A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Hershey for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Atlanta or Hershey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Hershey, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hershey

Hershey is a playful, lighthearted, and fun-filled town. It's also popular because of the shopping and museums.

Atlanta and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Hershey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlanta than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlanta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hershey is more popular for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Atlanta different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Hershey?

Atlanta is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Atlanta that are not to be missed. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Hershey offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Atlanta or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

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 Atlanta or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Atlanta know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

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 Atlanta or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Hershey is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Hershey?

Atlanta is very popular for shopping. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Atlanta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Atlanta or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Hershey is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Atlanta or Hershey Better for Couples?

Hershey is a great town for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Hershey is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Hershey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

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 Atlanta or Hershey Better for Students?

Atlanta is a great destination for students. However, Hershey is not popular with students.

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Hershey is not popular with students.

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

Atlanta and Hershey both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

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.

Is Atlanta or Hershey a more walkable city?

Atlanta is a popular place for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlanta and Hershey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlanta than in Hershey. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Atlanta. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Hershey?

Because Atlanta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Atlanta or Hershey?

Because Atlanta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlanta has to offer.

In Hershey, you'll find museums and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hershey has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Hershey?

Atlanta is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hershey is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atlanta. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Hershey. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Hershey, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta 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 Atlanta.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Hershey?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Hershey, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Atlanta or Hershey?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Hershey. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Atlanta is a little warmer than Hershey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Hershey averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the summer, Atlanta often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hershey because of the shopping scene.

In October, Atlanta is generally a little warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Atlanta during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hershey in the winter. Atlanta is much warmer than Hershey in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Hershey. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Hershey. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

In the spring, Atlanta is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Hershey averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Hershey. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Atlanta