The idea of “something for everyone” can be a little bit cliché in tourism. But sometimes you really do find a spot that covers the bases (literally – more on that in a minute!) in entertainment for families, couples, business travelers and the outdoor-minded.
Maybe Harrisburg’s City Island isn’t THE reason you’re visiting us, but we’d love to tell you all the reasons why it should be on your agenda! Think of it as a kind of getaway within a getaway. It’s easy to rush a vacation – to step on the gas to get it all in. But City Island offers a space where high energy fun and a laid back retreat meet right in the middle of the Susquehanna River to forge a perfect balance of enjoyment. It’s a place to kick back and enjoy some of summer’s best traditions, but with a vibe and view very much unique to Harrisburg.
The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat sails daily through the summer. It’s one of just seven authentic stern driven paddle boats in the nation. Take a public sightseeing cruise, or check the schedule for themed cruises with live music, food and wine pairings or special character cruises for the kids.
One of the coolest things about City Island is that it’s connected to Harrisburg by a gorgeous pedestrian bridge. Plan a date night downtown on Restaurant Row and then take a twilight stroll across the river. They say it’s good luck to steal a kiss on the bridge at sunset. (Ok…so we might have made that part up but we invite you to use it as an excuse for a little romance. It'll be our little secret!)
What’s summer without baseball? City Island is home to the Harrisburg Senators, a team that has groomed the likes of Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg for big time, big league success with the Washington Nationals. If soccer is more your style, FNB Field also hosts the City Islanders, a United Soccer League team. The Islanders were United Soccer League champions in 2007, with finalist spots in 2011 and 2014.
You’ve got Water Golf and the City Island Miniature Railroad. There are safe and scenic walk and bike paths. An arcade. Batting cages. Ice cream. There’s always room for ice cream! And did we mention horses? South Mountain Carriage Company provides horse-drawn carriage rides along the island and Riverfront Park by way of the Walnut Street Walking Bridge.
So whatever your plans are for your visit to the Hershey Harrisburg Region, check out the island on the Susquehanna for a dose of traditional fun. No rush. Just rewards.
Did You Know?
* Susquehannock and Iroquois Indian tribes settled on City Island at one time.
*Huge music acts like Metallica and The Grateful Dead played lawn concerts on City Island in the 1980's.
*The Walnut Street Walking Bridge is one of the world’s longest pedestrian-only spans and is the oldest bridge over the Susquehanna River.