If you’ve been looking for a classic East Coast getaway that works for families, couples, and even quick weekend escapes, Hershey, Pennsylvania is making a strong case for 2026. During Hersheypark’s 120th operating year, the chocolate-famous destination is rolling out a slate of new additions—ranging from a brand-new hotel and downtown restaurant to water park enhancements, venue upgrades, and patriotic summer programming tied to America’s 250th anniversary.

Hershey has long been an easy road trip for much of the Northeast (it’s within driving range of several major metro areas), and the appeal is simple: theme-park thrills, sweet treats, and a walkable town that feels like it was designed for nostalgia.

Here’s what’s new (and what’s coming) in 2026:

A new hotel joins Hershey’s official resort lineup (Spring 2026)

A new select-service property, Hershey Inn & Suites, is set to open in spring 2026—and reservations are already being accepted. The four-story hotel will have 130 rooms (including seven suites) and a lineup of convenience-forward amenities like complimentary hot breakfast, a lobby bar, grab-and-go marketplace, arcade, fitness center, and an indoor pool open year-round.

The headline for families: new family suites designed for up to six guests, including bunk beds, a queen bed, a full sleeper sofa, and a separate living space.

As part of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark, guests also get resort perks such as ticket savings, extra time in the park, and shuttle service to a dedicated drop-off location—benefits that can meaningfully change the pace (and stress level) of a park day.

A new downtown restaurant built for “shareable” cravings (Spring 2026)

Also opening in spring 2026: Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar, landing near the well-known Cocoa and Chocolate Avenue corner in downtown Hershey. The vibe is meant to be casual and group-friendly—think shareable appetizers, savory entrées, signature cocktails, and over-the-top desserts inspired by Hershey’s chocolate roots.

It’ll be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and it joins a broader dining portfolio across the destination—making it another easy option for the “what do we do after the park?” question.

The Boardwalk gets new water-play areas (Summer 2026)

Hersheypark opens its 120th season on April 3, 2026, and summer brings fresh additions to The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park—specifically at the existing Bayside Pier area.

Two new zones are on the way, featuring 45 aquatic elements total:

• The Inlet at Bayside Pier: a shade-filled play zone with water-spouting dolphins and fish plus whimsical spray features
• The Island at Bayside Pier: 10-foot palm trees that tip buckets of water for splash-ready cooldowns

Both areas will include rubberized decking (for comfort) and shaded canopies, with a more open layout designed to make it easier for families to move between attractions.

And if you haven’t been in a while, here’s a reminder that The Boardwalk is a major “bonus park” built into your day: it offers 17 attractions and one million gallons of water, and it’s included with regular Hersheypark admission—meaning you get theme park + water park + classic Hershey atmosphere in one ticket.

America 250 summer celebration (June–July 2026)

Hersheypark plans to host themed activities celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, including special entertainment, ride overlays, and fireworks. More details are expected in spring, but if your family loves summer night energy (and fireworks), this is one to circle early.

Live entertainment upgrades (Summer 2026)

Hershey’s summer concert season is stacking the calendar again—split between two major venues:

• Hersheypark Stadium: Summer Concert Series acts include Guns N’ Roses, Chris Stapleton, Forrest Frank, and Pitbull
• GIANT Center: tour stops include Meghan Trainor, Khalid, 5 Seconds of Summer, Josh Groban (with Jennifer Hudson as special guest), and James Taylor

New for 2026 at Hersheypark Stadium: an additional Premium Viewing Deck (the second at the venue), with perks like premium sightlines, exclusive food and beverage options, a dedicated restroom, and designated parking/entry. The Stadium is also upgrading behind-the-scenes spaces like dressing rooms and loading zones—improvements that help attract and support major touring productions.

Deals for planners: tickets, getaways, and season passes

Hersheypark is also pushing early value with its Best Price Of Summer on 1-day and 2-day “Any Day” tickets and resort getaways, plus the Best Price Of The Year on season passes for unlimited visits. If you’re even considering multiple trips (or one long weekend plus a return), it’s worth comparing the math before you book.

The 2025 momentum behind the 2026 push

These 2026 additions build on a busy 2025, including:

• Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, billed as the tallest Screamin’ Swing in the world (137 feet, speeds up to 68 mph, and multiple zero-G moments)
• 1933 Restaurant & Tavern at The Hotel Hershey, themed to the hotel’s opening year and featuring an approachable steakhouse/pubs-style menu
• A major expansion at The Villas at The Hotel Hershey, adding 98 luxury rooms across 19 villas, plus elevated perks like concierge lounge access and premium park inclusions

Why Hershey works as a destination

Hershey isn’t just a theme park—it’s a town built around Milton S. Hershey’s vision of making chocolate accessible, while creating a community designed to support workers and families. Today, that legacy shows up in how “all-in-one” the experience feels: rides, water attractions, concerts, dining, resorts, and chocolate seemingly everywhere you turn.

If you’re thinking about going in 2026, here are a few smart moves

• Book spring and summer weekends early, especially if you want first access to the new hotel or you’re targeting peak Boardwalk season.
• Consider an Official Resort stay if you value extra park time and easier transportation logistics.
• Plan for a two-park day: start with coasters early, then shift to Boardwalk in the hottest part of the afternoon.
• Watch for America 250 details this spring if fireworks nights and special entertainment are your thing.

Hershey’s 120th year is shaping up to be more than a milestone—it’s a full-on refresh, designed to make a familiar getaway feel new again.

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(Photos courtesy Hersheypark)