Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Gettysburg
Gettysburg is a place where history lives on through well-preserved sites, re-enactments, and thoughtful storytelling. Beyond the battlefield, travelers can enjoy boutique shopping, farm-to-table dining, and vineyard tours surrounded by rolling hills. The town blends solemn remembrance with hospitality and leisure in equal measure. It’s a destination that speaks to history lovers and curious travelers alike.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Gettysburg
Downtown Gettysburg
Downtown Gettysburg is a lively and walkable area filled with historic buildings, cafés, antique shops, and guided tours. Rentals in Gettysburg include charming lofts, 19th-century townhomes, and guest suites above storefronts. Visitors are steps from the Gettysburg National Cemetery, the David Wills House, and local galleries.
Baltimore Street Corridor
Running south from the traffic circle, the Baltimore Street Corridor offers a mix of colonial homes, inns, and updated residences in a historic neighborhood. Vacation rentals in Baltimore Street Corridor include rooms in preserved buildings, quaint Airbnbs with front porches, and quiet garden apartments. This area has a rich atmosphere and places guests close to museums, taverns, and guided walking tours.
Taneytown Road Area
Just west of the battlefield, the Taneytown Road Area is a peaceful zone with countryside views and easy access to major historical sites. Guests can find rentals in farmhouses, B&Bs, and quiet cottages near iconic places like Little Round Top and the Pennsylvania Memorial. This area suits travelers looking for space, quiet, and proximity to nature.
Steinwehr Avenue
Popular with visitors, Steinwehr Avenue offers a concentration of museums, souvenir shops, eateries, and historical points of interest. Airbnbs in Steinwehr Avenue include renovated inns, cozy studios, and comfortable short-term rentals with parking and easy access. This spot is perfect for first-time guests and history enthusiasts.
Emmitsburg Road / South Battlefield Area
South of town, the Emmitsburg Road Area runs through rural neighborhoods near the southern portion of Gettysburg National Military Park. Rentals include cabins, traditional homes, and scenic guesthouses surrounded by open fields. It’s a favorite area for photography, nature walks, and accessing monuments off the beaten path. Travelers who want a quieter experience will find serenity here.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Gettysburg
Gettysburg National Military Park
Spanning thousands of acres, the Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the site of the 1863 battle and includes monuments, cannons, and historical markers. Visitors can take auto tours, bike routes, or ranger-led walks to learn about the conflict and its legacy. The park includes iconic sites like Devil’s Den, Cemetery Ridge, and Pickett’s Charge.
Gettysburg National Cemetery
The Gettysburg National Cemetery is the resting place of thousands of Union soldiers and the location of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The site offers peaceful walking paths, memorials, and seasonal ceremonies honoring military service. Interpretive signs and ranger talks help contextualize its historical value.
Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center
The Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center features a comprehensive Civil War museum, gift shop, and the famous Cyclorama painting depicting Pickett’s Charge. Visitors can watch an introductory film, view artifacts, and plan their battlefield tour. The center provides both education and orientation.
David Wills House
Located in downtown, the David Wills House is where Abraham Lincoln stayed before delivering the Gettysburg Address. The museum showcases period furnishings, letters, and exhibits detailing Lincoln’s visit and the speech’s impact. Visitors can stand in the room where history was written.
Gettysburg Heritage Center
The Gettysburg Heritage Center offers a multimedia look at the civilian experience before, during, and after the battle. Interactive displays, short films, and a gift shop provide family-friendly insights into life in 1863 Gettysburg. The museum adds depth to the military story.
Jennie Wade House
This preserved home tells the story of Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the battle of Gettysburg. Guests can tour the restored rooms, learn about Jennie’s life, and see artifacts from the era. The house offers a unique, personal side of the conflict.
Eisenhower National Historic Site
Just west of the battlefield, the Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s home and farm. Guided tours offer insights into his personal life, presidency, and love of the land. The site offers a different historical era amidst the Civil War focus.
Haunted Gettysburg Tours
Gettysburg is one of America’s most haunted towns, and numerous ghost tours explore its spooky legends and paranormal hotspots. Visitors can take candlelit walks through historic streets and learn about ghostly sightings at inns, cemeteries, and battlefields. These tours mix storytelling with local lore.
Where to find a vacation rental near Gettysburg
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Just under two hours east, Lancaster offers Amish culture, farmlands, and a vibrant arts scene. You’ll find options like staying in a vacation rental in Lancaster that may include farm stays, converted barns, or downtown lofts in the historic district. Lancaster complements Gettysburg’s history with pastoral charm and cultural diversity, making it a picturesque and enriching stop for any traveler.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
About 45 minutes north, Harrisburg serves as the state capital with riverfront views, museums, and restaurants. Booking a vacation rental in Harrisburg near the Capitol or in its charming older neighborhoods adds both flair and convenience. The city offers a modern contrast to Gettysburg’s 19th-century feel, rounding out your Pennsylvania itinerary with variety.
Frederick, Maryland
Located an hour southwest, Frederick is known for its Civil War heritage, historic downtown, and culinary offerings. A stay in a vacation rental in Frederick could mean an urban loft, a rowhouse, or a cozy cottage. Sharing regional history with Gettysburg while delivering an urban energy, Frederick is ideal for travelers seeking both connection and contrast.
York, Pennsylvania
Only 40 minutes east, York stands out for its manufacturing legacy and colonial-era roots. Discovering the area through a vacation rental in York—be it a restored home, riverside loft, or historic Airbnb—adds authenticity to your trip. York provides a unique angle on Pennsylvania’s revolutionary and industrial story.
Emmitsburg, Maryland
Just 15 minutes south, Emmitsburg offers religious history and scenic serenity despite not being widely listed. For a restful base, consider a house in Emmitsburg near Mount St. Mary’s University or among quiet wooded hills. It’s a peaceful destination that brings spiritual depth and natural beauty to your Gettysburg travels.
Embark on a journey through North America's historical and cultural legacy.
Gettysburg, with its pivotal role in American history, is complemented by other eminent historical sites across the continent. Delve deeper into the historic charm by choosing to airbnb in Auburn, where the Old Town Auburn harbors tales of California's gold rush era. Traverse north to find vacation rentals in Halifax, a city marked by its strategic port history and evocative Citadel Hill. Alternatively, explore Newport rental properties and experience the opulent mansions and maritime legacy of Rhode Island's coastal gem.
Beyond the historical depths, the region is intricately connected to a wider array of cultural heritage that envelops the continent. Consider staying at airbnb on Vashon, where the scenic beauty of Washington's landscapes is interspersed with an artisanal culture. Meanwhile, New Hope, PA holiday homes offer a retreat into Pennsylvania's idyllic countryside, brimming with vibrant arts scenes and quaint architecture. Discover Covington holiday accommodations along the banks of the Ohio River, where a Victorian-era charm meets bustling contemporary arts. Further, vacation rentals in Toledo invite you to a city dynamic with cultural flair, highlighted by its acclaimed art museum and fossil-rich geological sites.