly, there are those in the world who care nothing for this cost and are doing everything they can to get us into another war so that they can obtain more control, power, land, and money.

Kelly S — Google review

I was here on a Sunday about 10:30 AM, just a couple of people here not very many the pathway down to it is kind of uneven and bumpy, but worth it. When you get there, again, it’s surreal to see how many names are engraved into the wall.

Debbie R — Google review

It’s a good walk around the memorial, you’ll see many families honoring their lost loved ones. Most people are usually respectful towards each other here. It’s a tribute to the 58,000 men and women that lost their lives during the war. It’s open 24 hours of the day. In this area, you’ll find 3 pieces, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall, the Three Servicemen statue, and the Vietnam Women’s memorial. Admission is free. I recommend just taking the train and walking over here. Parking can be very limited.

Nicholas P — Google review

4.9

(2580)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (97)

4.5

(12005)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (98)

5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, DC 20002, USA

(202) 426-6841

13

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

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Natural history museum

Museums

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is the most visited natural history museum in the world, with 127 million items on display. The museum features rotating exhibits, including a Deep Time exhibit that takes guests back millions of years and showcases specimens such as dinosaur fossils.

Free museum. Great for kids. Lots of interesting exhibits. I went during Cherry Blossom 🌸 peak week so it was pretty crowded on a Saturday. I spent 3+ hours exploring. There’s 3 floors. Definitely recommend. There something for everyone.

Luke C — Google review

I had never been in a museum as amazing as this one; it's amazing, they have so many things to see; dinosaur fossils are the best, my three year old daughter enjoyed it very much, she has not stopped talking about it in the last two days. We went on a Sunday and it was quite long but it is not overwhelming because it is very big place, there was enough space to see and do things. the museum is very interactive, it has so many things to learn, a single day is not enough to learn about so many things. It has easy access for strollers and wheelchairs, there are multiple elevators, several shops for souvenirs and gifts, it has a very nice cafe area. you won't get bored here. In addition, everything is super clean and it is totally free. When you enter the museum you go through a lot of security but the process is fast.

Sussan C — Google review

It is an amazing museum for kids who are eager to learn new things. This museum is a full day visit there is lots of knowledge to grasp and one can learn about a lot of things here. I had a limited time, but would love to visit this place again and spend enough time in each section by going through all the information one by one. I personally liked the fossil lab , where you could actually see individuals cleaning the Fossils, drawing images of fossils. It was a really amazing experience overall. I wish I had more time.

Yuthika S — Google review

Once you’ve been to a couple of Natural History museums you’ve pretty much seen them all. This has the usual fossil and animal collections, but I’d say they’re very well organized and the exhibits seem designed with intent.They have some really nice fossils although it’s hard to determine how many replicas they have instead of the real thing.Their animal collection is also pretty good and the exhibits include plenty of useful information.Definitely a good option if you have kids or you like nature. Safe to skip if you’ve been to more than one similar museums elsewhere.

Rodrigo L — Google review

Very nice museum, interesting and informative also free. The amazing world of the ocean, animals, space, dinosaurs, butterflies, crystals and much more. It was also very interesting for us to see how man developed, a very good story about our past ancestors, cool statues. We were there for more than two hours, it was not enough because every square centimeter in this museum is very interesting and worth attention. My children ran and it was impossible to stop them, especially in the underwater world, various fish, octopuses, corals, turtles and others. We also really liked in the world of dinosaurs. The museum itself is very clean, spacious and interesting. We drank coffee in the museum cafe, ate delicious desserts, but the prices are quite high, even very high, but that's everyone's choice) We liked everything and we are very satisfied))

Olesia S — Google review

Awesome experience!! We could go here every day for a year and not see everything!!The time, effort, and love that goes into this place is nothing short of amazing. I'm really very happy I got to go.Worth the money, if you get a chance!The squirrels are also quite tame and we fed them by hand lol.

Erin F — Google review

Went here with the family and enjoyed the exhibits here. I thought this was better than the one in New York and the best part? It was free. There were lots of interesting and well-laid out exhibits here prompting you to explore the entire museum. The gem and jewels exhibit was pretty cool and the kids loved seeing the size of the gems and their values.

Jan-Michael T — Google review

We had a great time! There was no wait to get in, even with security screenings at the door. It was quite crowded both days we visited, but we were still able to see every exhibit in a reasonable amount of time. Masks are required throughout the building, but that was no issue for us. My 7 and 10yo LOVED all the exhibits and were blown away every time we rounded a corner. I highly recommend it if you're in DC!

Jennifer C — Google review

An amazing (free) experience that was tons of fun for all of us and we all left smarter. Plan to spend at least 2 hours if you want to see most of the exhibits. If you want to read and learn about the exhibits it, allot at least 3 hours.They do have restaurants inside, ample restrooms and a nice gift shop.Our favorite exhibits were neanderthals exhibits and ancient animals, especially the dinosaur skeletons. They have many real looking animal exhibits, and detailed scientific background on them which was fun to learn.

Alan V — Google review

I've been to this museum on numerous trips to DC and it is always a highlight of our trip. This time we went back in order to avoid some rain. They thankfully are no longer doing times ticket entry, so it was a smooth entrance. Be forewarned there will probably always be a school group or five visiting, but the 3 floors of exhibits allow for you to mostly avoid crowds. I obviously wouldn't recommend going on the weekend if you don't like kids, but the weekday not on a school break is doable.The exhibits are well done and will have something for everyone. From bodies and bones to fish and other animals, you will dive into the world of nature. Over time, taxidermy does start to show it's age so in the near future some of the animals may need to be redone or repaired, but in the grand scheme of things they are still holding strong.The bathrooms are mostly clean. It depends on what time you go of course, but with school groups they can quickly get dirty. The staff is very pleasant upon entry and are used to big crowds. They still run everything smoothly with such a large turnout.I'll continue to go when I am in downtown DC as I feel like you learn something new every time.

Cashea S — Google review

I love this museum. Everything is quality, everything is clean. And the entry lines are fast - so (Pro Tip) if you need to use the restroom but are wary of Port-O-Potties, you can get in and out quick, despite a bag check. There is also a cafe with pretty much everything you could want to eat and it's not too expensive for the area. Plus, the ice cream trucks outside are so nice on a hot day. Beware: the live Butterfly exhibit is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Emily H — Google review

It was just incredible. Hope diamond was a highlight. Our kids FAVORITE was the butterflies. It is an extra ticket but totally worth it. The room is relatively small so almost everyone has a butterfly land on them. It was pure magic.The other exhibits were fun as well. Loved the ones about gems and minerals as well as night sky. Just a big beautiful museum

Amy B — Google review

Amazing hall of bones and hall of fossils, but also had a great exhibit on rocks and gems, the hall of mammals, and the sea creatures. Very interesting, learned a lot about dinosaurs and mass extinction events. You can even see in the dinosaur exhibits how many bones are casts vs real, so that was very neat. I also enjoyed watching the scientists work, one was drawing very detailed pictures of fossils, wish I could have given him a thumbs up but he was in the zone. Definitely recommend to people who like dinosaurs or bones in general.

Chloe T — Google review

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the best museums in DC. A massive three-storied Victorian architecture that is filled with information about natural lives.When planning your visit, be prepared to allocate at least four hours to fully explore..Definitely a good option if you have kids or you like nature. Safe to skip if you’ve been to more than one similar museums elsewhere.The museum's security process is seamless, and unlike my experience at the Air and Space Museum, personal water bottles were permitted here, a welcome relief.

Poonam P — Google review

Such a cool museum! Expect a crowd, it was elbow to elbow in most areas downstairs. BUT, totally worth going to. The elephant in the center of the lobby was such a cool focal point to be greeted with, and the dinosaurs are all set up perfectly. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing everything. For anyone wanting to do the butterfly exhibit, make sure you get tickets early because it is a timed ticket system and they sell out.

Tiffany M — Google review

Nice place but fully packed over the weekend. You need at least 3 to 4 hours to look around the whole museum. Try to visit by 10 AM when the museum opens, it may be less crowded during that time. Some of the things require tickets, for instance butterfly pavilion required tickets to visit. Foods are available inside but it’s crowded.

Shanmugavel S — Google review

I hope I have more time to spend at this place. Absolutely the best natural history museum! The exhibitions are all at the highest quality possible. It is very educational and fun to explore every corner. Highlights were at the mineral hall. There is a massive display of many valuable minerals. I especially loved the red topaz crystal.

Zhiyun G — Google review

Incredible experience, I highly recommend this museum for all members of the family. Adults can easily spend hours in here captivated by the complex stories and text enriching every sectionChildren can engage with the many interactive displays and cool exhibits surrounding you!There was a very short line to get in, no problem at all and no tickets required!!The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, the food offerings are expensive but that's to be expected. This is a MUST GO if you're in the DC area.

K — Google review

Ridiculously busy you can barely move around and see anything. There were quite a couple of cool exhibits that closed on the Friday we visited. Very stuffy and warm from that crazy number of people inside. I prefer the NYC natural history museum better.

Pavinee G — Google review

Great museum for kids and adults. We went on the weekend and it was packed with people but we were able to move around with moderate congestion. The gift store was reasonable and there was some unique items available. For the little ones, I would bring a stroller if you’re up to pushing it because their legs will get tired. There were places to sit but they weren’t plentiful. The food court was open but we didn’t purchase anything. You can bring your own goods and water inside the museum. There is plenty to see and read for everyone. Highly recommend for families with small kids (probably 2 and up)

Sassy S — Google review

An amazing museum to visit. So much to discover and learn. We planned only 2-3 hours which was reasonable but not sufficient really. Kids loved various sections in the museum and so did we. A must visit if you happen to be in the Washington DC especially with kids and family. People of all ages will have things to learn and be amazed at.And entrance was free and parking was easily available 💕

Mohammad M — Google review

You can skim a majority of the museum and get lost in a single branch for a long time. Well worth the price (free)! Gift shop is a bit smelly, but I usually don't go to them anyway. Overall, the exhibits are top-notch and there are a lot that offer to touch the exhibit. Great time with the family and time well spent.

Stephen C — Google review

The Smithsonian Natural History Museum undoubtedly ranks among the finest museums I've ever visited. A treasure trove of exhibits awaits, catering to diverse interests, from dinosaurs and early hominids to safari animals, aquatic life, minerals, meteors, and even the famed Hope Diamond.Plan on dedicating a minimum of 4 hours to thoroughly explore the majority of exhibits, even at a brisk pace. It's important to note that reading every single detail may be a tall order within this time frame. Approach your visit with a clear plan, focusing on the topics that resonate most with you and your companions. Don't miss the chance to engage with the educational videos on offer and take occasional breaks to rest your feet.The museum's security process is seamless, and unlike my experience at the Air and Space Museum, personal water bottles were permitted here, a welcome relief. All in all, the Smithsonian Natural History Museum guarantees an enriching and immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Gary B — Google review

This family-friendly museum is open and free to the public. No tickets or timed entry required. You can easily spend hours here. It's very informative, fun, and educational. Everything from rocks, minerals, gemstones, bones, birds, bees, mummies, to butterflies. There's plenty of food options in the museum, and vendor food trucks right outside. This is a great option for a rainy day or to beat the heat on a hot day.

John H — Google review

Really cool museum, and definitely family friendly. They have a range of exhibits so there is sure to be something for everyone. My wife and I really enjoyed the Gems and Minerals exhibit. Biggest issue is the crowd. We went on a weekday and the place was still pretty crowded. They really should have timed entry passes like other museums in the area.

Dominic — Google review

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a must see and an amazing museum for kids who are eager to learn new things. This museum takes a while to explore (around 3-4 hours) with all the interesting exhibits spread throughout the building. There are many facts and information in one place which makes it very impressive. The entry was free and there was no need for tickets. Overall, we had an amazing experience and hope to come back soon with more time.

Asher M — Google review

Awesome place with so much to see we couldn’t do it all in one day! We got there just as they opened up on a weekday and there was no wait, but it got busy in a hurry with kids and tour groups. Amazing to see so much history and treasures from around the world for FREE! Make sure it’s on your short list of must see attractions if visiting D.C.

TJ S — Google review

You need to take a full day here (or 2) to see everything and do this museum justice. Amazing displays, great staff/docent and gift shop staff. Parking here is the challenge. There are a few parking areas a distance (3-5 blocks) from the museum, so plan accordingly. Better yet is to ride into DC on public transportation or take a ride service (cabs are quite available). Also, make sure you have extra battery power for your phone. You will need it after a full day of pictures.

Kevin D — Google review

In DC I loved this museum, especially I saw a huge Elephant that is at the entrance to the museum. It offers many things to look at and learn. My favorite area was the sea area, where I saw a hanging whale and different types of big fish. The funniest thing I saw was a monkey holding an iPhone and taking pictures. I recommend coming to this museum.

Amo C — Google review

My visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History was a total treasure hunt of knowledge and wonder. Its vast exhibits, from the iconic Hope Diamond to the lifelike dinosaur displays, offer a captivating exploration of Earth's history and biodiversity. The museum's interactive exhibits make learning a fun and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The attention to detail and the depth of information provided showcase the museum's commitment to education and scientific discovery. With free admission, it's a fantastic destination for anyone with an interest in the natural world. Perhaps I need to go there one more time to cover some more corners of the great museum.

Mahjabeen R — Google review

It's a very good museum and has several sections in buildings of three floors. I saw the mummy and gems section on the second floor. Animal fossils and insects. It has a section on mobile phone evaluation, technology changes and its recycling. One may need a long time to visit all floors in detail. Parking is an issue and not easy to find. Beware of food trucks as they have very high price of items and check before buying. Nice restrooms and good management of the crowd.

Rajeev G — Google review

My family and I have gone a few times. We went again last week. Of course, I failed to remember its spring break and tourist season 😵‍💫😅 soooo it was actually quite packed on top of which there's very limited places to take a load off to sit down. Side note, I do like how efficient the cafeteria area on the main floor is. Folks usually recognize that space is limited and eat promptly to clear a space for the next person. OH AND I DID LOSE MY RING!! AND WHEN I CALLED NO ONE RETURNED. I'LL ADD A PIC.

Kabaam F — Google review

More than a museum this is a story about the various periods of life in our history. The museum has an amazing flow from the prehistoric, to the mammals, marine life and the future.There's an ongoing exhibit on the history and effect of cellphones on our lives. It goes through several ongoing projects to recover our planet too.I recommend going early, this museum may take up to 6 hours to complete for a detailed experience.They will close the doors very abruptly when closing though. Got separated from my family because they were pushing people around to leave. It's a free museum but try to leave before that happens.

Aayush M — Google review

First, let me say, we only had one hour to spend here and it is NOT enough time to see everything in this incredible museum. You could easily spend a whole day here. But the greatest thing about this museum is it’s free. So if you only have an hour, go visit and come back another day to see the rest. I loved everything about this museum, from its beautiful architecture and design to its high quality artifacts and presentations. Everything, except for the employees. There wasn’t a single employee that looked like they enjoyed their job. They were not friendly nor helpful. In fact, there were two female employees who were very loudly gossiping with every other word out of their mouth a swear word. I never once saw them stop talking long enough to actually interact with patrons. It was very off-putting but the museum itself is so stellar it deserves 5 stars regardless of their awful customer service.

Jen R — Google review

Loved it. This is my second time here. It is a must visit place, enjoyable for both kids and adults, and it is free. You just need a few hours to cover the whole museum. Everyone loved the interactive session where we could transform our faces from modern human to ancestral humans. Also, the kids loved the technology section where they were able to see old phones. There is a food court and a gift shop too.

Navanjalee P — Google review

This place is UNBELIEVABLE! There is plenty of room for families with strollers, large groups, easy access to bathrooms, charging for phones, food and rest areas, gift shops, multiple elevators, and more.As far as the attractions, there is none better in the USA. Every type of the animals of the world are here and you are educated constantly. The lighting and signage is perfect. Kids can see everything from their vantage point so there’s no need to lift them constantly like at most zoos and museums.The gem exhibit on the 2nd floor is truly one-of-a-kind, featuring the Hope Diamond. You can get about 8” away and there are dozens more examples to enjoy from hundreds of years ago and most continents.The Fossil Exhibit will blow your mind, and has so much more than just dinosaurs and extinct animals. They have a live lab showing real experts removing bones from rock and using high tech equipment like laser imaging to find animal parts in rock.You really must make this building a top stop from all the other museums in the city. You can spend all day here or half a day like I did and be constantly amazed.

Paul W — Google review

The National Museum of Natural History is a fantastic destination for all ages. The exhibits are incredibly informative and engaging, offering a deep dive into the wonders of our natural world. Highlights include the stunning Hall of Fossils, the captivating Butterfly Pavilion, and the awe-inspiring Hope Diamond.The museum is well-organized and easy to navigate, with knowledgeable staff ready to answer any questions. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational outing, this museum is a must-visit. Highly recommended!** I'm an emoji Google local guide in DFW areas if you want more reviews, don't forget to follow my account. 😊 **

CHLOE C — Google review

A perfect way to enjoy the past. Walking through and seeing so many great items. From paintings, jewelry, documents, and so much more. History coming to life right in front of your eyes. Make learning fun and maybe spark interest for further studies for all of us. It was really nice to see how the exhibitions have changed over time and how they stay yet the same. Some many things to see, it truly takes more than one day to truly enjoy the museum.

Jen G — Google review

Definitely a must see! Not only is it free to get in but there is so much to do You don't have to do anything else with your entire day! Use a parking app to find the best parking rate. There is accessibility for strollers. The food in the food courts is decently priced and actually very tasty.

Laura R — Google review

It's a bit of a mixed bag. It's free, so the price is great, the queues to get in can be long but they move quick so that's good. There's a bunch of really nice exhibits, and some that are fairly rare, the Hope diamond for instance, and the pretty good collection of dinosaur skeletons, and skeletons in general actually. There are two issues, first, it's very busy so be prepared to take your time, be patient as others want to look and take photos and read the info panels etc.Secondly, there doesn't seem to be any natural flow to the layout that we could figure out. This means you can bounce around a bit and not be entirely sure you've seen all the galleries. We noticed this immediately, and heard others comment about it on our way around.Look, they're minor issues, it was great fun, we love museums, and this one is pretty good. It's just I think it's worth while knowing about so you can do some research before hand, and/or have the right expectations.

Jarrod B — Google review

Interactive displayed, rocks galore, history, dinosaurs! What more could you want?! How about knowledgeable staff and helpful information posted at every single display.This was by far worth the walk around and time we spent in the Smithsonian. I highly suggest everyone get a chance to see this once in their life at least.

Ashleigh B — Google review

Excellent collection of exhibits that makes you appreciate the beauty of natural history. Stop by the museum if you’re visiting DC. No timed-entry tickets are required.The museum features a classical architecture akin to the federal icons along the National Mall, which make for picturesque shots at practically every angle.My favorite part of the museum was, without a doubt, the Butterfly Pavilion. If you stand still, regulate your breathing, and wear bright colors (like a rain jacket), you can attract butterflies to land on you. At one point, three butterflies were perched on my right arm.The Butterfly Pavilion is only open Tuesday to Thursday, and required a $8 entry fee if you don’t visit on Tuesday. However, I found the fee well worth the cost, as I easily spent 90 minutes inside.

Luke N — Google review

Did not have enough time to see this place even though we had about 5 hours. We're able to see the first floor pretty well but we'll have to come back to see the second floor. Did not realize that all the museums closed at 5:30. The security and all were nice but firm about making everybody leave.Came back the next day and still didn't have enough time. We were able to do the upstairs exhibits in about 3 to 4 hours but it was not enough time to really see detail and see everything.

Adam B — Google review

The Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History has amassed an extensive collection of natural history specimens since its establishment in 1910, with an estimated 148 million artifacts in its possession. Only a small fraction of these artifacts are displayed to the public at any given time.It was amazing and you need good 3/4 hours to cover the whole museum or full whole day to explore every single piece in the museum.No need to buy tickets it is free to enter!!

Hushra — Google review

Night at the museum, my kids were so excited to take pic with RAX the dinosaur. We loved it. There was no dumdum but over all experiences was good for my kids.Special seeing the hope diamond from India.Nice looking at animals and skeleton of dinosaur was good experience.Loved it would recommend to everyone

Firozkhan P — Google review

I'm sure if this isn't the best natural history museum in the world it's definitely close. Seems like they have every species of plants,animals,jewels, and on and in. Butterfly exhibit was good. Have been to better but still good if your I to that thing.

Doug A — Google review

4.8

(49580)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (106)

4.5

(12548)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (107)

10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA

(202) 633-1000

14

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

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National museum

Museums

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a popular museum that features both permanent and changing exhibits about aviation and space exploration. Permanent exhibits include displays of vehicles from the Wright Brothers to Apollo 11, while changing exhibitions focus on a variety of science, history, and technology topics related to aviation and space flight. Family activities are offered regularly at the museum, including free look through the museums giant telescopes for young visitors.

I'm very grateful that I had a chance to visit this amazing Museum. Being able to see the remaining from the Apollo 11 mission and the landing on the moon, makes me very happy. This museum has very much to offer, plenty of airplanes and rockets, lot of history from the development of aircrafts. You can definitely learn a lot and be entertained. I highly recommend you to put this on your list while you are in Washington DC

Dragan A — Google review

All of this incredible aeronautical history for free! The Smithsonian museums are such a gift. We went with our 4 kids aged 6 to 12 and they all had a great time. There’s something for everyone whether you’re a total science enthusiast or someone who doesn’t normally have much interest in this kind of thing. This is just a great family friendly activity. And did I mention that like all the Smithsonian museums at the National Mall, the museum is free?!

C H — Google review

One of my son’s favorite museums! We had timed tickets for 2 and arrived at 215. It was only a 10 min casual walk from the Hilton at L’Enfant Plaza. About half of the museum is closed for renovations so I didn’t expect to need much time. I was so wrong. We saw two 25 min films in the planetarium (arrive early and sit in the back, you’ll be looking straight up) and for 2 adults and a jr ticket with military discount it was a little over $40. That ended at 325, leaving us with 2 hours and we were rushing to try to get glimpses of each room and the biggest attractions. The cafe closed at 5 so I didn’t see that, but we went to the gift shop 15 min before closing and lemme tell you, and 530- they are pushing you out the door. Politely, but no exceptions. I definitely feel like we left with no regrets. But I’d probably skip the movie, or plan for at least 4 hours.

Rebecca G — Google review

I'm an aerospace engineer so I'm biased but my non aerospace friends say that this is the best Smithsonian (better than the natural history museum). I definitely agree. Seeing the selection was awesome. It is still under renovation so half of the museum is closed. Would definitely go back when it is fully open. I just have to do the museum in VA

Payam G — Google review

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is a soaring tribute to humanity's age-old dream of flight and our relentless pursuit of the skies and beyond. Earning a well-deserved 5 stars, this museum encapsulates the very essence of human innovation and the boundless spirit of exploration.From the delicate wings of the Wright brothers' pioneering aircraft to the robust structure of the Space Shuttle Discovery, the museum charts a captivating journey of progress, risk, and innovation. Each exhibit tells a story — tales of ingenuity, determination, and sometimes, breathtaking audacity.Beyond just the hardware, the museum dives deep into the narratives of the men and women who dared to dream, to push boundaries, and to venture into the great unknown. It's awe-inspiring to stand in the presence of these machines and realize the leaps and bounds air and space travel have taken in just over a century.For anyone with even a fleeting interest in flight, space, or the boundless potential of human endeavor, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a must-visit. It's not just a collection of artifacts, but a testament to how far we've come and a nod to the endless possibilities of where we might go next.

Danny V — Google review

While visiting, I found that more than half of the venue was under construction, which was a bit disappointing. However, the accessible portions were quite fascinating. The exhibit provided a comprehensive journey through the history of aviation, starting from the Wright Brothers’ early airplanes and progressing to modern super-fast jets. The variety of unique exhibitions added to the intrigue, showcasing various aspects of aeronautical advancements. Additionally, there was an interesting section dedicated to the history of sports in the U.S., which was an unexpected but enjoyable inclusion.

Mary — Google review

I visited the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and I was amazed by the exhibition. It has many real artifacts that show the incredible journey of science and engineering for the achievements and knowledge we have today. It is fascinating for curious people of all ages. Even 5-year-old children can find something for themselves and maybe get inspired by our space future. I highly recommend this museum to anyone who loves aviation and space exploration.

Alex C — Google review

I visited the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on a high school trip, and it was an incredible experience! The entire place is exceptionally well-kept, with pristine exhibits and informative displays. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing our visit with their insights.The museum's layout made it easy to navigate, and the variety of exhibits kept us engaged throughout our tour. From the historic aircraft to the interactive displays, everything was fascinating and beautifully maintained.Overall, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum exceeded all my expectations. It’s simply a must go.

Jose M — Google review

What a great museum in the city to enjoy. If you love history and space, you should definitely check out the museum. A lot of exhibits were closed, however there was still plenty to do including watching the Discovery launch, touching a piece of the moon, reading about what happens to your body when you go to space, seeing space toilets, and different countries astronaut gear. There is an interactive exhibit where you can choose to ride in a space ship and complete a VR( virtual reality) experience, fly your own craft or ride a roller coaster… the prices for this ranged from $8.00 to $12.00 per person. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop and get your very own space suit, hat or mission patches for your backpack!! No tickets are required, however we waited an hour and a half in line to get into the museum.

Brandy F — Google review

Possibly the most extraordinary museum in the world, I would think this museum alone a worthy destination of the transatlantic trip but the entire experience is brought low by the way in which it is currently managed.The refurbishment that’s currently underway limits the awe factor but it’s still there.About 8 rooms, four of these are above-average quality of content but the space related rooms and Moon exploration are quite simply extraordinary. The objects are wonderfully exhibited and you often sense that you are in a world-class, premiere museum.Despite that, I couldn’t quite rise above the experience of passing through the Smithsonian facility on a busy, rainy day. Access to seating is very limited given the size of the crowd; it was very difficult to get overpriced food and a struggle to find the space to eat it (I gave up). The museum store/shop is very large but very expensive.Entry to the museum is currently allotted by the hour and we joined a block-long line in the rain with tickets that required being booked two months in advance. Attendant staff seemed passive and tired or just grumpy, while the few curatorial staff we encountered seemed somewhat overwhelmed by the crowd.The collection here is unique and inspirational , containing touchstones of the most inspirational moments in human history, but limited by the exhibition space and feels cramped. Sharing that space with such a crowd is tiring.I brought my children for my first return since I was a child in 1982 and I often struggled to maintain enthusiasm. We enjoyed the Udvar-Hazy facility much more.

Stephen H — Google review

I give this 5 stars for being free but it would get 4 if I had to pay to enter due to the fact that you cannot enter even a minute before your scheduled time and it took 7 minutes in a queue before we could enter the building. Standing in line in the brutal sun is no joke. I highly recommend coming 20 or more minutes after your entrance time (you can come up to an hour later). The other issue is that there are very few places to sit. Saw lots of people sitting on the floor.Aside from these negatives, it's a great little museum. 1-2 hours is plenty of time to see everything and read tons and tons. I enjoyed reading the brief period of the Wright brothers' success and their home life.Large gift store inside and even a place to get personalized dog tags. A few interactive exhibits but not a ton for younger kids.One last thing, make sure to reserve in advance! Our whole weekend here in DC was during a very unbusy weekend but this place was packed and sold out.

Justine V — Google review

Museum is free but definitely reverse a ticket in advance. The line was out the door and around the block at opening time, so don't be surprised if you have to wait. It moves very fast, though. Very interesting history on aviation from the first plane flown by the wright brothers to modern day planes and drones. The "space" section definitely was smaller but no less fascinating with parts from a real exploded rocket, models of Mars rovers, and a lot of interesting signage on the mysteries of the universe and quirks of our solar system. One of the most popular Smithsonian museums and I can see why, however I don't think you need to spend all day here. 3 hours is enough time.

Chloe T — Google review

The Air and Space Museum offers an awe-inspiring journey through aviation history. The St. Louis and other iconic planes showcased provide a captivating glimpse into the evolution of flight. However, it's worth noting that the absence of the Blackbird and the space shuttle was a downside, leaving a notable gap in the otherwise impressive collection. Despite this, the museum remains a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Red D — Google review

This was by far one of the coolest things we’ve done in DC. We took our kids—ages 7, 9, 12, & 14–and we all loved it.The biggest downsides were: (1) the day we went was super-crowded, and (2) we had already been to another museum, so we maxed out on walking around looking at exhibits faster than we would’ve if we would have started here.There are so many exhibits and so much information. Everywhere you turn is something else intriguing. I could hardly believe that we were looking at the actual aircraft/spacecraft from stories we’ve heard about all our lives. It was truly amazing.We especially loved the Wright Brothers’ exhibit and the entire section with space shuttles and spacesuits on display. And my husband was happy to find the Spirit of St. Louis, which was tucked away in a back corner, but a staff member graciously directed us on how we could see it.We’d love to return and hopefully try to schedule it for a less busy time (seriously, the crowds inside were very stressful at times), but we will also make sure this is the first or only museum we do that day.Highly, highly recommend!

Amy S — Google review

Unfortunately right now, half of the museum is under renovation. But the half that we got to see was really cool. They've got a lot of really awesome exhibits and so many different interactive things. I really liked the interactive Earth exhibit on the upper floor. I wouldn't eat at the cafe though, everything was very overpriced.

Kelli K — Google review

When i visited this museum I found that half of the exhibits were closed off. Despite this, the historical information available was quite intriguing. And there were a lot of interesting displays. As well as interactive games that were very fun and informational. However, I was a bit disappointed to find that the gift shop and café were selling items at prices that were too high for what the items were. Overall, a nice museum with some fun things to see and do, just be mindful half of the exhibits are closed.

Eric L — Google review

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum offers a remarkable journey through the history of aviation and space exploration. Celebrating 55 years since the moon landing, visitors can marvel at the iconic spacesuits and lunar rovers from the Apollo missions. The museum also features the Wright brothers' pioneering glider and a vast array of historic aircraft, making it a treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts. It's an excellent destination for families, with engaging exhibits for children. Be sure to book tickets in advance, as the museum didn’t accommodate walk-ins.

Kieran M — Google review

Great museum to stroll around for a few hours. As others mentioned, there are some exhibits that are closed so I wouldn't treat this place as a main attraction to visit, museum wise.However, it is a great learning experience if your unfamiliar with USA space history and the early history of flight. Great crash course here. Definitely recommend if your in the Greater DC area.This museum is free admission as it's your federal tax dollars hard at work. They do have donation bins throughout the museum as well if you feel inclined to contribute.

Alex L — Google review

What an awesome incredible museum. So interactive and just tons to do! We spent 2 hours just walking around and seeing all the planes. Some of the coolest things are the two planes that you can walk inside and also the whole exhibit showcasing the Apollo missions.Seriously can’t wait for the whole museum to open. It’s an absolute must do even with half open. 10 out of 10 Ill be back.

James S — Google review

The best things I can say are. It was great that the security staff monitor the line of people waiting to get in. Air quality was awful and it was just miserable out. Thankfully they let the 2pm folks in line inside early. The planetarium was great. Like the other recent reviews say. Half or more of the museum is under construction. The upstairs exhibits for space were nice but the rest was dull and not worth it. I think the only reason they have advanced tickets is because they have so little seating for crowds wanting to avoid the heat vs the other museums

Greg S — Google review

This museum is one of the best I’ve been to. There is so much history and detail in the air and space industry, but the museum does a great job of capturing a ton of it. The planes on display are a stunning work of building masterpiece. My grandfather flew the DC-3 hanging up front and center, so it was really cool to see in person and quite inspiring.

John W — Google review

The entrance is free but it requires a reservation for a timed pass. It does not allow for an early entry. On a hot summer day, it was no fun standing in a line outside the museum for almost 20 minutes until been letting in.Some of the exhibitions were cool. We enjoyed the early planes and inventions, flying cars, Nation of speed. Unfortunately the iMax theater was not open. And large spaces were closed due to renovations. The displaying planes were much less than I expected. We visited on Saturday which was a packed day for the museum. There were not enough sitting area. Overall it’s a nice place to visit. But I would wait for a couple more years before visiting again to have a more interesting and enhanced experience. On its website, it says the full building is expected to be open in 2026.

Aggie W — Google review

We visited this museum in the month of August 2023. The space museum is well maintained and has a lot of attractions. There are two different museums, if you are more interested in aircrafts and space shuttles you need to attend the other one. Remember to give enough time as they start closing the museum by 4:30, they wont allow you to walk-in to different sections after 4pm. Buying tickets in advance is recommended.The museum has a cafeteria inside, has restrooms and water refilling stations. You need to park your cars roadside or at garage.

PIYUSH K — Google review

One of the most amazing and attractive places in Washington DC. A great place to take your family. The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, is an awe-inspiring tribute to aviation and space exploration. Its vast exhibits showcase historic aircraft, spacecraft, and artifacts, allowing visitors to journey through the remarkable milestones of flight and space travel. From the Wright brothers' plane to the Apollo 11 command module, it's a captivating experience for enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Amin Z — Google review

Note: This museum is still undergoing renovations, and half of the museum is closed. If you have the option of waiting until it opens, I’d strongly recommend it.Advanced tickets are also required at this location. They are free, but can be hard to get at popular times. Definitely get your tickets early if you are planning to come on a holiday or other busy time.Finally, there’s also a Dulles location that is much larger with more exhibitions. If you’re picking between the two, I’d definitely go with the Dulles location. It’s less crowded and way cooler.

Micah W — Google review

Get your online free passes in advance! It gets booked rather quickly. All the exhibitions were amazing, and there’s something for everyone. We watched Dark Universe, it was worth it (you need to get paid tickets for this area).Accessibility was good for the most part, ramps, elevators, but with the big crowds it can get hard to walk around. Take it slow and easy and you’ll enjoy it better.It was a memorable visit!

Glenda N — Google review

Admission is free. Just book a slot. When I got to the museum, I was really scared because the queue was endless, it was really long, but the process itself was quick and efficient! It's a pity that the part I was looking forward to the most is under renovation! I'm very disappointed with this. otherwise a very nice place. very nice souvenir shop, a bit expensive but nice. very nice ladies at the information desk, handing out maps on the road. Poor cafeteria, the worst iced tea I have ever had in my life, there is a lot of room for improvement of the entire gastronomic aspect because it is poor. And a lot of kids come over well lost opportunity!

Agnieszka B — Google review

Summary:I'm biased due to my love for aviation, which is why I believe that the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is the best museum on the National Mall. Friendly staff, immersive exhibits, and cool planes dotting the museum make this place a joy to visit.Don't Wait or Come Early:Free timed tickets are required for entry, but no early entry is permitted. I'd actually encourage NOT to line up early, because you'll likely spend ~15 minutes burning in the hot summer sun while standing in line. Instead, if you arrive roughly 10-15 minutes after your scheduled arrival, you'll pass through security in <1 minute. You can enter an hour after your scheduled entry, so don't worry about being turned away.Stay Time:I spent around 6 hours cumulatively over two visits, since I took the time to read the exhibits thoroughly. You can definitely cut it to around 2-3 hours if you don't stop and read everything though.The Planetarium:I watched two movies here: "Dark Universe" and "Worlds Beyond Earth". Admission is $9 for one movie, or $16 for two. I highly encourage watching at least one of these two movies here, because the 360 degree theater is captivating eye candy, as well as a great place for kids to learn about science.Also, try to sit near the back of the planetarium, so you don't have to consistently tilt your head up to watch the movies.Food Trucks (right outside the NASM):If the food truck doesn't have a valid permit, please stay AWAY from them. There was a rather infamous incident of one food truck using the Air & Space fountain water. Visit r/washingtondc for similar stories.I highly advise eating before coming, as the Mars Cafe inside the museum is pricey.

Luke N — Google review

This is a beautiful museum with many unique items on display.We spend a couple of hours here, but if you like to dig deeper into air and space history, you could easily spend many more, reading up on all the shared information.The tickets are free, but you need to book them online in advance.

Janus M — Google review

I liked this museum so much. It was the best in Washington. But now because of the renovation - half of the museum is closed. Additionaly 25percent of this half are museum stores.There was little information about the booking passess. We made the booking next day exactly on 8:30 but unfortunately most of the tickets were gone in less than 1 minute for that day :(.Still some people are not coming after making booking and Museum is not letting the other in although there are free spaces.

Dariusz W — Google review

This place is a blast to walk through, but since half of it is closed, I can't give it more than 3 stars. Lots of hands on things to do and still plenty of planes and aircraft to see, but you're only seeing half of what this place usually offers. Bear that in mind as the renovations are slated to take a year or more. The space exploration stuff is great and I enjoyed the early flight stuff. It's free, so it's still worth a visit, but 1-2 hours here is more than enough.

Stephen M — Google review

This place was great. There were lots of planes and other notable aircraft displayed dynamically in the air. Exhibits had plenty of information about various topics. Unfortunately, half the museum was under renovation and couldn't be accessed. Would like to see it when it's fully renovated.

Patrick T — Google review

Great, but under construction. (7/3/2024)Would go again but with about a 1/3 of the museum behind while construction tarps I feel we missed a lot this time. Also there were a lot of people...a lot. To the point were you queued in lines to walk past exhibits. This meant you couldn't enjoy most things. Normally it is recommended you take 4 hours for this building. We were done in about 2.5 hours. We did have a reserved time in advance. I do like that system and recommend it. We walked through every display.The lower level Cafe needs more options. As a diabetic, the options were not very conducive. So we chose to leave and eat somewhere else. Though I will say the sheer number of food trucks outside was insane.

Jason R — Google review

Get your ticket as early as 8:30 am because the place gets jammed. Only half of the museum is open right now, but it was enough for me and my 7-year-old boy. We watched every artifact and tried every interactive screen in the museum. We touched some asteroids and meteorites. We learned about space food, astronauts, and rocket ships. We loved the planets exhibit. We spent a good 3 hours in the museum. We will come back to see the new part and the planetarium.

Delphine ( — Google review

This is a must visit while in DC. Almost everything you about space and aviation, you can find here. Kid friendly. Handicapped and stroller friendly. They have an elevator. Enjoy and have fun. Get your tickets online. They have time blocks to enter.

Robert S — Google review

The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum is a very popular tourist spot in DC. Advanced planning is necessary since (free) ticket sales are limited each day. As soon as you plan your DC vacation, book your tickets here to get the day and time you prefer. Please note that the museum is currently under a major renovation, and almost half of the museum is currently (June 2024) closed.

M — Google review

Of course this place is amazing. It soars above all others. There is enough space for everyone! As national travelers, my kids were particularly fond of the airplanes. Since our trip my son has been obsessed with planes and has tried to learn everything he can about them. Talk about inspiration! He is now collecting planes. He is 9 and he can you everything from. The Concord to Southwest Airlines. 🙌Thank you Air and Space. My other son loved the gift shop. All of the gift shops. Especially the three leveled gift shop. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Maria M — Google review

Free CostReserve your tickets in advance!We reserved our tickets at least a week ago for 3.31.2024 visit. The tickets 6 days prior to 3/31/2024 were pretty much taken except 4pm visit on 3.30.2024.When arrived at 12:30 pm for 1pm visit, we were instructed to wait in the line till 1pm. Right next to the escalator, it has a sign said more than half of space is under renovation, so there are more to see for sure. Of course, there are lots of people on Sunday, but it is still manageable, meaning you can still pretty experience most of things; even though there is a line, people move pretty fast.

Pin L — Google review

The American air and space museum is such a great place to learn and enjoy everything. There are demos done while you're walking around. You'll need to order your ticket in advance, but it's a lot of fun and a great place to take your kids. Not to mention if you love gift shops, they have 3 floors with lots of different things you can build with Legos, from astronaut food to small planes and solar systems.

Srinivasarao R — Google review

It's a must visit. I love the videos which they played at big screens inside about solar system, and moons. What planes looked like back then . Really amazing to see the original wright brothers plane and it's history behind it. The space part of museum looks really colorful and lively.

Shriya N — Google review

The air and space museum is one of the most visited museums in all of the world. Since it’s opening it has attracted over 350 million people and continues to attract thousands a day. It’s free to the public, but you need to make a reservation to be admitted. There are lots of things to learn, so come ready to read!

Jesse H — Google review

We really enjoyed the museum but disappointed that nearly 2/3 is under renovation. The open exhibits were full of science details and supported by the artifacts.Best: awesome security guard Imani was friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable about the Planets exhibit. She's hilarious! All while doing her job.I did see that the museum has made a few accessibility improvements for visually impaired visitors with tactile models. Not what we've seen overseas but it's a tiny start.

Isabel M — Google review

Love this museum, I think it is the best out of all the Smithsonian’s. There are so many interactive exhibits and videos to watch, and they’re all spread out; so it helps keep the masses of people from being on top of each other. The reason I gave 4 stars is that I wish it was open longer! The tickets are time-entry and one of time slots is 4pm.. by the time you get in the museum you have an hour before it closes which is NOT enough time to see or do even half of what the museum has to offer. The “same-day” tickets are a joke, there’s maybe like 10 tickets available and they’re at the 4pm time slot. I got tickets in advance to our trip but tried to get same-day for a better time slot, was waiting at 8:30, when they became available, and I didn’t get tickets.

Megan C — Google review

First visit since the renovations, they are still making updates. If you are into the history of aviation in America this is your place. Comparatively the other museum A&S museum in Chantilly is s more open space and focuses on displaying various aircraft. This one also has aircraft displays but more curated with multimedia displays and various miniature models. I made a reservation the day before our visit and it was pretty easy. I went on a weekday morning in mid march at 11am. It was still pretty busy, but manageable. My only critique is that the placement as well as the wording of the exhibits could improve. There were times that i was searching to try to find an explanation of what i was looking at.

T S — Google review

Yes, you must pay to enter. Was it worth it? Did my young children enjoy this museum? Yes, we had such a good time we will visit again. I mean, just the planes were cool. But they have someone around to help you with history and events that are so important to know. This is a must go museum. The kids had an amazing time, and you will, too. If anything, do it once and I guarantee you will have a great time.

Jonathan N — Google review

Half the museum is shut down. Felt ripped off from my experience. What was there, was very informative, interactive and exciting. Lots of cool displays and interesting little ways of teaching concepts. Virtual tools used all throughout to enhance the experience. Could easily spend 3 hours on the side that open. Great gift shop with lots of cool ideas for keepsakes or gifts.

Scottie M — Google review

Went here with the family and thoroughly enjoyed every exhibit in this museum. This was one of the highlights for the kids and they loved learning about the planets, space, and the history of the Apollo missions. They even have a hanging full sized XWing in there - obviously lots of Star Wars references here. This is a definite must go for everyone. Make sure to reserve an appointment days in advance.

Jan-Michael T — Google review

Great experience! Sadly a big part of the museum is closed due to maintenance, but still worth it.Make sure to set your space in order to access the museum.

Roberto Q — Google review

Absolutely incredible! The exhibits have so much info presented in a fun and engaging way. They cater to people with disabilities as well! There are visual, audio, and tactile exhibits. There are parts of planes that you can walk through, and an incredible planetarium experience (which cost us $9 each, and so worth it). I didn't know we needed to get tickets in advance until the morning of, but they release tickets throughout the day. I got online for the afternoon release at 12:30, and easily secured 4 tickets for my group. We spent about 3 hours inside. We looked at everything at least briefly, but we could certainly go back again to read all everything more in depth. During our visit they were in the process of expanding, so I can only imagine how much more there will be to see when that's done. I will say it was pretty busy, but we didn't have to wait in any long lines. 10/10 museum, I would go again!

Marie B — Google review

Cool museum to see in person finally. The airplane exhibits and outer space exhibits were wall to wall and literally hanging from the ceiling. We took so many pictures. The museum is Busy busy busy. Make a appointment for your time slot prior to visiting the museum. If we had not scheduled our time we wouldn't have been able to enter. I recommend.

T. F — Google review

4.6

(41919)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (115)

4.5

(23591)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (116)

600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA

(202) 633-2214

15

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (117)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (118)

40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (119)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (120)

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Visitor center

Sights & Landmarks

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is a renowned destination that features scenic trails and an indoor museum dedicated to the Civil War. In 2008, the center moved to a state-of-the-art facility costing $103 million, offering visitors an exceptional experience. The center offers informative movies and knowledgeable guides for students, making it an ideal location for history lovers of all ages.

Always love Gettysburg. Haven’t been here in a number if years. The visitor’s center is great and the overview movie very informative. Had a wonderful guide for our students. Very knowledgeable and gave plenty of information. So much to see and learn.

Brian S — Google review

What an amazing experience this place is! The vast size of this battlefield is awe inspiring. Over 70,000 men lost their lives battling over a 24 acre piece of land, to either keep or do away with slavery. To learn and to actually be able to visualize how far a canon ball weighing 8 pounds could be launched a mile away with a canon two hundred years ago is truly incredible. The museum displays of the uniforms, handguns, rifles and various artifacts is extensive.I enjoyed the bus tour with the tour guide.It was interesting and fun to hear the narrative of the battle and learn about the little to unknown facts about the battle.In order to experience the entire Gettysburg site, it is easily a two day trip.For convenience, there is a small cafeteria in the main building. The new museum building was.built in 2008 and is very clean and modern. There is a good sized souvenir shop in the main building as well. There are also numerous nearby hotels, souvenir shops and restaurants in the City of Gettysburg.For the history buff, this is a must see place to visit.

Jaime B — Google review

What a day! The employees were all kind & informative & our tour guide on the bus was great. Thanks John. Gift shop had something for everyone. Highly recommend the bus tour then driving self on automotive tour (a self drive). They even have many options for free.

Paula S — Google review

My wife needed a wheelchair and the staff were really helpful in getting her one and they helped at all the exhibit entrances. The cyclorama is completely different in a very good way from the use of lights, simulated cannon and gunfire and the narration of events. I went last time 25 years ago but this time they brought it to life.When it gets close to 5 be ready to exit quickly and that includes the gift shop. The rest rooms are cordoned off too.If you have a disabled member of your family take them to the drop off point with benches and then go to the disabled parking which is a 1/4 mile walk to the front entrance.

Gary N — Google review

I never served in the military and was never that much of a history buff, but the experience did give me a new appreciation for the freedoms we tend to take for granted.Reading each of the engravings and the stories behind them, makes you realize how great a sacrifice was made by those who were determined to stand up for what they believed in!! Truly remarkable!!Looking across the vast, open fields, imagining the sheer bravery, chaos and sacrifice of those men was genuinely inspiring to me.There are also walking paths for those who are adventurous!I may have to post a second review to display my photos, since there are so many.There were so many monuments, unfortunately, I had to actually stop taking photos to continue on with my trip. But I’m going to use that as an excuse to come back again… lol.

Ann M — Google review

So beautiful.Well preserved.It feels alive with all the canons and monuments.Fences look like they have always been here.A must see if you are a fan of history.Get a map and follow the self guided tour. You will not be disappointed.

David W — Google review

What an incredible place. I didn't have enough time to truly explore the entirety of it, as it is so incredibly vast. The bus tour was well worth the money, and comes with a very nice driver and a knowledgeable and friendly guide. Highly recommend that everyone should go, if possible, take a few days to really take it all in. I plan to return for a few days to hike it.

Tori L — Google review

Amazing history! You really get a feel for the place where 51,000 lost their lives over a three day time period. I started to whistle while we walked, and then stopped as this is hallowed ground. Beautiful area.

Kristen A — Google review

History lesson at its best. Recommend starting with Cyclorama & Narrated movie to help put all the pieces together. So much took place over the 3 days of the fighting, that it is so helpful to get the overview. There is an App for the battlefield tour that guides you along the way. Very effective. There is also an App for all of the National Parks that adds extra content before heading out. Parking lots full of licenses from all over the US.

Daryl H — Google review

My significant other and I went here on vacation and it was wonderful. They have packages that are affordable, including a bus tour, and access to the museum. The park rangers do a lot of informative activities as well that are free. You could easily spend an entire day here between the tours (they have a self guided car version, an informative bus tour), the museum, and the additional activities run by the museum and parks department. The gift shop is beautiful, and reasonable as well. The staff at the front desk was very helpful and informative about what to take advantage of. I would visit here again if given the opportunity.

Zoe W — Google review

I would give it a 5 star but the cost to get in makes in inaccessible to many people. (Just over $20 as of Nov. 2023). The movie was a great summary of what led to the battle at Gettysburg and touched on the aftermath. It was better than I had expected.The cyclorama was impressive when you learn that it is an actual oil painting from the turn of the century - and moved to Gettysburg in 1913. It went through a restoration and if you are a fan of history or art, this is a must see.

Randi A — Google review

Great experience with the family. One of the rangers was amazing teaching our daughter more about Gettysburg. We enjoys the self guided tour (the app is free and has audio to go with the tour) and the monuments had great descriptions to them. Really felt Abraham Lincoln’s words while reading the Gettysburg address at the cemetery.

Kyle J — Google review

I think should be a must for anyone. I was definitely surprised by the amount of foreigners that were visiting. The history in the museum and the surrounding areas is spectacular. Definitely take the auto tour if you don't do a bus. It's definitely worth it. It does take at least 2 hours to do the auto tour. You do need tspend the money and do the museum.

Doug A — Google review

The best place to understand the history of United States 🇺🇸.Is the only and unique opportunity to feel, learn and see the artifacts of the Civil War. This place is outstanding.You can link the experience with other Histories places in PA and follow up the past, the present and the future. The museum has one of the biggest oil painting in the world which describes the reality of the battlefield of Gettysburg vs General Lee.If you willing to learn our freedom and why was important the emancipation, go and visit this area.Highly recommend: schedule a private tour for 3 hours and let the professional guide diving you to the past of the history.Unforgettable experience.Top 10 places to visit in PA.Stay in a local hotel. You will need plenty of time to walk, read and enjoy the activities.

Harold H — Google review

We took the auto tour and loved it!! It took us about 2 hours and it is GPS driven. Very informative and gives you plenty of opportunity to get out and take pictures or get a closer look. The tour made us realize that we want to come back to the area and spend more time here. There are so many different things to do and see we can't wait to return!

Dave C — Google review

I really enjoyed the walk through History. We used the national park app and we were able to enjoy the story being told to us at each one of the stops. The Monuments were beautiful and the park was well taken care of.

Joshua L — Google review

Went to Gettysburg Battlefield today. The grounds, the museum & visitor center were very informative. The staff we encountered were professional, courteous & cheerful. The visit had meaning, and was a thoughtful experience. I recommend you go there! Check it out!

Frank S — Google review

Gettysburg National Military Park-AMAZING!I am a lover of American history and have visited many historical sights, memorials, and battlefields, Gettysburg is one of the best I have seen.The number of monuments, markers, and displays not only in the museum but all around the battlefield is just incredible.From the video in the visitor's center/ museum to the driving path, there is so much to see and learn.We downloaded the National Parks app which has a link to a free audio-guided tour. Loved it!I suggest- seeing the video, seeing the museum, driving the tour with the audio guide, and seeing the Gettysburg cemetery. See the spot where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address.

Jason S — Google review

What a fabulous place. This is one of the cleanest and nicest places we have visited. The respect people have for this is amazing. The film, cyclamen and museum are wonderful and very moving. The staff is fantastic. We loved it! The auto tour was also great for us. We could take our time.

Donna S — Google review

This is a must place to visit when you are in Gettysburg. Great place to learn about our history. Highly recommend this place for any age. They have a junior ranger program for kids. You would need a minumum of 3-4 hrs just for the museum alone. Very educational. Interesting facts and exhibits. Everyone was friendly and accomodating. They have a gift shop too. Overall a great experience.

F&I — Google review

I have promised myself many years ago to make this trip to this hallowed ground and I finally made it. The aura of this place is unique and the monuments,along with the excellent museum can really touch the visitor. I feel blessed for this experience.

Pardalis G — Google review

I highly recommend making the visitor center your first stop. The staff was very helpful and guided us in all of our options and ways to see everything. This is a good place to get an understanding of the battle and the history of the war. The museum is filled with authentic pieces from the battle and it really brings you to the emotions that had to fill the battlefields. The cemetery is quite an honor to be able to walk through and pay our respects to the people that shaped our country to what it is today. The loss of thousands of people is very somber and you can walk peacefully through the lands that people were fighting war on. Well worth the trip and I'd definitely recommend it to any American who is lacking gratitude for their freedom!

Robert G — Google review

National Parks have done a really excellent job in how they present the entire Military Park, including the Gettysburg Military Museum. It was very very impressive (and sad at the same time). Would certainly recommend a visit.

Andrew R — Google review

The Gettysburg Battlefield stands as a solemn testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought there. Walking through its hallowed grounds, one can't help but feel a profound sense of reverence for the thousands who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom. The meticulously preserved landscapes and monuments serve as poignant reminders of the brutality and heroism that unfolded during those fateful days in July 1863. Visiting Gettysburg is not merely a journey through history; it's a pilgrimage to honor the enduring legacy of those who fought and died for a cause greater than themselves.

Rich W — Google review

We had a limited amount of time to explore the battlefield, and we had not realized how large the battlefield is, and how many monuments there were to visit. Our first stop was the Visitor's Center and a guide there suggested a few key spots we could check out in the short 1.5 hours we had. This was perfect. Of course, now we want to go back! One could easily spend 1 - 2 days here. I also like that you can see most of everything free of charge. You can opt to pay for extras that I'm sure enhance the experience, but the Visitor's Center, auto tour and walking trails are free.

Gabrielle S — Google review

Spent 3 hours touring the visitors center as there is so much to see! The Cyclorama, the film and museum were all top notch, professionally produced, informative and amazing to see. Highly recommend seeing this visitor center. Seeing the museum before touring the military park will help understand the battlefield and how the battle unfolded.

B P — Google review

I agree with that don't eat here because the prices are ridiculous and it's not run by the park service or anybody at the visitor center. It's like a third-party hired out café and the food is really bad quality.! The museum bookstore had an author signing, so we looked out and got a historical book for our son, author: William Styple signed! there's some snacks available there lots of historical books, lotta tchotchkes it seemed very commercialized like you can get a coffee mug with Gettysburg and Abraham Lincoln bubblehead lol. bus tours are $40 for adults. I can't remember the prices for kids and they have four of those that leave Daley. It looks like I'm not sure if it's going to change later in spring or summer hours and the visitor center is nice and the upkeep is nice, and the restrooms are clean. Very windy out on the battlefield. there is a tour where you sit in your car and watch a couple videos at various stop so you can get out and then there's the walking tour that takes about an hour and a half and then there's the bus tours that take about two hours..My family recommends the auto & walking tours, download the app. Learning about an important war in our country, shouldn't be considered a Tour strap and shouldn't be so much money specially if people need chip jars so apparently they're not getting paid a living wage which is a whole other story but yes, recommend going to Gettysburg at least once in your life and it's quite educational if you download the free tour...

Super L — Google review

Hard to understand the battle of Gettysburg without ever visiting the site. We tried to do the driving tour in two hours but didn't finish. I would recommend at least 2 days just to be able to get a good grasp of the site.

Tim T — Google review

This is my 3rd visit and it changes every time. Took the bus tour first. Loved it. Then drove back into the area to do a deep dive exploration. Points to remember......all communications are done by horseback, troops walked everywhere to get to battle lines and proceed to fight on the same day, a shot from a cast iron cannon traveled 2 miles, over 3000 horse are killed at Gettsyburg alone........

Debbie T — Google review

My husband and I experience the film/cyclorama/museum and Gettysburg bus tour offered by the Gettysburg National Military Museum and Visitors Center. We highly recommend all of these! Excellent experiences. Amazing tour and tour guide.

Theresa E — Google review

Amazing history and great park. Bookstore was huge and the self guided car tour was fantastic. This is a must see for every American and travelers the same. Solidify our history in our hearts and learn what it took to be what we are today!The park center is new and very spacious with plenty to see. Check out the presentation and learn about the way at Gettysburg. Large bookstore with tons of history and lots for the kids as well.Don’t forget your passport stamps.

Jessy H — Google review

This is one of the places in the United States, where, in order to understand American political history, it must be visited in person to understand the magnitude of what happened on that fateful day. What caused it? Who contributed to it even occurring in the first place? Why did it have to happen? And how it ended? The answers lies all around the field.

RG. W — Google review

Amazingly done so well. The one year family pass was cheaper than a regular admission. So.. we are now members. I only saw about 1/2 of the museum so coming back is a plus. I can express how well done this museum is. My childhood memories can compete with my adult experience. The video narrated by Morgan freeman is a great place to start. The app for this area is detailed and. Done better than anything I have seen. Next time I come I want to do a bus tour! Built to accommodate many people didn’t feel crowded!

Desmond L — Google review

What a great experience and a chance to learn about our American history. It’s well worth taking the bus tour.

Steven H — Google review

2024–05-04 - 5 StarsRained the day we were there but other wise was a great day.We will return to see more of what we missed.Plan on packing your own lunch or snack. The restaurant in side is WAY OVERPRICED and not that great. Average at best. Over 75 dollars for 3 people and you get plastic utensils. Again don’t waste your time or money on the restaurant.

JS R — Google review

Amazing experience. Very moving. The museum is well done and the cyclorama was fantastic! We also took the Gettysburg tour bus around the battlefields. The tour guide was knowledgeable and had a sense of humor. If you're in the area its well worth the stop.

Roseanne V — Google review

More history than can ever be absorbed in one day exists in this museum.This is a great place to start your journey of the war that took place on Gettysburg. I learned things while in this place I hadn't known before.There are so many weapons, men fighting for a cause, and the expanse of the battlefield is awe-inspiring. From this museum, it's not hard to download the app that takes you to different places on the battlefield and learn what happened and who was there fighting. Take your time, if you have it, because it's extensive. We went on a weekday and it was busy so I can't imagine what it would look like on a weekend in the summer. Take plenty of water and an open mind while touring the battlefield. Absorb it and take it all in to get the best experience while here!!!

Aunt N — Google review

I visited on a Thursday morning. We were on our way home so had limited time. Staff was very friendly and helpful. We unfortunately did not have the time to go thru the museum. What I read indicates you need 4 hours. There is one hall that you can view for free. It consists of a lot of items that have been found on the battleground. It was very interesting. They have a map of the battleground park available however it is not very accurate. Google was very helpful finding the memorials we wanted to see. We look forward to coming back and spending more time. The park is well maintained and well labeled. There are a lot of options for how you tour the park. Self-guided, with a group and there are options for private guides. The heritage guides even dress up. You can use guides from the park itself and there are lots of companies that offer guides as well.

April W — Google review

The cyclorama is an amazing experience both in presentation and as an actual piece of history itself. It could easily take 2 days for a history buff to properly tour the museum and the gift shop prices were lower than expected.

Chris S — Google review

This is a really nice park, very educational, and very clean. The prices in the gift shops and restaurants are on the higher side, but that’s to be expected at a tourist trap. I downloaded one of the self-guided tours for my iPhone, and I have to say that it was one of the best things that I've done while visiting Gettysburg. The tour was extremely informative, and it's well laid out and worked well with my Google Maps, so I knew exactly where to go.

Thomas P — Google review

This is one of the best museum experiences you can have. The museum is filled with history. Don't miss the movie and rotunda experience. The battlefield is HUGE! I recommend doing the auto tour if this is your first visit. There is a beautiful cafeteria with plenty of choices if you get hungry. If your bringing your own food thier are plenty of picnic tables and benches.

Rob S — Google review

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Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

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Visitor center

Sights & Landmarks

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is a renowned destination that features scenic trails and an indoor museum dedicated to the Civil War. In 2008, the center moved to a state-of-the-art facility costing $103 million, offering visitors an exceptional experience. The center offers informative movies and knowledgeable guides for students, making it an ideal location for history lovers of all ages.

Always love Gettysburg. Haven’t been here in a number if years. The visitor’s center is great and the overview movie very informative. Had a wonderful guide for our students. Very knowledgeable and gave plenty of information. So much to see and learn.

Brian S — Google review

What an amazing experience this place is! The vast size of this battlefield is awe inspiring. Over 70,000 men lost their lives battling over a 24 acre piece of land, to either keep or do away with slavery. To learn and to actually be able to visualize how far a canon ball weighing 8 pounds could be launched a mile away with a canon two hundred years ago is truly incredible. The museum displays of the uniforms, handguns, rifles and various artifacts is extensive.I enjoyed the bus tour with the tour guide.It was interesting and fun to hear the narrative of the battle and learn about the little to unknown facts about the battle.In order to experience the entire Gettysburg site, it is easily a two day trip.For convenience, there is a small cafeteria in the main building. The new museum building was.built in 2008 and is very clean and modern. There is a good sized souvenir shop in the main building as well. There are also numerous nearby hotels, souvenir shops and restaurants in the City of Gettysburg.For the history buff, this is a must see place to visit.

Jaime B — Google review

What a day! The employees were all kind & informative & our tour guide on the bus was great. Thanks John. Gift shop had something for everyone. Highly recommend the bus tour then driving self on automotive tour (a self drive). They even have many options for free.

Paula S — Google review

My wife needed a wheelchair and the staff were really helpful in getting her one and they helped at all the exhibit entrances. The cyclorama is completely different in a very good way from the use of lights, simulated cannon and gunfire and the narration of events. I went last time 25 years ago but this time they brought it to life.When it gets close to 5 be ready to exit quickly and that includes the gift shop. The rest rooms are cordoned off too.If you have a disabled member of your family take them to the drop off point with benches and then go to the disabled parking which is a 1/4 mile walk to the front entrance.

Gary N — Google review

I never served in the military and was never that much of a history buff, but the experience did give me a new appreciation for the freedoms we tend to take for granted.Reading each of the engravings and the stories behind them, makes you realize how great a sacrifice was made by those who were determined to stand up for what they believed in!! Truly remarkable!!Looking across the vast, open fields, imagining the sheer bravery, chaos and sacrifice of those men was genuinely inspiring to me.There are also walking paths for those who are adventurous!I may have to post a second review to display my photos, since there are so many.There were so many monuments, unfortunately, I had to actually stop taking photos to continue on with my trip. But I’m going to use that as an excuse to come back again… lol.

Ann M — Google review

So beautiful.Well preserved.It feels alive with all the canons and monuments.Fences look like they have always been here.A must see if you are a fan of history.Get a map and follow the self guided tour. You will not be disappointed.

David W — Google review

What an incredible place. I didn't have enough time to truly explore the entirety of it, as it is so incredibly vast. The bus tour was well worth the money, and comes with a very nice driver and a knowledgeable and friendly guide. Highly recommend that everyone should go, if possible, take a few days to really take it all in. I plan to return for a few days to hike it.

Tori L — Google review

Amazing history! You really get a feel for the place where 51,000 lost their lives over a three day time period. I started to whistle while we walked, and then stopped as this is hallowed ground. Beautiful area.

Kristen A — Google review

History lesson at its best. Recommend starting with Cyclorama & Narrated movie to help put all the pieces together. So much took place over the 3 days of the fighting, that it is so helpful to get the overview. There is an App for the battlefield tour that guides you along the way. Very effective. There is also an App for all of the National Parks that adds extra content before heading out. Parking lots full of licenses from all over the US.

Daryl H — Google review

My significant other and I went here on vacation and it was wonderful. They have packages that are affordable, including a bus tour, and access to the museum. The park rangers do a lot of informative activities as well that are free. You could easily spend an entire day here between the tours (they have a self guided car version, an informative bus tour), the museum, and the additional activities run by the museum and parks department. The gift shop is beautiful, and reasonable as well. The staff at the front desk was very helpful and informative about what to take advantage of. I would visit here again if given the opportunity.

Zoe W — Google review

I would give it a 5 star but the cost to get in makes in inaccessible to many people. (Just over $20 as of Nov. 2023). The movie was a great summary of what led to the battle at Gettysburg and touched on the aftermath. It was better than I had expected.The cyclorama was impressive when you learn that it is an actual oil painting from the turn of the century - and moved to Gettysburg in 1913. It went through a restoration and if you are a fan of history or art, this is a must see.

Randi A — Google review

Great experience with the family. One of the rangers was amazing teaching our daughter more about Gettysburg. We enjoys the self guided tour (the app is free and has audio to go with the tour) and the monuments had great descriptions to them. Really felt Abraham Lincoln’s words while reading the Gettysburg address at the cemetery.

Kyle J — Google review

I think should be a must for anyone. I was definitely surprised by the amount of foreigners that were visiting. The history in the museum and the surrounding areas is spectacular. Definitely take the auto tour if you don't do a bus. It's definitely worth it. It does take at least 2 hours to do the auto tour. You do need tspend the money and do the museum.

Doug A — Google review

The best place to understand the history of United States 🇺🇸.Is the only and unique opportunity to feel, learn and see the artifacts of the Civil War. This place is outstanding.You can link the experience with other Histories places in PA and follow up the past, the present and the future. The museum has one of the biggest oil painting in the world which describes the reality of the battlefield of Gettysburg vs General Lee.If you willing to learn our freedom and why was important the emancipation, go and visit this area.Highly recommend: schedule a private tour for 3 hours and let the professional guide diving you to the past of the history.Unforgettable experience.Top 10 places to visit in PA.Stay in a local hotel. You will need plenty of time to walk, read and enjoy the activities.

Harold H — Google review

We took the auto tour and loved it!! It took us about 2 hours and it is GPS driven. Very informative and gives you plenty of opportunity to get out and take pictures or get a closer look. The tour made us realize that we want to come back to the area and spend more time here. There are so many different things to do and see we can't wait to return!

Dave C — Google review

I really enjoyed the walk through History. We used the national park app and we were able to enjoy the story being told to us at each one of the stops. The Monuments were beautiful and the park was well taken care of.

Joshua L — Google review

Went to Gettysburg Battlefield today. The grounds, the museum & visitor center were very informative. The staff we encountered were professional, courteous & cheerful. The visit had meaning, and was a thoughtful experience. I recommend you go there! Check it out!

Frank S — Google review

Gettysburg National Military Park-AMAZING!I am a lover of American history and have visited many historical sights, memorials, and battlefields, Gettysburg is one of the best I have seen.The number of monuments, markers, and displays not only in the museum but all around the battlefield is just incredible.From the video in the visitor's center/ museum to the driving path, there is so much to see and learn.We downloaded the National Parks app which has a link to a free audio-guided tour. Loved it!I suggest- seeing the video, seeing the museum, driving the tour with the audio guide, and seeing the Gettysburg cemetery. See the spot where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address.

Jason S — Google review

What a fabulous place. This is one of the cleanest and nicest places we have visited. The respect people have for this is amazing. The film, cyclamen and museum are wonderful and very moving. The staff is fantastic. We loved it! The auto tour was also great for us. We could take our time.

Donna S — Google review

This is a must place to visit when you are in Gettysburg. Great place to learn about our history. Highly recommend this place for any age. They have a junior ranger program for kids. You would need a minumum of 3-4 hrs just for the museum alone. Very educational. Interesting facts and exhibits. Everyone was friendly and accomodating. They have a gift shop too. Overall a great experience.

F&I — Google review

I have promised myself many years ago to make this trip to this hallowed ground and I finally made it. The aura of this place is unique and the monuments,along with the excellent museum can really touch the visitor. I feel blessed for this experience.

Pardalis G — Google review

I highly recommend making the visitor center your first stop. The staff was very helpful and guided us in all of our options and ways to see everything. This is a good place to get an understanding of the battle and the history of the war. The museum is filled with authentic pieces from the battle and it really brings you to the emotions that had to fill the battlefields. The cemetery is quite an honor to be able to walk through and pay our respects to the people that shaped our country to what it is today. The loss of thousands of people is very somber and you can walk peacefully through the lands that people were fighting war on. Well worth the trip and I'd definitely recommend it to any American who is lacking gratitude for their freedom!

Robert G — Google review

National Parks have done a really excellent job in how they present the entire Military Park, including the Gettysburg Military Museum. It was very very impressive (and sad at the same time). Would certainly recommend a visit.

Andrew R — Google review

The Gettysburg Battlefield stands as a solemn testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought there. Walking through its hallowed grounds, one can't help but feel a profound sense of reverence for the thousands who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom. The meticulously preserved landscapes and monuments serve as poignant reminders of the brutality and heroism that unfolded during those fateful days in July 1863. Visiting Gettysburg is not merely a journey through history; it's a pilgrimage to honor the enduring legacy of those who fought and died for a cause greater than themselves.

Rich W — Google review

We had a limited amount of time to explore the battlefield, and we had not realized how large the battlefield is, and how many monuments there were to visit. Our first stop was the Visitor's Center and a guide there suggested a few key spots we could check out in the short 1.5 hours we had. This was perfect. Of course, now we want to go back! One could easily spend 1 - 2 days here. I also like that you can see most of everything free of charge. You can opt to pay for extras that I'm sure enhance the experience, but the Visitor's Center, auto tour and walking trails are free.

Gabrielle S — Google review

Spent 3 hours touring the visitors center as there is so much to see! The Cyclorama, the film and museum were all top notch, professionally produced, informative and amazing to see. Highly recommend seeing this visitor center. Seeing the museum before touring the military park will help understand the battlefield and how the battle unfolded.

B P — Google review

I agree with that don't eat here because the prices are ridiculous and it's not run by the park service or anybody at the visitor center. It's like a third-party hired out café and the food is really bad quality.! The museum bookstore had an author signing, so we looked out and got a historical book for our son, author: William Styple signed! there's some snacks available there lots of historical books, lotta tchotchkes it seemed very commercialized like you can get a coffee mug with Gettysburg and Abraham Lincoln bubblehead lol. bus tours are $40 for adults. I can't remember the prices for kids and they have four of those that leave Daley. It looks like I'm not sure if it's going to change later in spring or summer hours and the visitor center is nice and the upkeep is nice, and the restrooms are clean. Very windy out on the battlefield. there is a tour where you sit in your car and watch a couple videos at various stop so you can get out and then there's the walking tour that takes about an hour and a half and then there's the bus tours that take about two hours..My family recommends the auto & walking tours, download the app. Learning about an important war in our country, shouldn't be considered a Tour strap and shouldn't be so much money specially if people need chip jars so apparently they're not getting paid a living wage which is a whole other story but yes, recommend going to Gettysburg at least once in your life and it's quite educational if you download the free tour...

Super L — Google review

Hard to understand the battle of Gettysburg without ever visiting the site. We tried to do the driving tour in two hours but didn't finish. I would recommend at least 2 days just to be able to get a good grasp of the site.

Tim T — Google review

This is my 3rd visit and it changes every time. Took the bus tour first. Loved it. Then drove back into the area to do a deep dive exploration. Points to remember......all communications are done by horseback, troops walked everywhere to get to battle lines and proceed to fight on the same day, a shot from a cast iron cannon traveled 2 miles, over 3000 horse are killed at Gettsyburg alone........

Debbie T — Google review

My husband and I experience the film/cyclorama/museum and Gettysburg bus tour offered by the Gettysburg National Military Museum and Visitors Center. We highly recommend all of these! Excellent experiences. Amazing tour and tour guide.

Theresa E — Google review

Amazing history and great park. Bookstore was huge and the self guided car tour was fantastic. This is a must see for every American and travelers the same. Solidify our history in our hearts and learn what it took to be what we are today!The park center is new and very spacious with plenty to see. Check out the presentation and learn about the way at Gettysburg. Large bookstore with tons of history and lots for the kids as well.Don’t forget your passport stamps.

Jessy H — Google review

This is one of the places in the United States, where, in order to understand American political history, it must be visited in person to understand the magnitude of what happened on that fateful day. What caused it? Who contributed to it even occurring in the first place? Why did it have to happen? And how it ended? The answers lies all around the field.

RG. W — Google review

Amazingly done so well. The one year family pass was cheaper than a regular admission. So.. we are now members. I only saw about 1/2 of the museum so coming back is a plus. I can express how well done this museum is. My childhood memories can compete with my adult experience. The video narrated by Morgan freeman is a great place to start. The app for this area is detailed and. Done better than anything I have seen. Next time I come I want to do a bus tour! Built to accommodate many people didn’t feel crowded!

Desmond L — Google review

What a great experience and a chance to learn about our American history. It’s well worth taking the bus tour.

Steven H — Google review

2024–05-04 - 5 StarsRained the day we were there but other wise was a great day.We will return to see more of what we missed.Plan on packing your own lunch or snack. The restaurant in side is WAY OVERPRICED and not that great. Average at best. Over 75 dollars for 3 people and you get plastic utensils. Again don’t waste your time or money on the restaurant.

JS R — Google review

Amazing experience. Very moving. The museum is well done and the cyclorama was fantastic! We also took the Gettysburg tour bus around the battlefields. The tour guide was knowledgeable and had a sense of humor. If you're in the area its well worth the stop.

Roseanne V — Google review

More history than can ever be absorbed in one day exists in this museum.This is a great place to start your journey of the war that took place on Gettysburg. I learned things while in this place I hadn't known before.There are so many weapons, men fighting for a cause, and the expanse of the battlefield is awe-inspiring. From this museum, it's not hard to download the app that takes you to different places on the battlefield and learn what happened and who was there fighting. Take your time, if you have it, because it's extensive. We went on a weekday and it was busy so I can't imagine what it would look like on a weekend in the summer. Take plenty of water and an open mind while touring the battlefield. Absorb it and take it all in to get the best experience while here!!!

Aunt N — Google review

I visited on a Thursday morning. We were on our way home so had limited time. Staff was very friendly and helpful. We unfortunately did not have the time to go thru the museum. What I read indicates you need 4 hours. There is one hall that you can view for free. It consists of a lot of items that have been found on the battleground. It was very interesting. They have a map of the battleground park available however it is not very accurate. Google was very helpful finding the memorials we wanted to see. We look forward to coming back and spending more time. The park is well maintained and well labeled. There are a lot of options for how you tour the park. Self-guided, with a group and there are options for private guides. The heritage guides even dress up. You can use guides from the park itself and there are lots of companies that offer guides as well.

April W — Google review

The cyclorama is an amazing experience both in presentation and as an actual piece of history itself. It could easily take 2 days for a history buff to properly tour the museum and the gift shop prices were lower than expected.

Chris S — Google review

This is a really nice park, very educational, and very clean. The prices in the gift shops and restaurants are on the higher side, but that’s to be expected at a tourist trap. I downloaded one of the self-guided tours for my iPhone, and I have to say that it was one of the best things that I've done while visiting Gettysburg. The tour was extremely informative, and it's well laid out and worked well with my Google Maps, so I knew exactly where to go.

Thomas P — Google review

This is one of the best museum experiences you can have. The museum is filled with history. Don't miss the movie and rotunda experience. The battlefield is HUGE! I recommend doing the auto tour if this is your first visit. There is a beautiful cafeteria with plenty of choices if you get hungry. If your bringing your own food thier are plenty of picnic tables and benches.

Rob S — Google review

4.8

(13168)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (134)

5.0

(8488)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (135)

1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA

(877) 874-2478

17

Six Flags America

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40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (138)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (139)

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Theme park

Water & Amusement Parks

Six Flags America, located in Maryland, started as a safari park in 1974 before transforming into a theme park and joining the Six Flags family. Spanning over 500 acres, it offers an array of attractions including Looney Tunes-themed rides for kids, thrilling roller coasters, and a water park. The park is divided into six themed areas such as Main Street 1776 and Gotham City. Visitors can enjoy over 50 rides and shows suitable for all ages.

It was great except for the 3 rides that were shut down. Staff was great n respectful. Food was awesome as well. Water slides were the best. N the Harley Quinn was my favorite. My children loved all the little roller coasters n could get on everything with me n my best friend n bf

Shelby C — Google review

If you want to be able to ride the rides without a long wait go early during the week.. We were able to ride the rides several time without a long wait park is not that crowded when u go early it was a nice experience 😉. By the time we were ready to go the park was getting a bit crowded....

Terri Y — Google review

This was a cute little park. Due to some weather, the rides were closed for a little bit. Batwing never reopened while we were there. Superman was an awesome ride and the best superman ride that I have gone on so far. The bathrooms were not the greatest, some smelled, some were not clean, but there were a lot of bathrooms and places to sit. Some of the older rides were fun but a bit jerky.

Kim C — Google review

Not all rides were open, so they don't get a 5 star review. The Superman coaster was the best coaster I have been on in a long time. I highly recommend it. It doesn't look like much from the ground. It's way longer than it looks, it's very fast and has 2 sets of 2 loops that lay on the ground instead of overhead. We stood in line for the joker ride twice. Each time the ride closed before we got there so we waited in vain. The park was clean. The staff was professional and nice. The food and drinks were, of course, very pricey. $8.50 for a 20-oz bottle. $7 for a single pickle. We used an online retailer to buy our tickets and saved 50%. They could have had more shade for the lines. It wasn't too crowded. Wait times were reasonable.

Joe J — Google review

This a great family fun place. There are so many rides that you will never get bored. I enjoyed most of the rides I took. You can take your kids there and they will love it. I recommend buying online entry ticket and parking pass. This will save some time for you.

Shah C — Google review

My daughter and I had a great time and went on almost everything they had to offer. Some of the rides were closed but no worries the water park mad up for that.The water park was packed. The lifeguards were a bit lazy when it came to helping people in the lazy river and properly helping with rafts and people abusing the 2 lap rule.Other then that it was a great place.

Scott S — Google review

I’ve been to this park five times in the past year, and I’ve had a great time on all of my visits. This park deserves more love! The staff is always very friendly, with a big focus on ride safety. Every meal I’ve had has been great too. The lines aren’t too long, and the ride collection is really great too. Be sure to catch a ride on Wild One, a 105 year old classic wooden coaster.

Joey G — Google review

Some days Six Flags is the place to be. Today was one of those days. A year and a half ago we came to Six Flags and there was a stampede and everyone was very scared. The police arrived but we never found out what happened. If you are super flexible and just want to have fun then I definitely recommend you come to this Six Flags.

Some L — Google review

Went on a Thursday in July. The hours for summer seem restrictive - 11am to 7pm. Could be staffing challenges - assumption. Weekends may be different. We went for the thrill rides. Batwing, Joker, Superman didn't disappoint. The lines were shockingly short. Maybe 15-20 min wait! The disappointing part is that many of the food vendors, stores, games were closed. Gave off a depressed vibe. Most of the ride operators were hard to hear on the mic. My family and I are avid theme park enthusiasts and part of the vibe of parks comes from the energy of the employees. That was missing a bit but despite that, my family and I enjoyed what we could. We also went to the water park, which was nice. We rented a small locker for $14. Parking is $40 or $45 to park closer to the entrance. The meal voucher is worth it. For $20 get a meal, beverage, and dessert. It was a clean park and the overall experience was good.

Marina S — Google review

This place was great to visit as a one-time experience.For starters, it isn't as large as other theme parks. But, it has a range of activities that you and your family can enjoy. There's rollercoasters, food spots, carousels for big and small kids, and a sizeable amphitheater tucked in the corner of the park for semi-private concerts, musical productions, or a dram-edy.If you have picky eaters then it's best to get a good meal from another place before entering the park because the prices are expensive, but should be expected asking with a middling or mediocre quality as far as taste is concerned.One of the key things is that the parked has enhanced its security and police presence, which should help with safety and security, and this ensures that you and your family have a safe and fun times throughout your visiting experience.

Shamon S — Google review

Was very pleasantly surprised! Thought it was going to be a small cute park, but there was SO much to do there! The performers were absolutely fantastic and so talented in so many different shows! The park was very well maintained and all the staff were kind and friendly. I'm from NJ and this Six Flags definitely has mine beat!

Alexandra G — Google review

I was VERY, VERY disappointed with my current visit at six flags. It was spring break and I wanted my daughter to have a good time and this was NOT what happened. Just about everything in your park was closed from concession stands, to shows, to games and rides. (I took pictures of everything) I went to a food place that sold chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, pizza, salad, and funnel cakes; once at the front of the line we were told that out off the things sold there, they were only selling chicken tenders. We went over to Johnny rockets, they were closed, it was 12pm. So we waited, when we went back to Johnny rockets we received our food we were told they didn’t have any lids or straws for our cups! Once we sat down,the edge of the table was COVERED in ants! Dead and alive, ( I have pictures) everywhere and they were on multiple tables when we’re trying to find another place to sit. Hardly any of the roller coasters were open! And once was open the would close it and then another one would open, and then close.I was only able to get on TWO roller coasters. So trying to make the best of a ghost town amusement park, we went to play a game. We went to play the water race game but because it was two of us, we were told that we would HAVE to pay for a third player (which we didn’t have) to even be able to play. After 4 hours at the park we left. It wasn’t worth the money and it was fair to the kids on spring break who were showing up by the bus load. When I asked someone about a manager I was told I would be better off emailing so here I am emailing. I was also told that they do this on weekdays and that weekends were better. If that’s the case then why are you all charging full price?! This information about the rides, food, etc.: should be listed on the website. This just was not fair and worth it all. I just moved to Maryland and this was my first time to the park and it was a horrible experience. I was charged full price and you all had the nerve to be selling fast passes knowing all of your rides weren’t open. I want my money back please.

R. G — Google review

Visiting six flags every year always comes with lots of fun. The best days to go are during the week, because it's less busy and lines are not long like during the weekend. Kids have a quick turnaround time to explore the park between 11-7. The only downfall during the week is that pricing on things seems different, and this is for food! The park itself has been around for more than 20 years, and some painting and remodeling could give it a big boost. You will enjoy yourself with family & and friends both in the amusement park and water park. It's fun for all ages.

Dee C — Google review

Very expensive and no water fountains. You have to purchase water at more than $4 per bottle.Staff are helpful and there are places to sit in the shade.If the weather is bad then the park shuts down, so plan carefully.

June S — Google review

Very few rides open, including every water ride outside the water park. Train was closed. Most concession booths closed. On the plus side, lines were very short. Left after 60 minutes.Rides are either for small children or the big thrill rides. If that’s what you’re coming for then you’ll have a better experience.The park looks like a ghost town. Nice staff but unfortunately they don’t have much to operate in the park.

Aaron L — Google review

I love this place I go for the turkey legs and funnel cakes ! We had went for spring break a lot of the rides was shut down which was a bummer! I wish they had the Easter bunny or characters walking around for the kids! Or at least decorated it with Easter theme! The lines wasn’t long! Bathroom was clean. Staff was nice! Can’t wait to visit this summer

Sheena H — Google review

Worst theme park ever!My family and I decided to check the park out while on a trip to Maryland.We did not purchase tickets online and it was a nightmare just to purchase tickets. There was no customer service. The park was unkept, and the bathrooms were disgusting. I almost vomited and just entered the woman's restroom. The smell was unbearable. The ri des are raggedy and worn out.This was definitely a waste of money and time.I definitely would not recommend it.

M D — Google review

We visited on Sunday morning with the goal of riding all the roller coasters. We arrived before opening. Within two hours we had ridden all the coasters that were open (Wild One was still closed when we left). All the employees we encountered were friendly and helpful. Enjoyed the train ride also, but it was interesting/odd to go by an abandoned kiddie section and some old ride structures. Seems like the park could use some TLC in certain areas, but overall we enjoyed our visit.

Carolyn K — Google review

Our family had our first visit to six flags in Bowie today and the children bad a ball. We had an unseasonably warm 89 degree day in October - which meant the bees were on fire😲...but we made the best of it. My son absolutely loved all the big boy rides... my 7 year old loved the kiddie section and really enjoyed the rides and short lines. We will definitely be back again. My only criticism is the price of food - REDICULOUS. Bottled water $5.00. Funnel cake - $19! Insane... dippin dots was priced up as well... but we absolutely looooooved our day at Six flags DMV❤️

Noemi R — Google review

I am buying my families 2024 season passes and realized I never left a review last season. I have seen horrible reviews, and I was extremely worried about our experience, but we had an amazing time all year. We live in the area, and my child (2 last year) and I went to the water park every single day. When the water park was closed we went every weekend to boo fest. I was never worried about our safety, and even did multiple evening events and never felt unsafe. Except for the BEES!! Please, you guys have to do something about the bees this year. I would give this park 5 stars if the other kids section behind Jokers was open and if things were updated. Like a quick paint job on most rides would give this place a better look. I hate the fact I'm going to have to pay full price for my 3 year old this year for him to ride the same few rides this year but I'm paying the price to spend the summer days at the water park. The coasters are awesome. I never had any issues. Occasionally, rides are down. The most thrilling ride my child can get on is The Penguin, and I swear we got stuck on it every single time. So just little stuff like that being fixed seriously would make this park better. All that being said, we can't wait for opening day.

Jenna S — Google review

I am really just trying to level up. Nothing I say is going to deter anyone from coming. I would highly suggest buying a season pass as the ticket price for one day and the $40 parking is more than the season pass. Secondly I agree, there are a lot of young people operating the rides which is makes sense since this is temporary work. Unfortunately I watched one girl being trained on the Taz Film…something in the Looney Tunes area and I can’t tell if she just don’t care or if she is slow but she really didn’t take the training to seriously. We did go on a Monday and yes the lines were relatively short. My last gripe. Why is funnel cake $20 . In the short, I have a season pass so yes I plan to come again.

Nurah S — Google review

We are an avid theme park family and we have 6 diamond passes. We've been to many six flags and many cedar fair parks and are currently touring 4 new ones . Our visit today was very unappealing. We knew this was one of the smaller parks and were happy that it wasn't to crowded as I would say that close to half of the bigger rides were closed (pictures attached). We were able to do all the smaller child rides but my older children were quite disappointed. This was our first stop after a 9 hour drive. We had planned on going a second day but we decided to skip that as there is very little to do. I would be very mad if we had paid full price for 6 people to find out that only a handful of thrill rides were open.

Daniel D — Google review

Great experience!!! The staff for each ride were friendly and engaging. The park was clean and there was plenty of security to make it feel safe. We had a blast!!! I’m sure we will be back.

Glinde J — Google review

Had a blast, would like more healthy options (even baked chips) for eating available bc i am not trying to weigh 500 lbs. my food for the day at the park: chopsticks Asian and turkey leg. Next time i will try the grilled chicken Caesar salad

Sofia M — Google review

We really enjoyed. I think some of the rides were close because of the wind and because of the season. We went with kids 9, 10 and 12 and they really enjoyed. We ate at the Food court and the food it’s normal, pizza, chicken strips, the meat balls sub is small, actually it comes with 3 meat balls but the bread is short. The slice of pizza is big, and I think it’s a perfect size to continue to the rides without feeling full. The coffee from “Starbucks” is just regular. They don’t have sugar lol. They have Chinese food court too, and Johnny Rockets. Small but very nice.

Diana Q — Google review

The online price + parking was standard but the experience was lackluster. Several of the enticing rides were not running and overall the experience was not exciting. The employees didn’t seem happy to be there and a little confused at any question. We had to ask several times before finding out where to claim our unlimited drink cup. Food prices were standard for an amusement park but it was very bland and the servers seemed mad that we ordered. Some fun, exciting rides for sure but underwhelming compared to other nearby parks like Kings Dominion or Busch Gardens.

Andrew H — Google review

Park is decent and fun for kids. Great deal on season passes. Aviator Grill took an hour to get our food, which wasted a lot of the kids' playtime. No hyperbole, 10 minutes in line, finished ordering at 2:38, got food at 3:32. I understand it was opening week, and they may have some kinks to work out, but that was just horrible with small hungry kids.

Clifford J — Google review

Six Flags America was definitely a wild ride, but not exactly a good one. First off, the tickets for two people were almost $100 which is whatever I suppose, amusement parks aren't cheap, but then to have to pay an additional $40 for parking? Yikes. The first thing we decided to do when we arrived was get some food since it opened at 11 and we wanted lunch. We walked all the way to Gotham City for burgers and chicken strips, and the prices of the meals were insane. Almost $30 for one meal and it was the worst burger I've ever had. It was basically rubber and it tasted terrible, we ended up feeding most of the food to the birds because it sure wasn't made for human consumption. That isn't even to mention how rude the staff were when we ordered our food. The menu had drink flavors on it, and when I asked for something ON THE MENU, the cashier told me "Look at our dispensers, we don't have that" and when I looked, half the flavor cards were illegible. The staff gave us rude looks and I promise you, we were very kind and patient.Half the rides were down and the weather wasn't even bad. It was cloudy, but warm and it didn't rain, nor was it windy. The operational rides were so painful, we all got headaches after finally managing to ride one. Can't really blame the park itself for this one, but most of the people at the park (customers) were also super rude?? Maybe it's because it's near Baltimore and the general area kind of sucks, but damn 😭If you want a WAY better experience for your money, go to Kings Dominion. It's literally the best amusement park in the area, Six Flags was a joke and I won't be going back anytime soon.I've never had to write a review like this before, but just know I'm being completely honest when I say that this park is terrible.

Erik ( — Google review

The park was not crowded I guess do to it being memorial day weekend. Which was great, but a lot of the big roller coasters were closed too. It was a lot of young staff that didn't appear to know what they were doing. And the staff didn't appear friendly or helpful. They need Disney to teach them on that one.

Caressa C — Google review

After living in California and going to Six Flags Magic Mountain, I was pretty disappointed with this place. While it was a whole lot smaller than the CA version, a lot of the rides are closed (with no notice on the app) and a lot of the food stands weren't open as well. My two teenage daughters had a good time, but I'm glad I didn't pay full price for tickets. Summer sale I spent $25 each, parking is $40 and beware of prices for food. Spent $20 on an all day refillable cup for the 3 of us to share and that paid for itself. The $10 for a small Dippin Dots and $18.49 for a funnel cake I had to say no to. It wasn't very crowded at all for midweek, but I can see why. Serous need for a remodel and landscaping. Not somewhere I would spend money for any type of Fast Pass or upgrade.

Jennifer T — Google review

Decent amusement park, not as good as Six Flags New England and the others, lines are as long as you'd expect, overall a nice park but it's definitely lacking in rides and is way smaller then it's counterparts

BergProductions — Google review

This park just needs more funding and new rides. Everything else was great on my last visit. The food was very good and priced well, but all of the coasters are at least 20 years old and are starting to show their age. I hope the new company with Six Flags and Cedar Fair will give this park the funding it needs to improve.

Briant — Google review

How this park has four stars on Google is crazy. At the time that we visited it was summertime and more rides were non-operational than operational. The staff was very not friendly. You can't even think in the front plaza of the park because the music is playing so ungodly loud. There might be one thing decent about this park and that is Superman the ride of Steel. But good luck having it be operational while you're there. It was down for most of the day. If not for us running their first thing in the morning we wouldn't have gotten to ride it. This park does not get the love that other six Parks do from the Six Flags corporation. We were at Six Flags Great Adventure the day before in Six Flags America is like Six Flags Great Adventure after the apocalypse happened. Roar might be the worst roller coaster on the planet if firebird wasn't sitting right next to it. The drop tower voodoo drop. Has four seats out of 16 that are operational. Those four seats have the seatbelt tied on. That's right the seat belt tied on. I suggest you avoid this Six Flags like the plague and take the 2-hour drive up to New Jersey. We did still managed to have the best time that we could and I will share some of our happy pictures. Just know coming here that this Six Flags is not like other Six Flags. Prepare to be disappointed.

Richard H — Google review

When I came here, I expected large crowds. We got just the opposite. We were able to ride all of the roller coasters without a flash pass in about 3 hours. Superman ride of steel and joker's Jinx are decent coasters. This park really needs something new. I've been to a lot of six Flags parks and this is definitely on the lower end. I still had a decent

Scott R — Google review

18

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore

40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (142)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (143)

40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (144)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (145)

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Casino

Casinos & Gambling

Baltimore's Horseshoe Casino is a vast and modern establishment that offers slots and table games as well as bars and restaurants. It is truly an impressive spot, with excellent gaming options for all types of visitors.

Wonderful experience the customer service clerk was amazing unlike most casinos she was amazing. The new customer points card didn’t work for us at the pizza place but we weren’t worried about it the pizza was so good! BBQ pizza on the lower floor is legendary. No smoking so it smelled great everywhere there was a smoking section outside with machines and smoking was cool. Parking was safe mood was safe feeling was good definitely will come back. Free soda machine on the wall like all the other good casinos.

Amyandbrendan — Google review

The worst casino I have ever been to, the entire place smelled like old seafood and pee. Never ever again. They had some newer machines but most were run down and old. The newer machines were fun, but there weren’t very many. I just couldn’t get past the smell of the entire place, made me want to gag.

Lenny — Google review

Several weeks ago around 5-5:30 a group of us arrived for the football game. We don't live in Baltimore and since there isn't a mask mandate for the stadium, we didn't have masks. We are all vaccinated. We decided to go into the casino as some of us hadn't been. There was a young lady working the intake area. She informed us that we couldn't enter without a mask. We asked if any were available and she said there were vending machines inside the casino with masks to purchase. Well one member of our party found a mask in their bag and attempted to find the machines. When they couldn't he returned to the lady and asked again where they were. She was frustrated but told him directions again which involved multiple turns. He again couldn't find them but another employee said the machines were outside and by the bus station. We left and walked to the bus station to purchase masks. We returned to the same woman. She knew we had already had our photos taken before but insisted we do that again. I said to her that I would like for her to pass on a recommendation of having masks for people if it is mandated or having the vending machine outside or in the lobby so that people can actually find it. She promptly told me that she didn't have to provide anything (I wasn't asking her personally). I turned to her and stated that obviously she didn't have to provide anything including good customer service. Once inside the casino, I saw multiple people without mask include multiple employees. I took photos. I was so disappointed with my groups experience with this casino. I've been to the casinos in Vegas and it was such a different experience.

Deborah B — Google review

Went to check out Horseshoe with my uncle on the night of Monday, 07-03-23. He thought we could catch a show. Security told us that they'd stopped the shows because of covid & hadn't brought them back yet.I was VERY impressed with how good the place smelled. Never saw anyone smoking; can only assume that it's either a no smoking venue or smoking is only permitted in designated areas. Was happy about free parking.We didn't gamble. Just wanted to get a feel of the place. I'd driven by several times over the years. We didn't go to the restaurant. We did get to enjoy some fireworks from the parking deck. May stop by again to try some slots next time I'm in the city. Security was tight with required showing of id, I believe a metal detector, and I think facial recognition.

N A — Google review

I've been here before and I feel it lost some of the pizzazz that it used to have. It's still very clean and well kept, tho. We had fun at the slots. And we ate at Brew Burgers. The food was delicious. Again it was clean and had good service.

Morgan S — Google review

The casino is a little dated...U can hang out@ the bar area as long as U like...TV's R strategically positioned around the bar area for comfort and viewing Maurice the bartender is the bomb his bartending skills are exceptional nice crowd the casino was safe and secure nice place to hang out for the night and have a good time! The DJ played good music that appealed to our old school soul! Good crowd to interact with! Food for thought you got to wear a mask to enter the casino 👍🏿

R B — Google review

As my chef idol is Gordon Ramsay, my husband and I went to his MD Steak for our anniversary recently. I tried as much as possible, and needless to say, we had a ton of leftovers—first, the bread, warm with butter uniquely flavored with old bay. Next we tried two different appetizers, first the famous lobster risotto and the other was pork belly. I must say the pork belly was my favorite out of the two. It was soft and melted like butter in my mouth. Next we tried three dishes, the steak, then the Beef Wellington and Lamb. I must say I was a bit bummed on the Wellington as part of the pastry was a bit raw and it was not coated all the way around with the mushroom mix. But the meat was lovely and the flavor was still fantastic. The Lamb had a fabulous sauce that I wish I could have bought a bottle of. We tried a few different sides. The mushrooms which were out of this world, flavorful and still had a firm base to bite into. Then the Mac and cheese- oh yeah this was creamy and cheesy goodness, finally the creamed spinach. The spinach was stringy and a bit chewy. So this was not my favorite side. Finally what made the night. My husband and I shared the famous Sticky toffee pudding. I felt like I had just gone to heaven. It made the evening end on the highest note I could think of. We will be back.

Elizabeth F — Google review

What a pleasant surprise! We visited on a Friday afternoon. The first floor was practically deserted, which was fine with us. We expected smokers, but smoking was only allowed in a separate room upstairs. The entire casino smelled fresh and clean, which was wonderful. We had fun playing for a couple hours. I lost a bit, but my wife broke even, so it was a good day!

Stan A — Google review

Came to Baltimore for my first Orioles game since I was a kid. after the game We hit the casino for the first time... I'm a poker player so I went straight to the poker room. Nice little poker room. Everyone was friendly... Overall a nice little casino with A great atmosphere. Will definitely be back.

13shadylady13 — Google review

Too the bathrooms where clean and atmosphere was pleasant.Wish the had a high limit area on the bottom Floor by Chief Gordon place. Would make sense

Ahmed H — Google review

I really enjoy going to The Horseshoe Casino near The Inner Harbor downtown Baltimore. My favorite table game is Roulette and I love that I can get Promotional Chips by exchanging my Caesar’s Rewards Points as seen in the photo below. Exchanged 100,000 points for $500 in Promotional Chips and was able to flip $400 into $465 in actual money…$$$ Needless to say a lot of the Dealers are fun and engaging. Plus I’ve met dozens of great people there over the past year…🤗Lastly “Always Gable Responsively” And Have Fun 🤩

KEITH I — Google review

I went to the horseshoe for the first time recently to attend a poker event for the run good series. I like the horseshoe brand but there were pros and cons.Pros - Close to the highway. A lot of convenient parking leading directly to the casino, Large gaming floor, very nice poker room, close to stadium, CONNECTED TO TOP GOLF! restaurants in the casino.Cons - a lot of the restaurants only open a few hours a week it seemed like. The smells terrible outside. There’s no hotel in walking distance, I went across the street to holiday inn and there were off duty police officers that informed me the hotel is now used as a homeless shelter. The $1 chips are disgusting.There was not a large selection of cash games in the poker room, but they had the basic 1/3 game and a 4/8 limit game going.

T A — Google review

I enjoy the casino being so close to M & T Bank stadium. It's always extra fun before and after a game. Ravens fans are always SUPER HYPE!

Rosalie H — Google review

When I see this young lady I know that the restrooms are cleaned to perfection. She needs to get a promotion in charge of all cleaning staff. I tried to post her picture but it wouldn't come through she's the light-skinned heavyset woman that works the restrooms on the second floor especially the one in the smoking area.

Nancy S — Google review

Part of the Caesar's network of casinos, Horseshoe Baltimore provides decent level of casino gaming fun. The restaurants are limited and parking is stuck to a garage that now is charging for Ravens and Orioles on home games (sad) but the gaming action is decent. Locals are respectful as long you return the favor. Security is respectful but can be long on the weekends entering the building.The poker room is very basic and there are some sectioned off areas in the back on the second and first floor with what appears to be remodeling and some secret bar room that looks creepy. I believe there is a conference room and open club on the first floor. The pizza is really good and Gordon Ramsey restaurant is okay but not as good as AC or Vegas.They do have great comp prizes (always use your players card) and the restrooms are always clean so I'm happy about that. Also the self serve soda is good. Cut the lemonade with ginger ale or sierra mist, you will thank me later.Grab a few hundred dollars and see if luck is on your side today!

Antonies I — Google review

It was ok but not like I thought it was going to be. I only found one set of videos blackjack spot,but way more poker and slot machines. I mainly love blackjack. Granted they had blackjack sit down tables with other players but one you been playing online with player and not worrying if they have COVID it is hard to set by actual people who are coughing and sneezing,mask up or not. And granted online you don't wine real money but when encounter someone who's a jerk or rude you just mute them. Can't mute people setting by you at the table,but in all I enjoyed myself.

Pierre — Google review

Only visit this place for Gordon Ramsey restaurant as the Casino is dingey and nobody cares about your visit or your enjoyment.The restaurant is totally different in its approach as they care for you like family and make sure you are pleased. The food is unbelievable and an experience to be treasured.

Stephen M — Google review

If I could leave zero stars, I would. We paid $130 to park in the casino garage for the Ravens playoff game. We have been sitting in our car for 2.5 hours after the game with no movement attempting to leave the garage. Not coming back to the garage or the casino.

Leah D — Google review

Was in town visiting and we decided to stop in.I honestly can’t say all good things and I can’t say all bad things. However I do have a little bit of both. The pros: Free Parking, The size of the casino 🎰 is nice, the restrooms and game floors were clean, and that’s about it. The Cons: The Parking Lot smelled horrific, the ride in the elevator didn’t have a pleasant smell either. A lot of the machines didn’t work, and they could’ve had more other games besides so many slots. It’s not as lively as I was expecting it to be. So I don’t think I would return unless they improved and make things a little more lively.

Shaniece — Google review

Bartenders at this place are horrible. Jill stared at me and served multiple other patrons before acknowledging that I was waiting. I stood waiting at the bar for an extremely long time. I ended up leaving and not get served because multiple bartenders would ignore me. I was at the bar for about 20-30 mins. I overheard Jill flirting with other patrons and staying at with them for an extended period of time while the bar was full. Extremely unprofessional. Another guy stood right next to me and waited about 20 min before getting served. I don’t know how long I would’ve had to wait to get served a beer.Blackjack is decent. 25 pays 3/215 pays 6:5, couldn’t locate a 3:2 for 15s.I travel to different casinos across MD and PA, this casino is by far the least crowded for Blackjack tables, especially for a weekend.Would definitely return if Jill served a drink in a prompt fashion.

Denilson T — Google review

Loved it! We really wanted to eat at Gordon Ramsey's for Mother's Day, which was incredible. I won 80 dollars and went home it was a win-win for me.

Calvin J — Google review

I didn't actually gamble here but I did go to Gordon Ramsay's restaurant which was located here. It was really good. I wanted to try the beef Wellington and I finally got it 😋. The waitress was really nice and professional. I had a great experience here. I do recommend it to anyone that wants to come here. Dessert was delicious as well.

LC C — Google review

Pretty empty on a Thursday night. Large venue with a variety of games. Blackjack dealers were very friendly and helpful. If I liked casinos I would probably go back.

David S — Google review

19

United States Naval Academy

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Military school

Sights & Landmarks

The United States Naval Academy is a premier undergraduate school for officers of the United States Navy. The school's focus on science, technology, engineering and math has helped shaped the modern Navy. The beautiful campus is filled with history and significant cultural significance.

United States Naval Academy was established in 1845. This institute seeks Creme de la Creme applicants. An applicant must apply directly AND be nominated by a Member of Congress. Program is intense both physically and mentally. All costs are paid by the school in exchange for Service.When you see the Army Navy Football game, you're watching West Point play Annapolis. US Naval Academy is open to the public.

Sher O — Google review

We had the opportunity/honor to visit the United States Naval Academy in JUL_FY2024 and it was an amazing experience, a great opportunity to learn more about USA history and legacy.We did a plant tour and for sure it's a remarkable site.Definitely, it'sa place that deserves my respect. It was a privilege.

Robertson S — Google review

The United States Naval Academy is just an amazing and beautiful place to go! One of the Historical place established on 10 October 1845 is considered the best Naval college of the world! If you go to Annapolis you need to visit!

Diana N — Google review

Everyone in the area, should visit the United States naval academy. Admission is free, it's not hard to get in, and the place is filled with amazing history. There are museums and exhibits that I have yet to visit. Ladies and gentlemen, the United States Navy is the best Navy in the entire world. The reason we have free-trade all over the world and don't have to worry about pirates is our navy. This place churns out amazing officers with the highest morals in the world. Many foreign countries send their own naval officer candidates to study here.

David F — Google review

The Naval Academy is definitely a place to visit if you’re in the Annapolis area. There are walking tours and bus tours but we decided to follow the map and do it on our on. The campus is beautiful and well kept. All the buildings are magnificent. The Academy Chapel is a must see while you’re there, simply gorgeous and then you can go underneath part of the chapel to visit John Paul Jones crypt which is breathtaking, honoring one of our true Naval heroes! The day we went was perfect, very little clouds and just a nice cool afternoon, not too warm. We visited June the 11th 2024.We even got to see the Navy football team practicing.You’ve got to go and walk the places where lots of Naval heroes got their beginning.

Stan M — Google review

Tour guide was great. He explained everything well, took questions and gave detailed answers. Beautiful campus. Great history.

Russell W — Google review

Attended Herndon and parents week. The Academy rolled out the red carpet for us parents. Herndon is an annual tradition at the Academy started in 1940 whereby Plebes compete to climb a greased obelisk and place an officer’s hat atop. Finishing this competition shows the first year students have conquered plebe year. There’s so much history and lots of walking but well worth it.

Sherrie L — Google review

Great place to learn of naval history past, present, and future. Amazing architecture combined with statues, cannons, and even torpedoes!!Sporting events at the college level is always entertaining, but don't forget the scenery the academy has to offer. From boats and ships cruising the bay to the academy bridge at sunset, there is always something to snap a picture of.Anchors Away!!

Romeo B — Google review

One of the coolest places I have ever got to do a tour of. Learned a lot of really cool facts about the place and the city as well.

Bronson A — Google review

The Naval Academy is an exceptional destination for exploring America's history and creating memorable experiences with friends, family, and even new acquaintances. I appreciate that many of the people I have encountered during my visits share similar backgrounds and interests, which adds to the sense of camaraderie and purpose in visiting this historic site. On the plus side, it's 100% without a doubt great for walking around.

Nigel Y — Google review

My Alma Mater, beautiful campus with lots to see and do. Motivated young Midshipmen walking all around the yard, many historical landmarks and monuments to explore. Need an ID to enter the campus. Walking along the sea wall is incredible, watching the sail boats going up and down the Severn River, you can see all the way to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on a clear day. Fun to wander around historic downtown Annapolis also, just a few minutes away from Gate 1.

Jim A — Google review

I visited this place as a tourist and loved the tour! It is a tremendous and interesting historical site with rich history and great traditions associated with it. The academy has a lot of interesting buildings open to the public and a beautiful riverfront area. I would certainly recommend it for visiting!

Dmitry Z — Google review

We came here as tourists to visit the campus, and we needed to pass the security check / ID check. The campus was beautiful, and several buildings were open for visitors without reservation needed. Overall, I would recommend this spot for people who visit Annapolis!

Dawang W — Google review

Tour I took of grounds and museum were great but i nearly missed it. Staff at visitor center and guide were kind.Initially Google Maps took me to the wrong gate., which was only for military personnel. Men assigned guard duty were on a power trip and detained me for 20 minutes. They could have simply explained it was wrong gate and had me turn around. They took my license, put cones behind and in front of my car so i couldnt leave, lectuted me, etc. Completely disrespectful, unacceptable, and nearly missed my tour. This really ruined my experience.

Ivy C — Google review

Went here for the 2022 Summer Seminar. The campus is really cool and pretty. It seems like a great school to go to! The buildings and the history of this place is very intriguing!

Bree B — Google review

So much history, not enough room to elaborate! I love walking on the academy. The atmosphere is amazing and you can see the measure of professionalism. We recently went to the midday formation before they marched into chow. So cool to see the formations and hear the cadence. The academy drill team also performed and it was excellent to say the least. Go Navy!

DETAIL D — Google review

4.7

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5.0

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121 Blake Rd, Annapolis, MD 21402, USA

(410) 293-1000

20

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

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Stadium

Sights & Landmarks

This beautiful stadium is home to the Baltimore Orioles and offers a great retro baseball experience. It's located near the Inner Harbor, making it a great place to watch a game.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards is truly one of the best ball parks in baseball. It still looks brand new. Its open, inviting, clean, easy to get around, even with full park it still does not feel congested. Parking is incredibly easy, cheap and safe. I recommend parking at one of the local hotels. Never issues walking to the parking lot at any time day or night due to ample lighting and police that monitor the cross streets. Staff at the concessions or at the seats have great welcoming vibes. Shout out to Walt. Just an amazing experience.The food is also one of the best features, Jimmy's seafood is fantastic! We wandered around the park and all the seats are great, even the cheapest seats have perfect views of the field. Getting beers is very easy and exiting the park and parking was so fast, just an awesome park.

Sun L — Google review

Big stadium . Next door to M & T stadium.Strict bag policy. Purse size is enforced.Frustrating locker system because you have to download app, set up account. No one at lockers to help.Kids area is nice with little ones offering a playground, bounce house. Plus Sunday kids can run bases after game.Lots of food options on 1st level.Parking isn't terrible if you get here early enough. Gates open 1 hour before game. Parking was open 2 hours prior to game start time.Be prepared for ridiculous food/drink prices.Sundays they offered kids 9 yrs old n under free entry through pre tickets purchase. These tickets are for specific seating and you have to use kids cheer free sign up for tickets on their website.All food, merchandise, parking are cashless and only takes credit cards/debit cards.May 2022- parking was $15.00 for the lot we parked in.

Kat S — Google review

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Orioles Park at Camden Yards, and I must say, it was an absolute home run of an experience! From the moment I walked through the gates, I was captivated by the charm and beauty of this historic ballpark.First and foremost, the location of Orioles Park is fantastic. Situated in the heart of Baltimore, it's easily accessible and surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a great time, this place has it all.The architecture of the stadium is simply stunning. Camden Yards seamlessly blends the old and the new, with its iconic red-brick facade and modern amenities. The attention to detail is impeccable, and you can feel the rich history of the Orioles franchise as you walk through the concourse.Once inside, the atmosphere is electric. The passionate fans bring a contagious energy that adds to the excitement of the game. The seating arrangement provides excellent sightlines from virtually every section of the ballpark, ensuring you won't miss any of the action on the field.The food options at Camden Yards are a home run as well. From classic ballpark favorites like hot dogs and nachos to local delicacies, there's something for everyone. I highly recommend trying the Maryland crab cakes; they are simply delicious!What truly sets Camden Yards apart is the palpable sense of tradition and community. The Orioles organization goes above and beyond to create an enjoyable experience for fans of all ages. Whether it's the pre-game activities, the behind-the-scenes tours, or the interactive exhibits, there's always something to keep you engaged and entertained.The park is also well-maintained and clean, with friendly and helpful staff members who ensure everything runs smoothly. Restrooms and facilities are easily accessible, and there are ample amenities to accommodate large crowds.In conclusion, Orioles Park at Camden Yards is a must-visit destination for any baseball enthusiast or anyone looking to have a memorable time. Its timeless charm, top-notch facilities, and passionate atmosphere make it one of the best stadiums in the country. Whether you're cheering for the Orioles or just enjoying a day out with friends and family, this ballpark will leave you with unforgettable memories. I can't wait to return and experience the magic once again!

Elias C — Google review

This is a beautiful park. I'm a Braves fan and have to give it up for how great of an experience it was. Food wise, the Camden dog is the way to go! Even on a crazy hot day, it was great. Less than $9 for something that delicious isn't bad either. I hope to come back one day. Great experience. Great fans.

Daniel A — Google review

Gorgeous Stadium. Weather wasn't great but didn't stop this from being amazing. Flag court is a great view and place to hang out. Great view of the bullpen and get very close to it (see picture of visiting nick pivetta). Great place to be and lots of room to move around

Eli S — Google review

Oriole Park at Camden Yards is truly one of the best ball parks in baseball. It still looks brand new. Its open, inviting, clean, easy to get around, even with full park it still does not feel congested. Parking is incredibly easy, cheap and safe. No issues walking to the parking lot at any time day or night. Staff is very nice at the concessions or at the seats. Just an amazing experience. The food is also one of the best features, Jimmy's seafood is fantastic!. We wondered around the park and all the seats are great, even the cheapest seats have perfect views of the field. Getting drinks is very easy and exiting the park and parking was so fast.. just an awesome park.

Topher E — Google review

Awesome ballpark to visit for the atmosphere. Sound system sucks. The music that plays should make you feel pumped up but it doesn’t. Oh and we were told to get the bbq, don’t it was $20 for a cold sandwich that wasn’t good. Hot dog was good, pretzel was cold. Other than that a great experience and beautiful park.

Crystal H — Google review

Amazing time watching the O’s whoop up on the Mets! This was a sold out game. Lines can be long for food and bathrooms. Overall it was a fantastic time with lots of things to do for the kids. We were in section 3 row 19 seats 7-10. Perfect seats. Since it was a back row we were able to stand up next to the railing and weren’t cramped. Chicken tender baskets will run you about $13 for 3 tenders and fries. A soda ran about $8 and a beer and bottle water cost us just shy of $20.

Jason K — Google review

Camden Yards is the ballpark that redefined ballparks for a reason. It is a gorgeous cathedral of baseball. The food is pretty good, the staff is courteous & friendly, and the prices are not outrageous (by stadium standards).Huge shout-out to Bert, the usher is section 210. That man knows how to create a fantastic fan experience

Mike T — Google review

What a great time at such a historic ballpark! I’ve been to quite a few games and you can’t go wrong with any seat to catch the action. The vendors and food are awesome featuring a few local restaurants such as Jimmy Famous Seafood. Highly recommend visiting the vegan food stand inside serving the BEST vegan dogs! On Sunday, kids are able to run the bases after the game. Overall, a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone!

Nicholas H — Google review

Went to see a Orioles Game while in Baltimore. The people were nice and the outfield view with the Cityscape in backdrop was great. However the seats are way to small and tight. At 6ft 4in, my knees were burning in pain after 4 or 5 innings. Also the majority of the food at concession stands was pre-made grab & go style. They could do better. Had a couple of Hot Dogs and Lemonade. The lemonade was fantastic, but the Hot Dogs were basic at best.

T. F — Google review

Really nice park. I have been to 5 or 6 ball parks and this was on the list to see since it was closer to me. I really had a good time here. I am a Boston fan and had no comments or actions taken to me. This is a great ball field and will return in the future.

JorGen R — Google review

Had a great time visiting! Everyone was friendly, food was good albeit a bit limited given the small attendance but it was a beautiful night for baseball! And the free tickets for kids 10 & under is a great deal! I've been to 26 ballparks now and this one is up there in terms of layout and experience!The one negative. Food and drink prices are definitely a bit ridiculous which is why I rated a 4. $5.50 for a 20oz Aquafina water, seriously?

Keegan O — Google review

This was my 8th MLB ballpark and I have to say that I was blown away by how amazing the venue was.Excellent food and drink choices. We went with Jimmy's, which was a little pricey but definitely tasty. Drinks were reasonably priced and the red brick makes this a classic stop for any park hopper.Fans were super nice and you can tell they loved the game as much as we did as Reds fans. Will definitely be back for the next series we play there in a couple years. Thanks for the good times, Baltimore! 🎆⚾

Matt T — Google review

Great ballpark. Easy to access by bus, rail, or on foot. Plenty to do and see. Tons of options for concessions and souvenirs. You can get great seats for cheap. I highly recommend going if you’ve never been!

Adam N — Google review

Been coming here for years. Even as a Phillies fan it’s still my favorite ball park. The fans for the most part are great. Crazy selections for food. Love the kiosks for drinks it makes it easy to grab a beer. I wish they still had the outside smoking area that was off of third base near the street but I get it. Also, the staff there are always super nice!

Author J — Google review

Great day for baseball and Camden yards is a great place to be. The staff is friendly and the food is reasonable. Loved every second even though the home team lost!!! Take me out to the ball game!!!

Jalil M — Google review

Thank you for a fantastic day at the park. Even in the rain, I enjoyed myself—the best place to get a hot dog. After eating my hot dog, I had to return and get French Fries. It was strange when I paid at the kiosk near section 11, and the machine told me my receipt was printed in section 5. Not sure why. It was bizarre! I never received the second receipt. Maybe you can check to ensure it doesn't happen anymore.My only concern was that the bathroom soap dispensers were not dispensing soap. After figuring that you had to wait until the light turned green to put your hand underneath it for it to work, we finally received the soap we needed. Some people got frustrated and just left. Maybe you could fix that problem or put up instructions on how the machine is supposed to work. Cleanliness is next to godliness.Thank you for a great day at the park!

MS M — Google review

I really enjoyed my day at Camden Yards. Parking can be a bit tricky. I would recommend getting a parking pass when you buy your tickets. We did find street parking a few blocks away that was free on Sunday. The walk to and from the stadium felt a little sketchy, especially after the game. The stadium is gorgeous. They had cooling stations to help out on an excruciatingly hot day. The food was very overpriced. Overall a great experience but unfortunately very expensive.

Jim M — Google review

What an absolutely BEAUTIFUL stadium.Camden yards has officially become my favorite.Came here with my boyfriend over the summer for a game. Ended up seeing Shaq perform as DJ diesel after the game!Very clean stadium, typical stadium prices for food and drinks. Great views of the city from the top floor too!****The stadium is a smoke-free property!!****I watched a few people actually get kicked out for smoking in what seemed like an okay smoking area (away from crowds, distant from the stadium itself, like there was a rain delay for almost 2 hours what else do you expect people to do). If you need to exit to smoke you won’t be allowed back in. So 100% keep that in mind!

Samm B — Google review

Caught a game at the ballpark recently. The food was great! Loved getting to try local staples. Great set up for a stadium and all its amenities!

Megan A — Google review

A day at the park is always a great day. Oriole Park at Camden Yards does not disappoint! My wife and I have been to 20+ parks and this is easily one of our favorites. Huge shout out to Barry. He is an entertainer and the best concessionaire we have had the pleasure of meeting! He holds to the values that this organization sets forth! … and I’m a Braves fan!

Elias N — Google review

Beautiful ballpark and easy to get good seats at a low price. Great concourse and gathering areas including the right field porch and other areas in the outfield. The right field district really stands out with the old warehouse turned team store and team offices. The only thing that brings this stadium down one star for me is the hideous left field wall. It's been bad for gameplay, but it also just looks unnatural and out of place.

Bills 1 — Google review

Camden Yards was the first baseball stadium to take MLB stadiums out of the Bowl era of the 60s, 70s, and early 80s. Many of the other stations are now modeled in part after this one. Located near Inner Harbor in Downtown Baltimore the stadium has a ton of charm! From the walk in by the old factory to great views of both the game and the city from the stands, Oriole Park is a great place to catch a game. When we were there the staff was friendly and accommodating and even the food was really good for Stadium food (I had a burger). If you are a baseball fan Oriole Park at Camden Yards should be on your list!

Brett S — Google review

Iconic ballpark. It's hard to know where to begin with such an amazing place, so let me just say that you're going to have an excellent time no matter what. We saw Shaq, aka DJ Diesel, perform on the field after the game and it was phenomenal. The only gripe I have is about the concessions. They're awful. Cafeteria food quality

Brian F — Google review

I always enjoy coming to Camden Yards. It's an amazing ball park with lots to see. There are adequate restrooms and a good selection of food. The problem is because everything is cashless it slows everything down. The vendor I chose also had a problem with their employees, they were extremely slow. I missed an inning and a half waiting in line. Camden Yards no longer have vendors in the stands so you're kinda forced to deal with huge crowds at vendors if you want something to eat or drink. The other problem is after the game the ushers are in such a hurry to get people out they are rude. I will wait in my seat after the game for 15 minutes or so to let the crowds thin out. While making my way to the team store I was stopped by an elderly usher who thought he was guarding check point charley. He refused to let us walk the quick 100 feet to the store forcing us down a tunnel into more crowds. We didn't go to the store. I enjoyed the game but they need to improve their customer service skills.

James B — Google review

Can't see scoreboard from all seats nor do they have score visible to all seats so I can't rate this ballpark high. View from seats were great. Tje only reason for 3.stars is only certain seats can see big screen and score.

Mike M — Google review

Attended a game this summer there for the first time. The park is somewhat older and definitely could stand some updating. The scoreboard is small compared to other stadiums. The food was good we got some pizza which was comparable to Little Caesars. Homemade lemonade was delicious however. Over all the park ranks somewhere in the middle of other parks I’ve been too.

Kenneth F — Google review

Visited twice in 2023. It’s such a beautiful stadium. I mean it was a secret goal come true since the O’s have been my team since childhood despite me being a Canadian. I’ll be back this season with bells on 🧡🧡🧡 Go O’s!

M — Google review

Had a great experience visiting this ballpark for the first time with my family. It was a sellout but still room to breathe on the concourses. All the staff members were super friendly and helpful! Food was delicious as also!

Trinity — Google review

This was ballpark #14 for me and is by far the cleanest and nicest park I’ve been to. It was so unique, tons of food, drink and shop options. The standing area only is super cool too. Such an amazing ballpark!!

Shayla S — Google review

A stadium still bustling with the retro magic that greeted fans on arrival. Many of the design features - like the street shopping plaza and escalator views over kid play zones - still outdo many other contemporary parks.The food choices are solid and within the range of higher fast food fare, with treats for those who search.The seats pack a nice view of the action even from the top. The crowd is loyal and loud, but not rude or intimidating. Good mix of generations, but less kids than I expected.The place is really alive as the Orioles make their run. Now is the time to pay a visit. They’re a genuinely exciting team.

Justin R — Google review

A great park to visit.Camden Yards is well maintained.My dad's office was in the warehouse.Voted in Baltimore Magazine, as best office view.

Therron B — Google review

Beautiful ball park. Fairly easy to get great seats. Food is overpriced. I don’t like that they have limited how many gates are open. Walking through metal detectors is prison like. I hate that they are still cashless, it’s self checkout.. also I do not like. I will say there’s an awesome bartender there named Ashley. She was on upper deck and I believe moved to club. Also, group and season tickets. Carlos is the guy. His love for baseball, the home team and his customers is unmatched. He’s been there over 30 years so if you have questions about groups or season ticket packages, he’s the best.

Ln W — Google review

It was a nice size stadium. The food was expensive about $17 for hot dog &cheese nachos. I wish they had more food vendors on the top floor. I had fun but it ended up raining. Plenty of clean bathrooms.

Charlena F — Google review

4.7

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5.0

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333 W Camden St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA

(410) 685-9800

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21

National Aquarium

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Aquarium

Zoos & Aquariums

The National Aquarium of Baltimore is one of the most popular attractions in the city, with a wealth of exhibits exploring different aspects of aquatic life. Highlights include the Tropical Rain Forest, an environment complete with trees, bushes, and waterfalls that can be visited from the forest floor to the treetop canopy, as well as the Upland Tropical Rain Forest, a walk-through exhibit featuring tropical plants and animals found in higher elevations.

We wore our masks. Many people did not.The staff was great. It was a pretty slow day, it seemed. We had a fabulous time.We arrived at 12:45 and left at 4:45. We had a six and seven year old with us. I think we could have used an additional two hours to see *every single* exhibit available. (One of our kids wanted to skip several tanks to get to things she wanted to see.)It was absolutely worth the trip. The staff were really knowledgeable and kind.

Tina H — Google review

Wished this place had parking because come on $50 for Tickets and $30 for parking in some random lot. Make it make sense. Nevertheless, The visit was a nice one. My little one enjoyed her time and that’s all I could ask for. I will say they threw me for a loop when I learned I had to check in my stroller versus using it for her travel through the floors. But hey a little walking never killed anyone. They had a variety of animals fish, mammal and birds a like. Someone was constantly cleaning the facility so that was a nice to see. We went when they were about to close so there wasn’t a lot of people. Would we go again, yes!! Was it worth the visit, yes!! Worth the price, no!! But then again everything is high these days.

Lee L — Google review

Friendly staff and plenty to see for kids and adults. They have dolphins and a rainforest area, as well as a huge shark exhibit. The kids had a great time. Plenty of places inside to grab snacks or drinks. I even saw beer for sale at one of them for the adults. The place is very clean and even though it was crowded when we went there were plenty of exhibits to keep people busy while waiting to trade places. The gift shop has great items. Overall, wonderful experience. Would do it again.

Christy H — Google review

Beautiful place, and a wide range of fish from marine to tropical to see and learn about.When we visited, it was too busy, far too busy. We couldn't move. Literally had to wait until crowds had moved passed fish tanks so we could see. Apart from that, I think the place is great. They just need to limit the amount of people who come in here at any one time.The photos upon entering though, they are far too over priced.Apart from that though, the displays are fantastic. Just limit the amount of people in at any one time and it'll be worthy of more stats in my opinion.

Ant — Google review

I love fish. The people who work here love fish, and their passion shows! The National Aquarium is a must-see icon of Baltimore that is worthy of serving as the nation’s foremost aquarium.First things first, take advantage of half-price Fridays if you can. It’s considerably less busy on Friday nights than the weekend, leaving you with a more captivating experience.Feeling the horseshoe crabs and jellyfish at the touch ponds were the highlight of my trip. Aquarium curators supervise the ponds to give cool info and reassure any worried visitors.I watched the 4D movie, “Octopus: Blue Planet II 4D Experience”, and the $5 ticket was absolutely worth it. Fair warning to those unfamiliar with 4D films though: prepare to be blasted with roaring winds, sprayed with cold water, or poked by your mysterious chair. Not for those easily scared, but if you like this stuff, a jacket helps to keep you warm.The entire aquarium took me 4 hours to tour, and I didn’t try any of the dining options. The gift shop has a nice selection of goods that promote conservation efforts, but I found most items to be too pricey for a university student like me.Overall, half-price Fridays rock, the staff are kind, and the fish are awesome. Great aquarium!

Luke N — Google review

The national was a great place to visit. Fun for all ages. The exhibits were very interesting. Watching the dolphins train was fun as well. It only took about 4hrs to go through it all. I would recommend to anyone looking for something to do.

Michael C — Google review

Such a beautiful experience to see life underwater. The best part is dolphin area and jellyfish section. It’s mesmerizing to see hundreds of different species under one roof. There are multiple levels of this aquarium, each with its own greatness. Love the entire experience. Best for kids! it’s great to see your little ones smile.

Mahnoor T — Google review

If you love going to zoos and aquariums don't pass on a visit to this one. Yes the tickets are a little steep but you will learn much and experience a ton. All the exhibits are very well put together. Kids and adults alike will enjoy every part of the facility. They don't do dolphin shows anymore but if you've ever watched one you'll know these mammals are incredibly intelligent and watching the training sessions is a great and educational experience. Be sure to pick the brains of the people who work here. They'll tell you interesting facts that will make your journey through the aquarium fun. Also be on the lookout for random employees to do feedings at the different exhibits. The food in the maim area is expensive but good.

Tiffany R — Google review

**A Memorable Visit to the National Aquarium**Having had the privilege of visiting the National Aquarium twice in the last four years, I can confidently say that it is truly a delightful place to spend half a day. Whether you are visiting with or without kids, this family-friendly attraction offers an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression.One of the highlights of my visits was undoubtedly the mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit. The aquarium boasts a remarkable variety of jellyfish species, each displaying their unique shapes and ethereal movements. It was a truly captivating sight that left me in awe of the wonders of the ocean.However, while the National Aquarium is undeniably wonderful, there were a few factors that prevented me from giving it a perfect five-star rating. Firstly, the price of admission can be quite steep, particularly when visiting with the whole family. It would be more accessible to a wider audience with more reasonable ticket prices.Additionally, having visited a superior aquarium in a mall in South Korea, my expectations were high for the United States' national aquarium. Although it offered a pleasant experience, it fell slightly short of the level of grandeur and innovation that I had anticipated.Nevertheless, the National Aquarium is still an excellent destination to explore marine life and immerse oneself in the wonders of the deep sea. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or looking for a family-friendly activity, this attraction is definitely worth a visit.

Nicole — Google review

I have to say I was unimpressed. I've been to a few aquariums including Atlanta and considering how talked up the National Aquarium is, I expected a great experience. To my surprise the best part was the birds, which are not what you would think would be a stand out feature at an aquarium.I'll start off by pointing out that most of the Aquarium is small tanks displaying various geographical aquatic wildlife with a few big tanks showcasing more variety. The giant walk through (vertical) shark tank is cool but fairly underwhelming in terms of variety. The dolphins are no longer doing shows and they are currently renovating their front tank (late 2023) which means you basically can't see them. The most enjoyable part was the walkthrough nature zones with birds although they are limited in what you actually see.A word of warning... the tanks can strain the eyes just due to the glass and the light refraction. And there are a fair amount of ramps and stairs due to the vertical nature of the aquarium. Also the virtual reality section costs additional money and is not remotely worth it. I'm happy to support wildlife conservation and hope my money is put to good use but between tickets, food, and parking we probably spent $200 and it felt like I was overcharged by at least $100.

James W — Google review

Great place for family fun!! Super clean, very friendly staff. All of the animal seem very happy. We even got to see some divers cleaning the underwater housing to these beautiful sea creatures. They also have some birds and reptiles to look at. You can pet jellyfish and crabs. There's a 4d movie theater and a huge gift shop. Dolphins were fun to watch!

Janelle R — Google review

Overall, it was a really great experience for the entire family. We especially enjoyed, that so many people walked around that could tell you a lot about the different fishes or habitats. The details and love spend in the creation of the different aquariums is great. This actually lets the dolphins look quite sad, since they "just" have a giant swimming pool with no natural decoration.We spent roughly 4 hours in the aquarium and were flashed the entire time. So many details and different kind of fishes, turtles, etc. The organization, how you walk through the building is great. Especially impressive is the long way going deeper and deeper to the ground of the ocean, while the giant sharks are surrounding you.Overall, we would definitely visit the aquarium again!

David S — Google review

National Aquarium, a place that never fails to captivate my heart and imagination. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation. I also want to commend the dedicated staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of the aquarium's inhabitants and provide an enriching experience for visitors. Their passion and expertise shine through in every interaction, making our visit all the more memorable. In conclusion, if you're looking for a magical escape into the enchanting world beneath the waves, look no further than the National Aquarium. It's an experience that promises to leave you with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Jason N — Google review

I had not been in years, but it really is a unique aquarium. It has a design and atmosphere that stands apart from other aquariums even if they’re larger or have larger exhibits. Quite a lot is packed into this aquarium with also having wild birds and sloths that you can see up close in the Australia Exhibit and the Rainforest Exhibit.Prices also take a dive Fridays after 5, making it a great time to go for 1/2 price.

Rick F — Google review

Man, one word I would use to describe the National Aquarium is excellent! From the exhibits to the overall experience, it just gets better the further you get along! I recommend going at 5pm to save some money and get the discounted tickets! You still have more than enough time to see everything and really absorb it all. This was one of the best & largest Aquariums I've been to💗

Rosaly R — Google review

The National Aquarium is great for all ages but if you have kids 1-5 years old definitely do the annual membership! It’s great in the winter when it’s cold but you need to get out and the heat of the summer too. This round was with teens who didn’t remember it well from early childhood and they still had a great time!

Chris K — Google review

I love the National Aquarium.My wife and I visited and had a great experience. I have been many other times, but am still amazed at what you see here. The facility is modern, clean, and very accessible. And the animals and educational opportunity the provide is really over the top. I'm also glad they have made the decision to better care for dolphins versus using them as a show.My only negative is the price, but managing a facility like this is expensive so I understand.

Zachary H — Google review

Had a great time here. Thought it would be bigger due to other reviews, but still got top to bottom in a few hours. Always fun to watch. Food and souvenirs as always, way too expensive but we get them anyway. (Over 20 bucks for 2 pretzels and 3 cans of drinks.) Would definitely go back, because I like these types of things.

Dario G — Google review

Enjoyed what the National Aquarium had to offer. 5 floors with many different exhibits. Loved the Jellyfish Invasion. Only downplay about the museum experience were, I had came on a day when a school had a field trip so other than having to wait around for the kids it would’ve been a solid 10/10 with that exception 8.5/10

Jovany — Google review

$50 per person. We went on a Monday, no wait time. Very impressive aquarium! It was hard to tell by other reviews what it was like. We were pleasantly surprised how big it was and how modern! Super clean and easy to see everything. It's so cool they have so many big sharks and sting rays. They also have a rainforest section that's amazing! We didn't bring our kids, but they would have loved it!! Highly recommend going, we feel it was definitely worth the cost. The set up of the entire place is a little confusing, but super cool once you figure it out.

Stephanie M — Google review

Wonderful aquarium with a variety of displays, including species from around the world. There is very good accessibility throughout the facility, however, be prepared to wait to see exhibits on busier days. You should buy tickets in advance as they are utilizing timed ticket entry. The gift shop has a variety of options for kids and adults. The snack bar is a bit pricey and offers limited selections.

Michele C — Google review

Great time out with my wife. First time visitors, on a Saturday at 12:15, we were 30 minutes early and they still let us in. Lots of young families… young kids everywhere, but since they weren’t mine I didn’t care. It was a lot of fun and great things to look at. I’m a big guy could have used a bit more ac in some spots but all good.The rainforest was cool, loved the sloth. Sharks were massive, the dolphins were fun hopefully there will be shows again. The dolphin area was a great space to sit and relax for a bit and watch the 6 dolphins do stuff.We did not see any videos and with that being said we walked the entire place in 1 hour. We also didn’t eat there so can say much on price but PARKING…. That was 28.00 so if you can get a bus that might be better.

Chaz F — Google review

Great exhibits, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and good learning opportunities for kids. You have to check this place out at least once! Parking is pretty convenient across the street. It can get a bit crowded midday, so my recommendation is to come on the earlier side.

Bradley C — Google review

Wow. This was a great experience. It was very informative and interesting how different views of ocean life were depicted. There was such a wide variety of fish and sea creatures. There was also a rainforest exhibit that had animals from each level. It was really fun.

Monique B — Google review

this is genuinely one of the best aquariums in the United States. My only complaint is that they recently stopped doing the dolphin shows, but you can still watch them training and entertaining the dolphins all throughout the day. There are plenty of rare exhibits and even hand on exhibits where you can touch some of the aquatic life.

Vaughn M — Google review

I brought my dad here so we could both experience this place together and it was definitely a wonderful time. Some of the fish are really old which was a bit sad to see but it’s a place full of beauty. It’s worth checking out.

Uchizi P — Google review

We had a lot of fun here. I'm not sure what I was expecting but it wasn't this set up. We were confused by the map at first but decided to start from the top floor and work our way down. I didn't realize this was more than just an aquarium. When we went they had some different set ups that included birds, alligators, frogs, sloths, ect. They had touch tanks and activities set up for the kids. The place is also a bit of a maze but purposely. You good the maze up and down to get back out. I came with someone that has a chronic illness that could have used easier access to the cafe (once in the maze of it) but other than that it was great. I also came with a one year old and at first I was irritated with the no stroller rule but it makes a lot of sense when you get in there. Theres so many escalators that it wouldn't have worked. Parking is like .25 miles away and was super easy to find and park. The facilities were clean and the staff was very nice and knowledgeable.

Melissa L — Google review

Upon entering the aquarium first and foremost, I’d like to see the area is beautiful it was very well kept and organized well. Going into the aquarium was awesome. The layout was perfect and simple to navigate. The animals and enclosures were beautiful and taken care of very nice, I do wish there was more corals but I do understand the complexity of keeping them alive. I also do feel the puffin enclosure can use some touching up more frequently. What really was breathtaking was the dolphins, they don’t do shows there, but they do feed them and do tricks with them. Just seeing the genuine bond they have with the trainers and how intelligent they are was one of a kind. I recommend everyone to head over there and experience the surreal sights of the National Aquarium!

Noah B — Google review

This was such a fun place! Every moment was a "wow" moment for my kids. They loved it!We went on a Monday and it was the perfect amount of people.Tickets are almost double than other zoos/aquariums so that really sucked. Was it worth it? Yes. Is it an every 1 to 2 year trip? No, not for the price of admission.They also don't do dolphin shows anymore which I don't get. If the dolphins are there, then goodness let them play. We saw them do tricks during feeding time and it seemed like they loved the attention of not only the trainers, but the people clapping. They are there anyways and obviously love the attention.

Breanna L — Google review

One of the best sights to see in Maryland, if not the best. Perfect atmosphere for adults and children alike. Educational and visually stunning. The shark tank area is a joy, as are the massive rays found at the very beginning.A must-visit if you're in town for a few days in Baltimore. Approximately $50 per adult, so not cheap, but still well worth it.

Alexander C — Google review

My family and I have lived in the DMV for almost 10 years and just made it here this week. It was really nice and our boys thoroughly enjoyed it.Parking was easy and convenient about a block over with discounted parking with validation received at our exit from the aquarium.Children under 4 are free so only my husband and I had to pay for entry which included a military discount. The stroller check and locker rentals were perfect. With multiple levels and areas to explore, we spent a couple of hours taking in all the aquarium had to offer.Even on a weekday there was a nice crowd but not too crowded. They offer dining on location but we didn’t eat there.I’d definitely recommend this aquarium as a great activity for anyone in the area looking for something fun to do.

Ciara L — Google review

Absolutely beautiful aquarium. Exhibits were well curated, the design layout was unique and interesting, and the attention to detail was astounding. All the employees we encountered, especially the animal care staff, were knowledgeable and polite. The conservation messaging was also impeccable. I had a wonderful visit, and I will definitely come back the next time I'm in the area.

Joseph B — Google review

The aquarium is absolutely massive and covers sea life from all parts of the world. The layout was perfect and flowed very smoothly so we never felt like we were missing anything. It was a great visual experience but also an incredible learning experience for our family. I would highly recommend visiting when you have the opportunity!

Heather N — Google review

This is probably my favorite place for me and my family to go in Baltimore. The aquarium is beautiful - the little habitats they create for all of their animals (they have more than just fish!) are very true to life and pleasing to the eye. The food in the cafeteria is also pretty good, better than most food you'd find at zoos/aquariums, but there's also a ton of restaurants and other stuff to do a short walk away! Love this area, I go as often as I can.

Sara L — Google review

We came to Baltimore to visit the aquarium from Austin, and we were not disappointed.My teenager is obsessed with marine biology so we had to come for a spring break visit.We were most impressed by the staff members who work here. They were so friendly, kind, and open to answering questions. They were also all so knowledgeable. My teen asked some really tricky scientific questions and every time, the staff found an answer or just knew the fish enough to answer.The black tip tank is stunning and impossible to describe in sufficient terms. It was simply awesome.We did the behind the scenes shark tour and thought it was well worth the extra money to add this on.I will mention.m that the 4D shark movie was a little bit scary for the younger kids and might be better to skip if your kids are under 10.The animals were very happy and well cared for. It was just so nice and we spent hours wandering. The jellyfish sculpture and exhibit and positively breathtaking.

Heather T — Google review

We really enjoyed our visit here. A little pricey, but I think it's worth the price of admission. Excellent displays, loads of beautiful and unique species. It was really crowded and loud at times, and we were really disappointed that they no longer have dolphin shows.

Joshua H — Google review

Took us a few hours to get through everything. They have deals on Friday where you can get in for $25 for Adults and $20 for children. Signs up that stated they no longer do Dolphin shows which was a little disappointing. Everything else was awesome and tons to see with very unique set ups that allow for different vantage points to see the creatures.

Nate K — Google review

Beautiful environment and well kept marine habitats. Wonderful opportunity for the whole family to have fun together! Let the Philips Restaurant valet park your car. You'd pay the same for parking it yourself in a parking lot that's further away. On Friday nights, the entrance tickets to the aquarium are half price! Best to buy them online.

Jose R — Google review

Took a side trip from DC to Baltimore, which was about an hour away. We visited the National Aquarium which is situated in National Harbor. We parked across the street at LAZ Inner Harbor parking garage, and paid a discounted rate of $8 (just make sure to validate before you leave the Aquarium). The Aquarium is much bigger than it looks from the outside. You go through Escalators to the top, with each floor offering a variety of fishes, and a touch pond (I touched a jellyfish)! We enjoyed the shark tank area and learning about the different sharks at the Aquarium. On the other side of the building is the dolphin tank, there are no shows. And a Jellyfish experience. Overall a fun activity to do. We were there for about 2 hours. I'd give 5 stars, but $50/person was a stretch. You can buy your tickets online. Happy Journeys ✌️

Leah C — Google review

This aquarium beats all others I've ever been to! Floor after floor of amazing exhibits. Many things to see. The rainforest gets a little confusing on the layout but we figured it out. The food offered was minimal but good. $5 for a pile of tater tots, but $3 for a can of water. Guess it evened itself out for the price. They're working on a new wetland exhibit, so hopefully we can return to see an update! The dolphin display is a little unorganized. I understand not doing dolphin shows but with only one dolphin in the big pool, we really didn't see much. You can also touch a jellyfish, horseshoe crab, and a stingray! Overall, a great experience and our 9 yr old thoroughly enjoyed it. They offer military discount.

Rebecca M — Google review

I havent been to a aquarium since I was a teen and this is the first time I been to the National Aquarium. It was great! Very busy which is understandable, but got to enjoy my time and see the wonders that live under water. Definitely recommend if you have kids or want to go with your spouse.

Keenan W — Google review

We enjoyed our visits every time. My kid loves watching stingrays! I would suggest getting a Membership if you are planning to visit multiple time. Garage Parking available near by. Enjoy Dolphin training’s too.

Prity D — Google review

It is nice, but I'm not surit is worth $50 in 2024. You pay an expensive ticket and still need to pay additional for inside shows.It can get crowded in some halls.Pros: no more dolphins shows, which in my opinion is good, respect those animals. You can still get to their tank to see them and enjoy some interactions when they feed them (I added a picture).Some of the displays are good, like the frogs or rain forest. You also have rooms with beautiful views of the bay.They should decrease the price, especially for children. If you're a family with 3 children, you'll pay around $200 for about 2-3 hours of entertainment.

Dee C — Google review

I visited the National Aquarian while on a business trip and I'm really glad I did.I don't usually go to aquariums and it's been years since I've been to one. However, since it's the "National " aquarium, it seemed like a good idea.The location was pretty accessible down at the harbor and was close enough to my hotel to walk to it. It was easy to find, too.It was a bit on the expensive side generally for me, but considering what they have here with all the tanks, water, and exotic species, and that it's in a major city, it's likely an insane deal.The exhibits that were on display when I visited were the Amazon River and the Australian Coast. Both were great, but the Amazon was easily my favorite. I loved the poison frogs, especially and the caymens.There were fully underwater exhibits, amphibious exhibits, and dry exhibits like birds!

JC E — Google review

Place is huge. 5 stories and tons to see. Loved the open pool with all the fish and sharks to watch. You can touch horseshoe crabs and moon jellyfish. The dolphins were in a pool where you couldn't see them. The only reason for the four stars was because of the admission to get in and be careful where you park. Pretty hefty price to get in, same with snacks and gift shop. Make sure you park directly across the street to get validated. Got stuck with a $30 parking bill

Jennifer T — Google review

4.6

(29270)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (181)

4.5

(7277)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (182)

501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA

(410) 576-3800

22

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

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Maritime museum

Museums

Located in the picturesque town of St. Michaels, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is an 18-acre waterfront venue that offers a deep dive into the bay and its people. Visitors can explore exhibits, take part in activities, and even enjoy boat rides. The museum's working shipyard showcases the region's maritime history, while a stroll along Talbot Street provides access to colorful shops selling everything from premium olive oil to crab-adorned T-shirts and hats.

We didn't know what to expect with this museum, but were really impressed by it! It is very well worth the visit, and there's more than enough to see in the 2 days the admission fee covers. At the beginning, someone went over the map with us, and explained some about the buildings. That was really helpful. It's not just a museum, but an entire complex of various buildings that are really each museums. I couldn't possibly do it justice by describing it- if you are considering going, you definitely should! I really enjoyed seeing the variety of boats, and the building that was built all around an oyster boat was probably my favorite. You could walk through it, hearing about it with the narration, and seeing all the different parts. There were fun facts about oysters all around, as well as a complete history of the oyster business in the area, canning, and even oyster wars! The lighthouse was pretty interesting, and showed all of the keeper's quarters set up, as well as some information about the various keepers, and a big map of all the area lighthouses. There was a whole building that showed about the blue crab, and the crab picking industry. There was a building that had lots of history and information about people enjoying the water in various ways over the years. As you walk around, the view of the harbor and the water is beautiful as well. The museum store is beautifully arranged, and contains a great variety of souvenirs and items having to do with the water.

Deborah M — Google review

The Maritime Museum counts as a must-see if you have children, if you love sailing vessels, building boat models, or just being near the water.The exhibitions are superb. You may have an opportunity to watch builders using a broad assortment of tools an skills to fabricate a replica of the sailing ship, The Dove. You'll have opportunities for cruises on power vessels and possibly on a Skipjack if you time your trip right and make appropriate arrangements. A model makers guild meets there regularly (Mondays, check the museum's website for details), but you can tour their building while the museum is open to study some astonished accurate models of various sailing vessels. Plan to spend hours to absorb everything.

Robert G — Google review

Our Chesapeake cruise docked inside the maritime museum. Without a doubt this is the best living history museum in the USA. All the pertinent trades are busy building a full scale DOVE. This 40 ton ship was the first to bring settlers to the bay centuries ago. The museum also displays the history of crabbing and oyster fishing. Many sailboats are on display. It is all expertly done. Drive or sail to St. Michael's, MD and be amazed.

Dennis L — Google review

Enjoyed another visit to this special place when we opted to take Watermark's Lady Sarah yacht from Annapolis for their tour called A Day On The Bay to St Michaels.

Jennifer A — Google review

It was amazing and it taught me so much on boats, crabs and oysters. While also a fun and interactive place with different boats. Also the people were really friendly and the atmosphere with so much fun was great.

Oliver H — Google review

This is a good museum. Lots of hands on exhibits. Can go on boats and move wheels and honk horns and other things to entertain kids. Make the items user friendly. They were finishing restoration the the DOVE, which is the reproduction of the first 2 ships that came to settle Maryland in 1600s. Oystering exhibits, recreation exhibits, and of course the Hooper Straits Lighthouse is there to tour as well as fog bell from Point Lookout and many more fog bells. I think in season there might be more staff and more things going on. St. Michaels is a pretty little town. As far as maritime museum go though I like Calvert's much better.

Mary R — Google review

As a lighthouse lover I really enjoyed being able to climb this lighthouse and look out on the water. It wasn't very busy the afternoon I went as I don't think tourist season had quite picked up yet and I was up there all alone and it was very peaceful. I enjoyed the museum and everything else there was to look at at read. The gift shop had a good selection and the lady working was very lovely and chatted with me a bit.

Ashley T — Google review

Super friendly staff and very knowledgeable about the museum.

Mike M — Google review

This place is super nice. Beautiful gardens with history and so much info. The outdoor section is pup friendly too.

DJ K — Google review

A whole lot of history on display all oer the site. The boat building house was great. Everyone was very willing to fill you in on what was being built and restored. A ver nice gentleman who was painting their newest boat answered a lot of questions about why certain paints and varnishes were chosen and about applying them. So many boats and information all around the grounds.

John B — Google review

Great museum about Sailboating, Bluecrabbing, and mussels. Def add the Patriot Cruise there at ST Michaels

Chris R — Google review

We had an amazing experience yesterday at their homeschool day. We had the pleasure of having Melissa and Alyssa as our tour guides. They were so great with the kids. Extremely knowledgeable. I really commend them! My kids really enjoyed the entire lesson which was about 1.5 hours learning about oysters and their roll in the bay. Thanks for a great day full of learning and fun!

Liana S — Google review

The museum is informative, and the grounds are well kept. Being a maritime museum. There are things to see inside and out. There is a screw-pile lighthouse that you can climb to the of and Maryland's Point Lookout bell tower is also on the grounds. And there is a short cruise up the Miles River with verbal history about the area provided. All of the museum staff and the boat crew were helpful and friendly. Enjoyed our two-day visit very much.

Ellen S — Google review

We ended up being here for three and a half hours, there was so much to see. It was a very interesting history lesson of Chesapeake Bay. I won't spoil it for you with a bunch of details, but visit it, and you'll be pleasantly surprised ❤️

Bonnie S — Google review

Great museum to visit and enjoy the Chesapeake Bay Maritime history in St. Michaels, MD. Highly recommend.

Martin J — Google review

We made a last minute decision to visit the museum today before we left Saint Michael's. So glad that we did! I had NO idea the museum encompassed so many buildings. So many wonderful exhibits, and nicely grouped and presented. Everything from the Revoluntionary War to modern issues of erosion and preservation is covered. We especially loved the decoy duck exhibit and sailboat displays. Nice gift shop with local pieces and quality souvenirs. Plenty of restrooms and parking. Wish we had found some drink machines as we were there quit a while. But that's the only thing I would have changed. Will return again with the whole family.

Suzanne C — Google review

Spent a few hours here everyone was super friendly. Not busy at all. Beautiful views and not expensive at all

Christine M — Google review

Before visiting a place I always check their website and reviews to determine how accessible a place is. There was little mention on the reviews but the website of this museum said multiple times that the location is accessible. There really needs to be an industry standard because this was anything except accessible. We paid $32.00 to spend ten minutes before we realized that I could not navigate this property. Even the areas that has a ramp, had traffic flow where anyone who used a cane or walker will have to walk all the way around in order to use the ramp.Let’s set the stage. I have limited mobility and primarily use a walker, however, sometimes I use a cane. After paying the admission and going through the orientation with the docent, I made my way out to the complex of buildings and places to visit.There is no easy flow to visit these buildings. To get to the boat shop you have to go all the way around the building and then double back to get to the next location. If that isn’t bad enough, they have gravel all over which made it nearly impossible for me to push my walker through. They do have a few benches throughout, but it just wasn’t enough. It was if they gave no thought to visitors with mobility challenges.We were so disappointed and we wound up leaving because I couldn’t get my walker through the gravel. One if the things we couldn’t figure out, why is it called a museum when there isn’t any building that interprets very much? There are signs here and there and it really is a nice property if it’s a nice day, but we saw very little interpreted. Even though I couldn’t go to the different buildings, my husband did run ahead to see what was and it was not a museum in the typical sense at all.Before we left, the woman in the museum store did offer to give us out money back but that wasn’t the point. We were really looking forward to visiting the property and it was really disappointing how little they planned for visitors with accessibility concerns. Even though they saw me struggling they did nothing to alleviate my struggle.

Cat L — Google review

This is an interactive, expansive and informative museum. A lot of the exhibits are hands on and life-size so that you feel immersed in the history. I was able to use a tool to pull up real oysters, climb the lighthouse, and so much more. We were even able to watch the planking ceremony where the last plank was added to the ship they were building. Give yourself several hours if you would like to see it all!

Kim W — Google review

Lovely place to just sit and relax looking at the bay. Lighthouse and boar workshops interesting. Definitely recommend taking Patriotic cruise to finish trip off.

Rebecca P — Google review

Great spot to take in local history and beautiful water views. You can spend 90 mins here or easily over 2-3 hours if you take your time to enter all the buildings. Great for families and dog friendly. Would recommend, especially if looking to support the local community.

Hannah — Google review

4.7

(1199)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (188)

4.5

(1070)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (189)

213 N Talbot St, St Michaels, MD 21663, USA

(410) 745-2916

23

Hersheypark

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Amusement park

Water & Amusement Parks

Hershey Park is an amusement park that features rides such as roller coasters and thrill rides for adults, family-friendly rides, and water attractions for kids. The park has a Boardwalk section that offers a water park with slides, waves pool and more.

My teenage daughter enjoy this place so much.Pass wasn’t cheap, but worth it.I was hoping the opening hours can be 9am instead of 11am.Food inside the park was okay, parking was simple!Will come back soon to enjoy the water park.If they can open more ticketing booth, that’ll be great.

Enzo L — Google review

This was the best vacation I’ve had in a long time. So much to do in Hershey and I didn’t get to do it all but we still had a good time. We went to Hershey park and to chocolate world. Hershey park was really not expensive for the tickets. The food and amenities were expensive but it is an amusement park so that’s to be expected obviously. Altogether we had a great time. We went to the zoo which was by far one of the best and most intimate experiences I’ve had in a zoo. I wanted to go to Amish country but didn’t get the chance. I would recommend everyone to go at least once in their lifetimes because you get to see the history of how everything was made and created. I don’t think I will go again with the kids because we have already seen everything and not much changes up there however, I will take my wife back just to see Amish country. There are more adult things to do there and ways to enjoy yourself. I’ll be posting that review as soon as I’m able to get back up there.

E A — Google review

Hersheypark is an excellent destination for families seeking an unforgettable amusement park experience. From thrilling rides to sweet attractions, it offers something for everyone. The park’s cleanliness and well-maintained facilities create a safe and enjoyable environment.One highlight is the variety of rides available, catering to all age groups. The roller coasters provide exhilarating adventures, while the gentle attractions and kiddie rides keep the younger ones entertained. The water park section offers refreshing fun on hot days.The staff at Hersheypark deserves commendation for their friendliness and helpfulness. They are readily available to assist with any inquiries or concerns, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit. Additionally, the park’s accessibility features make it accommodating for individuals with disabilities.Food options are plentiful, with diverse menus and accommodating dietary preferences. However, be prepared for slightly higher prices, as expected in most theme parks.Overall, Hersheypark offers an outstanding family experience with its thrilling rides, well-kept grounds, and friendly staff. It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable and enjoyable day out with loved ones.

Tony F — Google review

This is one of the best amusement parks I have ever been to. We had so much fun, it's full of roller-coasters and after a whole day there we weren't able to ride them all (started to rain heavily). Also they have nice stores and great food options. And we really didn't have to wait that long to ride every time. I extremely recommend going there, and would definitely come back again.

Vera A — Google review

What an awesome place! The weather was PERFECT! Being that I'm from Louisiana and have been experiencing Temps of over 100 degrees, the breezy and sunny weather here was welcoming! The park was very clean and wasn't overcrowded. The food was pretty good but the main favorite of my family was the thrilling roller coasters! If you're a thrill seeker, this place is for you! They have some really cool roller coaster rides! My teenage kids had so much fun riding all of the rides and even went to the Waterpark area and had a blast there too! The lines weren't too long and the entire trip was very pleasant. We will definitely be returning!

Claudia L — Google review

Fun for the whole family. My wife enjoyed the park even though she is 6 months pregnant because of zoo and water animal show. My kids loved the whole experience. Only down side many attractions were closed due to our late in the season visit. We did love all of the Halloween festivities though.

Don S — Google review

This was my first time visiting for the holiday season. It was very pretty but overally crowded in some of the attractions. We weren't able to see everything they had to offer because they closed so early, even on a Friday. Chocolate World was closed as well, and so we're most of the rides. It was a nice experience but I wouldn't come back during the holidays. I feel like it was too expensive for what it was.

Samantha — Google review

I took the kids to Hersheypark and had a great time. The park has a variety of rides and pools that kept the kids entertained all day. The chocolate-themed attractions were particularly impressive, and there were plenty of delicious food options. It's an excellent place for a family outing.

Eliah S — Google review

Great park. I just wish the lines weren't always so painfully slow moving at every ride. The parks operations aren't the best really and there's a lot of little kids and elderly crowds. It's a great family park / thrill park but be prepared to wait in some very long lines as the ride crews don't hustle to send out trains.

Will L — Google review

This is a really nice park that our family really enjoyed visiting. The park seemed really clean and well staffed. We enjoyed the preview night the two hours before our first night. We rented a cabana for our water park day and it was great. They had their own bathrooms and exclusive grill. We got free soft drinks. The staff for the cabanas would make want to do the cabanas again just for them.

Brennan L — Google review

We had so much fun yesterday at Hershey Park. We are a family of four. We have a teenager and a toddler. My husband is a roller coaster enthusiast and I am a little less of an enthusiast. We visit every amusement we can. Some are better suited to adults and some to children. It's great when it's well balanced and Hershey Park is!! I wish there was more chocolate. LoL but seriously I was SO in the mood for chocolate fountains ! Loved the refill cups and cashless system. The lines were not bad at all especially for the first half of the day! The app was very helpful except my husband had it too they read wait times differently. For example : mine said 30 min wait and his said 15 minute wait for the same ride. All in all, great time!! See the sea animal show, it's adorable.

Elizabeth V — Google review

The happiest place on earth. What a fantastic place to spend your vacation. The rides are very fun and the lines are long but everybody expects that. Very clean park. The food is delicious. Prices are sky high just like the rides. But who doesn't want to dance with chocolate characters and create their own Hershey Bar at the Hershey Chocolate factory? Dream come true ❤️Absolutely a must place to visit as a kid and an adult 👌.

Yulia G — Google review

We had an absolutely delightful experience at Hersheypark. The park offers rides for all ages at a reasonable price. We spent the entire day at the park, from opening to closing, and there was an abundance of activities to keep us entertained. The park is well-maintained and the staff is friendly and helpful. The park’s cleanliness and attention to detail are commendable. We highly recommend Hersheypark to families looking for a fun and memorable day out.Upon entering the park, we were greeted by a friendly staff member who provided us with a map and answered all our questions. The park is well-organized, and the map was easy to follow. We started our day with the Cocoa Cruiser, a family-friendly roller coaster that was a great way to ease into the day. We then moved on to the Laff Trakk, an indoor spinning coaster that was a lot of fun. The Wild Mouse was another highlight, with its sharp turns and sudden drops. We also enjoyed the Ferris Wheel, which provided a great view of the park.The park has a variety of food options, from snacks to full meals. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Chickie’s & Pete’s stand, which offered a variety of seafood and other options. The park also has plenty of restrooms, which were clean and well-maintained.Overall, we had a fantastic time at Hersheypark. The park offers something for everyone, and we can’t wait to go back!

E Z — Google review

What a great day! So many fun thrill seeking rollercoaster but Wildcat was our favorite! Clean amusement park with lots of bathrooms and food options.

Queen G — Google review

Fun, relatively clean park with lots of entertaining rides. Fun for the whole family! If you like coasters this is one of the best bangs for your buck. A tip, look at the prices of the fast track to see how busy it will be on your visit. The lower the price, the less busy the park will be. Most of all, have a good time!

John R — Google review

Ended up coming here after my daughter's cheer competition, and all I have to say is WOW! We had an amazing time there and this was the first amusement park my kids have been too. I wish we had more time to explore more and ride more of the rides 😪 😩. But we will definitely be making a personal trip back sometime this summer!

Aaron A — Google review

It's a nice place to be with kids as with any other amusement park. The tickets are not that expensive but probably they need more staff the manage the crowd. Few rides were not working and sometimes even the vending machines and food services kiosks were too slow. Ultimately, we had fun but could have been better. You need at least 3 days to cover all rides and attractions.

Maewa S — Google review

We went on a Sunday in April, the weather was absolutely perfect! Don't love the layout of this park as it is very hard to navigate efficiently. Having said that they do have very good markers pointing everywhere you look so if you know where you want to go it's pretty easy to find it. It was a pretty busy day but we kept an eye on wait times in the app and we ended with our longest wait time being 45 minutes! We caught several rides right after they had been down for some reason or other. The rides themselves are some of the best I've been on!!! So smooth and no headache makers!! Another amazing thing was how allergy friendly the park was!!! The app listed ALL ingredients AND labeled things for several allergy categories. They even had a gluten friendly area/line in Thier food court. WOW!!! Way to go, this was absolutely amazing!!! And the prices for food weren't outrageous!? What more could you ask for, this was so much fun and wish we lived close by so we could enjoy it more often!!

Natalie A — Google review

We brought our children and grandchildren (total of 8 people) here for our first visit. Handicap parking was close to the entrance. I obtained an ADA access booklet from guest services to allow easier ride entrance for rides I wanted to go on. The staff makes the process pretty easy and they were all very helpful. There were a lot of school trips visiting the day we went but it still wasn't overly crowded. The most popular rides had a longer wait, as expected. We did not visit the water area while we visited the park. Of course, the food is expensive but they do offer an all day dining option. We did purchase the cups with free refills and we were glad we did. There are refill stations all over the park. The park was very clean and all of the staff we interacted with were polite and knowledgeable. Overall, everyone had a great time and we will definitely visit again.

Lisa W — Google review

Service was good and rides were great. In order to get the full experience, you should spend at least a day at the park. I recommend you bring a bottle of water with you since this is a very large park. Kids will enjoy this and the Boardwalk in my opinion is the highlight of this place. Tidal Force was the best water-themed ride. The food wasn’t that great. It’s best to buy these tickets when they’re online or on a deal. Overall, it’s a good place to visit this summer.

Kina N — Google review

Loved my time at Hersheypark. Even though I don’t particularly like roller coasters, I was able to enjoy smaller rides with my niece while the rest of the family enjoyed the big ones. Staff are friendly and helpful to guests. And there is plenty of places to just sit and take in the family friendly environment/atmosphere. I drove from VA and I think it was worth it. Definitely a hit over old Kings Dominion.

Pr!ncess A — Google review

We had another great visit to Hershey Park today! We love this park. We especially enjoy the Halloween events. There is something for everyone here - kiddie rides, family rides, roller coasters, dining, arcades, games, shopping. The lines vary from ride to ride. You have the opportunity to buy a fast track pass for an additional cost to get on the rides without waiting. We ate dinner in the park and the food was pretty good to be from a kiosk. The prices are what you would expect: expensive. All staff members were kind and helpful, the restrooms we used were clean and well stocked. The park offers water fill up stations, so bring your own refillable water bottle to save money. Overall, we had an awesome day and we can’t wait to come back!

Brandi W — Google review

Hersheypark is AMAZING. What else can you say. This has been on our bucket list for years and now we are finally able to scratch it off of our list. It was just an amazing experience. We can’t wait to come back again. Now we can confirm how much fun you could have. It makes you feel like a kid again.

Richard M — Google review

My family and I had a wonderful time at Hershey! The weather was perfect for the activity and the crowd was fair. The wait for the ride weren’t bad either. The park was clean and the atmosphere was welcoming. We went during Mother’s Day weekend and it was a great time. The water park was not open just yet. I am from PA and still live here so my commute was not bad (1 1/2 hours). Go go go!!!!! Hershey park is a wonderful time and the plus is it is perfect for all ages!!

Shelly R — Google review

A wonderful piece of Pennsylvania history, Hersheypark offers so much to see, to do, and to taste. Choose from a variety of tours. Eat at an onsite restaurant. Make your own candy bar. It is a must-experience place to visit!

Theresa E — Google review

We love Hershey park and have been many times! We were a bit disappointed by the rode operations and length of lines when we visited, but we chalked it up to being early in the season and not having a full staff yet. That's the only reason for 4 stars, instead of 5, but we still love the park! :)

Amy R — Google review

Haven't been here in years and it's still an awesome park with lots of good roller coasters and many other rides. Went on a Wednesday mid-June and didn't wait long at all for any of the rides. We were always able to find a coaster with little to no wait time. Checking the app helps out with that. Buy tickets in advance, and there's no wait to get in, and you save a few $. Can also purchase food/drink plans that were reasonably priced. The Fast Track (skip the line) options were the only thing way overpriced and really not needed the day we were there. Perhaps it's worth it if you're there on a really busy day and are okay with spending A LOT more.

PJ — Google review

Very fun park with lots of different rides to choose from, such as dropping towers or frightening roller coasters. However, I believe that pricing has become too much, especially with parking. I was able to purchase parking for $25 for a general parking spot, but the regular price is $35, which is outrageous for a parking spot. I also feel that team members could have been nicer with fast pass. One member of my party was disabled and had an accessible fast pass, but the team members were very rude about letting us pass, even with a disability. On the other hand, the rides were very amusing and entertaining. I believe that Hershey Park is a great day trip for children and adults alike, but be weary of pricing and staff occasionally.

Zach S — Google review

It's cool to walk around the park even if you're not so into rollercoasters. It can get crowded at times, but it's still large enough of a park that you don't feel too confined. Wait times are not horribly long but not super short either. The park is definitely geared more towards people who like big rollercoasters.

Nicole — Google review

Some of the rides were closed but the rides that were open were good. Although it was around Christmas time that we visited, still had lots of people in the lines. I suggest getting in early when the park opens to get on your favorite rides. Towards 4 PM started to see more people getting in, as they have beautiful holiday lights decorated all over the park.

Chandra K — Google review

Visited Hershey on a weekend! The place was not too crowded and was fun filled. We did the chocolate world tour, make your own candy bar.My son loved both the attractions and found it pretty enjoyable.The attractions are a little expensive however worth it.Overall the place is expensive for food and souvenirs. But truly a good place to visit with a family and kids.

Neeti P — Google review

I would love to give this park 5 stars. It is a beautiful park that includes a theme park, water park, zoo and Chocolate world. They have fantastic rides for everyone, including a great coaster selection! You can easily spend 2-3 days here. The food was very good and overall the prices were reasonable. And don't miss out on the shakes and Sundays at Chocolate world. 😋My issues with the park are line jumping and ride operations. On our first day at the park we had 40-50 people cut line in front of us. Our second day we had even more issues than that!! There were 2 times employees were right there and didn't say a word to the people cutting.Ride operations, at most rides, were average to below average compared to other parks. Some rides, like Candymonium, were terrible. Candymonium was taking 3-5 minutes to dispatch a train. There was a constant backup of all 3 trains and this is a high capacity coaster that should be chewing through riders! Overall we had a good time, however, these 2 issues really impact a guest experience and is something that needs to be addressed.

Will G — Google review

Went here during a camping trip in December of 2021. They had the park decorated for Christmas. Tons of lights. Lots of activities. They had seasonal foods and drinks. Only a fraction of the rides were operational during this time of year (cold). We had a blast. We saw Saint Nick, his reindeer, beautiful displays… we took a ride on their monorail which gives you a spectacular Birds Eye view of the park. This is all happening in the evening mind you. It was a great experience and got us in the Christmas spirit big time. Dressing in layers is a must. Make sure the kiddies are bundled up. PA is quite cold in December.

Fast F — Google review

Hershey Park in the wintertime is absolutely beautiful! Lights everywhere and the reindeer are adorable. The staff watching over the reindeer are very knowledgeable and happy to give any information you may need. Not all of the rides are open during the off season but you don't have to deal with the long lines of the summer.

Steven S — Google review

Went on a super windy day so unfortunately a couple rides had to stay closed but I still had a lot of fun. There were a lot of people there but the lines weren't nearly as long as I was expecting them to be. Didn't expect to find a Chick fil a in an amusement park!

Rustybear9294 — Google review

Went last weekend 4-27-24 I’m a big thrill seeker! And the roller coasters here did that and some! The new wildcat is awesome! Very impressive! Fahrenheit and sky Rush are very enjoyable as well! Unfortunately storm runner broke down so I wasn’t able to ride it. But overall very happy at the park! P.S. come on a full stomach or leave to go eat. The food prices were insane!

Small 1 — Google review

Hersheypark is awesome!! This was the first stop on a cross country adventure I’m embarking on with my granddaughter and I’m so glad we did!The park was clean, the staff was friendly and happy to help anyone who needed it.They don’t accept cash ( which blew my mind… hey, I’m old school… what can I say)?But they do have “cash to card” machines that convert paper currency to a credit card that you can use to make purchases. So, it worked out well.There are several roller coasters to choose from, so everyone can experience the thrill! From the colossal size of “Candy Monium”, to the mid-sized “Wild Mouse”, or the somewhat docile ride of “Trail Blazer”, you just can’t go wrong!For those of you who remember Rocky Point, they even have the Music Express, which was an instant favorite for us, since we went on it several times!!The park also has ZooAmerica, which is a smaller sized zoo to walk through with well marked paths. Upon entering, be sure to get your hand stamped to re-enter the amusement park area when you’re done viewing the animals.Overall, it was well worth the trip and I’m glad I got to finally experience it with my granddaughter!

Ann M — Google review

There were more lights out, then the light display they had turned on.Do not waste your money here, go to bush gardens for a true Christmas experience. The light display was sad most of the lights were out, the shops were shutting down before five. The tree boardwalk was just one giant ad for local companies. Including the hotel room and park tickets we spent over 1,000 dollars for a sad experience. There were so many dark paths with no lights at all. The best thing about the park was zoo America.

C B — Google review

My family went on a road trip from New Jersey to Ohio in search of an elusive national fencing title for my husband. We drove past Hershey Park on our way to Columbus and promised the kids that we would stop by on the return journey. As soon as we stepped inside the park, we ran into a friend. My kids loved the tide pool and lazy river, and the rides were top notch. On our way to the parking lot, we could hear the start of a Blink-182 concert in the attached arena.

Kathy Z — Google review

Awesome Reality,This place is everything I ever wanted and more. The rides were unpredictable as each one had its own twist of excitement. The cars displayed throughout the park were epic. Just check out the new 2010 off brand 4-person car escort to have your eyes blown away by the capability the car has. Finally, I got a chance to meet some of the characters there, and man, they sure love to bust a move. The environment was great, and the employees were good. However, 16.95 for a lemonade? 7 bucks for popcorn? 7 bucks for cotton candy? It is an unfortunate twist of events. Unfortunately, this type of pricing is just as bad as that one steakhouse in uptown manhattan. Even the characters couldn't save this park from getting 5 stars. Besides that, this park is perfect in every other way. Would highly recommend it. Just make sure to save a couple thousand of bucks, and you should be good.Reporting from Hershey © Park,That's all I'm going to say

JT966 — Google review

Feels like a childhood fictional dream. Worth planning a day trip and enjoying the various attractions around the park. Plenty of food options and the attractions will cater to everyone young or old so all age groups are sure to have an amazing time.Don’t miss their exclusive range of hershey bars only available there. They also have kisses flavors from around the world.If you are eating at the food court, i highly recommend their smores.

Riya J — Google review

Extremely long lines 90 + minutes for main attractions. Unfortunately, we did not get to ride much in one day. Fast Track pass may help. Food options are very good. Definitely take advantage of the food & drink packages.

Janedoe 1 — Google review

Definitely buy tickets in advance. Waits can be very long depending on the ride. So ensure you plan in advance. Using the Hershey's app is very helpful to avoid long wait times. Many vary from short times, to hours so it's very helpful to save time and get on more rides. Though food court lines are long as well so plan in advance when to get food and be prepared if there is a line.

Tsukuyomi — Google review

We’ve gone every year for the past three years for day trips and it is 100% some of my favorite memories with my kids. The perfect mix of small medium big and VERY big rides. & The gift shops are Christmas gift heaven. I mean everyone has their fav candy right?!My favorite thing about this park is the short wait times. We like to go somewhat “off season” September-November and we literally ride every ride, some multiple times. You beat the heat that way too. Money well spent. It’s also incredibly clean.Since we only do day trips we are always able to do something different when we go. Realistically you could probably do all Hershey has to offer in 3 or 4 days. But even then… I promise you’ll want to go back 😎

Alyssa G — Google review

4.5

(59686)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (194)

4.0

(7878)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (195)

100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA

(717) 534-3900

24

The Hershey Story Museum

40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (196)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (197)

40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (198)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (199)

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Museum

Cafe

The Hershey Story Museum tells the story of Milton S. Hershey, one of the most influential and successful businessmen in American history. The museum features interactive exhibits about his life, as well as limited-run exhibits on special occasions. Admission is free for all visitors, and it is a family-friendly museum that is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about Milton Hershey and his legacy.

This is a winner and we will return! It has been many years since I’ve been to the Hershey area and this was not here the last time we were. This museum tells the story of Milton Hershey in a clear and interesting way. The museum is interactive and engaging. The guides that are stationed throughout the museum are very helpful.We also participated in the Chocolate Lab where we made truffles. Our teacher was a bit boring but the experience was worth it. We finished our visit in the gift store which had an interesting selection. I can’t wait to try my chocolate soap!One important note for those of us that have limited mobility. There is an elevator and an easy to navigate museum. There are also ample benches throughout the museum to be able to enjoy the museum and be able to navigate comfortably. One problem I had was with the bathroom on the first floor. The handicap stall was not big enough to fit my walker. That was a challenge. However, they have a bathroom on the second floor that is handicap friendly. Also, I did not see handicap parking on the way in. We found a spot that was fairly close but it was a little awkward getting to the entrance.

Cat L — Google review

We visited this museum before leaving Hershey. We had such a good day out. The staff were so friendly and helpful. The interactive chip was a hit, my kids loved that component. I would love to visit again and listen more intently to all the stories. There was so much to do there, we could've easily spent another hour.

Samantha D — Google review

The Hershey Story Museum was a very detailed presentation on the history and development of the Hershey product and company. I was surprised at how many artifacts they had to display. I definitely learned a lot, not just about the Hershey company, but some historical and scientific facts as well. The layout and displays were very attractive. My children really enjoyed the microscope in the Cuba area. I had no idea the extent to which the Hershey company has had influence in the building of the community and beyond. They even had this cool thing where you could hold up a programmed chip to various points within the museum and it would say hello with your name. There were other interactive things as well. We went on a day with bad weather so we might have been the only people in there. Thusly it was very quiet.

Elizabeth C — Google review

Great museum to learn everything there is to know about Milton Hershey and how the Hershey company came to be. The pricing was $15 for the museum and $15 for the Chocolate Lab. The Lab was cool, you learn about the Chocolate making process. You can also "make" a chocolate bar. IThey give you melted chocolate and you pour in a mold, decorate and they put it in the fridge to harden. We would definitely recommend the museum and maybe the Lab for kids.

Dave C — Google review

I thought this place was super cool, Milton Hershey really created an entire community and it stemmed from confections. Kinda funny honestly. The history is rich, and there are plenty of interactive opportunities for the kids as well, it's a great museum, and definitely worth stopping by.

Ryan L — Google review

What a great experience. We didn't know anything about Hershey story before. The place did a great job telling it. We were surprised how much we learned, it was really cool. And it's a really nice building and surrounding area. The little restaurant inside was worth the money and very good. The kids really enjoyed doing the chocolate making lab.

B ( — Google review

We decided to come to The Hershey Story Museum when the rain forced us to come indoors and not be able to go to Hershey Park. Honestly I thought to myself, who would want to visit a boring chocolate museum? When I entered inside and walked around a bit, the museum was beyond my expectations. We had no waiting time since it seemed less busy than usual. I liked how they set up a system where you have to strategize to build a working chocolate factory (7th photo). It took 3 attempts until we finally got it and I really enjoyed it. I got to learn many things about Hershey that I didn’t know about before, and I suggest others to visit as it gives a good experience. I cant really say anything about staff since I didn’t have much interaction. Overall the place was very clean and well cared for. Will visit again!Cleanness: 10/10Experience: 10/10

Aidan K — Google review

It was super fun and informative. The staff there is really knowledgeable. They have a few fun activities that you can take part in. Which makes it great for kids. The tour is self guided, which I really liked. There are a lot of fun items to see. Who knew there was so much history at Hershey? Really a great experience.

Emily D — Google review

This was a nice stop on our way through Pennsylvania to Ohio. There are quite a few things to read as you go through the exhibits and some nice memorabilia to see. When you get your tickets, you will get a little RFID token which you can scan at little kiosks around the museum that will show small animations about Hershey. If you personalize, each of the four colors you pick will show different animations at the kiosks so if with a larger group, pick different colors (or just save the other colors if for a future visit).It only takes an hour or so to go through the museum.

Matt L — Google review

Kids loves it here! Me and my husband enjoyed it too! We purchased the combo with Hershey gardens, price is reasonable for everything including chocolate Lab and tasting, we definitely coming back on our next trip to PA.

Cherry W — Google review

I love museums and those that tell a story. So much to do here. Chocolate tastings from around the world, chocolate lab - essentially hands on classes, and a whole lot of information. The Hershey’s did wonders for the area and it was pleasant being able to step back into their world and see how the famous chocolate did just that - become famous. We arrived at 2pm and were able to do chocolate tasting right away. Unfortunately, the chocolate lab classes weee already booked up. I would certainly do this again if I were back in the area.Plenty of parking near the museum.

Tammra S — Google review

Loved the experience of the hands on stops in the museum. You can spend hours there and not see everything. It was a very interesting experience to hear all the things Hershey did for the community.

Geno J — Google review

This review is specifically about the chocolate tasting. This is a must do! It allows you to taste different percentages of chocolate but also different regions. Fantastic experience and is self paced so you can hang out and chat with friends while working your way through 6 tastes. $13 for a 6 sample flight.

S T — Google review

Good exhibits for all things Hershey. You can also enjoy flight of chocolate drinks and chocolate lab.

Tina P — Google review

This place is so cool! I love the interactive exhibits and the set up of the actual museum portion. I loved the little coin they gave to interact with the exhibit. The hot chocolate tasting was really cool and the guy who was handing out the flights was super nice.

Rustybear9294 — Google review

I learned a lot about Milton Hershey The gifts hope is nice. The staff was very helpful and friendly. I think this is worth visiting.

Ronald G — Google review

Nice way to spend an hour if you're in the Harrisburg area. The museum is easy to get to and there is lots of free parking. Easy walk to close places to eat... even a Primanti Brothers

Joel A — Google review

Very nice museum about the life of Milton Hershey. Lot of hands on type activities and things to touch, see, and listen to. The Chocolate Lad is woth the time to expirence. Our speaker did a great job and we got to make a bar of chocolate to take home with us.It wasn't very crowed when we went do to a snow storm that was happening so I don't know how it would have been on a typical tourist day.Everyone was very helpful and they paid attention to the visitors first. I felt like they wanted us to have the best visit ever!Thank you Hershey Museum staff for making our vist pleasant.

Dennis R — Google review

When visiting Hershey, PA, the must-see attractions include the History Museum, chocolate tasting, and the Chocolate Lab. These activities are enjoyable for both adults and kids alike. The facilities are beautiful, offering convenient parking, and interactive activities. It's a perfect blend of fun and learning, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the remarkable story of Hershey's.

Jessica T — Google review

MOST HAPPIEST PLACE i ever went there… I can’t believe i went there & enough times spent easily . My family just 100 times thanking me to how much good place i search for spring vacation !!! Tap tap tap , tap my shoulder 🤣Just one word for Hershey world is AMAZING ENOUGH ! Highly recommended for this place , how I amazed when i saw the light post or road lamp posts all r shape of kisses ( hershey kisses chocolate shape ) . Too much fun - too much delicious - too much enjoyable place Hershey museum is !!WE DID “ MAKE YOUR OWN CHOCOLATE “That is funnnnnn 🥳🥳🥳🥳Personal name on it it added extra value or extra energy 🤩i know i know its a kids area but we as a parents enjoy 😉 too . Plz plz plz go there ! There stuffs r all amazing & they give free chocolate like heaven . Ha ha ha ha mast say WE WILL GO AGAIN 🍫

Sayani C — Google review

I received the tickets for this through the Hershey lodge and it was a good time with my niece and daughter. We took part in the chocolate lab as well and had a blast in there. The coffee shop located in the museum building was also very good! I recommend going there over Starbucks located across the street.Take a couple hours and enjoy! Highly recommend.

Timothy J — Google review

This is a really cool place to visit! The museum has an amazing collection of Hershey history. They have a gift shop with a great selection of Hershey merchandise. The chocolate tasting was such a fun experience, it was definitely worth the little bit of extra money.

Casandra E — Google review

History of Hershey - the man, the town, and the sweets. Family friendly. Very informative. Scavenger hunt for kids. Cafe on main floor. See the kisses street lamps right out front.

Nicole W — Google review

I was so impressed by this place. Was not supposed to go but the building is so nice. Did not know the full story of Hershey and everything is so well explained. A must

PATRICK G — Google review

4.5

(3415)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (200)

4.5

(1840)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (201)

63 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA 17033, USA

(717) 534-8939

25

Sight & Sound Theatres

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Performing arts theater

Concerts & Shows

Theaters

Sight & Sound Theatres is a faith-based performing arts theater that produces inspirational musicals with biblical themes. Their Lancaster County, PA location is only one of two theatres they own.

Five stars all the way!! Sight & Sound truly brings the Bible to life! We watched the show David and we sat there amazed the entire time! From the actors to the animals even the theatrical lights are just amazing! The behind the seams team needs praises sang too they are a major part of everything running smoothly!Can’t forget the roasted almonds! They are amazing!!We will for sure be bringing our children back!!

Katie V — Google review

We LOVE Sight and Sound. Can not recommend it enough.We saw DAVID last week and it was incredible. The story, the voices, the music, the props, etc.. Goliath and the other Giants were very impressive!I was in tears throughout it and truly felt Gods presence there.My sister was with me and she said it was better than a Broadway Show she saw before the pandemic began. Wow!!!I will definitely be back.

Rachel D — Google review

No matter if you're religious or not this place puts on a great performance. The performance is immersive and takes place all around you. The sound system is top notch. When the "lord" spoke you felt it. At the end of the performance there are staff that will pray with you if desired.There is a concession stand that you can purchase beverages and food items. There is also a small gift shop. Would definitely recommend coming here and plan to be back again.

Ray D — Google review

We loooove this theatre! We drive yearly from out of state to see the new show! The plays are so powerful and moving. It really brings the Bible story to life and encourages you in your faith. The way they point out aspects of truth sticks with you for years to come! We highly recommend!!!

Courtney D — Google review

WE LOVE Sight and Sound! The facility is gorgeous, the workers are very friendly and the shows are heart-warming, and stupendous!! We've seen two of their annual shows and we can't wait for Daniel!! We will be back. Worth every dime!

Scott P — Google review

We had such a wonderful time!We were not expecting to cried! This amazing shows was so vivid and beautiful. The cast members did everything right. The most impactful moments was the lions and the king transforming into a beast. WOW! Great job!Bathroom was so clean and they had a staff.

Solkeren F — Google review

Awesome Bible story come to life right before your eyes! The actors, live animals, setting and sound tune to perfection. This was by far better than a Broadway show. Must see family event! If you have a big family it is best to bring your own snacks. Though the ones they sell are delicious, you will pay $4.99 for the roasted almonds.Masks and CDC guidelines are not enforced. Few ppl wore mask but the majority did not.You will get the most of this PA trip if you check in and make it a weekend trip. You will enjoy, and not have to rush through ALL the Amish goods vegetables, food and local antique shops.Recommend and will return.

Mind M — Google review

The Sight and Sound theater does not need me to review them. They have been entertaining people for almost 50 years and they are amazingly good at it! Everyone knows this, but I’m still doing a review for someone who might be a first-timer on the fence about going like I was. Definitely go! It’s worth the money, the drive, and the small wait for parking. The building is beautiful and when you walk in the smell of the delicious roasted almonds hits you immediately. Beyond that, the actors, sets, scenery, music, animal actors…everything…is amazing. The visual imagery of the sets captured me. The story and music kept me captivated, and the way they made it not about the actors, but about Jesus was fantastic. I highly recommend this experience for everyone!

Angela W — Google review

100 percent recommended! Must see for anyone, particularly if you are Christian. Hard to describe how enjoyable the show was, fantastic talent and atmosphere! The entire surroundings were captivating and meticulously maintained. Truly a mission of love. Don't miss out, give it a spin!

George P — Google review

This was one of the most insane things I have ever experienced. It was so amazing. The staff are all so dedicated to their work and the mission. The performance was outstanding. It went way beyond my expectations. The facilities themselves are beautiful and so well kept. 100% recommended taking a trip here

Jayla P — Google review

This is a family tradition. We come every Easter. It brings the Bible to life for me and my family. The kids LOVE the shows and stay engaged. Especially the live animals. Sight & Sound makes memories that will last a lifetime. Staff has always been nice. Roasted almonds are yummy. We are going to the Christmas show for the first time this winter, can’t wait!

Melissa S — Google review

My first time here was the beginning of July with my church family to see Moses. I had a great time! It’s a beautiful location and I really enjoyed myself. Tickets are around $80-90 but you get to see a great show. I was so impressed by the singing, the set changes, the special effects, and the cast’s ability to sometimes play multiple roles. I love the live animals! It adds such a unique aspect. They stuck very closely to the Biblical story and I really appreciated that in addition to the altar call at the end. The food and gift store is pricey, but the almonds are very good. Overall I would highly recommend and can’t wait to go back!

Faith O — Google review

I highly recommend an outing to Sight and Sound. Every production I’ve ever seen has been phenomenal. The 180° of stage is pretty amazing, it’s as though you are a part of the show. The live animals, the quality of the sets, the production, the scripts are always first rate.

Tina S — Google review

One the best theaters I have been to. The outside is majestic and beautiful with the holiday decor in December, many photo opportunities. The inside is just as stunning and so clean and spacious! The live animals in the play,the thoughtfulness and detail to staying on schedule, seating arrangement, the ushers. All absolutely top notch & professional! The gift shop and concession stand(s) have so many options and not at all over priced!! Every single staff member is so kind, ready with a smile, to help you with a question or concern. The bathrooms never had a line, always extremely clean. This was such a magical memory to be made. I can't wait to go back!!

Jen — Google review

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome experience I'm so happy that I came for my first time to see God's word come alive even more. The show was beautiful. I can't wait to come back!!!!!!! God's word is active and alive 💓

Quashawna W — Google review

I was blessed with a free ticket from a friend and greatly enjoyed my experience at Sight and Sound for the first time! We saw Daniel and the production was spectacular! From the acting, the animals, the set, added comedy, live vocal performance, and of course accuracy to the original story in the Bible, it’s definitely a production you want to catch before the year ends. I’m a Christian, but I think people of all backgrounds will enjoy this show and will experience first hand the beauty of God’s Word coming to life! I also recommend trying their glazed almonds! They kind of taste like little cinnamon buns!

Kyra — Google review

Sight & Sound Theater is an astounding playhouse that has the most phenomenal staging, actors, music and themes for all audiences.It is truly an experience beyond traditional productions.The actors, live animals, scenery, costumes and music are at the highest level of detail and immerse the audience in a unique theater encounter.An added bonus is the opportunity to individually pray with a team member after the performance.Today's visit was a retirees group bus excursion.I thoroughly enjoy the Biblical themed shows and will continue to come to Sight & Sound Theater.

Donna H — Google review

A Five stars review all the way!!! This is one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had in my life. A top notch production.Sight & Sound truly brings the Bible to life! Words cannot explain what it means to see the story of David and Goliath manifest before my eyes and the other Giants were very impressive! oh man the voices, the music, the props, I was lost for words.I was in tears throughout it and I truly felt the presence of the Holy Spirit there as I sat there amazed the entire time! Don't forget the snow and the praise and worship of the actors to the animals even the theatrical lights are just amazing!Can’t forget the roasted almonds!

Amo F — Google review

Very magical place. Took a bus trip to see " Moses." Very organized staff from parking, tickets, and concessions. There are many options for seating selections. Also, the ride through Lancaster Pennsylvania is a plus.

Jimmie I — Google review

What a great experience!! Was there with my family on June 30th. It was well worth the drive from Toronto Canada. The theatre is so wonderfully designed and built there isn't a single seat with obstructed view. The show was amazing in every way; the props, the music, the performers.. We were in awe of the amount of effort out into it and the attention to the little details.. would definitely visit again. God bless.

Monir S — Google review

09/30/2023-I visited the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA for the first time with St.Phillips Baptist church as a guest! Our bus was fabulous! The trip was great up from Maryland. The ride was easy, comfortable snd smooth! This theater is beautiful. We saw the production of “Moses”. No cameras or video were allowed once seated in the theater. We sat entrance BB. Great seats! The live sheep, horses, and Llama were spectacular! The singing(vocals), actors and actresses both kids and adults were amazing! I want to bring my family back to see this production. WOW!!!!Me and the Sassy Soulful Sisters2 had a great day/a great time.

Natasha S — Google review

We were able to get tickets for the Christmas show “Miracle of Christmas,” the day before by calling the box office for a show showing sold out online for weeks. It was absolutely incredible. Highly recommend and bring tissues! Bring some tissues as there are touching moments where you will wish you had them. The immersion of the actors and sets was phenomenal. It gives the real idea that you are there. No matter what seat you buy. We look forward to many more live productions at this location and the one in Bronson, MO. They also do have concessions and a descent gift shop. The restrooms were exceptionally clean.

Michelle P — Google review

Beautiful Architecture Is What Makes This Theatre Absolutely Gorgeous. The stage sets so colorful, engaging, and stunningly spectacular. The animals that are incorporated within the performance are so well trained, and wonderfully kept in terms of cleanliness and grooming, they flow so naturally within the creative theme, it is inspiring to experience. Definitely a 🌟🌟🌟🌟 professional two-and-a-half (including 20-minute intermission) production.

Adrianna P — Google review

Sensational!!! Saw "David," and it was captured perfectly. The graphics and artistry, physical and visual, unbelievable. Phenomenal experience.The facility is well-kept. The bathrooms are plentiful and clean. There's a cafe, and the pierces are decent. There are hot beverages and cold, treats and light fare. The 20min intermission is hardly enough, but staff do work diligently to get you through the lines.They start exactly on time, so really get there early. No blame, but we arrived at the door with tickets at 7:02PM, and we were kept out until 7:20PM. I was upset, but granted, we should have been early. Lesson learned. Next year is "Noah" so I'll be on time 😊.There's ample parking. Have fun.

Annie G — Google review

The performance was amazing. I’d heard a lot about this place but it far exceeded my expectations. It was well organized. Our bus was met by an employee who told us exactly where to go and what we needed to do. The theatre, the singing, the actors, the gift shop; all superb!

Stacey B — Google review

Going to Sight and Sound Theaters was a dream come true. It was spectacular! I think it’s way better than Broadway, and obviously Godly. From the sophisticatedly engineered stage, the songs, the costumes and the acting; everything is top notch and absolutely worth your time! We’re planning to go again this year and I can hardly wait. We saw Moses. In December we will be seeing Daniel! We’re very excited!

Alejandra C — Google review

I wished the show would never end. These young actors did an awesome job depicting the birth of the Son of God...all while injecting some humor and other feelings into the play. I was almost moved to tears by some scenes, and for me to say that, it had to be an awesome show. Well done guys and gals. We will return!

Jim L — Google review

This place is AMAZING! Imagine broadway, but Bible based. It’s phenomenal and attracts an insane crowd. From the glazed almonds and picturesque buildings to the heartfelt acting and live animals, Sight and Sound does it all. I’ve grown up coming here and would recommend it to anyone. I love how they take each Bible story and bring it to life.

Jesse H — Google review

Went to see Daniel. Such an amazing performance 👏🏾 🙌🏿. Very encouraging. The animals were so well trained. The actors were so believable like I was really their. The stage crew did such an amazing job transforming from scene to scene. Everything was so professional. There are some scenes where the crew and animals may be in the isle so re-entry may be paused until floors are clear very understandable. The salad 🥗 from the concession stand was so good I couldn't stop eating. And they have icee🥤and I was able to mix cherry and Raspberry 😋my fav💜.

Lo H — Google review

My family and I went to see Daniel, which was absolutely amazing! The acting, the scene changes, the songs, and the environment are extraordinary. 7 of us went, 6 adults and 1 child. We had front row seats, which made it seem like they were acting just for you.We can't wait til next year to see "Noah".

Kozette M — Google review

What a beautiful experience! Such lovely stories told in a wonderful broadway musical sort of way. The actors/singers did such a great job making us feel all kinds of emotions. The theatrical show itself was well done, very professional. The fact that real animals were used in the live play was total awesome. They serve candy, glazed almonds, hot dogs, nachos, and variety of hot or cold drinks. Decent prices, what you’d expect at any other play. Such a great place to come visit with a group of friends or family. Perfectly located in Lancaster, PA. We enjoyed the show so much we’re planning a trip for next year!

D G — Google review

Saw the Daniel premeire today. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen. They are at a "next level" when it comes to theater. So glad we flew up here to watch this. Worth every dime. This company honors God through the excellence they show in their craft while telling stories of the Bible.

Paul K — Google review

I have watched many of the plays online but it’s a totally different thing to see it in person. A group from our church went to see Daniel a week ago, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The show was wonderfully done, the props and the stage setup was awesome, the songs were amazing, and the actors played their parts very well. I love how they include the gospel at the end of their shows and tie it in with the story. If you are debating on coming to see Daniel in person, I hope this review is enough to convince you. It’s worth the money and the drive. It truly is something worth seeing!!

Rachel K — Google review

We went to Sight and Sound on a Friday evening to see Daniel; the wait to get it wasn't long. We arrived and the line had started to form but moved very quickly. It was absolutely gorgeous everything was so beautiful and colorful you didn't know where to look next! The animals were amazing! This is a must see! We traveled almost 6 hours to see the show and it was totally worth it!

Carol W — Google review

Hands down this is one of the best theaters and faith based production companies in the world! Their stage and audio system sounds amazing and their live productions from the Bible are beyond measure, highly recommend taking your kids and family to one of their shows, you won’t regret it.

STARDOM101 T — Google review

Must Go!!! One of a kind experience where the Bible comes to life on stage with real animals, spectacular special effects, & a true testimony to its audiences. Top notch entertainment, exceptional staff, and a beautifully designed theater are experienced every time. And their signature glazed almonds are delicious! I have been to Sight & Sound many times over the past 30 years & have seen each & every show. Can't say enough good about this Lancaster attraction, you won't be disappointed!!

Lauren G — Google review

WHAT AN EXPERIENCEEveryone must attend at least once in their life! My boyfriend took me for our 1 year to see Daniel. We had seats up front on the right end of the aisle. That way the animals walked right past us!! The facility is gorgeous and everyone is very nice. The almonds were DELICIOUS. We regret not getting some for home. Don’t pass this up!

Maryanna P — Google review

The theatre, the lights, the live action animals all brought the story to life! The presence of God was felt so strongly there! It’s a 10/10 and I’d recommend going if you desire to see your favorite Bible story brought to life!The staff were extremely kind and helpful. And made my first time there a day to remember!

Riva H — Google review

Spectacular performance!! What a blessing to have the stories of the Bible come to life. My family and I have been coming for years, but this year’s production of Daniel really was timely! Highly recommend!! Don’t forget to get their famous glazed almonds!!

Daniel T — Google review

4.9

(24325)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (206)

5.0

(3456)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (207)

300 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, USA

(800) 377-1277

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26

Strasburg Rail Road

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$$$$cheap

Heritage railroad

The Strasburg Rail Road is a tourist attraction located in Ronks, PA that offers rides on old-fashioned locomotive trains. The railway cuts across the Amish country, providing passengers with beautiful views while they travel.

This place is incredible!Everything is beautiful, calm, to enjoy, adults and children, everyone is happy. We have been with my children many times at different times of the year and we always enjoy them. The food is excellent, the people friendly, happy.The bathrooms, something so important to me 😅, impeccable, always!Strasburg a place that everyone should go, even if the trains don't attract you, but I think it's impossible 😂.The train rides are so beautiful and the locomotives are impressive and Beautiful too. The days with Thomas, my children are so happy! I’m sure that you will have a wonderful time with your family.😃

Ana A — Google review

This is a place where you create memories; whether you are a family, or an individual. You will keep coming back. I love the trains, and the shops! This is a great attraction, and you have the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania across the road. If you are a train enthusiast, or just love history; this is the place to see. Trains represent progress, and they were a vital lifeline to many people then and now. The nostalgia is represented in the shops, and little souvenirs that you can take with you. I love seeing the excitement of people when they see the trains in action. The sights, sounds, and smell of the trains is something for sure!

Michael A — Google review

45 minute ride through Amish Country.My sister and I just got to Lancaster had a little time before check in at the red caboose and decided to do the last trip of the day which was 3 pm . Had to be there by 2:30 we made it !We took the open air car off of the recommendations of reviews I read . So glad I did. The cool breeze, and being able to take pictures so easily . Plus, you could walk to the end of the train outside and watch how everything works. Kids really loved this area.I think this was the perfect start for a vacation . So relaxing also after a 2 1/2 hour drive from DC.I think if I would’ve spent a day or two driving around Amish country and then did that it might have been a little boring .Highly recommend for families. Or anyone that’s just starting out their vacation in Amish country.

KS — Google review

I recently visited The Strasburg Rail Road and had a great experience!Even before arriving, I called the customer service line and received answers to my questions and insight into what to expect. The website has tons of great information as well.We visited to take in the fall foliage and Lancaster County farm scenery. The weather was perfect, and the train ride was excellent -- with luxurious comfort seating (premium cars). They even offer drinks and snacks on the ride (45 minutes). There was a senior in my group who needed a lift onto and off the train -- they had it covered (you must let them know when you arrive).I visited during October and the entire area was well decorated for the Fall and Halloween. I didn't have time to visit the shops and 1832 restaurant -- but I'm sure they provided great offerings as well.The staff (at the ticket booth, the operator of the lift for the train, the snack staff onboard, and the conductors) were professional, friendly, outstanding, and accommodating.Thank you to the entire Strasburg Rail Road Team! Truly a wonderful visit and we will be back again!

Mike E — Google review

This was so much fun and an absolutely beautiful ride. The people who work here and run the train were absolutely the greatest. The sites we saw we gorgeous and seeing how hard the farmers worked in the fields was truly amazing. It was such an incredibly hot day but they were out there working the fields. My son had a blast on this ride and the train was in such beautiful condition. I would love to ride this train again and even longer! It was such a great ride.

Tara W — Google review

We had a great time. The old steam engines are still amazing. We took the morning run and the weather was perfect before it got hot. We chose the open air car and we're glad we did. The ride takes you through open farm land with amazing views.

GregOutWest — Google review

This place is amazing!! It's like traveling back in time when you ride on the train. It's very well preserved, the seats are comfortable, the train cars are clean and the staff is very friendly. It is such a great place to visit with family/friends, and little kids have a great time. They have plenty of fun activities and you can buy tickets online or at the station. I recommend checking out the website for days and times availability, and try to get there early because they are very punctual with the the departures. I only wish the ride would be longer, but it is a great experience at a very good price.

Claudia R — Google review

We took our son and daughter to ride the train. It was really an awesome experience! The kids loved it! We rode in the first class car Marian 88. It was beautifully restored. We were comfortable the whole ride. We definitely recommend it to others. We plan to come back and explore more of what they have an offer.

Destiny S — Google review

"A Day with Thomas" at Strasburg Railroad was a huge success. I recommend arriving early as you'll have access to the parking lot & closer parking. It gets busy, but it didn't seem crowded. The lines to activities & areas involving pictures were not long. The staff was all very friendly & knowledgeable of the trains & history. The train ride was beautiful & peaceful; nothing like a ride through the fields of Lancaster County.

Kevin F — Google review

I never did the train ride before after many years of visiting Lancaster area. It was definitely something u should do if you have children. My daughter and nieces loved it as well as my sisters and I

Sally S — Google review

I’ve been to the Strasburg Rail Rd., many times over the years. It is the it is the oldest continuous running short line in America. The trains are spectacular. The people that take care of the trains and the customer service is phenomenal. I’ve loved Trains since I was a child, this is a fun filled family place check out the videos that I have some or a little bit short because you can only do 30 second clips on this platform. I can’t wait to go again before winter time. Tickets $16 for kids 2-11 $24 for adults so many more packages they have and events, check out the website for details.

Itwerk4 D — Google review

We had the best time here! We did the Christmas train ride with our own private car- the President’s car. Highly recommend! It’s stunning! It was fun to have snacks and a visit from Santa! It was romantic and memorable!

Courtney D — Google review

This is a great experience for anyone of any age. It was awesome seeing the trains that are over 100 years old come down the tracks with smoke coming out from the stack. The carts have working coal stoves inside the cart itself to keep you warm. Everyone who works there is super polite and very helpful. I loved seeing the people in character, it takes you back to a much simpler time and place. There's also a small ride on locomotive for the kids and crank cars that are also alot of fun! Food prices are a little high as with any place nowadays. Right across the street from the train station is the train museum and it is awesome! If you're i to trains you'll want to visit there. Affordable price as well. $10 a person. Enjoy!

Cathy H — Google review

This was a great experience! We enjoyed the ride. It was a bit shorter than expected. I highly recommend the shop tour. They let you get up and close to the workshop tools and the projects. Would definitely recommend if you have time to go.

John-Mark C — Google review

Today we visited the Strasburg Railroad in Strasburg PA to take a train ride and to Santa!!! This was a surprise trip for the our 3 youngest ones. If you are planning a visit to Lancaster County PA Strasburg Railroad is a must visit. The train ride is about 45 minutes and takes you through scenic farm land. This ride included a visit with Santa and Mrs Clause (Mrs Clause was in one of the shops and not on the train ride but included with the tickets). Carolers and a brass band. My boys loved every minute of it and were smiling from ear to ear.

Timothy P — Google review

We had a wonderful time here. We got here an hour before our boarding time. We cam specifically for a ride with the beautiful 611. The people here were great. There was lots of enthusiasm from ever person that worked there. They termed it a dream job. The workers on the platform were very helpful and happy! We watched the second steam train come in and out. It was really neat to see. When our time came, we boarded the “ Presidential Car”! It was a Pullman Car made in our home town of Butler, Pennsylvania. The original car was absolutely gorgeous. It was built for a wealthy Philadelphia businessman. The woodworking was exquisite. It was broken down into about 5 or 6 compartments. We were able to sit in one of the smaller compartments with just enough room for two people. I can describe just how nice this suite was. We were served wine and a snack. The conductor came through checking tickets. There were so many people taking pictures of this streamlined gem of a steam train. The ride was really enjoyable. At every passing there were so many people stopped and watching the train roll by. The ride was about an hour long up the line and back. We felt we went back in time for the entire trip. Even the music they placed was from back generations ago. The 611 probably won’t be there long, but if you get a chance even to ride with the regular coal burner, go for it. You won’t regret it!

Mikey8 S — Google review

I went with my Uncle to ride the 611 before it left, the entry is free, but the train ride cost $40 per ticket - which was utterly worth the ride. This place is wonderful! I'll be returning to ride another one. The additional things this place has and the other local things that kids can do is wonderful. The gift shop, the toys-only gift shop, and the photo options and restaurant are all great additions. This place was wonderful to visit after a 3 1/2 hour drive!

Amy O — Google review

I think I was about 12 when my parents first brought my sister and me to ride the train. Now we have a 12 year old grandchild! The station village is prettier than ever, the staff is helpful and goes the extra mile. This time we enjoyed our trip in one of the lounge cars. Beautiful!

Brandywine L — Google review

A gorgeous ride, through the countryside! We chose the open air car, which I highly recommend. The train was in pristine condition, and the atmosphere, both on the train and at the station, was a lot of fun. The ride was about 15 min, in length, each way. Our favorite part of the ride was traveling through Cherry Crest Adventure Farm and exchanging waves with everyone there. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is an incredible place, by the way, but I’ll save that for another review. ;) The only part of the train ride that disappointed my family was that the photographer aboard chose to take our family’s picture, in the town of Paradise, which is anything but picturesque. We didn’t purchase the picture because the background was awful. If the photograph had been taken in Strasburg instead, with the station as the background, or in the countryside, we would have purchased it. But, this is a minor detail, and doesn’t affect the fact that we thoroughly enjoyed the ride!

Cristen R — Google review

Great ride! Wonderful tour of the local countryside. Coach car was very comfortable. Looks like they have toilets on board. The coal stoves in each car work VERY WELL, according to the conductor, so winter rides should be a treat!

Steven D — Google review

Was super excited to try Strasburg. It had been on my must do list for some time.The train was quite nice. We were in a first class parlor car 88 which was not open air and had refreshment service as well as snacks. That was enjoyable. What I didn't like was I couldn't hear what the announcer was saying at all. The narrated tour was not heard. Unless you were seated right in the middle of the car it was impossible to hear. Also the ride isn't actually 45 minutes. You are on the train that long but there are times you are stopped. I guess that's protocol. It was enjoyable but not what I expected. On a side note if you have young children you may want to choose another car other than this one such as the open air. Parents of children in this car on that day were opening the windows for their children. Not a good idea and it hinders the enjoyment of the other guests on board.

Vickie M — Google review

This was a fun 45 minuter train ride, in a lounge car (those were the tickets I purchased). The attendant was very good, the conductor gave plenty of information that could be heard over the speakers. There was a nice gift shop and toy shop. Would recommend and would consider riding again if I'm in the area.

David G — Google review

Strasburg RAIL ROAD RIDE - Diner car$$ = about 50.00 I recommend skipping and go general admissionI had an excellent experience on the RR ride. It goes very slow so you get your 9 miles worth for the price as the views are very cool. What makes the trip worth it was the inside of the train, like you stepped back in time. Everything looks very authentic.I paid for food service which was good; the attendant was dutiful and friendly. For the 20.00 additional, I got a wrap, chips and cookie. You had to buy soda and beverages extra which I didn't like for the lunch price.When I go again, I will just take the regular car - no food. I found eating distracted from taking in the sites and the ride, not to mention I want to try the station cafe. I recommend bringing bottled soda or water with you.

Louis — Google review

We have twice visited the Strasburg Rail Road with our train-obsessed son! He has been delighted both times by the rides on Thomas and the regular steam train. They run a very efficient operation and everyone is friendly and helpful. Love this place!

Lauren K — Google review

It was great seeing this RR again after 14 years. The ride was short, but understandable. We rode in the parlor car. Very nice car and comfy. Going downhill with the steam was the main highlight for me. Plus, they have other things near by like the train museum, food, a small petting zoo and of course shopping. There's also a show program. But I think that's a little cheesy. Overall, this is still a nice experience after being open for like 60+ years. I would definitely go again.

Conductor1991 — Google review

I was on of 4 who spent a Monday at the Strasburg railroad. We had reservations for the shop tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our tour guide, Aaron actually works in the shop. He was so knowledgeable and happy to answer the many questions we had. Get tour tickets for this ahead of your trip ..it is worth it.Train ride was pleasant and had a great of the beautiful amish farmland. Just the sound of a steam engine is cool.

Heidi P — Google review

We got tickets for 11 am trip, in upgraded section with plush swivel chairs (First class lounge). Snacks and drives available, but we didn't need for the 45 min trip. The car was clean, spacious, and comfortable. Station has cafe, shipped and entertainment. History was clear with steam engines and museum next door. Fun family excursion!

Nicole W — Google review

This was a awesome experience to go on the train ride. Not only my kids was excited but me and my husband too. Its a quick ride but its all about the history how it was working before, what was around this route. Its like you experience the ride like in the movie Polar Express. Defenetly recomend this place for kids and adults.

Irina L — Google review

This was brilliant for a family day out. They have many different carriages with different seating setups. They have staff in vintage dress code and singing before the journey. The trip is around 30 minutes each way. You can get snacks and drink on the train. Lots of parking and good value.

Tom D — Google review

We took our parents and grandchildren to the Santa's Paradise Express last Saturday and had an awesome experience and made great memories. Plenty of parking. The only downside was not enough handicapped parking. It was a walk. We arrived about 45 minutes before our departure like they suggested. This gave us ample time to check in, look around and grab some hot cocoa and a snack at the café. The train ride was a great experience with carolers, and Santa while enjoying the beautiful views around Lancaster. The granddaughters enjoyed themselves. When we were done we had time to get our photos and look around some more. Great memories were made! Thank you! Definitely worth the trip!

Millie F — Google review

I love movies featuring historic trains, but this might be the first time I've ridden one in real life - I'm totally obsessed! This is inspired me to start seeking out other historic railroads. The 45 minute ride was educational with gorgeous view of the Lancaster County countryside, and the train cars are both comfy and beautiful. Even sitting on the shady benches waiting for the train was part of the magical experience.

R — Google review

The steam train is awesome, the playground is also awesome for kids. It was a great day for my grandson,wife and I. We went on a Friday and that was a good time to go. The toy store is packed with good things. I highly recommend this to any family.

Robert C — Google review

The narrative train ride was great. We rode in the dining car and had a satisfying meal. The train was well maintained, the staff pleasant and knowledgeable. The children and I enjoyed every part of the property and shops.

Karen B — Google review

We enjoyed the “Twas The Night Before Christmas” train ride the weekend before Christmas! The train decorations were beautiful and the atmosphere cozy! Buy your tickets ahead of time to secure a ride! I give it 4 stars because it was not very clear that you needed an upgraded ticket to get. Hot cocoa with you cookies instead of milk and the order/ series of events on the train ride we’re not made clear so some times we were not sure what was going to happen. But overall a sweet Christmas experience!!

Sarah O — Google review

This is the best railroad ever. We always go every month and that will continue for ever. Thank you crew for riding your beautiful trains. We rode all three trains and expecting to ride them even more. Keep up this great work. Recommended to always go here.

Norfolk M — Google review

Perfectly well preserved and well taken care train and station. There are different tickets you can buy but we bought the regular coach. It was a good experience and the train took us thru rural fields and good scenery. There are other activities but was closed when we were there.

Binod G — Google review

We had an absolutely lovely time at Strassburg! A group of us went for the lunch train ride and had a wonderful time. The food was great, hot, and ready as soon as we boarded. The ride itself was a lot of fun with beautiful scenery and great information! The staff were just excellent and made sure we were well taken care of. It is such a great place to go to and I highly recommend anybody who has an interest in trains to go embark on this wonderful experience to all the staff for such a wonderful time and I Hope to return one day soon!

Nicholas D — Google review

Between myself, and a friend, we brought six kids on a ride in the dining car. It was the highlight of our trip!! The workers were so nice on and off the train and the facilities at the station were immaculate. The train itself was clean, cool, smelled nice, and was just a joy. We had kids ages 4-12 and all had a great time. The food was good and we have zero regrets. I highly recommend doing the train museum across the street. There is a play area with electric trains that was so fun.

Steffanie G — Google review

4.7

(4370)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (220)

4.5

(5172)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (221)

301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, USA

(866) 725-9666

27

Bally's Dover Casino Resort

Mentioned on

5 lists

Hotel

Casinos & Gambling

Casino

Event venue

Bally's Dover Casino Resort offers comfortable rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi in a lively casino hotel. Guests can indulge in dining, entertainment, and leisure facilities including a pool and spa. The resort provides an exceptional holiday experience with a wide range of games and entertainment options. Virtual tours are available to help guests navigate the expansive property. Additionally, the resort features various dining options for guests to enjoy during their stay.

My husband and I stayed one night in Bally's hotel. Very clean and a lot of amenities. Enjoyed the casino floor which was full of new and interesting slit machines. Plenty if venues to eat and relax. We had dinner at the Sugar Factory. Service was excellent. Quite a novelty.

Pat L — Google review

ThisThe casino itself was what you would typically expect. Slots, table games. Atmosphere was nice. Facility was clean. Staff was pleasant.This review is about the Toppers Spa.Visited the spa with a friend and had the most terrible experience we’ve ever had while doing a spa and self care day.We booked a morning appointment and arrived 30 mins early to check in.We were guided to a waiting area while we waited for the nail technicians to come get us.When we were finally greeted by the technicians, they were both very polite and pleasant throughout the entire process.Once we got back into the spa area, my friend who is disabled had a difficult time getting into the doorway and chair because the facility is NOT handicapped accessible.That was not the worst part. We informed the nail technicians that we had gel nail polish on our feet which required removal.Typically a filing tool is used or foil with acetone to remove the old polish. Our technicians told us they were NOT allowed to use any special equipment or foil. What?! This meant they had to soak our feet for an entire hour!!! And MANUALLY scrape off the gel. It took forever. We ended up being there almost 2.5 hours.That is unacceptable for a simple spa pedicure. Part of the treatment we received some time of clay and warm compress that was placed on our feet but it was messy and a bit too sticky for me.The technicians were very nice but they did not have the tools they needed to perform the service. It’s like going to a restaurant and they have no plates or silverware. We will never go back.Toppers was the worst pedicure experience we’ve ever had and we get pedicures at least once a month. We wanted to try something different and it was the absolute worst experience.

K P — Google review

I want to start by saying that the staff in the hotel and casino were very kind and friendly. More concern for the rooms. We stayed in a double room for an overnight while we traveled long distances. The room was very affordable, and because of the name, we wanted to stay for cleanliness. It was clean but completely outdated. The dresser was full of scratches and peeling. The rug felt like it needed a good scrubbing and possibly removed. The mattresses would shift completely when you sat on them. Not enough pillows (understand that's a preference thing). It was the most uncomfortable bed on our journey. The pool was closed- stated until mid-June 2023. Casino was nice, and their restaurant Candy Factory had plates that were massive. Wouldn't sleep here again until the rooms had an update.

Cara T — Google review

Update....We came back the next night there were table and chairs and they had cleaned the floor. So fantastic start to taking care of concerns.This review is in regards to Fire and Ice lounge. I live locally and would visit the lounge every weekend for live music and loved it. Covid hit. They have been closed down for 3 years. It has recently been revamped by the looks of it and reooened. They have removed the chairs. There is now a $10 cover. I don't mind the cover but when you come there and you're paying a cover you should have a seat. And the other issue is the dance floor I don't know what it's been cleaned with but it's considerably sticky and hard to dance on. Actually dancing on the carpet at our table was easier. If the floor issue isn't resolved I won't be coming back because I go there to dance.

Del B — Google review

Spent the night at the hotel... Had a nice room.. plenty of new machines, lots of table games... The only downfall especially if your staying overnight is that they only have one restaurant and no room service during the week... I feel you should at bare minimum have 2 or 3.. Also you can't get a cup of coffee before 8am and you have to go on the casino floor and flag down a waitress. The little store is gone out of the lobby so No newspaper... But we had a lovely visit just the same..

William F — Google review

The room was okay. The food is overpriced and mediocre at best at all 3 restaurants. Went to Best Odds (formerly Sweet Perks) at 8am which is when it was to be open only to be told by the staff person in an extremely rude tone "I'm not open yet. Shooting for 8:30. I got stuff to do." Rolled her eyes, turned her back to us and went back to sweeping the floor. Never had an experience like that when it was Dover Downs. Bally's had really taken this establishment down hill. Miss the store in the lobby for quick items. Need to allow check in at anytime as long as room is ready. Sad to see one of my favorite places getting ruined like this.

Kendra — Google review

The hotel rooms are decent but the water pressure in the shower is horrible. The gym has limited hours and is pretty lame, including only cardio machines and dumbbells up to 50 pounds, plus the pool is out of order. The ballroom is nice, decent spot for a business conference. Central location with lots of nearby restaurants and shopping.

Michael O — Google review

If you like slots, they have tons of them. A lot of fun, but don’t think of winning anything. I lost thousands without barely even getting a bonus round and didn’t see anyone else win. They were very tight if you like tables aside from a few blackjack tables there aren’t many others. A handful Of other card games, but not many and most of the normal poker games were all closed until night time after 8 PM. High minimums. Don’t know about Service because our entire day there I only had one waitress ask if I wanted a drink. Do not know about the hotel but the restaurants look decent.

Darrelloli — Google review

Pretty clean, and the casino was not packed. It was a pretty nice morning with my 87 year old mom, celebrating her birthday earlier this week. We didn't win, but she still had fun. We will be back!

Brian P — Google review

Nice low to medium star quality place to stay. I’ve stayed in the updated rooms and dated rooms. I suggest they pick up the speed on completing the rest of the renovations. Many slots and table games. Restaurants are ok and they seem to need additional support. But if you know what your getting into you will have a lot of fun! Good luck!!!

Aaron S — Google review

Not enough kiosks for rewards cards. Lines over a half hour. Soda machines empty. Sugar factory food was just horrible. Fries were definitely old and reheated. Bread was stale. Otherwise a good selection of machines and had a good time gambling. Just gotta get lucky and find a machine that doesn’t have 20+ non-paying spins in a row. Can easily blow through $100 in minutes with a minimum net.

Brad R — Google review

Nice little Casino in Dover, note gaming isnt 24/7 during the week, only weekends which was a disappointment. Rooms were well kept, few staff working were very friendly.

John W — Google review

This was a quick overnight for us. The customer service was awesome. The older gentlemen was super helpful. The men at concierge were also very helpful. Front desk staff were nice.My biggest issue was the $50.00 fee to check in early. That is completely ridiculous. We have stayed at very nice hotels, and resorts around the world and never experienced this. Vegas does not do this, Atlantic City does not do this. I travel for work often and never once have I had to pay to check in early. If our room is ready when we arrive, they let us in. Period. This place has a prorated early check in fee. Madness.The rooms are really dated and the bath towels are small but it served our needs. The bed and pillows were comfy. Two mini bottles of water were in the frisge. That size was a bit odd to me. I have not seen that anywhere.The steak place was so so. I had the surf and turf. The steak was salty and so was the lobster. My husband's 16oz was meh. The Mac and cheese was ok. The creamed spinach was good. The thick cut bacon was good but it had way too much fat on it. Like half of it was fat so we did not have much of it to enjoy. The crabcake was good, the lollipop lamb chop was good, the French onion soup was fabulous. It was my favorite dish of the night! Our waiter was awesome.Drinks at Sugar factory were good. You can never go wrong there. Customer service was great!We had a good time playing slots and the table games. If we are in the area again, we will likely stay here but I doubt we will make a trip specifically to visit.

Aundie 7 — Google review

Having a big truck its hard to find parking in places like this, usually I would have to park the truck at a truck stop and cab it to the location. But this place has a designated parking spot for my truck and 53 foot trailer. The room was very clean smelled nice, the room view was race track. There was no line at the check in or the check out. There is an option for a late check out but it’s Not free. $25 per hour. I only paid $88 for the room.

Joanna S — Google review

Finally a smoke free casino! Went on a Tuesday early afternoon, lots of open machines, won a few $. Most restaurants are not open on Mondays & Tuesdays. Clean bathrooms and you can adjust the sound on most of their slots. We enjoyed ourselves and the low-key vibe of the casino.

Brenda Z — Google review

One of my favorite casinos. Clean rooms with a classic feel and large bathrooms. Love the casino as they still have the oldSchool traditional slot games. The staff from the casino, hotel and bar were all friendly and helpful.

Jennifer B — Google review

The rooms are super cozy, and the atmosphere at the slots is professional and clean. I always have a good time. Sugar factory restaurant was amazing and the drinks were so delicious.

Takiyah T — Google review

Couldn't check in til 4. Dover used to check you in if there were rooms available. Now you have to stand in long lines. No more buffet, and casino doesn't open til 8. The bathroom floor was very sticky. Longo was the bright spot. Excellent food and service. Sweet perks, my sister ordered a Latte, was told couldn't make it because they had no milk. Come on, 12 in the afternoon.

Robert C — Google review

The rooms are nice enough for a hotel of it's class. Early morning / late night dining options are non-existent. And room service is also non-existent throughout the week. The price is decent for what you get at least Monday through Thursday though.

Straylight M — Google review

I live 30 minutes away and visit the Casino occasionally. First time staying at the hotel. Had no problems and a wonderful time. Although it would be good if they could give me inside info on winning in the casino:). Everything was good to great and we will do this again. Trackside room was really cool if you are a NASCAR fan, although this was not a race weekend.

Jeff B — Google review

The rooms are a bit dated, their offerings inside the casino offer essentially nothing besides gambling. What makes it a resort if there's nothing to do lol. I requested to checkout early because the neighbors next to my room were loud, the shower had hair all inside it, and on top of that there was nothing to enjoy besides slot machines. I requested to checkout early because I was not happy and received the run around from front desk staff for over 3 hours before just giving up and leaving.

Kyle G — Google review

No handicap parking so it was a difficult walk. No place to eat in building. Workers didn't know much hotel wasn't half full but wanted to charge me an additional $25for a noon check, 1 additional hour. Even in Vegas I was never changed an amount for 1 hour. Will not stay there again.

Bob M — Google review

My husband and I stayed at this hotel for two nights in March 2024 while looking at property in Delaware. We enjoy casinos and decided to stay here as it is centrally located to our other destinations. We found the staff at registration unfriendly and unhelpful. We arrived about 40 minutes ahead of check-in time and were told that it was too early but that we could check-in if we wanted to pay a fee for early check-in. I understand this policy and most hotels and resorts enforce such a rule. We arrived 40 minutes early, not 2 or 3 or more hours early. They made no offer to hold our luggage which meant if we wanted to go into their casino we had to return to our car with our luggage. They have a policy of no backpacks or luggage in the casino. Again, this is understandable but their customer service is seriously lacking and unfriendly. We have visited and stayed at casinos around the world but would probably not bother to visit this one again. Not hospitable.

R S — Google review

When we checked into the hotel, we were treated in a way that I would never recommend this hotel to anyone. I am a business owner in customer service everything they need to teach their staff what customer service means. when I finally got to my room, I laid in the bed and my feet went up about 4 inches. The mattress should’ve been replaced probably 3 to 5 years ago. I can’t believe he would charge me 400+ a night and not put a mattress in the room that was fit for somebody to sleep in. I wanted to go down to the front desk but after my last encounter at the front desk, I said why waste your time if I could’ve checked out I would’ve, but there was nowhere to go because there was a race on, decided to open my shades and look outside. I was looking at a patched roof , the view was worse than a prison. I’m sorry I don’t complain like this, but I’ve never been treated like this even economy hotel I’ve been treated nicer. You need to work on. You need to work on your rooms and then add it all off when you go into the bar , they card everybody they don’t look at your license. All you do is take it out and they go OK they don’t look at the dates they don’t look at anything, but they make you take it out every time so they can act like they look at it if you’re gonna , put these programs you should at least do it properly. I am so sorry for this, but you truly deserve it. You don’t deserve one star

Richard S — Google review

We have been going to Dover casino for over 20 years. We always loved it there until it was taken over by Ballys. So much has changed. Here are a few: no free drink stations. You have to pay for bottles in a vending machine. Really? How cheap can you get? No buffet. In fact, no restaurant lunch service until after 2:00 during the week. Slot machines are more expensive here then the same machines in other casinos. Casino and restrooms are not nearly as clean as they used to be. Where are the perks for playing there? I used to get free play money and table vouchers. Nothing now except 5 or 10 dollars. The staff is not friendly. They seem to be miserable doing their jobs. This USED to be our favorite casino. Luckily, there are others to visit.

Lynnette S — Google review

Had to stay here for a business trip and my expectations were low, but I was surprised how nice and clean the rooms were and how nice the hotel was in general. My view wasn't great - a parking lot, but there are lots of rooms with views of the race track which is really nice. Also all of the restaurants were closed due to a gas and electric issue, but it wasn't exclusive to the hotel, it was town-wide and not their fault. I would definitely stay here again.

Darin S — Google review

Machines rigged up bad to take your money..stay away . Im never going back there again. Have better luck in Harrington Casino...Bally Casino has really gone down . Not even free drinks anymore. Lied bout my free play to get me there. That place not it no more. Sucks!

Patricia F — Google review

The hotel is nice but the casino is a complete joke. The pit bosses have no clue what they are doing as well as the security in the casino. Four security guards just sit in the little office next to the cashiers and collect pay for doing absolutely nothing. I’ve been to many casinos and this casino is the closest to a circus as you’ll find. I would rather flush my money down my toilet than go back here.

Peter B — Google review

Clean rooms, My husband list his money near the front desk under $300. He went to look for it and the employees gave it back. Surprised at how honest these people were. Gave them a tip for returning the money. I will definitely refer friends and family to this casino hotel!

Electra M — Google review

My husband and I decided that we needed a little vacation. So we checked into Billy's for a mid week getaway. We had a great time. They had a nice breakfast spot that serves breakfast until 1. The downside was that not all of their restaurants were open mid week, and their hot tub and pool were not open. But it's located in Dover and there are many places to dine. While I don't gamble, my husband does. It was a great little vaca.

Dianna A — Google review

If you’re looking for a terrible experience this would be the place to get it. From their very unprofessional and rude customer service, terrible attitudes, lack of help, to having no fun at this casino. My sister and I stayed here the rooms were dirty, front desk refused giving us more towels/toilet paper/ coffee had to ask a house keeper cleaning another room for items! They don’t offer any complimentary drinks not even water you have to pay for everything!The food was very terrible, drinks were expensive and made of mostly mixes vs alcohol,The beds are very old and/or broken. The pool and hot tub were under construction! We will NEVER be staying there again!!! Honestly there wasn’t any thing good about this casino/hotel!!! Beware you’ve been warned!

Holly B — Google review

Friends and I attended the Golden Girls Murder Mystery night and it was such fun! The ladies did a fabulous job hosting. The room was spacious enough to move around in, the bartenders (and drinks) were fantastic, and the atmosphere was great. Top notch event!

Jessica C — Google review

Recommended destination for decent gambling and hotel rooms. Deluxe king room was clean and spacious. No microwave but did have a mini fridge. Local access to everything within a couple of miles. Walking distance to fast food if you don’t want to blow your wad on in house dining. Huge variety of slots. Some table games. Robo roulette and craps. NON SMOKING! Small section of smoking slots outside. Free outdoor parking with valet on the weekends.

John T — Google review

Decided to visit for Christmas Eve this way and was pleasantly pleased. I had not been to this location in almost 10 years and was surprised at how well the property has been kept up.Rooms:Very well maintained and cleaned to perfection. The only negative is the quality of the mattress and bedding.Restaurants:Good customer service and quick even with it being a major holiday. Everyone was so pleasant. New additions of restaurants offer good choicesCasino:As a gambler I was pleased with the casino game selections. They have all of the current hot games as well as some of the older games left for those of us who enjoy them. Overall great stay and will return

Remi M — Google review

During my recent visit to Bally’s Dover Downs Casino, my experience was a mix of highs and lows, largely influenced by the service at the bar.The Drink IncidentMy evening started on a sour note when I discovered multiple fruit flies in my drink. This was quite off-putting, and I expected more from the casino when it comes to bar cleanliness. When I brought the issue to the attention of the other bartender he addressed it immediately.Redemption by a Thoughtful BartenderThankfully, the other bartender stepped in and completely turned the situation around. The original bartender never acknowledged me the rest of the night. The bartender who fixed the situation was clearly embarrassed by what had happened and went out of his way to make things right. His professionalism and genuine concern were evident, and his efforts were greatly appreciated. He managed to salvage the evening, and his actions should be commended.Overall Atmosphere and StaffDespite the initial hiccup, I must say the property itself is very nice and clean. The gaming staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, contributing to a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. The facility is well-maintained, and it’s clear that the casino takes pride in providing a pleasant environment for its guests.While the incident with the drink was a significant downside, the positive aspects of my visit – particularly the clean property and friendly gaming staff – balanced out my overall experience. Special kudos to the bartender who rectified the situation, showcasing the level of customer service that guests can appreciate. If the initial service issue is addressed, Bally’s Dover Downs Casino has the potential to provide a consistently excellent experience.

Taylor S — Google review

I did not stay at the hotel. I can only speak on experience with the hotel staff for a birthday celebration that I attended on last Friday. They were pleasant and accommodating. The bar staff, Ashley and Becky, were very generous with the drinks. We all got some laughs in and I like that they weren't just all business and no fun. Who I am assuming to be the event manager (?) went above and beyond to have her staff search for some crackers. I'm so sorry I forgot your name but THANK YOU, again! The food was good. The bathroom was clean. It was a bit of a walk to the ballroom but the place is HUGE. I do look forward to visiting again and staying on the property.

Calandra S — Google review

I had been in several casinos throughout my life, in many states, and this is byfar the least impressive one yet. Spent my time with family here, and things didnt go as plan. It was overall okay, hoping to be better next time I visit.

Fred W — Google review

Although this is a hotel /casino the mattresses on the beds needs replacing.for the price per night they need to invest in all new mattresses in the rooms because you can feel they have been in the rooms for years and haven't been replaced. You get charged a resort fee but there are no amenities offered as if you stayed in a luxury resort hotel. Front desk service really need to work on customer service skills. I would give zero stars.

Highly B — Google review

Since Covid and Ballys hit this place, it has gone way downhill. Not enough staff, rooms old and outdated, cut our free play for no reason. Restaurants are meh.

Dave D — Google review

4.2

(5931)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (222)

4.0

(1056)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (223)

1131 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901, USA

(302) 674-4600

28

Longwood Gardens

40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (224)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (225)

40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (226)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (227)

Mentioned on

1 list

$$$$affordable

Garden

Longwood Gardens boasts an extensive assortment of lively blooming gardens, a greenhouse and water fountain displays in addition to classes for students. Its breathtaking views are stunning all year long. Visitors can opt for a yearly membership after experiencing the beauty of this place firsthand. A one-time entry fee can be applied towards the annual subscription, which provides access to exceptional live music performances at their outdoor restaurant seating area.

Wow, what an amazing experience! We went courtesy of tickets from a friend and ended up getting the annual membership for 5 since we enjoyed it so much and wanted to share the experience with family and friends. Everything was beautiful even during their winter season. We're looking forward to seeing the fountains in action and everything in full bloom when the weather gets nicer. For this time of the year, it was very busy but didn't feel crowded due to size of their grounds. Very rich with history and amenities galore! Lots of food and adult and child beverage choices as well. Very easy to navigate paths and trails for all ages. Excellent signage and maps to navigate your way. The staff were all very friendly and helpful! Highly recommended!

Danny C — Google review

The most exited place I've ever been this year. This Botanical garden with incredible flowers and plants were amazing experience. So many varieties of trees 🌳. So man flowers that I have never seen before. Fountain ⛲️ show also was incredible, lots of good emotions and memories from it. So if you like nature, flowers and plants come and visit. You better come here in the morning 🌄 so not to get burn under the sun. Bring hat and sun's cream to protect yourself. Lots of pictures 📸 from here will be our good memories

Husrav M — Google review

My sister surprised me with a visit here a couple weeks ago and the entire area is beautiful. We walked around and visited everything in about 2 hours and then saw the early fountain show which was very cool. The late one is supposed to be much better but we couldn’t stay. They have a very nice dining area that we walked through but didn’t eat at and they also had live music playing when we went. A gorgeous place to visit if you like plants and the outdoors.

Jessica T — Google review

Wow. Simply amazing...Not sure there is much more I can say that others haven't. There is a reason this place has so many reviews and a rating this high. This is the best botanical garden I have ever been to and I've seen a lot. The conservatory by itself is amazing let alone the other features of the place including the old trees, the various fountains, the treehouses, the train and the historical building on site. I don't think one day is enough to truly experience this place and if I lived closer I would have a membership in a heartbeat. I'm truly impressed by this place and cannot recommend it enough.Stop reading reviews and go see it, it's spectacular.

Jozef W — Google review

Went for the Christmas lights and it did not disappoint. The trees were beautifully decorated and there was even a fountain show that was both colored and synced to music. It was very cold, but they were selling hot chocolate that was actually really good, which warmed me up nicely. Also make sure to check out the gift shop, as it was full of not only unique plants but beautiful Christmas ornaments, candies, clothing, and decorations.All of that was cool, but by far the best part of the place is the Conservatory. It is a massive, stunning building on both the outside and inside. It looked like a rainforest inside, and with the addition of the lights, it felt almost surreal. They also had a 10,000-pipe organ, which is one of the biggest in the world, playing itself and adding to the ambiance. You can walk behind it and see many of the pipes, some of which are almost as tall as the building itself. It’s pretty awesome.

Oliver K — Google review

Went here this spring and this past winter and loved it both times! Beautiful flowers, plants, fountains, and lights! A great place to take your family, boyfriend or girlfriend, or friends to spend quality time together and make lasting memories. They also had water shows both times I was there, and they were different each time. Definitely want to come back again when they have different plants and flowers in bloom and for upcoming events!

Kyra — Google review

This place is worth every penny! It’s huge and you can spend many hours here. Every part of it is beautiful and well-maintained. Staff are incredibly friendly. The gardens have plenty of seating at various places for those who need rest. The fountain show is an amazing display, I can’t wait to come back for an illuminated one!

Rachaelann K — Google review

Beautiful every season of the year. You will not be disappointed. Initially we did a quick trip to visit not necessarily planning to return. However, we enjoyed it so much that we decided to get a year membership. Appreciated that our one time entrance fee that day could be used towards our yearly membership. Quality musician performances are an added bonus when relaxing for a bite to eat and drink at their outdoor restaurant seating.

Patty H — Google review

What a beautiful place! Yes, there's construction going on in one area but it doesn't distract from the whole gardens. Definitely bring your walking shoes and a folding chair. You will walk a lot but it's so worth it. Your chair is for when you sit and watch the fountain show, which is a definite must do.The Idea Garden is beautiful and so were the dahlias that were in bloom. Beauty is everywhere and the benches are placed to sit, rest your feet, and enjoy it all.We hit every area and enjoyed it all. My favorite was the Fountain show and different Lights show that are around the property. My only issue was not enough trash cans. We didn't want to miss anything so we picked up drinks and a snack and kept walking around. Then we were carrying our empty containers for quite a bit before we found a trash can to dispose of it properly.All in all..... a terrific day with beautiful night time shows to end it. Definitely a must see. If close enough, become a member!

Joanna B — Google review

Listen if you are into plants, beautiful design, water display, open space and nature. I will even go further even if you are not an outdoor person, do yourself a favor, go to Longwood Gardens you will not regret your visit. Great food as well. The landscape design was splendid, breathtakingly beautiful.

Josh A — Google review

We always love coming to Longwood Gardens. We have been there for the Christmas lights and plan to go back this winter but we were recently there in the summer. This is a wonderful place to visit no matter what age. It is definitely a lot of walking and completely worth it. It is handicap accessible. I can't say enough about how beautifully kept Longwood Gardens is and how much love and time goes into every area. The staff members are very knowledgeable and inspiring. They even go the distance and offer to take pictures of you and your family and tell you what is the best angle and place to stand. You can tell that they really like working there. The tree houses are neat especially if you have younger children. The conservatory is breathtaking. There are so many beautiful plants that we wouldn't have ever seen in person. They are currently building an expansion! I can't wait to see it finished.

Christina S — Google review

Visited Sept 1, 2023- Gorgeous place! The grounds are impeccable- and the variety of plants and flowers is innumerable. We stayed for the evening light/fountain show which was a fun nighttime presentation. Bring a camp chair for the show! I will definitely return as there’s so much that changes from season to season.

Jennifer V — Google review

Since moving away, It's been years since I have been here. When i left PA, they were starting some major renovation, I have been keeping up with the progress online and on U-tube. It was really nice to see it finally to see it in person. We went on Monday morning when it first opened and it was busy. The gardens are still beautifully done. I can't wait for the renovation to be completed.

Karen S — Google review

Longwood Gardens is a popular spot for many, and for good reason! My wife and I are wedding photographers and we shoot engagements at Longwood often. There is no shortage of fantastic photo spots here, especially as they continue to build onto the gardens and continue to improve the grounds. Not only is it a great location for photos, but it's an excellent family destination or for a fun date day/night. There's a cafe, a sit-down restaurant, and they often hold shows, concerts, and other events for entertainment. The staff are all very friendly and helpful, and there's always more to see! 10/10!

Jack D — Google review

I have come here many times and I always enjoy the experience. The gardens are beautiful with so much to see. They have wheel chairs that you can request for free. We got a good workout pushing around our friend. There are a few options for eating but you can bring something to eat in a bag.

Mia V — Google review

First time seeing the Holiday Lights at Longwood Gardens. We weren't disappointed. Our entry time was at 9PM, which only gave us 2 hours to check it out. We had enough time to see the displays, but wish we had at least one more hour. Next year we'll buy our tickets earlier and spend more time.Very impressive light displays. The Conservatory was amazing with the various Christmas tree themes and fragrances from the flowers.

Popsomali — Google review

Loved this place! Went at Christmas time to celebrate two birthdays in our group. Definitely worth the trip. Really beautiful and festive! Would love to back in the spring/summer to see everything in bloom!

Rebecca M — Google review

Beautiful as always. Can't wait for the new area to open later this year. In law's really enjoyed themselves walking around and seeing the spring blooms. A must see if you are in Chester county. Highly recommend going during Christmas time as well!

Chloë M — Google review

Beautiful display, colorful flowers, the weather was perfect. First time visiting and it was a great experience. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. What makes it more unique is we also watched the solar eclipse there. ♥️ We stayed around for 4 hours and saw almost everything. It was also great to know the history of the garden and the buildings.

B G — Google review

Beautiful gardens to enjoy on a sunny day with my daughter and an out of town friend. Allow at least 4-5 hours and wear comfortable shoes… lots of walking. We were there for 5+ hours and didn’t get to see all the gardens. Thanks to Mr. Pierre DuPont for leaving these beautiful gardens for the public to enjoy for many years to come.

Marilyn R — Google review

Amazing Amazing!!! 2 hours in NOT enough! Please leave ample time for you to explore this amazing massive 1,100 acre garden. Just so amazing. So absolutely well kept i want to return everyday! Also month to month it looks so beautiful and different. So amazing and so worth it.

Sofie N — Google review

We had a wonderful visit! You could spend an entire day exploring the grounds or choose shorter loops. We stayed a little over 4 hours. Most of the walking was very easy and can accommodate a stroller easily. We enjoyed a great lunch in the cafe (although pretty pricey), had great interactions with staff, and loved exploring the interior and exterior options! I felt like a large amount of time had shade available which is appreciated.

Michelle F — Google review

Beautiful garden grounds with an absolutely astonishing collection of flowers, trees, bushes, cacti. Hard to choose a favorite part - everything is just amazing! You definitely don't want to miss the blooming flower beds in the spring & the conservatory with its green wall! Visiting Longwood Gardens is my most memorable visit of all botanical gardens & arboretums.Reservations are required & limited during spring blooms. Make sure to book your visit in advance not to be turned away. Entrance fees aren't very cheap (comparable to many other arboretums & botanical gardens) but here it's very well worth it!!!There's a nice beer garden area adjacent to a cafe - great for taking a break between roaming the grounds for hours at a time. The cafe is pricey & I can't vouch for the food taste & quality. They have a few craft beers on tap in the beer garden + canned beer & bottled wine in the cafe. There's also a few soda machines.The one little thing I wish they improved was more trash bins in the park. I didn't see a single trash can for over an hour, while walking through the right half of the park.

Daniel S — Google review

Fantastic time here with coworkers, family, and friends. The water show they have is not only mesmerizing but it's scenic in ways you so choose by changing where you are watching. Whether you're right up close to the jets, near the pathway formed with trees parallel to each other, by the botanical garden or near the benches outside the gallery/museum entrance - you're sure to enjoy the view. There's also a super cute orange and white cat around the garden sometimes!

Ash J — Google review

Its simply another world to see. A world of trees and plants. Took me 4.30 hours to finish the most parts of it, from the fountain to the meadow, walked about 5 miles. Do some research before visit, bring enough food and drinks, hat, sunglasses etc. I guarantee it will be a memorable tour of your life. Couldn’t believe my eyes that man could build something like this.I saw people from all over the world, people of all religion, people of all ages at the same place enjoying the mesmerizing views of Longwood garden.

Kazi A — Google review

Beautiful place for a day trip. The flowers and foliage are ever-changing so it's a different experience at different times of the year. They have beautiful fountains which put on shows throughout the day and after dark they have an amazing fountain light show to end the day.

B F — Google review

This was my first time visiting and it was so amazing! It was so peaceful. The flowers and plants were so beautiful and well taken care of! We walked around for over two hours, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. I am definitely looking forward to going back, especially around Christmas time to see the lights! It's a great place to take family photos, wedding photos etc. If you love flowers and plants, it's a must that you visit soon!!

Demita H — Google review

Great grounds beautiful setup. I'm a nature bum so I appreciate the trees, flowers, and all the smells that comes with it. I'd recommend this place to anyone! Lots to see, so make sure to put some comfortable shoes on. You will be doing a lot of walking.

Rob L — Google review

What a lovely way to spend the afternoon, the theme this year was retro. I have to admit I enjoyed the fire and ice display even more last year. With that said.. My time spent appreciating the beautiful grounds, architecture wonders and attention to detail was outstanding. The gardens were packed with people which is nice to see so many of us all appreciating the lights and the plants. The cafe was a mad house. We were all packed in there like sardines. The cream of mushroom soup is tasty, and the battered french fries so good. The orchid room, and the Elm trees are definitely amongst my favorites. Always clean bathrooms available. Definitely worth the trip to experience what the winter season has to offer.

Exit Z — Google review

I was here last night (12/19). Longwood is visually stunning! We were bundled up for the cold weather, so we were able to walk all around this huge property. This is a great place to bring children. They are in absolute awe when viewing the incredible lights! Almost all the paths are paved, so folks in wheelchairs can also enjoy the experience. The staff is ALL pleasant and extremely helpful and accommodating. We had a wonderful experience!

Carol L — Google review

Beautiful gardens! We enjoyed the fountain show and the home museum - there's also an informative film in the home. We enjoyed a lovely walk through the different areas of the garden!Don't bother with the gift shop, though - in my opinion, it's quite expensive and has very few unique items.

Cindy C — Google review

Longwood Gardens shines as a must-visit holiday spectacle, especially for Christmas. With its expansive grounds featuring dazzling indoor and outdoor light displays, it's a feast for the eyes. The variety of plants, stunning gardens, impressive fountains, and friendly staff make every visit memorable. Christmas at Longwood is unique, showcasing specially decorated rooms, this year with a captivating 50s theme. Though tickets are a bit pricey and need to be bought in advance, the magical experience is absolutely worth it. Perfect for families looking to create unforgettable holiday memories.

Steve A — Google review

Beautiful gardens, tons of space to roam and take everything in. Absolutely stunning conservatory with ever changing displays, I’m partial to the orchids where things get regularly switched out which makes membership totally worth it if you live in the vicinity. Food at the cafe is good. Love the Italian water garden and central tulip lined path. The main fountains are undergoing work so I haven’t gotten to see those yet.

Crystal F — Google review

A wonderful day out, every time, from infant/toddler to adult. No matter the forecast, always something to find and do in the gardens. I think the membership is worthwhile if you want to enjoy the way seasons affect nature and show your children the different stages of seasons etc. Get the daily schedule of events to plan out your visit so you get to the fountain shows. Listen for the chimes tower. Do the flower walk.When you get hungry:Mushroom soup is always a winner and the recipe seems recently improved if that were possible. Food prices are typical in the Cafe - $1.50 water, $6.75 soup, salad typically $13ish, sandwiches, wraps, hot foods (some fancy dishes but also chicken tenders and fries/hot chips), many snacks and drinks, deserts.

Lisette V — Google review

This was our second trip to Longwood Gardens. Both times we really enjoyed ourselves. We were a little concerned about the heat but there is plenty of shade and some indoor spaces. The fountain show was spectacular. Also really enjoyed the Idea area.

Mark S — Google review

We caught the spring bloom at its peak. Including the blue poppies and the century agave that’s about to bloom for the first time in 20 years. We had to dodge raindrops, so the café tent and the conservatory were great places to stay dry. The docents seem to magically appear anytime you had a question and are so knowledgeable. The entire facility is wheelchair friendly. There are a couple of paths that had steps, and we had to go a little further to find the wheelchair path, but it all worked.As someone who has regular access to the Biltmore Estate, we found Longwood Gardens even more amazing and as an aside, more affordable.

Jennie G — Google review

I've been coming to Longwood Gardens since I was a small child and I've always loved it. This trip wasn't as fun as some trips past with all the construction going on, but there's still so much to see and enjoy. Also the food in the dining hall was good.

Kate E — Google review

There are so many beautiful, colorful flowers here! There is also an amazing fountain show put to music that is shown every other hour. If you are someone who likes wildflowers, there is a nice meadow with a trail running through it. If you like the woods, there is a trail in the woods. Or if you'd rather be inside, there is plenty to see in the conservatory! All that to say, there is something for everyone!! They have some huge bells in a tower that chime the hour. You can climb part way up the tower, and watch a video about how the bells got there. There are restrooms strategically placed around so that you are never far from one. My favorite feature is the orchid room! They always have a big variety of all sizes and shapes of orchids. They have quite a few fountains scattered around surrounded by flowers. I would definitely recommend getting a membership! If you get a membership, you can enter as many times as you want for a year! You can get a membership for up to 9 people, plus two guests.

Michaela L — Google review

My heart is so happy!!! God truly is amazing! He created the flowers and the plants of all different sizes and colors for us to enjoy and the display of them here, was absolutely breathtaking. The knowledge and the passion each one of the staff members have made this an even more memorable experience . Can't wait to come back with my mom! I needed this, thank you so much!

Karen C — Google review

I kept pinching myself during my visit here. Absolutely breathtaking, tulips were in full bloom, and the whole experience was like something out of a novel or movie.The workers were always so friendly and helpful. I came with my 14 month old and a friend, we spent probably 2 hours walking and enjoying ourselves but could have spent more had we had the time. I loved the child water play area in the conservatory!Will come back here again, even though it’s an hour drive away.

Rashae W — Google review

Beautiful time to go if you HURRY. Blooms will be gone soon. Beautiful gardens and worth your time. Dining was good, of course not cheap. Vegetarian friendly. Can't leave and come back so bring food or eat there. Enjoy!

RickK — Google review

Beautiful gardens and serene settings. Best visited on days when the weather is comfortable. I was not able to stay for the evening fountain show, but the daytime show was nice. It's nice that you are permitted to bring in water, but food item prices are quite expensive. There is plenty to see, probably too much to visit in just one day.

Marilu D — Google review

Amazing botanical gardens. Went during the off season, still fantastic! I can’t wait to go back when everything is in bloom. Great staff, everyone was so friendly and helpful. Great displays inside and out, also a major plus was this was the nicest port a potty I’d ever been inside! As a lover of plants and botanical gardens this was on my bucket list for a while and very happy I went. Also super good food on site, my mom who is gluten free was also able to find a good lunch which is so nice.

Mari R — Google review

Longwood Gardens in PA is an absolute gem! The stunning displays, meticulously maintained grounds, and variety of plant species are breathtaking. The seasonal exhibits are always impressive, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It's a perfect place for a peaceful stroll, family outing, or romantic date. Highly recommend!

Jimiao Z — Google review

Longwood Gardens is an absolute treasure that captivates with its stunning landscapes and tranquil ambiance. Walking through the grounds, you're enveloped in beauty and peace, surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens that showcase an astonishing variety of flowers and plants. The flowers, in particular, are spectacular, each variety more breathtaking than the last, all helpfully labeled to educate and inspire visitors.The commitment to enhancement and continual growth at Longwood Gardens promises even more dazzling visits in the future, adding to the anticipation of each return. The gift shop is a haven in itself, brimming with unique finds that are perfect for commemorating your visit or gifting to someone special. I found myself spending quite a bit, drawn to the quality and variety of items available.Visiting Longwood Gardens is not just a day out; it's an experience that refreshes the soul and delights the senses. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or simply in search of a peaceful escape, Longwood Gardens exceeds expectations, making every visit memorable. Next time I go I will most definitely make sure I have more time to spend here, two hours was rushing it.

VJ F — Google review

Beautiful place! $25 admission, large area to walk and explore. Seems kid friendly with multiple places for them to climb and explore happily. Also very good for adults, lots of walking along pretty paths (a million routes to take). They provide maps with guides to ensure you see it all. You can control how much time you spend there/where you go. Also a beautiful gift shop with plants for sale too. Could easily spend multiple hours there if you hit every spot and take your time.

Olivia B — Google review

10 STARS!!! Absolutely amazing and beautiful. An experience that you see and even smell with the wonderful flower scents. I hope heaven looks something like this... and I only saw 1 building! Arranging another longer family trip.

J. ( — Google review

GLORIOUS breath of fresh air with a majestic light and fountain orchestration at 9 pm on Friday. Breathtaking. I felt transported to every childhood memory, both real and imagined about tree houses, terraced lawns with genlte slopes for rolling down, mazes, and water fountains for play. I walked barefoot on lawns and down orchard lined walkways to feel free of the constraints of... EVERYTHING. I hope to come back with everyone I love one by one and for years to come.

Dgarc015 — Google review

There is something for everyone at Longwood Gardens! Incredibly prepared horticulture displays, fountain shows, 'wild' meadow and wooden trail hikes, rare specimens, pump house tours, 'secret' underground tours, historic buildings, and did I mention fountain shows? We have been going for years and the Longwood Team continues to transform the indoor and outdoor spaces constantly. Worth a visit in any season!

Stephan — Google review

4.9

(27106)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (228)

5.0

(4471)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (229)

1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA

(610) 388-1000

29

Cape May - Lewes Ferry

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Ferries

Embark on a scenic 17-mile journey across the Delaware Bay aboard the Cape May - Lewes Ferry, connecting New Jersey and Delaware. Enjoy breathtaking views as you cruise from Cape May to Lewes, taking in the beauty of the bay along the way.

4.5

(1943)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (234)

30

Independence Hall

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Sights & Landmarks

Independence Hall is a historic building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. The hall is located in Independence Historical Park and is open to the public every day of the year.

4.5

(9143)40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (242)

520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia (2024)

FAQs

40 Best Stops Between Chattanooga and Philadelphia? ›

If you're going on a road trip from Chattanooga to Philadelphia, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Washington DC, Gatlinburg, Baltimore, Pigeon Forge, Gettysburg, Asheville, Hershey, Charlottesville, Arlington, and Knoxville, as well as top places to visit like University of ...

What is the most walkable part of Chattanooga? ›

Downtown

Downtown is the most walkable neighborhood in Chattanooga, with a Walk Score of 69. Known for its vibrant city life, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its walkable layout. Notable attractions include the Tennessee Aquarium and the Chattanooga Riverwalk.

What is Chattanooga, TN famous for? ›

We're home to the nation's first and largest military park, the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park; Ross's Landing on the riverfront, a Cherokee removal site now memorialized by The Passage; a digital and electronic map displaying the battle of Lookout Mountain at Battles for Chattanooga; the National ...

Is Chattanooga a good place to live? ›

A: Yes, Chattanooga is known for its natural beauty, affordable cost of living, and strong sense of community, making it a desirable place to live. Crime can be bad in some areas, but there are plenty of safe places to live in Chattanooga.

What's the racial makeup of Chattanooga, Tennessee? ›

Chattanooga Demographics

White: 59.25% Black or African American: 29.47% Two or more races: 6.29% Asian: 2.41%

What areas to stay away from in Chattanooga? ›

Chattanooga's total crime rate is 7,101 per 100,000 people. There is a 1 in 14 chance of being a victim of a crime in Chattanooga. What are some of the worst areas of Chattanooga? Some of the most dangerous areas in Chattanooga include Glenwood, Highland Park, and Alton Park.

What is the hipster neighborhood in Chattanooga? ›

Northshore – Hippest Neighborhood in Chattanooga

Northshore is one of the most exciting Chattanooga neighborhoods known for its independent boutiques, restaurants, and gastropubs. The sights and sounds of Northshore make it a unique neighborhood with streets that are always bustling with activity.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Chattanooga? ›

$27,300 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $37,300 is the 75th percentile.

Is it safe to walk around downtown Chattanooga? ›

Chattanooga's downtown is fundamentally safe — for almost all of the people, almost all of the time. But in the neighborhoods where guns — especially illegal guns — proliferate, and among those Wamp characterized as "a dangerous criminal element," people are not safe.

What is the richest neighborhood in Chattanooga Tennessee? ›

Check Out The Top 10 Most Expensive Neighborhoods To Live In Chattanooga:
  • Martin Luther King. ...
  • Moccasin Bend. ...
  • Northside. ...
  • Brainerd. ...
  • North Chattanooga. ...
  • Ridgedale. ...
  • Oak Grove. ...
  • Foxwood Heights.

Where is the black side of Chattanooga? ›

Black Chattanoogans also once occupied what is now Hill City on the north side of the Tennessee River and neighborhoods called Tadestown and Scruggstown on either side of what is now M.L. King Boulevard. The boulevard, then Ninth Street, became the heart of Black business and culture in Chattanooga.

What are people from Chattanooga called? ›

Chattanoogans are proud of where they live. Plenty of business names start with "Chatta," end in "Nooga" or reference the "Scenic City," Chattanooga's nickname.

Why is Chattanooga so popular? ›

Chattanooga is home or was the birthplace of a long list of now-famous people, including blues signer Bessie Smith, R&B singer Usher, actor Samuel Jackson, actor Leslie Jordan, and NFL players Reggie White and Peyton Manning.

Does Chattanooga have a walkable downtown? ›

Chattanooga has an incredibly walkable downtown and offers additional great ways to get around the city. So, ditch the car and ride the shuttle, walk, or easily rent a bike for the day as you enjoy Chattanooga.

What is the best part of Chattanooga to stay in? ›

  • 6 Great Areas to Stay in Chattanooga.
  • Downtown Chattanooga. The riverwalk along the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga. ...
  • Southside Neighborhood. Chattanooga Choo Choo Historical Terminal Station. ...
  • North Shore. ...
  • MLK Neighborhood. ...
  • Lookout Mountain. ...
  • For the Best Views of Chattanooga.
Apr 14, 2024

Is Chattanooga pedestrian friendly? ›

Nestled in the scenic Tennessee Valley, Chattanooga is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and a wide range of outdoor activities. But one of the most appealing aspects of living in Chattanooga is its walkability.

How many miles is the Riverwalk in Chattanooga? ›

Take in Chattanooga on Your Own Two Feet

There are fewer things finer in life than fresh air, good food, and even better views. That's the Chattanooga Riverwalk in a nutshell. The path stretches over 16.1 miles along the southern banks of the Tennessee River, with additional legs stretching into Chattanooga and beyond.

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