A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Hershey for Nightlife, Families, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Atlantic City or Hershey?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Atlantic City and Hershey. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a party-oriented, colorful, and glitzy city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. It's also known for shopping and museums.

Atlantic City and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlantic City. Although Atlantic City and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Atlantic City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Atlantic City is more popular for its food, nightlife, and beaches, while Hershey is known for its museums. Atlantic City is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also home to Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Hershey is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar.

How is Atlantic City different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Hershey?

Hershey is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Hershey is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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).

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Atlantic City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

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 Atlantic City or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is very popular for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Atlantic City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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 Atlantic City or Hershey Better for Resorts?

There are superb resorts to choose from in both Atlantic City and Hershey.

There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Hershey is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Is Atlantic City or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a popular place for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Hershey?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hershey and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

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 Atlantic City or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Hershey is very family-friendly. 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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Hershey Better for Couples?

Hershey is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Hershey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Hershey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

Atlantic City is a popular place for its public transit. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Atlantic City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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

Is Atlantic City or Hershey a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a great destination for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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 Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and Hershey. In our opinion, Atlantic City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Atlantic City than Hershey. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.

One day in Atlantic City or Hershey?

In Atlantic City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of Hershey. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Hershey?

In Atlantic City, you'll find nightlife and food. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Atlantic City or Hershey?

Atlantic City 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the playful destination of Hershey. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Atlantic City or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Atlantic City. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and shopping around the town of Hershey. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Hershey?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences.

Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Atlantic City. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Hershey. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Atlantic City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets less rain in October than Hershey. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Hershey. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hershey can be very cold during winter. Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Atlantic City is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Hershey. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Hershey. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months.

Atlantic City is cooler than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hershey. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Atlantic City