Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
For nine months in 1777 and 1778, while the British held Philadelphia, the Continental Congress met in York, and it was here that the Articles of Confederation were adopted. York still calls itself the first capital of the United States, and that colonial history sits alongside a long industrial streak that gave the world York Peppermint Patties, Pfaltzgraff pottery, York Barbell and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle plant.
Founded in 1741 as the first town laid out west of the Susquehanna River, the White Rose City keeps a compact downtown of brick rowhouses and Victorian storefronts. The York County History Center operates the half-timbered Golden Plough Tavern and the Colonial Court House, the 1888 Central Market fills with lunch counters, and the restored Strand and Capitol theaters host Broadway tours. The Royal Square District adds murals, galleries and independent shops.
The Heritage Rail Trail runs south from downtown to the Maryland line, the York State Fair claims roots back to 1765, and Gettysburg, Lancaster County and the Susquehanna River gorge are all within an hour.
A reconstruction of the courthouse where the Continental Congress met in 1777 and 1778 and adopted the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States. Exhibits and a short presentation tell the story of York's months as the nation's capital. It is operated by the York County History Center.
One of the oldest buildings in York, this German-style half-timbered tavern dates to the 1740s and sits in the Colonial Complex with the General Horatio Gates House and the Bobb Log House. Guided tours describe tavern life during the Revolution. Check the York County History Center for tour days.
The restored home of William C. Goodridge, a formerly enslaved man who became one of York's most successful businessmen and helped freedom seekers escape along the Underground Railroad. Exhibits include a hidden space where people were sheltered. Tours are by schedule, so reserve before your visit.
Set in a former factory near downtown, this museum tells the story of York County farming and manufacturing with tractors, a gristmill, vintage vehicles, machinery and exhibits on local products from pianos to air conditioners. It is a favorite with families. Combine it with the other York County History Center sites.
Built in 1888, this Romanesque Revival market hall is packed with stands selling Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods, produce, meats and international lunch counters. Locals line up for crab cakes, pierogies and fresh pastries. Go hungry on a weekday morning or Saturday, and check hours since it closes in the afternoon.
Harley-Davidson has assembled motorcycles in York for decades, and the plant has long offered factory tours showing parts of the production line. Tour availability and age limits change, so check the official schedule well in advance. The company's open house during summer rally events draws riders from many states.
Home of the York Revolution of the independent Atlantic League, this downtown ballpark offers affordable tickets, close views of the field and a lively summer atmosphere with fireworks nights. Sit along the first-base side for shade in the evening. Its location on the Codorus Creek makes it an easy walk from downtown.
Opened in 1925 and now part of the Appell Center for the Performing Arts with the neighboring Capitol Theatre, the Strand is York's grand stage for Broadway tours, concerts and comedy. Its ornate interior has been carefully restored. Book seats early for touring musicals and arrive in time for dinner downtown.
East of Continental Square, the Royal Square District is a revived corner of downtown with colorful murals, galleries, coffee shops, restaurants and independent boutiques in old brick buildings. First Friday evenings bring street activities and open galleries. Wander with a camera to find the murals.
This crushed-stone trail follows an old railroad bed for about 21 miles from downtown York to the Maryland line, where it continues as the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail. It passes the historic Howard Tunnel, among the oldest railroad tunnels still in use. Start in York and ride south as far as you like.
Tracing its roots to 1765, the York State Fair is billed as one of the oldest fairs in the country and runs for about ten days each summer at the York Expo Center. Expect livestock shows, carnival rides, grandstand concerts and fair food. Weekday afternoons are less crowded than evenings and weekends.
Top-rated local businesses in York, with real reviews on WiserMap.
No reviews yet. Been to York? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to York? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photos
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Photo: Smallbones, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Gregory Koch, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Smallbones, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Smallbones, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Smallbones, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Klaus Nahr, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Farragutful, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Photoing Dragon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Photoing Dragon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Smallbones, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Lincolnman65, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Caseyjonz, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Smallbones, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Joe Zlomek, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Joe Zlomek, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Smallbones, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Acroterion, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Acroterion, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Acroterion, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Acroterion, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Adavidb, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Oanhnhi, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Onore Baka Sama, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
