Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Gettysburg! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• The tour has two starting points: 
  • From Baltimore Pike
  • From Taneytown Road
  • (These are the two directions that feed into the entrances of the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center)
• The tour follows the path in which the Battle of Gettysburg unfolded, so there is only one direction.
• The battlefield itself is free to visit. However, there is a separate charge for the museum, film, and Cyclorama parts of the visitor center.
• Park is open 365 days a year, 7 days a week, dawn til dusk
• The most popular time for visitors is in the summer—particularly in July.
• Deer ticks carrying Lyme Disease can be a threat in warmer months. 
• No Advance Reservations needed.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

Shutterstock Image

Budget

• No fee is required to visit the battlefield. The visitor center is free as well (restrooms, gift shop, cafe, library, resource room, and ranger station) but there are additional fees required to visit the museum, historical film, and Cyclorama within the visitor center. 

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.

• Gettysburg Visitor Center: Open daily 9 am-4 pm
• Seminary Ridge Museum:
  • Thurs, Fri, Sat: 9:00am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun: 9:00am - 1:00pm
  • Interpretive Trail: open year-round

Get Packing!

Shutterstock Image

​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Phone charger
• Clothing light enough to layer (shorts, sweats, jackets)
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Sunscreen (year-round)
• Hat/gloves/scarves (winter months)

Best Time to Visit 

Shutterstock Image

The most popular time for visitors is in the summer—particularly in July. The park has an annual Battle of Gettysburg reenactment on the anniversary of the battle (July 1st-3rd), so the park gets very busy during those times. 

September and October are also good times to go, as the weather is cool and the trees turn brilliant colors.

Safety Information 

•  In the summer months, heat can be a factor, especially in the afternoons. Be sure to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and a hat.
• Deer ticks carrying Lyme Disease can also be a threat in warmer months. Be mindful while walking through tall grass and brush in natural and agricultural areas of the park. 

Leave No Trace

Shutterstock Image

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Gettysburg Battlefield Audio Driving Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Gettysburg Battlefield Audio Driving Tour Itinerary.

Like this article? Share it on Pinterest!