A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Adirondack Mountains vs. Hershey for Families, Resorts, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Adirondack Mountains or Hershey?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Hershey? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a scenic, serene, and pristine region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Hershey

Hershey is a fun-filled, playful, and lighthearted town. And you can't forget about the shopping and museums.

Adirondack Mountains and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Adirondack Mountains or Hershey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Adirondack Mountains and Hershey are popular destinations, Adirondack Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hershey is more touristy than Adirondack Mountains and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Adirondack Mountains is famous for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also well known for Whiteface Mountain.

How is Adirondack Mountains different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hershey and Adirondack Mountains. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Hershey Better for Skiing?

Adirondack Mountains
Hershey

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Hershey is not a skiing destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Hershey is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adirondack Mountains or Hershey?

Adirondack Mountains
Hershey

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Adirondack Mountains and Hershey.

Adirondack Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hershey. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).

Is the Food Better in Adirondack Mountains or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Adirondack Mountains
Hershey

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Adirondack Mountains offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Adirondack Mountains
Hershey

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Adirondack Mountains has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Adirondack Mountains
Hershey

Adirondack Mountains and Hershey offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Adirondack Mountains is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hershey. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Adirondack Mountains
Hershey

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Adirondack Mountains. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Adirondack Mountains or Hershey?

Adirondack Mountains
Hershey

Both Adirondack Mountains and Hershey are nice shopping destinations.

Adirondack Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Hershey has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Hershey Better for Families?

Adirondack Mountains
Hershey

Hershey is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hershey is a very family-friendly destination. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Adirondack Mountains. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Hershey Better for Couples?

Adirondack Mountains
Hershey

With fun activities for couples, both Adirondack Mountains and Hershey make for a high quality place to visit.

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Hershey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Hershey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adirondack Mountains
Hershey

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Hershey is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there are some fun activities in the area.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Hershey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adirondack Mountains
Hershey

Hershey is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Hershey a more walkable city?

Adirondack Mountains
Hershey

Hershey is a moderate town for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Hershey is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable region. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Adirondack Mountains?

How long in Adirondack Mountains or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Adirondack Mountains and Hershey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than in Hershey. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Adirondack Mountains, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Adirondack Mountains. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hershey, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Hershey. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Adirondack Mountains that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Hershey if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Adirondack Mountains or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in Adirondack Mountains or Hershey?

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Hershey. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Adirondack Mountains or Hershey?

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find museums and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Hershey is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Adirondack Mountains or Hershey?

Adirondack Mountains is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Adirondack Mountains has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people visit Hershey for five days. You'll find museums and shopping around the town of Hershey. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Adirondack Mountains or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adirondack Mountains. In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find nightlife and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

The playful destination of Hershey offers shopping and museums. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey or Adirondack Mountains?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Adirondack Mountains is $166, while the average daily cost in Hershey is $212. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Adirondack Mountains and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adirondack Mountains $97
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adirondack Mountains $194
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Adirondack Mountains and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Adirondack Mountains or Hershey? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


Hotels in Hershey


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $33
    Hershey $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Adirondack Mountains or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey and Adirondack Mountains change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Adirondack Mountains $49
    Hershey $61

Typical Food Prices in Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $17
    Hershey $53

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adirondack Mountains $19
    Hershey $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adirondack Mountains and Hershey, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. And not only is Adirondack Mountains much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Adirondack Mountains would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adirondack Mountains and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hershey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hershey than you might in Adirondack Mountains.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adirondack Mountains Expensive? and Is Hershey Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Adirondack Mountains or Hershey?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adirondack Mountains and Hershey. The summer months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

In July, Adirondack Mountains is generally cooler than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Adirondack Mountains average around 71°F (22°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Adirondack Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adirondack Mountains usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during summer. Adirondack Mountains gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Adirondack Mountains usually receives less rain than Hershey. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Adirondack Mountains as well as Hershey. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the shopping scene.

Adirondack Mountains is cooler than Hershey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Adirondack Mountains averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Adirondack Mountains often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Adirondack Mountains gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Adirondack Mountains usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hershey. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hershey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hershey can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Adirondack Mountains. In the winter, Adirondack Mountains is much colder than Hershey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Adirondack Mountains in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Hershey averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Adirondack Mountains usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during winter. Adirondack Mountains gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Adirondack Mountains usually receives less rain than Hershey. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Adirondack Mountains during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Adirondack Mountains is generally much colder than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Adirondack Mountains average around 46°F (8°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Adirondack Mountains. In the spring, Adirondack Mountains often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Adirondack Mountains gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Adirondack Mountains usually gets less rain in April than Hershey. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)