6 Vacation Ideas for People Who Love Chocolate

For true chocolate enthusiasts, the thrill of discovering new flavors and textures can be just as rewarding as exploring a new destination. From bustling cities with renowned chocolate shops to small towns dedicated to the art of cacao, America is a treasure trove of chocolate adventures that promise indulgence, education and a sugar rush you won’t forget.

Here are the best chocolate-focused vacations across the U.S. that are sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your wanderlust.

Hershey, Pennsylvania

Hersheypark is a 121-acre amusement park originally created by Milton S. Hershey as leisure grounds for employees of Hershey's Chocolate Factory. Today, it has cuddly, walking versions of candy to meet, more than a dozen roller coasters and family-friendly rides. Plus with ticket prices under $100, it’s a lot cheaper than competitors like Disney or Universal.

Note that Hersheypark closes from January through March for off-season maintenance, though there are plenty of other year-round activities to do in Hershey during those months. There’s also Hershey’s Chocolate World, which is adjacent to Hersheypark and remains open throughout the winter with activities like a chocolate tour and making your own candy bar.

As far as where to stay, unwind at The Hotel Hershey, a luxurious resort that offers chocolate spa treatments including a decadent cocoa body wrap. Don’t forget to visit the Hershey Gardens, where even the flowers seem sweeter thanks to the chocolate-themed events hosted throughout the year.

Universal CityWalk Orlando and Universal CityWalk Hollywood

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is a 19th-century, Victorian steampunk-inspired restaurant with an over-the-top facade that looks like it was designed by Willy Wonka himself.

The chefs have managed to sneak chocolate into even stereotypically savory dishes, including fresh chocolate almond bread paired with salted caramel butter, and flash-fried chicken wings coated in a chocolate stout glaze.

You’ll find the restaurant in Florida and California, as it’s a staple of Universal CityWalk, which is the pedestrian-only, free-to-visit entertainment complex affiliated with Universal Studios theme parks.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s reputation as a coffee capital pairs perfectly with its thriving chocolate scene. Theo Chocolate, located in the Fremont neighborhood, was the first organic and fair-trade certified bean-to-bar chocolatier in the U.S. Their factory tours offer a look into the ethical side of chocolate production, and their dark chocolate sea salt bars are a fan favorite.

For a more whimsical experience, visit Fran’s Chocolates, a local institution famous for its gold-dusted caramels and smoked salt truffles. Fran’s creations have even earned a spot on the White House menu, making them a must-try for visitors.

Cities nationwide

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of sweet, interactive art galleries that are designed with the selfie set in mind. Among those open now is the Sweet Tooth Hotel in Dallas. It’s definitely not a hotel, but rather an interactive art museum featuring rooms designed by different artists — most of which put candy at the forefront.

Also in the vein of the sweet selfie-centric museum comes the Museum of Ice Cream, which runs in major cities including Austin, Texas, Chicago and New York. Standout exhibits include a waterless pool filled with 100 million sprinkles made of antimicrobial, biodegradable material that visitors are allowed to "swim" in (but not eat, as these sprinkles aren't edible).

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a haven for foodies, and chocolate lovers will find plenty to savor in this vibrant city.

Begin your tour at the historic Ghirardelli Square, home to one of the oldest and most iconic chocolate brands in the country.

Nestled on the waterfront in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square originally housed a chocolate factory established by Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli. Today, the square is home to shops, restaurants and art galleries, as well as three outposts of Ghirardelli. Those three storefronts include the original ice cream and chocolate shop, a larger, more elaborate Chocolate Experience, as well as a quick, on-the-go shop. Indulge in a classic hot fudge sundae or pick up some Ghirardelli squares to take home.

For a more artisanal experience, head to a competing chocolate factory — that's Dandelion Chocolate in the Mission District. This bean-to-bar chocolatier emphasizes single-origin chocolate, offering guided tours and workshops where you can learn about the entire chocolate-making process. Don’t miss their rich drinking chocolate, a perfect treat on a foggy San Francisco day.

Nearly two dozen cities nationwide

If you’ve filled up on carbs and are ready to put them to use, you might enter the Hot Chocolate Run. This series of 5K, 10K, and 15K races are held in nearly two dozen cities across the U.S., generally in the winter. The routes are centered around tourist attractions, like Chicago’s Navy Pier and Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Participants who finish the race receive not just a medal, but also a keepsake mug filled with chocolate treats.

The races are typically held in tourist-friendly cities, and the races themselves can be tourist attractions. Participants can join in a post-run party, but anyone can attend the Hot Chocolate Expo, which is held ahead of the event and also promises plenty of chocolate.